Sandra‘s Closet

Today’s post is dedicated to my favorite facial summer 2019 sunscreens that will protect your skin from harmful rays with these trusty products that work as make-up or do their job without. They won’t make you look pale or will clog your pores, but they will prevent your skin from aging through the sun.

Let’s start with the basics. The number on the container means it will last times that amount it takes your skin to burn in the sun. For example, if you’re a whiter shade of pale and it takes five minutes for you to feel the burn, and you have an SPF 15 on, you’re going to last 75 minutes before you need to reapply. So keep a handy reinforcement in your bag to keep topping up as the number is individual to the wearer. Check in with yourself to see what fits throughout the day.

Personally speaking, I love these cushions. Healthy glow make-up, that you can take with you wherever you go this summer thanks to their travel-friendly packaging. In the blink of an eye, the complexion is warmed up and corrected with a lightweight, non-cakey finish. Applied all over the face or in touch-ups, it instantly creates an endlessly buildable, glowing natural tan, while offering sun protection.

GUERLAIN Fresh Bronzing Fluid Make-up
Buildable sun-kissed glow – SPF 20 (available in two shades, I wear «natural») – CHF 40.00

CLARINS Mineral Sun Care Compact
Enriched with antioxidants –  SPF 30 (universal nude beige) – CHF 45.00

SHISEIDO Sports BB Compact
Very water-resistant – SPF 50 (available in three shades, I wear «medium») – CHF 43.20

For a more classical application to protect your facial skin, I recommend these products that also work perfectly under foundation without leaving your skin pale and white. Both provide instant hydration and long-lasting comfort for face, neck and décolleté. Skin’s youthfulness is preserved at all times.

CHANEL UV Essentiel Complete Protection
UV – Pollution – Antiox – SPF 50 – CHF 68.00

SISLEY Super Stick Solaire Teinté
Tinted sun care – very high protection – SFP 50 – CHF 70.00

Better looking skin starts with healthy habits. Therefore I recommend LA ROCHE-POSAY’s wearable sensor and the companion app to measure your exposure to UV, pollution, pollen and humidity. No battery is needed. You will get personalized advice and product recommendations as well, a skincare regimen tailored to you.

LA ROCHE-POSAY My Skin Track UV
Available on apple.com – CHF 69.95

LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Shaka Fluide 
Invisible ultra-resistant for sensible skin – SPF 50 – CHF 31.90

Wishing you a beautiful and wrinkle-free summer!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Bid farewell to the heavy oriental, woodsy fragrances you wore on those cold days. Summer is here, and your perfume wardrobe is due for an update. As you are sporting your espadrilles with your favorite sundress, reach for fresh citruses, florals, and other sparkling uplifting notes to wear on your escapades in the sun, salt, and sand. Below my three favorites that fit the bill.

LIGHT BLUE SUN by Dolce & Gabbana
Inspired by sunny days and romances, this delicious fragrance is conveyed with a summery coconut water accord.

Fruity Floral
Top Notes: Lemon, Granny Smith Apple, Ozonic Notes and Coconut Nectar
Middle Notes: Jasmine, White Rose and Frangipani
Base Notes: Ambergris, Bourbon Vanilla, Cedar and White Musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 68.40 (25ml) and CHF 91.80 (50ml)

RISING SUN by Shiseido
Specially formulated without photosensitive or phototoxic ingredients, this mood-lifting Eau de Toilette can be even worn in the sun.

Fruity Floral
Top Notes: Lemon and Mineral-Marine Accord
Middle Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine Absolute and Rose
Base Notes: Coconut, Mirabelle Plum, Cashmerean and Musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 75.60 (100ml)

ANGEL EAU CROISIÈRE by Thierry Mugler
A new summer edition of the iconic gourmand perfume inspired by the leisure atmosphere of summer cruises and flavours of fruity cocktails.

