Sandra‘s Closet

Peru has been forever on my bucket list and I am planning to go there soon with avid hopes of climbing Machu Picchu and sipping coca tea with locals donning traditional Quechua garb. Before my dreams will come true, I can already indulge in the new OPI F/W 2018 collection that introduces 12 new colors inspired by one of the most ancient civilizations in the world.

An exciting journey for your nails, visiting one of the seven wonders of the world this fall with the Peru Collection by OPI. Seeking natural beauty with a bohemian vibe, inspiration was everywhere, from stunning geological sites like Rainbow Mountain to the magnificent Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. With deep roots in ancient culture visible across the country’s architecture, food and fashion, Peru offers visitors a transcendent, spiritual experience. I am thrilled to share a look at this extraordinary nail polish collection with you today.

From top left to top right: Lima Tell You About This Color! – Suzi Will Quechua Later! – Seven Wonders of OPI – Alpaca My Bags – Don’t Toot My Flute – Grandma Kissed a Gaucho
From bottom left to bottom right: Machu Peach-U – Somewhere Over the Rainbow Mountains – My Solar Clock Is Ticking – I Love You Just Be-Cusco – Come Se Llama – Yes My Condor Can-Do!

In Switzerland the collection will be available from August 14, 2018 for approximately 6 months.
The 12 shades will be launched in three different formulas:
Infinite Shine offers a high-shine finish with up to 10 days of wear and traditional lacquer application.
Nail Lacquer features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.
GelColor provides performance with up to 3 weeks of shine-intense wear and stay-true color (in-salon only).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Too much lipstick? NEVER!
M∙A∙C Cosmetics celebrates National Lipstick Day which is coming up on July 29 like no other brand due to its authority in lip colour. Therefore lipstick lovers are treated to their lip favourites as M∙A∙C Cosmetics is giving away free lipsticks when you spend more than CHF 35.00.

Lipstick has been popular for thousands of years around the globe. As our ancestors didn’t have the variety of waxes and oils we have today, they had to get creative and made lipstick out of everything from crushed beetles to berries to ground up fish scales mixed with oil. Just be glad you don’t have to wear beetles this July for National Lipstick Day!

M∙A∙C Cosmetics has shades for every day, place and vibe offering a variety of textures, and saturated bold colours. Interesting to know is that the American beauty brand sells more than one lipstick every second around the world with «Chili» being its best-selling lipstick (11 Chili’s are sold per minute globally). The highly recognizable M·A·C Lipstick in «Ruby Woo» is the second best-selling bullet (7 Ruby Woo’s are sold per minute globally).

In Switzerland available on July 28 and 29, 2018 online and at Zurich (Bellevue) store, Lucerne (train station), Jelmoli Zurich, Manor Zurich, Manor Lausanne, Manor Geneva, Globus Geneva, Globus Lausanne, and Manor Lugano.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MAC Cosmetics
#MACLOVESLIPS

This summer, CLARINS and SISLEY have come up with the cutest packaging as well as with sweetest products. Get ready for some candy action…

CLARINS

Catch’ Light Stick Rosy Glow CHF 27.00 (6g)
In one easy step, tis smooth, refreshing highlighter stick leaves behind a veil of light. Can be used on its own or over make-up. Lights up the complexion instantly.

Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector Rose Pearl CHF 27.00 (12ml)
The ideal candy-flavored lip perfecto for perfectly smooth, luminous lips with subtle natural-looking colour. This softly textured gel formula moisturizes, repairs and protects day by day.

Hand and Nail Treatment Cream CHF 13.00 (30ml)
My favorite hand cream in general comes now in the cutest travel size packaging in three too-die-for scents (available in Jasmine, Neroli and Magnolia). Acting like an «invisible glove», it protects while leaving hands never sticky.

Bronzing Compact Poudre Soleil CHF 59.00 (17g)
Pink flamingos and palm trees decorated this beautiful limited edition sun compact.

SISLEY
Ecological Compound CHF 231.00 (125ml)
This limited edition glass bottle is embellished with red and pink flowers. Inside is the famous fluid, a rich complex of balancing, toning and stimulating plant extracts that helps to fight environmental damage.

