Sandra‘s Closet

Sparkling fashion label Swarovski launches a new scent for women, so-called SWAROVSKI EDITION. After the huge success of last year’s launch AURA, the brand presents its new delightful limited edition fragrance that will hit stores this month. The design of the bottle is reminiscent of the house’s clutch evening purses.

A fruity-floral fragrance created by perfumer Sonia Constant.

Top notes: Clementine and red currant jam
Middle notes: Wild rose and gardenia
Base notes: Cedar and musk

Available now as a limited edition Eau de Toilette 50ml (CHF 71.-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski

Lancôme has got my favourite makeup look for this fall: MIDNIGHT ROSES. The colours, designed around a purple spectrum, are so feminine and seductive.

Imagine midnight in Paris, the hour of untold possibilities…

In fall 2011, Lancôme introduced 29, Saint Honoré, a collection paying homage to Lancôme’s emblematic address. Today, marking the next chapter in this beautiful story, the French house invites us to number 29 on a secret street. A magical, coveted address. A perfect location that opens its doors at the hour when purple roses come into bloom…

It is here that the “Midnight Roses”, women among the most elegant in the world, emerge just after midnight. Somewhere between mystery and magic, the “Midnight Roses” collection showcases nocturnal seduction through each of its “purple-tinted” dimensions.

When night-time becomes a magical celebration… and as I just spent four magic days in Paris, I exactly know what Lanôme is talking about!

Let’s unveil purple’s deepest secrets:

L’Absolu Rouge Mat

For the first time, the mythical Absolu Rouge is as matte as velvet…
As comfortable and replenishing as ever thanks to its formula enriched with Pro-Xylane™, it caresses lips in three new seductive purple tones.

360 Rose Aphrodisia, 361 Rose Sortilège, 160 Rouge Hypnôse (All three one shots)
CHF 44.- each

L’Absolu Crème de Mat

For the “Midnight Roses” collection, L’Absolu Crème de Brillance has undergone a transformation and become completely matte. The smoothness of a gloss, the coverage of a lipstick, the comfort of a cream texture.

100 Potion d’Amour, 300 Magie Pourpre, 301 Prune Élixir (All three one shots)
CHF 44.- each

Blush Highlighter

Like reflected moonbeams dancing on the banks of the Seine…
The Blush Highlighter captures the unique light that bathes Paris at midnight. Crafted thanks to a new technology combining a high-comfort “marshmallow” texture with an illuminating effect, this extremely fine, light-infused powder is adorned with an embossed emblematic Lancôme rose. The powder feels whisper-soft on application, leaving just a veil of sheer pearly radiance.

Tips:
– Applied in delicate strokes following the lines of the shoulders, the Blush Highlighter beautifully emphasises a low-neck dress.
– Delicately applied using a sponge applicator, it catches the light, playing with “matte and gloss” contrasts.

001 Moonlight Rose (One shot)
CHF 65.-

Vernis In Love

A manicure resonant with the colours of Parisian night-time…
This season, Vernis In Love plays with a trio of shades infused with mystery: an intense purple, an urban khaki and a timeless powdered beige. Lancôme also creates a magical formula: a top coat that completely transforms nails, instantly turning them velvet-matte.

453 Infusion de Prune (One shot), 250N Beige Poudré, 280N Cosmopolitan Kaki, 030 Givre Magique – Top coat (One shot)
CHF 25.- each

Le Regard Pro

A must-have to enhance eyebrows and eyes in a handbag-friendly case. Le Regard Pro contains three universal shades of brown for made-to-measure mixing to redefine eyebrows, as well as a highlighter to apply just below the eyebrow arch for added depth. Created to suit all skin tones, the four shades can also be blended on the eyelid.

The crucial detail: the compact also contains a pair of tweezers. For perfect brow-grooming.
(One shot) CHF 75.-

Hypnôse Brow Shaper

In one simple step, this transparent gel structures eyebrows. To be used alone for a natural effect, or combined with Le Regard Pro to ensure make-up lasts through to the early hours.
(One shot)
CHF 35.-

Le Crayon Khôl

Incredibly creamy and highly pigmented, Le Crayon Khôl casts a spell on eyes with this season’s it-shade: bewitching purple.

014 Prune Crépuscule
(One shot) CHF33.-

Hypnôse Drama

A true essential to perfect eye make-up: The iconic mascara, the instant and full body volume expert, in its “timeless black” shade.

01 Black
CHF 44.-

Lancôme Midnight Roses makeup collection for fall 2012 is available now. For a night of untold possibilities…

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Lancôme

THOMAS SABO celebrated its newest fragrance launch in Zurich over the city’s rooftops at the Clouds Restaurant, located on top of Switzerland’s highest building Prime Tower.

German perfumer Geza Schön, the nose behind GLAM’N SOUL, is considered  “one of the most radical perfume designers” these days. He had flown in from Berlin and gave us some insight into his creative process and his visions behind the fragrance. I had a very interesting and fun conversation with him over lunch.