Fruity Gourmand
Energetic Cocktail Facet (Top Notes): Mango, Grapefruit and Black Currant Sorbet
Voluptuous facet (Base Notes): Patchouli and Pralines
Eau de Toilette CHF 69.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht  and Courtesy of the Brands

From bright sparkling eyes to bronzers, here are the key must-haves for summer 2019 to get on your radar. My beauty mantra for the hot season is simple: the less work I have to do, the better. As it turns out, we should all be embracing the fact that wearing a ridiculous amount of makeup in sweltering temperatures is never a good look. I recommend some sparkle for your eyes and the right amount of bronzer for a sun-kissed complexion. Enjoy!

NARS Exposed Cheek Palette (top left)
Cheeks are up front and versatile with a limited edition palette of six universally flattering shades in a breakthrough formula that delivers unparalleled color. LOVE! CHF 66.60

CHANEL Bronzer and Highlighter Duo in 317 Medium (top right)
Part of the Maison’s Cruise 2019 collection, this two face powders palette, consisting of a matte bronzer and a pearlescent highlighter, fits in every bag for immediate touch-ups. CHF 78.00

TOM FORD Soleil Contouring Compact in Bask (center left)
Blush, highlighter and bronzer in one for the perfect complexion. CHF 100.00

NUXE Multi-Usage Compact Bronzing Powder (center right)
Beautifying and long-lasting, this multi-usage powder with its yummy Huile Prodigieuse® fragrance (orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla) provides an immediate «healthy glow». CHF 35.00

ESTÉE LAUDER Desert Heat Eyeshadow Palette (bottom)
Turn up the heat with 9 silky shadows to emphasize, customize and dramatize your eyes. Matte and shimmer finishes, limited edition. CHF 72.00

BOBBI BROWN Molton Drama Eye Shadow Palette
Brighten your eyes with these ten highly pigmented colors in four different finishes, including 5 Chrome Metal Eye Shadows for a hypnotic glow. My favorite this summer! CHF 84.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, parts of Europe have to experience an extreme heatwave as exceptionally hot weather is pulled from Africa northwards across our Northern hemisphere. In some parts of the continent, temperatures are rising as high as – and surpass – 40 degrees.

The only thing that helps to beat the heat is a cold shower. Pick one of these new summer shower gels and stay fresh. They will stimulate the senses, give you a great bathing experience and leave you with a rejuvenating feeling.

This summer, LE PETIT MARSEILLAIS launches two new scents inspired by the Provence, «Fig» and «Lavender» to make it even more fun to gently clean your skin. The foam reveals a sweet and romantic fragrance while leaving your skin moisturized and nourished.
250ml for CHF 3.50 each

WELEDA invites you to get aways from the everyday in a lush summer with the limited edition «Summer Garden Shower». Step into the summer scents of exotic ylang ylang, fresh lemon and woody copaiba. The 100% plant-based surfactants cleanse gentle while organic sesame oil cares for your skin.
200ml for CHF 10.50

BIOTHERM‘s «Delighting Blend» cleansing gel is infused with grapefruit and sage for the ultimate indulging moment. When in need of a detox – for your skin and for your mind – this uplifting fragrance will help your mind disconnect while the fresh formulas will leave your skin purified and lightly perfumed.
400ml for around CHF 28.90

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Just for you, Clarins has created three scrubs with active, sensorial textures and instant actions. With natural beads from wood cellulose, lava and sugar from beetroot, they refresh, purify or nourish the skin and adapt to the needs of all skin types. So, are you ready to exfoliate?

Fresh Scrub – A refreshing cream scrub for soft, supple skin
Comfort Scrub – A comforting oil scrub for silky, smooth skin
Pure Scrub – A foaming scrub to dislodge and remove impurities

Available from August 12, 2019 for CHF 42.00 each.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the importance of exfoliation for your skin:

Is exfoliation good for keeping my skin young?
Absolutely! Regularly exfoliating your skin removes dead cells and stimulates cellular renewal.

How many times a week should I exfoliate my skin?
To remove deep-set impurities, exfoliating once or twice a week is recommended. Particularly for more mature skin which naturally eliminates dead cells slower and less efficiently than young skin.

What happens if I don’t exfoliate my skin?
Dead cells which accumulate on the skin surface, make the complexion look dull, create a barrier to skin products and hinder the boosting of cellular renewal. Also, unexfoliated skin is not as soft and is more prone to imperfections and roughness.

Can you exfoliate all skin types, even sensitive skin?
Oh yes. For particularly sensitive skin, exfoliation should be carried out with very light, gentle movements. Never rub the skin, or you risk weakening it further.

Happy scrubbing!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

Ladies, here are your next-level neons. The summer glo-up gets glossy with Converse x OPI Neons Summer Collection 2019. From your flashy nail art to your neon Chucks, stay shining.

This electric-charged collaboration features Converse One Star slides plus Chuck Taylor All Star High and Low Top silhouettes in shades to match new Neons by OPI nail lacquers, available in a fun and playful palette including bold neon hues of yellow, orange, purple, teal, blue and hero shade pink.

Great combination (the name of the nail polishes are in parentheses): Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops are available in neon purple (Positive Vibes Only) and yellow (PUMP Up the Volume).

The Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops are available in bold shades of pink (V-I-Pink Passes) and blue (Music is My Muse). The shade names are inscribed on Converse’s iconic vulcanized rubber sole.

Converse One Star Slides are available in bright hues of pink (V-I-Pink Passes) and teal (Dance Party ‘Teal Dawn). Another shade featuring the bright monotone aesthetic is Orange You A Rockstar, which is also part of the 4-piece mini nail polish pack (CHF 24.90).

The Neons by OPI will be available in GelColor, Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90) and Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90) formulas. PUMP Up the Volume (yellow) and Music is My Muse (blue) will be available in GelColor and Nail Lacquer formulas only.

GelColor provides a salon-perfect finish with up to three-week wear, while Infinite Shine offers a high-shine finish and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

The Converse capsule will be available globally from Converse.com and select retailers. The Neon by OPI collection will be available from mid-June 2019, for at least four months in Switzerland. The Converse x OPI shoes can be purchased from SCHUH and delivered to Switzerland here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Switch on electric summer feels! New naturally charged lip and eye shadows serve a wonderstruck summer of bronzing. Specially designed in gold-flecked marbleized packaging, MAC Electric Wonder Collection is the newest limited edition collection from MAC, and it includes five lipsticks, five lipglosses, four cheek colors, one cheek palette, and two eyeshadow palettes.

EYESHADOW X 12: DESERT LIGHTNING, CHF 71.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

DESERT LIGHTNING Light yellow beige (Matte)
DUABANDITA Red with blue pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
IS IT THE BEAT Deep black (Matte)
RETROSPECK Beached blonde (Lustre)
SO JADED Seafoam green (Veluxe Pearl)
DECEPTION Cool medium brown (Frost)
FRESH INNOCENCE Ivory frosty warm white (Frost)
BIG ATTITUDE Dirty grey (Frost)
MARZIPAN Muted plummy taupe (Matte)
GOLDEN BROWN Golden brown (Veluxe Pearl)
FOOL’S GOLD Dirty olive gold (Frost)
BRUN Muted blackish/brown (Satin)

EYESHADOW X 12: NATURAL VICE, CHF 71.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

DIAMOND BUTTERFLY Silver white shimmer (Frost)
FAB ACCENT Soft nude (Matte)
DESERT ROSE-MANCE Warm golden peach (Veluxe Pearl)
CORK Muted golden brown (Satin)
SUN TWEAKED Soft frosty pink (Frost)
PLEASING TO THE EYE Dirty mauvy pink (Matte)
MAGMATIQUE Warm reddish brown (Matte)
REBEL PEBBLE Cool deep muted brown (Satin)
STRUCK GOLD Bright yellow gold (Frost)
VALLEY OF THE GODDESS Orange beige (Matte)
GO WILDER Pearly red brown (Veluxe Pearl)

IGNITE WONDER FACE PALETTE, CHF 65.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

GIRL WONDER Peachy pink
SEVEN WONDERS Rose gold
WONDER YEARS Warm berry pink
WONDER WHO? Soft champagne beige
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL Champagne gold
ANY WONDER Bronze

ELECTRIC WONDER IRIDESCENT POWDER, CHF 41.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SERENITY SEEKER Warm gold
INTO ETERNITY Rosy pink

NEXT TO NOTHING BRONZING POWDER, CHF 42.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

CANYON DREAMIN’ Yellow brown
SUN-SOAKED STRIP Warm light red brown

LIPGLASS, CHF 26.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

MARBLE FAUN White with gold pearl
NATURAL FREAK Bright yellow gold
CORAL OF THE WILD Light corally nude
ROCK STARZ Cool bronze
MAKE ME MERCURIAL Berry with slight pink

LIPSTICK, CHF 28.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

FEELIN’ SEDIMENTAL Light corally beige (Satin)
THE NATURALIST Warm peachy nude (Lustre)
LET’S MESA AROUND Light bubble gum blue pink (Lustre)
LIFE IN SEPIA Muted mauvey brown (Matte)
NATURAL BORN LEADER Muted red berry (Matte)

BRUSHES, CHF 40.00 to CHF 67.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

126SES Split Fibre Large Face Brush (CHF 67.00)
243SES Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush (CHF 40.00)

Limited Edition. Available now at MAC counters.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of @MACCOSMETICS #MACSWITZERLAND

Since last year, barrettes have been trending crazily (for the previous post, click here please). But this season, hair clips with a message are making the humble hair accessory the piece of choice this party season. I mean, it’s not hard to see the charm in this trend, spotted everywhere on the streets of fashion week.

And who have we to thank for introducing this new frontier of self-expression? London designers are leading the party barrette trend. Ashley Williams’ diamante clips tap into the general mood of the fashionistas. Bestsellers this summer include the «fuck» and «witch» designs.

TO SHOP ASHLEY WILLIAMS HAIR CLIPS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Kitsch‘s collab with influential hairstylist Justine Marjan, is another one to watch and will literally make your hair scream «glam».

TO SHOP KITSCH x JUSTINE MARJAN HAIR CLIPS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

My personal must-have barrette screams CHANEL. Presented at the final collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld shown at Paris Fashion Week in the beginning of March, this incredible CHANEL pearl hair clip used by hairstylist Sam McKnight will surely be among «2019’s most Instagrammed accessories».

Crystal Interlocking G hair slide by Gucci

 Whichever word appeals to your personal truth, I can almost guarantee there’s a hair slide that says it. And if there is none, create your own. It is time for your statement hair!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

On Saturday, June 8th, is World Ocean’s Day that is celebrated around the globe yearly. The LA MER Blue Heart Oceans Fund is committed to helping protect marine habitats through awareness-raising initiatives and charitable donations. Striving to ensure a future with flourishing seas for generations to come, LA MER donates $25 to the LA MER Blue Heart Oceans Fund every time someone post a public picture on Instagram using the hashtags #LaMerBlueHeart and #LaMerDonation this June until $650.000 will be reached in total.

Limited-Edition Blue Heart Crème de la Mer CHF 490.00 (100ml)

For summer, LA MER has some other limited edition goodies that you should not miss. Experience the sun-inspired radiance of Soleil de la Mer™ with:

The Bronzing Powder CHF 105.00
This velvet-to-the-touch bronzer creates a look of glimmering sun-kissed glow any day of the year. Harmonious and illuminating shades blend perfectly to highlight and contour the complexion. Skin looks radiant with a sun-warmed, illuminated glow.
The Glowing Body Oil CHF 120.00
My personal must-have each summer. With its rich blend of Vitamin E and nourishing oils, this luxurious, limited-edition body oil softens and conditions to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow. Layer over skin for a touch of shimmer and youthful luminosity.

The Lip Voluminizer CHF 95.00
Such an amazing new product! This lip gloss aka voluminizer has a beautiful iridescent sheen with an irresistible sensation. Infused with cell-renewing Miracle Broth™, this serum-inspired treatment instantly plumps, visibly softens lines and defines the look of lips.

All products protect your skin or lips with anti-oxidants and nourish with healing hydration, just one try and you’ll realize why nothing less than LA MER will do.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LA MER – Cover Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
#LoveLaMer #LaMerBlueHeart #LaMerDonation #GiftedByLaMer #SoleilDeLaMer

For 2019, Lucia Pica — CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer — has created a collection inspired by female individuality and designed to encourage self-expression.
Eyes make the first impression: they need to reflect a woman’s character and convey her nuances, to amplify her personality rather than mask it.

«It is not about covering them; it is about beautifying them,» reflects Lucia Pica. «I am very attracted to style and character. I feel like women should still look polished, just not too overly done and old-fashioned.»

THE NEW «SECOND SKIN SMOKY»
4 HARMONIES, 3 PRODUCTS
Inspired by the «blurry» effect, and based on the three pillars of CHANEL eye products (LES 4 OMBRES, STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF, LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL), Lucia Pica has created four universal harmonies with a distinctive colour signature for all women, regardless of their level of makeup expertise. Four ways to dress a look in the most personal and intuitive way, with ease and freedom.

Each palette’s elegant colour combinations can be endlessly mixed and layered, by varying and blending shades and finishes. Their blurry effect creates a foolproof «second skin smoky» look.

LES 4 OMBRES – CHF 77.00 each
Four palettes designed to offer infinite results. Silky concentrated pigments gently glide over the eyelid, their emblematic shades universally appealing, their diffusive, blurry textures seamlessly blendable. On application, effects can range from natural definition to intense drama.

THE SHADES
318 Blurry Green a dusty antique gold; a satin golden green;
a warm rosy bronze; a deep dark green
322 Blurry Grey a smoky grey; a dusty platinum;
a deep aubergine; a matte stone beige
324 Blurry Blue a lightly rosy grey; a matte blue grey;
a taupe grey; an intense dusty blue
328 Blurry Mauve a terracotta tile red; a light dusty rosewood;
a bronze, satin taupe; a deep greyish lilac

LUCIA’S TIP
Playing with texture and finish ensures modern impact: when both lips and eyes are enhanced, keep the skin fresh for a contemporary finish.

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF – CHF 35.00 each
A waterproof eye pencil created to enhance the eyes with intensity and depth. A retractable tip and integrated sharpener encourage easy and spontaneous use. Whether tracing the contour of the upper lash line for a natural effect, or thickening its application for sophisticated drama, the smooth, gentle formula offers profound impact.

THE SHADES
943 Brun Agapé a luminous bronze
944 Noir Énigmatique a sparkling blue grey
945 Black Wood a deep brown
946 Intense Teal a duck blue
948 Jungle Green a forest green

LUCIA’S TIP
For an effortless but dramatic effect, apply the liner a little heavier and smoke out the colour using a small brush, blending out and upwards. Then, re-apply liner close to the lashes for extra depth and definition.

LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00 each (limited edition colours)
The first ever 3D-printed mascara brush, LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL offers a revolution through its unprecedented precision and immediate, extreme volume. This uniquely high-tech innovation ensures perfect, even application with every stroke — and with no clumps in sight.

THE SHADES
17 Jungle Green an emerald green
27 Deep Eros a bright burgundy
37 Intense Teal a sparkling green blue
91 Volcan a deep blue grey

LUCIA’S TIP
Apply extra mascara to the centre of the lashes, and remove a little from the outer edges, for a wide-eyed effect.

In stores Mid June 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL