Américaine fille à Paris Part Deux

Posted on May 8, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So knowing the beauty lover that I am you all know I had to stop and do some shopping whilst in Paris (not too much as my main focus was site seeing). I came across a pharmacy which displayed a bunch of sale items on the window, I figured I would surely find some goodies in there. Also Sephora was near by and I couldn’t resist (could you guys believe that I haven’t stepped foot in a sephora since December of 2014?!?!) Shocking I know! But trust me if there was one in London I would be in there every weekend. Well then let’s get on with this mini haul shall we?

Not having much time to browse in Sephora I grabbed a very much needed beauty blender and at the check out line I spotted the Sephora brand hydrating under eye mask. I am excited to pop that bad boy under these tired looking eyes of mine.

On to the pharmacy purchases, Nuxe is a parisian beauty brand started by Aliza Jabès in 1990. Her goal was to create feminine skincare which would be based on a pharmaceutical approach: nature, innovation, evaluation, accessibility and sensory experience. She has now expanded the line to skin, body, hands and foot care oh and we can’t forget the men’s range! Nuxe has won many awards for some of their staple products such as the Rêve de Miel Lip balm (which was one of the items I picked up). I am obsessed with this lip balm! My lips have never ever felt so soft. I was previously gifted the Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream a few years ago and I fell in love with the scent! It is also really nourishing and hydrating as it is infused with honey and vitamin E. I loved it so much I had to pick up two! Right as I was about to check out I saw these cute little Bioderma bottles and a Klorane travel sized dry shampoo. The Bioderma micellar cleansing waters are a perfect size for travel! I grabbed the sensitive and combination/oily skin formula. I’ve heard great things about the Klorane oatmilk gentle dry shampoo but I had never come across the formula for medium to dark hair until that moment, this too is another product I cannot wait to try.

Lastly I was shopping for some cute souvenirs and came across this little Paris tray. I loved the print on it and thought it would make a perfect dish for placing the jewelry i wear on a daily basis.

I hope you all enjoyed my mini Paris haul. This trip shall too be one I will never ever forget!
take care lovelies,
xx Gwen

Ted Baker & Brandalley

Posted on April 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Ahh Shopping, one of my favorite ways to spend my time. I am often torn as to whether I prefer online shopping versus physically going to a store but, when I come across flash sale websites such as the one I will be sharing with you in a minute I begin to think online shopping might be a better option (unless I need to try clothes on). Brandalley is a “flash sale” site (such as Hautelook, which we have back in the U.S). These sites are known to give huge discounts on high end women, men’s and children’s products, in addition to home goods as well.

Here’s how it works: you sign up with your email, create a password and you’ll have access to the sales which normally last between four to five days. Brandalley sent me an email notifying me of their Ted Baker sale about a month ago, I quickly browsed through the accessories section finding a black zip around detachable wallet. I went on Ted Bakers website to see what the difference in prices were and boy was I surprised! I saved £40 by purchasing the wallet on Brandalley! Talk about a bargain! Here’s a closer look…

I am absolutely in love! This patent leather black and bone colored wallet is to die! It is made beautifully and the versatility factor is also something I quite like. Although I would probably never remove the zip around middle part because I truly love the look of the entire wallet but there might be some that would like to utilize it separetely giving you two wallets in one!

*This wallet is no longer available again as it is a flash sale website but make sure to sign up and receive their emails in order to find out what new items will be on sale each day!

I also want to mention that Brandalley does take a very long time to deliver (my wallet arrived in almost a month) which isn’t ideal for most people but in my opinion is worth it considering the money you’ll be saving.

xx – Gwen

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

The Backpack

Posted on March 25, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Is everyone totally on board with the backpack look? It seems to be one of those trendy pieces that takes a while to grow on some people. Although I am unsure of when it became cool again to rock backpacks I am certainly digging it! A hands free way of lugging around all of your possessions without sacrificing the aesthetic of a handbag is just pure genius! I figured with all of the walking around I’ve been doing in London I needed a stylish yet easy bag to wear while perusing through markets over the weekends (My favorite thing to do). So I went over to Asos.com and saw this faux fur backpack which I fell in love with! It has easily become my new best friend! I love how roomy and easy to carry it is. The faux fur also adds a nice touch to a mostly plain drawstring backpack (or rug sack? living in London has made me question every word that comes out of my mouth). Check out this bad-boy I picked up below as well as some other low & high end options for the spring time.

xx Gwen

Brows on Fleek

Posted on February 20, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

If you’re someone who’s all about makeup I am pretty sure having perfect eyebrows is at the top of your list. I personally would much rather have a nice full set of brows (very Cara Delevingne esque) but hey beggers can’t be choosers right? Which brings me to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. This guy is my ultimate holy grail! Whether I want to go all out “brows on fleek” mode or I want to keep them au naturale looking this tiny little pencil gets the job done! Being the makeup enthusiast that I am, I could never cease to search for other amazing products, which brings me to the Soap and Glory Archery pencil. Holy moly this is basically the same product as the Anastasia but at a more affordable price (Archery: £8/$12 vs. Brow Wiz £15.50/ $21). Here’s a side by side comparison of both.

Left: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in the shade Dark Brown/Brunette

Right: Soap and Glory Archery in the shade Hot Chocolate

Both have a twist up pencil/crayon on one end and a spoolie on the other.

Left: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Right: Soap and Glory Archery

(Please excuse my eyebrows, they are not on “fleek” at this moment but will be soon)

Left brow: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Right brow: Soap and Glory Archery

I filled them in pretty heavily in order to see if there is really a difference in shades. I would say the Soap and Glory Archery has a warmer undertone while the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is a true dark brown hue.

If you were to ask me which product is best, I would honestly say they are both amazing! Archery is a bit more budget friendly, you can find it in a drugstore (Boots in the UK carries Soap and Glory’s entire makeup line), it is highly pigmented and blends in wonderfully. The Brow Wiz is one of Anastasia’s best products as its known to glide on smoothly giving your brows amazing definition. You will not be disappointed with either one of them.

Hope you all enjoyed this side by side comparison of products. I love finding dupes and affordable options for us gals looking to save a few pennies. Are there any products you have an amazing dupe for? Leave your comment/suggestion down below! Also if you can think of any makeup products you would like to find a dupe for, leave me a message as well, I would be happy to be of help!

xx -Gwen

Jo Malone

Posted on February 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This past weekend I was very much in the Valentine’s Day spirit and decided to splurge a bit on myself. I rode the train over to Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush, I was highly impressed to say the least!

On to my purchase: I originally went in looking for an outfit for an upcoming fashion show… Had no luck with that. So I thought I would swing by Jo Malone London to get a whiff of some scents I’ve been dying to try. Upon walking in you realize this store is just pure luxury! from being greeted with a glass of champagne (super fancy right? or posh as the Brits say) to getting a hand massage, I mean I wanted to hang out in there all day long. I began browsing and to no surprise fell head over heals in love with a few scents (I knew this would happen which is why I’ve avoided going to this store for over a year). I left a proud (but painfully broke) owner of a candle and cologne.

“The essence of autumn. The sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, patchouli and woods. Luscious and golden. To uplift, to wind down, or simply to add an air of luxury. Transform the atmosphere with luxury and opulence”- English Pear and Freesia candle

“The essence of charm. Peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gillyflower. Mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede. Luxurious and seductive”- Peony and blush suede cologne

I love how both scents are described as “Luxurious” couldn’t of said it better myself! I am totally obsessed with my purchase! I mean don’t we all deserve a gorgeous gift that makes us feel special from time to time? (this is how I validate my sometimes over the top purchases to myself).

Purchasing in the U.S? Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth avenue & Jo Malone store

Jo Malone London

Until next time my lovelies, – Gwen

What is Love?

Posted on February 14, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! (but really I’m all for celebrating love at any given day of the year). In this post I wanted to focus on a type of love that is slowly but surely being spoken of more often and that is: self LOVE.

Recently I purchased an Alex and Ani (Click here to read their story) bangle but, of course was having a hard time deciding which symbol to choose from (they are all so lovely) that is until I came across the path of life one. Alex and Ani describe it as “Emblematic of life’s zenith and nadir moments, the Path of Life is representative of an infinite number of possibilities and expressions of Love. Illustrating life’s twists, turns, and unexpected winds, wear the path of life’s charm to proudly celebrate your own willingness to travel towards life’s fruitful moments”. This really resonated with me as I purchased it right before making the big move to England. What also rang true in my heart was how it represents infinite possibilities and expressions of Love. Leading to my point of self love and how there are so many way to express it to oneself. For example: Having “me time”, treating yourself to something you’ve really been wanting, pushing yourself but also being considerate and realizing you are doing the best you can and so many more, the list is infinite!

(I also have the “Best Friends half one which I gifted to one of my amazing girlfriends)

Having someone to love and care for whether it be a partner, parents, siblings, friends is one of the most amazing gifts of life but it all begins with you.

I have the original Path of life charm but for Valentine’s Day Alex and Ani have created the heart version if it.

Alex and Ani heart Path of Life

Alex and Ani Path of Life

Love,
-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 →

Gift giving guide

Posted on December 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

It’s that time of year again where everyone is busy running around looking for the perfect gift to give, we figured why not come up with our own ideas on what to get all of the special people in your life. We created four categories below: the college student, the foodie, the makeup beginner and the picky mom (but feel free to swap them out as you see fit). Hope this helps! -Links Below

College Student a.k.a busy/broke/exhausted young individuals: What a better way to go back to school than with a new planner for the year! A handy key chain for those that lose things all the time (like me), Headphones for those walks to class or when you want to tune out your roommate, Flawless mug because, well Beyonce duh! and lastly Coffee, Coffee and more Coffee for the late night cramming sessions (or that night you partied way too hard).

Foodie Friends- Groupon deals and this other hot sauce link are also great alternatives. Hot sauce, because for those that love it they REALLY love it and the hotter the better is what I usually hear people say, Star wars light up chopsticks, need I say more? A picnic basket for those yummy outdoor lunches, A roomy enough back pack for those on the go (say NYC) and need to carry their food everywhere, and lastly no man wants to barbecue in a girly apron, in comes this manly one.

College Student by ari-pena featuring a ceramic cup

Foodie by ari-pena featuring a pic nic basket

Mom gift guide: Pajamas,I mean who doesn’t need them? Jewlery: If your mom has a pandora bracelet she would love the mom charm to add to her collection.A monogrammed mug for the tea and coffee lovers. For the mom who loves to cook an engraved cutting board is such a nice personalized way to go, you can even engrave one of her favorite recipes on it! and Lastly a spa day because we all know moms are the superheroes of the family who need a break from time to time.

moms by gwendolyn-pena featuring stoneware mugs

New to the makeup world: Some sort of palette is the best way to go when buying for a makeup beginner. It is so convenient to have everything all in one place. A compact mirror and makeup bag is always needed as well.

Makeup Lover by gwendolyn-pena featuring Forever 21

That is all everyone we really hope you enjoy this quick quide.
Happy Holidays,
Gwen & Ari

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