Boo Hoo Deep Plunge Skort Playsuit- Miami Ootn

Posted on April 15, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It’s always so difficult to take pictures while on vacation, especially the type of whirlwind fast paced ones that my family and I love to take. This past weekend I decided to drive down to Miami from Orlando and enjoy some time with friends and loved ones. The sunny beaches and sexy nightlife made it nearly impossible to capture every single outfit. Here is a quick sneak peak of what I wore for a night out on the town. This Boo Hoo royal blue velvet skort play suit is honestly one of my favorite finds as of late. It is extremely comfortable and ready for wear even after being packed up in a suitcase. I just slipped it on and out the door I was! I paired it with these sexy Zara heels (quite the opposite of comfortable). They feature a leopard calf hair design and closure on the arch versus the standard outside of the heel which makes for some interesting toe cleavage and not to mention overall appeal. These sky high babies and gold metallic clutch complimented my plunging neckline appropriate for miami life. Links to items below!

boo hoo uk, romper, playsuit, velvet, ootn, sexy, blogger, midnight blue, curly hair

Grace Deep Plunge Velvet Skort Playsuit

Similar Playsuit

Similar Zara Sandals

XOXO – ARI

Maybe she’s born with it

Posted on April 13, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring time is finally upon us! I am so excited to bring out some bolder and brighter lip colors now that the sun has decided to come out and play. Maybelline has launched some fun new products lately including these velvet lipstick pencils. I first purchased two colors from the Maybelline Color Drama range back when I attended London Fashion Weekend. I opted for a deep plum color and a blue toned red. I have recently added some brighter shades to my collection and thought I would share them with you all…

From top to bottom
Fab Orange: A fiery orange toned red perfect for those caliente summer nights!
Fushia Desire: An amazing blue toned hot pink shade, great with a flowy sundress!
Nude Perfection: No better name to describe this peachy beige nude shade, a good option when you’re on the go but need a hint of color on your lips

These velvet lipsticks glide on your lips just as the name suggests, super velvety! The texture is incredibly creamy and pigmentation is amazing! I do have to say they aren’t as long wearing as you would want them to be but I myself don’t mind having to re-apply every few hours or so. Also, I read a blog post stating that these could possibly be a dupe for the NARS velvet lipstick pencils (I cannot give my personal opinion on this as I do not own the NARS one) but hey for the inexpensive price tag of only £4.99 I would definitely give the Maybelline ones a go!

(To all my U.S peeps I am not sure if these are being sold back home yet, I know don’t kill me for posting things that aren’t available, I’m sure they will be soon)

What are some of your favorite bright lip shades for spring? Share down below!

xx Gwen

Casual Beach Day Essentials- Featuring Dove Dry Spray

Posted on January 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

New year’s resolution-take advantage of nice weather days more often! Of course the temps took a turn after my sister Gwen left (even though we did enjoy some slight warm days as well). Sunday turned into a sun filled day … Continue reading →

Its that time again…Giveaway time that is!

Posted on December 31, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So we’ve done it again!! 250 followers on our blog and we couldn’t be happier and greatful to still be growing steadily. From nearly 100 to now 250 in such a short time! We would like to show our gratitude for keeping up with us all this time by hosting another giveaway. We’ve done many in the past and expect this one to go off without a hitch. The rules are simple, the winner will be chosen through a generator and you can enter multiple times (the more entries the better your chances) by using the raffle link provided below. The winner will receive makeup goodies sure to impress! Once again thanks to our old friends/followers, we look forward to making many more!

!!!Rafflecopter Giveaway Link!!!

Previous Giveaways Here, Here & Here

Looking forward to 2015!

Love-

Ari & Gwen

Mac X Nasty Gal “Gunner” Review & Swatch

Posted on December 10, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

When two amazing brands have a collaboration , it’s fair to say everyone goes a little nuts and scours the internet looking for reviews and swatches of the new products (or maybe I am speaking for my sister and I).Mac x Nasty Gal is no exception to this rule. This partnership has created a high intensity collection of three lipsticks and nail lacquers to bring out your inner #GirlBoss. These bold colors are perfect for the fall/ winter season and I’m so glad I snagged the one I really wanted the most. Featured below is the lip color in “Gunner”, on my tan skin it goes perfect with a neutral eye and loads of mascara. Or if you are really bold, pair it with intense eyes for a night out! The consistency is classic MAC, which for me means a tiny bit drying but overall has an intense color pay off that makes up for it. Links and alternatives down below!

Some tips to make your lips look luscious:

-Exfoliate lips with a scrub (I skipped this part because I was so excited to try it and it definitely makes a huge difference)
-Try using a lip brush or angled liner brush to outline your lips first with the color (instead of using another lip liner that may alter the violet color)
-Dust translucent powder on your lips for the ultimate matte effect
-Use a small amount of highlight on your cupids bow

NO FLASH

Hope you guys enjoyed this swatch on my darker lips, what are some tricks you guys use to make your lips BOLD color ready? Comment down below!

