Glam Glow BrightMud Eye Treatment Review

Posted on March 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Glam Glow Brightmud eye treatment is the ultimate splurge and luxurious go to item when you want to feel fancy and give yourself a boost. It was always something both me and my sister wanted to try but strayed away from due to the hefty price at Sephora. At $69.00 this eye treatment is said to minimize puffiness, dark circles and fine lines while brightening and hydrating the area. What’s great is that it is for all ages, skin types, gender and requires only 3 minutes! I found it at my local marshalls for half the price and couldn’t resist the temptation to buy it and spilt it with my sister. Here are my impressions of the product. Links down below!

Pros
-Super Soft and Hydrating
-Amazing smell
-Thick consistency glides and smooth’s well (goes a long way)
-“Cooling effect”
-Left under eye soft to the touch but yet firm and “tight”
-You can take it off in 3 minutes!
Cons-
-Pricey (I was lucky to find it at Marshalls for half the price)
– I don’t know If it will work with wrinkles and fine lines since I split the box with my sister. I didn’t notice any major difference as far as lines with the ones I had.

I loved this product and give it a thumbs up for those that may suffer from dry skin to keep that sensitive area under your eyes smooth and firm. It is an awesome luxury product that one can splurge on for special occasions or events. Glam glow has various other masks and products that work wonders and are more affordable, all available a Sephora.

Love, Ari

Sephora Collection Face Mask

Posted on February 10, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sephora never dissapoints in the skin care department and this face mask collection is no exception! These exclusive masks come in handy when you are in a bind and are compact and slim to fit anywhere. You can get the at home pampering experience on the go, or actually use it at home. Each of the 8 different types serve different purposes. From moisturizing, brightening, anti aging, soothing, energizing and anti blemish any one of your skin needs can be met by one of these awesome sheet mask. Just unfold it from its pacakaging, place on your face and after 15 minutues remove it. You can then gently massage the excess product into the skin and their is no need to rinse! Pefect for planes or long car rides (where you are not driving of course). Pictured below are the two that Ive tried. I enjoy the scent of both, and like how my face feels tighetend and supple afterwards. I am definitely going to be testing these out more extensively on my upcoming long flight to visit Gwen in London!

The best part is they are only $6.00 each! Make sure to pick one up on your next trip to Sephora.

-Ari

Ole Henriksen-3 Little Wonders Mini Collection Review

Posted on January 29, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So we are only getting older every day and this unfortunate fact is not lost on me. It seems like as the days go by I am reminded that youth is fleeting and to take advantage of it while I can. This year I turn 26 and I figured it’s time I take a cue from my sister and start taking better care of my skin. I took advantage of insane sales that Sephora was having during the holiday season and bought this trio of products in hopes to review them and perhaps make them apart of my skin routine. Ole Henriksen is a bit pricey but gets amazing reviews so this mini “3 Little Wonders Collection” was the perfect way to try some of the top products without fully committing to the full priced options. It includes the truth serum collagen booster, “sheer transformation” day time moisturizer and invigorating night treatment. Below are my pros and cons and a link to the item!

Truth Serum Collagen Booster– Daytime Anti-Aging Serum with Vitamin C said to brighten, firm, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and prevent future damage.

It is incredibly light weight and glides easy over your face. It does not provide any moisture but does have a pleasant smell and my face feels a little tight right after putting it on (I’m assuming this is where the “firming” comes into play.

Follow up your serum with the Sheer Transformation meant to diminish dark spots, sun damage and protect from free radicals.

This lotion is super lightweight and takes away the tight feeling from the serum. It is oil free and has not made me have acne break outs with 1 month of use so far.

Lastly the Night treatment is just that, solely for use at night seeing as its meant to resurface your skin to smooth texture, fine lines, wrinkles and even the look of big pores.

In using this product I did notice slight peeling of my skin especially in sensitive areas like my nose and chin. This is not necessarily a bad thing seeing as it’s meant to essentially take off the dead layers on the surface. Trust me it is not comparable to getting a chemical peel or flaking like a snake, it was very slight and easily fixed with some extra moisturizer.

Overall I am extremely happy with my results so far and a little goes a long way so I have some time before needing to replace with full size. Don’t forget your neck or décolletage so that you can have smooth youthful radiant skin there as well. Sometimes I even spread the remaining on the back of my hands (they always can show true age).

Forever young, – Ari

3 Little Wonders Mini Collection

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

Makeup Looks

Posted on October 26, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Sunday Everyone! It’s been a while since I have done a makeup post so I decided to photograph the looks I did on mis mejor amigas before a casual night out. I am also working on my application skills and what a better way to do it right? Lets take a look at these beauties…

L-R Cinthia, Lucy & Emily

First one up is Cinthia: She has really great skin and normally doesn’t wear any foundation. She asked for the “jlo glow”. Here’s a closer look at what I came up with:

Face: Hourglass veil primer, Covergirl Outlast 3 in 1 foundation shade #857 (golden tan) mixed with Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination. MAC prep and prime in bright forecast (undereye brightening), Anastasia Contour kit Shade Fawn and Havanna. BH cosmetics blush palette (peach shade) Mary-Lou- Manizer for highlight.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in Dark Brown
Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low, shadows: Amber lights (Entire lid), Texture (crease) and naked lunch (brow highlight). Revlon matte shadow in Rich Sable (outer corner).NYX jumbo eye pencil in white (base), E.L.F false lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel liner
Lips: Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop and Gerard Cosmetics gloss in the shade nude.

Next up is Lucy: She and I can talk makeup for hours upon hours! She too has great skin and loves defined brows. Here’s what I created on her:

Products used:

Face: Becca Ever matte primer, Tarte Amazonian clay in the shade tan-deep sand mixed with Bare Minerals Bareskin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel. Mac pro long-wear concealer in the shade W35 & W30 Anastasia contour kit in the shade Havana, MAC prep and prime in the shade Bright Forecast. BH Cosmetics blush palette (berry shades to the top right) Mary- Lou- Manizer for highlight.
Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low. NYX jumbo pencil in white. Buff (brow highlight) Rose (lid)from Lorac Pro Palette 2, Revlon Matte shadow in Rich sable (crease) and Makeup geek’s Bitten (outer corner). Loreal voluminous mascara, E.L.F Lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel eyeliner.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz (dark Brown) and dipbrow pomade (medium brown)
Lips: Rimmel Lip Liner in Cherry kiss, Too Faced Melted lipsticks in the shade Berry.

Last but certainly not least Emily: Doesn’t she have great lashes? (no falsies used). Emily loves bold lips which is why I wanted to give her a softer eye look, Here’s what I came up with:

Products used:

Face: Hourglass veil primer, Neutrogena nourishing long wear foundation in the shade warm beige, MAC prep and prime in Bright forecast, Anastasia contour kit in the shade Fawn, MAC blush in peaches, The Balm Mary-Lou-Manizer for highlight.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in the shade chocolate
Eyes: MAC paint pot in “layin low” Naked 3 palette in the shades Dust (lid), Nooner (crease), Mugshot (outer corner) and Strange (brow highlight), Sephora Rio nights gel liner, Mascara Loreal Voluminous
Lips: Rimmel in Cherry kiss and MAC Fashion Revival lipstick

There you have it guys. Hopefully these looks can be of inspiration to you.
If anyone has any makeup looks you would want to me try please let me know down below.

Thanks to these silly girls for letting me experiment with them

Hasta Pronto!
-Gwen

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit For Her

Posted on September 20, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

How freaking cute is this Pinch Provisions minimergency kit! I saw this baby at the Sephora check out line (don’t they always get you) and knew I needed it in my life the moment I laid eyes on it. The small packaging is genius and they offered a variety of colors to choose from besides the leopard print. I am someone who likes to be prepared for any catastrophic events that can occur (especially having to do with my wardrobe). It often happens that when I need that safety pin, or tide stick for example…I never have it! This little bag keeps everything you could possibly need in one convenient location that is easy to throw in any purse. 17 items for any and all malfunctions that could possibly occur, from tape, breath refreshments, bandaids,wipes and earring backs you are pretty set for any emergency you may face. It even had enough space for me to add even more bandaids and also a small tiny sample AVON lipstick that could be used for lips or cheeks. I love it and feel prepared when I step out the door now. Links below!

Yes all 17 items fit perfectly in this tiny pouch! I personally added more (normal sized) bandaids and the tiny lipstick sample.

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit For Her

-Ari

Sephora Find- Josie Maran Argan Skincare Ritual Set

Posted on September 6, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’ve always used the Josie Maran argan oil by itself. This product is 100% organic, chemical free and one of the best kept secrets of Moroccan women up until recent times.Loaded with Vitamin E and fatty acids it helps heal, condition and repair your skin, hair or even nails! I have been suffering from an eczema break out as of lately and decided to try this three-step line of products I found at Sephora. I loved the packaging and also the price! Typically this brand is a bit pricey but for these three convenient sizes I feel like I got a great deal at $24. Link below!

The self heating oil cleanser is applied on a dry face, then with water slowly worked up into a lather. It feels luxurious and my face was baby soft and felt like velvet when I rinsed it off (unlike other drying/stripping products). My face felt balanced and not tight.

The last product’s texture felt like a normal SPF would except its jam packed with vitamins. It protects your skin against the suns rays with SPF 47. My skin was left refreshed but I would not use it as a daily moisturizer for me in particular because my skin has extremely dry patches that need more than this light finish. Its great for when you are on the go or for a light layer of protection on top of your thicker daily face moisturizer (if you have dry patches like me).

All in all Ive noticed a huge difference in my eczema break out as well as the balance and moisture of my skin. It looks and feels healthier when I use these products as a trio.

Toodles

Ari

Josie Maran Argan Skincare Ritual Set

Gettin’ Cheeky w/ Benefit Cosmetics

Posted on June 28, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I was in major need of a “pick me up” and strolled into my local Sephora to see what was in. I came across this trio of cheek/lip tints that were to die for! I’ve always loved Benefits products (die-hard … Continue reading →

Daily face routine….hidden product fiend!

Posted on March 27, 2013 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The way I see it, if your not combatting acne, aging and stress signs then they are winning (and Im not going down like that). This review is my un biased opinion on these products and how they have benefitted my skin and or face throughout the usage of them within the past months to a year. Feel free to check out my sisters nightly routine as she gives a general run down of some products she uses to maintain her skin as well.

I have combination skin with certain areas that tend to over dry (surrounding my mouth and my cheeks) and areas that get oily (usually around my nose and chin). I get the occasional acne flair up usually when I go to the gym or once a month right around that “precious” time in a females life. My main concerns for myself are acne prevention and treatment, retaining moisture without being oily and last but certainly not least sun care and protection at all cost! This is the major key to preventing sun spots, aging skin and obviously the many types of skin cancer. It is the ultimate secret that Ive learned from working in the past with aestheticians …use sunblock every singe day and your 50 year old self will thank you later for it.

Cleanser- Amazing smooth feel, it only dries me out a little but the smell is amazing!
Toner- I can feel it tightening those pores especially with a heavy amount on a cotton ball on my problem areas like my nose.
Moisturizer- Its a little thick so it works great as night cream. Rub it in with only your fingertips working in an “upward” motion
These products are 100% Vegetarian and not tested on animals.

Alba Botanica Pore Purifying Pineapple Cleanser, Complexion Balancing Hibiscus Toner and Smoothing Jasmine & Vitamin E Moisturizer

Good old noxema- You cannot go wrong with this stuff! Ive been using it since middle school and it cleanses my face while giving me an invigorating fresh clean scent and feeling. I live by this. Point blank.
Face Brush- I purchased this at sephora but it can be bought anywhere. It does feel sort of scratchy on my skin so I dont advise it if your skin is very sensitive.

Noxema Original Cleansing Cream
& Sephora Face Brush

Neutrogena Face Scrub- I use this when I feel as though my skin is breaking out a lot or if Ive been overdoing it with my makeup and need to scrub off the dead cells on the surface that make me look “cakey” The beads are awesome, but I only recommend doing this once a week as its drying to my face.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash -in Pink Grapefruit

Argan Oil & Tea Tree Oil- This could be another post all in itself. The benefits of these two combined (tea tree for acne and argan for overall amazingness) are indescribable. Do yourself a favor and pick these up. The tea tree oil is very potent and strong so use sparingly as well as the argan due to its priceyness.

Josie Maran- Argan oil
All natural Tea Tree oil

Camomile Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover- My sister put me on to this and it does a great job at removing all my makeup not to mention the creamy texture is cooling and soothing to the eye.

Camomile Waterproof Eye- Makeup remover by The Body Shop

This product by shea moisture is a little difficult to work with (meaning the consistency) but I feel as thought it is worth it for all the uses you can get from it. Just like the argan oil, it can be used on your skin, hair, cuticles, face etc. I like to mix it with one of my essential oils in order to make it an easier medium to work with.

Shea Butter infused with Coconut & Hibiscus- Brightening and Toning

I am currently out of the following products but I am running to the store (or amazon) to buy them immediately as they are also integral parts of my routine.

Cetaphil Derma Control Line- I just recently discovered these and only bought travel sizes to try them out. Boy was I in love! The cleanser is extremely gentle and dosent dry my skin out and of course the spf lotion is essential in fl. Both are items I will be purchasing again to use when my face needs a gentler approach.

Cetaphil Derma Control Foam Wash and SPF Moisturizer

This is the holy grail of face sun protectant! I discovered this at my old job and have been hooked ever since. It can be purchased online or at specific retailers like spas and medical grade offices that offer aesthetic services. This product glides on smoothly, dosent break me out, smells amazing, and best of all contains all the main ingredients needed when looking for a good SPF (like zinc and protection against UVA, UVB and UVC rays). It is a little pricey but a little goes a very long way and this product (when only used on face) can last a while. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend this to anyone (even senstive skin).

Clear Choice- Sport Shield SPF 45

Most of the products with the exception of the oils, sunscreen, and makeup remover can be purchased at any drug store near you.

Clear Choice- Sport Shield SPF 45

Josie Maran- Argan Oil

The Body Shop- Camomile Eye- Makeup remover

Toodles,
Ari