Sandra‘s Closet

Let me introduce you to my favourite bronzing powder that comes with a SFP 10:
The perfect balance between skincare and make-up, CARITA‘s PROTECTING AND BRONZING SUN POWDER SPF 10 offers a mosaic of three shades with a matte and iridescent finish that matches any skin tone to intensify and sculpt a tan, while protecting the skin against UVB rays.

At the heart of the formula, Chaulmoogra oil combined with Sweet orange extract helps to promote the natural pigmentation process and prolong a tan.

The powder can be used during sun exposure over sun cream to intensify your colour; after exposure to enhance and prolong your tan; and/or all year long for a naturally sun-kissed complexion.

It comes with a cute little pouch and a brush for CHF 65.-.

LoL, Sandra

You are surely aware of the risks that you face by exposing your skin to the sun. How about protecting also your hair from sun damage? Of course, cancer isn’t a concern for it, but prolonged sun exposure and many hours in the pool or in the sea can damage the hair from the cuticle to its inner structure. The result is mostly faded colour, split ends, dryness, weakened and thinning hair. Therefore I recommend using products with formulas that contain UV absorbers in them. Above you can see my favourites that I have packed for my vacation.

Here are the details:

Paul Mitchell‘s newly launched first sun collection is amazing. Created for all hair types and especially colour-treated, dry or damaged hair, all three products feature the SolarVeil™ Complex, a powerful blend of sunflower extract and highly active UV absorbers, shields fragile strands from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The Island Passion Flower scent is inspired by the tropics and smells absolutely divine.

The limited edition range consists of:
Sun Recovery Hydrating Shampoo™ (CHF 29.- / 250ml) which nourishes hair and helps lock in colour – sulfate-free.
After-Sun Replenishing Masque™ (CHF 33.- / 250ml) aiming to hydrate and guard hair from UV rays and prevent colour fade.
Sun Shield Conditioning Spray™ (CHF 29.- / 125ml) to help maintain shiny hair colour and provide UV protection.

This after-sun nourishing milky serum (CHF 26.- / 50ml) from L’Oréal Professionnel‘s Solar Sublime Series Expert is a must. With the help of ceramide and vitamin E, it is instantly absorbed and conditions the hair fibre immediately to replenish it with suppleness and softness after exposure to the sun. Best applied on towel-dried hair. Available in salons exclusively.

Personally speaking, I like to change my shampoo once in a while and therefore always pack two different products. Redken‘s New Color Extend Sun protects highlights, safeguards color and replenishes sun-stressed strands. The advanced Hydra-Shield Complex with Mexoryl S.O, a patented UV filter, provides powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine.

Color Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo (CHF32.- / 300ml) continues to protect the hair even after the product is rinsed out, so using the shampoo prior to sun exposure will also help prevent UV damage.
Color Extend Sun Take Cover SPF25 (CHF 42.- / 154,1g) is an innovative hair treatment to protect the hair and scalp from UV damage. This lightweight mousse contains no alcohol, best to be used 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Kérastase‘s Huile Lactée (CHF 38.- / 125ml) is a great product with Vitamin E and UV absorbers to smooth sun-exposed hair. Its biphasic solution has two effects: The milky texture enriched with Ylang Ylang helps to avoid the unwanted frizz effect, while the luxurious oily phase protects the hair from moisture loss.

With those products, your hair will be safe. I also like to wear a big sun hat that is stylish and protective in one.

Bunny embellished straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

In the summertime, it is hard to wear foundations as most of the time, you look like you are literally melting away. Therefore it’s best to go easy on the makeup and to choose the right formulas such as tinted moisturizers. If you want to wear heavier foundation, look for a product that controls oil.

Here are three amazing products for you:

ESTÉE LAUDER INVISIBLE FLUID MAKEUP

See no makeup; feel no makeup. The first-of-its-kind IntuiTone™ technology guarantees your true-to-life shade and keeps it real in every light. Fresh, flawless and radiant. Ultra-light, ultra-breathable and oil-free. It will change how you feel about makeup forever. Available in 12 long-lasting shades for beautiful skin of every ethnicity. It lasts all day, controls excess oil and won’t clog pores. Very important to know is that you have to shake it well with each application for fresh, perfectly blended makeup and if you need extra coverage, just add another layer.