Photo Lip Delight Pretty CHF 50.00 (6ml)
This newly launched light, transparent make-up immediately brightens the lips, highlights their natural beauty and enhances them day after day. Available in three shades, Cool, Pretty and Sweet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Personally speaking, I have very uncomplicated skin and don’t burn easily. Still, I know about the importance to protect my skin from DNA damage and severe aging. This summer, I tried many products of which those really convinced me. Moreover they have a great price-performance ratio.

GARNIER AMBRE SOLAIRE UV Water Protection – as light and fresh as water
Great texture, easy to apply leaving the skin moisturized while being protected from both, UVA and UVB rays. Available with SPF 20 and 30.
CHF 14.90 (150ml)GARNIER AMBRE SOLAIRE After Sun Tissue Mask
A true boost of hydration after sunbathing. Leave it on for 15 minutes and let the magic happen.
CHF 2.90 per sheet mask

ANTI BRUMM® SUN 2in1 Spray SPF 50 (CHF 21.00) and ANTI BRUMM® After Sun 2in1 Lotion (CHF 29.00)
While I don’t tend to burn, unfortunately I tend to be eaten up by mosquitos. I am a human insect repellent for all next to me as I get bitten easily. ANTI BRUMM® has the perfect products for me combining sun care with mosquito repellent, during the day as well as for the night.

Due to the good skin compatibility ANTI BRUMM® also works for people with sun-sensitive skin and for children from 2 years old. ANTI BRUMM® is also recommended by the Swiss Tropical Institute.

Enjoy your holidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

If you have a very sensitive skin and tend to burn easily, then you will love the products of ULTRASUN, the Swiss brand that has launched many innovations for over twenty years with strong focus on this skin condition.

The newest range, called ULTRASUN MINERAL, offers formulas that also provide ultraviolet A-protection whilst leaving many critically discussed ingredients. To describe the difference between UVA and UVB rays, I have an easy association. UVA is for Aging as it penetrates the skin very deeply (even windows are no protection against those rays) and UVB is for Burning/Bad as it destroys the DNA. Not every sun care product protects against both kind of rays. The SPF rating of sunscreens is related to protection from UVB rays. Regardless of the combination of active ingredients, if the sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum” it has been tested and proven to protect against the full range of UVA light.

Here are some facts about ULTRASUN MINERAL:

• 0% PERFUME
  Because the combination of perfume ingredients and UV rays can lead to unwanted pigmentation disorders/stain formation.
• 0% PEG/PPG
  Makes the skin permeable, allowing pollutants to enter the skin.
• 0% MINERAL OILS or EMULSIFIERS
  Because mineral oils together with emulsifying agents and UVA rays can lead to sun allergies in the form of Mallorca acne.
• 0% ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE
  Hormone-like activity (Krause 2012, Sarveiya 2004, Rodriguez 2006, Klinubol 2008)
  
• 0% PRESERVATIVES
  Ultrasun uses absolutely no preservatives (no parabens, no phenoxyethanol, no methylisothiazolinone). This is due to its very stable formulation and the top quality airless packaging.
• 0% SILICONES
  Because the long-term use of silicone in cosmetics is controversial.

All products restores the moisture levels of the skin and reduce the appearance of sun-induced ageing (lines, wrinkles, larger pores). Featuring incredibly fast-absorbing, lightweight and non-greasy textures, they are deal for ultra sensitive skin.

ULTRASUN Face Mineral SPF 30 (40ml) – CHF 24.00 / € 21.00
ULTRASUN Face Mineral SPF 50 (40ml) – CHF 26.00 / € 24.00
ULTRASUN Body Mineral SPF 30 (100ml) – CHF 26.00 / € 23.00
ULTRASUN Body Mineral SPF 50 (100ml) – CHF 28.00 / € 25.00
ULTRASUN Baby Mineral SPF 50 (100ml) – CHF 32.00 / € 27.00

For store locations, please visit the ULTRASUN website.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ULTRASUN and © Sandra Bauknecht

Moisturizing your skin in summer with oils is a great idea and an awesome way of feeling sexy at the beach as you immediately get a beautiful glow. There are two products about which it is obviously not the first time I’m blogging about nor will it be the last that I always pack for my vacation.

First NUXE‘s Huile Prodigieuse® Dry Oil which is for me a cult beauty classic as it is so multi-tasking. It can be used on face, body and hair and smells divine like a bouquet of white flowers. It comes with a unique cocktail of borage, St Johnswort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut, macadamia plant oils and Vitamin E. This year as a limited edition in a cute golden dress.
CHF 34.90  (100ml)

Then there is LA MER‘s The Glowing Body Oil with its rich blend of vitamin E, nourishing oils and tiny sparkles that leave a subtle shimmer on your skin to create the perfect sun-kissed glow. This luxurious body oil softens and conditions skin for a youthful luminosity. The sparkles make the difference…
CHF 120.00 (95ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Frayed «St. Tropez» embroidered straw sunhat by Miu Miu

Do you hate packing like me? And especially all your beauty belongings? Then I have the perfect solution for you, a kit already packed with 16 samples of some of the best skin, hair and makeup products. The collection is neatly stored in a transparent cosmetics bag for easy packing.

– Omorovicza‘s ‘Queen of Hungary Mist‘ is infused with Neroli and Rose to replenish and purify the skin by delivering moisture and restoring suppleness
– James Read‘s ‘Gradual Tan H20 Tan Mist‘ builds subtle color while moisturizing and delivering a streak-free finish and lightweight feel
– Joya‘s ‘Composition No.1‘ roll-on parfum is blended with top notes of fresh Mandarin and Orange, which gently fades into floral Heliotrope, the musky dry down of Tonka Beans and creamy Sandalwood

– Hampton Sun‘s ‘SPF45 Mineral Sunscreen Crème‘ hydrates and strengthens skin while offering broad spectrum protection from harsh UV rays
– Grown Alchemist‘s ‘Vanilla & Orange Peel’ hand cream is blended with Rosehip and Camellia Oils to nourish and hydrate dry, chapped or chafed skin
– Philip Kingsley‘s ‘Elasticizer‘ restores elasticity, bounce and shine without adding weight – it’s designed to target weak, damaged cuticles
– Packed with hydrating Geranium and Chamomile extracts, Oribe‘s ‘Crème for Style‘ delivers luminous shine and natural texture
– SACHAJUAN‘s ‘Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo and Conditioner‘ will rebuild, plump and fortify each fiber, while creating volume and leaving your tresses with a healthy bounce

– Legology‘s ‘Sun-Lite’ cream gives you a natural-looking sun-kissed glow, while hydrating skin and evening out overall tone
– Charlotte Tilbury‘s ‘Wonder Glow Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash‘ is infused with a subtle lustrous tint that reflects light to blur imperfections and fine lines
– This Works‘ ‘Perfect Legs Skin Miracle‘ is enriched with Vitamins C and E to even out skin tone and imperfections, while Arnica helps fade bruising

– Eyeko‘s ‘Yoga Waterproof Mascara‘ is blended with Matcha Green Tea and botanical fruit extracts including Strawberry, Blueberry, Blackberry and Vitamin E for instant lift, curl and a flexible hold
– Formulated with unique Triple Shine Complex and a blend of high-performance ingredients, Marc Jacobs Beauty‘s ‘Enamored Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer‘ promises brilliant luster and the illusion of a plumper pout. ‘Sugar Sugar‘ has a subtle mint scent and is flecked with gold, creating a shimmery finish that enhances its brilliant shine
– Enriched with Shea and Mango Seed Butters, Lipstick Queen‘s ‘Mornin’ Sunshine‘ shade adjusts to your individual body chemistry and pH level to create a unique, one-of-a-kind berry hue
– Inspired by the natural radiance of gem stones, Kevyn Aucoin‘s ‘The Loose Shimmer Shadow‘ enhances your eyes and illuminates skin. ‘Selenite‘ is a soft gray that is so flattering on cool-toned complexions

TO SHOP THE JET-A-PORTER BEAUTY KIT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter

«The aura given out by a person is as much a part of them as their skin,» proclaimed renowned 20th-century portraitist Lucien Freud when discussing his artistic aspiration to capture the complexion of his subjects. A perfect, glowing complexion is, after all, the incarnation of timeless beauty, the picture of health, the very essence of youth. But the portrait of beauty is only as perfect as its canvas — there can be no perfect complexion without perfect skin.

