Sandra‘s Closet

Estée Lauder launches the ultimate loose powder: Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Powder. The texture is smooth, silky and luxurious. The remarkable technology contains ingredients that help prevent skin from losing moisture while it minimizes imperfections.

I am using the powder at the moment and the complexion looks radiant for hours and very natural. It doesn’t settle in fine lines throughout the day and feels very light on the skin. Especially when you are getting older or when you are having dry skin, powder can be tricky. The Estée Lauder Intensive Re-Nutriv Smoothing Powder is never heavy, chalky or drying.

I love this product and know you will too if you try it. The powder comes with a luxurious puff and a golden powder brush, in four different shades: light, light medium, medium and transparent.

It is already available in the US for $50 and will hit the beauty counters in Switzerland (the only European country!!!) this month, CHF 96. So ladies, there are now four reasons to come to Switzerland: Chocolat, cheese, watches and Estée Lauder’s powder.

LoL, Sandra

Thierry Mugler’s limited summer edition fragrances 2011 arrive on the market, providing us with a trio of extravaganza Angel Sunessence, Alien Sunessence and for men A*Men Pure Havane.
At a first glance, the whole concept promises and tempts with the outstanding designs of the flacons, just like the essences they conceal inside.

Angel Sunessence Ocean d’Argent for the Temptress

One of the biggest make-up trends for summer is a supernatural look with the emphasis on the lips. A radiant skin with glowing cheeks is important. The lips are coloured with see-through lipsticks and glosses in sorbet-coloured hues. Vibrant and colourful are the nails in eye-popping shades like blue and green. Nail lacquer has really become a fashion statement like a must-have accessory.

Here is all you need for a supernatural look for summer that is easy and fast to achieve, that will make you look much younger and that works perfect on hot days. If you like, you can add a touch of mascara. Please find herewith my favourite products for this season.

LoL, Sandra

1 This spring Estee Lauder has stepped up their nail game by introducing sixteen nail polishes in a new long lasting formula.

The king of color, Creative Director, Tom Pecheux has created the mesmerizing shades of which eight are limited, among them the extravagant hues: Wicked Green and Wild Blue. My must-haves! CHF 34

Wicked Green

Wild Blue

2 Dior Summer 2011 is Electric Tropics, and the stars of the collection are two bronzing powders, called Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Summer Powder.

The one that I use is the lighter one with a soft pink tone, so-called Aurora (001), see photo to the left.

The darker powder is named Sunset (002) and is slightly peach-coloured.

One-shots

CHF 68.50 each.

3 Dior’s Electric Tropics Collection also includes two catwalk duo nail polishes.

These are the vibrant orange Aloha (638) that I wear below and the bright jelly pink Paradise (558). Each is packed with a super glossy topcoat to add a special flash of shine to your summertime nails.

One-shots

Available now for CHF 54 each duo.

4 Dior Addict Crystal Gloss – Jelly Gloss Spotlight Shine comes straight from the runway, it features a featherweight formula with a flash-plumping, “spotlight shine” effect.

Shades Available:

Sweet Peach (047) – the one I use
Luminescent Peach (087)
Luminescent Rose (077)
Sweet Rose (037)

CHF 44 each

5 Lancôme’s new L’Absolu Nu is a bare lip sensation!

Enriched with enhancing pigments to reveal the radiance of beautifully replenished lips, it enhances your natural lip tone in a veil of shiny, translucent colour while leaving them moistured for up to 8 hours. My favourite tone is 302 Voile de Rose.

CHF 44

6 A flawless complexion and peach-soft skin! Moisturization and radiance in one easy step.

HydraQuench Tinted Moisturizer by Clarins continously moisturizes and colours the complexion with a transparent finish, giving it a natural radiance and healthy glow. It protects against UV rays (SPF 6, 100% mineral filter), pollution and free radicals. Available in several shades to suit all skin tones.

Available starting Mid April for CHF 49

7 Colour Quench Lip Balm by Clarins provides you with long-lasting shine and moisture.

The best is the fruity flavour that makes you want to lick your lips all the time. This ultra-shine gloss helps your lips to appear fuller and more beautiful day after day.

My personal favourites are:

04 Rasberry Smoothie
05 Delicious Plum
06 Sweet Papaya.

CHF 26 each, available Mid April in 8 different shades.

8 Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm by Clarins – an innovation from the Clarins Laboratories.

This is an amazing product which combines crystalline transparent colour with the repairing benefits of a lip balm. The minute you apply it, you feel a unique sensation of softness and comfort. Trust me, it works!

Available in three colours:

01 Crystal Coral
02 Crystal
03 Crystal Red

CHF 35 each

Get your sword and parrot ready for some nail fun in May with the new OPI Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection featuring six limited edition cool pastel lacquer shades and the treasure trove, so-called Silver Shatter top coat, a crackling shimmery two-texture silver finish, following on from the success of OPI’s Black Shatter top coat.

Disney’s highly-anticipated fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise is directed by Rob Marshall and features an all-star cast, including Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz.

Jump on-board the Black Pearl to find your own treasure with those new shades:

Sparrow Me the Drama, a cool shade of pink. Steady as She Rose, a pearly pale pink. Skull & Glossbones, a desirable nude with a hint of pale khaki grey.

Mermaid’s Tears, a sea foam pale pastel green. Stranger Tides, uncharted shade of oyster. Planks A Lot, a lavender purple shade.

And apart from The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection, OPI has more exciting news. Due to its big success, the Shatter line will be expanded in May with the addition of three new trendsetting shades: Blue, Navy and Turquoise.

With nautical hues of cobalt, indigo and sapphire, these blues provide the perfect look for summer nails in one simple step. Inspired by graffiti art, Shatter leaves behind a crackled, two-texture finish when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Shatter from matte to glossy in seconds.
Cannot wait to dip my finger nails in those hues!

LoL, Sandra

Aerin Lauder, 40, heiress, and, more importantly, the highly visible face and senior executive of the Estée Lauder corporation, has announced the creation of her own luxury lifestyle brand that will sell accessories, home products, fashion and jewelry beginning early 2012. Some of the jewelry is said to be based on pieces from her grandmother’s private collection.

The new Aerin brand is aimed at a luxury customer, specifically, who “wants things made simple.” In addition, she is also launching her own beauty label that will also be marketed by the Lauder division. Under the arrangement, Aerin Lauder will continue to be actively involved in the Estée Lauder brand, serving as creative consultant and becoming its Style and Image Director. She will also continue as the brand’s global ambassador and spokesperson, a position she has held successfully for many years and will remain a member of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Board of Directors, which she joined in 2004.

I am pretty convinced that she has a great chance to become successful given her support team: Anna Wintour will serve as adviser and NBC Universal head Jeff Zucker will consult.

Her style is beautiful, simple and elegant. Get the look of the American trendsetter and enjoy her beautiful home in the Hamptons. Below you can read her style shortlist.

LoL, Sandra

• Entertaining in East Hampton: “We like to barbecue and sit at a long candlelit picnic table by the pool. The kids run around playing flashlight tag while the grown-ups linger at the table.”

• Entertaining in Manhattan: “It’s key to put together a great guest list. We always have plenty of fresh flowers and serve comfort food everyone enjoys: risotto, lamb chops, mashed potatoes, chocolate.”

• Decorating tips: 1. “The easiest way to freshen up a room is a new paint color.” 2. “I update the dining room by finding a fabulous new fabric. I’ll have it made into a tablecloth or just fold a length of it and run it down the center of the table.” 3. “Make the most of children’s artwork. I use terrific frames and paperweights from the Conran Shop to showcase my sons’ art.”

• Flower shops: Zezé in Manhattan (“Great for orchids, vases, bowls, and gifts for friends”); and Bridgehampton Florist at the beach (“Beautiful vases, hurricane lamps, and objects”).

• Shops: In the Hamptons: Mecox Gardens (“Top-notch baskets, lamps, and coral”); the Shell Shop in Sag Harbor (“Where I found the shells in my bathroom, and they have lovely coral objects”); R. E. Steele Antiques (“Packed with goodies—the best resource for chests and cocktail tables”); and Neo-Studio in Sag Harbor (“Amazing lamps and glass pieces”). In Manhattan: Barneys New York (“Especially for throws and glasses”); Bergdorf Goodman’s home floor; Crate & Barrel (“Great simple design”); the Calvin Klein store; John Derian (“Love his napkins, plates, and paperweights”); Anthropologie (“Wonderful style; a sense of fantasy”); Archivia Books (“Amazing vintage and new books”); and Pace Prints.

• Escapes: Palm Beach (“I’ve been going there since I was born. I still check out the fantastic antiques and vintage clothing stores on South Dixie Highway.”); and Paris (“I love floating around Paris. I’m always looking for chandeliers there. I have an obsession with them. But I’ve always said that even if you have no furnishings at all, if you have a chandelier, you can create a special atmosphere.”) (Source: Elle Décor)

Christian Dior admired his beloved muse, Mitzah Bricard, as much for her refined and distinguished taste as for her mysterious personality that inspired him throughout his career.

Legend has it that Mitzah used to wear a panther print chiffon scarf at her wrist to hide a scar. Fascinated by her elegance, Mr Dior decided to include this magnificent Jungle motif in his collections from 1947 onwards.

“Madame Bricard is one of the rare people for whom elegance is their sole reason for living,”
Christian Dior.

The Jungle panther print corresponded perfectly to the world of Haute Couture. It was reproduced numerous times in chiffon, taffeta and silk and as become an emblematic House reference.

In 2011, Dior presents the famous print in a limited edition make-up collection composed of a limited edition numbered eyeshadow palette and two shades of nail varnish (912 Ebony – 622 Camel). Thus the Mitzah legend lives on at Dior.

Discover below how to apply the Mitzah palette eyeshadows:

1. The camel shade emphasises eye colour. Apply to the lower eyelid then blend gently upwards. Apply also to the lower lash line.

2. The Ebony shade intensifies  the eyes. Apply it along the upper and lower lash lines. Blend with the camel shade.

3. The Nude shade brightens  and opens the eyes. Apply to the inner corner of the eye.

Photos: © Courtesy of Dior, © Sandra Bauknecht

In Switzerland the collection will launch Mid April.
The limited Mitzah palette is CHF 135. The two limited nail polishes are CHF 37 each.

LoL, Sandra

Just as there’s a tea to suit every taste and disposition, there is a Tea Cologne for every style and mood. Jo Malone unveils a limited edition collection, inspired by the most quintessential of British traditions: the Art of Tea. 

The Tea Collection, in five modern and unexpected fragrances, encapsulates Jo Malone’s hallmark simplicity and elegant restraint: Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber, Fresh Mint Leaf, Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk.

And of course the Tea Collection lends itself to being personalised with Jo Malone’s unique philosophy of Fragrance Combining™. In true British style, the collection allows you to combine your Tea Fragrance Blend, with a dash of Sweet Lemon or a splash of Sweet Milk. 

You are invited to visit your nearest Jo Malone counter to test those lovely scents now.
Available in 30ml for CHF 68.

Assam and Grapefruit is a refreshing and energetic aroma, invigorating like the first morning cup of tea. It opens with notes of grapefruit, violet and rhubarb. The heart includes Assam Indian black tea and rose, spiced with cardamom and placed on the base of patchouli, almond and musk.

Top notes: grapefruit, violet, rhubarb
Heart: Assam tea, rose, cardamom
Base: patchouli, musk, almond

Earl Grey and Cucumber is a playful interpretation of the most famous English tea brand, made from black tea, bergamot and citruses. The composition opens with apple, bergamot, jasmine and aquatic notes, with cucumber, angelica and davana in the heart, on the base of vanilla, bees wax, cedar and musk.

Top notes: bergamot, apple, jasmine, water notes
Heart: angelica, cucumber, davana
Base: beeswax, vanilla, cedar and musk

Fresh Mint Leaf is a refreshing aroma based on green mint. It starts with notes of basil, mint, and bergamot. The heart is composed of water jasmine and rhubarb, laid on the base of mate tea, cedar and musk.

Top notes: basil, mint, bergamot
Heart: water jasmine, rhubarb
Base: mate, musk, cedar

Sweet Lemon is a fruity mixture that you can combine with any of the previous fragrances from this collection. The composition starts off with sparkling lemon, bergamot and rhubarb. Middle notes include pineapple, freesia and peach, placed on cypress, cedar and musk nuances.

Top notes: lemon, bergamot, rhubarb
Heart: pineapple, freesia, peach
Base: cypress, musk, cedar

Sweet Milk, as well as the previous fragrance, serves as an “additional tea flavor” and can be combined with the other fragrances of the collection. Its gourmand composition begins with star anise, heliotrope and bergamot. Milk and caramel are in the center, rounded by almond, vanilla and musk.

Top notes: star anise, heliotrope, bergamot
Heart: milk, caramel
Base: vanilla, almond, musk

Jo Malone will launch a new, limited-edition perfume from May 2011 called Sakura Cherry Blossom destined to celebrate the beauty and transiency of blossoming cherry trees in the springtime. The composition was created by perfumer Christine Nagel working in tandem with the Jo Malone Creative Studio in London.

“A symbol of beauty and new beginnings, cherry blossom trees grow throughout Japan and for centuries have been celebrated in every medium, from poetry to painting. No flower captures the Japanese aesthetic as powerfully as the cherry blossom.”

Top Notes: bergamot, mandarin, cardamom
Heart: rose, mimosa
Base: musk, woods

Sakura Cherry Blossom works very well in combination with French Lime Blossom or Orange Blossom.
Available in 30ml (CHF 68) or 100ml (CHF 130).

My personal favourite combinations are at the moment: Earl Grey & Cucumber with Sweet Milk and Cherry Blossom with French Lime Blossom.

Definitely my cup of tea!

LoL, Sandra

Hermès launches the new fourth frangrance from the collection of garden-inspired fragrances, named Un Jardin Sur Le Toit, meaning a garden on the roof.

Let me tell you the story behind it that reads like a fashion fairy tale.

In 2003, the Year of the Mediterranean inspired by Jean-Claude Ellena to create the first Garden-Perfume, Un Jardin en Méditerranée, an homage to the  secret garden of Leila Menchari, director of decoration at Hermès, on the Tunisian shoreline.

Two years later, 2005, in the Year of the River, he set off to the island gardens in the delta of the king of rivers to invent Un Jardin sur le Nil.

In 2008, the Year of Indian fantasies invited him to glorify India’s rebirth after the life-giving monsoon rains, with Un Jardin après la Mousson.

In 2011, the chosen theme, “Contemporary Artisan”, is an opportunity to celebrate craftmanship, of every kind, throughout history to the present day. Un Jardin sur le Toit.

What unexpected fragrances could be shared? What unique story could be told? Which new water could be bathed in? After rainwater, river water, sea water… going back to the source, like going back through time. Happy as Ulysses to be coming home. What better pause in series of pilgrimages than a return to the  native land?
To the luxurious Hermès roof garden at 24, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the French house’s headquarter.

This is such a beautiful story. The garden is high up, hanging like its mythical ancestors, over in Babylon. From its lawn and between its branches all of Paris is on view.

The green fingers of an Hermès craftswoman, Yasmina, the gardener, create this paradise. She cares for it every day, planting, pruning, watering and perfecting. This roof garden is very familiar to since 2004 in-house perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena. It is where he went for his first meeting with Hermès and each visit, even that he knows it by heart, he discovers it all over again.

„A perfumer’s place is everywhere and nowhere“ admits Jean-Claude Ellena. „That’s how, one day, I found something I thought was a long way right under my nose. I had been there several times. My footsteps had produces a burst of aromas, lush grass, damp soil, and I loved letting them work their way inside me. And in order to make it really Parisian, I sprinkled it with light…“.

The new Hermès composition includes fragrant notes of apple and pear, alongside tea rose and belongs to the olfactory family of Greens. It captures the atmosphere of a fresh and sweet-smelling garden by magnolia, basil and compost notes. Available Mid April.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès
Eau de toilette: Natural spray 100ml (3.3 fl oz),  Natural spray 50ml (1.65 fl oz)
Perfumed body milk 200ml (6.6 fl oz)

For sensual, rocking hands, Dior is launching a new collection of nail varnish colours, hitting the stores in Switzerland this Tuesday, March 1st. The collection’s absolutely beautiful five urban shades are indispensable accessories for a resolutely rock look.

But the best is yet to come: For even more depth use the ultimate Rock Coat, a smoky veil of lacquer, for a mysteriously seductive effect. This key element of the “Rock your Nails” maxim, with its semi-transparent black formula, coats the varnish with a veil of grey, intensifying the colour and transporting it to an even more rocking universe. The newly smoky shade becomes more intense and enigmatic.

Like all classic top coats, Rock Coat extends wear and increases shine!

The new top coat won’t make a shade that doesn’t already exist somewhere but is the perfect alternative to transform the colours you have at home into something new and different. Imagine with one bottle, you will have twice the colour range for your nails.

Please have a look below at my review to see photos of my favourite colour Nirvana with and without the Rock Coat. I am predicting a fast sell out, so you’ll have to be quick when it’s released.

The pleasure of getting dressed, down to the tips of your fingers. Please, ladies, no excuse, rock your nails!

LoL, Sandra

# 997 Blue Label: A deep blue. A signature rock essential to wear any time, anywhere.

# 804 Perfecto: Almost black. Experience any hour of the night, at your fingertips.

# 824 Underground: A mysterious brown. An enigmatic, urban universe.

# 887 Purple Mix: A smoky violet. An enticing shade for a sensually charged slow dance.

# 704 Nirvana: A grey-green. Mixing a masculine vibe with the ultra-feminine in a promise of paradise.

Nirvana on my nails with a regular top coat

Nirvana with one layer of the black transparent Rock Coat

Left Nirvana, right Nirvana with Rock Coat head-to-head

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and @ Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, I took the flight at 7am to London and hadn’t gone to bed at all before. Too much excitement and packing stress… it is London Fashion Week.
I still don’t look like a zombie thanks to those lifesaving products. Let me introduce you to my 5 minutes radiance treatment:

Lancôme Rénergie Yeux Multiple Lift

This amazing eye care product combines 2 formulas for 6 different results. A unique treatment that addresses both wrinkles and lost firmness, featuring the GF-Volumetry™ complex, shown to help support cellular communication

A dual action lift: The cream texture helps to prevent sagging eyelids and to recover a young, lifted look. The natural firmness is visibly regained and the eye contour appears redefined.
The tinted texture (works like a highlighter) makes dark circles and puffiness to disappear.
Youthful eye contours return: skin is visibly lifted, firmer, and reshaped.
Available in Switzerland in March 2011, (15ml, CHF 125).

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Emulsion SPF 30

A gossamer-light, skin-brightening, moisture-replenishing lotion with a high level of SPF protection and multiple anti-aging benefits.
Quartz crystals and reflective pigments, imbedded in La Prairie’s Radiance Complex, filter environmental light through miniscule prisms to soften the effects of harsh lighting and give the skin a subtle radiance. This action is intensified by the presence of colloidal gold, which has a warming effect on these radiant substances.
The product will be in stores in Switzerland end of March 2011, (50ml, CHF 570).

Origins Vita Zing™ SPF 15 Energy-boosting moisturizer

This multi-tasking moisturizer handles the vital jobs of hydrating, energizing and protecting to maintain skin’s momentum all day. Gives skin the refreshing zing of antioxidant-rich Mangosteen. And adds a healthy hit of radiance that mimics the glow you get from a week’s vacation. All in 10 seconds max. Slip it on first thing tomorrow – you’ll look like you eat right, sleep tight & don’t
have a worry in sight, (50ml, $35.-).
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tinted Release Moisturizer SPF 15

You won’t believe your eyes once you have tried it. The light texture that smells so lovely like cucumber, transforms into an ultra sheer tint when applied, enhancing any skintone with a healthy, even-toned glow. Moreover, the moisturizer is a super effective anti-oxidant and broad-spectrum sunscreen protection to help prevent and diminsh the appearance of the first signs of aging.
Apply as your last step. Available now (50ml, CHF 72).

You don’t need to use all of the products together. I do so in case of a facial emergency like today and believe me, those products work their magic…

Stay tuned, will be heading to Matthew Williamson’s F/W 2011 show this afternoon.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands