Sandra‘s Closet

Hair colorist Christophe Robin’s award-winning products protect tresses from the damaging effects of highlighting and coloring. More often than not, hair prone to frizz tends to be damaged. When hair cuticles are sealed, hair is healthy and strong. Therefore, I love the Care X Style range from Christophe Robin, and its two new bespoke additions dedicated to nurturing curls and fighting frizz.

Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk, 150ml

This ‘Rescue Milk’ is the solution for frizzy, unmanageable tresses. Enriched with Shea Butter, vitamins and Omega 3 and 6 to nourish hair, this lightweight, non-sticky formula smooths flyaways by sealing cuticles for up to 48 hours. You can use it to touch-up blowouts in-between washes, too.

Luscious Curl Cream, 150ml

Christophe Robin knows that curls can sometimes be hard to manage, so he created this cream to help tame and enhance your tresses. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s infused with Fatty Acids and Flaxseed Oil to nourish and smooth away frizz. The result? Shinier, healthier, more beautiful waves.

Both products are made from 99% natural-origin ingredients, suitable for all hair types and free from silicone, alcohol and artificial fragrance.

TO SHOP CHRISTOPHE ROBIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christophe Robin
 @christopherobinparis

My avid readers know that I mostly travel with hand luggage and never without my beloved Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow by Nurse Jamie.

In March 2016, I introduced you for the first time to this amazing anti-ageing helper. For the previous post, click here please.

Today, I would like to show you the newest addition to the brand’s line-up: the advanced version is made from memory foam that offers optimum support while you rest – the signature U-shaped design conforms to the curves of your neck and lumbar muscles. The satin cover minimizes wrinkles caused from sleeping, and prevents night creams or the skin’s natural oils from transferring onto the case.

TO SHOP THE Beauty Bear Age Defy Pillow – Memory Foam Edition, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

I am about to board my flight from Abu Dhabi to London… of course with my beloved pillow!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brand and © Sandra Bauknecht

Based in Grasse, Haute Perfumery brand Le Couvent des Minimes knows exactly what scent lovers dream of, luxury fragrances at accessible prices. The history of the house begins at the namesake Couvent of the Minimes, a majestic place founded in 1614 in the South of France, where a renowned botanist of French king Louis XIV, Louis Feuillée, once lived and worked. His crossing of the continents in search of singular plants left to the convent the legacy of his remarkable journeys and the wildlife he discovered.

Jean Claude Ellena, exclusive Nose for Hermès during fourteen years, is considered as one of the most influential perfumers of Contemporary Perfumery. Today he takes the olfactory direction of Le Couvent des Minimes. His first project with the brand: the new collection of Les
Eaux de Parfums Singulières that I would like to introduce to you today. The five fragrances are exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland.

Ellena has interpreted five unique and surprising portraits of nature, five majestic animals once encountered by the King’s botanist. Olfactory tales elegant, subtle yet intense signature, based on up to 89% noble and rare natural raw materials, all 100% vegan.

LES EAUX DE PARFUM SINGULIÈRES
15% Concentration – 50ml for CHF 54.90 and 100ml for CHF 94.90 (isn’t this just an amazing price?!)

NUBICA
The Sensuality of the Lioness.
Patchouli & Tonka Vanilla

Woody Amber Sensual
Tonka Vanilla has a feline sensuality. Patchouli resonates like botanical leather, wound and ready to be unleashed.

Top Note: Tangerine
Heart Note: Patchouli
Base Notes: Tonka Bean & Vanilla

In the same mood: FLOWER BY KENZO – Kenzo, THIS IS HER – Zadig & Voltaire, TOBACCO VANILLE – Tom Ford, BOIS VANILLE – Serge Lutens

LYSANDRA
The Grace of the Butterfly
Tangerine & Jasmin Grandiflorum

Powdery Floral Delicate
Jasmine Grandiflorum takes flight, while slivers of Mandarin and tears of Labdanum dart to and fro in a fleeting dance.

Top Note: Tangerine
Heart Note: Grandiflorum Jasmine
Base Notes: Vetiver & Labdanum

In the same mood: NARCISO POUDRÉ – Narciso Rodriguez, NUIT DE CELLOPHANE – Serge Lutens, DIORISSIMO – Dior, L’INTERDIT – Givenchy

HATTAÏ
The Enigmatic She-Wolf
Red Berries & Woody Amber

Gourmand Amber Enigmatic
A chiaroscuro impression that reveals the power of the materials: a flash of Amber Woods, a dash of Cacao, the intense sweetness of Red Berries.

