Sandra‘s Closet

Do you know Ahava? Do you believe in love at first sight?

It might happen now. Ahava (Hebrew: אהבה‎) means love, in this case love for your skin. The Israeli cosmetics company, that was launched in 1988, manufactures skin care products made of mud and mineral-based compounds from the Dead Sea which are outstanding, especially for sensitive skin. And don’t forget to enter the contest at the end of this post!

The Dead Sea is a natural geological wonder formed throughout the millennia and located at the bottom of the world, some 410 meters below sea level. I have been there. It’s a strikingly beautiful and peaceful place that only Mother Nature could create. It’s mysterious: A unique salty lake, in which bathers rather float than sink, and a muddy shoreline that holds the earth’s greatest concentration of skin-moisturizing minerals. The sea water is filled with a one-of-a-kind, age-delaying algae; and skin-soothing plants that grow in the driest desert conditions. Once the legendary, personal spa of Cleopatra it has become a modern-day oasis for people everywhere seeking its clinically-proven skin therapies and treatments.

The AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories have developed the exclusive Osmoter™, a blend of Dead Sea minerals that helps delivering moisture to even the deepest layers of the skin. It’s a sensation that says “my skin reborn”, included in all three products below. I have tested them all and am absolutely convinced of their replenishing power.

Time to Treat – COMFORTING CREAM

This effective calming moisturizer provides total relief from sensitive skin and can be used every day or for occasional flare-ups. It soothes irritations, reduces redness and lessens the skin’s reaction to aggressors by fortifying the skin’s natural barrier and providing deep hydration and nourishment. A MUST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN! You will thank me forever!

CHF 58.00 (50ml)

Time to Revitalize – EXTREME RADIANCE LIFTING MASK

A fast-firming, active mineral based mask that provides skin with a vital boost of radiance. Enriched with hydrating Dead Sea minerals, Moroccan Argan oil, and augmented by a rich concentrate of detoxifying botanical extracts from the Himalayas, the ingredients combine their collective powers to achieve an instantly firmer, smoothly toned youthful complexion.

CHF 58.00 (75ml)

Time to Clear – EYE MAKE UP REMOVER

A gently effective water and oil based formula that removes even waterproof eye makeup without leaving a sticky residue or drying skin. I have a very sensitive eye area and love this product that leaves it completely clean and soft.

CHF 24.00 (125ml)

Good news for my Swiss based readers: 10 of you have the chance to WIN A BOTTLE of this fantastic EYE MAKE UP REMOVER by AHAVA.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Ahava” to . All entries must be received until May 15, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.
The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ahava

How can something be so cute yet so chic? With a peep-hole vamp and subtle nod to Minnie Mouse, these nude heels by Christian Louboutin are a confection for the feet.

To shop the Madame Mouse Heels by Christian Louboutin, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Ladurée has joined the famous Japanese brand Uniqlo for an amazing charity project. From this uber-cute collaboration, emerges a mini collection of T-shirts very “Ladurée”, for women, teenagers and young girls. A part of the profits will be donated to a Japanese charity organization to help the children victims of the tsunami that shook Japan.

Now in stores at Uniqlo boutiques only, Paris, New York, London, Tokyo. You can also shop those cuties online here. (If you are not living in the US, I recommend ordering via myus.com).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ladurée and Uniqlo

I feel very honoured to have a three page story in Profil Magazine and to be the first one featured in their new category “In Bed with…”. The magazine is available now and the text is written in French. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My Jo Malone fragrance collection.

My beloved Diorette ring.

Some of my favourite pieces for S/S 2013. 
Text and snapshots by Olivier Rohrbach

This spring, you could enjoy a special Jimmy Choo themed afternoon tea at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. This fashion afternoon tea featured tempting items such as edible miniature high heels and sandwiches made to resemble the design of the CAYLA clutch.

Cayla studded snake clutch by Jimmy Choo

Who could resist those mouth-watering savoury bites such as Foie Gras High Heels on Crispy Brioche Bread or sweet temptations like Milk Chocolate High Heels filled with Lemon and Chocolate Biscuits. For more information, please call MO Bar at +852 2132 0077.

In case that you won’t make it to Hong Kong, check out the Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley Hotel in London.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Jimmy Choo

The pink snakeskin trend for accessories has been spreading like wildfire recently, especially the softer and dustier versions of the feminine shade. Think baby or powdered pink and set the tone for a new reptile-inspired season. Carry those must-haves to channel your own sophistication.

Below you can shop my favorites:

1 Python toe-cap lace-up sneaker by Lanvin
2 Holographic python medium Happy bag by Lanvin
3 Small Tonda printed python clutch by Diane von Furstenberg
4 Hera python bag by Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli has brought the reptile trend to the beauty industry with the launch of his newest fragrance: JUST CAVALLI. The cylindrical top of the bottle and the box are embellished with a pink snake motive accentuated with golden details.

CREAMY FLORAL

Top note: Neroli
Middle note: Tahitian tiare flower
Base note: Palisander rosewood

Available as Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 59.00), 50ml (CHF 79.00) and 75ml (CHF 93.00)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 29.00) and Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 29.00)

Face of the advertising campaign is Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, photographed by Mario Sorrenti. As sexy as the new scent…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Featuring vibrant rubies and sapphires, Pomellato‘s new standout capsule collection ROUGE PASSION would make the perfect Mother’s Day surprise. As those romantic pieces will hit the stores in the end of May, you might consider giving a gift voucher.

Featuring rings and earrings in an array of warm, sunny colors with deep red rubies, crimson pinks and orange sapphires, those rose gold beauties recall a sweet summer sunset.
Tilda Swinton is the face of the ad campaign shot by famous fashion photographer Sølve Sundsbø and I think that she looks absolutely stunning.

Rings € 900.00 – Earrings € 1400.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pomellato

Yesterday evening, I went to the launch party of SI Style‘s newest magazine edition: STYLE BEAUTY which will be available from today. The event took place at the beautiful Sonnenberg restaurant in Zurich. The room was filled with the who’s who of the Swiss beauty industry.

My look: Emerald green satin wrap-front dress by Lanvin, pound printed modal and cashmere-blend scarf and matching leather clutch, both by Mary Katrantzou, cuff by Stella McCartney, ring by Chanel, filigrane embellished gold-plated necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Janis white pointy leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

If you like my emerald eye makeup, check out this previous post for a tutorial.

LoL, Sandra

At the event: Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm (Editor in chief SI Style) framed by Sarina Arnold to the right and me to the left.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Event Photo: © David Biedert Photography

As I told you already in January, Lancôme and Lanvin‘s Creative Director Alber Elbaz have joined forces to create the limited edition collection HYPNÔSE SHOW. Here is your sneak preview at those beauty must-haves.

Sometimes we just need a little something to brighten up a morning beauty routine. Alber Elbaz gives eye makeup a touch of whimsy for Lancôme. This amazing collection that will hit the shelves with very limited quantities, comprises the four Lancôme’s best-selling mascaras with matching eye shadow palettes, all embellished with designs, such as blue stars, red hearts, pink polka dots, and green heavily lashed lids. There will also be one set of false lashes.

The limited-edition Hypnôse Show line is due to hit counters worldwide on June 15, 2013. In Switzerland exclusively at Marionnaud until July 1, 2013.

Mascara Hypnôse Show, Hypnôse Drama Show, Hypnôse Star Show, Hypnôse Doll Eyes Show, CHF 49.00 each
Hypnôse Palette CHF 79.00 each, Ombre Hypnôse CHF 39.00 each, Faux-Cils Show CHF 38.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, this is one of my favourite outfits for summer and I couldn’t wait to wear it for the Louis Vuitton Maison opening party last week in Munich (post will be coming up shortly). I had fallen in love with the checkered ’60s style immediately during the S/S 2013 runway show.

My look: Citron and white checkered dress, Magic Square slingback pump in glazed calf, matching Enveloppe East West bag in Damier Mosaic, silk satin bow headband (all S/S 2013) and bracelet from a previous season by Louis Vuitton.

I love the way Jamie‘s photos have turned out, thank you so much! Have you seen my photo shoot with Louis Vuitton for the Art of Packing? In case not, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jamie McGregor Smith for Louis Vuitton