Mac Cosmetics & Nasty Gal -Lipstick in “Gunner”

You can also check out the colors Cyber and Heroine by Mac as alternative’s since this Nasty Gal collection is selling out fast!

Toodles,

Ari

MAC Haul (Collective)

Posted on December 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Over the last two months or so I’ve found myself gravitating towards MAC products. Although I have always been a fan of their lipsticks I had not tried too many of their other makeup products, until now that is. Reading reviews online and browsing at the actual store has opened my eyes up to a few new products that I would like to share with you all. Check out what they are down below…

Couldn’t leave the store without picking up a few new shades of Lipsticks…

Peachstock: (Satin) Nude with Peachy undertone
Viva Glam II:(Satin) Nude with Taupe and Pink undertones
Twig: (Satin) Nude with Brown and Pink undertones
All fired up: (Retro Matte) Blue-toned Red

From Left to Right: Peachstock, Viva Glam II, Twig & All fired up

Top: Sweet as Cocoa sheertone blush
Left: Pro-longwear concealer in NC30
Middle: (top to bottom) Prep and Prime lip base, Prep and Prime highlighter pen in Bright forecast and Pro-longwear waterproof brow set in Bold Brunette
Right: Pro-longwear paint pot in Layin’ Low

These Products above were new purchases (except for the prep and prime highlighter which was a repurchase). Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Sweet as cocoa is a Mauve/ light Plum colored blush with slight shimmer. Once applied onto the cheeks the shimmer is not visible.
Pro-Longwear concealer in the shade NC30 has a thick and creamy consistency and is the perfect shade to conceal my under eye area
Prep and prime lip base is great for applying underneath Matte lipsticks which could be drying at times (especially MAC’s retro matte formulas)
Prep and Prime highlighter is great for highlighting (under the eyes, bridge of your nose, cupids bow and chin) the shade I picked up is called Bright Forecast and it has a yellow undertone.
Pro-longwear waterproof brow set has got to be my most favorite product out of the bunch. Your brows will not be going anywhere after setting them with this long lasting and highly pigmented product.
Pro-longwear paint pot in Layin’ low is an eyeshadow base which will help your shadows adhere much better to your eyelid. I love to sometimes just wear the base alone because this shade matches my skintone perfectly and it helps my eyelids not look as greasy.

What are some of your favorite MAC products? Share down below!
These items can all be found at your local MAC store, department store counter or online!

Till my next shopping spree,
-Gwen

“A Bloggers Thanksgiving”- Top 10 Things We Are Thankful For

Posted on November 27, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Things We are Thankful for by ari-pena featuring a deborah lippmann nail polish

As bloggers we are both inclined to always try new products or styles in order to consistently stay abreast of all the latest and greatest. Although we love shopping and reviewing new things, there are those constant tried and true items that will always be staples in our lives. Here are our top 10 items we are grateful exist in this world to make our lives just a bit more fulfilling.

Top ten things Ari & Gwen are grateful for this year-

Coconut Oil– I mean, no explanation needed! Not only can this be used on your hair but also skin, nails/cuticles, food the list goes on and on!
Dr. Scholls anything- From the inserts to the “fast flats” these products always save our tootsies from any emergency.
Pant/Skirt Hangers– Something so simple, yet it keeps skirts and pants wrinkle and indentation free (velvet ones also help reduce lines but these are preferable).
Lipstick– Any color, any finish, lipstick will always liven up your face and can be used in a pinch as blush as well.
Fast Dry Top Coats– Because who has time to wait for nails to dry?
Concealer– It helps us not look like zombies, covers and brightens like a dream!.
Bronzer– You can contour and carve yourself out an entire new face or simply add some glow, bronzer is where its at any season.
Scarves– Scarves galore! From thin to thick, infinity, patterned or even crotchet, scarves add an instant pop to any outfit. They also are functional keeping even the most coldest winds off your face and neck. Slip on a cool and cozy scarf and you’re ready to head out the door!
Tote Bags– Besides carrying an everyday purse, tote bags can serve as food storage, gym bags, diaper bags, extra night out clothes bag, you name it! .
Dry Shampoo– Last but certainly not least, when the world just dosent offer us the time to prep, Dry shampoo saves the day by taking away the shine on those non wash days.

All in all we are thankful for one another and our families and can’t wait to reunite for Christmas. Our blog is going in a great direction and we cannot wait to see what the future will bring.

Love Ari & Gwen

Fall/Winter lipsticks

Posted on November 19, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Well everyone winter is definitely upon us up in the big apple. Why is it that we always seem to jump to the next season so quickly? Anyways I wanted to share with you all the lipsticks I’ve been wearing for the last two months. I can’t get enough of the mauves, berries and burgundy shades! They truly give such a nice pop of color to any makeup look! Here they are:

From left to right:
MAC: Craving (amplified)
Pink mauvy shade perfect for everyday

NYX soft matte lip cream: Prague
Muted violet with slight mauve undertones

Revlon creme lipstick: Raspberry Bite
True raspberry color

Milani lipstick: Sangria
Dark berry/plum

MAC: Fashion Revival (matte)
Dark muted raspberry

Lorac matte color crayon: Merlot
Wine shade (just like the name)

MAC: Dark Side (amplified)
Oxblood with dark brown hue

These can be purchased at your local Drugstore, Ulta or MAC store/counter

What are some of your Fall/Winter favorites? (Comment down below)

Stay warm my friends,
Gwen

First Look: New Maybelline Products

Posted on October 17, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Many makeup brands launch new items at the start of a new season and boy am I glad they do! I was of course doing my weekly browsing at my local CVS and came across a few new items from Maybelline, they are the Color Sensational Creamy Matte lipsticks, the Instant Age Rewind skin transformer and lastly the Brow Drama brow sculpting mascara.

Lets take a minute and talk about the fact that there is finally an affordable matte lipstick! (very few brands carry a matte line in the drugstore). That news alone is super exciting, but here are some other reasons why these lipsticks are great: texture is creamy and smooth, they set to a demi-matte (not drying like some of MAC’s lipsticks), they are pigmented and can last on the lips for about 4-5 hours (there will be some transfer if you’re eating, but you can easily apply another layer on top without it looking cakey). Here’s a closer look at the four shades I picked up.

Left-Right:
#660 Touch of Spice, #680 Mesmerizing Magenta, #690 Siren in Scarlet, #695 Divine Wine

Lip Swatches:

Touch of Spice: Brown nude

Mesmerizing Magenta: True magenta shade with a hint of a violet undertone

Siren in Scarlet: Cooler tone red

Divine wine: Dark Burgundy

On to the Primer and Brow mascara:

I’ve used this primer a few times and I can say that it has reduced the look of my pores. (Maybelline also claims that it will reduce the look of wrinkles, lines and imperfections but I did not notice much of that). The primer has a velvety consistency as well as a subtle pink tint in order to give skin a little radiance.

The Brow Mascara is meant for sculpting and adding a tint to your brows. In all honestly I only saw a slight difference in color on my brows and I am not a fan of the rounded tip for sculpting (My eyebrows are a bit thin and the “ball tip” wasn’t as precise as I would have liked.

Overall I am pretty happy with my new finds.
I am not sure if all of these items can be found in most drugstores but I do know Ulta carries each of them.

Maybelline at Ulta

Hasta Luego,
-Gwen

Ulta Haul

Posted on September 8, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Over the last month and a half or so I’ve made my way to Ulta a few times to pick up some goodies. Ulta is one of those places where I walk around for hours due to the amazing selection of products they have. Here’s a quick look at some of the ones I picked up.

I tried a mini sample of the Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara and I loved it! It gives your lashes such a full volumized look!

Lorac Pro Matte lip pencil in the shade Merlot

Butter London Cheeky Cream Blush in the shade Ruby Murray

On top is the Lorac Pro Matte lip pencil in the shade Merlot which is such a perfect wine color for the fall. The formula is Matte but it is not a drying one.
On the bottom Butter London cream blush in the shade Ruby Murray is a beautiful rich cranberry shade. It can be a sheer wash of color on your cheeks or you could intensify it by adding more product.

Lorac Pro 2 palette has such stunning shades. The pigmentation is great and the shadows are very easy to blend. The versatility of this palette is also something I really enjoy, you are able to create warm looks as well as cooler ones, and we can forget the pops of color it has!

Swatches of a few shades from the Lorac Pro 2 palette Top color is the shade Plum, followed by Navy, then Rosé and Jade. Shade on the left side is called Beige

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray is my best friend of all time! Keeps my makeup totally intact!
Blow Pro texture spray is a new product for me and so far I am loving it! Perfect for the wavy hair days when you want to give your hair some umph!
John Freida fine to full blow out spray has been working wonders for me! It creates body on the crown of my head, which is where I need the most volume.
Big Sexy Hair sulfate free Volumizing shampoo and conditioner have a lightweight formula which have been helping my hair feel and appear fuller.

And that is all! Leave comments or suggestions if you would like to see a more in depth review of anything or a makeup tutorial.
Again all of these products were purchased at Ulta. Links down below.

Till next time,
-Gwen

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray

Blow Pro Texture Spray

John Freida

Big Sexy Hair –Shampoo & Conditioner

Lorac Pro Palette 2

Lorac Pro Matte Lip Pencil- Merlot

Butter London Cream Blush- Ruby Murray

Better Than Sex Mascara