Top Note: Red Berries
Heart Note: Cocoa
Base Notes: Cinnamon & Cade Wood

In the same mood: LA VIE EST BELLE – Lancôme, SCANDAL – JP Gaultier, BLACK OPIUM – Yves Saint-Laurent, HYPNOTIC POISON – Dior, JUNGLE – Kenzo

SAÏGA
The Elegance of the Antelope
Rose Centifolia & Blackcurrant Bud

Fruity Floral Elegant
The refined middle notes of Rose Centifolia, intertwined with the fruity, mischievous note of Blackcurrant Bud, remind us that an intense heart beats under this tender cloak.

Top Note: Blackcurrant Bud
Heart Note: Rose Centifolia
Base Note: Cedar Wood

In the same mood: PARIS – Yves Saint-Laurent, INFUSION DE ROSE – Prada, LA NUIT TRESOR – Lancôme, MON GERLAIN ROSE – Guerlain

HELIACA
The Power of the Eagle
Oud Wood & Ginger

Spicy Wood Vibrant
An upward surge of spices bursts forth, a blend of Ginger and Cardamom, revealing the noble power of Oud Wood.

Top Note: Ginger
Heart Note: Cardamom
Base Note: Oud Wood

In the same mood: GENTLEMAN – Givenchy, WANTED BY NIGHT – Azzaro, DIOR HOMME INTENSE – Dior, M7 – Yves Saint-Laurent

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Le Convent des Minimes

Next week my blog is turning 10! Time flies… I still remember my first post on November 23, 2009 and all of a sudden this is the 4182nd time I have pushed the «publish immediately» button. Since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion and beauty. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate this special occasion with you like we did last year, just a little bigger and better …

Meet me in one week on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich!

For all my Swiss readers and of course also for those who want to come to Switzerland, meet me Thursday, November 21, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbly champagne by Perrier-Jouët, beauty and great company.

That night, the shops in Zurich will be open until 10pm and the city’s «Lucy» lights for Christmas will be illuminate the Bahnhofstrasse in a switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

To celebrate the occasion, LA MER and I would love to spoil you to the fullest.
WHAT TO EXPECT:

The Genaissance line and a little preview of my LA MER inspired outfit next week…

Discover the most luxurious line of LA MER skincare that is known for harnessing the renewing energies and healing powers of the sea: GENAISSANCE, designed to help improve signs of aging with the brand’s legendary Crystal Miracle Broth™ – a naturally potent bio-fermented formula that reawakens the skin’s radiance and reduces the appearance of lines and imperfections.

One lucky lady can WIN A GENAISSANCE TREATMENT at Jelmoli worth CHF 500.00.

As the Genaissance line was inspired when a scientist at the Max Huber Research Labs discovered crystals forming in a beaker of Miracle Broth™, we will have Alex Kruse (@_alexandrakruse_) with us, who will give each guest – if they like – a CRYSTAL READING, to give you some amazing and fun insights into your past, present and future.

Your goodie bag!

On top, each guest will RECEIVE A GOODIE BAG with an original size LA MER Loose Powder Skincolor worth CHF 95.00 that will be engraved with a special birthday message as well as the LA MER 15ml Soft Cream worth CHF 110.00 and a mini bottle of Perrier-Jouët.

With all these goodies, isn’t it crystal clear that you have to join me that night!

As space is limited and to coordinate your personalized gift, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 18th of November. First come, first serve. Please send me an e-mail with the header «10 Years», and your full name to . I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

I am so much looking forward to seeing, meeting and spending the evening with you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography © Sandra Bauknecht
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
Instagram @_alexandrakruse_ #LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch 

For the Holiday 2019 Collection, Lucia Pica, CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer, found inspiration in one of Gabrielle Chanel’s particular — and perhaps unexpected — penchants: her love of ornaments.

After all, while Mademoiselle Chanel famously pioneered a «less is more» approach to elegance, she was equally fascinated by aesthetic opulence: by the deep lacquer of Chinese Coromandel screens, or the shimmering gold leaf that decorated her apartment. Now her paradoxical proclivities are reflected through LES ORNEMENTS DE CHANEL, which showcases festive grandeur for the modern age. Within Lucia Pica’s vision for the collection, a statement smoky eye or a glossy, lustrous lip appears set against a fresh, luminous complexion, and the contemporary contrast between indulgent splendor and refined minimalism is gleefully indulged.

THE LIPS
RICH. LUXURIOUS. MODERN.
«The vivid reds are very rich. I wanted that sense of being bathed in colour.» Lucia Pica

In celebration of the Holiday Collection, the iconic ROUGE ALLURE is revamped through the introduction of six luxurious, luminous shades suspended within graphic, gold-edged limited-edition packaging. For a modern richness, each intensely saturated ROUGE COCO GLOSS can either be worn alone or layered atop lipstick to amplify its impact.

LUCIA’S TIP
A fresh complexion means that you can be bold in your adornment. A deep, glossy lip is made entirely modern when paired with a natural, luminous complexion.

EXCLUSIVE CREATION ROUGE ALLURE – CHF 52.00
Rouge Délicieux: a soft rosebud
Rouge Majestueux: an intense muted raspberry
Rouge Splendide: a pink coral
Rouge Magnifique: a bright orange
Rouge Spectaculaire: a true red
Rouge Noble: a black cherry burgundy

 ROUGE COCO GLOSS – CHF 39.00
Rouge Carmin: a light brick red
Rouge Grenat: a brownish red

THE FACE
LUMINOUS. GLEAMING. RADIANT.
«The highlighter brings light sculpting to the face with a soft shine.» Lucia Pica

A luminous backdrop of angelic skin sets the scene for holiday splendor; an elegant incandescence amplifies the depth of colour to come. A creation exclusive to LES ORNEMENTS DE CHANEL, ÉCLAT MAGNÉTIQUE DE CHANEL offers the perfect starting point for glamorous festivities, its blendable texture melting into the skin to seemingly illuminate from within. Embossed with the likeness of a vintage CHANEL button, its lustrous, pearlescent shine can be used to highlight the contours of the face for a gently sculpting, radiant effect.

LUCIA’S TIP
Using a brush to diffuse the powder, create an iridescent halo of light around the eyes either before or after eyeshadow application for a fresh approach to highlighting.

EXCLUSIVE CREATION
ÉCLAT MAGNÉTIQUE DE CHANEL
Metal Peach: a satiny peach

THE EYES
INDULGENT. OPULENT. SUMPTUOUS.
«The eye palette is sumptuous and rich, yet earthy and real.» Lucia Pica

A harmonious series of sumptuous shades, each eye product encapsulates the spirit of the season with a lustrous effect fit for festive indulgence. Decadent, silken shadows, with a creamy powder texture, exclusively etched with the form of a CHANEL button, LES 4 OMBRES and OMBRE PREMIÈRE can be blended or layered, diffused or defined. Fairer shades can envelop chocolate browns or gunmetal khakis in a «veil of light»: lightly pressing over the center of the lid with a soft peach, or antique gold, will offer a modern dimension to deeper hues. A rich, deeply pigmented khaki pencil, STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF can add elegant definition, or be blended outwards for dramatic effect. Through Lucia’s creations, a world of lavish possibilities awaits.

LUCIA’S TIP
As well as being worn alone, OMBRE PREMIÈRE Grandeur offers the perfect base for other shadows, making their impact even more lush and luxurious, or can be used as a highlighter and swept across small areas around the eyes or cheeks.
EXCLUSIVE CREATION LES 4 OMBRES – CHF 77.00
Lumière et Opulence: a dark gunmetal khaki, soft peach
a bronzy khaki, a chocolate brown
EXCLUSIVE CREATION OMBRE PREMIÈRE – CHF 45.00
Grandeur: a metallic old gold
Poupre Brun: a plum brown
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF – CHF 35.00
Khaki Intense: a dark gunmetal khaki

THE NAILS
GLOSSY. LACQUERED. PRISTINE.
«I expressed the idea of opulence by creating profound and generous colours. A chestnut red and a black green, as deep as the lacquer of Gabrielle’s Coromandels.» Lucia Pica

With long-lasting, high-shine shades that reflect the Holiday palette, the dramatic pigmentation of LE VERNIS offers the perfect final touch to the look of the season.

LE VERNIS – CHF 32.00
Deepness: a gunmetal green
Richness: a chestnut red

The limited edition Les Ornements de CHANEL collection will be in stores Mid November 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Designed especially for the holidays, the limited-edition Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison shades are collectable objects of desire. Delivering intense, explosive color with one application, the glittery formula is blended with ultra-reflective pearls, releasing full tone and shine.

The two shades of Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison featured are the classic red hue 25 «Goldie Red» and 710 «Fay Turquoise», an unexpected shade of blue-green.

TO SHOP THE GUCCI GLITTER LIPSTICKS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci

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