Sandra‘s Closet

I have loved Dior’s Nude makeup from its first introduction in 2009. Therefore, I was completely excited to explore this year’s “New Nude”, that is a brilliant step in makeup for a glowing and blushing complexion. Personally speaking, I couldn’t live without it!

The skin, like the dresses in the latest fashion collection, flushes with colour, brighter and more luminous than ever. Dior’s backstage expertise has given rise to the new range of Diorskin Nude foundation, which takes the skin’s natural glow to new heights.

Dior’s “New Nude”: a new signature foundation.

The star product in the Diorskin Nude range, this cult fluid is the essential item on every backstage makeup artist’s table, and is their secret for creating the enhanced nude look envied by all. In 2012, this light fluid acquires a new subtle velvet finish that blends into the skin, to deliver just the right amount of coverage without masking the skin’s texture. This creates a shine-free, natural glow with an idealised bare skin effect. Women who dream of perfect skin texture and a radiant complexion need look no further: this is the must-have product.

Diorskin NUDE Fluid Foundation
CHF 68.50

Nude Compact : the most natural compact powder.

Unique, new and surprising, this compact foundation tops them all. It is the first versatile compact powder to provide coverage that can be adjusted with utmost precision while maintaining the skin’s natural satin sheen, to guarantee a true nude result. Depending on the desired finish, it acts as a foundation or a powder.

The Nude Compact can be applied using either of the double-sided applicators, sponge or brush.

Diorskin NUDE Comapct Powder Makeup
CHF 80.50  
Diorskin NUDE Compact Powder Makeup Refill
CHF 59.-

Nude Shimmer

The quintessential backstage makeup for the spotlight! Nude Shimmer is a magical powder that features a subtle blend of fine micro-pearlisers in a transparent base. Dusted lightly onto the contours of the face, professional style, it captures maximum light, and provides the wet and ‘glowy’ nude effect every woman dreams of having. Nude Shimmer is the ultimate signature product of Nude skin-glow makeup 2012 vibrant, vivid and right on trend.

Diorskin NUDE Shimmer (One Shot)
CHF 75.50

With Diorskin Nude, Dior invites us to rediscover natural beauty. Therefore the French house adds new innovative lipstick colours: ROUGE DIOR NUDE.

Described as a highlighting blush for lips, its treatment formula creates an illuminating semi-sheer effect for instant radiance. Available in 10 shades, of which 4 are essential: Grège, Swan, Charnelle and Trench.

Rouge Dior NUDE
CHF 48.-

For a nude look right down to your fingertips, Dior has launched four new nail polish colours, of which 2 “warm” shades are for golden-beige skins, and 2 “cool” shades for pink-beige skins.
223 Trench, 715 Dune, 115 Charnelle and 413 Grège

ROUGE DIOR Vernis
CHF 37.-

The beautiful NUDE collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Dior

Since I bought my first pair of Valentino Rockstud kitten heels two years ago, I’ve been addicted to the house’s metal embellishments. So you can imagine my excitement when Valentino gifted me with this highly limited pair of Red on Red Rockstud shoes. It is as extraordinary as it looks. Designed exclusively for today’s launch of Valentino’s new e-boutique, Shoe Room, there are only 100 pairs on earth, and one is in Sandra’s Closet.
How cool is that?

If you want to be the proud owner of one of them, start clicking fast, they are only available online and will sell out in seconds.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

This week I wore this look, that would work for many occasions. I like the mix of basic colours such as white, beige and blue spiced up with red lips matching the handles of the bag.

Silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, pants with silk stripes by Closed, statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, hoop earrings by H&M, ring by Cartier and limited edition tricoloured charity bag by Tommy Hilfiger.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For the sixth consecutive year, US label Tommy Hilfiger will launch a limited edition handbag in support of Breast Health International, a leading non-profit foundation that advances breast cancer research and treatment. The American designer has great support from two famous ladies.

The 2012 BHI campaign features acclaimed Anglo-French actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, photographed by celebrated Hollywood actress, screenwriter and producer Drew Barrymore.

“I am very proud to be partnering with Breast Health International for a sixth year,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “The annual limited-edition collaboration is a great way for us to engage consumers in raising awareness and funds for this important initiative. We are excited and honored to welcome Charlotte Gainsbourg and Drew Barrymore in support of this year’s campaign.”

This year’s limited-edition handbag is a navy leather tote with white accents and red handles, inspired by the Tommy Hilfiger brand‟s classic American cool heritage. Additional features include a central divider pocket, mobile phone pocket, and rose gold tone magnetic closures.

The handbag will debut exclusively on tommy.com today on September 27, 2012, and be available in select Tommy Hilfiger stores in Europe, the United States, Canada and the Asia-Pacific region starting October 1, 2012  for €299.
(€100 of each sale will go directly to the Fund for Living, a global BHI initiative that provides assistance to women with breast cancer and their families by covering costs or addressing unique problems associated with their care that may not be covered by traditional health insurance programs.)

Last year’s celebrity ambassador for the Tommy Hilfiger/BHI handbag was Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger. For the previous post, please click here.

Stay tuned for a post in which I am wearing this fab bag. Thumbs up for shopping for a good cause! Get yours online today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

If there is one thing I hate, it is packing. And for Fashion Week, it is even worse. But with my new diamanté-embellished silk top by Moschino Cheap and Chic the message is pretty clear “only front row” please!

Tomorrow, I will be leaving for Paris. In the evening, I am invited to a real fashion shower: Anna dello Russo’s paradise ball to celebrate her collaboration with H&M that will be launching on October 4, 2012. Totally excited!
Stay tuned for many photos to be posted!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

This month, House of Valentino launches its new fragrance Valentina ASSOLUTO created by the master perfumer Olivier Cresp.
The blend of noble ingredients creates a magical formula that comes to life on the skin and transforms it into an unmistakable and necessary final touch: a designer fragrance.

Valentina Assoluto is the first flanker on the theme of Valentina perfume from 2011. It deviates from the floral scent family of the original and offers instead an intense olfactory chypre character, “deeper and more sensual”.

Top notes: Bergamot, peach and white Alba truffle.
Middle notes: Tuberose, jasmine and vanilla.
Base notes: Cedar, oak moss and patchouli for the chypre effect.

Available as Eau de Parfum ASSOLUTO 80ml (CHF154.-) and 50ml (CHF 121.-)
Available in Switzerland end of September 2012.

Intriguing, magnetic, and unpredictable, Valentina plays with seduction as the protagonist of a story full of exciting, quintessential sensations. A mosaic of architectural views, stylistic touches, and period ornamentation. Sensual glimpses of skin and lace, body and couture.

Valentina has a favourite stage. It is Rome at night, full of secret passages for escape and the exclusive private world of brightly lit ancient aristocratic palazzos. This Eternal City full of artistic treasures has also given birth to her innate sophisticated elegance.

What would a modern Valentina wear for a night out during a weekend in Rome?

Lace and cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend sweater, cotton-blend lace skirt, jewel-clasp watersnake clutch, satin and lace pumps, all by Valentino and of course her signature fragrance Valentina ASSOLUTO.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The October issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column is available now. This time, I took a trip down memory lane to the era of the ’80s when big hair, neon colors and jelly bands were hot and the German television series “Anna” inspired a whole generation to storm the ballet schools.
For further information on the look, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

During the recent fashion weeks, you couldn’t help but notice the common thread literally popping up for F/W 2012: Chunky knit sweaters paired with gorgeous statement necklaces. This combination has the right twist to jazz up the cozy winter staple. Click here to see me wearing it.
Enjoy shopping some of my favourite looks:

1 Chunky-knit wool-blend turtleneck sweater by Chloé and crystal ribbon necklace by Lanvin
2 Blue bobble knit sweater by Carven and crystal and bead necklace by J.Crew
3 Knitted wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Nina Ricci and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser
4 Zesty lime cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Joseph and Riri painted Swarovski crystal necklace by Tom Binns
5 Multicoloured sweater by Closed and embellished bib necklace by Lanvin
6 Striped chunky-knit sweater by Missoni and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser

LoL, Sandra

This October sees the launch of L’Occitane‘s extremely beautiful limited edition Shea Butter Fortune Flowers collection. The colourful range was inspired by two West African traditions: Basket weaving and storytelling. Decorated with striking motifs that evoke the baskets woven by women, the collection captures the delicate scents of “fortune flowers” whose qualities are praised in popular folklore.

Generosity is another African tradition – so it made perfect sense to include a fund-raising soap in this collection. All profits from the sale of this product – sales price in store minus taxes, transport and production costs – will go towards fighting preventable blindness in developing countries.

The limited editions come in three new scents to captivate the senses:
ROSE PETALS: Evokes the sweet floral notes of rose with a hint of the sugar-coated scent of candied almonds.
DATE BOUQUET: Recalls the mouth-watering essence of this deliciously sweet fruit.
MANGO FLOWER: Reveals a full and zesty aroma – the olfactory signature of the wide open spaces of Burkina Faso.

HAND CREAM (Rose Petals, Mango Flowers, Date Boutique) 30ml (CHF 10.-)
HAND CREAM COLLECTOR 150ml (CHF 27.-)
ULTRA RICH BODY CREAM (Rose Petals, Mango Flowers, Date Boutique) 100ml (CHF 31.-)
LIP BALM (Rose Petals, Mango Flowers, Date Boutique) 15ml (CHF 15.50)
SOLIDARITY SOAP (Rose Petals) 50g (CHF 2.50)
Available Mid October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Occitane and © Sandra Bauknecht

With Bobbi Brown, I spent a beautiful day in Munich for the launch of Bobbi’s seventh book:
PRETTY POWERFUL.

“Over the years I’ve worked with countless women who have inspired me with their stories. Beyond makeup, we’ve talked about life-altering events. Everything from the joy of being a new mom to dealing with homelessness and divorce. With each conversation, these women have shown that when you have the will and the heart, almost anything is possible—and that’s what Pretty Powerful is all about.” – Bobbi Brown

Sandy decor at Munich‘s hotspot Nektar, colourful goodie bags, hardcover copies displayed on white Nektar-branded crates and a nice crowd of journalists expected me for a wonderful lunch. Flipping through the book, you get immediately inspired. And this is all what renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown wants to achieve with her do-good attitude towards makeup: To make you feel “pretty powerful” and to be confident.

The tome includes stories in which the beauty guru hand picked celebrities, athletes, and everyday women to pose for before and after makeover shots plus tips how to eat healthy.
In stores now for CHF 49.90.

My look: Knit dress with lace overlay, earrings and suede wedge ankle boots, all by Louis Vuitton, blush jacket by Stella McCartney and brown Pandora bag by Givenchy.

Inspired by Bobbi’s book, Pretty Powerful, Bobbi introduces the Uber Basics collection – shades for every woman. This collection will give every woman – no matter what her skin tone – the essentials she needs to go from pretty to pretty powerful, day to night.

Highlighting the simplicity of Bobbi’s Uber Basic look, the collection is organized into four colour stories, with a corresponding Eye Shadow (CHF 37.-), Sparkle Eye Shadow (CHF 40.-), Blush (CHF 41.-), Rich Lip Color (CHF 35.-) and High Shimmer Lip Gloss (CHF 35.-).
Available now.

“Our most flattering colours. Ever. It’s makeup, simplified.” – Bobbi Brown

And I have more news from Bobbi Brown for you: Actress Katie Holmes is the first celebrity to become the face of beauty brand.
Sounds all pretty powerful to me.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht