Holiday Shine

Posted on December 16, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The Holidays are upon us and what better way to celebrate than to look the part with lots of glitz and glam. I posted the photo above on Instagram and decided to show you all what products I used. I am in love with the rusty copper shade I used all over the lid! Colors like this are a great way to add a bit of shine without it being too overpowering or for those who are not into chunks of glitter on your eyelid (for those that are I will have a post up for you soon). I hope to soon be able to incorporate mini video clips on other makeup looks I create. Well then, lets get started!

Base: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer great for creating a smooth canvas and filing in pores before applying foundation.
Color Corrector: Bobbi Brown in the shade Peach (I put this under my foundation to counter-act the darkness under my eyes and around my mouth)
Foundation: Ex1 Invisiwear foundation in the shades F300 & F400 mixed together (I am so pale during winter months)
Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me in the shade medium #25 under my eyes
Bronzer: NYX matte bronzer in the shade Deep-Tan to give my face some all over color and I also used it for slight contouring
Blush: MAC sheertone blush in the shade Peaches
Eyeshadows: Makeup Geek’s vanilla bean for brow bone highlight, Revlon Matte in the shade rich sable for the crease and outer corner and for the standout color I used NYX loose pearl pigment in the shade Rust ( I wet my brush a bit with MAC’s fix plus)
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz in the shade Dark Brown
Eyelashes: One coat of Too Faced Better than Sex mascara and on top a coat of Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes.
Lips: MAC lipstick in the shade Craving ( I dabbed it with my finger) topped it off with Gerard Cosmetics lipgloss in the shade Nude.

Here’s a closer look of the shadow

How vibrant does that cooper shade look? Utterly Obsessed!
Hope you all enjoyed this quick “tutorial” so to speak. Once again I will be working on putting out Video Clips so you can actually see what I am doing.

What are some of your favorite Holiday looks? Leave comments/requests down below!
Happy Holidays everyone!
-Gwen

Josie Maran -Argan Hand Healers

Posted on December 12, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I don’t believe there is a need for any introductions to Josie Maran and how amazing her entire line is. Featured on the blog so many times before, they are go-to products that get the job done. The job in this case being dry chapped hands! With the colder weather comes overall dry skin and your hands are no exception. Keeping in mind, hands can often tell a persons true age we want to keep them as soft and supple as possible! I picked this small kit up on sephora.com during their Black Friday sale and am once again thoroughly impressed. The lotion is thick, incredibly creamy and smells delicious! It went on my hands like butter and quickly removed the dry feeling. The nail polish remover pads are an added bonus for those quick touch ups/removals on the go. It is said these won’t damage your nail bed and also provide some moisture for your cuticles. I don’t necessarily think it smells like lavender as advertised but it does not have a strong acetone scent either. All in all I’m excited to keep pampering my hands and overall take better care of my body this winter. Links down below!

Bear Naked Nail Wipes

Argan Intensive Hand Cream

Toodles

-Ari

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

The Makeup Show (Holiday Pop Up)

Posted on December 8, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The Makeup Show had their annual Holiday Pop Up shop this past weekend in the big apple and boy was it fun! I arrived around 2 pm just missing a seminar given by James Vincent on how to build your makeup kit. Such a bummer! But I did go on to do some browsing and of course shopping. I snagged some pretty awesome things at 20 -70% off! Check them out down below…

Makeup Forever had an amazing deal where if you purchased five items you would receive 70% off so I grabbed two HD powders, two HD cream blushes and one lip liner.
Stila was also there in combination with Bauble Bar selling some of their collections. I picked up the eyes are the window matte shadow palette in “Mind” which normally retails for $50 but with the discount I snagged it for $30!
I can’t seem to ever pass up Crown Brushes when I see them. They are of great quality and the best part is the very inexpensive price. Major score!
Static Nails is up next! This brand has such an awesome collection of stick on nails which are reusable for up to twenty times! You’re able to file them down to whatever shape you desire and paint over them without damaging the original color. I picked up the set called the “Empire” for only $13.
Last but not least I caught up with Angelique from “Break ups to Makeup” and purchased one of her awesome tanks with the quote “Please, I can’t even commit to a lipstick”.

