Sandra‘s Closet

Not only for Jo Malone fans, please have a look at the new VELVET ROSE & OUD Cologne Intense Limited Edition. Such an amazing gourmand scent.

Darkest Damask rose. Rich and textural, wrapped with smoky oud wood. Spiked with clove, decadent with praline. Velvet Rose & Oud joins the much-desired Cologne Intense Collection for a limited time. An addictive addition to the other five deeply sensual scents, inspired by centuries-old traditions of layering scents, incenses and oils. Laced with precious ingredients and lightened by a contemporary touch.

Top notes: Bergamot and clove
Middle notes: Damask rose and saffron
Base notes: Oud and praline

It took master perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin 18 months to create Velvet Rose & Oud. He describes the beautiful ingredient of praline like this: “Used in perfumery the praline note will give a fragrance more depth, inviting an unexpected and mysterious side. Known for its regressive quality, praline’s sensory effect will evoke memories that take you back to your childhood. I chose to use praline in the Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne to add a gourmand tone, with nutty almond notes. Giving a supple softness, praline is used to calm and balance the intensity of the oud. Dressing its animalic side, it moulds the oud into a more voluptuous note, while all the while complementing the sweet floral notes of the Damask rose, to make her more gourmand.”

Delicious worn alone, or layered with other Jo Malone™ scents to add textural depth.
Mist it with Dark Amber & Ginger Lily to mingle spices and incense and introduce an air of calming sensuality or Oud & Bergamot to intensify the allure of precious woods.

Available now for a limited time only.
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne 100ml £95 / €115 /CHF165

LoL, Sandra

We’ve had Switzerland, America, Holland and now, OPI is continuing on its global tour this fall, this time with my home country Germany being the inspiration for this beautiful, very shimmering collection: GERMANY COLLECTION BY OPI.

The 12-piece collection includes from top left to lower right:

Don’t Pretzel My Buttons – A haute honey-beige that can always make you smile
My Very First Knockwurst – … and what a magical rosy-nude rendezvous it was
Berlin There Done That – A travelling taupe that’s seen it all. (Yep, that, too).
Schnapps Out of It! – Shake of the blues with a shot of fall’s must-have mauve!
Deutsch You Want Me Baby? – A self-assured shade of shimmering red-orange
Danke-Shiny Red – A self-assured shade of shimmering red-orange
Suzi & the 7 Düsseldorfs – The most beautiful bright purple of all
Every Month is Oktoberfest – Prost! Here’s to the prettiest plum in the Biergarten
German-icure by OPI – The best burgundy shimmer in the business
Unfor-Greta-bly Blue – Everyone’s favourite Fräulein loves this über-shiny blue
Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! – A bodacious black-olive? We say “Ja! Ja! Ja!”
Don’t Talk Bach to Me – There’s nothing mellow about this sassy lime-yellow!

My favourite colour is “Deutsch You Want Me Baby?”. I love the never-seen-before metallic shimmer effect of orange and red. Such a wonderful colour for fall!

The full collection will be available in Switzerland on August 13 at select salons. Each colour retails for CHF 23.90.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

La Mer aficionados who are looking for a lighter version than the classic formula’s thicker consistency, will be very pleased about the brand’s fifth moisturizer to be launched this fall.

The new Moisturizing Soft Cream delivers the same radiance and renewal that made the original Creme de la Mer a legend in a supple new texture. Infused with the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, the heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation, and Lime Tea Extract™, it penetrates deeply to replenish moisture and strengthen skin with the help of a new phospholipid technology. Renewed and energized, skin looks youthfully radiant.

Pat a small amount between fingertips and press gently into skin.

Available from September 2012.
30ml (CHF 195.-) and 60ml  (CHF 350.-)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer

Last month, we got to know that the uber-gorgeous Blake Lively is the face for Gucci’s new scent GUCCI PREMIÈRE (for the previous post, please click here).

Highly anticipated, the secret has been lifted on her facebook fan page – here is the glamorous and fabulous ad campaign shot by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. I know, the photographer duo seems to have closed the deal on every campaign this season.

In a stunning sequined backless gown, Blake Lively transforms the Hollywood glamour of the ’30s perfectly for Gucci’s new fragrance Première. A short film will be released in September during the Venice Film Festival.

LoL, Sandra

Today is the start of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, United Kingdom, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad. So time to show your Olympic spirit.

Bally’s men’s West H. sneaker collection makes it easy to show your national pride. Fly the flag for your own nation.

Twelve casual leather sneakers pay homage to twelve different countries. Each West H. sneaker features a national flag screen printed with a cool vintage effect that includes Great Britain, Switzerland, the USA, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and more.

And Bally’s charming Bally-rina is back, this time to captivate us with her sporty London 2012 Olympic spirit in a specially designed women’s sneaker and tote.

The red stitched Athena high-top sneaker features a back zip which cutely reveals the very sweet Bally-rina whimsically waving a gymnastics ribbon in blue, red, green and yellow colours. The same motif can be found on the Hanoe fabric tote.

Both, Bally’s West H. sneaker collection and the Bally-rina collection are available in store and online. Bally offers free shipping at the moment for the sportive collection. Just enter promo code SPORTBALLY at checkout.

For collectors and most loyal fans of the Olympic Games, the Coca-Cola collector’s box Special Olympics five glasses grouping is available exclusively at Colette now. The 5 glasses come with a collector bottle and a tote bag.

Celebrate the 2012 London Olympics with the commemorative Butter London‘s Olympic Heavy Medal Collection. The set includes three beautiful, metallic nail lacquers worthy of standing upon the winners’ podium, all limited editions. 
Colours: The Full Monty, Diamond Geezer and The Old Bill.

Solange Azagury-Partridge has designed the Britannia Hotlips ring to celebrate the games. The renowned iconic Hotlips design featuring the British flag is a fun and original lucky charm- one last good luck kiss for the athletes!

For all winners among you, take sartorial gold in Markus Lupfer‘s playful sequin medal-embellished merino wool sweater. Decorated with signature charm and wit, this piece is sure to turn heads.

Take a playful approach to the sporting season with these ‘2012 Olympics’-inspired briefs by Team Great Britain’s Creative Director Stella McCartney. Cut from a blend of white cotton and silk, this colorfully embroidered pair will make a whimsical addition to your lingerie drawer.

Just click on the highlighted text to shop those must-have pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bally, Colette, Net-à-porter, Solange Azagury-Partridge and via Telegraph

Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances unveils its newest face: the French model and actress, Laetitia Casta. Laetitia’s unparalleled beauty, sensuality and femininity brought her to the attention of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who chose her to embody the Dolce & Gabbana woman for the launch of their newest fragrance Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme.

“Laetitia has always bewitched us with her sensual and natural charisma: she is the perfect interpretation of the Dolce&Gabbana woman of today.” says the famous designer duo.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana launched their first scent Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme in 1992 that marked the decade of the nineties. In 2012, the designers have decided to re-launch their rich floral perfume in a new version.

Top notes: Neroli, raspberry and tangerine
Heart notes: Jasmine and orange blossom
Base notes: Marshmallow, vanilla, sandalwood and heliotrope

The advertising campaign was shot by Mario Testino in Sicily with Laetitia Casta and Noah Mills. The fragrance is available from July 2012 – as 25, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum for women.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances

First of all, there is no doubt that Lancôme produces the best mascaras in the entire world and the newest creation HYPNÔSE STAR is just a testament to my statement.

For their advertising campaign, inspired by the movies of the 30s, the famous French luxury cosmetics house is calling upon Betty Boop, the sexy cartoon character, and Daria Werbowy. “Betty Boop’s mischievous eyes and innate sensuality are combined with the contemporary spirit and confident femininity of Daria Werbowy,” Lancôme says. “Yesterday’s vintage glamour meets the glamour of today.”

Wrapped in a sparkling case, Hypnôse Star combines a specially designed brush, which has three patents pending, and a “Black Diamond” effect fluid formula to sculpt lashes. Two flat sides deliver mascara to the lashes, including the shortest ones, while two oblique sides with longer fibers separate and lengthen lashes while fixing them in a curl.

Utilizing two types of wax, Hypnôse Star offers two formulas for light texture and robust volume. Different soft waxes provide a mistake proof application while hard carnauba wax forms a thin film over the entire lash surface and sets the curl.

Available now for CHF 44.-.

Werbowy wears “Noir Midnight” Hypnôse Star mascara, Ombre Hypnôse eyeshadows “Erika F” I202 and “Strass Black” S310 and “Beige Diaphane” 03 Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation. Lips are enhanced with “Sequins d’Amour” 170N Rouge In Love lipstick.

New OMBRE HYPNÔSE eyeshadows are available for CHF 39 each in 24 amazing shades.

Have a look at this super-cute video in which we will learn from Mrs Boop that “all stars have a secret,” before Daria chimes in with Betty’s signature boop-oop-a-doop!

LoL, Sandra

Photos & Video: Courtesy of Lancôme

Jo Malone‘s newest scent is called Blackberry & Bay. Think about childhood memories of blackberry picking with stained lips and sticky palms – the scent of innocence.

Master perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, who shares his time between Paris and Grasse, where he was born as the son of a perfumer, found the inspiration for this beautiful, different new fragrance “out of rambling, autumnal country walks in deepest, mellowest autumn; of blackberry picking in overgrown English woodland; of foraging for perfectly ripened blackberries in rustling hedgerows. I have always wanted to create a fruity fragrance that captures the richness of red and black berries and so I embarked on this journey to create a scent that is full of juicy sweetness, bursting with the sparkling tartness of just ripe blackberries, while playing with the green, leafy earthiness of the bay accord.”
Fabrice also created Paco Rabanne’s Black XS L’Excès.

Top notes: Blackberry and grapefruit
Middle notes: Bay and floral accord
Base notes: Vetiver and cedarwood

Available from September 2012.
In Switzerland at Globus Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

Cologne 30ml (CHF 68.-) and 100ml (CHF 130.-)
Body & Hand Wash CHF 64.- 
Body Cream CHF 99.-
Home Candle CHF 82.-
(All suggested retail prices)

I love this new addition to Jo Malone’s world. Try combining Blackberry & Bay with Lime Basil & Mandarin for added vibrancy with a peppery, citrus zest. Or layer it with Nectarine Blossom & Honey for sweetness with a green, herbaceaous edge.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Gentlemen, here is a great product from Kiehl’s for you: FACIAL FUEL No-Shine Hydrator.
Dive into deep shine-free hydration with this instantly refreshing, lightweight oil-free 24-hour moisture gel formulated to effectively mattify the skin’s surface.

Powered by a blend of zinc, sodium, and magnesium, the formula helps reduce the appearance of facial oils while also boosting skin’s ability to maintain optimal hydration. An ideal moisturizing solution for men’s oily skin, this super-absorbent formula uses a unique technology to control shine, leaving skin clean and healthy-looking.

Available from September 2012 for CHF 75.- (30ml).

LoL, Sandra

You might have seen those colourful bottles at the counter already and if you haven’t smelled them yet, please do. All four are uber-yummy and I like the idea behind the collection. Ralph Lauren celebrates the many facets of modern young women by saying that “scent is an essential accessory for all of the roles a woman plays.” Today’s woman should have a fragrance wardrobe to choose from according to mood and occasion. And here it is:

THE BIG PONY FRAGRANCE COLLECTION FOR WOMEN

Have fun exploring those four vital attributes and find out which F/W 2012 looks plus accessories would coordinate those passions best.

N°1 SPORTY

Catch her if you can. This floral citrus scent features grapefruit & blue lotus for a vibrant, energetic fragrance that evokes confidence while awakening the senses. Confident and fearless, the sporty woman is a natural born leader and ready to take on the world.

Her must-haves: Cabas Chyc leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent and Tokyo metallic and leather sneakers by Jimmy Choo

N°2 SENSUAL

A floriental fruity with the key ingredients of cranberry & tonka mousse, this fragrance is for an alluring flirt and the romantic at heart. Playful and irresistible, this modern woman follows her heart.

Her must-haves: PS1 Medium textured-leather pouch by Proenza Schouler and Maniac leather platform pumps by Brian Atwood

N°3 FREE-SPIRITED

Eccentric, rebellious and independent, this floral green fragrance highlights pear & mimosa. The crisp, bright scent represents ultimate optimism and natural feminine radiance for a woman who dances to the beat of her own drum.

Her must-haves: Victoria leather tote by Victoria Beckham and suede and elaphe slingback sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

N°4 STYLISH

Edgy and refined, with a flair for the exotic, this oriental floral contains key ingredients of wild cherry & purple amber. Designed for the stylish woman, her flair expresses her unique personality and catches the eye and the hearts of anyone who crosses the path.

Her must-haves: PS1 Large suede satchel by Proenza Schouler and Havana patent-leather brogues by Christian Louboutin

Available now as EdT 30ml (CHF 44.90) and EdT 50ml (CHF 54.90).

LoL, Sandra