Are you looking exactly for this perfection? Then I would recommend that you try LA PRARIE‘s new Skin Caviar Essence-in-Foundation, the first compact foundation infused with Caviar Water, the brand’s exclusive cellular complex, that is combined with technologically advanced pigments and SPF 25 broad spectrum. The result is a fluid, hydrating emulsion that provides natural-looking complexion enhancement, smoothing and essential protection all in a single, perfect product.

Housed in a sleek portable compact, it is the beauty must-have for on-the-go touch-ups with sun protection that leaves skin with a refined texture, while buildable light-to-medium coverage offers a seamless, natural-looking finish.

Skin Caviar Essence-in-Foundation is available for CHF 225.00 (2 x 15ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie
@laprairie #skincaviar #artofcomplexion #caviarinmybag

Playful in polka dots – JO MALONE launches colourful colognes, stripy candles and brilliant bubbles. Bath time has never been this fun- enjoy this limited edition collection «QUEEN OF POP!», curated by Poppy Delevingne.

Shh… Busy Bathing!

Enjoy a long, uninterrupted soak with the new luxurious Bubble Bath, available in three different scents. It nourishes skin with wonderfully fragrant bubbles. A relaxing bath time indulgence, its formula is enriched with a blend of sumptuous, skin-conditioning ingredients to cleanse and soften. All dressed up in a decorative bottle from Queen of Pop.

Black Cedarwood & Juniper and Nectarine Blossom & Honey Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 95.00
Velvet Rose & Oud Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 100.00

«The design of the collection was inspired by my love of stripes, polka dots and all things pink…I wanted every product to be eye-catching and above all, fun. The Colognes, Candles and Bubble Bath will look amazing in any bathroom…»
– Poppy Delevingne

Blackberry & Bay, Grapefruit and Basil & Neroli Home Candle 200g – CHF 86.00

Amber & Lavender, Red Roses, Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 30ml, CHF 72.00

In stores now. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Lovely gift and a not from Poppy – thank you!

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone
#FromPoppyWithLove

You may have already spotted KNC Beauty‘s lip and eye mask on Instagram (#lipmaskandchill) as countless bloggers and influencers have been sharing photographs of themselves experiencing these collagen-infused treatments. Kristen Noel Crawley (photo top left in the collage) founded her brand after discovering and falling in love with lip masks on a trip to Tokyo. Realizing that most versions on the market contained hard-to-pronounce chemicals, she decided to produce products saturated in all-natural collagen.

To shop, just click on the highlighted product names to be transferred directly:

All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask by KNC Beauty
10 x 7.9g
Just say no to lifeless lips. All-natural Collagen is blended with moisturizing Rose Flower Oil, Cherry Extract and Vitamin E, so that you’ll feel the plumping effects of its deeply conditioning formula through a subtle tingle at the end. Yep, that’s that the collagen kicking in— going to work to give you that full, enviable look. Not only does it hydrate and plump, the deep conditioning mask will 100% change your lipstick game—acting as a smooth primer for all your favorite shades. Apply two to three times a week for 10-15 minutes for a gorgeous pout from the inside out.

All Natural Retinol Infused Eye Mask by KNC Beauty
10 x 7.9g

After KNC Beauty burst onto the scene with its cult lip mask, this under-eye version gets the same Instagram stamp of approval. Playfully shaped like shooting stars, they’re infused with Retinol to improve texture and stimulate blood flow. The plumping Collagen, soothing Aloe and moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid help reduce swelling and diminish dark circles in no time. Apply to clean under eye for 10-15 minutes at night time. Massage remaining essence gently into the skin. Safe to use 3-4 times a week.

And don’t forget to post your selfies…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of KNC Beauty