And that was it my lovelies! I am looking forward attending the big Makeup Show in May of next year.

(The items I purchased are available at each respective brands website, but not at the discounted prices, unfortunately)

Toodles Dolls!
-Gwen

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

How to Rock- Polka Dots & Stripes

Posted on December 1, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As some of you may know, mixing prints and patterns has got to be at the top of my all-time favorite things to do. There is nothing better than an outfit that takes all of the guess-work out for you. This mixed print dress is amazing! I found it on clearance on Asos.Com (seriously I stalk this website like no other) and it’s actually no longer available. The brand is River Island and the polka dots and stripes contrast make for a fun and flirty look appropriate for day or night (just switch up your shoes). Featuring a hidden zipper enclosure and slight a-line hem this dress is flattering on any shape. I paired it with my gold cap pumps (old season shoedazzle) and my clear acrylic chain link clutch for a youthful spin. You can opt for a cute pair of flats or even go for a pop of color like red or yellow to offset the monochromatic black and white. Links to similar items below!

Similar Dresses- Nordstrom, Modcloth, River Island, Paper Dolls, Yesstyle, Forever 21

Love

Ari

“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

Western “Prep” Look for Fall

Posted on November 25, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It’s all in the details people! Here I bring you another look solely appropriate for the ever changing Florida Winters. One minute it is 30 degrees and I am freezing and the next the afternoon temperatures rise to the 70’s and all is well again. I found this amazing top at Marshalls on clearance. Made by Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply this classic button up has so many intricate details and pictures do no justice at all. The sheerness is masked by a funky “western” pattern complete with chevrons and geometric shapes made of a soft velvet material. It can be worn with a camisole underneath or with a basic bra such as I did for a peek of skin. I paired it with these old-season forever 21 quilted shorts, my go to forever 21 knee high wedge boots, one huge cross earring and I’m out the door! The small details in each item (texture, color, feel) make for an interesting look versus your typical button up and shorts combo. Links to similar items below!

Similar Tops- Here, Here & Here ( I would check Marshalls for the exact one, they had tons left)
Similar Wedge Boots- Here, Here

Sexy Neutrals- “Day” Date Inspiration

Posted on November 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Although it’s not exactly the most winter friendly ensemble, I wore this only a couple of weeks ago before the weather took a dip. The day was cool and brisk and I was feeling like showing a little skin for a day date. The crop top is from Nasty Gal and I must say it might become one of my all-time favorites. Featuring a v- neck as well as bottom it gives the ladies a nice rounded shape even without a bra! The thick sweater like material is not see through and I was able to rock it au natural (I found the bra gave the look way too much over powering cleavage and shortened the top to where you couldn’t see the V-shape on the bottom). I’ve featured this ribbed royal blue pencil skirt before (it comes in a set) and love the way it gives texture to any outfit. Lastly I threw on this beloved jacket of mine (old season American Apparel) with these new amazing sling back flats I found at Nordstrom Rack from the brand Halogen. I wear them to work, to play and everywhere I go people compliment and ask where they are from. This is the perfect combination of neutrals with small feminine details all the while looking sexy. Links to similar items below!

Nasty Gal Crop Tops- Here, Here, and Here

Halogen “Kera” sling back flat- Here

Love , Ari

The Makeup Up Show Orlando Haul

Posted on November 17, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The event went on without a hitch! I only got to attend one day due to some prior engagements for the second day, but I definitely made the best of that time. So many booths with lovely vendors and products galore! I was lucky enough to also catch two keynote speakers, Eugenia Weston and Eryn Krueger Mekash while gaining some insight into the “behind the scenes” volunteering to help with any minor services. Lastly I caught up with Angelique from @breakupstomakeup featured here by Gwen before and snagged a cute compact perfect to gift for the holidays. Below are the items I purchased and some shots of the actual space.