Sandra‘s Closet

Last Wednesday, the 16th annabelle Prix de Beauté ceremony was held at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich and I felt very honored to be in the jury like last year. Above you can see annabelle’s editor-in-chief Lisa Feldmann with me at the event.

For those of you who are not familiar with this trophy, the “Anna” is like the “Swiss Beauty Oscar”. Many products in different categories are tested among the jury members and the winner is analyzed with the help of an elaborate questionary.

“Anna” of 2013

Many of the winners have been featured here on Sandra’s Closet:

Fragrance Women: Coco Noir by Chanel
Fragrance Men: Tom Ford Noir by Tom Ford
Make-up: Holland Collection by OPI
Facial Care: The Moisturizing Soft Cream by La Mer
Natural Cosmetics: Idéalia Crème by Vichy
Body Care: Eau des Jardins Crème Corps Délicieuse by Clarins
Hair Care: Elixir Ultime by Kérastase
Sun Care: Swiss Suncare by La Prairie
Dior Bronze Crème Protectrice Sublimante SPF50 by Dior

Lovely Katrin Roth who is in charge of annabelle’s beauty blog with me. You can check out all her photos of the night by clicking here! Please stay tuned for the detailed post of my outfit that will be coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies, don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds. I am only talking about beautiful shiny hair and how to get a glow even in winter.

Is your hair dry and brittle, due to to those horrible cold temperatures?
Here are some quick and simple products to keep your hair glowing, manageable and moisturized that work winter and summer! Hair oils are perfect today, they make your hair smooth and shiny without leaving it greasy or flat.

From left to right:
Mythic Oil Color Glow by L’Oréal Professionnel
(Contains UV filters, lightweight feel and finish) – CHF 29.50 (125ml)

Mythic oil Milk by L’Oréal Professionnel
(Reinforcing milky mist for all hair types) – CHF 29.50 (125ml)

Elsève Extraordinary Oil by L’Oréal Paris
(This hair oil contains six precious oils extracted from rare flowers including lotus, chamomile, rose, flaxseed, matricaria and tiare. to protect and nurture the hair strands from the inside out) – CHF 14.90 (100ml)

Mythic Oil by L’Oréal Professionnel is also available as Shampoo CHF 20.40 (250ml), Conditioner CHF 25.50 (190ml), Masque CHF 30.50 (200ml) and as a personalized exclusive treatment at the hair salon.

After the success of Elixir Ultime, Kérastase has launched the Grands Crus Oils, luxe hair oils that are so beautifully scented that you will never forgot to apply them to your hair .

My favorites, from left to right:
Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe & Millenium Rose Extract by Kérastase
(Delicately beautifying scented oil for fine and sensitized hair) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe & Imperial Tea Extract by Kérastase
(Radiating and beautifying scented oil for color-treated hair) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe & Moringa Immortel Oil by Kérastase
(Replenishing and beautifying scented oil for damaged hair) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

Kérastase Elixir Ultime by Jade Jagger – LIMITED EDITION
(Kérastase has teamed up with jewlery designer Jade Jagger to create a limited edition of the house’s iconic Elixir Ultime. With a golden lips print, and a singular red highlight, the packaging adds even more glamour to this luxury hair oil.) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

A great addition to Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime line are the new Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo CHF 31.00 (250ml) and the Beautifying Oil Masque CHF 59.00 (200ml), both for all hair types.

From left to right:
Strengthening and Hydrating Hair Oil-In-Cream by Kiehl’s
(With olive fruit and avocado oils, this daily leave-in works best for dry and damaged hair) –
CHF 42.00 (180ml)

Magic Elixir by Kiehl’s
(Hair restructuring concentrate with rosemary leaf and avocado oils for all hair & scalp types) –
CHF 34.00 (125ml)

Deeply Restorative Smoothing Hair Oil Concentrate by Kiehl’s
(Daily leave-in spray for frizzy and unruly hair with fairly-traded argan and sesame oil) – 
CHF  42.00 (118ml)

Color-Protect Shine Infusing Hair Oil Treatment by Kiehl’s
(Daily leave-in spray for color-treated hair with sunflower and apricot oils and SPF10 sunscreen for the scalp) – CHF 42.00 (118ml)

Enjoy your new glossy mane!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Oréal, L’Oréal Professionnel, Kiehl’s, Kérastase and © Sandra Bauknecht

A Small World hosted the pre-launch party of Zurich’s new hot spot Aura last Thursday.
The location is gorgeous, home to a bar and smoker’s lounge, a restaurant and a nightclub which can be booked for special events. The large room is surrounded by projectors that can be part of a presentation or show.

Getting ready at home, I put on some upbeat music that got me psyched for the night. Great for dancing, I chose a pretty short dress and comfortable boots. 
My look: Knit dress by Alexander McQueen, purple “punk”-style fur bag by Tom Ford, overknee boots by Gucci and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

With night in full swing and the lights low you can afford to get stronger with your makeup. I went for smokey eyes paired with dark bold lips. Here are all the products I used:

FACE
1 NEW Teint Visionnaire by Lancôme
Launched this month, this first hi-tech make-up duo pushes the concept of perfect skin to an all-new level by the help of a high-coverage corrector enriched with vitamin CG and a perfecting foundation that reconciles perfect coverage, a natural finish and skincare efficacy.
2 Maestro Eraser by Giorgio Armani (the perfect lightweight concealer)

EYES
3 Pure Chromatics Collector’s Palette Arctic Night (limited edition) by YSL
4 Eye Color Quad in 10 Titanium Smoke by Tom Ford
5 Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet by Bobbi Brown (glides on smoothly, stays in place for hours)
6 NEW So Intense Mascara in Black by Sisley
The most innovating mascara that thickens, lengthens, curls and nourishes in one.
Easy application! In Switzerland available from February 2013.

LIPS
7 Cremestick Liner inVelvetella by MAC
8 Rouge Dior in 786 Mysterious Mauve by Christian Dior

CHEEKS
9 Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna by Nars (for the ultimate sun-kissed radiance)
10 Météorites Wulong by Guerlain (pressed powder, great for highlighting)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aura, A Small World and © Sandra Bauknecht

We love LANVIN and LANVIN loves Hong Kong!
All aboard! Celebrating the upcoming grand opening of Lanvin’s Hong Kong flagship store on Icehouse Street, fashionistas can take a ride on the iconic beautifully decorated HK tramway.

In the meantime, beauty addicts rejoice worldwide: Lanvin’s Creative Director Alber Elbaz will be collaborating with Lancôme for a special limited edition make-up collection which is set to hit counters on 15th of June, 2013.

The probably cutest beauty launch of the year.
In your bathroom soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lanvin and Lancôme

The new Spring 2013 make-up collection “Printemps Précieux” de CHANEL will hit the shelves in Switzerland in the end of this month.

Here is your preview of the upcoming new products. The inspiration? Pure eyes and a soft complexion balanced with vibrant colours for lips and nails.

Highlighting Face Powder (Limited Edition)
Poudre Signée de Chanel – CHF 84.00

Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition)
Raffinement – CHF 77.00

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eye Pencil (Limited Edition)
Beryl, Santal and Or Rose – CHF 35.00 each

Rouge Allure Velvet
L’Eclatante and La Favorite – CHF 48.00 each
and
Rouge Allure
Captivante (Limited Edition) – CHF 48.00

Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss
Merveille (Permanent) and Attirance (Limited Edition) – CHF 48.00 each

Le Vernis
Emprise , Accessoire and Fracas – CHF 35.00 each

My collection’s favourites are Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Merveille, the perfect brownish berry shade to complement your make-up, and Le Vernis in Fracas, a lovely orangy pink hue that looks even good on pale winter skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht

The eponymous Clarins Spring 2013 make-up collection is dedicated to the house’s new lipstick line, ROUGE ECLAT. The first age-defying lipstick is so beautifully scented that you are tempted to lick it off your lips.

NEW LAUNCHES

Rouge Eclat
Available in 15 new shades.
CHF 37.00

Poudre Multi-Eclat – Poudre Libre Minérale Eclat & Transparence
This ultra-fine, lightweight mineral powder has a velvety soft texture that illuminates the skin, giving it a translucent yet radiant finish. Shades: 01 Light 02 Medium 03 Dark
CHF 59.00

LIMITED EDITIONS

Palette Eclat – Poudre Teint & Blush
This palette comes with a beautifully embossed Iris pattern and a trio of colors perfect to make you glow.
CHF 59.00

Ombre Minérale 4 Couleurs – Iris Blossom
Shades: Violette: black, antique gold, cream, violet
CHF 62.00

This beautiful collection will be available in Switzerland end of January 2013, including also new colors for Joli Rouge Brillant and Gloss Prodige.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

There is no end in sight, for the ones who like the bright and vibrant trend, the summer 2013 offers lots of bold pop colours, with Burberry Prorsum, Gucci and Jil Sander leading the way.

For those who cannot wait for the runway pieces to arrive, what about this cool outfit:
Striped stretch-ponte dress by Issa, cutout suede sandals by Guiseppe Zanotti and grained-leather clutch by Miu Miu.

The best make-up collection to complement the look comes this spring from Giorgio Armani: The Pop Collection will hit the stores this month. Enjoy the “top of the pops”:

FACE & EYES BLISS PALETTE – CHF 109.-

Fabulous neutrals mixed with bright popping shades for eyes and face.
Coral Bliss Palette 01 (One Shot), Rose Bliss Palette 02 (One Shot)

ROUGE D’ARMANI SHEERS – CHF 54.-

From left to right:
Beige 100 (One Shot), Ecstasy 500 (already part of the line), Beige Rosé 101 (One Shot)

FACE FABRIC – CHF 71.-

The “stretch”-technology of this products helps to “fit” the contours of your face for a seamless, semi-matte finish. Organic colorants, blended with translucent pigments create subtle, nude tones. Available in three shades: 0.5 (One Shot), 3.5 and 4.5

BLUSHING FABRIC – CHF 60.-

The “second skin” blush comes in two vibrant, limited-edition shades this spring.
High Density Orange 8 (One Shot), Fuchsia 9 (One Shot)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Great news for all Jo Malone aficionados. The gorgeous Earl Grey & Cucumber scent that was first launched as part of a limited edition collection in spring 2011 is now part of the line.

This beautifully crafted fragrance is inspired by the thoroughly British tradition of “High Tea” – the mid-afternoon ritual that’s such a sought after experience in London’s most prestigious hotels. Where Earl Grey tea is accompanied by petite, wafer-fine cucumber sandwiches. In this inventive and unconventional cologne, the top notes burst with bergamot – the same ingredient that gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive, fruity aroma. Its then that you discover the crunchy, counterpoised with the sweet base of beeswax, vanilla and musk. Ravishingly reviving.

Available now as Cologne 30ml (CHF 68.00) and 100ml (CHF 130.00).
In Switzerland exclusively at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

To create your bespoke scent, spritz and layer with Grapefruit for instant freshness or with Nutmeg & Ginger for warmth with a spicy vibrancy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

During my stay in Doha, I needed high sun protection for my winter pale skin to prevent damage from UV radiation. As temperatures are so perfect in December/January, you can spend hours in the sun. With the help of this trio, I have enjoyed it in complete safety.

FACE: Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme by La Roche-Posay
This tinted water-resistant fluid is perfect for sensitive skin providing you with a little bit of bronzy glow you are missing after those winter months.
CHF 27.90 (50ml)

BODY: Aroma Sun Expert for Body SPF 50 by Decléor
A protective hydrating milk that protects the skin while moisturizing (Melon Extract, Argan Oil) it at the same time. Thanks to the DNA Protection Complex (Vanilla and Jasmine Extracts), it helps cells to prevent premature aging. It boosts skin’s natural defences (Essential Oil of Rose) and reduces reactions caused by sun exposure (Rea from Tahiti). Personally speaking, I have never used such an easy-to-apply milk with a non-greasy texture but such a high SPF.
CHF 47.- (150ml)

AFTER: Capital Soleil After Sun Cellular SOS Repair Balm by Vichy
A rich but non-sticky texture that works well for the whole family by calming down the skin after sun exposure. This specially designed formula works to repair damage by restoring the skin’s cellular defense capital. Willowherb Extract even soothes over-exposed, painful and red skin so that a sunburn can transform into a beautiful bronzed tan.
CHF 26.- (100ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.

My look: Printed silk-blend crepe top, matching wide-leg pants with side splits from thigh to ankle, leather pumps with ankle straps, all by Gucci (50% off), holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney (new season, please click here for more information on this rising trend), cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and crochet-knit turban by Missoni (50% off).

I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown – Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilyn by Christian Dior – Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht