Sandra‘s Closet

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

After conquering the world of fashion, fragrance and film, Tom Ford has brought his impeccable vision to the world of beauty. His first cosmetics collection features a complete range of colour and skin treatments.

It all started last September in New York with a lipstick… my first beauty product by Tom Ford was the Lip Color 07 Pink Dusk, a lovely soft pink shade that goes with everything. The texture is truly amazing, leaving your lips moisturized while providing them with rich colour.

The next time I was back in the States, I couldn’t resist to get more. I truly recommend the eyeshadow palettes. The colours stay on the whole day and you can play with the effects as the textures can be built up, from soft to bold. The glittering shades can be tapped over the lid for an overall glamorous look, perfect for New Year’s Eve.

From left to right:
Eye Color Quad 01 Golden Mink, Lip Color 14 Sable Smoke, Lip Lacquer (a great way to let your lips shine, it works with all shades or can be worn alone) and Lip Gloss 02 Rose Crush.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From left to right:
Cheek Color 01 Love Lust (a perfect peachy tone), Eye Color Quad 09 Violet Dusk and 10 Titanium Smoke, Nail Lacquer 10 Viper and 09 Plum Noir.

Those nail polishes are amazing! They stay on forever without loosing their brilliance!

In Europe, Tom Ford Beauty is available aready in selected stores, such as Harvey Nichols in London or Printemps in Paris. In Switzerland, the complete range will be available in March. At the moment, you can buy only the lipstick collection.

Please enjoy the photos of Tom Ford’s beauty campaign photographed by famed duo Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott featuring supermodel Lara Stone and designer Tom Ford himself, plus some stills. I love those pics! Isn’t Lara looking absolutely stunning and flawless?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

OPI is partnering with music star Nicki Minaj to release a limited edition collection of six bright and bold nail lacquers early 2012. 
All hues are named after Nicki’s hit songs, including “Metallic 4 Life,” “Fly,” “Save Me,” “Did It On Em,” “Super Bass Shatter”, and of course “Pink Friday”.

Here is your sneak peek at those stylish shades inspired by the Queen of Hip-Hop:

This collection is definitely not for the shy! The metallic plum Super Bass Shatter lacquer is giving me shivers of anticipation. Is it January yet?

LoL, Sandra

I love hair oils as they give your hair shine and make it smooth.
Used on wet hair, you can let it dry naturally or style it with heat. Moreover, I like to add a daily dose on my hair-ends for extra shine.

A great gift for you or for a girlfriend is this Kérastase Elixir Ultime Limited Edition by accessory icon Yazbukey.

Yazbukey is the brainchild of Yaz, an Ottoman princess whose family once ruled in Egypt, Yazbukey has worked with the likes of Chanel, Ladurée and Zac Posen to create unique pieces of an aesthetic design.

For Kérastase Elixir Ultime, Yazbukey reflects on the precious and sensual nature of the orient through a geometric pattern adorning the bottle and outer packaging. She was inspired by the Moucharabieh, an Arabic latticework, which is something in between wooden windows or doors and a screen.

Limited Edition Elixir Ultime by Yazbukey, 150ml, CHF 49.-

Here’s Schwarzkopf’s take on the hair oil trend, the BC Oil Miracle range. Two things stand out about this immediately: the company has launched two different versions, one for thick, unruly hair and a lighter one for fine hair that doesn’t overburden it. The perfect final step to your care routine.

BC Oil Miracle Finishing Treatment, 100ml, CHF 35.90
BC Oil Light Finishing Treatment, 100ml, CHF 35.90

My personal favourite is Nashi Argan Oil which is a blend of precious natural elements of organic origin (certified Argan Oil and Linseed Oil). It is suitable for all hair types, providing your hair with amazing shine and manageability.

Nashi Argan Oil, 100ml, CHF 59
(available at perfecthair.ch for CHF 47.20 at the moment)

The godfather of hair oils: Moroccanoil Treatment is a unique serum with instant absorption into hair to create a beautiful shine and long term conditioning.

Moroccanoil Treatment, 100ml, CHF 74
(available at perfecthair.ch for CHF 68 at the moment)

LoL, Sandra

ALIEN

Tonka bean ice cream, “Clafoutis” cookie, half-candied pink grapefruit

Salted butter caramel

Serves 4

Preparation time: 2 hours (including the ice cream and the vanilla infusion)

Cooking time: 30 min.

Ice cream

• 2dl (6/7 cup) of milk
• 40g (1/3 cup) of liquid cream
• ½ vanilla bean
• 2 egg yolks
• 20g (1/10 cup) of sugar

In a saucepan, boil the milk, cream and vanilla bean sliced in half lengthwise. Set aside and cover. Let infuse for one hour.

Combine egg yolks and sugar and beat until the mixture turns white.

Add the infused milk and cream then cook over gentle heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture coats the spatula.

Let cool, process in a blender and leave in the freezer.

Almond crumble

• 125g (3/5 cup) of sugar
• 125g (1.1/4 cup) of flour
• 125g (1/2 cup) of butter

Mix the sugar and flour then fold in the softened butter.

Let sit before crumbling the dough into small irregular pieces.

Set them out on a non-stick oven tray and cook for 10 minutes in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C).

“Clafoutis” cookie

• 70g (1/3 cup) of butter
• 100g (1 cup) of almond powder
• 100g (3/4 cup) of powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 15g (1/6 cup) of flour
• 80g (2/3 cup) of liquid cream

Blend the softened butter and almond powder.

Add the powdered sugar, then egg, then flour and finally the liquid cream (an egg beater can be used) and let sit for one hour.

Pour the mixture into small non-stick tartlet molds and cook for 6 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C).

Place a small amount of the crumble on each “Clafoutis” cookie and continue cooking in the oven for another 5 minutes.

The little extra: “salted butter” caramel with grapefruit

• 200g (1 cup) of sugar
• 10g (2/3 tbsp) of salted butter
• 80g (1/3 cup) grapefruit juice

Pour the sugar into a pan and melt until caramelized.

Deglaze with the butter.

Add the grapefruit juice.

Reduce until the mixture becomes syrupy.

Presentation

• 1 Tonka bean
• 2 pink grapefruits cut into supremes

Position the ‘Clafoutis’ cookie in the middle of the plate and place a dollop of ice cream on top of it.

Grate the Tonka bean (as if it was nutmeg).

Set two grapefruit supremes on the side.

Taste as is at first, then top with a thin line of caramel.
Bon appétit!

LoL, Sandra

Learn your fashion math: Dieu + Or = Dior!
‎”This agile genius of our times whose magical name contains Dieu (God) and or (gold)”.
– Jean Cocteau.

Get inspired by Dior’s golden Christmas 2011 and enter the enchanting world of sparkling nail polishes and matching lipsticks. A wonderful gift and a treat for yourself!

These are my two favourites below:
Le Vernis Gold 221 Or Divin, CHF 37 (photo left)
Le Rouge Or 217 Or Etoilé, CHF 48 (photo right)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Dior