My lovely colleague Katrin Roth from annabelle’s beauty blog (a must-read) spotted me recently at a press conference retouching my makeup and fell immediately in love with my little emergency mascara pouch. Today, she wrote a very funny post about it (Thank you!).
This bag was a souvenir from a dear friend after her recent trip to the US. It is from Californian designer Pamela Barsky, who creates all sorts of fun accessories.
LoL, Sandra
This was my outfit that I wore to the fun lunch with Rodial and Marionnaud recently in Zurich. I love wearing pastel colours in summer and the combination of light green with soft yellow has been among my favorites this season. The new Noé BB bag by Louis Vuitton in the vibrant shade of citron just adds the right unexpected splash of colour.
My look: Contrast-collar cotton and wool-blend sweater (70% off) by Moschino Cheap and Chic, lace and chiffon skirt, shoes and Noé BB bag in citron, all by Louis Vuitton, studded handbag and sunglasses, both by Prada, fashion jewelry by Chloé.
While you are reading this, I am on my way to Iceland today. So stay tuned for some updates from Reykjavik!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Right before I left for China, I attended several press conferences. This is something I truly love about my job, being able to try the newest products before anybody else. Of course, I took some of the items that interested me most on my trip.
After having used them for over four weeks, I can recommend those ones with a good conscience as they have convinced me of their quality and effectiveness.
(Photo taken in Lijiang which was one of my favourite places that I visited in China).
ELIE SAAB Le Parfum – Eau de Parfum Intense
Every day, I was so much looking forward to taking a shower before going to dinner and to spray myself with this amazing new scent. Especially after all those odors you smell during the day, it feels like heaven… I am sure that you know what I mean.
I have been a fan of the Elie Saab perfume line from its first launch. The scents of orange blossom and rose honey composed by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian are what makes me adore it so much. Every version of the perfume depicts a period of daylight, the original from 2011 is dedicated to the day, the lighter EdT version to the morning and now the new sensual intense fragrance is inspired by the magic moment of dusk.
ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Orange blossom
Middle notes: Honey, rose and ylang-ylang
Base notes: Amber and patchouli
ELIE SAAB, Le Parfum Eau de Parfum Intense CHF 80.00 (30ml) and CHF 120.00 (50ml)
Available in Switzerland in September 2013.
(In August exclusively at the Elie Saab store Geneva).
DREAMTONE by Lancôme
The Ultimate Dark Spot Corrector
Dare to go bare, Lancôme has developed a breakthrough brightening product for an even skin tone. It helps you to correct the appearance of dark spots which may be related to sun exposure (perfect to use it during your summer holidays), aging or hormones and to erase irregularities that make your complexion look uneven. Your skin looks immediately improved and more radiant. To be applied before your moisturizer. During my holidays, I just used my sun cream on top.
Available in three different pigmentation profiles:
1 Fair skin tones (targeting dullness and redness) – the one I used
2 Medium skin tones (targeting dullness and pale skin complexion)
3 Dark skin tones (targeting dullness and blemish marks)
In Switzerland available from Mid August 2013 for CHF 129.00 (40ml).
SHEER and PERFECT FOUNDATION by Shiseido
A sheer liquid foundation that evens your skin tone and provides a healthy, glowing finish that lasts all day, even in humid and very hot temperatures. Its refreshing texture feels like a soft veil. Another advantage is the design of the bottle, tiny (great for traveling) and eco-friendly.
In Switzerland in stores in September 2013 for CHF 37.00 (30ml).
BIO-PERFORMANCE SUPER CORRECTIVE EYE CREAM by Shiseido
This time-fighting eye cream counteracts the tired look that appears with age around this area and while traveling due to long-distance flights and climate changes. The youthful vitality is immediately restored. The advanced technology maintains optimal levels of hyaluronic acid, which is a key element for keeping the eye contours firm.
In Switzerland available from September 2013 for CHF 110.00 (15ml).
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
“Sì is my tribute to modern femininity, an irresistible combination of grace, strength and independent spirit.” – Giorgio Armani
When I came back from my holiday, a lovely surprise waited for me. A personalized, engraved bottle of Giorgio Armani‘s newest scent Sì.
Chic, sultry, intense and soft at the same time, this chypre scent is captivating all senses. Like a forbidden fruit, the creative mixture exposes all of its femininity and its passion – it is the power of darkness. Kind of sweet, but still warm and deep, this intoxicating nectar has absolutely convinced me. The face of the campaign is famous actress Cate Blanchett.
CHYPRE
Top notes: Cassis
Middle notes: Freesia and May Rose
Base notes: Woody Notes, Ambroxan, Patchouli and Vanilla
The nose behind this fragrance is Christine Nagel.
Available in Switzerland from September 2013 as Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 85.00), 50ml (CHF 123.00) and 100ml (CHF 156.00), plus Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 62.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 66.00).
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani and © Sandra Bauknecht
The influence of Asian exoticism has inspired fashion designers over decades. This season is no different from previous ones. For F/W 2013, the combination of oriental prints and modern outfits has been spotted on the runways. Below are some of my favourite pieces available now. The background photos were taken during my recent trip through China in Guilin.
Beaded resin and gold-plated necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane
Fawi wandering river strapless dress by Mary Katrantzou
Embellished tank top with Asian garden print by Balmain
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Via style.com and © Sandra Bauknecht
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
Unfortunately, MAC‘s Tropical Taboo hasn’t arrived on time before my departure to China. It would have been the perfect look for Sanya. But no need to complain. Zurich feels very tropical at the moment as well, with temperatures rising every day.
The extremely colourful Tropical Taboo collection includes many of the brand’s iconic mineralize products, plus amazing new lipsticks and some beloved repromotes.
Here are my favorites:
LIPS
RICH LIPSTICK in Divine Choice (mid-tone cool pink cream) – CHF 36.00
CREMESHEEN GLASS in Fever Isle (bright red coral) – CHF 32.00
LIP PENCIL in Ablaze (bright apricot) – CHF 22.00
EYES
MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW in Time to Tango (lavender with silver pearl / frost) – CHF 33.00
CHEEKS
MINERALIZE BLUSH in Exotic Amber (orange with bronze pearl / frost) – CHF 35.00
This beautiful limited edition collection is in stores now.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of MAC and © Sandra Bauknecht
There is something about Mary that we all love! She is not only extremely charming but also one of the most talented designers of our time. Besides her amazing eponymous line, she has collaborated with the likes of Longchamp, Topshop and Repetto. This season, Mary Katrantzou has created a capsule collection in collaboration with Moncler, mixing the Italian house’s signature style with her iconic feminine cuts and bold graphic prints.
The exclusive collection MONCLER M will be available in Moncler boutiques worldwide from August 2013. As those pieces will surely be flying off the shelves, I recommend the following:
PRE-ORDER THE MONCLER M COLLECTION HERE and be the first to wear it.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Moncler
Vogue Italia interviewed some of us bloggers during Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever last month. And I feel very honoured to have been part of it.
Moreover, the Italian fashion bible featured my style labs. Thank you very much!
Enjoy your weekend!
LoL, Sandra
Style Lab: Style & Grace
Style Lab: Grunge Flair
Photos: Via Vogue Italia
If you think, isn’t she a little too old for being a Directioner?! Point taken! Yes, I am but my daughter is one and this is how I learnt about the boys of One Direction: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. In May, I even went to their concert in Zurich.
My look at the concert: Denim and wool jacket by Givenchy, leather and cotton-jersey sweater and chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent, boots by Chanel and Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim.
Here are the breaking news for all Directioners: The boys created a line of beauty products with London-based makeup company MUA Cosmetics. They may sing about natural beauty in the song “What Makes You Beautiful,” but that’s not holding them back to come up with this very smart marketing strategy. So girls, forget the natural look because it’s the LITTLE THINGS, which is the name of their 15-piece lip, nail and cheek colour collection that make all the difference now.
Each band member has chosen their favourite color and signed their own ‘Kiss You’ lip shade: Harry loves Strawberry, Zayn loves Watermelon, Louis loves Vanilla, Niall loves Cherry, Liam loves Blueberry – which one will you choose?!
Available on www.muastore.co.uk, www.superdrug.com and in select Superdrug stores starting from July 29, 2013.
This is their moment. One Direction are about to take over the fragrance world, too. The new very sweet OUR MOMENT fragrance will go on sale in Harrods on August 25, nationwide in the UK from September 9, 2013.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Mua Cosmetics and Harrods
