Sandra‘s Closet

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

Remember last year’s hype about Chanel’s three limited edition nail polishes Les Khaki de Chanel that the French house released for Fashion’s Night Out.

This year for FNO 2011, it is going to be Les Jeans de Chanel, a collection of three über-cool blue shades: Blue Rebel, Coco Blue and Blue Boy.

NY’s Fashion’s Night Out is September 8th and luckily it looks like I will be there. If you are not around, check out if retailers in your city or country are participating here, and look up the list of online retailers here.

LoL, Sandra

Being the last fragrant masterpiece from Gabrielle Chanel herself, Chanel N°19 entered the world of perfumery in 1970, created by Henry Roberts. The number 19 stands for the birthday of Gabrielle Chanel: August 19th. The year of its launch, she turned 87 and died only a few months later. The green fragrant trail with distinctive hints of iris has remained a bestseller among women all around the world.

A LITTLE ANECDOTE

One day, having ordered labels with the name “Coco” on them, she realized that it didn’t work for that fragrance. And so she called it “N°19”. Why N°19? Not long before her death, Coco explained why to her friend and confidante, Carmen Tessier.

“It is the day of my birthday, August 19. I was born under the sign of Leo – the lion. And I am just like the lion: I will bring out my claws to protect myself against being hurt. But believe me, it is har­der for me to lash out at someone than to have someone lash out at me.”

“So what do you think of this fragrance?” she asked, while spraying us with more. “Believe it or not but a man once stopped me in the street because of it. As I was leaving the Ritz, I felt someone touch my shoulder.

I turned around and saw a stranger. Before I could sharply brush off this intruder, he said, with an American accent: ‘Excuse me, I’m with two ladies who would like to know what perfume you are wearing.’

“I told him: ‘Why don’t you all follow me.’ And I took them to the CHANEL boutique, where – once we arrived – they realised who I was (…).”

MADEMOISELLE CHANEL SPEAKING WITH CARMEN TESSIER ABOUT N°19, “LES ANNÉES CHANEL” BY PIERRE GALANTE, 1972, P. 321-322

This summer, a new chapter created by Jacques Pole, begins: Chanel N°19 presents itself as delicate as a cloud of powder combining iris with musky notes to give a surprising fresh aroma:
CHANEL N°19 POUDRÉ

“I wanted to underline the importance of iris at CHANEL, while giving a new facet to N°19,” revealed Jacques Polge. “The desire to rework the original accord with other, more contemporary, powdery notes, came naturally to me.”

And so it is that the latest generation of the most sophisticated, beautifully soft and light musks has joined the world of N°19. Although clearly less green, N°19 POUDRÉ diffuses an incisive freshness on first contact with a zesty sensation of Grasse neroli and mandarin. Then Iris pallida appears, clinging to the dry swirls of Haitian vetiver root, bringing hints of powder cases and lipstick wax, archetypes of noble femininity. Iris fully expresses itself, enveloped in comforting and vel­vety white musk. A light almond impression from tonka bean gives the musk an even cosier feel. And then there’s that irresistible sensation of a cloud of scent on the skin…

TOP NOTES
Grasse Neroli
Mandarin Orange

MIDDLE NOTES
Jasmine Absolute
Iris Pallida

BASE NOTES
White Musk Notes
Haitian Vetiver
Tonka Bean

Available in Switzerland starting August 19th, 2011.
EAU DE PARFUM Vaporisateur 50ml, CHF 127
EAU DE PARFUM, Vaporisateur 100ml, CHF 183

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The 29, St. Honoré collection, named for Lancôme’s Paris address is an homage for F/W 2011 by creator Aaron De Mey to the most sophisticated femininity and style – the Parisian woman. This seductive colour statement captures the glamour of the 1940s (complementing the ’40s runway trend) with luscious red lips, thick eyeliner and seductive smokey eyes.
Discover your inner femme fatale!