CHF 54.- (30ml)

CLARINS EVER MATTE

An anti-shine, skin-balancing oil-free formula, ideal for women looking for a matte appearance in all circumstances. The plant-based “Skin Detox” complex helps regulate oil production and tighten pores. Its lightweight texture blends easily and allows skin to breathe without drying. The complexion appears more beautiful thanks to an invisible, long-lasting matte “veil” that evens skin tone and keeps skin shinefree from morning to evening. Unrivalled radiance: Clarins exclusive “Light-Optimizing+” complex captures, diffuses and magnifies light. Fine lines and small imperfections are visibly minimized. The complexion appears more even and radiant. SPF 15. Matte finish – Medium coverage , for all skin types with anti-pollution protection.

CHF 48.- (30ml)

CLINIQUE STAY-MATTE OIL-FREE MAKEUP

An oil-free makeup that helps you stay matte all day.
 This formula absorbs shine, controls oil, resists sweat and has been tested for streaking and fading at 25°C / 88°F with a constant 80% humidity. Laminaria Saccaharina extract helps regulate sebum production to give less surface oil, while siliceous earth absorbs oil from the skin surface to keep it feeling fresh.

It’s a must-buy summer foundation for all powder-only ladies with oily skin as it won’t show the lines so easily. Trust me on that one.

CHF 43.- (30ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Estée Lauder, Clarins and Clinique

Expanding his collection of fragrances, which currently includes “Daisy” (2007) and “Lola” (2009), and following his dot-enthusiasm – this month, Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Yayoi Kusama will hit the stores – Marc Jacobs will be launching a new scent which is young and playful: DOT.

Before leaving for the US, I was invited to the press conference to explore the new fragrance. The composition is floral-fruity, spiced up with exotic notes of coconut and wrapped in soft vanilla embrace. Very young and gourmand.

The bottle is red covered with black dots and reminds me of a cute little ladybug. On top sits a butterfly. It will look great on display in your bathroom.

Top notes: Red berries, pitahaya (dragon fruit) and honeysuckle.
Middle notes: Jasmine, orange blossom and coconut water.
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and driftwood.

DOT Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 81.-), 50ml (CHF103.-) and 100ml (CHF 135.-).
DOT Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 59.-)
DOT Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 48.-)

Available in the US in July 2012 and in August 2012 internationally.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs Fragrances, Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

Here you see my favourite sun protection products at the moments. Those are the ones I have packed for my trip to Maui. Of course, I always start with a high SVP that gives more sunburn protection and prevents skin aging. Before giving you the product details, let me explain you a little bit further why sun protection is so important.

If the sun is not good for the skin, why not avoid it all together?

Because the sun also has beneficial qualities and can have a positive impact: its light stimulates the pineal gland in the brain which produces ‘tryptamines’, chemical molecules that help boost our mood. UV rays make it possible to synthesize vitamin D that impacts calcium, vital to a healthy bone structure.

What does ‘sun capital’ mean?

The ‘sun capital’ corresponds to the dose of sunrays each person can receive throughout their lifetime without the risk of developing a skin disease. At birth, everyone has a sun capital which slowly diminishes at each sun exposure which is why it is necessary to save it and to protect the skin beginning at a young age. Cells are generally able to divide themselves about 70 times in a lifetime. Sunburn can lead to unnecessary cellular division.

Why is it necessary to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays?

UVB rays, ‘B’ as in burn, are responsible for tanning but also for sunburn. Today, we know that they are also the rays which can cause skin cancer. UVA rays reach the deeper skin layers, the dermis in particular. Less energetic but more numerous, they are the rays responsible for signs of skin ageing because they can damage collagen and elastin fibres. UVA rays are able to penetrate the skin, even in the shade. They are a threat beginning at sunrise and all throughout the day.

The SPF 50+ version of the Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Resisto Spray helps protect children’s delicate skin from sun induced skin damage and also works perfectly for adults, especially during those first days in the sun. It is extra water-resistant and sand-proof. My daughter is travelling with me and this is the product I use for her. I like it because it is not so greasy as others with this high protection.

CHF 21.90 (200ml)

The Kibio Solaire Suncare Body Lotion SPF 30 is my favourite product for the first days in the sun. I tan very easily so that I am safe with this protection. I especially like its ultra-fluid, water-resistant texture that will not leave any white trace behind.

Interesting to know is that every Kibio Solaire product has received the Ecocert label and are certified that they do not contain nanoparticles or colouring agents. All are paraben-free and fragrance-free (including synthetic fragrances).

The beautiful slightly sweet smell derives from the natural oils used for it: Organic coconut oil, organic vanilla essential oil and organic shea butter.

CHF 26.- (100ml)

When I am already tanned, I apply this product: Shiseido Sun Protection Spray Oil-Free SPF 15 that works for the face, body and hair. The oil-free moisturizing sunscreen is sprayed on easily and feels lightweight. Its formula includes Rose Apple Leaf Extract to deliver an antioxidant effect and help prevent UV-caused DNA damage plus Xylitol for soft and healthy-looking skin. Water-resistant and sand-proof.

CHF 43.- (150ml)

Products that I like to use in general:

I am a huge fan of La Prairie products that have the new Soleil Suisse Sun Defense Système. Powered by La Prairie’s science-driven biotechnology, the products go beyond the “first line of defense” of conventional sun-protection offerings. In fact, they constitute a new lifestyle of protective skincare for both women and men.

I use the Sun Protection Emulsion Face SPF 30 on a daily basis. It is formulated to protect the most exposed, most vulnerable part of your body, guards against the sun’s age-accelerating UVA and UVB rays and diffuses potential damage from environmental pollutants with anti-oxidants from the red algae Porphyra Umbilicalis. The lightweight emulsion is also rich in anti-aging agents and a blend of emollients that keeps the skin moisturized and protects its barrier function.

CHF 130.- (125ml)

Ultra Protection Stick Eye • Lip • Nose SPF 40 ratchets the sun protection factor up even higher to provide an extra dose of protection to the most super-sensitive regions of your face. It lightly and invisibly covers those often-neglected areas – including the ear lobes – with a protective barrier that keeps harmful UVA and UVB rays out and beneficial moisture in. This sleek, portable swivel-stick is something you’ll want to have with you at all times for frequent touch-ups to guard against environmental damage. I especially love to use it for the eyes and have it always with me in my bag.

CHF 74.- (10g)

At the end of day full of sun exposure, calming and revitalizing your skin is important. I love the easy-to-use Soothing After Sun Mist Face and Body by La Prairie that is an excellent antidote to sun-parched skin. Enriched with minerals and soothing botanical extracts, this gentle mist helps restore the skin’s equilibrium, while instantly diminishing redness and calming irritability. Its action is enhanced by Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, which relieves the skin’s sensitivity.

Complementing this calming action, a botanical moisturizing agent counteracts dryness with intensive 24-hour hydration, while sea-sourced minerals, including calcium and zinc, keep the skin supple and well nourished. Detoxifying red algae provides protection against environmental pollutants, major contributors to premature skin aging.

CHF 96.- (150ml)

This is my favourite step in the evening: Sunleÿa Soin après-soleil anti-âge by Sisley instantly refreshes, repairs and comforts skin exposed to the sun by trapping free radicals that accumulate during the day helping skin recover and repair itself. Sisley has developed a complete after sun care combining the benefits of a restorative product with a high-performance anti-ageing formula to help skin replenish itself and preserve its youthfulness.

Its emulsion texture is rich, light and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly and is delicately perfumed with essential oils of Marjoram and Mallow. Such a treat!

CHF 207.- (50ml)

Stay tuned for a post about the products I like to use to protect my hair from the sun!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
Stills: Courtesy of L’Oréal Suisse SA, Kibio, La Prairie, Shiseido and Sisley.

DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW, GORGEOUS SHADE GALAXY

On the surface they look marbleized, but on the skin they blend for stunning celestial effects.

M·A·C‘s new Heavenly Creature colour collection features 9 Mineralize Eye Shadows, 4 Mineralize Skinfinish and 4 Mineralize Blushes, orbited by 5 Lipsticks, 5 Cremesheen Glass and False Lashes Mascara. Skin gets a nourishing boost with Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser, Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel and Moisture Eye Cream. Returning for a limited time, Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator gently cleanses and exfoliates for radiant skin. Create your celestial Mineralized look with 3 Duo Fibre Brushes. Natural goat hair lifts off, applying the perfect amount of Powder and Pigment while synthetic fibres fuse colour onto skin for a polished, luminous finish.

I love the mineralized products because you can play around with the different shades in them. They work perfectly on those days when you have no time to do your makeup as they create a great effect on your skin in seconds.
Here are my collection’s favourites:

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW
EARTHLY Beige, peach and cool brown mélange, CHF 32.00, $20.00

MINERALIZE BLUSH
SUPERNOVA Magenta and burnished gold mélange, CHF 34.00, $23.50

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH
CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE Coral with gold shimmer, CHF 40.00, $29.00

BRUSH
187 Duo Fibre Face Brush Great to apply the mineralized skin products, CHF 67.00, $42.00

Available North America July 5, 2012, International July 2012 at all M·A·C locations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M·A·C

Let me introduce you to Chanel‘s new Fall 2012 makeup collection, LES ESSENTIELS DE CHANEL, created by Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup. The collection was inspired by Coco Chanel’s signature style, “her essentials”: The little black dress, the quilted handbag and the two-toned shoe. Personally speaking, it is a very wearable makeup collection with classic pink hues and natural beiges to soften the face and lips while modern grey-black or sophisticated light taupe dress the nails.

In stores in Switzerland end of August 2012.
For the preview and nail colour swatches, please scroll down:

LUMIÈRE D’ARTIFICES BEIGES – CHF 84.-

Designed to extend a summer glow, this limited-edition duo of lighter and darker beige shades—enchantingly rendered to resemble sequins—blends together harmoniously for a subtly iridescent complexion.

My tip: If you have got one of Chanel’s limited edition highlighters from previous collections, you won’t need that one. The design looks beautiful, but the effect is pretty much the same compared to the preceding shimmering powders.

ROUGE ALLURE EXTRAIT DE GLOSS – CHF 48.-

Bold colour combines with the smoothest, silkiest gel texture for luxurious wear and deeply dramatic effect. Lips feel comfortable—never sticky or tacky—and look luminous, full and sensuous for hours.

The double-sided, flocked applicator is beveled to deliver ultra-precise definition.

My tip: Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss comes in a new shade, so-called 68 Troublant, which looks stunning worn alone for the day. For a darker, more glamorous effect for night, I recommend adding the new lip definer Le Crayon Lèvres in 54 Amarante – CHF 34.-.

NAIL COLOURS – CHF 35.-

Long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour straight from the runways of Paris (for a previous post, please click here). State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application.

My tip: Those nail polishes are a must, get them all! If you have to choose one colour, I would recommend 559 Frenzy, the new light taupe shade, that is different, new and so sophisticated!

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF (EYE PENCIL) – CHF 35.-

Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don’t. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.

My tip: This is your perfect companion for the beach. Line and define the upper and lower eyelids based on eye shape and desired makeup result and it will stay on the whole day even after excessive swimming. I love 88 Noir Intense.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht

When I am travelling, I try to limit the amount of beauty products that I pack to a minimum. Therefore, I am a huge fan of Bobbi Brown’s new Soothing Cleansing Oil as it combines different makeup removing steps in one. It is a quick yet luxurious way to cleanse your skin. Featuring precious jasmine flower extract, it leaves skin feeling soothed, supple and comfortable. It also doubles as a gentle non-waterproof makeup remover for eyes and lips and won’t clog pores.

How you use it:

1. Pump a generous amount of cleansing oil into dry hands and smooth over dry face.
2. Splash warm water onto skin and massage to help dissolve surface impurities and makeup.
3. Rinse skin clean with warm water. If needed, repeat this process to thoroughly remove long-wearing eye and lip formulas.

Available in Switzerland in July 2012 for CHF 61.- (200ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Across the land of Provence, people will tell you that l’Aigo es d’Or (Water is gold). Inspired by the freshness of the fountains of Provence, L’OCCITANE has created its very first collection of Eaux de Cologne.

Three rippling fragrances bring a splash of timeless freshness to those warm, sunny days. First, there’s EAU UNIVERSELLE, a zesty scent that owes its name to its unisex nature. Next, EAU RAVISSANTE, with its flo­ral, feminine, sparkling notes. And finally, EAU CAPTI­VANTE, destined for men, with its aromatic and stimula­ting tones. These three olfactory worlds together form Eaux de Provence, a new tradition from L’OCCITANE.

EAU UNIVERSELLE
If freshness were a match made in heaven, it would be the zest of two juicy citrus fruits.

Type: For men or women
Mood: With its refreshing accord of bergamot and grapefruit, this sunny, invigorating Eau de Cologne is a beautifully timeless scent.

Family: Citrus

Top notes: Bergamot, grapefruit
Heart notes: Petit grain, geranium
Base notes: Woody notes, musk

EAU RAVISSANTE
If freshness were a woman, it would be both mischievous and graceful.

Type: For women
Mood: The sensual softness of flower petals combined with the sparkling freshness of citrus fruits, to give this Eau de Cologne a mischievous, almost beguiling air.

Family: Floral

Top notes: Bergamot, pink pepper
Heart notes: Damascena rose, freesia
Base notes: Musk, amber notes

EAU CAPTIVANTE
If freshness were a colour, it would be the green of the aromatic plants of Provence.

Type: For men
Mood: A cologne with a very Provençal feel, which combines aromatic notes with the invigorating radiance of bergamot and lime zests. A wonderfully fresh bouquet!

Family: Aromatic

Top notes: Bergamot, lime
Heart notes: Mint, basil
Base notes: Lavender, woody notes

Eau Universelle, Eau Ravissante and Eau Captivante, CHF 42.- (50ml) and CHF 75.- (300ml)
In stores now. All three bottles together look so beautiful on display, don’t they?

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht and Stills: Courtesy of L’Occitane

« The strength of the sea and the brightness of the sky are the elements that I am drawn towards the most when in Pantelleria and that inspired me Acqua di Gio. For Acqua di Giò Essenza, I wanted to create a concentrate of power and sensuality. »

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani has always loved the Mediterranean, and drew his inspiration from the rock-strewn landscape of Pantelleria to create Acqua di Giò in 1996. A fresh, sensual blend that has become a classic men’s fragrance. An irresistible combination of sea’ salty accents, sparkling citrusy notes, musk and woody cedar, this exceptional scent embodies masculinity in harmony with nature, a fragrance of escape and sensuality.

Today Acqua di Giò Essenza opens a new chapter with an Eau de Parfum, a new interpretation of Acqua di Giò, more intense, composed by Alberto Morillas.

Top notes: Cascalone, Sicilian bergamot essence and grapefruit zest.
Heart notes: Paradisone, jasmine absolute from Grasse, basil and sage.
Base notes: Patchouli,  Atlas cedar, vetiver from Haiti, ambrox, animalic ambergris and clary sage.

The result is an incomparable sensuality, the tantalizing lure of the skin.

The bottle shares the same architectural lines as the Acqua di Giò bottle, with the addition of light and technology. An engraved silver-plated plaque embraces the base of the glass like a mirror, to give the fragrance an even greater dazzle. In a click, the new magnetic cap bearing the Armani logo, opens and closes the bottle with a simple, sensual gesture.

The campaign was shot by Bruce Weber starring Simon Nessman.

LoL, Sandra