Sandra‘s Closet

The enchanted world of precious materials is brought to life at your finger tips. The caress of a feather, the texture of shagreen and the sparkling facets of cut stone inspire the imagination. Each creation and each jewellery set bears a hint of illusion and sensation that emerges from the shadows into the light. Inspired by the heritage and savoir faire of the artisanal craftsmanship of the House of Chanel, Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, introduces new textures and makeup effects for F/W 2011. Shimmery and seducing, with a smoky twist in tune with the upcoming season’s colour trends! Explore the magic world of “Illusion d’Ombres”!  Available now in the US, in Switzerland in the beginning of August 2011.

CHEEKS

JOUES CONTRASTE, CHF 60
Against a pure, translucent complexion, ROSE ÉCRIN spruces up cheekbones with a breeze of freshness and a tender healthy glow effect.

LIPS

ROUGE COCO, CHF 46
Two new colours of the iconic lipstick are introduced for fall.
PLUMETIS: an innocent peach tone, ÉTOLE: luminous copper y rosewood that matches the lip pencil.

LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES/ GLOSSIMERS, CHF 41
Used on its own or layered over ROUGE COCO lipstick to harmonise, the sparkling CHANEL gloss pairs its extreme shine with the shimmering glimmers on nails and eyelids.
PAMPILLE: a peach with silver reflections, BRAISE: a pink bronze.

LE CRAYON LEVRES, CHF 34
A precise line emphasises the lip contour f or a perfectly traced smile. The two shades play with the elegance of orange tones in a fresh spirit with CORALLINE or an opulent style with ROSE CUIVRE.

EYES

ILLUSION D’OMBRE, CHF 47
For F/W 2011, the eyes play the starring role. At the heart of the “Illusion d’Ombres” collection, a new CHANEL eyeshadow interprets the richness of this world of precious materials and intangible colours. Its long-lasting, ultra-light and silky cream texture with a powdery appearance becomes one with the skin. Thanks to its translucent silicone-based formula, Illusion d’Ombre brings out the authenticity of pure pigments and thereby accentuates the intensity of colours and their iridescent reflections.

“Illusion d’Ombre is a new and exciting product, that’s easy to apply. I would suggest finger application. The texture is unique and has a very pleasant touch.” – Peter Philips

The eyeshadows come in six shades:
FANTASME: an iridescent white, MIRIFIQUE: every nuance of black, ÉMERVEILLÉ: a tender peach, ÉBLOUI: a brown smouldering with red, ILLUSOIRE: a grey-tinged taupe, ÉPATANT: a grey-shadowed khaki.

LES 4 OMBRES DE CHANEL, CHF 77
PRÉLUDE offers a base of essential, chic and classic tones. The four understated shadows in timeless colours – grey brown, grey beige, luminous beige and deep taupe brown, provide a matte or satiny makeup result.

LE CRAYON YEUX, CHF 33
A stroke of KHAKI PLATINE eye pencil with metallic glimmers captures the light for an eye-opening effect. Like a magical line on the inner eyelid rim or along the lash, it heightens intensity and increases the sense of mystery.

NAILS

LE VERNIS, CHF 35
Like the eyeshadows, LE VERNIS is inspired by effects of materials to adorn nails in shades with metallic and shimmering reflections. It wouldn’t be Chanel, if they didn’t come up with another It-colour for the nails. For F/W 2011, it will be limited edition Péridot that will be gettting all the buzz.

PÉRIDOT: gold and green intertwine and immerse themselves in the glow of a moiré effect, GRAPHITE: silver, gold and platinum, fuse in an unprecedented effect, QUARTZ: bronze becomes smitten with pink for a sophisticated result.

Photos: © Chanel

Here comes the new super mascara by Lancôme: Hypnôse Doll Eyes.
The latest version of the iconic Hypnose mascara gives you long and voluminous doll eyelashes, a little like a ’60s Twiggy. It is the first mascara that is scented with a very feminine floral and hypoallergenic perfume which makes it a true pleasure applying it. The brush ensures perfect separation of all lashes, even the shorter ones, while adding length and volume. I am using the mascara at the moment and I am completely convinced of its quality.

Mascara Doll Eyes CHF 44

The new mascara is accompanied by four pastel coloured eyeshadow palettes, called Baby Glam, Baby Nu, Baby Romance and Baby Pop to finish off your ­’60s look to perfection.

Palettes CHF 75 each

The campaign that was shot by Mario Testino stars famous supermodels Daria Werbowy, Arlenis Sosa and Elettra Wiedemann.

My personal favourites: Hypnôse Doll Eyes, Palettes Baby Pop and Baby Nu

And that it is definitely worth investing in a beautiful look tells us this quote of the world’s most famous doe-eyed icon:
“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

– Audrey Hepburn

To be launched in Switzerland in July, in other countries already available since a few days.

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Naturally, the right skin protection is indispensable when the sun is shining like the last days. At the moment, my favourites are Lancôme’s new Génifique Sôleil releases. I have to admit that I hate applying suncreams but those sprays are easy and fast to use.

FACE
The lightweight melting and water-resistant formula for the face delivers optimal UVA-UVB protection. It works for all skin types, even sensitive.
The skin is ideally tanned and its youthful appearance is visibly protected.
Génifique Sôleil Visage SPF 15, 50ml, CHF 49.-

BODY
Lancôme has made a major scientific discovery: UV rays affect gene expression and reduce the synthesis of certain youth proteins. Therefore the French brand invented its first skin youth protein UV protector oil with a pleasant texture combining a broad UVA-UVB filter system and antioxidant complex Applied immediately before sun exposure, the skin is irresistibly sparkling and has a velvety soft touch feel.
Génifique Sôleil Huile Corps SPF 10, Spray, 200ml, CHF 51.-

AFTER SUN
The last step is the after sun care that moisturizes the skin perfectly while leaving it lovely scented. The tan is magnificently radiant and even, as if lit from within.
Génifique Après-Soleil, Crème Corps, Spray, 200ml, CHF 53.-

Depending on your own skin type, you might consider taking a higher UV protection.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last December, I told you already about the beautiful Chanel Paris-Byzance Pre-Fall 2011 Collection and the gorgeous limited-edition byzantine shaded make-up that comes with it. Now it is available in the Chanel stores around the globe.

Inspired by the mosaic of Empress Theodora, Chanel Global Creative Director of Make-up Peter Philips created a beautiful, graphic look. Like the famous portrait, a red line crosses the eyelid, following the brow line. Parallel to this, a stroke of deep black eyeliner accentuates a graphic effect, which frames the eye as if setting a precious stone, redefining its proportions.

Inspired by Byzantine treasures, red, black, gold and bronze-tinged shades offer a classic base that can be adopted as desired in sumptuous or simply day-to-day makeup.

Rouge Allure Rouge Byzantin CHF 48.- / Joues Contraste Or and Rouge, each CHF 60.-

The Regard Signé de Chanel palette takes center stage: mirroring the Chanel suit button, each shadow is dressed in a quilted effect and stamped with the double C. The texture can be used in two ways, powdery and creamy.

Regard Signé de Chanel Topkapi CHF 77.-

Hurry, those items will sell out fast!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Origins was kind enough to let me try out some of their amazing products. I’ve been a fan of all-natural skin care brand for quite a while and was eager to test their newest addition PlantscriptionTM . I wanted to use it for a couple weeks before I shared my thoughts with you.

Plantscription™ Anti-aging serum with Anogeissus.

Although it’s not a prescription, in just 4 weeks nature’s next generation power plant has noticeably reduced wrinkle length and depth without the irritation.

It has visibly helped repair the vertical fret lines between the eyes, the stubborn  furrows across the forehead and the deepening frownies that frame the mouth.

The skin is firmer, smoother and more lifted-looking. With continued use, the results have improved. And for CHF 95.-, satisfaction is guaranteed (or your wrinkles back).

Drink Up Intense Overnight Mask

This is my favourite Origins product. I am having very dry skin so this works its magic for me. Instantly, the skin feels replenished, smoothed and soothed.

Use it twice a week or as desired, gently massage onto the clean skin at bedtime and tissue off excess. It smells so good that it is a true pleasure going to sleep with it.

Skin depends on water for its youthful functioning. But all day long, skin loses vital moisture. And the busier you are, the more it loses. This intense moisture replacement mask with Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oil deeply and instantly quenches compromised moisture reserves and builds a reservoir for tomorrow.  Japanese Seaweed repairs skin’s barrier to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature aging. It truly works. CHF 35.-.

LoL, Sandra

Treat hair from the inside out with ten new luxury products by Paul Mitchell featuring proven ingredients to restore dry, damaged hair: HydroMist Blow-Out Spray, HydroCream Whip, KeraTriplex Treatment, Keratin Intensive Treatment, Moisturizing Lather Shampoo, Keratin Cream Rinse, Texturizing Sea Spray, Styling Treatment Oil, Finishing Spray and Shine Spray.

Paul Mitchell was part of the Vidal Sassoon team before he moved on to create his own universe. Today, Paul Mitchell products are the number 1 hair products in the US.
The “pioneer of the blow-dry” lived in Hawaii where he got inspired by the natural aspects of the area. Hawaiian natives have used the fragrant juice of the Awapuhi ginger plant to moisturize skin and hair since ages. On the Big island, Paul Mitchell has a farm where to this day all of the Awapuhi used in the John Paul Mitchell Systems products is harvested there. Its aloe-veranesque nectar helps to nourish the hair deeply.

The KeraTriplex is a protein that is derived from sheep’s wool. A medical break-through that is also used in cancer products. Paul Mitchell owns the technology and is launching the awapuhi treatment on a global approach. It is virtually identical to human’s hair. It improves shine up to 35%, prevents colour to fade up to 67% and reduces breakage up to 80%.

The KeraTriplex treatment is only done in-salon. It is a highly concentrated blend of exclusive keratin proteins that repairs and seals from cuticle to core. An infusion of moisture for softness and shine. Last week, I was invited by the Paul Mitchell team to test it:

First you start by washing the hair with the Moisturizing Lather Shampoo.

Then the first step of the treatment, the KeraTriplex Treatment, is worked into the wet hair.

The second step, the Keratin Intensive Treatment, is applied with a brush.

With a little heat, the treatment can even better work its magic.

After carefully having rinsed out the hair, it can be styled as liked. Just be careful not to blow dry it too hot.

The treatment is amazing. It leaves you with this “Can I touch your hair” look.

For a store next to you, please click here. For my Zurich based readers, I recommend Anja Stähelin Hair Company in Erlenbach.

LoL, Sandra

While being in New York, one trend caught my eye: White nail polish.

Personally, I like the opaque version very much. It emphasizes the shape of the nails while looking cool and fresh. Moreover it suits every skin tone. The only downside is the maintenance as the white hue doesn’t last as long as other shades.

My favourite tone is Ecume by Nars, which is part of their recent summer collection.

Ecume is described as “An opaque white nail enamel that is at once vintage-inspired and avant-garde in sensibility.”

If you like to take it one step further, get inspired by stylesetter Alexa Chung. She painted little palm trees or tine hearts on her white fingertipps. I am loving it and you?

LoL, Sandra

Today a friend of mine asked me for advice how to get rid of her pigmentation disturbances without her budget going overboard. Many women suffer from endocrine disorders when they get older. The skin produces too much melanin in certain areas of the face.

Here is the solution: SBT Cell Culture Pigmentation Solution, a lightening cream for hyper pigmentation or pigmentation disturbances, 30 ml (CHF 100) which 
diminishes the production of melanin caused by exposure to sun and helps to lighten existing pigmentation. A UVB filter protects the skin from the rays that are primarily responsible for pigmentation spots. By supporting skin regeneration, a more uniform skin tone is targeted.
For at least 30 days, apply mornings and evenings after cleansing to affected areas. During this time, avoid direct sunlight! The effect is strengthened after three months of application.

Some more useful tips are:

– Use it before exposure to sun in order to reduce or minimize the pigmentation that usually takes place.

– Always use the product as a preventive measure in summer under sun protection; always use a high sun protection factor.

– Whenever you spend time in the sun, renounce to eating certain fruits and vegetables, such as Saint John’s Wort, citrus fruit, artichokes or celery.

– As a basic principle, do not wear perfume or perfumed care products if you plan to stay in the sun for extended periods of time.

Some interesting facts about SBT and the person behind:

Day after day, dermatologist and founder of the Dermatologikum Hamburg, Professor Dr. Volker Steinkraus, is confronted with a variety of questions about beautiful skin. 

His many years of intensive research work with skin cells led him to a spark of inspiration:
If you put isolated cells in pure water, they die. If you put them in a cell nutrient fluid similar to that found in the skin, they survive. Why, then, shouldn’t this vitally important cell nutrient fluid also be used in cosmetics? After all, it is the natural environment – the elixir of life – for cells and provides them with important nutrients around the clock.
SBT Skin Biology Therapy is the result of this logical consideration: the first care that is not based on water, but on a cell nutrient fluid very similar to the skin’s: the Cell Culture Phase.

For store locations, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

The colour blocking trend for S/S 2011 is a fun way to wear vibrant hues. Today I am combining two strong and vibrant shades, turquoise and orange. One thing is for sure, we can carry this trend up through F/W 2011.

My look: Blazer, silk blouse, belt, bag and shoes, all by Gucci, leggings by Blumarine.

Orange and turquoise. It’s vibrant and energetic and one of the most exciting colour combinations this fashion season.

The new makeup trends usually suit the fashion trends of the moment so the look obtained can be complete. One of the hottest eye makeup trends for the S/S 2011 season are vibrant colours. If you go for it, keep the rest more simple and just add a touch of peach blush and gloss.

Bright, warm hues help create an adorable look which can be adapted to the occasion style as well as age.

Add a little pop of color on the fingertips! Bright nail polish is an easy way to get trendy, and a perfect addition to your spring break beauty routine. YSL’s Utopian Turquoise 137 gets me excited for the warm weather and you?

LoL, Sandra

Mother’s Day is right in front of us and probably you are still looking for a little surprise accompanying your hand-written poem. Why not getting her one of those new summer fragrances? I am sure that your mom would love it.
Odoriferous ideas destined to make her day.

LoL, Sandra

The Lady

Life Threads Ruby Sheer by La Prairie is an Oriental Floral fragrance for women. And a lighter variation of the original fragrance.

Top notes: Orange flower, bergamot and lily-of-the-valley
Middle notes: Jasmine, ylang-ylang, saffron and rose
Base notes: Vetiver, musk, sandalwood and vanille.