Maison Lancôme Blush – $48/CHF 65 – Limited Edition

Les Oeillades Eyeshadow and Brow Compact Quad – $54/CHF 75 – 02 Blondette Fatale – Limited Edition – with 4 subtle matte and iridescent shades to enhance eyes and define eyebrows and Ombre Absolue Palette – G10 Gris Fatale

Hypnôse Drama Mascara – $31/CHF 44 – 15 Gris Fatal – deep grey – Limited Edition

Le Crayon Khôl – $28/CHF 39 – 10 Black Gold or 11 Strass– a waterproof eye pencil with sparkles – Limited Edition

Le French Touch Absolu Lip Colour – $40/CHF 48 – Rouge Saint Honoré – highly pigmented red or – Rouge Faubourg – captivating carmine lipstick with red flecks of glitter – Limited Edition – Rouge 29 – a bluish red

Le Vernis Nail Polish – $16/CHF25 – 22 Rouge Saint Honoré or 23 Noir 29 – infused with mini multi-coloured flecks – Limited Edition. Use these hues individually or combine them for an ultra-sophisticated look.

Enjoy those behind-the-scenes photos below and get inspired for your F/W 2011 makeup look.
The collection will be available in Switzerland next month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Barwerd Van Der Plas for Lancôme © 2011, Stills: Hondodigital for Lancôme © 2011

Bold glasses are as much a fashion staple as they are a personal statement. Now revered as a stylish accessory, a great pair of frames is a must have (and a great go-to on bad beauty days). Bobbi chooses between her iconic black frames and a pair of tortoise shell frames – ones which served as the inspiration behind her new Tortoise Shell Collection for fall. The Tortoise Shell Collection is Bobbi’s modern take on a classic look.

Stunning shadows in shades ranging from bronze to gold to espresso are housed in gorgeous tortoise shell compacts with gold detailing; one is for lighter skin and the other for darker complexions. To balance the warmer tones on the eyes, cheeks and lips are dressed up in soft nudes. And the good news is that if you do wear glasses, Bobbi designed the collection to complement—rather than compete with—your frames.

Highlight of the collection is the amazing limited-edition Tortoise Shell Eye Palette, available in two different versions, each including 8 eyeshadow shades, CHF 90.

My personal favourites are Bobbi’s new High Shimmer Lip Glosses that have a new formula and a new size (they are longer than they used to be). They deliver the ultimate in shimmer, shine and color. Their formula glides on smoothly and provides medium to full coverage, CHF 33.

The limited-edition Tortoise Shell Mini Brush Set is great for travelling. It includes four brushes: Mini Angle Eye Shadow, Mini Eye Sweep, Mini Blush and Mini Ultra Fine Eye Liner, all tucked into a chic tortoise shell case. In your evening purse, gym bag or carry-on, this brush set always fits, CHF 95.

If you like the model’s look, you will find the list above to make it yours. Happy Colouring! The collection is available worldwide now.

LoL, Sandra

Can you imagine how I was dancing with joy when I received that beautiful red box with the twelve new shades for OPI’s F/W 2011 collection, so-called “Touring America”…

OPI hits the road with those coast to coast classics. Inspired by Americana and cities with rich cultural heritage like Philadelphia or Memphis, the hues go from cool heather to chic khaki, from warm chocolate to bright peach.

Let me take you on the ultimate tour across the USA and enjoy this rich palette of colours complementing perfectly the trends from the F/W 2011 runways.

Available around the world starting August 3, 2011.
To find a shop in Switzerland, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

From left to right:

A-taupe the Space Needle
You’ll climb to new heights with this creamy-rich taupe.

Suzi Takes the Wheel
Buckle up—she’s not stopping until she gets to gray!

Get in the Expresso Lane
An amped-up dark brown that’ll never letcha down!

French Quarter for Your Thoughts
Want beads? Then show us your sexy gray nails!

From left to right:

My Address is “Hollywood”
We put this pretty rose-pink on the map.

Color to Diner For
I’ll take the rosy-red with a side of “awesome.”

Are We There Yet?
Don’t make me reach back there and take that perfect melon shade!

I Eat Mainely Lobster
We “clawed” through crowds to catch this coral for you.

From left to right:

Road House Blues
In this case…R&B stands for “Really Blue.”

I Brake for Manicures
This gorgeous eggplant-plum has our full attention.

Uh-oh Roll Down the Window
You’re gonna wanna pull over for this “unexpected” olive green.

Honk if You Love OPI
Don’t let this gorgeous dark grape pass you by.