Sandra‘s Closet

A new little apple from the popular DKNY collection – DKNY Golden Delicious brings aromas of apple known as ‘Golden delices’. The very warm and senseous scent has just arrived in stores.

Floral Woody Musk

Top Notes: Mirabelle Plum, Golden Delicious Apple and African Orange Blossom

Middle Notes: Casablanca Lily, Lily-of-the-Valley, Vanilla Orchid and Rose

Base Notes: Musk, Sandalwood and Teak Wood

DKNY Golden Delicious EdP 30ml / CHF 55.00 – 50ml / CHF 85.00 – 100ml / CHF 118

DKNY Golden Delicious Shimmering Body Lotion 150ml / CHF 57.00

DKNY Golden Delicious celebrates luxury and splendor. Therefore DKNY Fragrances teamed up with Los Angeles based celebrity jeweler Martin Katz to create the world’s first million-dollar fragrance bottle for the new scent.
The bottle is carved from polished 14-karat yellow and white gold and features 2,909 precious stones sourced from all over the world; a 1.65 carat Turquoise Paraiba Tourmaline from Brazil, a 7.18 carat Oval Cabochon Sapphire from Sri Lanka, 15 Round Brilliant Vivid Pink Diamonds from Australia weighing 1.28 carats, 4 Round Rose Cut Diamonds weighing 0.32 carats, a 3.07 carat Oval Cut Ruby and a 4.03 carat Pear Shape Rose Cut Diamond. Hand-placed by designer Martin Katz, these stones create a stunning skyline of New York City that is so iconic to the DKNY brand.

The DKNY Million Dollar Bottle will be showcased across the globe and then sold on October 15, 2011 for a good cause on their Facebook page. Net proceeds from the sale will be donated to the global charity – Action Against Hunger.

For my Swiss based readers, you will be able to admire the Million Dollar Apple this week at Jelmoli from September 22 – 24, 2011.
On Friday, September 23, 2011, you have the chance for an exclusive preview from 11am – 5 pm. The first five readers who will come to the event and mention the code “1 Million @ Sandra’s Closet” will get a glass of champagne and a little gift from DKNY!

Good Luck!

LoL, Sandra

“I always wanted to make a perfume which would have the same resonance for everyone, something like tenderness, or childhood and I wanted there to be such a sensual contact with this perfume, that you almost feel like devouring the person you love.”

Thierry Mugler

Love it or hate it! It seems that this oriental-gourmand fragrance allows only the extreme. Since its creation in 1992, it is one of the bestselling scents around the globe.

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS ANGEL…
A GOURMAND PERFUME THAT HAS BECOME LEGENDARY.

FROM STAR TO COMET – A NEW EAU DE TOILETTE

Almost 20 years later, a new satellite appears, Angel will be available as Eau de Toilette with a new shaped flacon in a modern interpretation.. Angel’s dazzling star gives birth to an undulating comet.

More than just a difference in concentration, Angel Eau de Toilette is a unique harmony of scents composed by Amandine Marie (Robertet). It has become “oriental-gourmand-powdery”.

Top Notes: Bergamot, red berries and pepper

Middle Notes: Praliné, caramel and berries

Base Notes: Patchouli, vanilla, cedar and white musk.

Faithful to Angel’s tradition, the Comet, available in 40 ml and in 80 ml, is refillable, thanks to its eco-source bottle (40 ml).

A MESMERIZING CAMPAIGN

Eva Mendes is the glamorous woman for the Eau de Parfum and beguiling icon for the Eau de Toilette, she embodies all the addictions of Angel.

New muse, new campaign… I loved the illustrations so much that I wanted to share them with you.

Always spectacular, the Angel woman rediscovers a certain type of intimacy in her perfume and in her dreams, expressing a seduction more moving than ever.

One woman, two stories…

A deserted train station. A shimmering clear night. The Angel woman waits for the train that, with its guiding star, will take her to the depths of her dreams.

In the “Dream Machine”, comfortably seated, she sprays her wrist lightly. After scarcely a whiff, she gives into pleasure, eyes closed, and takes off…

Her first dream brings her back to childhood memories of a fair, the Ferris wheel and cotton candy. This vision becomes hazy and takes the shape of the Eau de Toilette bottle followed by the Eau de Parfum bottle that sets her off on her next trip. She dances in this day dream, as though completely spellbound, among constellations of stars. Enchanting…

And the imaginary odyssey ends, giving way to reality. As she gets off the train immersed in a blue light, her exalted expression keeps you guessing about the thrill and the transgression of her experience.

