Sandra‘s Closet

Each year, Aesop unveils its gift kits that I am always a huge fan of. Themed around «Sensory Chronicles,» the 2020-2021 kits are inspired by the power of imagination with a forgotten work of literature included in each gift kit. As well as the literature, the kits contain a range of stand-out Aesop products.

Take a look at the four kits below, that are all housed in a biodegradable case which is produced from 100 percent recycled material. The 2020 gift kits are available from now until October 31, 2021. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The Chance Companion Kit
Aesop’s ‘Chance Companion’ set includes two full-size bottles of the brand’s best-selling hand and body products, making it the perfect gift for fans of the label. It comes in a recycled paper pulp presentation box that’s printed with a QR code – scan it to hear short stories by the modernist writer Katherine Mansfield.

The Lore Collector Kit
Aesop’s ‘The Lore Collector’ set is all about nourishing your body as well as your mind. It includes four soothing staples to help skin remain hydrated and supple. Plus, if you scan the QR code on the recycled pulp packaging, you’ll hear a relaxing audiobook with tales from folklorist Lafcadio Hearn.

The Seasoned Wayfarer Kit
Aesop’s ‘Seasoned Wayfarer’ set is a thoughtful gift for those who love hosting. It includes three aromatic products for the home, all packaged inside a recycled paper pulp presentation box printed with a QR code – scan it with a phone to unlock a range of audio stories by Nobel Prize-winning writer Rabindranath Tagore.

The Metaphysical Voyager Kit
With Aesop’s ‘The Metaphysical Voyager’ kit, you can enjoy skin-friendly benefits and some magical storytelling as well. You’ll find a scannable QR code on the recycled pulp packaging that reveals an audiobook version of the Brazilian author Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis‘ The Delirium and other stories.

The Ardent Nomad Kit
Each skincare product in Aesop’s ‘The Ardent Nomad’ kit is infused with Parsley Seed, an antioxidant-rich extract that promotes a calm, supple complexion. It’s boxed in recycled pulp packaging – scan the QR code to hear audio samples from the diary entries of legendary explorer Isabelle Eberhardt for an inspirational way to start the day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aesop
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

CHANEL presents ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE, the first lip color offering extreme shine and intensity: a comfortable ultrawear texture that is easy to apply and wear, offering a satin brilliance that dazzles non-stop. ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE reconciles all contradictions in a single creation. Its fluid formula fuses with lips and dresses your smile in elegance in all circumstances.
Delicate and creamy, water-resistant, it also withstands the rubbing and smudging of daily life. Its thin, supple mesh is composed of two agents: the first traps pigments for unchanging color radiance, while the second locks in a blend of oils for continuous shine. In a single stroke, this ultra-comfortable second skin imprints lips with lasting color and shine for up to 12 hours.

Each color expresses all of its intensity with a savvy mix of finely ground pigments. Coated in oils, they reveal an extremely pure color presence. On application, a volatile oil evaporates, leaving nothing but vibrant radiance on the lips. In addition to delivering extreme shine and intense color, ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE cares for lips and envelops them in comfort. The skin barrier of the lips is perfectly preserved by an antioxidant complex of Sappan wood and vitamin E.

The packaging comes in a tube that dresses up in a shiny gradation of black lacquer with a sheer finish to reveal the pure, radiant shade inside. Its high-precision curved and streamlined applicator with an ultra-soft foam tip adapts to the shape of the lips to leave just the right amount of product, for application that is easier than ever.

THE PALETTE*
60 Inflexible, a luminous iridescent beige
61 Continuous, a luminous beige
62 Still, a real natural nude
63 Ultimate, a pinky nude
64 Exigence, a rosewood
65 Impertur bable, a brick pink
66 Permanent, an intense rosewood
67 Steady, a light pink
68 Unlimited, a slightly pink luminous coral
69 Rémanence, a bright pink
70 Immobile, a raspberry pink
71 Mythe, a metallic red
72 Iconique, a brick red
73 Invincible, a true red
74 Expérimenté, a strong brown-red
75 Fidélité, a brown nude
78 Tenacious, a light plum
79 Éternité, a deep burgundy red
80 Timeless, a profound cherry red
81 Obstination, a deep brown
* Shades available depending on market

In stores Mid January 2021 for CHF 46.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Dear Santa, if I asked you for an instrument for Christmas this year, it would be the Piano of 24 Colors by Hermès. Indulging in a gifting extravaganza, the set is filled with 24 Rouge Hermès lipsticks designed by Pierre Hardy. The 24 number is in reference to the Hermès address in Paris, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honorè, which means it could also work perfectly as an advent calendar.

The gift box that houses the lipstick collection is as long as a piano, spanning 88.3 cm. Beautifully packaged in the label’s signature orange bag in addition to the box, the collection includes all of the signature shades such as «Beige Naturel,» «Rouge Orange» and «Rose Lipstick.»

As Hermès Beauty’s creative director Jérôme Touron explains: «The 24 colors of our lipsticks resonate together like piano keys. Having them all to hand allows you to play endlessly.»

Limited to 440 boxes, the Piano of 24 Colors is available for example at Selfrigdes to order for £1400 here. A lipstick a day keeps the sorrow away!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès

Sleep is a vital, often neglected, component of every person’s overall health and well-being. Sleep is important because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day. Getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration. CHANEL has some amazing products for a luxurious bedtime routine. Indulge in this caring and perfuming ritual for the face and body to wake up relaxed and glowing.

CHANEL HYDRA BEAUTY Camellia Repair Mask

Hydrating is the key for a beautiful skin. While relaxing in the evening, I recommend to use this multi-use hydrating comforting face mask formulated with camellia wax to help look in moisture and panthenol, a moisturizing ingredient that protects the skin. The ultra-rich texture provides instant comfort while protecting the skin barrier. It has a leave-on formula, for all skin types.

CHF 75.00 (50g)

CHANEL LE LIFT Crème de Nuit

Once the mask is kind of absorbed, this smoothing and firming night cream for face and neck will do the rest. It has botanical alfalfa concentrate which is as efficient as retinol but gentle on the skin. The dual-action Neuractif Night Complex gives skin a renewed look.

CHF 176.00 (50g)

CHANEL SUBLIMAGE L’Extrait de Nuit

If you want to indulge in pure luxury, this high-power skincare is the thing for you. A regenerating and restoring night concentrate that helps skin reconnect to its natural restoring cycle. This incredibly sensorial, highly concentrated serum contains naturally derived chronopeptide, plus Vanilla Planifolia and neroli fermented elixirs complex for ultimate power. Upon awaking, skin looks rested and radiant. Night after night, the complexion appears restored and strengthened.

CHF 690.00 (40ml)

«With L’EAU PRIVÉE, I wanted to create a light and delicate version of COCO MADEMOISELLE, imagining a night fragrance like a soft and sensual veil.»
Olivier Polge, Perfumer-Creator for the House of CHANEL

CHANEL MADEMOISELLE L’Eau Privée

For the first time, Olivier Polge has imagined a night fragrance. Composed around a delicate accord of jasmine absolute and rose petal notes, L’Eau Privée exalts the most sensual and softest musk notes of the COCO MADEMOISELLE fragrance. It’s the ultimate touch before night falls.
I love to apply it on my pulse points, where the skin is warmest: on the wrists, behind the ears, in the dip of the décolleté or at the nape of the neck, or even to scent the hair.

CHF 101.00 (50 ml) and CHF 149.00 (100ml)

Screen icon Marilyn Monroe famously said in an interview in 1952 that she wore «five drops of Chanel No. 5» and nothing else in bed. I am going to say, I only wear a spritz of L’Eau Privée.

Stay tuned as I will show you my very personal nighttime routine next month…

LoL, Sandra

Stills: © CHANEL, Photos: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received the products to try.

Jo Malone London presents a rip-roaring Christmas. It is time to enter the season of extravagance. Fizz flows frequently, and fragrant gifts fill every space. By the glow of candlelight, Bright Young Things kick up their heels, carrying the revelry long into the night. Discover indulgent presents for him and for her. From coveted Colognes to Bath & Body delights and luxurious gifts for the home.

I have a special surprise for my Swiss readers or everybody from abroad visiting Zurich. From today until November 30, 2020, you can pick up a small gift at the Jo Malone counter at Jelmoli Zurich when you present this post, my Instagram post or a screen shot of my story (1 x per person, while stocks last). No purchase needed.

Although if you buy something, when you visit the counter and show the post, photo or screenshot, you will receive an additional special gift with a purchase of CHF 100 or more (1 x per person, while stocks last). I hope that you will enjoy my little treat for you!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

ADVENT CALENDAR, CHF 490. – *
A magnificent countdown to Christmas, filled with 24 fragrant treats including
signature scents, travel-size Bath & Body treats and miniature Candles.

SCENTED BODY POWDER, CHF 86. – *
A pearlescent powder to scent your skin, infused with English Pear & Freesia. Perfect for party season, it’s encased in a sleek mirrored compact and presented in a pouch with a kabuki brush for touch-ups on-the-go.

COLOGNE COLLECTION, CHF 110. – *
Spoil them with five fragrant miniatures: Dewy Wild Bluebell. Mellow English Pear & Freesia. Spirited Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Happy Honeysuckle & Davana. Daring Pomegranate Noir.

MIDNIGHT MUSK & AMBER COLOGNE 100ML, CHF 142 . – *
A charismatic Bright Young Thing and my favorite. Revelling in the season of extravagance, sensual midnight musk dances with the glowing warmth of amber. This alluring scent leads the decadent celebrations through till dawn with its entrancing spirit.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT, CHF 35.-*
Dress the tree with a decorative ornament, filled with a duo of treats:
a Wild Bluebell Cologne (9ml) and an English Pear & Freesia Body Crème (15ml).

CHRISTMAS CRACKER, CHF 42 . – *
Pull to reveal a fragrant trio of treats: a Peony & Blush Suede Cologne (9ml), Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body & Hand Wash (15ml) and a Wild Bluebell Body Crème (15ml).

The collection is available now. Don’t forget to pick up your gift at the Jo Malone Counter at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London and David Biedert Photography
*Suggested Retail Price
@jomalonelondon, #SeasonOfScent

La Prairie, the luxury skincare house, has comissioned award-winning Swiss artist Douglas Mandry to produce a series of images of Swiss landscapes that highlight the beauty of Swiss nature and its inherent fragility.

«Capturing Swiss nature is a testimony of its sublime essence. Looking at a landscape, I start to simplify shapes. Once I have captured this piece of nature, I transform it. This is the starting point of my creations: merging my experience of nature with my cultural background.»

For the collaboration with La Prairie, Douglas Mandry traveled throughout Switzerland to capture the wild environment and impressive landscapes of his homeland.
«After hours of walking, sometimes I just happen to be at a place which strikes me. Capturing this nature is for me a testimony of its sublime essence. Afterwards, I try to re-appropriate this untouched and unspoiled environment and make it my own. So the whole process is about merging my experience of nature with my cultural background,” explained Mandry.

Experimenting with both traditional photographic techniques and pioneering new processes, Mandry uses the medium as a raw material, stretches it, reworks it to go beyond the qualities of the original photograph. By manipulating his photographs in this way and combining them with non-photographic elements, he creates a new typology of objects that rests somewhere between two- and three-dimensionality.

With this new venture, La Prairie proudly continues to collaborate with Swiss artists. Douglas Mandry’s inspiring tribute to Swiss nature speaks to La Prairie’s own tireless pursuit of timeless beauty. A pursuit that has become a purpose, for the luxury house who supports initiatives promoting culture and science through the prism of Switzerland as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Left: The three unique works that will be auctioned off. Right: Mandry at work.

To that end, three unique works, the striking result of La Prairie’s collaboration with Douglas Mandry will be auctioned online on Artnet Auctions from November 4-18, 2020.
The proceeds of the sales will be donated as part of the brand’s ongoing support for ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) through its ETH Foundation. Their pioneering work in the field of climate studies, glaciology and environmental conservation is shared with La Prairie’s overarching commitment to protecting and preserving its land of origin.

Please enjoy this little interview with Douglas Mandry:

Tell us more about yourself an as artist. What is your background?
I was born in Switzerland and work in Zurich today as an artist and photographer, where my studio is based. I graduated in 2013 from Lausanne’s ECAL University for Design and Art with a specialisation in photography.

What are your main sources of inspiration?
I do read a lot. I am inspired basically by any possible thing. I try to cultivate a background in image paintings, philosophy, and a bit of technology too. My work is a response to society, to different aspects of the society I have grown up in and I live in. My own experience of life has become a tool for inspiration.

Please share some insight about your creative process. What is the idea behind «breaking/manipulating» reality?
The way we experience reality is so complex and has many layers to it. As a photographer, if you think of representing reality, you think of constructing a certain reality through photography. When I was studying and doing my own photographs, I realised that I was more interested in constructing my photographs than actually taking them. The whole process before I take the picture is, for me, as — if not more — interesting than taking the picture or enjoying the result. Photography has so many aspects to it: between the moment you create or you have an idea of creating an image, until the way you or someone else experiences it, it’s actually a lot of steps. It is a succession of steps and each one is equally important to create a result.

What is your definition of Swissness?
To me, Swissness has two sides to it. On one hand, a high respect for tradition, knowhow and craftsmanship. And on the other hand, an advanced interest for progress in technological precision and development. Two sides which work really well in one concept.

How was your collaboration with La Prairie? What does the brand evoke to you?
La Prairie evokes to me many Swiss qualities, such as a close connection to nature but also a certain very precise know-how and elevated craftsmanship. This is what I consider the essence of Switzerland to be.

Do you think that art and beauty are related? How?
I believe beauty is everywhere. Art can be used to question beauty or to establish beauty standards across time and different cultures. They are more than related, they flow with each other.

Tell us about your future projects.
I am currently developing a project focusing more specifically on the topic of Swiss glaciers, working both with archive photographs and experimental image-making tools.

Thank you, Douglas!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © La Prairie

Today’s post is dedicated to the cure – and I am not talking about the ’80s gothic band, I am talking about receiving new facial skin. For some, it might be a little bit too scientific but as I love medicinal topics so much, I went a little overboard.

 Four weeks, four bottles – if Sisley has anything to do with it, that’s what it takes for visibly vibrant and renewed skin. For the first time, the French beauty brand has taken inspiration from research concerning the mechanisms of autophagy, which is the natural, regulated mechanism of the cell that removes unnecessary or dysfunctional components. This has led to a product capable of reactivating the cells’ vital energy at its source to combat the consequences of time better than ever before and to fully restore the skin’s vitality.

How does it work? The skin is a living organ that is able to regenerate itself every month by drawing on the vital energy that runs through and fuels its cells daily. This vital energy allows the cells to protect themselves, adapt, correct internal dysfunction and to detoxify themselves. It is a treasure of immense value that protects the skin and reveals its beauty, radiance and youth.
However since skin cells are subject to the laws governing energy variation, they lose their ability to regenerate and restore themselves over the years and during intense periods of stress, environmental aggressions or hormonal changes. This leads to poorer function and the cells’ vital mechanisms are slowly damaged. Skin lacking in vital energy ages more quickly, becomes more marked and loses its natural radiance.

Sisley Research is now presenting a cutting-edge response to target the source of skin’s youth. Taking inspiration from a major medical discovery about the mitochondria (2016 Nobel Prize), Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge La Cure is a four-week programme intended to restart the fundamental cell mechanisms one by one. Designed to be used mornings and evenings for four weeks, the skin’s quality and radiance is restored, transformed through deep and intense regeneration.

Let’s take a closer look at mitochondria, which are components found at the heart of skin cells. They are the predominant source of the cell’s energy and convert the substances ingested
through the diet into energy that can be used by the body.

1. Producing the necessary energy
Mitochondria perform a fundamental role in that they ensure proper cellular function by supplying cells with the energy they need to regenerate. But the mitochondria deteriorate as they experience stress and aging, thereby reducing the cell’s production of vital energy. This expedites the production of free radicals, which causes damage to the cells and therefore encourages premature aging of the skin.
2. Transporting and circulating energy
As dynamic structures, the mitochondria interact with each other to correctly transport vital energy deep within the cell. When this network is properly connected, the energy can circulate freely. However, the mitochondria fragment when damaged, leading to poor connections, reduced energy efficiency and poorly supplied cells.
3. Detoxifying and recycling by eliminating defective components
The 2016 Nobel Prize in Medicine highlighted cells’ ability to trigger a process in which defective components destroy themselves. To stop the cell from becoming poisoned, the damaged mitochondria self-destroy. It therefore appears essential to promote the elimination of defective mitochondria to allow healthy cells to soak up energy and the skin to regenerate.

In conclusion, three essential mechanisms ensure that the mitochondria and the cell life cycle function correctly.

Sisleÿa La Cure has therefore been programmed to last the exact same time to restart the skin’s vital mechanisms and ensure a real upsurge in the results obtained.
Each week, each of the four bottles of the energy-saturated treatment unlocks the mechanisms that allow the skin to renew and regenerate itself by acting gradually to restore its quintessential youth potential.

Three actions:
1. Protection of the mitochondria
2. Reconnection of the mitochondrial network
3. Elimination of the damaged mitochondria

Four weeks:
By the end of week one, ‘Impulse‘ tackles tell-tale signs of fatigue.
‘Reset‘ works to diminish fine lines during week two, while softening and toning your complexion.
As the third week rolls around, ‘Consolidate‘ leaves your face and neck feeling smooth.
The last step, ‘Renaissance‘ creates a sensation of density and elasticity, adding a radiant, fresh glow.

Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge La Cure is an exclusive anti-aging program designed to be used alone thanks to its innovative texture that transforms upon application.
One unique formula, four bottles, four weeks, four key stages, for visible benefits each week, until your skin is «reborn».

To shop the Sisleÿa L’Integral Anti-Age La Cure Set, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sisley Paris
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

I have very wavy hair, my daughter has curls and we have both dreamed of a straight, smooth mane forever. Therefore, we were both curious to try the Dyson Corrale hair straightener and finally our dream has come true… the results were fantastic.

Anouk and I before and after. Great side effect: We didn’t know we had such long hair!

First of all, we all know that heat styling can cause insane damage to your hair. That being said, I’d ideally like not to destroy my hair, which is why I was so intrigued by the Dyson Corrale. It is the only hair straightener with flexing plates that shape and gather hair. Therefore you can use only one hand when working on your hair. The patented plate design is engineered to deliver the same desired style with less reliance on heat, resulting in 50% less hair damage.

The Dyson Corrale is such a practical tool that saves you time for other things to do.

Furthermore, the intelligent heat control system regulates the temperature of the plates 100 times a second. The best is yet to come, and this is my favorite thing about the Dyson Corrale. You can style wherever you are, anywhere, at any time as it can be used cord-free. How cool is this?! It offers up to 30 minutes cord-free styling with the thermal performance of a corded straightener and is fully recharged in only 70 minutes. Although the Dyson Corrale allows heat settings up to 210°C, you can achieve perfect results with only 165°C, which means also less hair damage.

It comes with a travel case, charging dock, and a charging cable that plugs in to either the dock or the straightener directly. When you fly, pull out the flight-ready tag to disconnect the battery.

Aside from my personal experience, I’ve also seen insanely good results all over my Insta feed. Furthermore, I also know that Dyson puts a lot of research into their products. The new cordless flat iron leaves you with glossy shine and perfectly straight hair, all for a cool investment of CHF 549.00, which is quite a lot but absolutely worth it.

The new additions to the Dyson Airwrap styler complement my hair routine perfectly. Even if you work on low heat of 165°C, never forget to put heat protection. I love heat relief by Aveda.

Besides being a great hair straightener, the Dyson Corrale also works to create curls and waves while reducing heat-styling damage. On the Dyson website, you can find some great tutorials. Personally speaking, I prefer doing those styles with my Dyson Airwrap styler and the newest 20mm barrels and volume brush. Those new additions are perfect for my fine hair. Bye-bye damaged, stressed-out hair!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography and Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, we received the Dyson Corrale as a test product. Needless got say, I only recommend products I love. Promise!
@dysonhair #dysonhair #dysonswitzerland

TOM FORD BEAUTY‘s latest addition to the brand’s high-end fragrance collection, Private Blend, is called BITTER PEACH and evokes the sweet scent of freshly picked ripe peaches delivering a lasting reminder of sweet July days. It’s definitely a fall-appropriate tribute to the summer fruit. The unisex composition is sweet and sensual, but also rich and characterful, blended with notes of fruity blood orange balanced by woody patchouli, labdanum and davana, finished off with smooth sandalwood. It’s housed in a striking bottle that will look so chic displayed on your vanity.

Top Notes: Pêche de Vigne (Peach), Blood Orange, Cardamom
Heart Notes: Heliotrope, Davana Oil, Rum Absolute, Cognac Oil, Jasmine Absolute Sambac
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Benzoin, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Labdanum, Cashmeran

Tom Ford Bitter Peach Private Blend Eau de Parfum is available as 50ml for CHF 340.00 and 250ml for CHF 890.00.

TO SHOP TOM FORD BITTER PEACH ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty and David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

On Monday evening, I was invited to a unique sensory experience by two famous Maisons, Christian Dior and Moët & Chandon. Both have united to create a new temporary concept, dedicated to the perfect olfactory pleasure at the ONYX Bar of Senses at Park Hyatt Zurich. Imagine, perfume that you can drink. Combining the savoir-faire of the perfumers and the cellar masters, cocktail lovers can enjoy an exclusive and individually prepared selection created by Hercules Tsibis, Bar Manager and Master Mixologist at the ONYX Bar.

Practicing social distancing: Hercules Tsibis with me

He developed six signature cocktails inspired by six exclusive fragrances of Maison Christian Dior, that harmonize perfectly with the aromas of the Moët & Chandon champagne Impérial Brut and Rosé. With the creative freedom of both houses, Hercules and his team created also six «essences», which enable a more intense version of the cocktails based on the principle of culinary reduction. Mixed with Moët & Chandon champagne, these «essences» offer a journey of taste.

Named after six beautiful scents by Maison Christian Dior that were chosen for their olfactory diversity, you can enjoy «La Colle Noire», «Rouge Trafalgar», «Bois d’Argent», «Gris Dior», «Spice Blend» and «Rose Kabuki». The menu offers two separate variations for each signature cocktail: a cocktail and an «essence».

«Essences» with miniature fragrances

Cocktail, accompanied by amuse-bouche and miniature of the fragrance CHF 28.50
«Essence», accompanied by an amuse bouche and miniature of the fragrance CHF 19.50

With beautiful Christa Rigozzi at the event last Monday.

Let yourself be enchanted by this experience, which consists of the play of colors, a bouquet of aromas and the extraordinary variety of perfumes. For this sensual sensory journey, head chef Tarik Lange created an amuse bouche that perfectly complements and completes your selection.

Filming the live talk between…

… Kiki Mäder, Tarik Lange and Stephen Ansell, GM Park Hyatt Hotel Zurich (from left to right).

You can enjoy it only for a limited amount of time, starting today until November 28, 2020 at the ONYX Bar of Senses at Park Hyatt Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

My favorite cocktail: Rose Kabuki

Photos: © David Biedert Photography