Sandra‘s Closet

Here is my recent interview for GLOBUS Magazine about my beauty favorites, available in German and French. Click here to read it online. My avid readers will know them already… below you find the six products that I cannot live without and why is that…

1 The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask x 6 by La Mer
My secret for an immediate glow, especially after a long distance flight.
2 The Moisturizing Soft Cream, 60ml by La Mer
My everyday must for the prefect hydrated skin.
3 Lavender Extrême Eau de Parfum, 50ml by Tom Ford
I have fallen in love with this very special scent as it reminds me of my beautiful trip to the lavender fields in Gordes.
4 So Intense Mascara – 1 Deep Black by Sisley Paris
My favorite mascara of all.
5 Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – Medium by NARS
The best base to make your eyeshadows last forever.
6 Lip Glow – 006 Berry by Dior
An amazing lip product to look fresh in one second.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht, © Virgile Guinard for Tom Ford
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

This spring, all eyes are on CHANEL! The new mascara LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. Why is that?

Two years ago, CHANEL shook up the beauty world with LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL mascara, equipped with the first 3D-printed brush marketed on an industrial scale – a first in the mascara world. It was an immediate hit with women worldwide and hasn’t dropped out of the Top 5 bestsellers in Europe since its launch (Presence in the Top 5 in Europe only, in the Top 20 in the UK and the US).

Launched in 2018: LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL

Today, CHANEL uses innovation to enhance beauty once again with LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL. It reveals a new brush that visibly extends lash length while offering perfectly controlled volume. With 3D printing by ERPRO 3D Factory, a start-up specialized in this technology, the frontiers of product design are pushed even further. By precisely crafting a unique, tailor-made brush, this was the only approach that could technically translate the creative concept defined by CHANEL in order to respond to new awaited makeup benefits. The mascara brush of LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL is protected by four patent applications.

Launched in 2020: the new LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL

Resulting from a close collaboration between the Packaging Innovation and Research teams, the Makeup Creation Studio and CHANEL Research, the new LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL mascara brush unveils an elegant, streamlined and curved shape that is extremely precise: five branches of two rows of bristles arranged in an elliptical shape with a micro-cavity at the center. This feat was only possible with 3D technology. A simplified approach was taken for a lighter and more flexible brush. With its elastic shape memory, it bends and stretches in all directions before returning to its original form. Ergonomic, it fills with mascara in an instant and delivers it just as intuitively. This brush is as easy to use as it was complex to design. With its perfectly crafted structure, it features an organization of bristles arranged precisely down to the last millimeter. The size of the bristles adapts to the elliptical shape for application in two steps: the longest bristles, at the center, grip and brush each lash by stretching them over their entire length, while the shortest bristles at the tips coat them evenly with the black formula, stroke by stroke. In other words, the work of two brushes in a single tool. This brush was created by printing successive layers of a polyamide powder derived from castor seeds (a bio-sourced material of vegetal origin) and then polymerized with a laser beam.

A mascara with a brush from another world…

The numerous trials carried out to finalize the brush also made it possible to adjust the most important factor: the affinity between the mascara formula and the tool. Thanks to this perfect balance, ensuring an ultra-effective tailor-made result, LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL unites volume and length without compromise. The formula is based on a perfect balance between natural-origin waxes for impeccable glide, stunning curve and a stretch effect. Candelilla wax coats lashes, while carnauba wax ensures magnetic shine. Jojoba esters guarantee the suppleness of the stretch-effect formula and beeswax promises perfect adhesion all day long. Like a latex film, the polymers spread out the lashes in a fan shape. Finally, cellulose coated with ultra-dark «carbon black» pigments envelops lashes and improves their density. Perfectly shaped and covered in black, lashes are extended to the max for eyes that look more wideopen than ever before.
LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00

A perfectly controlled line
New to the eye makeup family, LE LINER DE CHANEL comes in seven shades, including four limited-edition colors. In a simple and understated black tube, this liquid eyeliner hides a soft, extra-thin felt tip. With this flexible tip, this precision advantage helps stylize eyes in a single step with no risk of smudges. It’s never been so simple to show off eyes that look bigger and more wide-open than ever!
Its formula contains a polymer, inspired and derived from latex technology, that sets in the blink of an eye. It guarantees impeccable smudgeproof hold and a waterproof effect that lasts until evening.

Classic shades
512 Noir Profond: a deep black
514 Ultra Brun: a rich brown
516 Rouge Noir: a rich plum

Temporary shades
518 Mauve Métal: a metallic lilac
522 Bronze Doré: an intense caramel bronze
524 Gris Argent: a metallic silver gray
526 Bleu Cobalt: a navy blue
LE LINER DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00

Enhanced structure
It is often said that eyebrows structure the eyes. A good reason to define their shape with LA PALETTE SOURCILS, which unites two textures and four accessories to precisely groom each hair. On the left, a matte wax sculpts and colors the brow line. On the right, a powder softens this result for a more natural finish. Two brushes are included, as well as a spiral brush for more definition and mini tweezers to adjust brow shape hair by hair. It comes in three harmonies for all women, offering a natural makeup result that surpasses perfection.

Shades
01 Light
02 Medium
03 Dark
LA PALETTE SOURCILS – CHF 64.00

In stores in the beginning of March 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

This week, I strolled through Perfumery Osswald in Zurich and explored some of their gourmand fragrances. In the end, some of my old gourmand favorites as well as some new treasures landed in my basket. Their dessert-like qualities and embracing aldehyde accords that tickle our taste buds as well as our nose are enough to make one salivate! Enjoy those beautiful scents below – I wish you could smell them while scrolling:

Kilian
ROLLING IN LOVE

This musc de peau is capturing the sensation of feeling so high on love that it seems to almost «get under the skin.» Working with perfumer Pascal Gaurin, Kilian Hennessy took an entirely new direction. Rolling in Love is more direct and less faceted than his previous fragrances – almost «monochromatic» in its focused representation of a single emotion. Rolling in Love is a «white» scent, layering different textures along the scent’s trail with notes of ambrette seeds, almond milk, iris, and musk.

Top notes: almond milk, ambrette seeds
Heart notes: iris, freesia
Base notes: musk, vanilla, tonka bean

50ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 259.00

Pierre Guillaume Paris
5.1 SUEDE OSMANTHE

Osmanthus is a most bewitching flower, its elegant petals often scenting the rice fields of China with their potently smoky, fruity fragrance. In Suede Osmanthe, the delicate flower’s seductive contrasts are deconstructed and magnified to gorgeous effect. A precious suede, a thin and delicate skin, infused with apricot and black tea notes, olfactive illusion of an osmanthus, conspicuous by its absence.

Top notes: aldehydes, orange blossom absolute, apricot
Heart notes: leather notes of Suederal, black tea notes, osmanthus
Base notes: Moroccan cedar wood, cashmeran, honey sweet musk, myrrh

100ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 188.00

Tiziana Terenzi
KIRKÈ

This chypre fruity fragrance for women and men was launched in 2015 and an immediate success. It is inspired by the Goddess Circe’s famous enchanted potions – nectareous and mysterious and infused with a lush bouquet of sweet fruit including passion fruit, raspberries and pears. Kirkè’s juicy scent is warmed by the sweet, indulgent heliotrope flower and a sensual base of musk.

Top notes: passion fruit, peach, raspberry, cassis, pear, warm sand
Heart notes: lily-of-the-valley
Base notes: heliotrope, sandalwood, vanilla, patchouli, musk

100ml Extrait de Parfum for CHF 218.00

PROFVMVM ROMA
ACQVA E ZVCCHERO

Like waking up from a dream of eating something delicious with the taste still lingering on your tongue – sweet, elusive and ambrosial. As airy as a meringue, as fragile as first love, this feels like honey melting in your mouth, enveloped by tender relaxation.

Top notes: wild berries
Heart notes: orange blossom
Base notes: vanilla

100ml Perfume for CHF 280.00

Montale
VANILLA CAKE

A gourmet and bewitching fragrance, subtly mixing milk, grilled almond, warm caramel and vanilla from Madagascar. A real yoghurt cake just out of the oven with a delicious meringue sillage, reminiscent of your childhood days when your mum prepared a cake for you.

Top notes: almond powder, butter cream
Heart notes: milky mousse, caramel, yoghourt cake
Base notes: baiser, vanilla

100ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 119.60

In Switzerland, all these fragrances are available at Perfumery Osswald.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The American fashion house has dropped their new cheekily-named fragrance, just in time for Valentine’s Day and it is very Tom Ford.

«The prick of a rose. The slight pain that yields such sensual pleasure. Inspired by my own rose garden, Rose Prick is a wild bouquet of intoxicating and rare hybrids.
 A trilogy of Rose de Mai, Turkish and Bulgarian roses. Sharp and pristine. Warm and sensual. A heady bouquet of blooms in pink perfection. The danger of being so close to beauty heightens the seductive power of Rose Prick.» – Tom Ford

F*cking Fabulous. Lost Cherry. And now Rose Prick. The latest cheeky offering is certainly no exception and a rose by any other name wouldn’t be Tom Ford… Strong, unexpected, seductive, with an amazing staying power, the new fragrance smells just as delectable as it looks.

It isn’t overly rosey, inspite of its name, but it imparts a full-bodied rose scent, accented by spicy Sichuan pepper and warm notes of turmeric and patchouli. Personally speaking, after a few seconds I smelled some chocolaty gourmand notes on me, before the deliciously heady trilogy of Rose de Mai, Turkish rose and Bulgarian rose, which  is one of the rarest varieties of rose in the world, takes over. The base is sweet and sexy with patchouli and tonka bean, finished with caramel, vanilla, and musk.

 You’ve already made space on your shelf haven’t you? I felt the same way when I read the press release. I am so happy to have added the brand new Eau de Parfum to my fragrance collection because it ticks so many boxes for me, not only in terms of the scent itself but also because this matte baby pink bottle with its sophisticated signature black label looks so pretty in my bathroom.

Top notes: Sichuan pepper, turmeric
Heart notes: May rose, Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose
Base notes: Patchouli, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla, musk

TOM FORD Rose Prick Private Blend 50ml is now available for CHF 340.00 and as 250ml for CHF 890.00. TO SHOP TOM FORD ROSE PRICK ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

You can’t go wrong with a classic red lipstick — especially when it’s in Dior’s emblematic #999, a hue that is suitable for most skin tones. To celebrate Valentine’s Day and love, the iconic Dior lipstick is adorned with the word «Love».

This flamboyant Rouge Dior, available in two highly desireable shades, is presented in an elegant metal couture box. This limited-edition version of the sensual Dior signature lipstick is a true fashion and beauty essential.

999 – iconic red, satiny finish
520 Feel Good – vibrant pink, satiny finish

In stores now for € 40.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

Hermès, a house of objects since 1837, presents its sixteenth métier, Beauty, with its first collection, Rouge Hermès, devoted to the beauty of the lips. The Birkin of the lipsticks so to say…

«We approach this new métier in our own way, and with a great deal of pleasure. Hermès Beauty is part of who we are: a house where everything comes from creation, driven by artisans who seek to accompany the men and women of today with elegance, and with the integrity and au-thenticity that we represent. It is the quintessence of our affection for surprise and wonder, which embraces the object, its design, and the desire to be useful while inspiring dreams.»
Axel Dumas, CEO of Hermès

The fruit of design, research and development work initiated more than five years ago and di-rected by Agnès de Villers, CEO of Hermès Perfume & Beauty, in the spirit of excellence and the integration of know-how that characterises Hermès, Hermès Beauty is a collaborative creation under the aegis of Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of Hermès.

Pierre Hardy, creative director of Hermès jewellery and Hermès shoes, designed the object. Bali Barret, artistic director of the women’s universe and creative director of women’s silk, contributed her vision of femininity and colour, while Jérôme Touron, creative director of Hermès Beauty, transposed this vision into make-up. Their work on objects, materials, colours and gestures de-veloped freely through shared affinities and connections. Finally, Christine Nagel, Director of Hermès’ olfactory creation, gave this collection its fragrance.

Rouge Hermès lipsticks are Hermès objects in their own right, expressing all of the house’s principles in a small item of make-up. They share the same aesthetic of function as all Hermès objects.

«Our approach to beauty is fundamental. It is to reveal and highlight what is naturally there, with elegance, comfort and pleasure. I like the idea of Hermès as an intimate companion, revealing one’s deepest self. I associate Hermès’ beauty objects with self-fulfilment, with the colour of an individual’s personality,» asserts Pierre-Alexis Dumas.

Created from noble materials – lacquered, brushed and polished metal in black, white or permabrass gold – assembled by hand, the lipsticks are rechargeable and made to last.

As Pierre Hardy explains, «I love the simplicity of pure shapes that colours have the ability to animate. Intuitively, to become timeless, this object had to be able to morph, remain iconic, but stay fluid, be part of a connected sequence, and perpetually recognisable. A constant yet ever-changing object.»

The sensual and fine textures of the sticks deposit colour in a single stroke, with a matt or satin finish reminiscent of the house’s Doblis and Box leathers.

«Materials carry colour. They give it its strength and its subtlety. They give it a particular finish. At Hermès, colours travel. They are reinvented from one material to another,» states Jérôme Touron.

The house’s elegance, spirit and imagination are expressed in 24 hues, a sophisticated selection inspired by the métiers of Silk, with the infinite richness of its colour references (75,000 shades), and Leather (900 shades).

«Like a silk scarf gracing a woman’s neck that creates radiance and reveals her beauty, for Hermès Beauty we wanted to discover or rediscover the emotion of colour as a fundamental feminine trait,» explains Bali Barret. «At Hermès, colour is an irrational, intoxicating passion, a craftsmanship of nuances, an obsession with striking the right tone, and a language all of its own.»

The emblematic collection is accompanied by a twice-yearly limited edition of three colours.
As beautiful inside as they are on the outside, Rouge Hermès objects cultivate sensory appeal and attention to detail, right down to a miniature version of the famous orange box.
Other beauty objects accompany the lipstick and form the basis of a ritual: a lip care balm, Poppy lip shine, a universal lip pencil, and a lip brush in lacquered wood. A collection of leather accessories – cases and a moon mirror – invite movement.

Hermès Beauty will be enhanced with other objects, to be revealed every six months from September 2020, until a complete line of make-up is created.

The Rouge Hermès collection will be available from 4th March 2020 in selected Hermès stores and retail outlets in 35 countries.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès

Today, I would like to introduce you to the latest beauty brands to bookmark. Innovative and easy to use, those five products will be a great addiction to your daily regime. Just click on the highlighted description to find out more…

LoL, Sandra

Tri-Spritz Face Mist by Frances Prescott
Facialist and makeup artist, Frances Prescott, drew on her years of experience traveling between film sets, fashion shoots and her own studio to develop her multi-purpose «Tri-Spritz». Scented lightly with orange blossom and rose, it calms and soothes skin whilst acting as a shield against pollution. Natural active ingredients like verbena and coconut water aid cellular repair to help tone your skin.

Collagen Creamer – Vanilla by VITAL PROTEINS
The brand’s «Collagen Creamer» is a delicious way to boost the nutritional value of your morning coffee or tea. It’s loaded with healthy fats from MCT-rich coconut milk that the body needs to function at its best, as well as collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine. Mix it in beverages or baking to promote healthy hair, skin, nails and bones.

Eau de Parfum – Radio Bombay by D.S. & Durga
Unexpected, new and different. This perfume captures the warm, rich scents that escape the hot copper tubes connected to the transistor radio as one rides around the streets of Bandra, Mumbai. Opening with notes of cedar and radiant wood, this soft yet masculine fragrance unfurls into a smoky, floral heart of sandalwood and iris with base accords of balsam fir absolute, coconut musc and ambergris.

Quiet Start Body Scrub by Ilapothecary
The brand says your skin will feel reborn after incorporating its «Quiet Start» scrub into your skincare regime. Made in a barn in the English countryside, it’s packed with Himalayan salts to buff away dead cells, as well as pearl extract and fragrant jasmine to uplift the senses. The packaging is just as considered as the ingredients, as it’s completely recyclable.

E/1 Essential Care Vanilla by Cosmydor
Cosmydor prides itself on only using the finest organic botanicals in its serums, creams and scrubs – and it has the certifications and awards to back that up. Blended in Paris, this «E/1 Essential Care Vanilla» cream is formulated with softening sesame oil, shea butter, and beeswax. An antioxidant-rich blend of peach leaf, apple, and raspberry extract brights the complexion. It’s rich and creamy enough to use on the hands or face.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Fragrance is such an integral part of a beauty routine, it is often a reflection of our personalities and essentially an extension of ourselves. When choosing a signature scent, everyone wants to have one that is uniquely their own. Therefore I love these artistic and one-of-a-kind scent offerings below that you might never have heard of before but should totally get your noses on. They will leave a memorable trail that’ll linger in the air for you and others to enjoy. Whether it’s a soft and feminine rose or a deep or a seductive vanilla, find your ultimate signature scent that is uniquely you with these niche luxury fragrances. Here are five that I adore:

Moresque
OROLUNA

An ethereal, mystical and unisex fragrance inspired by the one essential, yet elusive element of life: air. Oriental, feminine, yet masculine with an incense accord.

Top notes: cardamom, pink pepper, grapefruit
Heart notes: Turkish rose, geranium, cedarwood, patchouli
Base notes: incense, agarwood, sandalwood, oakmoss, labdanum, musks

50ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 372.00

Philly & Phill
BOUDOIR BELLE

New and reminiscent of my beloved Teint de Neige below, but more alive. The final touch of your look, giving you confidence and gets you ready to be admired for your unparalleled class and femininity. Powdery and sensual.

Top notes: hawthorn, aldehyde
Heart notes: rose, ylang-ylang
Base notes: benzoin, musk, vanilla

100ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 214.00

Lorenzo Villoresi
TEINT DE NEIGE

My all-time favorite, my signature scent. A soft, gentle, enveloping fragrance, recalling images and atmosphere of the belle-époque. Sweet and powdery.

Top notes: jasmine, rose and ylang-ylang, sweet, powdery and floral notes
Middle notes: tonka bean, jasmine, rose, sweet, powdery and floral notes
Base notes: jasmine, rose, heliotrope, musk, sweet, powdery and floral notes

100ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 170.00

Blend Oud Private Collection
SANA

A fragrance for the an independent and combative woman. The sweet base notes remind me of the kindness and delicacy that can still be found even in the most warlike woman. A truly yummy gourmand.

Top notes: bergamot, blood orange, lavender
Heart notes: jasmine, cinnamon, licorice
Base notes: musk, vanilla, caramel

60ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 185.00

PROFVMVM ROMA
SORRISO

The taste of life and the enthusiasm of an embrace will make you smile radiently. Gourmand and woody – an unbeatable combination. You will easily become addicted.

Top notes: bitter chocolate
Heart notes: bitter orange
Base notes: vanilla, tropical woods

100ml perfume for CHF 300.00

In Switzerland, all these fragrances are available at Perfumery Osswald.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Those four brushes should be in every woman’s closet. Björn Axén has launched a collection called «Hairdressers’ Favourite»! Blow out, detangling, wet or volume – a brush for every occasion.

Volume Brush
Styling & Detangling

Use this light and convenient hair brush for creating volume at the roots, styling and detangling. Perfect for fine or thin and normal hair.
CHF 39.00

Wet Hair Brush
Detangling & Blowout

This detangling and blowout brush in one is perfect for blow-drying thanks to the vents that help reduce the drying time. It gently detangles wet and towel-dry hair and performs just as well on dry hair. The soft bristles are kind and gentle to your scalp.
CHF 39.00

Blowout Brush
Volume & Curls

This professional round styling brush is especially designed for blowouts. It creates volume, curls or gentle waves. It has strong bristles for rapid styling. The vented metal barrel makes styling easy. The handle is a unique design by Björn Axen to give you the best grip.
CHF 39.00

Detangling Brush
For All Hairtypes

This very effective detangling brush with flexible bristles and soft tips ensures minimum damage and kind and gentle scalp treatment. It is designed for dry or towel-dried hair. Suitable for all hair types.
CHF 39.00

For your new hair accessories to last longer, protect them from dust, dirt and damage by using the bag they come with (see photo above) at home or when travelling.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Björn Axén

Baby, it’s cold outside and so important to protect and nourish your skin during these freezing temperatures. Especially in the mountains, it is extremely dry and that makes your complexion suffer. Furthermore, you need a lot of sun protection. Here are some of my favorites that will help you survive your stay in St. Moritz or Gstaad or wherever in the cold you are planning to go… to shop click on the highlighted text.

Beauty on the slopes – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Perfect Moment Ski Cream, 30ml by Dr. Barbara Sturm
The extreme winds and temperatures on the slopes can be harsh on your complexion. Created in collaboration with Perfect Moment, this cream is an innovative, intensely nourishing water-in-oil formula that provides a protective shield, with active ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil and sunflower extract.

Rescue Diver – Multi-Level Hydration Cell Plumping Infusion, 30ml by Elixseri
This intensely hydrating gel-serum drenches your skin with moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s formulated with exclusive bio-regenerative technology, which blends light water with antioxidant gardenia meristem concentrate and prebiotic tropical papaya ferment. A few drops help to retain optimum moisture levels throughout the day and leave you with a dewy, glowing complexion.

In-Depth Hydration Face Mask, 50ml by Circumference
The brand’s products are developed based on two standards – healthy skin and an appreciation for natural ingredients. Blended with the sustainable and locally sourced botanicals, this hydrating face mask is formulated to replenish and rejuvenate dry and dull skin. Antioxidant-rich moringa oil and cactus flower extract help retain moisture, while hibiscus extract nourishes and smooths for a radiant complexion.

Hello Sunshine Sensitive Sunscreen SPF30, 40ml by Pai Skincare
Sarah Brown founded London-based brand Pai Skincare when she developed chronic urticaria and many products irritated her sensitive, acne-prone skin. Formulated with protective zinc oxide – which acts as a natural mineral filter and shields against UVA and UVB protection – this sunscreen is balanced with cotton extract to repair any damage caused by the sun’s rays, infrared and visible radiation. The light and non-greasy formula means you can wear it as a base for makeup, too.

Kosasport LipFuel – Baseline by Kosas
Kosas founder Sheena Yaitanes knows intense gym sessions can leave lips dry and cracked, which is why she came up with ‘Kosasport LipFuel’ – it’s infused with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to lock in moisture for a smooth, supple pout. Botanical konjac root extract protects against environmental aggressors, too, making it perfect for long runs. 

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.