Looking up to the sky that welcomed her, she takes the ultimate memento of her recent experience out of her trench coat pocket: the scintillating Angel bottle.

Illustrations: © Stefano Canulli

The world wide campaign, conceived by Thierry Mugler and orchestrated by Christophe de Lataillade, the brand’s Artistic Director, has brought together an exceptional cast. British director, Baillie Walsh, directed the film and the image was immortalized by the duo of fashion photographers Inez van Lansweerde & Vinoodh Matadin.

Below is the new commercial with Eva Mendes singing. Hope that you like it.

LoL, Sandra

Meet Tom Pecheux, the Creative Makeup Director for Estée Lauder. The internationally acclaimed make-up artist was in charge for the Derek Lam S/S 2012 runway beauty looks.

I was invited to go backstage before the show to interview Tom which was just wonderful. His thoughts on makeup
 are so modern, he has an amazing aura.

Tom Pecheux with me

The best compliment for the Parisian beauty guru that is loved by celebrities and top photographers all over the world?
To hear someone say “I feel great” and not “this make up is great”.

Enjoy the photos I took backstage and the interview! You will be up-to-date how your makeup should look like for next summer.

What was the inspiration behind your makeup look for the Derek Lam S/S 2012 show?

The inspiration was sort of that modern relaxed archtitecture on the West Coast, California, sunshine, earth – this kind of juxtaposition between both. The juxtaposition between masculine and feminine. If you look at the make-up, you have a very bright yellow which is generally a very feminine colour, but it is in a masculine finish. It is almost matte, a light satin finish, instead of being shimmery. The cheeks are very softly sculpted. Sunkissed, bronzey. I took the pink out of the lips by using a yellow tone which neutralized the pink, so that you get a „not-so-girly“ finish.

When Derek showed me his collection and he told me about his inspiration, I felt immediatly the warmth of the West Coast. When you go to L.A., you see colours that you don’t see anywhere else, the sand is special. So I wanted the yellow to present the warmness that you find in California.

How do you apply it?

It is super easy to apply. First the concealer with the finger. Some loose powder. After we start with the colour to apply. A powerful eyebrow mixed with a little bit of black and brown depending on the skin tone. A brown shimmery shadow just under the brow bones to create a even darker and stronger look. I really want the girl to feel powerful.

The yellow shadow I am using on the eyelid for a nice contrast. It is a colour that many people are afraid off so I took that challenge to make it look good. For the transparent, high-shine pout I just put a sheer, shimmery yellow gloss without a lip liner.

What is your beauty must-have for the next season?

This is hard to say. If you are a makeup artist, you don’t stick to just one thing. But the focus for the S/S 2012 is definitely on the eyebows, you should concentrate on getting them beautifully shaped and defined.

I do love the yellow. I love to find a way to use colour a little bit frightening, to make it work. To make a girl look gorgeous, to show that it is not weird. It is basically challenging myself not to get bored.

Estée Lauder’s spokewoman Hilary Rhoda with me

Do you have a favourite face?

No, not really. I mean I love beautiful women. But what I truly find interesting is to work on women that are not models and to realize how much you can give like for example during Fashion’s Night Out.

Estée Lauder’s slogan is „Every Woman can be beautiful“. Not every woman will look like Constance or Hilary. But every woman in her own world will look gorgeous. It is also not about trying to look like somebody else. It is more about feeling good, happiness and confidence.

In your opinion, should a woman always wear makeup when she leaves the house?

If you feel good, you can leave the house without. I don’t like the rules, I like to break them. Try different things, like an unusual colour. You may like it or you may not but the most important thing is to not get stuck. Enjoy exploring new things and you will feel beautiful and confident.

I couldn’t agree more with Tom! So I am ready for the yellow eyeshadow and you? Unfortunately we will just have to wait until January 2012 to get our hands on Estée Lauder’s limited edition Pure Colour Gloss in Citron Kiss and Pure Colour Eyeshadow Palette.

But isn’t anticipation the greatest joy?

LoL, Sandra

Photos:  © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome the latest fragrance by the house of Lancôme, Tresor Midnight Rose.

This very feminine scent (floral-woody-musk) comes in a beautiful purple flacon. It is like a new dose of Parisian romance, like love at first sight.

Top notes: Raspberry, rose absolute

Middle Notes: Jasmine, peony, currant buds and pink pepper

Base Notes: Virginian cedar, musk and vanilla.

Lancôme Trésor Midnight Rose EDP, 30ml (CHF 64), 50ml (CHF 95), 75ml (CHF 125), available in September.

Actress Emma Watson is the new ambassadress of Trésor Midnight Rose and is killing us with cuteness. Below you can see some behind the scene photos of the new commercial shot by Mario Testino in Paris. The handsome young guy is Cyril Descours.
So romantic!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Shot on location by Barwerd van der Plas for Lancôme © 2011

For F/W 2011, many new fragrances will or have already hit the market just recently. Today, I would like to give you a brief summary of what is worth getting your nose on. Enjoy!

SENSOUS NUDE – Oriental Floral

Sensuous Nude is a new version of the original perfume Sensuous from 2008 and a fragrance reminiscent of the summer due its beautiful coconut accord.

Top Notes: Bergamot, pink and black pepper and mandarin

Middle Notes: Lily of the Valley, jasmine, coconut water, white honey and musk

Base Notes: Sandalwood, vanilla, amber, helioptrope and woody notes (that were created with a new technology, so-called Melted Wood Nature Print, for a more natural scent experience)

Sensuous Nude EDP, 30ml (CHF 60), 50ml (CHF80), 100ml (CHF114)
Sensuous Nude Body Veil – rich body cream 200ml (CHF 60)
Sensuous Nude Touch On Fragrance – light silky serum 10ml (CHF 54).

Advertising campaign was designed and executed by photographer Craig McDean, and advertising face is Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana, who posed on Californian beaches for this campaign (first photo on top). The fragrance is in stores now.

VIOLET BLONDE – Floral Woody Musk

Tom Ford has launched a new fragrance, named Violet Blonde which is based on powdery notes of violet and iris.

Top Notes: Violet leaf, pink pepper and Italian mandarin

Middle Notes: Tuscan iris absolute, Tuscan orris butter and jasmine

Base Notes: Musk, vetiver, suede, cedar and benzoin.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde EDP, 30ml (CHF 90), 50ml (CHF132), 100ml (CHF200)

Lara Stone was chosen to feature the campaign of the whole line that was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. In stores in Switzerland Mid September 2011, in the US already available.

BURBERRY BODY – Chypre Fruity

Burberry Body is a feminine and effortlessly sensual fragrance with an eclectic combination of refined ingredients.

Top Notes: Green absinthe, peach and freesia

Middle Notes: Rose absolute, iris and sandalwood

Base Notes: Woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, amber and musk.

Burberry Body is available in a wide range, featuring EdP Intense in different sizes, EdP in different sizes, Body Oil and Body Milk.

Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley features in the new campaign shot by Mario Testino to promote the range, wearing nothing but a gold trench – and a few drops of the scent of course that is in stores now. 
The scent has so far been featured on Facebook, giving fans a chance to preview the scent. The page has had a staggering 8 million ‘likes’ as the brand continues to push the boundaries of digital media. The new fragrance is available since beginning of September.

PRADA CANDY – Oriental Vanilla

Prada has launched a new feminine perfume called Candy. As for me, this is the most surprising new scent on the market, very sweet , very girly and very unusual for the Italian brand.

Top Notes: Musk

Middle Notes: Benzoin

Base Notes: Caramel and vanilla.

Prada Candy EDP is available in three different sizes (30,50 and 80ml), with shower gel, body lotion and peeling.

The face is young French actress Léa Seydoux known for her role in The Beautiful Person (La Belle Personne) shot by Jean Paul Goud. Prada Candy is in stores now.

VERSACE YELLOW DIAMOND – Floral

Versace started its perfume line inspired by crystals in 2004 with Crystal Noir, and then launched the lighter and fruitier Bright Crystal in 2006. In 2011, a new addition is presented, “a crystal that turns into a diamond”: Yellow Diamond, a transparent and airy floral scent.

Top Notes: Neroli, lmon, bergamot and pear sorbet

Middle Notes: Orange blossom, freesia, mimosa and water lily

Base Notes: Amber, musk and guaiac wood.

Versace Yellow Diamond is available as 50 and 90 ml EdT, with deodorant and body lotion.

The face of the campaign is Australian model Abbey Lee Kershaw, shot by Mario Testino in Paris.

TOMMY HILFIGER EAU DE PREP TOMMY GIRL – Floral Fruity

The Tommy Hilfiger Group is launching two new fragrances – Eau de Prep Tommy Girl and Eau de Prep Tommy (for men). The fragrances reflect the preppy lifestyle which means sporty yet elegant. Let me give you more facts about Eau de Prep Tommy Girl:

Top Notes: Pink peppercorn, green apple and pear

Middle Notes: White roses, violet and hawthorn

Base Notes: Sandalwood, patchouli and musk.

Eau de Prep Tommy Girl EdT, 30ml (CHF46), 50ml (CHF76), 100ml (CHF96)

The fragrances will launch in Switzerland starting October 24, 2011.

SISLEY EAU D’IKAR  for Men – Woody Aromatic

Let me introduce you to the first ever masculine fragrance from Sisley named Eau d’Ikar. The composition is based on the note of mastic, a Mediterranean tree that grows in Corsica where the d’Ordano family’s origins are. A wonderful new composition for men.

Top Notes: Mastic, bitter orange, bergamot, lemon and carrot seeds

Middle Notes: Mastic absolute, iris, jasmine, orange pekoe tea, reeds, leather, wood and spices

Base Notes: Green cistus, sandalwood and vetiver.

Eau d’Ikar EdT, 50ml (CHF90), 100ml (CHF145)

The artwork bottle, symbol of a myth revisited, was designed by Polish sculptor Bronislaw Krzysztof. The new fragrance will be available from October, 1, 2011.

Have fun exploring those new fragrances in real and stay tuned for more releases to come! My personal favourites are Sensous Nude and Eau de Prep Tommy Girl!

LoL, Sandra

This week, I was invited to spend a night at the hotel Président Wilson in Geneva and to explore the first La Mer spa ever opened in Switzerland.

If you are not familiar with the La Mer brand, let me give you some facts about the cream that is much sought-after by celebrities all around the globe. It was invented by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber after he suffered an accident that severly burned his face. When medicine and other traditional means failed to heal his scarred appearance, he looked for the curative powers of the sea and natural regenerating properties of plants. The result was a precious elixir, with The Miracle Broth™ at its heart. Dr. Huber formulated Crème de la Mer (which works by the way truly fantastic if you got a sunburn).

View of the pool

My room

The hotel Président Wilson was a wonderful experience with great service. The spa, which is located on the first floor, also offers relaxing sessions in the hammam, the sauna, the jacuzzi and the outdoor sea-water pool.

Me relaxing in the spa

The spa has 5 rooms, one of which is reserved for massages for two. This was where I had my wonderful body treatment. My skin got exfoliated with The Body Refiner by La Mer that is infused with two carats of pure diamond powder leaving your skin smooth and glowing. After that treatment, I received a relaxing massage with The Body Crème by La Mer that could be described best as a seaweed wrap in a jar.

You can choose from many different treatments, for further information, click here.

A spa treat: Macarons in the La Mer colours

Below you can find some photos of the hotel’s amazing flower decorations:

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Président Wilson; © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to introduce you to an eye makeup collection that is easy to apply. Do you like smokey eyes, natural or dramatic, but don’t know how to get the look?
Clarins gives you the answer with their new products that are truly amazing.

The eye shadows play on colour for a variety of looks. The formula can be used dry for a natural result or wet for an intense, sophisticated touch. The extremely supple texture provides perfect hold all day long.

Ombre Minérale 4 Couleurs comes in six colour combinations., CHF 62 each.

Each variation comprises two satin shades, a darker eye shadow liner and an iridescent highlighter to mix and match to suit you.

How to apply the eye shadows:

Step 1: Make-up

Apply shade 1 on one half of the top eyelid, up to the inner corner of the eye, then shade 2 on the other half, up to the outer corner of the eye.

Step 2: Intensify

Using the finer applicator, accentuate eyes with the shadow liner 3.

Step 3: Illuminate

Apply the highlighter 4 in touches on the brow bone.

The final step is the mascara. Clarins has invented a cutting-edge technology which makes applying mascara simple: The Instant Definition Mascara.

The new high-tech double brush was inspired by the way classic mascara is applied. The brush lengthens and separates every lash, including short ones, for a spectacular „wide angle“ result.

The new mascara comes in three different colours, CHF 41 each.

Here is the easy technique in 2 steps:

Step 1: Apply make-up to lashes

Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes, from root to tip, with the fibre brush. The creamy texture allows you to customize the volumizing effect as you apply, to create the look you want.

Step 2: Define the eyes

With the elastomer brush, apply mascara to the smallest lashes at the inner and outer corner of eyes, top and bottom. Groom and separate lashes one by one and optimize the distribution of mascara.

Have fun accentuating your eyes!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I went to the Estée Lauder press conference to explore their newest products which is always a lot of fun. Here are my personal favourites that are in stores now. Below you can also find more information on them. Estée Lauder’s slogan is „Every woman can be beautiful“ and this sounds pretty promising, don’t you think?

So let’s get started!

LoL, Sandra

A mini-lift on the go with Resilience Lift
Firming/Sculpting Collection

Resilience Lift Instant Action Lift Treatment instantly gives you a tightening and firming sensation of a mini-lift, wherever and whenever you need it. This fast-acting treatment with CustomSculpt Technology™ precisely targets and plumps areas most prone to sagging for a more lifted, firmer, sculpted look. It helps skin boost its natural collagen and elastin production over time so you’ll look as young as you feel.

You can use it in the morning and evening, plus throughout the day as desired. Can be applied over makeup. The results can be seen immediately.

CHF 84 / 30ml

Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator dramatically reduces the look of uneven skintones and works for all skin colours. No more redness, acne marks, dark spots, sun spots and discolorations. I have used the oil-free serum now for only five days and my skin feels already radiant and more fresh. The anti-oxidants in the product also help prevent its re-appearance.

Apply on clean skin, preferably after Advanced Night Repair. For maximum even skintone results, use morning and evening for the first 12 weeks, then continue with your regular regimen, using it only in the morning.

CHF 90 / 30ml – CHF 130 / 50ml

Estee Lauder’s new fall makeup collection is called Modern Mercury and was created by their Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux. His inspiration for the texturally graphic collection came from the reflections found in modern avant-garde architecture. He liked that the buildings never look the same colour because their glass facades reflect what surrounds them. Tom Pecheux debuted pieces from the collection at the Derek Lam Fall 2011 show, for the photos and application, please click here.

Pure Colour Eyeshadow Duo in Modern Mercury (Limited Edition) works perfect for a smokey look during the day. CHF 50Matte lips are so chic at the moment and this rich red is the perfect tone to go.
Pure Colour Velvet Lipstick in Red Velvet (Limited Edition), CHF 40

Give your look an unexpected twist with sage green coloured nails.
Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Metallic Sage (Limited Edition), CHF 34

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Parfums Christian Dior is introducing a new version of its J’adore eau de toilette.
The floral perfume was initially released in 2002 and has been a bestseller since then.

Perfumer François Demachy signs the new variation that benefits from a higher quality of orange blossom sourced from Tunisia, as well as a greater quantity of the ingredient entering the formula. Other notes include mandarin, Damascus rose, tuberose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, sambac and vanilla.

Available from August 29, 2011, CHF 104.50 / 50ml, CHF 149.50 / 100ml

On September 4th, 2011, a new advertising campaign will debut with spokesperson Charlize Theron who was photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in the Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles. Jean-Jacques Annaud directed the 90-second commercial. Enjoy the little teaser, it is absolutely stunning!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Butter London is a favorite among nail polish lovers around the globe. The high-quality texture is long-lasting, and first and foremost non-toxic (free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and parabens). But mostly, the brand is standing out because of its huge range of offbeat hues.

Please let me introduce you the beautiful jewel-toned F/W 2011 collection (each $14):

From left to right:

Bluey – A slightly metallic dark peacock blue, perfect for fashionable birds.

Toff – A darker, dustier, brownish variation on a rose pink. Stop to smell them. The roses, not the toffs.

Knees Up – A smashing metallic red perfect for getting smashed in.

Wallis – A tarnished, metallic olive gold, as mysterious and regal as its namesake.

No More Waity, Katie – A soft, elegant greige shade with a splash of lilac glitter is the perfect marriage to combine fashion and fun.

No More Waity, Katie had been especially created for the Royal Wedding last April and was supposed to be limited edition. Due its huge success, the beautiful hue will stay and be part of the F/W 2011 collection.

Below you can see two of my favourite shades. For store locations, please click here (Unfortunately, Butter London is not yet available in Switzerland).

LoL, Sandra

Victoriana – a greyish green with silver sparkles, suede effect

Henley Regatta – a glittering emerald green with blue elements

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht