Sandra‘s Closet

Last summer Estée Lauder made a huge move and tapped self-taught makeup artist and YouTube Star (violette_fr), Violette, to be its global beauty director. It might seem like an unexpected decision for such an established brand but personally speaking it is a statement and proves the power of today’s digital world. You have to think in new, different ways and real talent gets a chance.

Violette to the left applying the limited edition blush from her first collection with Estée Lauder.

34-year-old Violette, a French-born art school alum, obviously was a great choice. The partnership has already taken off with the first summer collection «Poppy Sauvage Collection by Violette» that is surely about to invade your makeup bag.

The seven-piece line, which is available now, is inspired by fire-red poppies and golden wheat in the South of France. Think of this beautiful shimmering landscape translating into eye shadows and products for lips and cheeks, causing a viral sensation.

Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks in Poésie / Vin Noir – CHF 45.00
Pure Color Sculpting 5-Color Eye Shadow Palette Les Nudes de Soleil – CHF 74.00
Pure Color Sculpting Blush Duo in Doré/Camélia – CHF 54.00
Deluxe Eye Crayon in Terre d’Or – CHF 29.00
Pure Color Paint-On LipColor in Poppy Sauvage – CHF 44.00
Soft Glow for Lips & Cheeks in La Rose – CHF 42.00

My favorites are those products:

Pure Color Sculpting 5-Color Eye Shadow Palette Les Nudes de Soleil
This superluxe powder shadows feel so plush and creamy. Go natural, intensified or dramatic, you can create multiple eye looks with one palette which I adore. Can be applied dry, or wet to intensify.

Pure Color Paint-On LipColor in Poppy Sauvage 
Intense, smooth, ultra-comfortable color that makes painting your lips a true passion. It saturates lips with a boldly seductive matte finish.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder and © Sandra Bauknecht
@esteelauder #EsteeLauderxViolette #EsteeBeautyDirector

Ladies, finally it is summer, time for us to enjoy the pool or the beach. But we all want to look our best without spending too much time on our daily make-up. Here is my personal super duper tip that will save you lots of hours and earn you many compliments.

My avid readers know I cannot live without this savior:
SOLEIL DE LA MER THE FACE AND BODY GRADUAL TAN
CHF 110.00 (200ml)

I tan pretty fast on my body but not on my face (this is also an advantage… less wrinkles!). I have a pretty pale complexion but since I use this amazing product all year around, I always get compliments for my tan. This refreshing self-tanning lotion absorbs quickly for an even, perfectly natural-looking glow with no streaks (no orange stripes, no bad smell). Infused with the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation, it immerses skin in moisture, soothing sensitivities and restoring radiance. With sea-born antioxidant actives, it helps revitalize and recharge for a year-round radiance. It is so easy to apply! You will love it! And I use it on my body twice a week but daily on my face!

And then there are two new limited-edition products that LA MER has launched this summer that I don’t want you to miss.

Up first is the limited-edition SOLEIL DE LA MER BRONZING POWDER
CHF 98.00

Also infused with nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, this silky pressed powder creates the look of a glimmering sun-kissed glow any day of the year. Harmonious and illuminating shades blend perfectly to highlight and define the contours of the face. The skin looks radiant with a sun-warmed, illuminated glow. It is scented with this kind of beachy resort-like fragrance that makes you feel like being on holidays in your own bathroom.

Next there are the two new limited-edition SOLEIL DE LA MER THE LIP AND CHEEK GLOWS (Coral Glow and Pink Sands)
CHF 75.00

This blend of glowing pigments suspended in nourishing oil gives skin a quick hint of healthy color. They are as well infused with the iconic nourishing Miracle Broth™, and add a sheer, buildable flush of color to lips and cheeks as they visibly refresh and renew delicate skin. I especially love to use them on my lips as they nourish them very well and moreover they taste amazing, reminiscent of  a delicious sweet mint.

You can find the LA MER summer collection out now. To see me wearing it, click here for this previous post at the pool. TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of La Mer and Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Get ready for some Summer lovin’ with OPI‘s new GREASE collection  introducing 12 limited edition shades in Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor, plus three new special effect nail lacquers. To celebrate the iconic film’s 40th anniversary, it’s time to grab these bright colors and be ready to spark romantic nights ahead.

Top left to right: Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milkshakes / Meet a Boy Cute As Can Be / Summer Lovin’ Having a Blast! / Was It all Just a Dream / Teal Me More Teal Me More / Chills Are Multiplying

Bottom left to right: Frenchie Like To Kiss / Pink Ladies Rule the School / Hopelessly Devoted to OPI / You’re the Shade That I want / Tell Me About It Stud / Danny & Sandy 4Ever!

Available as Infinite Shine (gel-like shine for your home) for CHF 24.90, Nail Lacquer for CHF 19.90 and GelColor (pro only).

Here are my personal favorite shades:

Grease is the Word
To celebrate the iconic film’s 40th anniversary, I am on hand to ensure you’re saying #TellMeAboutItStud.

Leader of the Pack
#PinkLadiesRulesTheSchool, so get ready to be top of the class in pastel shades.

The Nail That I Want
Our #ChillsAreMultiplying for this T-Bird approved icy blue.

You Better Shape Up
I am having a serious Sandy moment. #Danny&Sandy4Ever.

New: Leather Effects
Say hello to 3 additional limited edition shades with a three-dimensional effect and leather-like texture. Unfortunately not available in Switzerland.

New leather effect shades from left to right: Rydell Forever / Electryfyin’ Pink / Grease Is The Word.
Available for $10.50 each. More information here.

Grease Mini Set (Nail Lacquer) 4 Nail Polishes à 3.75ml each
CHF 24.90

Grease Mini Set (Infinite Shine) Primer, 2 Colours and Gloss Infinite Shine à 3.75ml each
CHF 34.90

In stores now for approximately three months.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI #OPIxGrease
Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Aaliyah is truly one in a million — an unstoppable icon whose groundbreaking work in R&B music and film continues to inspire us all. For this reason M∙A∙C collaborated with Aaliyah Haughton for an outstanding limited edition make-up collection that includes many products you will surely adore!

LIPSTICK
Try Again: soft muted beige (matte) / Hot Like…: creamy fire-red (amplified)
More Than a Woman: cool deep red (amplified) /Street Thing: pure black with shimmer (frost)
CHF 28.00

LIPGLASS
Brooklyn Born: sheer nude with pearl / Li Li’s Motor City: coral with shimmer
At Your Best You Are…: warm berry / 1 In a Million: deep rich purple
CHF 26.00

AGE AIN’T NOTHING / EYE SHADOW X 9
Creative Copper: metallic gold (lustre) / That Somebody: gold brown with gold shimmer (satin)
Princess of Soul: muted golden brown (matte) / Gingersnap: muted pinky coral (frost)
Deception: cool medium brown (frost) / Dance in the Dark: deep cool brown (matte)
Lovesmoke: sterling silver (veluxe pearl) / Magic Moor: mauve plum with subtle shimmer (veluxe pearl) / Care 4 You: black with silver sparkle (lustre)
CHF 60.00

BRONZING POWDER
Baby Girl: pure golden with soft pearl
CHF 35.00

Available from July 5, 2018 in Switzerland exclusively at M∙A∙C Globus Geneva and M∙A∙C Store Lucerne and Zurich and at www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Ladies, it is time to get at least one Orgasm, but personally speaking I recommend getting four… For Summer 2018, NARS launches four new Orgasms for lips and cheeks. Swipe on seduction with Afterglow Lip Balm and intensify the look with Orgasm Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer. Give cheeks sensational dimension with Illuminating Loose Powder, and find pleasure in a limited edition, oversized Orgasm Blush. Universally coveted glow. New stimulating textures. Feels so bad it’s good. It’s time to indulge your senses…

ORGASM AFTERGLOW LIP BALM – CHF 38.00
Delivers a sheer wash of the universally-flattering Orgasm shade with a radiant finish. The formula features Monoï Hydrating Complex, for smooth comfort and a blend of antioxidant ingredients to help keep lips protected.

