Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I was invited by Bobbi Brown Switzerland for an afternoon tea at the Widder Hotel in Zurich to view the new fall launches which left me breathless.

If you love chocolate as I do, you will adore the new RICH CHOCOLATE COLLECTION. Those calorie-free treats will make every beauty addict’s heart leap with joy. Gorgeous shades in different hues of brown and beige will might just leave a mark in your wallet, but definitely not on your hips.

The star product: RICH CHOCOLATE EYE PALETTE – CHF 89.00
Bone Eye Shadow, Cocoa Eye Shadow, Stone Eye Shadow, Frappe Eye Shadow, Champagne Truffle Shimmer Wash Eye Sahdow, Caramel Sparkle Eye Shadow, Rich Chocolate Eye Shadow.
(Limited Edition)

LIP COLOR
Berry, Baby Pink (Both Limited Edition)– CHF 38.00

LIP GLOSS
Chocolate Raspberry, Pale Pink (Limited Edition), Tea Berry (Limited Edition) –  CHF 35.00

BLUSH
Pink Coral (Limited Edition), Berry – CHF 41.00

LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINER
Dark Chocolate Ink (Limited Edition) – CHF 34.00

LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK
Bittersweet (Limited Edition) – CHF 40.00

EXTREME PARTY MASCARA
Black Chocolate (Limited Edition) – CHF 34.00

In stores in September 2013.

And the best is yet to come… this fall, a limited edition “book“ including everything you need for the perfect look will be launched celebrating the collaboration between Bobbi Brown and the brand’s face Katie Holmes. Could it be any cuter?! Ahhh, I just love Bobbi Brown products!

And if you like my look, click here for all the details.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht

Miu Miu continues to reinterpret classic leather goods with the introduction of the bowling bag. Revealed in the F/W 2013 runway fashion show, this new season object of desire is characterized by a full-length chunky zipper that runs along its entire profile.

Gold hardware, along with smaller handles, emphasizes the brand’s desire to revisit the cornerstones of elegance with a new twist. This bag represents a new aesthetic to a classic bowling shape. Offered in two different styles, with shoulder straps, they are AVAILABLE ONLINE HERE and at all Miu Miu stores. On my shopping list is definitely this yellow one.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

CHER DIOR, the new high jewelry collection designed by Victoire de Castellane for Dior includes 21 pieces, all beautifully created with vibrant center stones, lacelike settings, and surprising color combinations.

I love this new delicate addition to the House’s haute joaillerie line and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

On Saturday morning, I flew to Reykjavík, the largest city in Iceland. The world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state has been on my “places to see” list since a very long time.

I have completely underestimated the climate. The city’s coastal location makes it prone to wind and it is freezing cold here. As I spent the last weeks only in hot temperatures, it feels even worse. During my first few hours in this beautiful and very colorful city , I went shopping and got myself a wool hat and sweater.

My look: White padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble, green sweater by Abercrombie & Fitch, 620 Photo Ready mid-rise leggings-style jeans by J Brand, large studded backpack by MCM, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and Jenny brushed-suede ankle boots by Isabel Marant. The hat is a souvenir from Iceland.

Here in Reykjavík, there are many things to do and explore. One of the big highlights is whale watching.

The meat of this large mammal can be found on almost every menu in this country.

View of Harpa concert and conference center from the old harbour.

City center

Panorama of the city and the largest church in Iceland

Central Reykjavík seen from…

… the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church.

Colorful rooftops line Reykjavík.

Approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik is the famous Blue Lagoon, a place that you don’t want to miss. Set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape, it offers a complete spa experience. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur and bathing is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. I felt too cold to go swimming but the scenery itself has been worth the visit.

Now, I am off to see some geysers and more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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.

TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

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