!!!!!GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!

Its about that time again!!!! We are almost at 200 followers and cannot be more excited at the progress and growth that our blog has made. As a small token of appreciation we want to offer a giveaway prize to one of our followers for being a part of the beginning of this lovely journey. 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.

Check out our previous two giveaway post’s that were a success! Here & Here

 Feel free to comment and like this post if you have any suggestions or ideas for our blog or future giveaways and don’t forget to check out our newly conjoined instagram itsapplesandorangesblog. Once again we would like to thank everyone for making this happen for us and once we reach 200 one lucky person will be getting a makeup treat! Click the link below!!

too faced beauty blogger darlings collection

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ari & Gwen
Itsapplesandorangesblog.com

JLo Glow

I am so sad that Mother nature did not give the big apple a scorching hot summer this year. We are now in the middle of August already experiencing September like temperatures, don’t get me wrong Autumn is my other favorite season but I still needed some more sun in my life! Ok, enough with the rant, if you’re like me and did not get the chance to visit the beach here is how I created a faux tan or that JLo glow as some would call it before summer officially ends.
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To achieve this glowy bronzy look I used all of these products below:
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From the Mac palette I used Brown Script (lower left) on my crease and lower lash line. I used Amber Lights (top right) on the entire lid From the Lorac palette I used Buff (top row left) for my brow highlight and Mocha (4th from the left on the bottom) to touch up the outer v and lower lash line

From the MAC palette I used Brown Script (lower left) on my crease and lower lash line. I used Amber Lights (top right) on the entire lid
From the Lorac palette I used Buff (top row left) for my brow highlight and Mocha (4th from the left on the bottom) to touch up the outer v and lower lash line

– One of the main products in making the skin appear more dewy is to add a liquid illuminizer to your foundation. I opted for the Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination crème, a pea sized pump is all you need to mix into your foundation and it will cover your entire face.
– Another key component in creating a bronzy effect is of course bronzer. I used my L’Oreal true match powder in the shade Cocoa to warm up my entire face. I also took a contour brush and very lightly carved under my cheek bones.
– Lastly what will give you the ultimate glowy effect is a highlighter. For this particular look I chose the Sonia Kashuk illuminating bronzer in the shade goddess. This color is really golden and gives you the perfect sunkissed glow.
* This is an extra step, but since I wanted to mimic Jennifer Lopez’s all over bronzed look I also placed a mixture of brown and bronzy shades on my eyes and finished the look with her signature peachy nude lip.

I leave you all with a photo of the woman who not only inspired this look but also inspires me to work hard.

jennifer-lopez_small[1]

Here’s a detailed list of the products I used:

Benefit Porefessional face primer

Bare Minerals Bare Skin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel

Gerard Cosmetics BB Illuminating crème

Tarte Maracuja creaseless concealer in the shade Medium Tan

NYX blotting powder in the shade Medium/Dark

Anastasia Brow Whiz in the shade Brunette

Lorac Behind the Scenes eyelid primer & Pro Palette 2 colors: Buff and Mocha

MAC Eyeshadows Brown Script and Amber lights

Too Faced “Better than Sex” mascara

L’Oreal Privee lipsticks in the Jennifer Lopez and Eva Mendes Shades

NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Cherry Cheesecake

*Products can be found in your local drugstore , Sephora or Ulta.

Hope you all enjoy what’s left of summer!

-Gwen

What’s in my makeup bag

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While I am totally obsessed with makeup and would love to have a “beat” face during the week my super busy schedule does not allow me the time to get all dolled up, but I of course cannot leave the house looking sleep deprived so I wanted to show you all my weekday makeup bag.(I transform into a totally different person during the weekend, but we’ll save that for another post).

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Morning Routine:
After washing my face and applying moisturizer I follow up with Revlon’s lightweight CC cream which helps even out my skin tone. Next I fill in my brows a bit with the brow wiz from Anastasia, to set them I add Benefit’s gimmie brow in the dark shade. During the summer months I don’t like to go too heavy with concealer so I apply NYX’s dark circle concealer which is creamy but more on the sheer side. My next step is Loreal’s voluminous full definition mascara, I then move on to dab a bit of Stila’s cheek and lip stain on the apples of my cheeks. Lastly I make sure my lips are hydrated by using Burt’s Bee’s chapstick.

Evening: If I happen to be going somewhere after work I will re-apply some of the blush, add a bit of Revlon’s illuminator as a cheek highlight and re-curl my eyelashes. A pop of lip color also transforms my minimal day time look for a evening out in the city. Mac’s Twig, Whitening lightening’s gloss in raspberry sherbet and Loreal’s Le Matte in the color “She’s so Matte” have been my favorites these days.

I also carry a roller ball perfume (Versace Bright Crystal), Evian facial mist for when I need to refresh my face, hand sanitizer and of course sunscreen.

Most of these products can be found in Sephora, Ulta or your local drugstore.

What are some of your weekday beauty must haves?
I would love to hear what they are, leave your comments down below!

Till next time
-Gwen

!!!!!!GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!

pin up, giveaway, makeup, free stuff, motd, blog, fblogger, bblogger

So weve slightly surpassed our goal of 150 followers since the last giveaway at 100 and we couldnt be more excited!! Blogging is something that is not only a hobby for us but something that we truly enjoy doing. With time we hope to expand and continue to work on our craft to be able to reach different audiences. As a small token of appreciation we want to offer a giveaway prize to one of our followers for being a part of the beginning of this lovely journey. The rules are simple,

1.Like this post before June 10, 2014
2. Comment (on this post) on something you would like to see on the blog, or something you already currently enjoy about our blog.

That’s pretty much it!

NYX Goodies

NYX Goodies

The winner will be chosen through a generator and will receive some makeup goodies from NYX given to Gwen at NYC’s Beautycon Event. There is no way we could hoard and keep all these products to ourselves! Check out her previous post on that event as well as our previous 100 follower giveaway where one lovely winner received an awesome high end sample makeup set from ULTA. Make sure to comment and like before June 10th where we will be announcing the winner. Good luck & a big thank you to all of our followers! Next goal…200!

 

Love, Gwen & Ari

Itsapplesandorangesblog.com

PS. We are now on bloglovin! Go check us out …http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12340193

To Tokyo

Memorial weekend has come and gone and with it came an opportunity to get away, perhaps relax and enjoy family and friends company. I don’t typically do the usual BBQ setting but this is my first year being a godmother and attending such family oriented festivities. Memorial weekend brought me down to Miami to visit him and also get the chance to reconnect with old pals for some fun in the sun. I love the combination of black, white and leopard and felt inspired by my new crop top from H&M. This look is similar to an old club look of mine and can be recreated with different pieces to convey the same effect. The crop mesh top with Tokyo emblazoned on the front can be paired as a I did here with a high waist skirt or even jogging pants for a more sporty look. The striped skirt and leopard heels are both old season Forever 21. Links & options down below!

leopard,ootn, ootd, forever 21, hm, h&m, stripes, mixing prints, fblogger, blog. fashion

 

I purchased the top in store only two weeks ago but it is not on the site! Check your local H&M and you may score the exact one. Here are some similar options

Here, Here, Here, Here & Here

Similar Heels- Here, Here and Here

Similar Skirts- Here & Here

Fl Fashion Weekend 14′ – Show time!

Although I’ve worn this “Blaque Market” skirt a couple of times already I was hesitant to feature it on the blog since it is not available anymore on KARMALOOP.COM where I purchased it a while ago. However every time I have worn it, it draws attention from all sources and I knew that it was what I had to rock for the Downtown Orlando Fashion Show. For the press party I went more casual but I wanted to pull out all the stops for the actual show. This hoop/cage skirt is reminiscent of a laundry basket (or so the uneducated eye guesses) but it’s actually a take on a pretty common item of clothing that was worn by women in the 18 century. Granted they wore these under their skirts for the effect, but today I am rocking mine on the outside and loving it! Below I included some links as to the history of the skirt & some similar items that may be of interest to add to your wardrobe as a costume (or like me for everyday use). I paired mine with a basic bodycon from forever 21 and my heel-less heels. Scroll down to check it out!

karma loop, cage, skirt, forever 21, ootn, outfit of the night, fashion, fashion week, orlando, heels, lipstick, makeup

Me, Fashion Stylist "Sweet Tilly" and Editor Mellisa Thomas

Me, Fashion Stylist “Sweet Tilly” and Editor Mellisa Thomas

@FaboPiano and @BuddyBlues -Super awesome musicians!

@FaboPiano and @BuddyBlues -Super awesome musicians!

My buddy for the night...make sure to check out his blog he's super awesome and clearly one of the most fashion forward dudes you will ever encounter!! pedro from pedrodrigo.com

My buddy for the night…make sure to check out his blog he’s super awesome and clearly one of the most fashion forward dudes you will ever encounter!! pedro from pedrodrigo.com

karma loop, cage, skirt, forever 21, ootn, outfit of the night, fashion, fashion week, orlando, heels, lipstick, makeup

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Blaque Market Site

History

Etsy Similar Skirt

Etsy Similar Skirt

Nasty Gal Similar Dress < I so want this!!!!!

Similar Heels

Bodycon Dress

Love Ari

Downtown Orlando Fashion Week 14′- Day 1 OOTN

Florida Fashion Weekend kicked off May 9 with a two day event filled with fashion and fun. I was happy to be able to get on the media list for the pre- show mixer hosted at Jai Gallery to get a look at the models before hand. I have never attended an event like this before and had no idea what to expect. I went with these bold yet sophisticated statement making basketball shorts that I recently ordered from ASOS. This “river island” piece kills the tough task of making shorts chic by adding a touch of sheer element. Everyone and everyone was giving me compliments the entire night and I even got mistaken for one of the models (correction because of my shorts clearly not my height, a girl can only dream). I paired them with a white quilted crop sweater from H&M and my amazing shoe cult by nasty gal heels. Sleek straight hair and my go to Phillip lim bag completed my overall aesthethic and I was ready to take on the night! Stay tuned for pics from the actual show. Links to items below!

downtown orlando fashion show ready in fl fashion week

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

Awesome Performance by a live band!

Awesome Performance by a live band!

 

One of Misly Beltinor's Lovely Models

One of Misly Beltinor’s Lovely Models

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

Feeling myself and I cant be bothered!

Free samples of "Onli" Beverages and Sparkling Water. My fav was the hibiscus pomegranate aronia flavor!

Free samples of “Onli” Beverages and Sparkling Water. My fav was the hibiscus pomegranate aronia flavor!

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

asos, river island, phillip lim, target, h&m, pullover, sweater, sheer, basketball shorts, heels, nasty gal, shoe cult, fashion, orlando, downtown,

baskbetball

River Island Basketball Shorts

H&M Quilted Sweatshirt

Similar Booties- Here, Here, Here and Here

April Ipsy Glam Bag Review

April’s Ipsy bag is a lovely addition to my collection this month. I really haven’t had the time to go out and physically buy any new cosmetics (Ive been needing a new mascara for ages!) so times like this its always nice to check my mail and have some cool new products to try. This months actual makeup bag was not my favorite but overall the products it contained were great and made up for it.

ipsy,april, glam bag, urban decay, big sexy hair, dr. brandt

cailyn, lip tint, balm, lippie,

IMG_3286This tinted lip balm from the brand “Cailyn” in Apple Pink has very interesting packaging. The base pot holds a nice amount of the balm, while you are provided with a convenient lip brush attached at the top. I love the color pay off (looks more coral on my lips) and the brush is definitely needed since the color is sort of difficult to spread evenly. Nice aesthetic appeal and great product!

 

big sexy hair, root pump, hair sprayI dont personally use mousse on my hair (only natural products for my curls) but I will be re-gifting this since it is a reputable brand and may work for some with less dry hair.

city color, white gold, mousse eyeshadow , shimmerThis product leaves little to be desired just by the looks, but when I actually swatched and used it on my eye it was great! It is an eyeshadow mousse, very creamy texture and the color payoff is amazing. On my personal skin tone it looks more gold and its very shimmery. The consistency is thick (mousse like) and seems to stick and have  a long wear.

dr.brandt, microdermabrasion, skin, exfoliantThis sample size skin exfoliant is awesome! It smells very tropical and the micro beads really feel like they are deep cleaning my skin. I don’t know if over time it will improve the overall texture or quality. Stay tuned!

urban decay, 24/7, glide on, eye pencil, eye liner, black Lastly, this urban decay 24/7 black velvet eye pencil is of course a winner! Super pigmented, great for the water and tight line or even your lid since it glides on super smooth. Perfect to wear alone, or smoke out and make for a more smoldering look.

 

– Love Ari

Spring has sprung!

Hey Everyone! Not sure if where you live you are able to experience the joys of all four seasons, but here in the big apple we have finally managed to break away from a grueling winter and are slowly but surely welcoming Spring!
My favorite part about the weather changing is of course wearing less layers of clothing, adding more pops of color into my wardrobe and wearing fun and fresh makeup. I created a bright look to go along with Ari’s Spring Duo outfit.

Main products I used.

Main products I used.

First I mixed the Loreal lumi foundation with the Revlon illuminizer in order for my face to be nice and dewy. Second I applied the Loreal magic lumi concealer/highlight pen (using the beauty blender for both). Third I used the entire Physicians Formula eyeshadow palette (on the right) so the colors would appear multi dimensional. Fourth I lined my bottom lash line with the Jordana mint eyeliner and smudged it out with a teal color in the BH cosmetics 60’s palette (not pictured, find link below). Lastly to give my self a sun-kissed glow I dabbed Sonia Kashuk’s bare illuminating bronzer to the area where I would normally place my highlight (above cheek bone). I finished off this look with Loreal’s voluminous mascara and a nude lip.

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I also changed my lip color to a fun pink shade adding vibrancy to my already bright eyes

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And there you have it everyone!
* Below are links to the products I’ve used.

‘Till next time,
-Gwen

Lumi Foundation
Skinlights Illuminator
Lumi Highlighter
Peachy glow Eyeshadow
Natural nudes
Bare Illuminating Bronzer
Mint eyeliner
Eyes on the 60’s palette