Sandra‘s Closet

Today I would like to introduce you to Guerlain‘s newest foundations: PARURE DE LUMIÈRE.

I know that with so many new products on the market, you might already be thinking: What should be so different about this one? It is the answer to a natural-looking, fresh, glowing and radiant complexion while moisturizing the skin. It truly works its magic.
As Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlain’s Creative Director, describes it: “Light is the secret of radiance. The mysteries of radiance are finally coming to light…”.

The house of Guerlain has been enhancing beauty for over 180 years. In 2012, thanks to a marine spring water source, natural reserve, located at a depth of 22 meters, Guerlain uses luminescent water. The composition is also extremely rich in minerals and trace elements, particularly manganese and silica, which all together lead to a remarkable hydrating power. Together with the technology of light reflection pigments the skin achieves absolute radiance.

Parure de Lumière, the first light-creating alchemist foundation is available now in two different textures:

THE CREME: A rich gel-cream texture that is insolently light and fresh! SPF 20
CHF 78.-
THE FLUID: An unparalled fine quality… for satiny skin. SPF 25
CHF 75.-

The radiance steps by Guerlain:

1. PREPARE the skin with Météorites Perles Primer. The complexion primer contains correcting and perfecting radiance pearls for a peach-skin effect. The complexion is matte and even, naturally enhanced before make-up is even applied.

2. EVEN OUT the skin with Parure de Lumière Fluid Foundation or Creme Foundation for an illuminated face.

3. CORRECT darkness and puffiness with the Precious Light Concealer.

4. ILLUMINATE your complexion by using Météorites Perles Powder.

5. SCULPT the face with the help of Guerlain’s iconic Terracotta Powder for a natural effect. The long-lasting moisturising bronzing powder restores a healthy glow in just a few brush strokes.

Enjoy your new radiance!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and wearing pink is a great way of showing your support. I am in love with this uber-cute pink ruffled silk-mikado mini dress by Moschino and those lace-up fuchsia rubber rain boots by RED Valentino.

Many companies, such as Estée Lauder and Bobbi Brown, sell special products to raise awareness and funds by donating part of the retail price. This year, Estée Lauder compagnies’ Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the fight against breast cancer and honouring the life and legacy of Evelyn H. Lauder, BCA campaign founder and Pink Ribbon co-creator. This is definitely worth supporting!

Evelyn Lauder Dream Compact by Estée Lauder
This irresistible collectible compact is an elegant way to show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness for women and men. Filled and refillable with Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder, the Evelyn Lauder Dream Collection also helps raise awareness that early detection saves lives. In special honour of Evelyn Lauder, 100% of the suggested retail price of each Dream Compact sold will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® from August 2012 – June 2013. Available in Switzerland for CHF 120.-.

Limited Edition Pink Peony Set by Bobbi Brown

Exclusive set in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bobbi will be donating $10 of every sale of this set during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. Featuring the Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Pink Peony, an innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls to give skin a natural-looking glow, paired with a Mini Face Blender Brush topped off with a bright pink handle. It’s a fun way to put on your makeup and show your support. Available in Switzerland for CHF 60.- (CHF 5.- will be donated).

Pink Bouquet by Moschino
A fruity-floral fragrance that exhales a lot of positive energy, youthful freshness and euphoric notes while being romantic and feminine.

Top notes: Bergamot, pineapple sorbet and raspberry.
Middle notes: Jasmine, pink lily of the valley, violet and peony petal.
Base notes: Peach, oakmoss, gingerbread and musk.

Eau de Toilette Nat. Spray 30 ml CHF 54.00 – 50 ml CHF 81.00 – 90 ml CHF 107.00
Perfumed Deodorant Nat. Vapo 50 ml CHF 42.00
Perfumed Shower Gel 200 ml CHF 42.00
Perfumed Body Lotion 200 ml CHF 52.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Moschino and net-à-porter.

Lèvres en boîte: A colour in mind, your lips in a box. When you’re done, just shut it! Apart from your lip’s natural colour, there is no true “rouge”. Four shades offer a world of possibilities. Use one of the enclosed lip brushes with the special mixing pan and blend any combination of the four colours to create your own one. And of course, each shade of red may also be used individually.

Available in November 2012 for CHF 199.- / €145.-.
In Switzerland in Geneva (Globus), Lausanne (Bon Génie), Zurich (Jelmoli), Bern (Schütz) and Crans Montana (Parfumerie Internationale).
My foreign readers can shop the product here.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

In July, I showed you already a sneak preview of the gorgeous OPI The Man With The Golden Gun top coat, which contains real flecks of 18kt gold. For the previous post, please click here.

Of course, I was so excited to try it out myself and I have to say that it is an amazing product as it makes your manicure last forever. I wore it in Paris for fashion week and got lots of compliments for it.

Now I would like to present you the complete range by OPI for this holiday season, that pays homage to the 50th Anniversary of movie icon James Bond. This special line of nail polishes – named after the latest 007 movie Skyfall – features 13 limited-edition nail lacquers.

“From metallic and glitter finishes to jewel tones and even a jet black, these lacquers capture the film’s sophisticated and glamorous look.” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. The Skyfall nail polishes are even featured in the latest Bond movie by actress Bérénice Marlohe.

The OPI Skyfall Collection will be available in Switzerland starting November, 1st, 2012 for CHF 23.90 and CHF 49.90 for the top coat “The Man With The Golden Gun”.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of OPI and IMDb

“Now that cinderella’s fairy godmother no longer exists, the couturier must be the magician,” said Christian Dior.

In a swirl of shadows and light, the Dior heroine leads the ball dance. She wears her glamour like a second skin. For the Christmas 2012 makeup collection, Tyen reinterprets the spirit of Dior grand balls with a contemporary elegance and a cheeky twist.

They were a constant theme beating at the heart of Monsieur Dior’s fashion and life. From the extravagant parties in Granville, his childhood home, which gave him a glimpse of his destiny in couture, to the follies of the Parisian balls in the roaring 20s, the couturier was profoundly fascinated by transformation. From the catwalk to the red carpet, his ball gowns have become every woman’s desire. A 18th-century look, revived and modernised. Fleeting and flamboyant, the Grand Bal embraces the fantasy of Christmas.

Palette Grand Bal Carnet de Maquillage (CHF 119.00) – Christmas Look 2012 Star Product – (Limited Edition)

Inspired by the dance cards held by young women in the 18th-century to remember their dance partners, this essential beauty kit is bound to be a must-have for the modern day party girl. The glamorous gold clutch features a pearl eyeshadow duo of platinum and gold, two shades of gloss, a mirror, and deep black eyeliner for quick touch-ups.

Poudre Or – (CHF 68.25 – Limited Edition)

Delicate skin dares to adopt subtle golden tints beneath the Diorskin powder puff, a loose powder to be dusted onto the cheekbones, shoulders and neckline… The sensuality of elegant evenings with a stylish scent of seduction.

Diorskin Poudre Libre in 431 Gold Dust

Palette 5 Couleurs (CHF 90.00 – Limited Edition)

Through the darkness, the eyes dazzle with light. A dramatic halo, a mirrored texture, shifting reflections that flutter like butterfly wings… The 5 Couleurs unfurls its multiple shades. The Dior Grand Bal heroine wears her masquerade right on her skin.

524 Fairy Golds
764 Night Golds

Grand Bal False Lashes (CHF 32.00 – Limited Edition)

For the first time Dior has created a collection of false eyelashes. Adorned with delicate silver drops or soft gold sophisticated Swarovski crystals, the gaze is shaded in mystery and sparkles with glamour, to defy the imagination. A fatal attraction.

001 Pearl Drops
002 Gold Crystals

Diorshow Liner Waterproof “Or” (CHF 34.00 – Limited Edition)

Like a gold thread etched beneath the lashes, the new Diorshow Liner Waterproof underscores the eyelid. Applied in generous flat tints or as a drop of light at the corner of the eye, it leaves its lustrous bronze imprint.

Diorific Lipstick (CHF 49.00)

A voluptuous texture, a glossy shine… The Diorific Grand Bal collection reveals a waltz of glowing couture shades in their precious jewel-case: festive red, brown with a sophisticated gold sheen, nude beige or falsely demure rosewood. Smoothed, shaped and sheened, the smile is perfectly designed. Captivating.

340 Diorling
520 Diva
653 Marilyn
677 Lady

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss (CHF 44.00 – Limited Edition)

It seeks to unsettle and distils its sensuality. Alone or as a topcoat, tinted in gold lamé or ceremonial red, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss lacquers the smile, transforming the sweep of a ball gown or boosting a super-slim silhouette. A little shot of glamour.

424 Lamé Gold
774 Ceremony Red

Diorific Vernis ($40 – Limited Edition)

More than an it-colour, Diorific Vernis is an it-accessory; an object of desire and a collector nail lacquer. In an exceptional collector’s edition that bridges fashion and finery, Dior relaunches this gem of a varnish. In a range of ultra-luxurious colours, Diorific Vernis is a jewel on the skin that the heroine of the Dior Grand Bal mixes or matches with her lipstick, to suit her outfit or mood. Red for the lips, sparkly black for the fingers; pearl-white on the fingertips and pink on the lips; glossy golden varnish with brown lip shade. She is ready to go to the ball. Never has her extravagance been more desirable.

011 Lady
751 Marilyn
207 Diorling
901 Diva

Golden Tattoos ($120.00) (Limited Edition – not available in Switzerland)

From the early years of his career, Christian Dior was fascinated by gold and its mysterious powers. It wasn’t long before gold became a refined signature of the house and Dior’s most magnificent couture outfits were adorned with gold accessories. Now, Camille Miceli, Dior’s Creative Director of costume jewelry, has created a limited edition set of Golden Tattoos, comprised of 24-karat gold micro particles that melt onto the skin. The set includes seven exclusive designs: two wrist chains, a Dior Dollisimio charm, pearl drop charm with the Christian Dior logo, three rings, and a Line A interlaced bangles.

Personally speaking, the Dior Grand Bal makeup collection is my favourite for Christmas 2012.
All products, except the Golden Tattoos, will be available in Switzerland from November 7th, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

For the Christmas 2012 Makeup collection “Éclat du Soir de Chanel”, Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, borrows the vintage luster of bronze-tinged gold and lends its modernity to evening makeup.
Here is your preview of the beautiful pieces that will be launched in the end of this month:

Regard Signé de CHANEL CHF 77.-
Harmonie du Soir

Ombres Contraste Duo CHF 60.-
47 Nuit-Claire

Illusion d’Ombre CHF 47.-
817 Apparence

Joues Contraste CHF 60.-
73 Star Dust

Poudre Universelle Libre CHF 67.-
57 Rêverie

Rouge Allure Velvet CHF 48.-
307 L’Impatiente

Le Vernis CHF 35.-
637 Malice

Available end of October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Here is your preview of Lancôme’s Christmas 2012 makeup collection Happy Holidays which is all about the festive shades of gold, and red mixed with sparkling sequins!
The collection is inspired by Paris, the City of Lights, where, according to Lancôme, “illuminations resonate with enchanting shimmer”, clearly a suitable inspiration for a Christmas Collection.

Petit Trésor Eyeshadow – Limited Edition – CHF 39.-

My favourite product of the collection. These sparkling eyeshadows are woven like a mesh fabric and give a beautiful metallic effect while lasting up to 16 hours.

S112 Fil d’Or
S207 Fil d’Argent
S208 Fil d’Bronze

Les Paillettes aux Yeux – Limited Edition – CHF 29.-

Shimmering loose powder to apply directly to lids or on top of other products for a glowy effect.

10 À la Belle Étoile
20 Lumières de Paris

Le Crayon Khôl – Limited Edition – CHF 33

015 Jazzy Taupe
016 France in a Glance

L’Absolu Rouge – Limited Edition – CHF 44

181 Topaze Ecstasy
182 Rubis Exquisite
183 Grenat

Vernis In Love – Limited Edition – CHF 25

522 Bubbly Gold
532 Ginger Swing
575 Flirty Red

The collection will be available in October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

Chanel keeps us in suspense until the last minute. Fans of the brand are eager to see the final campaign photos featuring Brad Pitt as the first male model for the house’s iconic Chanel N°5 scent. For the first time, a man will give his view on the most feminine and legendary of fragrances. On October 15th, 2012 the secret will be finally lifted.

In the meantime enjoy those 7 seconds of mystery.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Chanel

During the last weeks, I have been receiving the upcoming Christmas collections and from now on, I will start showing them to you. Personally speaking, I love this time of the year in terms of beauty products. Sparkling shades, glittering powders, rich shades of red and gold make my heart leap for joy.

Clarins Odyssey Limited Edition Christmas Makeup Collection comprises two limited edition compacts inspired by the magnificence of Ancient Greece.

Clarins Odyssey Face Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 78.-

Like an elegant and sumptuous odyssey, this silky-smooth compact powder enhances the complexion for a beautiful, more even skin tone.

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet Mineral Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 62.-

A collection of four long-wearing golden-brown shades. It also includes two applicator brushes with pointed and round ends which can be used to blend the colour or to create a smoky eye makeup.

Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation – Available in 11 shades – CHF 53.-

Your skin – Only better. Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation is a loose powder foundation with an ultra-fine, silky texture that contains highly effective mineral and plant-based ingredients that work in harmony with the skin to illuminate the complexion’s appearance.

The result: a beautifully radiant, perfectly even, matte complexion and skin that feels incredibly soft and comfortable. Matte finish – light to medium coverage – suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

In stores Mid October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Clarins

Now that unavoidable street style It-label is Kenzo. The brand has been around forever, but had disappeared off the fashion radar for quite some time. A subsidiary of LVMH, Kenzo has come back on the map this season with unconventional designs and prints, loved by the younger, hip fashion crowd. Launched in 1970 by Kenzo Takada and now under the creative direction of Opening Ceremony’s Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the Paris-based brand is your ticket to globe-trotting style.

Inspired by the label’s eclectic archives, the designer duo has charged the look with a covetably youthful vibrancy. Congrats to Kenzo’s very loud roar! Those popular lion-faced, Eiffel Tower, and logo sweatshirts are truly divine.

Kenzo is available at Net-à-porter, Farfetch,Mytheresa and Luisaviaroma.

Another way to experience the Kenzo spirit is the house’s newest fragrance Madly Kenzo Eau de Toilette, a lighter, more carefree version of the spirited Madly Eau de Parfum scent that was launched last year.

Floral Woody Musk

Top notes: Pear and litchi.
Middle notes: Jasmine and heliotrope.
Base notes: Musk and cedar.

Available in 30ml, 50ml and 80ml.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Frontrowview, Phil Oh. Courtesy of Kenzo and © Sandra Bauknecht.