Sandra‘s Closet

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

When I received those stunning photos today, I fell immediately in love with their mood. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot are behind GUCCI’s amazing F/W 2013 campaign.

Abbey Lee Kershaw as the femme fatale and Adrien Sahores as the male model grab the viewer’s attention in a second. The background shifting from deep blue to saturated black emphasizes this dark and enticing collection perfectly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

With fair skin and dark red lips, Michelle Williams made her debut as the new face of Louis Vuitton, sporting the House’s innovative new bag which is on top of my F/W 2013 wish list. Its tight lines, suggesting the penmanship of a W, outline a three-part body, which is enhanced by the blending of various materials. Being the perfect daily companion, the bag has plenty of surprises in store, both visual and tactile, of course all created with the House’s know-how.

Externally, it offers a doubly harmonious character, combining the smooth and silky surface of rare leathers with the emblematic Monogram canvas, or with a velvety tufted effect, embroidery on leather inspired by the art of tapestry. Inside, the intelligently designed space in suede leather features many different pockets, offering a logical place for all the objects which can be found in the intimate compartments of a woman’s life.

Uma Thurman was spotted recently with this new must-have at the Munich airport. Freshness, modernity, and elegance: the latest addition to the Louis Vuitton family has every sort of appeal.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Shoes, bags and champagne… my all time favourites! Charlotte Olympia has launched a limited edition capsule collection for Veuve Clicquot Champagne. So pop the cork, and raise your glass, in fabulous shoes, that personify style and class.

This ‘lovely bubbly’ collection is available both in-store at Harrods (Shoe Salon, First Floor) and online HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Harrods

The last stop of my trip through China was one of my favourite cities in the world: HONG KONG. This cultural melting pot offers a little of everything, from beaches to the best restaurants and nightlife, from culture to art and entertainment. As I know the metropole very well, I refrained from sightseeing and went on a shopping spree.

My look: Printed tee and sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts by Saint Laurent,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu and earrings by Gucci.

I stayed at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Built in 1963, as the famous chain’s first opening, this is one of the few hotels in this futuristic city with a history. Located in the heart of Central’s most fashionable shopping district, The Landmark, Harvey Nichols and many other luxury brands are just within walking distance. An absolute prime location with great service!

In the afternoon, I took the ferry to Kowloon, which is also quite the place for shopping lovers. Next to the Star Ferry pier is Harbour City, a gigantic mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. In the tiny side roads, you can also experience fascinating local shops and markets, such as the Ladies’ Market.

In the evening, I partied at the highest bar in the world – Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The stunning rooftop location provides a stylish venue for a glass of bubbly complimented by a picturesque bird’s eye view of Hong Kong. My absolute favourite spot!

My trip to China has come to an end. I arrived back in Zurich yesterday morning, filled with amazing memories. It was such a great experience but also quite exhausting. But I never stop… next week, I will be off to Iceland. Might not be the place to wear my shorts again though…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love smoky eyes, they are always on trend. I have recently tried two new products that are absolutely great. Here are some tips how to achieve this gorgeous look very easily.

SERGE LUTENS FARD A PAUPIERE N°2

Discover the most recent addition to the Les Necessaires de Beauté collection: a palette in pale neutrals and mauves to create a smoky eye that is as easy to wear as black.

Available for CHF 200.00 (at Jelmoli in Zurich for example).

GLOMINERALS SMOKY EYES KIT

This kit includes four essential colors for creating a sultry smoky eye in a sleek, mirrored compact. A five easy steps application guide is also included.

Formulated with glominerals’ exclusive blend of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E and green tea, it provides nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance. The colours may be applied dry or wet to increase pigment, which is great if you are using them as an eye liner.

In Switzerland available for CHF 64.00 (at Schminkbar in Zurich or Cosmetic Susan Meier in Lucerne among others).

TIPS  & TECHNIQUES 
How to create the perfect smoky eye

When creating a smoky eye, always start off with doing the eyes first, as makeup may fall on to the face. Use the lightest shade as a base eyeshadow from lash line to brow. Follow with the second lightest color, applying it to the lid, stopping just beneath the brow bone. Next, apply a darker hue in the outer 3/4 of the crease. Lastly, add definition by lining top and bottom lash lines using the darkest one such as black. Smudge gently for a sexy, smoky look. Blending is the key. Use lighter, more natural tones on the cheeks and lips to let the eyes stand out but not look overdone.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Glominerals and Serge Lutens, © Sandra Bauknecht

So many of you have been asking me for more updates from China. I had been chilling for one week at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, before I flew yesterday to Hong Kong. Experiencing the power of zen, I have become fully aware, here and now, all of my senses alert. I did a lot of yoga classes and enjoyed many Chinese spa treatments which are truly special, absolutely amazing. This exclusive retreat on the tropical island of Hainan Island has got a location on a private bay that offers no equal. I stayed in one of the huge luxurious villas with my own pool and outstanding service. I found new friends, from monkeys to geckos to grashoppers. What a beautiful spot on earth, a hidden paradise and I am truly thankful for the time and enlightenment! A resort that I can absolutely recommend!

Let me show you a little more…

Me on a beach walk before sunset wearing Juicy Couture and my Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN sunglasses.

A warm welcome in my own two-storied villa. Every day, I received a new basket with fresh fruits.

Diving in my own private pool in a Chanel bikini.

In the outdoor shower

Bath room amenities by Acqua di Parma.

If you are staying in one of the resort’s villas, you are having exclusive access to the Cliff Lounge, where complimentary champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served daily. It feels very calm, relaxed and you are never confronted with too many people.

The food was divine. Here you see my daily breakfast.

Next to the beautiful private beach, you can relax at one of the three gigantic outdoor swimming pools. I preferred staying at my own villa where I met some new animal friends…

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya is one of the best I have ever been to. I had a lot of treatments and each of them was amazing. Try the Chinese Detox massage where herbs are applied to your body, the Lava Sea Shell massage using self-heated shells together with local coconut oil, and the Oriental Foot treatment for the ultimate wellness experience.

The light was very special in Sanya, especially in the evening… a true paradise.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht