Sandra‘s Closet

“Chanel gave women freedom, Yves Saint Laurent gave them power”.

After Yves Saint Laurent’s launch of their new Forever Youth Liberator range in Great Britain, it has already become the most hyped skincare in a few days. Counters are taking pre-orders and the wait lists are huge. But what is the magic behind it?

A few years ago Yves Saint Laurent hit the skincare market running with a radical statement: “Youth is a state of mind that cannot live without science.”

The science behind it lies in the groundbreaking technology of Glycobiology. It’s been noted as the future in the medical field, the fruit of more than 100 years of research and recognized by 7 Nobel Prizes.

Naturally found in the skin, glycans plays a crucial role in cutaneous equilibrium. Their level diminishes over time, leading to the “locking” of the cells and blocking the youth process. YSL has identified an innovative combination of glycans, called Glycanactif™, which unlock the cells to reactivate their vital functions and liberate the youth potential at all levels of the skin. Dr. Bruno Bernard, a research fellow at L’Oréal says that “Skin glycans are cellular keys to youthfulnes.”

The proven results: Anti-wrinkle Lift. Plump. Radiance.
The skin is instantly more luminous  and wrinkles are less visible. The skin looks more plumped. With Forever Youth Liberator you can liberate youth within your skin from the age of 30.

The complete YSL Forever Youth Liberator range:

Eye Cream 15ml, CHF 79 / £40
Cleansing Foam 50ml, CHF 55 / £35
Serum 30ml, CHF109 / £60 
Moisturising Lotion 200ml, CHF 55 /£35
Fluid SPF 15 50ml, CHF 129 / £60
Cream (Moisturising Cream) 50ml, CHF 129 / £60
Nutri-Cream (Intense Moisturising Cream) 50ml, CHF 129 / £60

In Switzerland available starting February 2012.
You might consider signing up for the wait list now!

LoL, Sandra

Last week, I went to the presentation of the 15th annabelle Prix de Beauté which was held at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. The presentation could be best described as the “Swiss Beauty Oscars”. I felt very honoured because I was asked to be in the jury.

The highly coveted “Anna” trophy.

My task? Test 100 beauty products in the category facial care. No problem at all!

For my Swiss based readers: All the winners of the different categories will be published in the annabelle 04-2012 magazine which will be available starting February 22, 2012. From March 2-17, 2012 all the awarded products will be displayed at Manor in Zurich.

Some of the winners were already featured on Sandra’s Closet such as the Diorskin Forever Foundation or the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator by Estée Lauder.

Below you can see what I wore to the event. I hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

My look: Bouclé-tweed mini dress by Alexander McQueen (40% off on sale), lace-appliquéd mesh knee boots by Valentino (70% off on sale), pearl necklace by Lanvin, lace-print bag by Prada (from a previous season) and Lady Exalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

Last month, I was invited by Clarins to Paris for the launch of their newest products (stay tuned for the upcoming post on those amazing new beauty must-haves). I stayed at the Royal Monceau where the presentation and dinner also took place. One of the reasons why Clarins chose this newly renovated hotel that was re-imagined by the famous Philippe Starck is their amazing My Blend by Clarins (a new revolutionary approach on personalized skincare) spa.

Le Royal Monceau has always embodied “Parisian elegance” in all its spontaneity, culture and sagacity. Philippe Starck captured the spirit in perfection. The Royal Monceau is one of the nicest hotels I stayed in recently and I can only recommend it. Please see for yourself!

My look: Patchwork coat by Louis Vuitton, silk-crepe top by Vionnet, alpaca and wool gilet by Gucci, stretch-leather leggings by The Row, scarf by Chanel, Pistol leather ankle boots by Acne and animal-print Boston bag by Céline.

I travelled for the first time with my new Victorinox Spectra trolley (Thank you!) that works as a carry-on luggage perfectly and has a lot of space.

Some impressions of my room.

View from my hotel room.

Clarins Spa offers 4 new spa body treatments with 18 new exclusive PRO formula products. The Body Sculptor, The Moisture Quencher, The Firming Age Corrector and The Body Polisher are based upon a selection of masks, supplements and pure plant body oils from the PRO range, chosen by the therapist to meet your skin’s individual needs. The Clarins PRO products are truly amazing and are totally working their magic. All treatments are done manually which is the best to me. To search for the Clarins institut nearest to you, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A city arises from the middle of nowhere in a feverish vision, like a mirage. Under the azure blue of a cloudless sky, Las Vegas keeps the desert dust at bay in the hypnotic ballet of neon lights. Along the Strip, the luxury hotels and casinos set the scene for a modern fairytale in which all dreams are possible. Amongst them stands the Bellagio Hotel. Its sumptuous gallery will welcome an entirely remodeled CHANEL boutique in end of this month.

Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, creates a gold-plated collection and strews stardust over polyester dreams.

The iconic gold of CHANEL elegance slips into every texture. A silky powder on the skin, sunny lacquer on the nails or a sheer whisper on the lips, it highlights a radiant face that’s on a lucky streak.

LUCKY STRIPES

The Exclusive Creation of the collection concentrates the entire spirit of Las Vegas in its traditional square case. Lined up in rows, four shades of sand and bronze sweep through every variation of a fabulous desert in which gold embraces the sun and shines. On the surface of the colours, an embossed star design seems to extend a warmwelcome to the city of dreams. For an illuminating makeover, a beveled brush is ideal for choosing and blending shades, sweeping lightly over the cheekbones, face or eyelids.

CHF 85.-

ROUGE COCO SHINE BRILLANT

The extremely melt-away texture and playful spirit of the most mischievous CHANEL lipstick get into the game with a total golden look. BRILLANT: faithful to the style of Coco Chanel, its sheer golden shade gives a fun twist to the traditional codes ofelegance.

CHF 46.-

LE CRAYON LÈVRES VEGAS GOLD

It accentuates the centre of the upper lip with a golden line. A makeup tip that adds a touch of light and emphasizes the fullness of a sparkling smile.

CHF 34.-

LE VERNIS GOLD FINGERS

A semi-sheer golden lacquer glides over nails like a talisman for a Midas touch.

In Switzerland available starting February 20, 2012 in CHANEL stores only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Here is an idea what you could also do with Dior’s smoky palettes. Those eyeshadow trios work great for the perfect smoky eyes look. Each palette contains a base plus a toning matte and iridescent shade. The rich colour pigments stay on very well.

Smoky Black, Smoky Blue, Smoky Nude, Smoky Pink, Smoky Brown, Smoky Garden and Smoky Violet (last two available soon), each CHF 68.

LoL, Sandra

Ladies, don’t miss out the new Chanel spring 2012 make-up look “Harmonie de Printemps”.

The colour range of lovely pink and peachy tones works perfectly for day and night. This collection includes everything you need to look all radiant, glowing and ready for spring. Peter Philips, Chanel’s Creative Director for make-up, got inspiried by springtime skies.

I was so lucky to try the products before they officially hit the markets. Starting today in most European countries, my Swiss readers have to be more patient. Unfortunately, it won’t be available until the end of the month. So enjoy my photos to get all excited.
Isn’t anticipation the greatest joy?

Your must-have, the star product for a radiant glow: BLUSH HORIZON DE CHANEL

Great eye colour: OMBRE ESSENTIELLE in 91 Tigerlily

From left to right: ROUGE COCO SHINE in 69 Flirt, ROUGE COCO in 41 Destinée and ROUGE COCO BAUME.

I love Chanel nail polishes. Here is the must-have spring trio!
From left to right: LE VERNIS in 533 April, 535 May and 539 June

Perfect light pink for the new season: 535 May.

This peach tone works with everything: 539 June.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht

“After women, flowers are the most heavenly creation.” — Christian Dior

Here is your perfect make-up look to complement your new floral outfit. The huge S/S 2012 fashion trend has also come across the world of beauty. Dior‘s “Garden Party” collection is amazing and will be available in Switzerland starting on the 18th of January, 2012.

First of all, let me tell you a little story:

“Christian Dior grew up in Granville, on the cliffs of Normandy, in a house buffeted by strong winds, and seemingly unsuited to the creation of a garden. However, the young man’s creative strength and relentless hard work defied nature, and today one can still admire the garden in bloom and in particular, the fantastic rose garden planted with his own hands.

Christian Dior also loved the excitement of parties, and often hosted the aptly named “Grand Balls of the Century” with enchanted beauties from the Normandy coast and Paris alike. The theme of the festive garden is still alive today throughout many Dior creations. The Dior spring colour collection is inspired by Dior’s fantastic garden.”

NAIL POLISHES

Let me get you started with the stars of the collection and my absolute favourites: The two SCENTED nail polishes in 694 Forget-me-not (light mauve) and 504 Waterlily (soft green) which you can see on my nails below.

DIOR VERNIS “Garden Party” (one-shot): CHF 38 each

The nail polishes come with a rose scent that is only discernible when you hold your nails close to your nose (which started to look weird as I couldn’t stop myself from smelling my yummy finger nails). The scent only starts to appear when the polish dries on your nails. It is amazing, love, love, love it!

EYESHADOW PALETTES

The 5-Couleurs “Garden Edition” Couture Eyeshadows Palette (one-shot): CHF 92 each

841 Garden Roses Soft pinks, Parma violet, silver and purple (see photo above left)
441 Garden Pastels Pale pink, buttercup yellow and luminous greens (see photo below left)

The 3-Couleurs Smoky Palette: CHF 68 each

461 Smoky Garden (one-shot) (see photo below right)
961 Smoky Violet (see photo top right)

STAR PRODUCT

The “Garden Party” star product is a piece of art, a clutch that was designed with the floral spirit in mind. Featuring a glossy leather-like shell, adorned with a woven pattern and sealed by a beautiful rose clasp, this limited-edition makeup must-have for eyes and lips should be on your shopping list! Inside is a trio of delicate rose-embossed eye shadows, one shade of Dior Ultra-Gloss and one Lip Maximizer. Available in two colour harmonies:

Star Product (one-shot) “Garden Clutch Make-up Palette”, CHF 115 each

001 Milly Garden (see my photos below)
002 Granville Garden (see photo above)

BLUSH

This is an amazing product! This blush enhances your unique cheek colour for an ultra-natural and customized healthy glow effect. Your face looks after the application as if revitalized with a breath of fresh air.

DIORSKIN Rosy Glow Blush 001 Pétale: CHF 69

LIP COLOURS

Rouge Dior, CHF 48 each

363 Rose Corolle/ Corolle Pink
448 Rose Tulipe/ Tulip Pink

Rouge Sérum, CHF 52 each

255 Rosée Sérum
355 Pétale Sérum

DIOR Addict Ultra Gloss, CHF 44 each

152 Rose Mondain/ Socialite Pink
396 Party Lilac
452 Rose Pretty/ Pretty Rose

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

To complement the Hawaiian-inspired trend for Resort 2012, Sisley Paris has the perfect make-up look, so-called “Tropical Orchid”.

L’Orchidée (highlighter blush with white lily) – 76 € / 93 CHF
Instant Perfect, 20ml (primer) – 48,50 € / 58.50 CHF
Phyto-Ombres Eclat Ultra Violet N°14, Garden Rose N° 9 und Jungle N°6 (eye shadows) – 33 € / 40 CHF
Golden Touch (cream eyeshadow) – 30 € / 36.50 CHF
Phyto-Lip Shine Sheer Coral N°8 und Sheer Fushia N°14 (lipsticks) – 33 € / 40 CHF

Available in February 2012

The star product of the collection that I can highly recommed is L’Orchidée, a highlighter blush with white lily.

It has a light and silky texture that makes your skin look smooth and radiant. The white lily extract has also a moisturizing effect. Suitable for all skin tones and seasons.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I recently stumbled upon this picture of Tom Ford photographed by Nigel Parry for the October issue of GQ Russia in a very ironical way, taking the scent of a woman literally. For all critics, he is not a misogysnist, he is just the king of sex!

Multi-talent Tom Ford is a true fragrance connoisseur and his two new additions to his Private Blend collection are absolutely divine. He is bringing his luxe aesthetic to the world of scents. You have to try them, they are lovely for winter, warm and sensual!

SANTAL BLUSH

Top notes: Indian spices, cumin, cinnamon, carrot seeds and fenugreek.
Heart notes: Jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose.
Base notes: Australian sandalwood, cedar, benzoin, musk and oud.

“TOM FORD SANTAL BLUSH is a mesmerizing, spicy wood oriental designed around the richly textured creaminess of Sandalwood, and contrasted with exotic Eastern spices, intoxicating florals, and sumptuous woods. This is a complex scent with a hypnotic and mysterious pull. Masala spices from India, Cinnamon Bark Oil Sri Lanka ORPUR™, Cumin Seed Oil, Fenugrec Absolute and Carrot Seed Oil, are enriched by a floral blend of Jasmine Absolute, Rose Absolute and Ylang Madagascar. An infusion of richly textured Sandalwood captives, Australian Sandalwood, Benzoin, Agarbois™ and Skin Musks, transport the scent to another level. A nude colored juice displayed in a transparent bottle, Santal Blush expresses a modern earthiness. It is as sensual as beautifully contoured nude skin.”

SANTAL BLUSH EdP 50ml, CHF 260
SANTAL BLUSH Decanter 250ml, CHF 660

JASMIN ROUGE

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black and white pepper.
Heart notes: Sambac jasmine, broom, neroli, ylang-ylang and clary sage.
Base notes: Mexican vanilla, labdanum, leather, wood and amber notes.

“TOM FORD JASMIN ROUGE is a voluptuous, saturated, spiced floral presented in a deep-red bottle. Two bespoke ingredients, Sambac Jasmine Sepals Absolute and Clary Sage Essence, are brought into unexpected union: Together, they create a scent that is hedonistic and erotic. This composition is enhanced with unusual, exotic spices such as Indian ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, and lively florals such as Ylang Ylang, Italian Broom Flower and Neroli. Finally, an accord of Labdanum Resin, Amber and Abstract Woods is wrapped in Vanilla Bean Infusion and Leather to create a sensuous texture. Jasmin Rouge is as audacious as lacquered red lips and dark, smoky eyes.”

JASMIN ROUGE EdP 50ml, CHF 260
JASMIN ROUGE Decanter 250ml, CHF 660

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, GQ Russia and © Sandra Bauknecht