OPI Is Teaming Up With Xbox

This spring 2022, you can take your nails to the next level. OPI is teaming up with Xbox to launch a vibrant collection of 12 winning hues. Available in three different formulas with colors ranging from fresh blues and greens to fantastical shimmers, this palette brings the virtual worlds of gaming to life so you can unlock endless looks and play with nail art and new trends.

My favorite shade: Pixel Dust

Pixelated pinks (Pixel Dust, Racing for Pinks) are joined by energetic hues of bright orange, coral, and vibrant red (Suzi is My Avatar, Trading Paint, Heart and Con-soul). Get ahead of the game with shades that blend natural beige and greens (Quest for Quartz, The Pass is Always Greener, Sage Simulation) then take it to the next level with ethereal lavender and purple tones (You Had Me at Halo, Can’t CTRL Me, Achievement Unlocked, N00berry).

Consumers can win and unlock stunning, shade-matched Xbox in-game content for Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on Instagram (www.instagram.com/OPI_SWISS) und Facebook (www.facebook.com/OPISWISS).

Fans will also have the chance to win custom Xbox Wireless Controllers in top trending hues – Achievement Unlocked, Racing for Pinks and Can’t CTRL Me – to pair with their own mesmerizing nail art inspired by fanfavorite games on Xbox Game Pass.

Racing for Pinks

OPI and Xbox will also team up with notable creators from the gaming industry to bring the collaboration to life.

«Over the past 40 years, we’ve traveled the globe; now we’re excited to visit virtual worlds with Xbox,» remarks OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. «In these worlds, anything is possible, and the collection’s colors reflect infinite possibilities to create. Whether you play video games as a creative hobby or as a way to relax and connect with friends, nailcare offers these same benefits. From new shade technology to nail art and more, consumers can expect lots of exciting surprises to come with this partnership!»

Quest for Quartz

GelColor provides a salon-perfect finish with up to three-week wear, while Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90 / 15ml) offers a high-shine finish and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90 / 15ml) features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

The collection will be launching on March 14, 2022 in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © OPI
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Which Rose Are You?

Rose scents are trending at the moment. According to Frédéric Malle, «Roses is to perfumery what the nude is to drawing». Whether pure, futuristic, sophisticated or even synthetic: each perfumer has his, or her, own interpretation of this flower, perfumery’s most conceptual theme. This is the opportunity for Frédéric Malle to showcase the wealth of styles of the artists he publishes and to propose 4 roses with strong personalities:

ROSE TONNERRE: The Darkest of Roses

Iconic and cult, Une Rose has joined the great classics of the Éditions de Parfums. Today, the Maison signs a grand premiere in the world of perfumery: Une Rose is changing to become Rose Tonnerre and continues its worldwide success story and the conquest of the Asian continent. A new name, carefully chosen, for a formula that remains precisely the same and reflects the strength of this earthy and truly unique rose.

Frédéric Malle‘s beloved classic, Rose Tonnerre is part of an exotic garden of exquisite rose scents at night: in the foreground, intoxicating, sparkling, sweet and fresh all at once, it reveals deep and warm facets. Dark and enigmatic, subtly gothic.

Within the context of this personal work, Édouard Fléchier showed Frédéric Malle a new base, a kind of olfactive sketch, reproducing the smell of a «Perigord’s truffle». This assemblage of dark notes, for the most part woody and animal, was destined to masculine perfumery, but the two friends had the idea – a priori paradoxical- to marry it to the feminine scent par excellence: the rose.
The idea was to take advantage of the semi earthly, semi animal truffle’s aspect to reinforce the «garden» side of the flower, and by doing that creating a link between the petal and the skin scent. All in all, this composition obeys to the precept that a flower alone is only a scent and that a perfume should emanates from the person who wears it.
Taking advantage of the release of an Absolue Rose Turque by molecular distillation, stemming from the laboratories Manes research, Edouard Fléchier created his perfume with a great amount of this unique raw material which he matched, with his usual virtuosity, to this unexpected bottom note. He had then to find the ideal concentration and, faithful to the compromising spirit which governs the Éditions de Parfums, the two friends did not hesitate to fix this last one on 25% weight/vol, in order to show this magisterial composition’s worth.

In the hands of the master perfumer, the classic rose aroma becomes dark and sensual.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY: Rose Overdose

Once upon a time was a woman. Inimitable. Portrait of a Lady.

The original sketch was ambitious: to reinvent the genus of amber perfume. From the heart of a flamboyant masculine perfume, Géranium pour Monsieur, is extracted the basis of a sumptuous feminine perfume, like a flash of heat across the skin.

In the foreground, Dominique Ropion proposes an orgy that defies the limits of reasonableness, daring excess and covering the formula of opulence with an indecent and endless number of petals of Turkish rosesabout 10%, the equivalent of 400 flowers per bottle of 100 ml.
The most classic of ingredients, which, in such proportions suddenly takes on unimaginable dimension, strength and character. Striking in its abundance of roses, the fragrance expresses its dramatic power through the contrasts of incense and sandalwood. A clove, blackcurrant and raspberry accord binds the whole together to give this great perfume its final touch. It took Dominique Ropion and Frédéric Malle months to create this fragrance. Months of sketches to finally compose this Portrait.

Mystery and refinement, Portrait of a Lady is an ode, a song to universal beauty, the one shared indistinctly by all women and in which each expresses her own ideal.

ROSE & CUIR: The Chimera Rose

The calm before the storm. Inspired by the storied Mistral wind that blows through the South of France and embodies the irresistible elegance of a silent storm, Jean-Claude Ellena signs with Rose & Cuir a purified perfume to the extreme, built around very selected ingredients.

The fragrance opens with a crystalline rose: pure, streamlined, modern and uncompromisingly.
A brilliant blackcurrant, followed by Timut Pepper and Geranium Bourbon extractions, creates the illusion. The airy and solar first feeling gradually reveals a leather in its raw state, both elegant and mysterious.

This base is built around IsoButyl Quinoline, a forgotten molecule discovered at the turn of the 20th century and then popularized by the very daring perfumery of the 1950s.

This nearly whisper, takes on a new, more assertive tone, that of a tumultuous but disarmingly sober drama.


LIPSTICK ROSE: The Glamourous & Pop Art Rose

Lipstick Rose expresses an exacerbated vision of femininity. That lipstick’s smell reminds the intimate moment when a star, in the hushed comfort of her dressing room, slides her stick over her upper lip.

Grapefruit and violet enhance the fragrance’s rose note, while iris, raspberry and rose combine with vanilla and white musk to create a glamorized femininity in technicolor.

Ralf Schwieger, a young perfumer whose architectural writing and desire to create extraordinary products have seduced Frédéric Malle, has composed a fragrance that is somewhere between Hollywood Glamour and Pop Art. My favorite!

TO SHOP Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
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LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
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My Look: London Nights

London nights are the best. I love those British vibes that combine tradition with trendy joyfulness. Here you see me leaving my hotel, The London EDITION, that I can absolutely recommend, as well the Berners Tavern restaurant inside.

My look: Off-the-shoulder double-breasted wool-twill coaticon by Valentino, lace-trimmed point d’esprit tulle and plissé-chiffon mini dressicon by Dolce & Gabbana, Kate Botta Alta stretch-suede over-the-knee bootsicon by Christian Louboutin, and Broadway lurex floral jacquard clutch by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sinbad Phgura @sinbadphgura
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Skinvestment

One month ago, it was my birthday and I turned 47. People sometimes wonder why I am so honest with my age. Why shouldn’t I be? It is nothing to be ashamed of. There’s so much to be grateful for. In the recent shadow of many lives cut short, we all understand how fleeting and precious life is. I am proud of my achievements, of all the great memories I built, of all the blessings I received. Each year of life and experience is wisdom gained, lessons learned, and perspective broadened. I find it actually also quite fun to tell people my age because they are mostly very astonished and think that I am much younger.

Blame it to my slim figure, or my facial structure, that might be genetic, but there is one thing that I have been doing since forever and that is taking care of my skin! It is called skinvestment, the action of investing time, money, and effort on skincare routine in order to bring out a healthier skin.

I have been using – as you all know – LA MER products since many years and especially love the Genaissance de la Mer™ line. At first glance, it is an exquisite collection that promises to disrupt the evolution of time. But on a deeper look, this innovative collection is more than a luxurious proposition against the effects of aging. It is a research-based approach that goes beyond the façade to bring the science to the fore, and new empirical testing that yields results such as deep lines measurably reduced, and other signs of aging targeted by specific technology and ingredients. In a clinical study, 100% of panelists showed a measurable reduction in the appearance of fine lines (clinical testing on 26 women, after using the product for 8 weeks.)

Skincare should be fun and Genaissance is the ultimate sensorial experience, while helping to accelerate skin renewal, and addressing the visible effects of time. Usher with me in a new era of Genaissance where the science of beauty is considered, and agelessness knows no bounds.

Genaissance de la Mer™
The Infused Lotion

Unique blend of milky and watery lotion to strengthen and hydrate skin

  • Prepares skin for the power of the Genaissance de la Mer™ collection
  • Hydrates, softens, nourishes, and strengthens skin
  • Leaves skin feeling balanced and comforted and looking healthier and more youthful

Genaissance de la Mer™
The Serum Essence

Ultimate accelerated renewal to visibly address all signs of time

  • Visibly diminishes lines & wrinkles to reveal youthful, renewed skin
  • Lifts & firms the looks of skin and helps strengthen skin’s barrier / density
  • Visibly minimizes pores and smoothes texture
  • Leaves skin with a more even tone and translucence appearance.

Genaissance de la Mer™
Eye and Expression Cream

Targets signs of aging in eye and expression areas

  • Visibly softens all signs of time including the look of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, leaving skin looking renewed and more youthful
  • Expression areas such as the forehead, smile, and laugh lines appear more plumped and smooth
  • Skin looks less puffy, more lifted and feels soft and soothes around expression areas

Genaissance de la Mer™
The Concentrated Night Balm

Accelerated renewal, comfort and strength over night

  • Helps skin rebuild natural collagen and elastin to strengthen its Extracellular Matrix, so lines and wrinkles appear diminished and skin feels firmer while skin is in overnight restorative mode
  • Deep hydration plumps and softens skin so it looks smoother and more radiant
  • Rapidly strengthens skin’s barrier to help protect skin from the stresses of the day to come

I recommend trying the The Genaissance de la Mer™ Discovery Collection set that is available on counters and online here. It is great starter set to experience the full range.

The set includes:
15ml GDLM Infused Lotion
30ml GDLM Serum Essence
5ml GDLM Eye & Expression Cream
5ml GDLM Night Balm
Price CHF 705.00

Your Genaissance routine should be followed by your favorite LA MER moisturizer. If you need help in finding the right texture, click here please for a previous post.

Great news is that I have a special promo code for you: use VSASANDRALAMER at check-out. You will receive CHF 40 off any purchase of minimum CHF 200. This code is a one time use and not combinable with other offers or codes. It works only in the Swiss La Mer website and is valid until February 28, 2022.

In case you have any specific question about my skin care, please send me an e-mail to with the header «skin care».

And, ladies, please don’t forget! Getting older is not something to fear or be embarrassed about. It’s a collection of experiences, lessons, and the adventures that have made you who you are. There’s a freedom that comes from getting older as a woman, even if it means accepting some changes to your body. It’s your aura that counts. If you feel good, you will steal the show. Trust me on that one.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This is a paid collaboration with LA MER and a heartfelt message from me.
@lamer #LaMer #LoveLaMer #GenaissancedelaMer

My Look: The Hacker Project

It is a HACK! Finally I am wearing those beautiful heels and the fun Hourglass bag from the famous Hacker Project, merging the iconic silhouettes and codes of Balenciaga and Gucci.

My look: GG-logo jacquard single-breasted wool jacketicon, GG-jacquard wool waistcoatGG-jacquard wool straight-leg trousersiconGG and heart crystal-embellished chokerThe Hacker Project square Knife pump, and The Hacker Project small Hourglass bag, all by GucciBig Bang All Black Zermatt by Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at the Dolder Grand.

DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Hermès Cape Cod Crépuscule Watch

In 1991, the Cape Cod watch was born beneath the bold pencil strokes of Henri d’Origny. With its «square in a rectangle” case formed by two «anchor chain» half-links, Cape Cod now welcomes a dial with a singular aesthetic uniting and revealing two ordinarily distinct worlds.


In 2018, Hermès initiated a meeting with the Neuchâtel-based Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) as part of its search for a technological innovation that would be dedicated to creativity. This gave rise to a project for a dial made from a silicon wafer, which was to feature the intimate and refined «Crépuscule» (dusk) motif by designer-graphic artist Thanh-Phong Lê.

Used in microelectronics for its semiconductor properties, the silicon wafer was chosen here for its purely aesthetic qualities, representing a first. Depending on the amount of material deposited during production, its colour varies across an infinite palette of subtle and unique shades. This highly technological process is carried out by specialised engineers in the CSEM labs.

The dials of the Cape Cod crépuscule are created from a single 0.5 mm thick plate, which is coated in an extremely precise manner with a tiny (72-nanometre) film of silicon nitride to obtain the desired intense blue colour.

Then comes the photolithography stage, during which the wafer is exposed to a blue light so as to print the pattern. The process involves several successive baths, before the gold-coating stage, followed by other baths to remove any superfluous material. Finally, the plate is precisely cut to the shape of the Cape Cod case.

The dial with its slender gilded hands reveals the bluish shades sprinkled with yellow gold achieved by this unique method combining creativity and nanotechnology. A navy blue calfskin single or double tour strap crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops sets the final touch to the Cape Cod crépuscule watch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Joël Von Allmen, David Marchon © Hermès, 2022
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A British Countryside Tradition

Last weekend, I followed NET-A-PORTERicon and Purdey‘s invitation to go to the English countryside for a day of clay shooting – something that I had never done before. Being a very good customer at the online shopping destination means you get invited to very special experiences and this one was one of them.

As you might imagine, I was very excited about this trip and what to dress. I googled «Duchess of Cambridge in the countryside» and this inspired me to this country style look. As my house is still a big construction side, it became pretty challenging to find the boxes with my wellington boots and rain coats in storage. However I managed!

It’s important to dress appropriately, to make sure you stay warm, and dry throughout. You won’t have fun if you’re soaked through on the first drive, nor will you enjoy yourself if your swing is being hindered by your Mackintosh. I really liked my outfit that I put together with many layers that were comfortable and warm. A detailed post will follow.

Founded in England in 1814, James Purdey & Sons, or simply Purdey, is a British gunmaker based in London, specialising in high-end bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles. Purdey holds three Royal Warrants of appointment as gun and rifle makers to the British and other European royal families. The company also produces ready-to-wear and accessories.

Twinning with my lovely Alli from the Net-à-Porter team.

Being always at the forefront of advances in the design and building of guns and rifles, Purdey took out several patents for technical innovations over the years, of which many were adopted by other gunmakers.

In 1882 the company moved from Oxford Street to new premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where the company remains to this day.

Whilst James Purdey & Sons is best known as a maker of shotguns, it also produces rifles, both double-barrelled and bolt-action. The guns are custom-made, largely by hand. They are extremely expensive. A new Purdey shotgun starts at around £89000 and can be customized with special engravings. This one in the photo above costs around £120000.

In 2018, Purdey acquired the Royal Berkshire Shooting Group, which includes also the The Royal Berkshire Shooting School where the event took place. Located around 1.5 hours from Central London, the Shooting School is recognized as the finest facility of its kind, employing eight full time, professional shooting instructors and having one of the most expansive shooting grounds in the country.

As this was my first time shooting, I was accompanied by an instructor who provided me with the safety measures and guided me round the school to make sure I could access the full range of stands that are on offer. Shooting can become very addictive. I hit the clay on my third trial and was over the moon.

I had so much fun with Alli and Harry from my Net-à-Porter family.

Shooting is a sociable sport. It is best shared among friends, old or new. I loved spending the day together with my Net-à-Porter family and getting to know new people.

When the wind turned up, it got pretty chilly and I was very thankful for the warm tea and for the lovely lunch after the clay shooting. A huge thank you to Iona and her team for the great organization.

I had an amazing day filled with unforgettable memories.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Alberta Ferretti x Wolford

Alberta Ferretti and Wolford collaborate on the creation of a collection that tells a story of strength, femininity and sensuality through the eye of tradition, craftsmanship and the excellence of Made in Italy. The collaboration consists of ten styles available in the neutral colours of white, black, and powder pink, which translate into a cleanliness capable of revealing the precision of the graphics and the workmanship. The collection is available now here.

The beautiful campaign was photographed by Rafael Pavarotti.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Wolford #AlbertaFerrettixWolford
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Miu Miu Workout

To facilitate both a search for inner balance and outer strength, Miu Miu introduces a capsule collection of sport accessories. Central to the offering are yoga matts and bricks, a drawstring gym pouch, boxing gloves and water bottles.

Designed in soft pink and classic black, both with white stripe detailing, these accessories feature adjustable webbed straps for ease carrying cross body or over the shoulder, and are branded with the instantly recognisable Miu Miu logo – a symbol of empowered femininity and belonging to a community of like-minded, free-spirited souls.
Miu Miu Workout is available at selected Miu Miu stores worldwide and online at miumiu.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Miu Miu
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

I Loubi You

Looking to make a statement? Do you believe in love at first sight? You might just after seeing those amazing pieces by Christian Louboutin. Those amazing fetish illustrations and Pin-up prints were created exclusively for the French House by artist Doctor Bored.

Fetish de Desert 100 leather sandalsicon

A leather accessory is definitely one of the quickest way to my heart.
SAY IT WITH A RED SOLE!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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