Sandra‘s Closet

October is breast cancer awareness month and each year the Estée Lauder Companies launch some of their iconic products as a part of the Pink Ribbon collection, of which proceeds of the profits are donated to research. A movement that started with one woman, Evelyn H. Lauder. In 1992, the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was born when the visionary became troubled by the lack of awareness, funding and resources necessary to overcome the disease.

Even that this post is pretty late in the last days of October (I hadn’t received the infos in time…), I don’t want you to miss this beautiful initiative by the Estée Lauder Companies as raising awareness for breast cancer is very dear to my heart. My mum had it twice and survived it. Being close to someone that goes through this terrible disease, is eye-opening.

BOBBI BROWN
Proud to be Pink Lip Color Duo
CHF 59.00 (of which CHF 15.00 are donated)

CLINIQUE
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Jumbo with Keychain
CHF 89.00 / 200ml (of which CHF 17.00 are donated)

LA MER
The Treatment Lotion
CHF 105.00 / CHF 100ml (of which CHF 21 are donated)

ESTÉE LAUDER
Limited-Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II with Pink Ribbon Bracelet
CHF 149.00 / 50ml  (of which CHF 20.00 are donated)

ESTÉE LAUDER
Pink Perfection Lipstick Set
CHF 65.00 (of which CHF 13.00 are donated)

AVEDA
Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Cream with Cherry Almond Aroma
CHF 40.50 (of which CHF 5 are donated)

The products will be available until they are sold out. Shopping for a great cause is something we should all be supporting! Girls support girls…

For my Swiss readers some great news: On October 31, 2019 you are invited to attend the Estée Lauder Companies Pink Ribbon Charity Sale at Puls 5, Giessereihalle, 8031 Zurich from 11am to 7pm with mark downs up to 70% from brands such as Aveda, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Glamglow, Jo Malone London, Mac, Origins, Smashbox, Tom Ford and fragrances from DKNY, Michael Kors. All proceeds will go to Look Good Feel Better.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Estée Lauder Companies
#TimeToEndBreastCancer

One thing my mum taught me from an early age is taking care of my neck and upper chest. Let’s be frank, most of us have been cleansing and moisturizing since we were in high school but how many pay really attention to this delicate area even that the décolletage is often one of the first places to show signs of ageing. I am always amused when I see some perfectly smooth faces treated with botox on top of a wrinkled neck. It doesn’t look young, rather bizarre.

Why is that? The skin on our neck and upper chest is naturally thinner and more prone to wrinkling than elsewhere. It also produces less oil than the face, but also often receives more sun exposure so forgetting to apply SPF and neglecting to nourish it can result in premature ageing quicker than you’d imagine. I know so many women who rely on foundation to provide protection, but they’re not blending it down onto their neck in sufficient amounts to block damaging UVA rays, the same goes for their moisturizing routine that mostly stops at the chin.

Another very important factor are so-called «sleep wrinkles» that can show on your chest. Especially if you are a side sleeper. Try to get off to sleep when lying on your back and use my beloved Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow by Nurse Jamie.

And most importantly, there is the phenomenon of the «tech neck», that can occur from persistent folding of the skin from repetitive motion, like looking down at your phone or laptop computer. This leads to a laxity of the neck skin and causes these terrible horizontal wrinkles. This is not all…

Did you know that the upper chest area is a high histamine response area, and thus red flushing can occur. Most women think skincare stops at the neck. However, the quality of most daily body lotions is insufficient to treat or delay signs of ageing on the décolletage. If you’re serious about treating your chest, shop for décolletage-specific skincare. Personally speaking, I am a total fan of the new LA MER ‘The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate’ cream. Formulated with Miracle Broth™, strengthening ferment and lime tea concentrate, this intensive balm deeply hydrates and plumps to soften fine lines and crepiness.

The product is intended to be used morning and evening. Gently smooth it onto your neck and décolletage with fingertips (my preferred way) or with the brush provided, then massage using upward, circular motions. For optimal results, follow with your favorite moisturizer.

My personal tip to get bad beauty habits literally off your chest. You can tone your skin as you pamper it by doing this exercise I got from a dermatologist: Tilt your head back, relax your upper body, and open and close your mouth, jetting your jaw forward and tensing it as you do it. The platysma on the neck muscles are like cords, you are strengthening them that way. The muscles on the neck are independent from the skin, unlike the face where it’s all glued together. Apply the neck cream first with vigorous upward strokes using your entire palm, and then do the exercise. Repeat the exercise 20 times each night to get great results!

The special skin there has special needs. My best tip is to treat your décolleté like you treat your face. Get cleansing. Get moisturizing.

The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate is available now for CHF 320.- (50ml).
TO SHOP IT ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

«My new citrus floral fragrance was inspired by the sparkling scents and quality of light that can only be found in Sicily. Limone di Sicilia evokes that same uplifting radiance with an artisanal blend of Bergamot and Muguet de Mai paired with Lemon Primofiore. It’s as joyful and vibrant as the island itself.» – Aerin Lauder

AERIN Beauty‘s newest perfume is inspired by golden sunlight and the many lemon groves that dot Sicily’s stunning landscape. This light and airy fragrance opens with citrusy notes before revealing its floral heart. The velvety base notes will linger on your skin – enhance the aroma with the coordinating body cream.

Luminous White Floral
TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Lemon Primofiore, Italian Mandarin
MIDDLE NOTES: Egyptian Jasmine, Rose Centifolia, Pink Pepper
BASE NOTES: Ambrox, Oakmoss

If you like to shop the products online, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Limone Di Sicilia Parfum Spray, 50ml

Limone Di Sicilia Body Cream, 190ml

A great scent to take summer into fall…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aerin Beauty, © Sandra Bauknecht
#AerinBeauty #MyPerfectEscape

Looking for some Halloween make-up inspiration? Here you go! Bella Hadid reveals her mischievous side for DIOR MAKE-UP with ROUGE DIOR for HALLOWEEN. A spellbinding look in tribute to the most emblematic House of DIOR colour.

Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for DIOR MAKE-UP, audaciously celebrates red, the «colour of life» according to Mr. Christian Dior and creates a captivating make-up look that is both chic and enigmatic, that works for Halloween and for daily life.

With ardent lips dressed in striking red, glittering eyelids heightened with elegant eyeliner, and a velvet complexion sporting a vivid blush, Bella is transformed into a mesmerizing femme fatale. The Hitchcockian tension between her and the young man Ludwig Wildsdorff is captured by photographer Richard Burbridge.

LoL, Sandra

Photos © DIOR #DIORMAKEUPHALLOWEEN
@DIORMAKEUP @PETERPHILIPSMAKEUP @DIORBEAUTYLOVERS 

There are advent calendars and then there those supersized, super-luxe advent calendars, full of the best in makeup, hair and skincare or even filled with surprises for intimate pleasures. It’s what self-gifting was made for…

Consider them the ultimate, carefully curated «best of» – and everything you need to take you through the holiday season. Click on the highlighted description to find out more… I personally love the small sized products as they are great for travelling.

LoL, Sandra

The Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar by Harrods
Housed in a beautiful navy blue coffret which will serve as a keepsake for years to come, it’s packed to the rafters with twenty five miniature and full size favourites from the famous Harrods Beauty Halls.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by Net-à-Porter Beauty
Counting down 25 days, its drawers are packed with a slew of goodies picked especially by Net-à-Porter’s team of Beauty Buyers.

Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic Advent Calendar by Charlotte Tilbury
 Filled with hero products to get you through the party season and beyond.

10 Day Balmain Advent Calendar by Balmain Hair Couture
Balmain Paris Hair Couture brings back the joy of opening advent calendars with this grown-up version featuring 10 haircare products.

 12 Days of Red Carpet Advent Calendar by Rodial
This round-up of miniatures will ensure your skin is looking refreshed and radiant in time for the big day.

Beauty Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma
Featuring a miniature version of the signature scent Colonia, it also includes Blu Mediterraneo, Le Nobili and Signature of the Sun miniatures.

12 Days of Glowing Renewal by La Mer (coming soon)
Featuring 12 mini La Mer products from the popular Renewal Oil and Treatment Lotion to two 15ml mini moisturisers in the Soft Cream and original Creme de la Mer Moisturising Cream.
In Switzerland available from October 21, 2019 for CHF 440.

Townhouse advent calendar by Jo Malone London (coming soon)
As always, the calendar is filled to the brim with sweet-smelling products, with 24 doors containing small vials of perfume (9ml), candles and body lotion.
In Switzerland available from October 28, 2019 for CHF 490.

Deluxe Advent Calendar by Amorana
In Switzerland available now for CHF 479.90 – for intimate pleasures.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

In 2016, two icons partnered to create one unforgettable collection, the Hello Kitty Collection by OPI. The collection became an instant favorite –the most talked about OPI collection of all time with the most searched for shade ever, Let’s Be Friends!

Due to huge demand, these two icons are saying Let’s Be Friends again! With this collection, Hello Kitty celebrates her 45th anniversary. Born from the Japanese «omotenashi» tradition of gift giving, the pop culture icon will celebrate by offering fans the ultimate in holiday gifting. The 2019 OPI Hello Kitty Collection includes 12 signature shades plus three festive glitters, ranging from frosty whites and pinks to deep velvety hues and lots of sparkles.

Inspired by the first collection, best-selling shade Let’s Be Friends!, a powdery pink, will make its return.

Sanrio’s beloved character inspires a range of colors from those evoking frosty landscapes to warm pink sparkles (Let’s Be Friends, Glitter to My Heart, A Hush of Blush, Let’s Celebrate!). Classic reds, rich golds and shimmering pewter (All About the Bows, A Kiss on the Chic, Many Celebrations to Go!, Isn’t She Iconic!) pay homage to the signature Hello Kitty bow while being perfect for the season. Blues and purples in the collection vary from icy hues to deep velvet tones (Pile on the Sprinkles, Hello Pretty, Let Love Sparkle, My Favorite Gal Pal). Additionally, three playful and festive holiday glitters are sure to be the life of the party (Glitter All the Way, Born to Sparkle, Dream in Glitter).

All 15 Hello Kitty Collection shades will be available in classic Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90), long-wear Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90) and GelColor formulas.

The Hello Kitty by OPI collection will be available from today in Switzerland for at least 3 months.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of OPI

This November, CHANEL is expanding LES EXCLUSIFS collection with the GENTLE OIL (Huile Douce), a delicate and sensorial oil for the hair and body that you shouldn’t miss and I will tell you why. In the cold season, our skin and hair are both suffering from the dry and freezing temperatures. Oil seals in moisture and adds extra nourishment.

With an elegant and sensual touch, the GENTLE OIL is pure luxury and embellishes the skin and hair while leaving a discreet, fresh and citrusy trail with floral notes of jasmine against a backdrop of white musks, making itself discreet and gives a voice to the fragrance of your choice in perfect harmony. It moisturizes the skin, thus prolonging and intensifying the scent of each LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL creation, or needless to say any other perfume you love wearing, while remaining true to the fragrance.

The light, caressing texture of the GENTLE OIL envelops the skin in a silky satiny veil. Its formula boasting 80% ingredients of natural origin is extremely compatible with the skin, instantly absorbing upon application without leaving an oily film. To heighten the pleasure, I recommend mixing a few drops into your favorite body cream, in my case the FRESH BODY CREAM by CHANEL. The GENTLE OIL can also be applied on hair (down the length of the hair before shampooing or on dry ends as a finishing touch) leaving it softer, shinier and suppler. The bottle is iconic and beautiful, decorating every bathroom shelf by itself.

LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL GENTLE OIL Body & Hair will be available as 250ml bottle for CHF 190.00 from beginning of November 2019.

In Switzerland at the CHANEL Boutiques in Zurich and Geneva, at  CHANEL Parfums & Beauté at Bongénie in Geneva and CHANEL Space Parfums at Jelmoli in Zurich and Manor in Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL and © Sandra Bauknecht 

Bobbi Brown‘s newest addition to the Luxe Lip Collection delivers shine-amplified color with the brand’s iconic dimensional shine magnifier complex and a sculpted, voluptuous look. With hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this emollient-rich lipstick glides luxuriously onto lips and hydrates instantly and over time.

Available in those beautiful shades below:
Bare Truth/ Soft pink mauve
Bold Honey/ Mid-tone brown nude
Trailblazer/ A neutral pink brown
Claret/ A burnt red
Passion Flower/ A mid-tone berry
Power Lily/ A pink lilac
Paris Pink/ A yellow pink
Red Stiletto/ A bright blue red
Supernova/ A burnt orange red
Wild Poppy/ A coral orange
Showstopper/ A pink nectar
Desert Sun/ A neutral coral
Night Spell/ A rich purple plum

In stores now for CHF 50.00 each.
TO SHOP BOBBI BROWN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown
@BobbiBrown #BobbiBrownCH #luxeshineintense

The two iconic Parisian brands are joining forces to introduce a makeup collection like no other. KARL LAGERFELD and L’Oreal Paris are pleased to announce an unprecedented collection of beauty products, featuring feminine shades with a sophisticated, rock-chic touch. It is one of the last projects of Karl Lagerfeld‘s life as the makeup collection was initiated by him before his passing on February 19.

Another homage to the couturier and connected by their Parisian heritage, both KARL LAGERFELD and L’Oreal Paris share a vision based on elegance, style and relentless innovation. As Karl once said, «Tomorrow I could be the opposite of what I am today» — which is also the idea this collaboration invites women to explore.

The striking campaign was inspired by Karl’s most iconic quotes. It features the inimitable Helen Mirren, Doutzen Kroes, Liya Kedebe, Ming Xi, Luma Grothe, Louise Bourgoin and Soo Joo Park.

Eyeshadow Palette – CHF 23.90
Eyeliner Matte Signature – CHF 20.90
Mascara – CHF 23.90
Highlighter Duo Compact – CHF 23.90
Colour Riche Lipsticks – CHF 21.90

In Switzerland, the limited edition Karl Lagerfeld x L’Oréal Paris collection will be in stores end of October 2019, exclusively at Manor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © L’Oréal

There is one thing I truly dislike about limited edition fragrances, if you end up loving it, you’re doomed to never have it again. But sometimes you get lucky as a brand hears what the customers wish for and brings back an in-demand product.

It’s happened with other fragrance houses before, and now, with Jo Malone London, it’s happening again. In 2018, the brand released the English Fields collection, for the previous post click here please, which had five limited edition colognes that used cereals and grains as the main focus. Part of the collection was Poppy & Barley, a soft, cheerful and inviting floral scent, that was the most well-received. It captures the scent of succulent cereal fields, where fresh flowers grow alongside golden harvest grains. Opening with vibrant poppies, this fragrance is topped with juicy blackcurrants and balanced with a hint of rose. It’s grounded with a woody barley base, evoking an English meadow.

By popular demand, Poppy & Barley will now be part of the brand’s permanent collection as both a cologne and a body and hand wash. And whether you’re already a fan of the fragrance or want to know what the fuss is about, it is available in Switzerland now at Jelmoli Zurich, Globus Zurich, Globus Glatt, Globus Bellevue, Globus Lucerne, Globus Geneva, Globus Lausanne und at Hyazinth in Basel.

30ml Cologne 30ml / CHF 72.00 – 100ml / CHF 135.- CHF 250ml
Body & Hand Wash 250ml / CHF 47.00

Fragrance Combining™
Poppy & Barley with Honeysuckle & Davana  – vivid and floral
Poppy & Barley with Wood Sage & Sea Salt – for a mineral freshness
Poppy & Barley with Myrrhe & Tonka – warm, gourmand and opulent (my favorite)

TO SHOP POPPY & BARLEY ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @JoMaloneLondon #PoppyAndBarley
(The fragrance was sent to me as a press sample).