Sandra‘s Closet

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

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