Sandra‘s Closet

This was my look for the amazing Caviar & Oyster Collection Dinner with Bobbi Brown:

Black dress with angel wing sleeves by Stella McCartney, Soft Stirrup black brocade leather clutch, Noah high heel cut-out pump, both by Gucci, bangle, goldfish cuff and cocktail ring, all three by Roberto Cavalli, earrings by Chanel.

Of course, I created my make-up with the beautiful new products by Bobbi Brown:

I used the Caviar & Oyster Palette (CHF 120.-) for the eyes (I blended all eight shades and dabbed Ballet Sparkle with my fingertip), then I applied the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (CHF 33.-) in Black Ink with the Smokey Eye Liner Brush (CHF 43.-) and smudged it with the Long-Wear Eye Pencil (CHF 33.-) in Jet. To finish off the smokey look, I layered the new limited edition Dual-Ended Mascara (CHF 33.-) in Black.

On my lips I wore Brightening Lip Gloss (CHF 35.-) in Moonlight Pearl and on my cheeks Blush (CHF 41.-) in Pretty Pink.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday evening, together with Bobbi Brown Cosmetic I hosted a dinner for the launch of Bobbi Brown‘s new Caviar & Oyster Collection at my house.

Bobbi’s inspiration for this season started when she spotted a black motorcycle jacket next to a piece of delicate pink satin. Seeing the two items together prompted her to create this amazing make-up collection, designing a contrast of both, polished and edgy. “It’s all about combining different textures and finishes.” – Bobbi Brown

Above you can see the lovely Bobbi Brown Cosmetic team from Switzerland with me and the invite for the evening.

Unfortunately, Bobbi couldn’t make it herself but she sent me a lovely note along with a little gift that meant a lot to me.

The dinner was held in three different rooms with each room having its own special ambiance, from cozy to elegant and oriental.

Speaking of combining different textures and finishes, famous chef Peter Marty borrowed Bobbi Brown’s inspiration to create a menu that was – of course – all about caviar and oysters.

Between each course, one part of the Caviar & Oyster collection was beautifully revealed to the guests. Each of them got a plate with the products that were immediately applied with enthusiasm. Can you imagine how much fun we had?! Great food, sparkling champagne, only girls and trying out new make-up, it felt like being in heaven.

Below you can explore all the details of the Caviar & Oyster collection:

LIPGLOSSES

Bobbi has sized up all her glosses to give you an extra dose of shine. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips, plus the new tapered applicator lets you apply it like a pro. Wear alone or on top of your favourite lipstick.
(From left to right: Black Pearl, Moonlight Pearl, Pink Oyster, Oyster and White)
Limited Edition CHF 35.- (7ml) each.

DUAL-ENDED MASCARA

Designed to be layered, this two-in-one duo features Everything Mascara for definition and Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara for length. It’s Bobbi’s secret to megawatt lashes-and part of her Caviar & Oyster Collection. To apply: First, brush on Everything Mascara from base of lashes to the tips. Next, apply Lash Glamour Mascara. Let each mascara dry between coats.
Black – Limited Edition CHF 33.- (6ml).

SHIMMER NAIL POLISH

A little bit uptown, a little bit downtown. Bobbi’s shimmering polish looks striking on all skin tones. The epitome of Bobbi’s Caviar & Oyster Collection, this polish adds a little edgy-luxe to nails and is just the right amount of tough.
Black Pearl – Limited Edition CHF 27.– (11ml)

CAVIAR & OYSTER PALETTE

Strong and smokey or soft and pretty? There’s no need to choose with Bobbi’s beautifully-edited selection. Featuring eight shadows and a luminescent skin enhancer, this mirrored palette makes it easy to create a multitude of party and special occasion looks. Taking a cue from the look of something pretty against something edgy, the set includes rich caviar and pearlescent black shades. Introducing the standout star of the season, Ballet Sparkle, a shimmer so sheer it can be worn on both eyes and cheeks (without ever looking overdone).
(Shades included: White Eye Shadow, Sandy Pearl Metallic Eye Shadow, Pink Opal Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Grey Sky Eye Shadow, Plum Steel Metallic Eye Shadow, Rich Caviar Eye Shadow, Heather Grey Eye Shadow, Pearl Oyster Sparkle Eye Shadow and Ballet Sparkle)
Limited Edition CHF 120.-

And at the end of this amazing night, we all had the caviar and oyster glow…

Thank you Bobbi Brown for this wonderful experience!
All products are in stores now, so hurry as those limited edition pieces will sell out fast.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown (Nadia) and © Sandra Bauknecht

Don’t forget to shop the unique collaboration Maison Martin Margiela with H&M that hits selected stores worldwide officially today! This year, the French fashion house is sharing their unconventional fashion framework with H&M and their re-editions are to-die-for (Have a look at this previous post where you can see them in detail)! In case that you have missed the party pics of the amazing launch party in NYC, click here.

If you cannot get enough of Maison Martin Margiela, I recommend a visit to one of my favourite hotels in Paris: La Maison Champs-Elysées. The design hotel was the first to be decorated by Martin Margiela and voted among the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveller.

Its location between the Grand Palais and the Avenue Montaigne is perfect, especially during Paris Fashion Week.

I stayed in one of three “Lost Moulding” suites: N° 112 Paul Bodin, designed by Martin Margiela. The wooden mouldings in the rooms start and finish at random, like a work in progress, offering various shades of white. A large central space with sliding side doors separates the lounge from the bedroom, enhancing the feeling of privacy. The luxurious, modern bathroom is extremely spacious and beautiful.

And here is more for all Margiela-fans among you: Replica Fragrances by Maison Martin Margiela, a reproduction of familiar scents and moments of varying locations and periods that embodies the interest of Maison Martin Margiela for vintage clothing and accessories.

All three recently launched feminine fragrances “Flower Market”, “Beach Walk”, “Funfair Evening” are divine and instantly evoke images, impressions, positive emotions that reflect our collective subconscious. Composed by the master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, along with Marie Salamagne, each ‘Replica’ fragrance captures a specific olfactory moment, recalling memories that we all share. 100ml (CHF 109.-)

“Flower Market”
Paris, 2011

Freshly cut flowers, wet petals, buckets and vases brimming with water, leaves crushed on the floor, a multitude of floral compositions… Maison Martin Margiela captures the delicate fragrance of the flower market.
The green freshness of just-cut stems echoes the sensuality of the floral accord. Transparent notes of freesia and Grasse rose petals dotted with water, are enveloped by creamier notes of Sambac jasmine and tuberose.

“Beach Walk”
Calvi, 1972

A stroll along the ocean. Feet sink into the sand. Waves brush the skin. The sun at its zenith radiates the beach. “Beach Walk” evokes the memory of a summer day.
Fresh as the spray of the ocean, bergamot, lemon and pink pepper are instantly fused. Radiant and sensual ylang ylang follows, illuminating the addictive scents of coconut milk, musk and heliotrope.

“Funfair Evening”
Santa Monica, 1994

In the warm night air, the sound of laughter and playful melodies. The obscurity is broken by splashes of multicoloured neon. Colour reigns vibrant and explosive. An odour of candy fills the air.
From the first breath, the ambiance of the funfair comes to mind. The soft and enveloping fragrance of sweets… Notes of apple and star anise join to reveal a marshmallow accord created with caramel and orange blossom.

Enjoy indulging in your very own Margielamania and see you at H&M!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, La Maison des Champs-Elysées, Maison Martin Margiela, © Sandra Bauknecht

Elegant packaging, rose scented and 24-carat pink gold sounds too good to be true?!

It’s all included in Terry de Gunzburg‘s Christmas 2012 collection By Terry this year. Combining extraordinary skincare with skin luminosity, you should definitely be adding those four limited edition products to your whish list.

OR DE ROSE HUILE ABSOLUE
30ml (CHF 126.-)
This youth elixir consists of 24-carat pink gold microspheres to give luminosity and radiance to your skin as well as to firm and renew it. It’s also got plenty of rose extract  which is always lovely for your complexion.

OR DE ROSE BLUSH PRESTIGE
15ml (CHF 88.-)
This nurturing allover highlighter blush gives a radiant glow with 24-carat pink gold shimmers in shades of pink, copper and warm amber.

OR DE ROSE PRECIEUX
7g (CHF 58.-)
Being a Baume De Rose lover this special edition Or De Rose Baume Precieux is my favourite of the collection. It also contains 24-carat pink gold giving a beautiful shimmering finish while hydrating and protecting the lips from the cold winter weather.

TERRYBLY KHÔL PENCIL
1,2g (CHF 31.-)
This waterproof eye pencil again includes 24-carat pink gold and has a light shade of rose. It is the only product of the collection that I am not so keen on.
You might use it instead of a white eye pencil to make your eyes look bigger but still I would rather go for a clean white shade instead of a light pink.

In Switzerland available at Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of By Terry

Recently, I came across this photo that put a huge smile on my face. Those nails are so cheesy. As you know I am living in Switzerland that is famous for the best cheeses in the world. So some of you might get inspired to match their manicure to their next raclette.

Are you ready for some Fondue nails? Honestly, I find it very fascinating to look at them, but who wants to walk around with nails like that. I have more an admiration for the craftsmanship that went into them. Marta from the UK (Top Fashion Nails) is pretty creative. Look at her strawberry manicure below.

Have a lovely Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Top Fashion Nails

Let me introduce you to Olia, the first permanent oil-powered home hair colour by Garnier that contains 60% natural flower oils and no ammonia. For the first time in home color, oil does more than condition, it boots the colouring process.

The drop-shape bottle fits perfectly into the palm of the hand, allowing for controlled application. A velvety cream texture and a luxurious subtle fragrance, Garnier has helped transform the colouring routine into a new beauty ritual, providing you with healthy shiny hair in the colour you have also wanted.

Available in 18 shades for CHF 15.90. In Switzerland at Coop and Manor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Garnier and  © Sandra Bauknecht

For all my foreign readers, if you are lucky enough to be in France or Switzerland, head straight to the nearest supermarket to stock up on as much of Le Petit Marseillais as possible. This brand is just divine, amazing products for little money.

Think about it! A shower is not only about hygiene, it is more about waking up your senses in the morning. For fall, Le Petit Marseillais is all about the beautiful scents of the South, inspired by the beauty secrets of Mediterranean women.

My favourite products for fall are:

Shower Oil (Nurturing)
Hazelnut & Royal Jelly from Greece
CHF 4.95 (250ml)

Shower Cream & Intensive Moisture
Cacoa Butter & Sesame from Morocco
CHF 4.95 (250ml)

Shower Cream (Extra Gentle)
Chestnut & Pistachio
CHF 3.95 (250ml)

Repairing Butter (My all-year favourite)
CHF 4.95 (125ml)

This amazing product has an amazing texture and scent. It can be applied on the body as well on the face and works for the whole family. I love to pack it on vacation, one product that suits all occasions and family members. Try it, you will thank me forever!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Le Petit Marseillais and © Sandra Bauknecht

Guerlain’s Christmas 2012 makeup collection was inspired by the brand’s fragrance Liu. It is Olivier Echaudemaison’s interpretation of the scent which was created in 1929 by Jacques Guerlain. Liu is a hymn to femininity and true love, which was inspired by the heroine of Turandot, Puccini’s opera. The story is about the young slave who chooses to commit suicide rather than reveal the name of her master with whom she is in love. The scent symbolized the power of secrets.

From scent to make-up, this bewitching journey transports us to the threshold of a fantastical and incredibly refined Asia. Golden mists, tapered eyes, a blood-red mouth… Beautifully enhanced by the opulence of the Orient, Guerlain’s modern heroine is Natalia Vodianova who stars once more in the house’s ad campaign.

LIU – Perfumed Shimmer Powder Face, Body and Hair

The magical light-as-air loose powder swathes the skin and hair in a silky halo with iridescent golden glints. The sensual universal shade softly illuminates the face, hair and exposed parts of the body from the curve of the shoulder to the top of the décolleté. A scintillating breath exudes luminous aldehydes, a sensual armful of roses and a caressing base of vanilla, iris and woody notes. CHF 112.-

LIU – Eye and Lip Calligraphy Palette

Another icon, the collector’s palette draws its inspiration from the art of calligraphy and Asian beauty rituals. Two fatal shades for the lips, carmine and blue-toned red, and three eyeshadows with an iridescent powder texture that plays on every tone of gold – bronze, copper and white. A matte black powder line that can be used wet or dry is the ultimate accessory for an unforgettable gaze. CHF 105.-

The Complexion Divas
Météorites Perles du Dragon (illuminating powder) and Météorites Wulong (pressed powder)

The legendary Météorites have been reinvented in two luxurious limited-edition versions. In the year of the dragon, they have been christened Perles du Dragon and Wulong – meaning “black dragon”. They pay tribute to this mythical animal, a symbol of the emperor of China, whose primary source of power lay in pearl, synonymous with happiness, wisdom and abundance. Perles du Dragon CHF  76.- and Wulong CHF 220.-

Écrin 4 Couleurs – Long-lasting Eyeshadows

This precious quartet, 500 Les Ombres Turandot, showcases a subtle monochrome palette for vibrnat and refined eye make-up. CHF 80.-

The Heroines’ Lipsticks: Shine Automatique – Hydrating Lip Shine

Available this fall in two colours: 700 Altoum, a gold adorned with tone-on-tone sparkle that is worn on bare lips or alternatively as a top coat and 760 Lou-Ling, an enchanting beautiful plum with a golden sparkle for an even more fiery effect. CHF 54.- each

Nail Lacquers

Dare to display ultimate sophistication down to your fingertips with limited-edition nail polishes in the same jewel tones 03 Altoum, a gleaming gold for a precious glow, 04 Lou-Ling, a stunning plum for spellbinding nails. CHF 36.- each

Personally speaking, I adore this festive make-up collection very much. The packaging itself is so luxurious and beautiful that you will enjoy the products whenever you hold them in your hands as much as putting them on your face. In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain and © Sandra Bauknecht

Three new oriental fragrances that might reveal the Scheherazade in you hit the shelves this fall. Not only fans of the One Thousand and One Nights will love the precious essences of amber, vanilla, patchouli and rose.

Enjoy those scents that will at once transport you to warmer climes and enchanting Eastern places in thought.

Armani Privé – Haute Couture Fragrances
ROSE D’ARABIE “L’Or du Désert”

Giorgio Armani presents a limited edition of its Rose d’Arabie fragrance of the Armani/Privé line of couture perfumes in “La Collection des Mille et Une Nuits”. The sensual fragrance features amber and patchouli as well as saffron and Damask rose extracts. Elusive gold flecks mingle with the fragrance, dancing and twirling like desert winds so that its name L’Or du Désert is very suitable. The beautiful gold dust will leave a subtle shimmer on the perfumed skin.
EDP 100 ml – CHF 330.- Limited Edition available end of October 2012.

PERFUME CALLIGRAPHY by Aramis

Aramis goes Arabic with its newly launched unisex scent Perfume Calligraphy, that is geared towards the Middle Eastern market. Full of eastern promise and inspired by the beauty of the written word, the fragrance and its bottle, both reflect a perfect pairing of ancient crafts and high quality ingredients such as oud and rose. Additional notes include cardamom, lemon, cinnamon, myrrh, saffron, patchouli, amber and musk.
EDT 100ml – CHF 168.- in stores now.

L’AMBRE DES MERVEILLES by Hermès

“Lucent, translucent, luminous, generous, solid, indestructible, if the legend is true, if beads of yellow amber are the tears of the gods, they are tears of joy.”

The newest Hermès fragrance L’Ambre des Merveilles is full of magic and mystery. This extremely beautiful scent includes notes of amber, labdanum, vanilla and patchouli. The idea behind his latest interpretation L’Ambre, as in-house nose Jean-Claude Ellena explains, was “to make the woman more sensual and mysterious. For this new chapter, I wanted to relate one of the mysteries of amber, hovering between a delicious treat and sensuality, where vanilla meets the warmth of labdanum, and the moist quality of patchouli.” After a spritz or two, it is obvious that this fragrance does just that in perfection.
EDP 50ml (CHF 128.-) and 100ml (CHF 182.-) in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani, Aramis and Hermès

Personally speaking, I have to admit that I had never really thought about the impact of pores. That changed drastically when I went to Clinique‘s press conference to hear about their newest products in the end of August. One launch has especially convinced me after having used it now for almost two months: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS.

Dr. Markus Dawid, Head of Dermatology at the Kaiser Franz Joseph Spital in Vienna / Austria, gave a very interesting and eye-opening speech about how the appearance of your skin can be changed just by refining your pores. We have 300.000 pores in our face and during the age of 25-50, a doubling takes place, they become twice the size they used to be. If our pores are not immaculate, the light cannot be reflected perfectly and we look older.

Clinique offers now a full product range taking care of this problem: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS. Give them two weeks, and you’ll wonder why they were ever such a big deal.

Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum by Clinique

The Pore Resurfacing Complex quickly, gently clears out debris and rough flakes. Pores ‘snap back’ into shape and look 58% smaller in only 2 weeks. Over time, it helps your skin create stronger supports and healthier cells to see more improvement. CHF 65.– for 30ml.

Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator by Clinique

After mattifying instantly, this oil-free formula supplies needed hydration while curbing excess oil and shine for 8 hours. Even the T-Zones feel fresh and stay comfortably matte. It instantly refines the look of pores with unique light-scattering optics and over time, they seem smaller. Non-acnegenic. CHF 57.- for 50ml.

Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique (MY FAVOURITE)

It makes you look smooth and virtually flawless with pores that appear more than 50% smaller—instantly. The natural-looking matte finish lasts up to 8 hours. Resists sweat, humidity. In two skin tone shades, Invisible Light and Invisible Deep, or Invisible Bright for subtle brightening. CHF 32.- for 15ml. If you want to have an immediate result, this is your dream product!

Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup by Clinique

It softens and blurs appearance of visible pores instantly and over time. CHF 43.-, available in Switzerland in 6 shades, in the US in 12 shades.

Sisley has also invented a very powerful skin-enhancing concentrate with an all-round corrective, preventative and treatment action. One step for many results – I love!

Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley (MY FAVOURITE)

A pore-minimizing skin perfector, that at any age tightens dilated pores, smoothes the skin’s surface and ensure flawless skin texture day after day. Immediately, the skin texture is refined, the skin mattified. Day after day, the skin surface is smoother and more even. The skin’s balance is restored ,the freshness of the complexion is revealed. CHF 183.00 for 30ml.

Personally speaking, this is my perfect power couple for pores: Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley as a daily serum and Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique before applying makeup for an instant improvement. Following this beauty routine, I like to use other moisturizing creams because of my very dry skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, Sisley, © Sandra Bauknecht and via fashiongonerogue