Tough Pretty - Leather Look and Lace

Both leather look and lace are trending fabrics this season and I love the tough pretty combination of them side by side.

Lace has always been a favourite fabric of mine ever since I was a toddler according to my mum who tells me I used to love stroking the lace edging on my socks and refused to wear any lace-free socks - lol!

My taste in lace has matured slightly from the days of wearing lace edging on my socks! 

Here's a photo of my current favourite lace top from beme, the Full Sleeve Lace Mesh Top in the shade 'Antique'. I especially love its zigzag hem feature. 

beme Full Sleeve Lace Mesh Top in Antique

Lace is very elegant, girly and pretty. To give it a bit more edge I love teaming my lace tops with a tougher bottom half, either denim jeans, or in this case, my City Chic Pleather Flirt Skirt.

City Chic Pleather Flirt Skirt

Pleather is a great, luxe-for-less  leather-look option, which can add a high fashion, yet edgy tough look, to any ensemble. 

The quality of pleather has significantly increased over the years and personally I don't think it is that easy anymore to tell the difference just by looking at an item someone else is wearing whether it is leather or pleather.

Every time I've worn the above pleather City Chic Flirt Skirt I've received compliments from friends and colleagues regarding my 'leather' skirt. I'm sure you can keep a secret, just don't tell my non blog following friends, but I don't always correct them regarding the true fabric of my skirt!

Here are some more pleather items that I have my eye on currently, some plus sized items and some standard sized items. That's the benefit of being an inbetweenie, you get the best of both size ranges! Another bonus - some of these items are currently on sale - yay!

I've also included a better view of the above City Chic Pleather Flirt Skirt. 

Links have been added for all items for your convenience if you are interested in shopping for any of these.

City Chic Pleather Trim Cardi (Available in sizes XS - XL - equivalent to 16 - 24)

Dotti Rocker Girl PU Biker Jacket in Dusty Pink (Available in sizes 6 -14)

City Chic Pleather Split Skirt (Available in sizes XS - XXL - equivalent to 16 - 26)

City Chic Pleather Flirt Skirt (Available in sizes XS - XL - equivalent to 16 - 24)

Harlow Take Me Back Pleather and Ponte Hi-Lo Skirt (Available in sizes 16 - 24)

PU Panel Ponte Leggings (Available in sizes 14 - 26) 

The Iconic Clover PU Biker Jacket (Available in sizes 6 - 18)

Here are some of the lace items I'm currently wishing were in my wardrobe!

beme Full Sleeve Lace Mesh Top (Sizes XS to XL equivalent of 16 - 24)

City Chic Lace Kimono (available in sizes XS, S, XL - equivalent sizes 16, 18, 24) Now reduced from $89.95 to $30) Also available in white in additional sizes. I'm thinking of buying this for date nights in spring & summer.

City Chic Lace Fever Dress (available in sizes XS to XXL equivalent to 16 - 26)

Forcast Laylani Lace Panel Top (Available in sizes 4 - 16. Now reduced to $23.40)

City Chic Mysterious Lace Top (available in sizes XS - XXL - equivalent to 16 - 26) 
Worn in photo with the City Chic Pleather Flirt Skirt

Cotton On Pointelle Lace Socks (OMG I couldn't believe it when I spotted these! How can I not include these cute socks in this blog post! Now to decide which colour combination to buy! On sale for $2 a pair I'll probably just choose one of each - lol! Talk about re-living your childhood. Expect to see these socks pop up in an Instagram post soon! They'll look cute in spring with crop jeans or shorts.)

Are you a fan of either leather look or lace items?

xxx

Ingrid.

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Recent Empties

The easiest and most accurate way to determine which products a beauty blogger loves is to look at their empties posts!

As a beauty blogger if I buy, or receive, a product which I don't love or don't find effective, I tend not to finish it, but move onto another product that works better to meet my needs. 

So if you want to find out what my recent favourite products have been keep reading this empties post to see what I've found effective and what I've loved, as I've finished an absolute bucket load of products recently including numerous favourites and holy grail products!

25 Recent Empties

FRAGRANCE AND MAKEUP EMPTIES

Fragrance and Makeup Empties

Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey Eau De Toilette
I absolutely love this fresh, feminine, floral fragrance with its hints of musk and wood. It is one of my go-to fragrances that I wear whenever I have an important meeting or special social engagement to attend. It's one of those scents that makes me feel sophisticated and feminine. Wearing it gives me the confidence to meet any challenging situation head on. 

Thinking about it, if I were to have a signature scent then this would be it!

Even though it is a eau de toilette it lasts weIl all day on my skin, especially when I utilise the 7 easy tips to make my fragrance last longer that I previously blogged about HERE.

As you'd suspect, given how this fragrance makes me feel, I have already repurchased what will now be my third bottle of this fragrance.

Giorgio Armani Si (2x 1.5ml samples)
I love fragrances and I enjoyed wearing these Giorgio Armani Si eau de parfum samples. This is another feminine yet sophisticated fragrance, this time with notes of blackcurrant nectar, airy florals and musky blond wood.

I would happily continue wearing this fragrance but I haven't purchased a full sized bottle of it because my budget won't allow for two high-end fragrance purchases in this short a time frame. 

Shiseido Sheer Gloss in S6 Heather Rose
I hate to think how old this lipstick is. I bought it several years ago when I had my makeup professionally done for a special occasion and this was the lip product used by the makeup artist. It's a beautiful, 'my lips but better' subtle nude pink shade with a hint of shimmer. It feels hydrating to wear and lasts surprisingly well for a sheer gloss. 

I'd buy it again if I ever saw it but I wouldn't be surprised if it were a discontinued product as it really is that old!

M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Medium
This slow baked mineral powder is a soft creamy beige colour and gives my skin a wonderfully natural looking finish. It minimises the shine on my skin, evens out my skin tone and sets my foundation. This is definitely another favourite product of mine and yes, I have already replaced it.

Now I have to remember to keep this empty container somewhere safe so I can make use of the M.A.C recycling reward program. 

When you return 6 empty M.A.C containers you get rewarded with a free M.A.C lipstick of your choice.

HAIR CARE EMPTIES

Hair Care Empties

bhave Rescue Intense Repair Shampoo
bhave Rescue Intense Repair Conditioner
bhave Deep Intense Conditioning Masque
Regular readers of my blog will know by now that bhave is my absolute holy grail of hair care products. I know I have previously blogged about my love of these three products but I can't not rave about them again now! #SorryNotSorry!

These above three bhave products have helped rescue my damaged hair which I've subjected to regular colouring, straightening and heat drying, not to mention the elements and regular dips in chlorinated swimming pools, and have repaired the damage I've caused my hair.

This bhave rescue shampoo and conditioner use the revolutionary new raw natural keratin technology that has the unique ability to penetrate the hair shaft to repair damage, rebuilding each and every strand of hair from the inside out.

Regular use of this shampoo and conditioner also forms a protective barrier around the hair shafts providing it with around the clock defense against further damage. Yay - who doesn't want that?!

In addition, bhave products are all free of nasties including parabens and sulphates, and also sodium chloride.

I absolutely love the silky soft feel of my hair and it's super shine after using these products, plus it's so much more manageable! Given the amazing results and visible difference these products make to my hair I will definitely continue using these products!

bhave products are available from select salons and also from Alive Skin & Hair online. I've found them to be slightly cheaper online rather than in salon. If you want to try these products for yourself, click HERE to buy bhave products from Alive Skin & Hair. 

If you are interested in bhave products you may also want to read this blog post  and this one too.

KMS Free Shape Hot Flex Spray.
This is another of my favourite hair care products that I constantly replace. I use it to protect my hair from the heat of my straightener and hair curler. It also helps my hair maintain its style. My hair feels wonderfully natural after using it and not at all stiff or crunchy or full of product!

I've already repurchased the full sized version of this product. 

Lady Jayne Smoothies

These velvet elastics are my favourites as they don't snag my hair. I just wish I knew where they all constantly disappear to!!! These are currently 30% off at Priceline online. I think I need to buy several packets of them!

CLEANSING PRODUCTS AND WIPES EMPTIES

Cleansing Products and Wipes

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser
I received this cleanser in a Priceline skin care goody bag. I've enjoyed washing my face with it in the shower and have found it to be effective. 

Having said that, it didn't really wow me enough to make me immediately repurchase it especially given the fact that I have a couple of unopened cleansers already at home waiting to be used.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
This cult cleanser from Dermalogica is gentle yet effective. It lathers up well and left my face feeling fresh and fully cleansed. It has a mild but pleasant lavender scent to it and you don't need much product to cleanse your whole face.

Although I enjoyed using it and found it effective I won't be repurchasing it as there are other cleansers that are more suited to my 40+ year old skin such as the Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser.

I think the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is better suited to someone with oily or sensitive skin, neither of which I have.

Dr LeWinn's Essentials Foaming Cleanser
I think I may have received this deluxe sample sized foaming cleanser in a beauty subscription box from memory. It is a creamy lathering cleanser that is also designed to remove excess oil from your skin. I believe it is more suited to a younger person's skin than my mature and dryer skin, so I won't be repurchasing this one either.

This product would be perfect for someone with oily or combination, acne prone skin.

Wot Not Natural Organic Facial Wipes Suitable For Oily/Sensitive Skin
Wot Not Natural Organic Facial Wipes Suitable For Sensitive Skin
Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Wipes
With cleansing wipes I don't have a clear favourite and I'm not really loyal to any one brand or product. I normally just choose a product from the selection available wherever I happen to be shopping on the day I need more wipes. 

Normally I use the wipes to remove my makeup when I get first get home. I then cleanse my skin again with different cleansing products as part of my bedtime skin care routine.

I don't have sensitive skin so I don't necessarily choose wipes for sensitive skin. These empties probably got my attention with the first two being organic and the last one due to its inclusion of micellar cleansing water. I would happily repurchase any of these products.

Lacura (Aldi) Makeup Rounds With Aloe Vera
Trangles from Doaner-fide blog recommended these Aldi makeup rounds to me in the comments section of a previous empties post of mine.

These wipes are cheaper than the Swisspers ones and are also thicker. Although they're not quite as soft as some other makeup rounds, they are less likely to break up and leave any fibres behind especially when I'm removing my nail polish with them. 

I normally shop at Woolworths but I specially visit Aldi to buy these wipes.

Swisspers Makeup Pads
As mentioned above I normally do my weekly grocery shop at Woolworths and if I'm in a hurry and don't have time to go to Aldi as well, and I need more makeup rounds, I will buy these Swisspers makeup rounds instead of the above Aldi ones. The Swisspers makeup pads are my second choice behind the Aldi ones.

Bath & Shower Gel, & Sunscreen Empties

Urban Rituelle White Peony & Rose Buds Bath & Shower Gel

This bath and shower gel has a divine light and refreshing floral scent. It lathers and bubbles up easily and was such a beautiful pampering product to use! It contains skin calming ginseng to revitalise and nourish the skin, ginko biloba for skin renewal, and chamomile calendula and witch hazel to repair, soothe and soften the skin. I am very tempted to repurchase this product because I absolutely loved relaxing and luxuriating in it in the bath but I've still got a couple of other bath & shower gels to enjoy finishing off first.

SUNSCREEN EMPTY

Ego SunSense Ultra SPF 50+
This is my favourite family sunscreen. It absorbs well into the skin and doesn't leave a greasy residue. Even in winter I make sure my kids are slathered in sunscreen especially when they head out for their weekend sporting matches where their arms and legs will be exposed to the midday sun. Having experienced a malignant melanoma myself I'm determined to protect my kids from suffering a similar fate! 

I've now bought two 500ml pump packs of this sunscreen to keep near the front and back doors at home. Click HERE to purchase this sunscreen from Priceline on line.

To read about the 9 big sunscreen mistakes I always ensure my family avoids click HERE.

SKIN CARE EMPTIES

Skin Care Empties

RosehipPLUS Nourishing Night Cream
This is a perfect nourishing night cream to use during the dehydrating winter season. I love the fact that it contains certified organic rosehip oil, plus various other oils and shea butter. After using this night cream I wake up in the mornings with my skin feeling beautifully soft, smooth and hydrated. 

I have previously reviewed this product together with other RosehipPLUS products HERE.

This is another of my favourite products which I have already replaced.

The Body Shop Moringa Body Butter
The scent of a product is an important feature of the product for me and this is another divinely scented product. I received this body butter as a Kris Kringle present last year.

It is intensely moisturising and once again a perfect product to use during the dehydrating winter season. It contains moringa seed oil, shea butter and cocoa butter.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II (Deluxe Sample Size)
Estee Lauder Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum (Deluxe Sample Size)
I absolutely loved these two Estee Lauder night products I received in two of my Ageless The Parcel beauty subscription boxes. They are both amazing products which delivered amazing results! They are also perfectly suited to my mature 40+ year old skin.

I haven't yet bought the full sized versions of these products due to their expense but really really want to! 

Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Thermofoliant
I was recommended this exfoliator based on the findings of my Dermalogica face mapping skin analysis session so it's no wonder that this product has achieved my rarely given holy grail status!

It's a brilliant and gentle yet effective exfoliator which contains both physical and chemical exfoliants that help stimulate cell turnover and accelerate cell renewal rates. It is especially useful for improving photodamaged and prematurely aged skin, just like my 40+ year old skin, although I don't know if at my age you still call it "prematurely aged" or not - lol!

This product heats up upon contact with your skin and/or water to help the multivitamins penetrate into your skin. The tiny beads in this product also provide a physical exfoliant to gently polish your skin and leave it feeling softer and smoother.

Although this product is part of the AGE Smart range I think it would suit and benefit younger skin too!

The only down side of this product is the cost of RRP: $80 for 75ml. However on the up side, I have found a little of this product goes a long way and I have been using my tube for about 10 months. I use it once or twice a week. 

I will definitely be repurchasing this product as it has made such a significant and visible difference to my skin. I buy my Dermalogica products from ry.com.au as they are always discounted there and if you spend over $99 you also get free shipping. 

Click HERE to buy the Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Thermofoliant from www.ry.com.au for $64.  

What products have you finished recently?

xxx

Ingrid.

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buy an item this will earn me a small commission. This in no way costs you any extra.

5 Winter Essentials

Winter has finally arrived in Sydney and it has been bitterly cold over the last couple of weeks.

Winter is definitely my least favourite season. It plays total havoc with my skin, and this has only worsened as I've become older!

As a result during winter I change my skincare and beauty routines and definitely up my moisturising game! 

Below are some of my winter skincare and wellness essentials.

Winter Essentials

Rosehip Oil - Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+
One of the first products I reach for when the weather starts becoming cooler is my rosehip oil. It is so nourishing, rejuvenating and deeply moisturising.

Rosehip oil is rich in naturally occurring vitamins, powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids. 

I find rosehip oil absorbs easily into my skin and gives it a lovely youthful and radiant glow. 

A couple of drops of rosehip oil massaged into my skin after cleansing each morning and night not only helps me combat the effects of winter's dehydrating conditions, it also helps me combat the signs of ageing! Yay! 

I'm currently trialling this sample size bottle of Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ and am already planning on purchasing a full sized bottle once this trial bottle is finished.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+

Daily Body Moisturiser - Jergens Daily Moisture
As a beauty blogger I know I probably shouldn't admit this but sometimes I become a bit complacent with my body moisturising routine especially when I'm in a hurry in the early mornings, but in winter I make an extra effort to not skip this vital step.

My current body moisturiser of choice is Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturiser. It smoothes and relieves my rough and dry skin, and also gives it a lovely luminous effect thanks to its illuminating hydralucence blend. It locks in moisture for up to 24 hours and leaves my skin feeling beautifully soft and moisturised all day.

It's also very reasonable priced at $5.99 for 250 ml, or $11.99 for 650 ml.

Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturiser

Hand Cream - QV Hand Cream
My hands are often the first part of my body to show signs of drying out during the cold winter months. The combination of the colder weather, my air conditioned office and frequent hand washing has me reaching for my hand cream even more often in winter than summer to keep my hands moisturised, nourished and soft throughout the day. I keep one opened tube of hand cream at home, one in my handbag and one in my desk drawer at work.

I'm currently using Ego's QV Hand Cream at home.

QV Hand Cream

Insomnia Relief - Brauer SLEEP Tonic
In summer if I can't sleep because my mind is over active I just get up out of bed, potter around doing a few chores or read a book, and then return to bed when I'm ready for sleep.

In winter it's too cold to get out of bed and it's totally frustrating lying there not being able to fall asleep despite being tired, so I've started using Brauer's homeopathic SLEEP Insomnia Relief to help ensure I get a good night's sleep each night. This also comes in tablet form.

It's a homeopathic remedy containing chamomile and passionflower, both of which are traditionally used to relieve sleeplessness and insomnia.

This natural medicine helps my body and mind to relax, is non habit forming and I don't feel drowsy in the morning.

Brauer SLEEP Insomnia Relief Natural Medicine

Cold Sore Prevention - Viraprox
Winter and central heating can play havoc on our lips and dry them out. Winter is also a time when my lips become more prone to suffering from cold sores. It's for this reason I've been using ViraproX triple action Lip Balm since the start of winter to specifically help protect my lips against cold sores whilst also keeping them moisturised and protected from the sun. It's been working so far. I've haven't had a cold sore yet this winter!

ViraproX

Warm Winter Flannelette Pyjamas
My last bonus winter essential is not strictly speaking skincare or wellness related, it's warm winter flannelette pyjamas. The type of pjs that you'd be happy to stay snuggled in on the weekend for far longer than you should! Yes, guilty as charged, your honour!

When winter finally struck Sydney I went to pull out my winter pjs from last season only to find them quite threadbare and no longer nearly as warm, cosy or soft as they should be. 

This did however give me the perfect excuse to go shopping for some new ones because everyone deserves (and needs) warm winter pjs! 

I was lucky to discover Peter Alexander's current sale and I quickly snapped up this cute and cosy Heart Flannelette Nightshirt and Heart Flannelette PJ Pants. They are so soft and warm, plus I love the pretty pink hearts! Both the nightshirt and pants have pockets - yay!.

Peter Alexander Heart Flannelette Nightshirt

I'm thinking of buying the Soft Tartan Boots as well, or maybe the fun Fluffy Bear Slippers! I need to keep my feet warm too!

Now, as soon as I get home from work on weekdays I change straight into my winter pjs. Yes, they are that warm and comfy!

Peter Alexander currently has a wide variety of warm winter pyjamas on sale, and it gets even better! I'm happy to share with you that there is currently a further 30% off the sale price! 

Hurry and click HERE to buy Peter Alexander pyjamas on sale if you are needing new winter pyjamas. Be quick, as I don't know how long the extra sale will last for!

What are your must have winter essentials? 

xxx

Ingrid.

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L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche la vie en rose Collection

I'm absolutely swooning at the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche la vie en rose Collection of custom made pinks inspired by the L'Oreal Paris ambassadors Naomi, Julianne, Eva, Natasha and Doutzen.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche la vie en rose Collection Exclusive

Pinks are one of the most universally flattering shades of lipstick and nail polish and they are also my all time favourite shade of makeup. 

This L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche la vie en rose Collection consists of such a beautiful and varied selection of delicate rose pinks in lipsticks and nail polishes there's sure to be one in this collection to complement every woman's unique skin tone.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche
la vie en rose Collection Exclusive Lipsticks

Each gorgeous shade was chosen specifically to complement the diverse skin tones of five L'Oreal Paris ambassadors including Naomi, Julianne, Eva, Natasha and Doutzen.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche la vie en rose
Collection Exclusive Lipstick Swatches

Naomi's Delicate Rose Shade
Naomi's delicate rose shade of lipstick is a pale yet fresh tea pink shade. 

It has been paired with the Colour Riche 101 Opera Ballerina nail polish, a sheer ivory nude pink shade. This is my favourite nail polish from the collection. It's one of those gorgeous, flattering nail polish shades that would look elegant and classy teamed with just about any outfit.

L'Oreal Paris Collection Exclusive By Naomi lipstick
and Colour Riche 101 Opera Ballerina nail polish

Julianne's Delicate Rose Shade
Julianne's delicate rose shade of lipstick is a beautiful pale nude pink shade. 

It has been paired with the Colour Riche 102 Macaron Noisette nail polish, a light apricoty pink nude shade.

L'Oreal Paris Collection Exclusive By Julianne lipstick
and Colour Riche 102 Macaron Noisette nail polish

Eva's Delicate Rose Shade
Eva's delicate rose shade of lipstick is my current favourite pink lipstick in this collection. I think this lipstick would flatter most people. It is a stunning berry pink shade.

It has been paired with the Colour Riche 202 Marie Antoinette nail polish, a soft pastel pink shade.

L'Oreal Paris Collection Exclusive By Eva lipstick
and Colour Riche 202 Marie Antoinette nail polish

Natasha's Delicate Rose Shade

Natasha's delicate rose shade of lipstick is described as a fuschia pink.

It has been paired with the absolutely stunning Colour Riche 504 Insolent Magenta nail polish, a bright magenta shade, which has a blue shimmery undertone to it. This is another must have nail polish shade in my opinion!

L'Oreal Paris Collection Exclusive By Natasha lipstick
and Colour Riche 504 Insolent Magenta nail polish

Doutzen's Delicate Rose Shade

Doutzen's delicate rose shade of lipstick is the boldest pink in the collection. It is a gorgeous, vibrant and illuminating pink with a blue undertone.

It has been paired with the Colour Riche 208 So Chic Pink nail polish, a beautiful coral pink shade.

L'Oreal Paris Collection Exclusive By Doutzen lipstick
and Colour Riche 208 So Chic Pink nail polish 

The formula of all these lipsticks is infused with micro fragments of mother-of-pearls combined with velvety pigments for a radiant and intense pink coverage. I found these lipsticks to result in a satiny matte finish. 

They were incredibly smooth and easy to apply. The pigmentation is buildable and lasted approximately 4 hours on my lips, although as with most lipsticks, I did have to reapply after eating. These lipsticks were comfortable to wear and I didn't find them drying on my lips.

As you can see from the above photos the packaging of these L'Oreal Colour Riche la vie en rose lipsticks is elegant, sophisticated and stunning with the matte black case, gold band and gold lettering. The lipstick lid snaps on securely to prevent any accidental lost lids in your makeup bag or handbag. 

The nail polishes in this collection are also gorgeous. They don't match exactly to the lipsticks which I love because I don't like being too matchy - matchy with my lips and nails.

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche 
la vie en rose Collection Nail Polishes

I'm loving the 5ml size of these nail polish bottles. I never seem to fully finish any nail polish bottle (although I suspect the elegant Opera Ballerina shade may just be the exception to this), so these sizes are perfect for me. 

I also love the long, flat brush of these nail polishes which makes it very easy to precisely apply.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the L'Oreal Colour Riche la vie en rose Collection Exclusive lipsticks or nail polishes, the lipsticks have a recommended retail price of $21.95 (click HERE to buy these lipsticks from Priceline) and the nail polishes are a bargain $7.95 (click HERE to buy these nail polishes from Ry).

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche la vie en rose
Collection Exclusive lipsticks

Which pink do you like the best? 

Are you a Naomi, Julianne, Natasha, Eva or Doutzen?

xxx

Ingrid.

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