If you are somebody who is not very keen on wearing heavy foundation but still likes to mask flaws and add a little radiance to your complexion, you might thank me forever for this post. Here is a product that offers great coverage with a light and airy feeling. I tried it and it is truly amazing as it simultaneously moisturizes the skin throughout the day.

MIRACLE AIR DE TEINT is Lancôme‘s latest foundation launch and beautiful Penelope Cruz stars in the ad campaign. Try it, you will love it. It is like a veil, the lightweight formula is outstanding. A new makeup generation due to a mixture of volatile and semi-volatile oils, with “miraculous particles“, that are consisting of 90% air.

In Switzerland, Miracle Air de Teint will be available in 12 shades starting this month for CHF 62.00 a bottle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, we had an eminent visit in Zurich. Llyod Simmonds, Creative Director Make-up Yves Saint Laurent, had flown in to present his newest creation at Aura:
the FLOWER CRUSH Spring Look 2014.

Lovers and collectors of YSL beauty items will be pleased to look at those limited edition beauty must-haves that will hit the shelves in Switzerland in February 2014.

My personal favourites are the new GLOSS VOLUPTÉ lip glosses that replace the brand’s iconic Golden Gloss. This new generation of lip shine will be available in 24 shades in three different harmonies: golden, iridescent and pure. Four of these are already included in the upcoming YSL Spring 2014 Flower Crush Collection. What makes the gloss stand out is its applicator, which is designed to look like a kiss-shape and which allows for precise application.
As Lloyd put it: “An invitation to kiss.”

LoL, Sandra

Lloyd Simmonds with me

PIVOINE CRUSH Palette Collector pour les Yeux CHF 89.00 (One Shot)

ROSY BLUSH Palette Collector pour le Teint CHF 89.00 (One Shot)

GLOSS VOLUPTÉ N°104 Prune Organdi –  N°49 Terriblement Fuchsia – N°19 Rose Orfèvre – N°3 Rose Fusion CHF 48.00 each

ROUGE VOLUPTÉ N°34 Rose Asarine – N° 31 Fuchsia Tourbillon – N°33 Rose Neillia – N°32 Corail Jalouse CHF 50.00 each

ROUGE PUR COUTURE VERNIS À LÈVRES N°32 Rouge Avant-Gardiste – N°33 Bourgogne Artistique CHF 48.00 each

LA LACQUE COUTURE N°48 Rose Scabiosa (One Shot) – N°49 Rouge Pablo CHF 38.00 each

DESSIN DU REGARD WATERPROOF N°11 Pourpre Intense CHF 36.00
MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS N°22 Violine Ténébreuse CHF 50.00 (One Shot)

Photos: © David Biedert and © Sandra Bauknecht

What could be more British than London rain? This fact inspired Master Perfumer Christine Nagel to capture the different moods of a downpour, from the soft sparkle of a morning shower to a wild rainstorm at night for Jo Malone‘s upcoming limited edition LONDON RAIN collection.

“The initial concept from Jo Malone London was to create a scented portrait of London to conjure up the romantic and deeply intense rainy days,” says Nagel.

I find the weather inspiration such a great concept and I cannot wait to indulge my nose in those four new scents.

Rain & Angelica
Glassy beads of dew, awakening a London park at dawn. A revitalising scent, enlivened with herbaceous angelica and juicy lime on an earthy base of vetiver. Aqueous and clear.

Wisteria & Violet
A soft morning shower, soaking purple wisteria cascading over London stone walls. Infused with the wet-petal scent of violets and water lily. Rainwashed and intoxicating.

White Jasmine & Mint
An afternoon cloudburst, drenching gardens exuberant with jasmine, lily, orange flower and rose. Eccentric with its dash of scrambling wild mint. Enchanting and refreshing.

Black Cedarwood & Juniper
Midnight rain. Seductive with the carnal touch of cumin, chilli leaves, and aromatic juniper. Dark with cedar wood. Humid with moss. Modern and urban.

LONDON RAIN Limited Edition
In the UK and other countries available from March 2014. Each Cologne 100ml RRP £82 / €100.
In Switzerland available in the beginning of May 2014. Each Cologne 100ml RRP CHF 130.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

While we are indulging in the newest spring trends, the designers are already showing pre-fall 2014. And one has absolutely caught my eye: MOSCHINO. With Jeremy Scott being now being at the helmet of the brand (he was an intern once), there is a creative director, who knows how to live up to the humorous take the brand is famous for.

I am convinced that founder Franco Moschino, who died in 1994, would have loved those “jacket bags” and “biker backpacks“. OMG! To die for!

Everything that Scott showed has been “molto italiano“. I just love it! And you see, I told you, you shouldn’t have thrown out your Moschino logo belt and bag. I kept mine and here I go!

TO SHOP MOSCHINO’S LOGO MUST-HAVES, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via style.com, © Sandra Bauknecht

Gorgeous Daria Strokous is the face of Dior‘s new S/S 2014 makeup collection, “Dior Trianon“, that is inspired by Versailles, Marie-Antoinette and her private estate Petit Trianon.

All you need to create the look of a contemporary courtesan with porcelain complexion,flashy mouth ,pinky cheeks and pastel colors on her eyelids and nails.
One word that describes it all: beautiful!

The collection will be available in Switzerland from January 15, 2014. Below you can explore all the upcoming amazing products.

STAR PRODUCT
001 Palette Trianon Favorite CHF 115.00 (One Shot)

DIORSHOW FUSION MONO MATTE
091 “Nocturne”  – 121 “Céleste” (One Shot) – 721 “Songe” – 761 “Mirage”  CHF 49.00 each

5 COLEURS TRIANON EDITION
234 “Pastel Fontanges” (One Shot) CHF 92.00

954 “Pink Pompadour” (One Shot) CHF 92.00

DIORSHOW MONO TRIANON EDITION
170 “Angélique” (One Shot) and 427 “Opaline” (One Shot) CHF 50.00 each

PRIMER
001 Glow Maximizer (Light Boosting Primer) CHF 62.00
001 Pore Minimizer (Skin Refining Matte Primer) CHF 62.00

002 Backstage Eye Prime (Long-wear & Smoothing) CHF 43.00

DIORBLUSH TRIANON EDITION
763 “Corail Bagatelle” (One Shot) CHF 69.00

946 “Pink Rêverie” (One Shot) CHF 69.00

ROUGE DIOR
531 “Rose Crinoline” – 757 “Souveraine” (One Shot) – 761 “Courtisane” (One Shot) – 774 “Allégresse” (One Shot) CHF 51.50 each

DIOR ADDICT GLOSS
122 “Mousseline” – 382 “Minauderie” – 442 “Pétillante” – 772 “Exquise” (All One Shots) CHF 45.00 each

DIOR ADDICT LIP GLOW
004 “Coral” (One Shot) CHF 46.50

DIOR VERNIS
187 Trianon Édition “Perlé” CHF 38.50 (One Shot)
204 “Porcelaine”  – 457  “Bouquet” – 777 “Bloom” CHF 37.00 (All One Shots)

In Switzerland in stores starting January 15, 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Just in time for the new year, have a look at Sal y Limon‘s sizzling hot Rose Gold Special Edition! Enchanting a woman’s arm with those feminine hues that flatter every skin tone, the new bracelets are available in five color sets – Grey, White Swirley, Crystal Blue, Powder Rose and Beige. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Grey

White Swirley

Crystal Blue (The set I am wearing in the first photo and in this post.)

Powder Rose

Beige

Photos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht

Reminiscent of a soccer team group shot, the new Prada S/S 2014 ad campaign shot by  Steven Meisel reflects the fierce and independent spirit of the collection. Teams of models hold us in their collective gaze, looking forward in a united vision.

The only thing missing is the football… but I am sure that most of us will be ready for the fashionable battle in Prada’s sporty tube socks and striped details. Personally speaking, I am crazy for those giant mural prints of female faces on the dresses, fur coats and bags. Those will definitely score a goal in my closet!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Sunday. A pause in the week. To unwind… and go wherever the mood takes you. Why not make every day like that with the help of Jo Malone‘s new candle collection that provides all elements of rest and pleasure. Created by the brand’s style editor Charlotte Stockdale, the JUST LIKE SUNDAY collection evokes feelings and memories – at least one is sure to conjure up aspects of your own ideal Sunday. They all smell heavenly!

GREEN TOMATO LEAF
Glasshouse tomatoes. Earthy, leafy and full of sunshine. Crisp with stem-green galbanum. Lively with artemesia, fruity with cassis, resting on a cushion of moss. Tangy and evocative.

LAVENDER & LOVAGE
Crisp, white sheets. The comfort of lavender linen…clean and relaxing. Laced with the aniseed twist of garden lovage. Deepened with herbaceous rosemary and thyme. Calm and aromatic.

SWEET ALMOND & MACAROON
Delectable macaroon. A comforting confection of sweet almond and creamy coconut. Rich with cherries. Softened by vanilla. Warm and cocooning.

INCENSE & EMBERS
Curls of smoky incense. Brightened with silver fir and white pepper. Sensual with napa leather on a base of elegant vetiver and golden amber. Contemplative and relaxing.

Available from January 2014 for CHF 82.00 (200g). In Switzerland exclusively at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free. I can feel the Devil walking next to me…” – Murray Head

I spent one night in Bangkok that would put the most amazing nights in the shade. It just had everything you can imagine. I started with drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar, located on the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower, which is the second tallest building in Thailand. You might recognize the building as it was prominently featured in the 2011 American film Hangover Part 2. This is where the helicopter scene was filmed. I had barely seen a location that breathtaking in my life before. Named “the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see” by the New York Times, you can enjoy stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Just be prepared that a glass of champagne will cost you around CHF 70.00 (… and it is not a Dom Pérignon).

My look: Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, crochet knit dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag by MCM, necklace by Carmen Cita Jones Jewelry and rose gold bangles by Sal y Limon.

After Sky Bar, I went to Mezzaluna restaurant, which is located at the 65th floor inside the dome. German chefs who happen to be identical twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring, bring their years at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe to prepare masterfully the finest menus that are rivaled only by the breathtaking 180-degree city and river views before you.

Later, I went to Patpong, one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. As I am a very curious little human being, I wanted to see some of the iconic shows… and had a very entertaining night. To be continued…

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Movie photos in first collage: IMDb

Here is your ultimate S/S 2014 runway trend guide. This season, there is fashion for every personality. It’s about tribal details, the power of pleats and the beauty of flowers, whether they’re luxurious embroideries or bold statement prints. Take cues from your favorite gallery and wear something artful. Don’t forget to add something shiny and to work on your waistline to sport the new must-have cropped tops. Sportswear has made its way into our daily wardrobe and bermudas should be worn layered with a skirt or dress.

I hope that this little summary will inspire you to look for the right new season pieces that will instantly update a look. Enjoy your new task!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2014 TREND 1: TRIBAL
Akris –  Givenchy – Donna Karan

S/S 2014 TREND 2: WEARABLE ART
Prada –  Chanel – Céline

S/S 2014 TREND 3: BERMUDAS
Chloé –  Alexander McQueen – DKNY

S/S 2014 TREND 4: CROPPED TOPS
Balenciaga –  Louis Vuitton – Salvatore Ferragamo

S/S 2014 TREND 5: SPORTSWEAR
DKNY –  Gucci – Marc by Marc Jacobs

S/S 2014 TREND 6: LACE
Valentino –  Stella McCartney – Nina Ricci

S/S 2014 TREND 7: SHIMMER & SHINE
Lanvin –  Versace – Etro

S/S 2014 TREND 8: PLEATS PLEASE
Dries Van Noten –  Proenza Schouler – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2014 TREND 9: PASTEL
Miu Miu –  Burberry Prorsum – Christian Dior

S/S 2014 TREND 10: SUMMER BLACK
Bottega Veneta –  Saint Laurent – Dolce & Gabbana

S/S 2014 TREND 11: FLOWER POWER
Giambattista Valli –  Mary Katrantzou – Christopher Kane

S/S 2014 TREND 12: BOLD NIGHT
Emilio Pucci –  Alberta Ferretti – Ralph Lauren Collection

Photos: Via style.com