GLAM ‘N SOUL is an elegant, floral-fruity fragrance, dedicated to the self-confident, courageous and independent woman.

Top notes: Bergamot, lychee, pink pepper and violet.
Middle notes: Rose, water lily and magnolia.
Base notes: Vanilla, cedar and white musk.

Eau de Parfum 50 ml (CHF 84.90)

For perfumer Geza Schön, the combination of lychee and rose was so interesting for GLAM’N SOUL as both have similar components. He is not a fan of sweet fragrances, in general sugary notes play a secondary role in his creations. As for him, he likes “to smell the person behind the fragrance” and prefers transparent scents.

REBEL AT HEART is the very first THOMAS SABO men’s fragrance created by perfumer Mark Buxton. This extravagant scent belongs to the woody-aromatic fragrance family, aimed at the charismatic man with an international style and an authentic Rock ‘n’ Roll attitude.

Top notes: Cardamom, bitter orange and cinnamon.
Middle notes: Carnation, bay, caraway seeds and cedar.
Base notes: Tonka bean, vetiver, patchouli, incense and white musk.

Eau de Toilette 50 ml (CHF 74.90)

Both fragrances are available this fall at all Thomas Sabo stores and exclusively at Douglas.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of Thomas Sabo

Let me introduce you to NOVALIP DUO by La Roche-Posay: The first lipstick which allies a record rate of skincare and a vibrating colour, for a perfect lips surface, which fixes and reflects colour all day-long. This is the solution for all of you with sensitive and dry lips who avoid or fear wearing lipsticks, due to its tendency to emphasize lips imperfections and its sensation of discomfort.

1. 46% of skincare inside: LHA + 8% glycerin and D-Panthenol, which deeply hydrates up to 9hours, repairs and smooth lips, to prepare a perfect lips surface.

2. An ultra-resisting and protective colour film, which enhances skincare efficiency, maintaining 9h hydration while magnifying colour all day-long.

Available now in 15 nuances (brown, rose, red, coral and nude hues) at selected pharmacies for CHF 27.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Roche-Posay

I love violet nail polishes but finding the right hue can be pretty tricky. Christian Dior defined purple as a demanding and sophisticated shade, calling it the veritable “Queen of colours”. As for me, Tom Ford offers the two perfect shades for nails.

“African Violet” is a very bright hue that immediatly helps to make your skin tone looks more radiant. It is part of Tom Ford’s standard palette.

“Dominatrix” is a limited edition nail polish for F/W 2012. It has a hint of silver shimmer that gives it a very interesting metallic shine.

Available in Switzerland at Jelmoli for CHF 44.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, I flew to Venice for the launch event of Gucci Première, the house’s new fragrance legend. Gucci Parfums revealed its new scent during a private cocktail and dinner held at the Hotel Cipriani in the presence of Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, Gucci President and CEO Patrizio di Marco, the face of the new fragrance campaign Blake Lively, the film director Nicolas Winding Refn and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola.

At the cocktail reception from left to right: Me, Michaela Stein (P&G Prestige), Regina Stahl (German Vogue), Gabi Hässig (P&G Prestige) and Tania Messner (Cover)

Blake Lively, star of the new fragrance Gucci Première, made quite an entrance during the event in Venice. The American beauty arrived by boat, welcomed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
Here, a look at the fashion and the fragrance:

Blake Lively wore a Gucci One of a kind sleeveless deep V-neck cocktail dress, fully embroidered with cherry overlapping palettes and raised flower detail around the neckline, burgundy python high heel sandal with metallic spike detail in the back, horsebit bracelet and ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds and horsebit cocktail ring in 18kt pink gold, black corundum and black diamonds.

Salma Hayek-Pinault wore a Gucci F/W 2012 black chiffon long sleeved cocktail dress with jet beaded bodice and all over embroidered skirt.

Nicolas Winding Refn wore a Gucci midnight blue notch lapel two button Marseille suit with white dress shirt, blue grosgrain tie and black leather lace ups.

Frida Giannini wore a Gucci One of kind silver and gunmetal degrade sleeveless v-neck grey silk crepe cocktail dress with art deco graphic beading and black diamond crystals, and grey suede peep toe sandals.

Karmen Pedaru wore a Gucci F/W 2012 burgundy georgette silk sleeveless blouse, black velvet wrap skirt, and black suede high heeled sandal.

Style icon Blake Lively, who appeared in 2011 on TIME magazine’s TIME 100 list, is the face of the Gucci Première and transports the Hollywood glamour perfectly. Her speech was very lively in the true sense of the word.

François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, framed by Blake Lively to the left and his wife Salma Hayek-Pinault to the right.

President and Chief Executive Officer Gucci Patrizio di Marco and P&G Prestige Vice President Luigi Feola

Before the dinner, during the cocktail reception, the fragrance and campaign were revealed to the editors and guests.

I was sitting right behind Frida Giannini who looked so beautiful in her One of a kind Gucci gown.

Frida Giannini says about the new fragrance: “Gucci Première is womanly, intriguing and as seductive as the perfect couture gown.”

The Gucci Première couture gown worn by Blake Lively in the campaign was on display at the event.

Gucci Première is a sophisticated wood and musk composition. The inspiration derives from the Gucci Première couture collection that debuted at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival (for a previous post, click here please).

During the cocktail, Nicolas Winding Refn presented his short film which was shot at the famous Sheats Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles.

The atmosphere at the beautiful dinner was amazing. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures during the dinner because Blake Lively’s boyfriend, Ryan Reynolds, who was there also that night, didn’t want any to be taken of him.

Frida Giannini with me

For the outfit post, please click here.

It was such a beautiful event and I felt very honoured to be part of it. Personally speaking, I like Gucci Première a lot. It is in stores now, here are more details:

Top notes: Bergamot and orange blossom
Middle notes: White flowers and musk
Base notes: Leather and wood
Available as Eau de Parfum 30ml, 50ml and 75ml
Body Lotion 200ml, Shower Gel 200ml and Deo Spray 100ml

Stay tuned for an amazing interview I did with Blake Lively! To be posted very soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, © Getty Images and © Sandra Bauknecht

Let me introduce you to AMAZINGREEN, the new unisex fragrance from Comme des Garçons, a blast of green energy fusing together green notes and gunpowder, organic and mineral for the ultimate freshness and depth.

AMAZINGREEN
Exhilaration unleashed

The scent of gunpowder in an explosion of smoke and flint, clashes with the green energy of the jungle and the effervescence of spices. 
Top notes of verdant, natural wild leaves, settle with an elemental heart of flint and coriander to finish with a smoky explosion of gunpowder and white musk.

Top notes: Palm tree leaves, green pepper, dew mist and jungle leaves
Heart notes: Ivy leaves, orris roots, coriander seeds and silex
Base notes: Gunpowder accord, vetiver, smoke and white musk

Available as Eau de Parfum 50ml and 100ml.

If you like to win a bottle of AMAZINGREEN, join the contest hosted on Statigram. How does the lush exuberance of nature inspire you? Take a photo using Instagram that illustrates your interpretation of AMAZINGREEN and upload it with the #amazingreen hashtag.

The Top 10 Instagrams which best evoke the blast of green energy that defines AMAZINGREEN will win an a fragrance. The contest is open from today and will end on September 28th.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Comme des Garçons, © Sandra Bauknecht and via Instagram

Charlie Le Mindu, Lady Gaga’s eccentric hairstylist, has redesigned L’Oréal Professionnel’s Infinium hairspray. “Fashion hairstyling is very demanding, and styling products should give the best result possible in record time,” he explained. “This is why a majority of hairstylists use L’Oréal Professionnel’s products. They know the exact result of each formula, so if, for example, they want a really strong hold hairspray which also gives the hair a beautiful shine, Infinium is ideal and very easy to use.”

This new design comes with a silhouette of one of Charlie’s designs lined in midnight blue on a pearl white background.

On his website he says: “The inspiration behing this drawing was a model I loved on one of my catwalks but it is also a drawing of a hat that Lady Gaga was wearing few month ago. I m really exited to see this spray backstage and in every bathroom.”

If you like strong hold hairspray, you will love this limited edition Mademoiselle Infinium,
available in two versions, Strong (2) and Strong (3), both for CHF 18.- (300ml) in L’Oréal Professionnel salons.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Oréal Professionnel, © Zak Hussein/PA Wire

This September, Bond No. 9 is launching their newest fragrance: MANHATTAN.

At last! For the sinuous, sensual, billion-megawatt city that never sleeps, an after-hours eau de parfum it can call its own.

Top notes: Nutmeg, saffron, dried flowers, coriander seeds and peach.
Heart notes: Honeycomb, black plum, chocolate and Moroccan jasmine.
Base notes: Sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla and musk.

Sounds delicious! A lovely addition to the Bond N°9 family.
Eau de Parfum 50 ml ($190.-) / 100ml ($270.-), Scented Candle $105.- and Body Silk $110.-.
For the Swiss launch, we will just have to wait a little longer…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bond N°9

This September, the wait will be finally over: Chanel OMBRE CONTRASTE NOTORIOUS will hit the shelves. I have whetted your appetite for this amazing product already in March after the Chanel F/W 2012 show (for the previous post please click here).

This hybrid powder was used by Peter Philips for all the sculpting and shading of the face like an “eye shadow meets blusher.” Nestled in the iconic JOUES CONTRASTE case, OMBRE CONTRASTE NOTORIOUS, the Exclusive Creation of the Collection, sweeps over eyelids and cheeks in a single stroke. The grey taupe shade, tinged with lavender, is almost imperceptible at first but becomes more intense with each application. Applied as blush and eyeshadow, it acts like a sculpting halo and makes it possible to build a singular, intriguing shadow effect.

Available at Chanel boutiques and at selected retailers such as Jelmoli in Zurich.
Ombre Contraste Notorious CHF 60.-

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel