Best Summer Make-up Products

From bright sparkling eyes to bronzers, here are the key must-haves for summer 2019 to get on your radar. My beauty mantra for the hot season is simple: the less work I have to do, the better. As it turns out, we should all be embracing the fact that wearing a ridiculous amount of makeup in sweltering temperatures is never a good look. I recommend some sparkle for your eyes and the right amount of bronzer for a sun-kissed complexion. Enjoy!

NARS Exposed Cheek Palette (top left)
Cheeks are up front and versatile with a limited edition palette of six universally flattering shades in a breakthrough formula that delivers unparalleled color. LOVE! CHF 66.60

CHANEL Bronzer and Highlighter Duo in 317 Medium (top right)
Part of the Maison’s Cruise 2019 collection, this two face powders palette, consisting of a matte bronzer and a pearlescent highlighter, fits in every bag for immediate touch-ups. CHF 78.00

TOM FORD Soleil Contouring Compact in Bask (center left)
Blush, highlighter and bronzer in one for the perfect complexion. CHF 100.00

NUXE Multi-Usage Compact Bronzing Powder (center right)
Beautifying and long-lasting, this multi-usage powder with its yummy Huile Prodigieuse® fragrance (orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla) provides an immediate «healthy glow». CHF 35.00

ESTÉE LAUDER Desert Heat Eyeshadow Palette (bottom)
Turn up the heat with 9 silky shadows to emphasize, customize and dramatize your eyes. Matte and shimmer finishes, limited edition. CHF 72.00

BOBBI BROWN Molton Drama Eye Shadow Palette
Brighten your eyes with these ten highly pigmented colors in four different finishes, including 5 Chrome Metal Eye Shadows for a hypnotic glow. My favorite this summer! CHF 84.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Full-On Radiance by NARS

Spring is already in full bloom. Are you ready to be fully repowered? Experience François Nars’ revolution in skin – radiance from every angle. Recharge your complexion with a radiance-boosting lineup designed to reveal your skin at its absolute best with an eye make-up in nude shades that will make others green with envy, especially if they are wearing the wrong foundation :-).

Featuring the new, limited-edition SUPER RADIANCE BOOSTER – available in one universal rose gold shade that flatters all skin tones – that amplifies skin’s illumination with a pearlescent glow and lightweight, layerable texture. You can layer it underneath or mix a drop with foundation to customize an all over, radiant glow. For a subtle highlight, blend onto high points of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow and décolleté.

What I truly like is that you can use it to intensify the radiant effect of NARScult-classic complexion essentials:

– the high coverage, longwearing NATURAL RADIANT LONGWEAR FOUNDATION. NARS’ first 16-hour non-comedogenic liquid foundation that stays turned on by the power of radiance. Now available in 34 shades.

icon fan-favourite SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION. The glowing, natural radiant finish foundation provides sheer, buildable coverage and evens skin tone. Now available in 34 shades for more luminosity.

– and the bestselling, multi-purpose RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER. The award-winning multi-action concealer, contours, highlights, corrects, and perfects with medium-to-buildable coverage and a natural radiant finish. Now available in 30 shades.

To finish off your perfect complexion, I recommend the beautiful new, limited edition SKIN DEEP EYE PALETTE – the ultimate palette of nude shadows created for all skin tones. Go from subtle to smoky with rich mattes, lustrous shimmers, and smoldering metallic shadows, infused with NARS’ Pigment Power Suspension for a high-impact, silky effect. Each shadow can be used in a multitude of ways for a variety of François Nars’ signature looks. Wear it. Bare it. Make it yours.

TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE, or above on the respective highlighted text to be transferred directly to the product you like.

Tested and approved by me!

If you are living in the Zurich area, you can benefit from a free professional make-up consultation at Jelmoli. Just call +41 44 220 43 58 and meet Sophie Thibout, NARS make-up artist, who comes to the NARS Counter exclusively for 3 days: Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th of March, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

Feel the Rush

Ladies, it is time to get at least one Orgasm, but personally speaking I recommend getting four… For Summer 2018, NARS launches four new Orgasms for lips and cheeks. Swipe on seduction with Afterglow Lip Balm and intensify the look with Orgasm Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer. Give cheeks sensational dimension with Illuminating Loose Powder, and find pleasure in a limited edition, oversized Orgasm Blush. Universally coveted glow. New stimulating textures. Feels so bad it’s good. It’s time to indulge your senses…

ORGASM AFTERGLOW LIP BALM – CHF 38.00
Delivers a sheer wash of the universally-flattering Orgasm shade with a radiant finish. The formula features Monoï Hydrating Complex, for smooth comfort and a blend of antioxidant ingredients to help keep lips protected.

ORGASM FULL VINYL LIP LACQUER (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 35.30
The innovative formula provides high-shine and a reflective finish, while vivid pigments deliver full coverage color that’s buildable. Features a non-sticky texture that glides on for a comfortable feel and line-free look.

ORGASM ILLUMINATING LOOSE POWDER –  CHF 38.00
This silky, soft-lit powder reflects light off the skin for a naturally glowing look. The shimmery powders create a soft radiance and blur the look of imperfections, blending effortlessly onto skin with a glimmering finish.

ORGASM BLUSH (LIMITED EDITION) –  CHF 52.20
The award-winning blush that includes the perfect blend of peachy pink and golden shimmer, comes in a limited edition oversized compact to achieve naturally flushed cheeks.

In Switzerland available from JUNE 2018 at Jelmoli and Sephora.
TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS, Collages © Sandra Bauknecht
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Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection

For Summer 2018, NARS collaborates once again with long time fashion design partner, Erdem Moralioglu. The designer brings his nostalgic romance and dreamlike narrative to beauty with the limited-edition Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection.

Bold yet timeless, the color collection is a custom designed palette of demure and daring shades for eyes, lips and cheeks, with additional newness in the form of NARS’ first lip powder palette and blotting paper. The highly covetable 13-piece capsule collection is encased in sophisticated soft-touch packaging adorned with one of three original floral prints Erdem created for the collaboration.

It was really interesting to explore my aesthetic in collaboration with NARS and see how far we could push different elements through color and product,” says Erdem. “It was fascinating to develop new pigments and palettes as well as the cosmetics themselves.”

The Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection includes:

BLUSH
Featuring a silky-soft pearlescent finish that departs sheer, yet buildable color, the velvety formula gleams in two new shades.

LOVES ME (pictured above) and LOVES ME NOT (pictured below) – CHF 41.40 each

LIPSTICK
Six new shades, featuring a creamy, smooth formula, range from bare to bold, sheer to intense.


Lipstick Shades in BLOODFLOWER, WILDFLOWER, VODOO LILY, MOON ORCHID, LARKSPUR (left to right) – CHF 45.00 each

LIP POWDER PALETTE
The new innovative palette includes a creamy primer and precision-tip lip brush to paint lips with four delicate shades of petal pinks, rose reds, and poisonous purples. The matte and metallic powders can be worn alone or layered on lips—with or without balm—for a range of unexpected looks and effects.

POISON ROSE LIP POWDER PALETTE
Shades, left to right: LIP PRIMING BALM, nude ZIRA, shimmering rose gold CALYPSO, matte rose DAMASK, matte fuchsia OTTOMAN, matte scarlet TRAVEL LIP BRUSH – CHF 66.00

EYESHADOW PALETTES
Two six-well palettes of highly pigmented, velvety-matte shades deliver longwearing, crease-resistant color. The formula can be applied sheer or layered for more dramatic effects.

NIGHT GARDEN EYESHADOW PALETTE Shades, top to bottom, left to right: OLEANDER, shimmering pale gold INDIO, satin forest green REBORN, satin marigold FAUNA, matte deep brown SPRUNG, satin midnight blue MATIRA, satin black

FLEUR FATALE EYESHADOW PALETTE Shades, top to bottom, left to right: MYTHIOS, shimmering ivory THISTLE, metallic mink FLOURISH, shimmering steel blue BELLADONNA, matte soft brown DAYDREAM, shimmering copper HOLLY HOCK, satin mulberry
CHF 66.00 each

MULTI-USE HIGHLIGHTING PENCIL
Illuminate intrigue with a multi-use highlighting pencil for eyes and cheeks. The new, ultra-smooth formula provides effortless blending and on-the-go radiance.
WHITE PHOX, opalescent lavender – CHF 41.40

BLOTTING PAPERS
Fresh-plucked blotting papers instantly soften and mattify. Perfect for shine control in the summer months. CHF 32.40

In Switzerland available in May 2018. So beautiful!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Remember when I attended the Shiseido press conference last December. Now I am finally allowed to show you the new must-haves. Let me get started with an amazing foundation that has truly surprised me. NARS Cosmetics has introduced its new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, its first 16-hour fade-resistant foundation with full-powered radiance. Its unstoppable medium-to-full buildable coverage stays vibrant and fresh, as if just applied. First, I thought it has a little too much coverage but somehow magically it blends in with your skin after a few seconds leaving your complexion absolutely flawless.

Applying the new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation at the press conference.

The staying power is enhanced by a patent pending technology that delivers a uniquely weightless texture with superior bendability for an imperceptible effect that looks like skin.
Formulated to improve skin hour by hour with skin optimizing complex—a blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts that helps support skin elastic fibers to smooth and improve skin texture – while specialized pigments recognize and fuse with your skin for your closest match yet.


Available in 33 skin-matching shades (how amazing is this range?!), from deep espresso to the fairest tones. Available for CHF 67.- each now.

To shop the new NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation online, click here please.

If you are at the counter or shopping online, don’t miss the new Spring 2018 look and the limited edition NARSissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette that has 12 shimmering, matte and satin shades, ranging from pale-pink and nude to rose gold, so you can easily customize your look to suit every occasion. The colors are truly divine and its powder formula lasts all day long!

LoL, Sandra

iconPhotos: Courtesy of NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Mira Mikati

I love going to press previews for beauty products as it is always fun to explore the newest innovations before their official launch date. Here you see me in December at the Shiseido press day hosted at Zurich’s Sihlcity in a loft dominated by urban concrete walls, which was allowing the colorful product packaging to take center stage. If you are wondering, Nars, Azzedine Alaïa, Issey Miyake, Narciso Rodriguez, all belong to the Shiseido Group and I am looking forward to sharing those new must-haves with you during the coming weeks.

Just as much as I enjoy discovering new beauty products, I adore spotting new fashion designers. One that I truly enjoy wearing is London-based designer Mira Mikati who began her fashion career as co-founder of concept store Plum. Her eponymous collection was born of a collaboration with Parisian brand Façonnable and a desire to create «something fun that was also beautifully tailored». Her jackets, pants and sweatshirts are emblazoned with emojis, cartoons and playful graphics. I absolutely love her frenzied innocence that shows in a melange of smile-inducing detailing. You have no idea how many compliments I got that day for my outfit!

My look: Rainbow Wave striped faux fur coaticon, lace-up grosgrain-trimmed merino wool sweatericon and sequined silk pants, all by Mira Mikatiicon, Kan I Mini studded leather chain shoulder bagstriped silk-twill and leather bag strap, rainbow colored bag bug pompom and bag bug «Karlito», all by Fendi, embroidered «Fusion» sneakers by Dior.

Saving the best for last: what a surprise for me to be reunited with my beloved Montasar Dumas who works for Shiseido in Paris (my avid readers might recognize him from his days at Dior when we always had a lot of fun together).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Perfect for Fall: Orange Lips

One thing I believe in is that the right lipstick gives you more power. Pumpkin-inspired hues are the color palette for Halloween and are perfect for transitioning into fall as they help tired faces to look more vibrant. Incorporating a fresh contrast to every fall look, try to make your pout take center stage.

Here are my favorite lip products for orange lips:

Phyto-Lèvres Perfect Lipliner – 8 Coralicon by Sisley

Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Balm – 3 Peachicon by Sisley


iconBaume De Rose Nutri-Couleur – Mandarina Pulp by By Terry

Lips & Boys – Connor 97 by Tom Ford


iconLip2cheek – Curious Orangeicon by RMS Beauty

Audacious Lipstick – Geraldine by NARS
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Lip & Cheek Bloom – Orange Blossom No.07 by Burberry Beauty

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Man Ray for Nars Holiday 2017

Beauty-lovers around the globe will adore the new NARS 2017 Holiday collection. The brand has previously partnered with various artists for its winter lineups. This season, the creations are inspired by iconic photographer MAN RAY and its electrifying art. Featuring vibrant new shades of lip gloss, eye shadow, lipstick, and blush, there is also a must-have golden highlighter that works for a wide range of complexions. But the excitement doesn’t stop there if you see the packaging.

My personal favorites: Duo Eyeshadow in «Montparnasse» (shimmering gold / iridescent orchid), Love Triangle mini gift set featuring the famous «Orgasm» shade in a Mini Blush and Lipstick and Overexposed Glow Highlighter in «Double Take».

Moreover, NARS is also releasing amazing gift sets which include mini iterations of its classic blush and lipsticks, along with new eye and face palettes.

In store now. It’s safe to say that we would love to add all of it to our wish lists.icon
TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
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LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

Sephora Opening in Zurich

Yesterday evening, I attended the long awaited opening of SEPHORA in Zurich as a shop-in-shop concept at Manor located at Bahnofstrasse 75.

Craziness a few seconds after the doors opened at Sephora Zurich.

Here are some facts:
Selling Space65 m² (small, but filled with great stuff)

Staff: 10 sales associates and one shop manager

Question: which Becca highlighter should I get…

Exclusive brandsMade In Sephora, Too Faced, Make Up For Ever, Marc Jacobs,
Becca, Dr.Jart+, Tony Moly, Caolion, Skinfood, Too Cool for School

Other brands availableNars, Benefit Make Up and Benefit Skincare

ServicesSephora Make Up Bar and Benefit Brow Bar
Thanks to Click & Collect at manor.ch/sephora customers can order all their favorite products online and get them delivered to their preferred  Manor department store in Switzerland.

A goody bag filled with so many amazing products… thank you, Sephora!

Founded in 1969, Sephora is today part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and present in 32 countries worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Myriam Françoise at the opening yesterday.

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Andrea Monica Hug and © Sandra Bauknecht

Are You a NARSissist?

Narsisst Eyeshadow Palette

NARSissist (NARS∙is∙sist) (n.) – lives by her own rules, not afraid to express herself in every look, mood or attitude. Effortless charm with a bottomless makeup bag.

One to watch. Eight to swatch. The NARSissist keeps her eyes (and options) open with the limited edition Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette that features eight dual-intensity eyeshadows and a specially designed wet/dry eyeshadow brush. The perfect tool for traveling with shades for a neutral or dramatic look.

Shades include: All About Eve, Madrague, Fez, Bali, Coconut Grove, Madrague ll, Nepal, Ashes to Ashes, Brousse, Mekong, Bellissima, Lhasa, Bad Behavior, Dogon, Pandora.
NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette will be available for CHF 95.- from March 2015 in Switzerland.  In other countries already for sale online. Double-takes never looked so good.

LoL, Sandra

Still: Courtesy of NARS