ORGASM FULL VINYL LIP LACQUER (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 35.30
The innovative formula provides high-shine and a reflective finish, while vivid pigments deliver full coverage color that’s buildable. Features a non-sticky texture that glides on for a comfortable feel and line-free look.

ORGASM ILLUMINATING LOOSE POWDER –  CHF 38.00
This silky, soft-lit powder reflects light off the skin for a naturally glowing look. The shimmery powders create a soft radiance and blur the look of imperfections, blending effortlessly onto skin with a glimmering finish.

ORGASM BLUSH (LIMITED EDITION) –  CHF 52.20
The award-winning blush that includes the perfect blend of peachy pink and golden shimmer, comes in a limited edition oversized compact to achieve naturally flushed cheeks.

In Switzerland available from JUNE 2018 at Jelmoli and Sephora.
TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS, Collages © Sandra Bauknecht

MEET THE LATEST COLLECTOR’S CREAM
Adorned with shimmering sea fans and watercolor coral, LA MER introduces this year’s Blue Heart Limited-Edition Crème de la Mer, already a true collector’s cream, to commemorate WORLD OCEANS DAY! Inside the pot is the famous luxuriously rich cream that deeply soothes, moisturizes and heals away dryness. My skin looks naturally vibrant and feels restored to its healthiest center. The iconic Miracle Broth™ – the legendary healing elixir that flows through all of LA MER – infuses the skin with sea-sourced renewing energies. Available for CHF 490 (100ml).

LA MER has teamed up with Sea2See Eyewear to produce this pair of sustainable sunglasses, made entirely from sea-salvaged plastic and handcrafted in Italy.

WHAT IS LA MER OCEAN’S FUND?
The ocean’s beauty is reflected in everything LA MER stands for. The sea is the brand’s constant inspiration. Alongside a devoted community of advocates, explorers and scientists, LA MER advocates for ocean protection through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives, and supporting ocean conservation projects.

AWAKEN A SEA CHANGE
The sea in you is the sea in me – and LA MER seeks to honor and protect the living connection we all have to the Earth’s precious seas for generations to come. Through the LA MER Blue Heart Oceans Fund’s commitment to marine protected areas in the Azores Islands, Grenada and the East China Sea, the brand hopes to positively impact the future of our seas.

In the East China Sea, #LaMerBlueHeart supports the groundbreaking research development of global sustainable fishing strategies to bring harmony back to marine ecosystems.

BEACH CLEAN UP
Each year, LA MER team members around the world lead an effort to clean their local shores and beaches.

All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health. Share your connection with the Earth’s ocean with #LaMerBlueHeart and mention @lamer for a chance to be featured.

TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

One make-up collection for summer always gets me extremely excited and has never disappointed me. This year is no different: Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Summer 2018 has launched with the most beautiful fresh colors for eyes, lips and cheeks.

There is a new double-ended product called Shade and Illuminate Glow Stick (CHF 68.00) in Sunstruck with a shimmering gold and bold apricot cream. The colors are creamy and quite pigmented but blend beautifully on the skin, for the perfect glow on your face. You can swipe them without disrupting your foundation.

The famous Soleil Contouring Compact (CHF 100.00) comes in a new colors. The palette Nude Glow offers three shades, a soft powdery gold champagne, soft peach and pale pink glow. Most beautiful when layered together.

For the lip colors, there are really some beautiful new shades. I’m very happy with the Lip Color Sheer (CHF 62.00) in Bambou. It is a warm brownish shade that looks great in the sun especially if you don’t wear a lot of make-up at the beach.

For the eyes there is a new Shade and Illuminate Kohl Duo (CHF 51.00) in L’Avventura and Soleil Blanc, great to brighten the inner part of your eyes.

If you like to wear a stronger eye make-up, have a look at the new shade Emerald Isles (gold glitter + emerald cream) of the Cream and Powder Eye Color (CHF 60.00). Easily applied with the fingers, it intensifies any eye color.

There is also the new Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Toilette (CHF 132.00 for 50ml and CHF 200.00 for 100ml) which you should not miss. It embodies a refreshing illumination on the original Private Blend Soleil Blanc, bright, crips and drenched with sparkling citrus. The vibrant twist on the floral, amber warmth mirrors the crystalline reflection of the white sun, a sensual gleam of sky on water.

If you are at the counter, have also a look at the new Ultra-Shine Lip Colors (CHF 62.00 each) which are available in 11 new shades, the Soleil Lip Glow in Lumière (CHF 62.00) and the Sheer Cheek Duo in Exotica Flora (CHF 88.00).

ALTERNATIVELY YOU CAN SHOP TOM FORD BEAUTY ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SIX WELLA HAIR CARE PRODUCTS AND TWO SUMMER ACCESSORIES WORTH CHF 400!

Summer is here, days are getting longer, nights are getting shorter, the city is coming to life again and the anticipation of the upcoming summer holidays is rising.
Whether beach or balcony, whether 20°C or 40°C, the right sun care is a must. Protect your hair as you protect your skin. UV rays, ocean breeze, chlorine, and salt, all damage the hair by opening the surface, making it dry, coarse, dull and difficult to manage. That’s why WELLA offers the WELLA SUN care range for before and after sunbathing – for healthy, shiny, and summer-scented hair. And to make sure you are perfectly styled for the nights, there is the INVIGO line, which takes care of your individual scalp and hair needs, infused with caring and refreshing ingredients.

HERE IS A SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU CAN WIN:

Product set of WELLA SUN, consisting of:
– Hair & Skin Hydrator (Provides long-lasting moisture to the hair and skin, leaving a seductive shimmering effect)
– Protection Spray (High-performance UV protection for before and during sun exposure.)
– Hair & Body Shampoo (Gently helps to remove impurities from sunscreen, salt, and chlorinated water while actively restoring moisture, leaving the hair and body feeling invigorated.)

Product set of Wella INVIGO, consisting of:
– Refresh Water Revitalizing Shampoo (Refreshing shampoo with menthol that cools and helps energise the scalp, leaving the hair full of vitality.)
– Deep Nourishing Conditioner (Instantly moisturises dry or stressed hair for nourished hair full of vitality.)
– Volume Boost (Uplifting care spray with cotton extract that gives lightweight care, shine, fullness and light control.)

Two summer accessories (striped blanket and fruit infused water bottle) that will help you to enjoy a sunbath in style and stay hydrated.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «WELLA» to . All entries must be received until June 4, 2018. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

Good luck and cheers! By the way, I like to fill my water bottle with fresh lemon and basil leaves… such a refreshing and healthy drink!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s post is dedicated to an amazing sheet mask I can only recommend. You might look a little awkward for 20 minutes so probably better do the treatment when you are alone as others might get scared that you are heavily burned. But the results are truly outstanding.

DIOR PRESTIGE Exceptional Regenerating Firming Mask delivers the equivalent of one bottle of serum in each application. Its innovative design fits the curves of the face perfectly thanks to its woven texture that is similar to a satin veil. Developed with the Rose de Granville, a robust rose iconic for preserving beauty, simply use twice a week for one month for a more youthful appearance.

Available for CHF 199.00 for 6 sheet masks.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Kiss-Kiss Hooray… CLARINS‘ first Water Lip Stain is here! Color that won’t kiss off and fade too quickly. A barely-there feel and customizable lip product for a transfer-proof pout that lasts up to 300 kisses (no joke – that was tested in a clinical study with the help of 22 volunteers).

Applying your Water Lip Stain is easy. The lip-hugging brush applies the perfect amount of color while giving precise results. The more coats, the deeper the intensity. The texture is really interesting. Composed of 77% water, it has the fresh effect of a sorbet and tastes very yummy.

Softening organic raspberry water combined with moisturizing organic aloe vera extract protects lips from dehydration while ensuring suppleness and comfort.

Available in four shades: 01 Rose Water, 02 Orange Water, 03 Red Water and 04 Violet Water.
In stores now for CHF 30.50 each.

Kiss who you like.. without leaving a trace! Goodbye lipstick prints and make-up that stains.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins