Sandra‘s Closet

Let me introduce you to the world’s 1st hair and scalp super serum, inspired by 24 years of stem cell research, INITIALISTE by Kérastase. It helps you to reveal hair that feels thicker, looks shinier and is more resistant to breakage*.

Since a couple of weeks, I have been using it now and am completely convinced. My hair feels thicker and smoother. Moreover, through the application, I achieve more volume at the roots.

Benefits
With INITIALISTE, revealing a more beautiful hair fibre is now possible.

– HAIR FEELS THICKER
Hair thickness feels boosted and is lusciously soft

– HAIR LOOKS SHINIER
Hair has a lustrous-looking shine

– HAIR IS MORE RESISTANT
Hair is more resistant – up to 93% less breakage*
(*Breakage to brushing. Instrumental test: classic shampoo and Initialiste vs. classic shampoo alone).

Application
INITIALISTE can be applied directly to the scalp after washing and towel drying the hair. Leave-in treatment: 2 pipettes for fine hair and 4 for normal to thick hair. After applying, delicately massage the serum with the tips of your fingers to evenly distribute the serum over the whole scalp.

Technology
The unique knowledge of L’Oréal Advanced Research combined with the mastery of plant-based biotechnology has inspired Kerastase’s revolutionary formulation INITIALISTE, enriched with Vegetal Plant cells.

After a rigorous selection process that examined different kinds of plants, researchers focused their efforts on the native plant cells of the Malus Domestica, a variety of apple.; the extracts of which were infused in INITIALISTE’s Complexe Régénérateur®.

INITIALISTE is available for € 42.00 / CHF 56.00 (60ml). (In Switzerland in January 2013).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kérastase

New, prodigious and powerful, Helena Rubinstein‘s latest couture treatment, LIFE PEARL CELLULAR ESSENCE, distinguishes itself for the precious and rare active agents of black pearls from Tahiti for an extreme anti-age effect. The Helena Rubinstein Laboratories have learned the secret of the black pearl, giving rise, layer after layer, to ultimate perfection in terms of radiance, surface, form and density.

Smooth and very nourishing is this new serum which is designed to recreate skin as perfect as a pure pearl. Inspired by this jewel of nature, it reveals the complexion’s pearlescent brightness and its even appearance is restored. The skin relief is more even, the wrinkles are polished and the face’s contours are visibly reshaped.

Over time, the skin progressively loses its capacity to meet its basic needs. I have used LIFE PEARL CELLULAR ESSENCE only for a few weeks and find its restoring effect already outstanding. Its floral green scent of bergamot, iris and vetiver makes its application a true sensory pleasure.

A precious serum – a jewel of technology that will be available in Switzerland in the beginning of December 2012 for CHF 560.00 (40ml) at Jelmoli Zurich, Globus Geneva and Manor Lugano.

LoL, Sandra

For the past 150 years the House of Roger&Gallet has been celebrating the magic of Christmas and has shared the joy of giving with fragrance connoisseurs from all over the world.

To celebrate its anniversary year, Roger&Gallet is introducing a collection of colourful and festive Christmas box sets. And I have some very good news for my Swiss based readers, 15 OF YOU CAN WIN ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GIFT BOXES EACH. All you have to do is send me an e-mail to with the header “Roger&Gallet Christmas” and your postal address.

Contestants MUST live in Switzerland. All entries must be received until November 30, 2012. 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.

GIFT SET FLEUR D`OSMANTHUS
For her. A cascade of appetising floral notes, with citrus fruit and wood transport you into a Chinese Garden of Eden, in quest of the rare and mysterious flower of happiness. The bunch contains a heart of mandarin, grapefruit and benzoin essential oils.

GIFT SET ROSE
For her. Nepalese roses, sparkling mandarin and peonies combined with the mysteries of amber and the velvet of almond milk lead you to a magical walk through the splendour of the palaces of Bengal and their delectable gardens.

GIFT SET BOIS D‘ORANGE
For both him and her. The essence of mandarin meets the soft, green accents of basil-verbena: an original blend with an orange theme and a base of musky notes of clear amber and woody depths of palissander and Atlas cedar take you to an olfactive journey into the Andalucian gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada under the orange trees of the Generalife Palace.

This year, Roger&Gallet’s eaux parfumées (100ml) are accompanied by a delightful duo: a shower gel (50ml) and body milk (50ml), to add extra magic to your gifts. Also available in the following scents: CÉDRAT, THÉ VERT, GINGEMBRE.

PRICE: CHF 59.60 each

GIFT SET 4 SAVON
The four soaps in this box set are delicately wrapped in “sun-shaped” pleated silk paper, in colours reflecting their fragrances: Jean Marie Farina Eau de Cologne, Bois d’Orange, Citron and Rose. Roger&Gallet soaps are produced using the traditional “cauldron” method and perfumed to the heart.

PRICE: CHF 27.40

All gift sets are available in pharmacies now.
Don’t forget to enter the contest! Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger&Gallet

If summer fashion was flavoured with the saccharine sweet – pastels, lace and frills aplenty – prepare to turn to the dark side this winter. Gone for a few weeks are pretty soft shades and in their place come the bold primaries. Cue bright red – the colour of the season and a classic show-stopper – looks best on coats and lips. Invest in vibrant outerwear that will transform every outfit from now to wow!

From left to right: Rac wool-blend coat by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and wool-felt coat by Alexander McQueen.

The painfully beautiful Jasmin Rouge Collection by Tom Ford.

One of my favourite scents, Jasmin Rouge, is now available in a new 100ml size for CHF 380.-.
And for the holiday season, Tom Ford launches 4 new lipsticks in different shades of red: “Narcotic Rouge”, “Reckless”, “Diabolique” and “Slander” (CHF 62.- each).
Please Santa, pack them all!

To all my US readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

LoL, Sandra

Jo Malone is always a great option for Christmas gifts, and this year, the brand offers some limited edition sets along with some fun products.The influence of the ’20s and ’30s has been seen in almost every make-up collection for this holiday season and Jo Malone’s Christmas collection is no exception. Let’s have a closer look at this Art Deco-styled range.

Cologne Intense CHF 320.00
DARK AMBER & GINGER LILY 200ml
(One of my favourite scents by Jo Malone comes now in a larger size.)

Scent Surround™ Diffuser CHF 86.00
PINE & EUCALYPTUS 165ml
(Let your house smell like a freshly cut Christmas tree.)

Christmas Cracker CHF 50.00
POMEGRANATE NOIR BODY & HAND WASH 15ml
LIME BASIL & MANDARIN COLOGNE 9ml
ORANGE BLOSSOM BODY CREAM 15ml
(I am so in love with this cute product. What a cute idea to surprise your guest with such a special cracker on the table.)

Tea Trousseau CHF 795.00
ASSAM & GRAPEFRUIT COLOGNE 100ml
EARL GREY & CUCUMBER COLOGNE 100ml
SWEET LEMON COLOGNE 100ml
PARMA VIOLETS TEA DELUXE CANDLE 400g
SWEET ALMOND & MACAROON DELUXE CANDLE 400g
(This to-die-for box is including some of the most amazing fragrances and beautifully scented candles. Anybody looking for a gift for me…?)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

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