Sandra‘s Closet

Today is World Sleep Day, an annual event, intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.

We all know that a good night’s sleep can mean good skin health and a glowing complexion because when you’re sleep-deprived, your body makes more of the stress hormone cortisol. Today’s post is dedicated to a good night’s sleep and everything you need to awake up energized and radiant. Here are some beautifying next-generation night treatments that target specific skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation, pore size, fine lines and wrinkles and skins firmness.

RODIAL CBD Sleep Drops Booster
Soothing overnight treatment

The CBD Sleep Drops contain the balancing, non-hallucinogenic active ingredient CBD from the hemp plant. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties help to calm the skin and reduce redness. Formulated alongside elasticity boosting Collagen, moisturising Squalane and anti-inflammatory actives, Purslane and Chamomile, these therapeutic drops will leave skin feeling soothed, regenerated and comforted.

MZ SKIN Replenish & Restore Placenta & Stem Cell Night Recovery Mask
Powerful overnight mask

MZ Skin’s ‘Replenish & Restore’ mask works hard while you sleep to make skin appear smoother, firmer and more radiant by morning. It’s enriched with powerful ingredients that stimulate cell growth to promote a youthful-looking complexion – Hyaluronic Acid plumps with instant hydration, while Plantago Extract brightens and evens tone.

BYNACHT Perfect Nacht Sleeping Balm
Helps to promote sleep

Research shows that the skin’s renewal rate almost doubles at night because it’s free from external stressors, making it more receptive to active ingredients. BYNACHT’s ‘Perfect Nacht’ balm helps to ease you into slumber with a fragrant blend of essential oils. Ylang Ylang Flower Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf, and Lavandula Angustifolia Oil are proven to support a good night’s rest, so you can give your complexion the care it needs.

THIS WORKS Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Helps you falling asleep

Relaxation is essential for getting a good night’s sleep, and This Works’ pillow spray has been formulated with this in mind. The soothing blend of Lavender, Vetivert and Wild Camomile essential oils will help calm the mind in preparation for a restorative slumber.

ALLIES OF SKIN Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
Targets problems such as hyper pigmentation

This next-generation serum works hard to treat stubborn breakouts, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brighten your complexion as you sleep. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and a blend of Rosehip and Tamanu oils, it gently exfoliates and enhances cellular renewal, while boosting hydration. Peptides also combat redness and inflammation.

ONE OCEAN BEAUTY Ultra Marine Cellulite Night Cream
An overnight treatment to fight cellulite

Sounds too good to be true? You’ll have to try it! One Ocean Beauty’s rich night cream harnesses the power of two sustainably sourced marine ingredients to help improve the appearance of cellulite. It’s specially formulated with proteins that follow your body’s natural circadian rhythms, firming and toning overnight. It’s blended with nourishing Murumuru Seed and Shea Butters, which have a moisturizing effect you’ll really notice in the morning.

NURSE JAMIE Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow
For less sleep wrinkles and a better sleep in general

My avid readers know that I swear on Nurse Jamie’s uniquely shaped Beauty Bear™ pillow that is designed to support your neck and lumbar muscles, allowing you to sleep more soundly. The satin covering doesn’t absorb like cotton cases – it allows your skin to retain its natural moisture and oils, helping to minimize the appearance and creation of deep-set sleep wrinkles.

Awaken feeling and looking revitalised – this is what we all want. And with the fact that we should all stay home due to the corona virus, we might have the chance to get more sleep. Stay safe!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

There are advent calendars and then there those supersized, super-luxe advent calendars, full of the best in makeup, hair and skincare or even filled with surprises for intimate pleasures. It’s what self-gifting was made for…

Consider them the ultimate, carefully curated «best of» – and everything you need to take you through the holiday season. Click on the highlighted description to find out more… I personally love the small sized products as they are great for travelling.

LoL, Sandra

The Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar by Harrods
Housed in a beautiful navy blue coffret which will serve as a keepsake for years to come, it’s packed to the rafters with twenty five miniature and full size favourites from the famous Harrods Beauty Halls.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by Net-à-Porter Beauty
Counting down 25 days, its drawers are packed with a slew of goodies picked especially by Net-à-Porter’s team of Beauty Buyers.

Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic Advent Calendar by Charlotte Tilbury
 Filled with hero products to get you through the party season and beyond.

10 Day Balmain Advent Calendar by Balmain Hair Couture
Balmain Paris Hair Couture brings back the joy of opening advent calendars with this grown-up version featuring 10 haircare products.

 12 Days of Red Carpet Advent Calendar by Rodial
This round-up of miniatures will ensure your skin is looking refreshed and radiant in time for the big day.

Beauty Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma
Featuring a miniature version of the signature scent Colonia, it also includes Blu Mediterraneo, Le Nobili and Signature of the Sun miniatures.

12 Days of Glowing Renewal by La Mer (coming soon)
Featuring 12 mini La Mer products from the popular Renewal Oil and Treatment Lotion to two 15ml mini moisturisers in the Soft Cream and original Creme de la Mer Moisturising Cream.
In Switzerland available from October 21, 2019 for CHF 440.

Townhouse advent calendar by Jo Malone London (coming soon)
As always, the calendar is filled to the brim with sweet-smelling products, with 24 doors containing small vials of perfume (9ml), candles and body lotion.
In Switzerland available from October 28, 2019 for CHF 490.

Deluxe Advent Calendar by Amorana
In Switzerland available now for CHF 479.90 – for intimate pleasures.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Spring is around the corner, my favorite season. Time to wake up your outer beauty and to get ready to party. Green is the color of nature and health representing growth and nature. It is said to have healing powers – so get ready for the blooming season… with those tips:

WAKE UP YOUR SENSES

Champagne Grand Brut Edition Miami by Perrier-Jouët
Nothing beats a glass of bubbly – it always puts me in a good mood. I am very proud to announce that I am one of the ten founding members of the Artistic Society by Perrier-Jouët. Soon, I can tell you more about this secret club!
CHF 55.00 (75cl)

WAKE UP YOUR SKIN

Energie De Vie Exfoliating Mask by Lancôme
«Energie de Vie» means vitality in English. This is exactly what our skin needs after the cold winter months. Reduce the appearance of pores and reveal softer, healthy-looking skin with this exfoliating mask. I use it daily as a cure.
CHF 85.00 (75ml)

EGF Serum by Bioeffect
This amazing serum restores your skin’s natural glow and youthful appearance. It contains EGF, a cellular activator natural to human skin, which stimulates the skin’s ability to renew itself. My personal must in the spring season. To be used in the evening. You just need 2-4 drops, great for traveling.
CHF 198.00 (15ml)

Super Acid X-Treme Hangover Mask by Rodial
A triple action rub off clay mask to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and restore a radiant looking complexion. Use it once a week for best results in addition to the daily mask.
CHF 69.00 (75ml)

Pro Spa Skincare Hand & Feet Intensive Callus Smoothing Balm by OPI
Last year, OPI launched the first & only professional salon skincare line that brings the quality & efficiency of facial skincare to premium products developed specifically for hands & feet. And here is one of my personal favorites that I use every night. This softening foot and heel treatment balm helps restore dry, callused soles to relieve severe dryness that you get during the cold winter months. For perfect spring feet!
CHF 35.90 (118ml)

WAKE UP YOUR NOSE – THE  MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENTS FOR SPRING

Elements of Man Strength by Ermenegildo Zegna
Such a yummy fragrance for men that gets spring fever for sure. It fuses the tenacity of tobacco leaves with rich gourmand notes. Drips of golden honey and ripe apricot highlight the intensity of agar wood. Deep smoke penetrates the intricate chainmaille of woven pine needles, encasing a core of burnt musk.
CHF 250.00 (50ml)

Valentino Donna Rosa Verde by Valentino
A new fresh scent that is lovely for the first spring days. A radiant composition that combines green rose, mate tea, bergamot, ginger and magnolia. Contemporary and sophisticated.
CHF 174.00 (125ml) – available in Switzerland from April 2, 2018

Aura by Mugler
The latest fragrance launch by Mugler (not Thierry Mugler anymore) Aura might become another iconic fragrance of the brand. After the first spritz, it has really got me by being different, unexpected. Something I would love to wear on a spring evening. By reinventing the Oriental Green family, Mugler has signed  a new olfactory experience for the brand. The mix of ingredients is unheard of: rhubarb leaf, orange flower (new distillation process), vanilla pod bourbon and Firmenich Wolfwood® (Firmenich exclusive).
CHF 109.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally a product that not only Marilyn Monroe would have adored. Diamonds for the face – a triple-action flash radiance serum, containing a powerful cocktail of age-defying peptides and proteins, that has an immediate lifting effect on the skin, evens out skin tone and adds luminosity to the complexion through skin tightening enzymes, vitamin C and real diamond powder.

Rodial PINK DIAMOND INSTANT LIFTING SERUM
Short Facts

Diamond Powder: Multi-dimensional light reflective particles infuse skin with a lit-from-within glow.

Vitamin C: Reduces free radical damage, aids in protection and production of collagen and elastic fibres for a younger looking complexion.

Skin Tightener ST: Skin lifting proteins and enzymes- A hydroglycolic substance which has an immediate skin tightening effect whilst also leaving the skin feeling fresh and smooth.

In Switzerland, Rodial PINK DIAMOND INSTANT LIFTING SERUM is available for CHF 330.- (30 ml) exclusively at Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Bert Stern / 1962, Still: Courtesy of Rodial

For S/S 2015, soft and pastel, long tutu tulle skirts and dresses were gracing the runways, reminiscent of the lightness of a ballerina (in the collage above from left to right: Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet). They same trend can be seen for makeup. Creating the perfect no makeup look, mastering a healthy complexion, a radiant glow by applying subtle pink blush on the cheeks, nude eye colors that can get a colorful upgrade and lips that look as if they just had been kissed are the ultimate hype this spring. Here are the products that are wish list worthy:

FACE

Instaglam™ Compact Deluxe Contouring Powder 03 by Rodial
The beauty brand of the celebs is launching an amazing makeup line this spring. This face sculptor and definer can be best applied with a contour blush along cheekbones and jawline to sculpt and define the areas of the face.
CHF 72.00 (Available exclusively at Marionnaud from April 2015)

Météorites Perles de Blush – Eclat Angélique by Guerlain
An angelic complexion in a swish of brush, this small technological wonder infuses cheeks with soft, evanescent pink. A magical hybrid blush that recreates the glow of a complexion bathed in springtime freshness.
CHF 70.00 (Limited Edition)

Jardin de Chanel Blush Camélia Rose by Chanel
The exclusive creation of the Spring 2015 Collection Rêverie Parisienne, is the most romantic blush that can be easily slipped into your bag. This beautiful duo of pinks smells divine and recalls the delicate grace and purity of the favorite flower of Mademoiselle Chanel. 
CHF 63.00 (Limited Edition)

EYES

My French Palette by Lancôme
My favorite eye palette for the day this spring. The perfect mix & match for your eyes, it reveals a little secret of aquatic hues hidden under an extra lid in this treasure box. Create versatile looks from the most sophisticated to the cutest.
CHF 79.00 (Limited Edition)

Couture Palette Collector Ombre de Jour by Yves Saint Laurent
The name itself declares this palette to be used for the day but personally speaking it is perfect for a smokey eye look for a night out. A rare and precious object, this exclusive palette combines luminosity and darkness. Dressed in a glittering sequined pink all-over, the iconic gold case is belted with black satin.
CHF 100.00 (Limited Edition)

LIPS

Eclat Minute Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector 01 Rose by Clarins (far left)
I am convinced that you will love those new lip balm perfecters by Clarins as much as I do. Great for every day, part makeup, part skin care, it melts onto the lips to veil them with subtle luminous color. 
CHF 30.00 (Available in 6 colors)

Phyto-Lip Twist 08 Candy by Sisley (far right)
This spring, Sisley offers three new shades of its famous tinted balm, which is colored like a lipstick and shiny like a gloss. Ladies, let’s twist again! Easy to apply, it stays on for hours! If you haven’t tried it yet, you will have to now!
CHF 45.00 each

Veiled Rouge Sloe RS 308 by Shiseido
Mellow, delicate color and sheen, this lip stick keeps lips moist and shimmering like a veil. You will love it for summer. 
CHF 40.00 (Available in 8 colors, I adore this deep berry hue.)

Dior Addict Gloss 624 Mylord by Dior
Part of Dior’s Spring 2015 Kingdom of Colors Collection, this new lipgloss has the perfect shimmering mauve nude with gold sparkles mixed in.
CHF 46.00

NAILS

Le Vernis Nail Colour 625 Paradiso by Chanel
CHF 35.00 (Limited edition)
Top Coat Eclosion Blossoming 01 by Dior
CHF 38.00 (Limited edition) 
The perfect duo when for together!

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog. Check it out – there are more interesting products available.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Runway photos: via Style.com and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Rodial founder, Maria Hatzistefanis, is a full-on business woman. In 1999, the former editor, who grew up in Greece, saw the need in the market for a serious skincare range. Now, almost 16 years later, the company has grown into a worldwide beauty brand that has recently launched its first makeup line (in Switzerland exclusively available at Marionnaud from April). The charming brunette likes to recharge her batteries over the weekend in the English countryside.

Your favorite place to be?
We have a place at the COTSWOLDS, UK, an area of hills open countryside and historic villages north of Bath and west of Oxford, where we go at the weekend. It is my sanctuary where I can chill, do a lot of yoga and be close to nature.

Your favourite hotel?
THE FIVE ALLS. It looks like somebody’s house, very homely.
Filkins, Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3JQ, +44 1367 860875

Your favourite restaurant?
The DAYLESFORD ORGANIC FARM. They serve all organic food. I love their superfood salad with bee pollen.
Daylesford near Kingham, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG, +44 1608 731 700

Your favorite tea place?
PATISSERIE VALERIE– the best place for the most delicious scones.
4 Southgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2DH, +44 1452 301584
208 High Street, Cheltenham, Gloucs, GL50 3FA, +44 1242 513465

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK – my kids just love it. They even have lions there.

Your favourite activity?
WALKING the dog and the kids. It is our time when we can be together without any distraction, when they tell me all about their week.

Your favourite shop?
BAMFORD BARN for luxurious cashmere blankets, it’s all about at-home luxury.
Daylesford near Kingham, Gloucestershire,  GL56 OYG, +44 1608 731713

Your must-have accessory?
HUNTER BOOTS, they look stylish and are a necessity for long walks.

Your beauty musts for the weekend?
The RODIAL GLAM BALM MULTI that I use as a nourishing mask, it’s the ultimate multi purpose product, GLAM BALM LIP and STEMCELL SUPER-FOOD HAND CREAM.

The favourite music while you are there?
Anything by DAVID GUETTA, very uplifting and cool sounds.

Your favorite book to read over the weekend?
GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn, it lets your mind travel away.

Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insider scoop on Cotswolds with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Maria Hatzistefanis, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Jeremie Romain, via Eatlittlebird.com

Flying, time difference, being sleep-deprived, and not eating the healthiest food is stress for your body which shows in your face. But it is common practice during NYFW. Due to the weight limit for the luggage on the plane, I like to take as less as possible with me. Here are some beauty products that work their magic instantly to make sure you look like coming from a spa treatment, nothing more needed.

RODIAL Glam Balm™ Hand

This innovative cream gently repairs, protects and moisturises skin. It is wonderfully scented, reminiscent of almonds and coconuts, like a mini holiday at the beach. Perfect to comfort you if you cannot fall asleep because of your jet-lag. Exclusively available in Switzerland at Marionnaud. CHF 63.00

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

Drinking lots of water is indispensable for a radiant complexion. But you can also replenish lost moisture (perfect after a long flight) by using this creamy, oil-free, penetrating night mask which helps skin drink deep to build reserves for the next day. All night long, it soothes and nourishes  so that you wake up with soft, dewy, glowing skin. CHF 52.00 (100ml)

SISLEY Eau Efficace Démaquillant Doux

This product is perfect for travelling as it combines three cleansing steps in one. You can remove your face and eye make-up, cleanse and tone the skin in one single sweep. CHF 105.00 (300ml)

SHISEIDO Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream

A powerful time-fighting cream for day and night that is formulated with Rose Apple Leaf Extract to protect skin from harmful environmental aggressors and maintain youthful looking skin. Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid N supplies a high level of moisture which helps maintain a positive cycle in the skin. Perfect for travelling! CHF 152.00 (50ml)

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

To celebrate the launch of Rodial‘s newest line of products that include bee venom, the British beauty brand and Marionnaud Switzerland invited us busy bees, bloggers and journalists to a lovely lunch at the Widder Hotel in Zurich.

Listening to Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis who had flown in from London especially for the event, I learnt that the bee venom is a very interesting ingredient that helps to increase blood flow to the skin and provides a plumping effect to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It apparently fools the skin into thinking it has been stung with the toxin, which forces the body to produce collagen and elastin, which are both two key components of healthy skin, in the affected area. In case you are allergic to bees, no worries, the amount included is too small to cause an allergic shock or reaction. I am a big fan of the brightening eye cream of the line.

RODIAL Bee Venom Super Serum – CHF 229.00 (30ml)
RODIAL Bee Venom Moisturiser – CHF 219.00 (50ml)
RODIAL Bee Venom Eye Cream – CHF 165.00 (25ml)

Maria Hatzistefanis with me at the lunch

Also on display was the brand’s newest body care range. All products have some very fun names and promise to firm and target problem areas fast. Whatever body part you would like to focus on, Rodial has the right product: ARM SCULPT™ CHF 82.00 – TUMMY TUCK™ CHF 123.00 – BOOB JOB™ CHF 123.00 and SIZE ZERO™ CHF 79.00.
Rodial is exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland.

The SIZE ZERO™ daily toning body moisturizer is a great way to get started as it works for most areas of your body. It helps to reduce stubborn fatty deposits and water retention. Maria told me that she loves to use it post-workout to firm and smooth the skin. A fast way to look great, just the right thing for busy bees…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Two weeks ago, I flew to London to attend the 4th annual Rodial Beautiful Awards held at the trendy St. Martin’s Lane hotel. I was invited by Marionnaud which carry the brand exclusively in Switzerland.

It was such a star-studded night. On the red carpet arrived some fab celebrities including Sadie Frost, Savannah Miller, Amber Le Bon and Melissa Odabash, all of which are embodying the awards’ philosophy in perfection to celebrate women of beauty, style and elegance.

Rodial had put together a truly impressive judging panel, including Mary Katrantzou, Stephen Webster and Jade Jagger. Among the winners were Rita Ora for “Most Edgy Look” and Camilla Babbington for “Freshest Face”.

Me with the lovely Isolde Burtscher (Marionnaud Switzerland)

On display was the latest Rodial launch BEE VENOM that will hit the shelves later this spring in Switzerland. I was lucky to test it already and can only recommend this new anti-aging range. 
A donation will be made from its proceeds to Children on the Edge, a charity dedicated to children in need.

Top Secret! The new must-have range exclusive to men has been revealed during the event with a hilarious video showing the team looking for the perfect Nip+Man! It is said to provide targeted solutions to everyday skin and body concerns, such as tired skin, sore muscles, or abs in need of a lift! Hitting the stores in May 2013.

Fashion designer Julien Macdonald was the host and the birthday boy of the night. He did such a fabulous job, being very funny and entertaining. Later, we were all toasting to him with the yummy gin-litchi cocktails served at the event…

Let me share with you some impressions of the awards ceremony:

Fashion designer Ben de Lisi

Savannah Miller, sister of Sienna Miller, handed the award in the category “Best Beauty Pages Long Lead” to Marie Claire magazine. Being a former fashion editor for German Marie Claire magazine, I couldn’t have been happier.

Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of Rodial, with the winner in the category “Best Make-up Artist” Lisa Eldridge to her left.

Swimwear designer and former model Melissa Odabash to the right with Amber Le Bon, daughter of Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon and Yasmin Le Bon, who accepted the award in the category “Classic Glamour” for her mum.

Two who like each other: Sadie Frost and hairdressing royalty James Brown, who both honoured Kate Moss with the “Special Rodial Beautiful Award”.

The amazing evening ended in true style with a DJ set from the cute Amber le Bon. I had so much fun and after having met the wonderful Rodial team, I am even more in love with the brand! Stay tuned for the outfit post coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tuesday, I flew to one of my favourite cities in the world: London. I was invited by Marionnaud to attend the Rodial Beautiful Awards. Here you see me on the arrival day. I stayed at the lovely St. Martins Lane hotel, where the event took place in the evening. Before going on a little shopping spree, I enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Asia de Cuba restaurant.

My look: Military coat by Miu Miu, shirt and knit waistcoat by Gucci, double-layered mesh skirt by Theyskens’ Theory, glass crystal eagle necklace by Lanvin, boots by Balmain and leather tote by Saint Laurent.

I know that you have seen me lately many times with this shopper by Saint Laurent. It is truly my favourite bag at the moment, especially when I am travelling. It is easy to carry and suits all sorts of styles. Stay tuned for the upcoming post of the event, I love my job!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht