Sandra‘s Closet

As you already know, I have just finished a week of detox at Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden, something that I absolutely recommend. If you don’t find time in the near future, I would like to share with you my favorite products to help you start a detox plan at home.

1 Botanical D-Tox by Sisley Paris
Purify and awaken fatigued skin with this powerful, month-long detoxifying treatment.

2 9-Day Detox by Bodyism
Conveniently split into three categories – ‘Cleanse’, ‘Rebuild’ and ‘Maintain’, this set works to repair the digestive system, remove toxins and balance the mind using a combination of supplements, clean eating, guided exercise and meditation.

3 Instant Detox Mask by Caudalie
This detoxifying mask is the perfect cleansing treatment for spot-prone complexions. It absorbs excess oils and sweeps away impurities, leaving your skin’s texture refined and pores tightened.

4 Marula Detoxifying Salt and Sugar Body Scrub by African Botanics
A gentle exfoliant that lifts dead cells and reveals refreshed, smoothed skin.

5 Hair Detox & Renewal Treatment Kit by Rahua
Enriched with healing oils, this kit is designed to revive damaged hair and nourish your scalp. It removes synthetic build-up and environmental residue, while infusing your strands with plant-based nutrients.

6 Overnight Detox Mask by Nails Inc
Designed to regenerate nails overnight, this treatment is perfect for those in between gel manicures. Its water-based formula is blended with antioxidant-rich ingredients to stimulate the nail bed, strengthen and promote growth.

7 Natural dry body brush by Mio Skincare
Proven to exfoliate, stimulate circulation and detoxify, body brushing is an easy yet effective way to rejuvenate tired skin as it helps to reduce toxins, bloating and cellulite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

For years I mocked myself that I didn’t like rose perfumes: too dusty, too old-fashioned, too grandma-like. What perfume planet was I on? One day I looked around my boudoir table and realised that a lot of my fragrances were based around the rose, just in a more subtle way.

Here are the best new launches to introduce the flower of love to your olfactory wardrobe now. The five fragrances you’ll be probably sniffing to prolong summer a little longer.

PRADA Les Infusion Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 136.76 (100ml)

A new edition to the collection Les Infusions de Prada. The fragrance interprets the note of rose in a new and different way, luminous and feminine. Created by perfumer Daniela Andrier and Miuccia Prada.

Notes: Turkish Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Galbanum, Neroli, Mandarine

BURBERRY My Blush
Eau de Parfum CHF 79.20 (30ml), CHF 120.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.60 (90ml)

A fruity floral Eau de Parfum with a sparkling twist.  Stepping back into a London garden awakening in the first light of day, My Burberry Blush captures the senses as blossoming flowers pop with spirited energy. Created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and Christopher Bailey.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Lemon
Middle notes: Rose Petals, Apple
Base notes: Jasmine, Wisteria

VIKTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb Bloom
Eau de Toilette CHF 68.00 (30ml)

The addictiveness of Flowerbomb is rewritten with an airy twist. A new interpretation of the iconic fragrance, Flowerbomb Bloom is an explosion of fresh flowers caressed with a breath of cool mountain air. The floriental fragrance was created by perfumer Domitille Bertier.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Mandarin
Middle notes: Freesia, Rose, Jasmine, Liquid Air
Base notes: Woods

BULGARI Splendida Rose Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 126.00 (50ml), CHF 177 (100ml)

The floral chypre Splendida Rose Rose is worn like a necklace of 45 fresh roses, those contained in its bottle. It evokes the Italian romance that Bulgari enjoys with women, the absolute embodiment of the superlative femininity. The scent was created by perfumer Sofie Labbé.

Top notes: White Mulberry, Mandarin
Middle notes: Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute, Damask Rose
Base notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Musk

GIORGIO ARMANI Sì Rose Signature
Eau de Parfum CHF 123.00 (50ml), CHF 156.00 (100ml)

Each spring, Giorgio Armani creates a limited edition bottle of the beautiful Sì Rose Signature scent. This year, it is reminiscent of an Haute Couture gown with its cute pink ribbon. Discover a floral fragrance that radiates beauty and passion. The fragrance was created by perfumer Julie Massé.

Top notes: May Rose, Damask Rose, Bergamot, Mandarin, White Freesia
Middle notes: Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Osmanthus, Iris, Ambrette Seed
Base notes: Amber, Patchouli

In case you are still not convinced about the rose fragrances, treat yourself to this beautiful clutch:

Printed metallic leather box clutch «I Love You» by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I had the pleasure to experience a very special facial at the GSTAAD PALACE that brings royal Mediterranean flair to the Bernese Oberland. Exclusive in Switzerland, only at the PALACE SPA, you can find the luxury cosmetics line MARGY’S MONTE CARLO.

The famous Palace spa.

The facial treatment concept of the Swiss-by-choice Margie Lombard, which Princess Charlène of Monaco has already pampered herself with, is comprised of natural care products, that are developed in Vevey. For the brainchild behind the luxury beauty brand, it has been clear from the beginning: A high-quality, effective skincare product consists of pure, undiluted ingredients. This is why, she uses exclusively pure substances produced in the body to counteract ageing highly effectively, which she has been able to imitate using Swiss bio-technology.

As a young entrepreneur, Margie Lombard learnt that collagen and hyaluronic acid are two fundamental elements of our body. They have been proven to influence the moisture content of the skin. If this is intact, it has a beneficial effect for a youthful appearance – uneven and wrinkled places also automatically become softer and gentler. In addition, Vitamin A in the selection of MARGY’S provides elasticity, while Vitamin E as an antioxidant has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the hydrolipid layer of the skin. All products are completely natural, contain no perfume at all and are formed on the basis of sandalwood oil and geranium oil.

«My products are not exotic, but instead classic and clearly results-oriented. Beautiful skin requires sound treatments based on clear biochemical laws, and not magic. I am convinced that I have found the “place-to-be” for my brand and my concept at the Gstaad Palace.», explains Margie Lombard happily.

The native Alsatian and Swiss-by-choice has dedicated herself entirely to skincare. At the age of 18 she already attended the well-known CARITA Institut in Paris and learned the craft of cosmetics from the experts. With this precious degree in her hand, she came to Gstaad, where she managed a cosmetics salon independently. Her talented hands and her beneficial facial treatments quickly became appreciated by guests from all over the world. Soon her career was already taking off.

Despite her love of the Saanenland, she moved on: She studied cosmetology and after long research founded her own line of spa products. Many famous people were now among Margie’s customers – including even Princess Charlène of Monaco. After stays in Dubai, Hong Kong and Monte Carlo, Margie Lombard then returned to the Bernese Oberland with her care formula. She has been a resident of Switzerland for more than 20 years, and lives with her husband and son in Zurich.

The complete product range of Margy’s Monte Carlo is available at the Palace Spa.

The Palace Spa provides three exclusive treatments with MARGY’S products. As well as this, guests can also buy selected products on the spot and thus continue the beauty regime at home.

Haute Couture Facial – 90 minutes / CHF 450.–
For true skin rejuvenation combined with sublime relaxation. A 90 minute facial employing unique Margy’s techniques to activate the natural ingredients and their benefits. Skin feels smoother, firmer and plumper, benefiting from intense moisturization.

The beautiful treatment room at the Palace Spa.

I tried this treatment and was fully convinced. My therapist Manuela worked with different massage techniques to let the ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. It was absolutely relaxing and my skin felt moisturized and pampered afterwards.

Firming Lifting Facial – 60 minutes / CHF 210.–
This facial treatment – based on a highly-efficient algae mask – smooths the skin gently and tones the face. Highly moisturizing, skin feels firm and supple following this treatment.

Short Fresh-Up – 30 minutes / CHF 95.–
A quick freshness boost for the skin for a glowing start to the day or to be party-ready.

Bookable via e-Mail: or by phone: +41 33 748 50 00.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful heated jacuzzi that is part of the Palace Spa.

Photos: Courtesy of Gstaad Palace, © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer, MAC Cosmetics introduces Pro Longwear Long-Last Lips, a brand new lip product that is specifically formulated to work overtime to seal and lock in all day moisture, without affecting colour’s vibrancy and brilliant shine. Personally speaking, I am fully convinced. The color stays on without fading but also leaves your lips comfortable for hours.

Stroke on the liquid lipstick for a rich color punch, then flip the stick and apply the clear hydrating topcoat.

Available in 15 robust, permanent shades for CHF 36.00 each.

Staunch Character – metallic taupe-grey
Constant Companion – warm mid-tone nude
Unchanging – soft neutral lilac pink
Endless Possibilities – burnt coral-orange
Stuck In Love – blushing mid-tone pink

Immortally Yours – bright red rose
Know No Bounds – deep bright magenta
You + Me 4Eva – cocoa brown
Single-Minded – deep dark blue-red
Stuck On You – berry-red with gold

Truly Timeless – mid-tone cool red
Clingpeach – shimmering peach
For Keeps – rose-plum with iridescence
Perennial Rose – dusty pink with gold
Lasting Lust – smoldering red

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Tom Ford invites you to enjoy the ultimate refreshing summer experience with these three new All Over Body Sprays that capture the essence of Portofino, the famous resort town on the Italian Riviera that stands for old-world glamour and is recognized for its conflux of arresting beauty.

Drawing upon its dramatic landscape and jet-set sophistication, the Neroli Portofino Collection introduces these lightly scented sprays to complement this lifestyle as well as to experience a new dimension of the Eau de Parfum counterparts. Packaged in an aerosol bottle, each one is easily transportable and with its invigorating mist a great pleasure to be applied.

Tom Ford Costa Azzura All Over Body Spray
This scent evokes the fragrant and sunbaked landscape of coastal and island Mediterranean woods where pines and oaks mingle with wild-growing herbs and salty water.

Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi All Over Body Spray
Capturing the calm idyll of the whitewashed villas lining the cliff sides of the Amalfi coast, this fresh fragrance contains mandarin oil, lemon sfumatrice, basil spearmint and a duet of jasmine.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino All Over Body Spray
Inspired by the cascades of flowers from the white acacia tree, a beloved shade tree that dots the Mediterranean’s gardens and avenues, this fragrance contains notes of Sicilian lemon, bigarde leaf, violet leaf, jasmine and acacia honey.

Available in Switzerland at select Tom Ford Beauty point of sales for CHF 82.00 each.
TO SHOP TOM FORD BEAUTY ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, © Sandra Bauknecht and via Home in Italy
#PrivateBlend

In February, I introduced you for the first time to EOS lip balms (EOS Smooth Spheres Organic Lip Balms ) that are 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free (for the previous post click here please). I love those little «eggs» that I am always carrying in my bag, even when I am travelling as you see.

This month marks the launch of a special collaboration between EOS and Austrian-born and Berlin-based fashion designer Marina Hoermanseder. This limited edition duo set with an extremely cute packaging, that combines beauty and fashion, includes two lip balms, Organic Passion Fruit & Visibly Soft Honey Apple, both dressed in a special design created by Hoermanseder.

«EOS lip balms are my favorite lip care products. Natural ingredients are essential for me. The colorful lip balms are among my personal beauty must-haves, as smooth lips complement every outfit.» – Marina Hoermanseder

Being EOS first lip balm with a print design and also 100% natural, the Organic Passion Fruit shows Marina Hoermanseder’s initials with a cute little butterfly, that plays a central role in her current collection.

The Visibly Soft Honey Apple comes with sweeping lines in the iconic swirl design, reminiscent of the designer’s famous strap skirt.

Smooth lips are never out of style. Don’t miss this collector’s item.
The set is available now for CHF 13.80 in Switzerland at Manor and Coop.

LoL, Sandra

#eosproducts #eosxmarina
Photos: Courtesy of EOS x Marina Hoermanseder and © Sandra Bauknecht

Fans of all over natural glow will love this summer’s bronze blush tones that made runway waves at many designers. Whether your personal style is bohemian or sophisticated chic, you can’t argue that naturally bronzed bone structure will make you look fresh-faced, which is perfect for the beach.

When you opt for some color, you should go for turquoise, wether on your eyes or your nails. You don’t have to be that dramatic, just a little turquoise liner is all you need to stay on trend this season. Here is what you will need (all limited edition):

ESTÉE LAUDER
Summer Look 2017 «Bronze Goddess»

Bronze Goddess Summer Look Palette – CHF 70.00
Bronze Goddess Summer Lip Glow in Sunlit Nude – CHF 34.00
Double Wear Highlighting Cushion Stick in Champagne Glow – CHF 44.00

GUERLAIN
Summer Look 2017 «Terracotta»

Terracotta Sun Tonic Waterproof Bronzing Powder – CHF 69.00
Météorites Baby Glow Touch CC Luminizer for easy strobing – CHF 45.00

LANCÔME
Summer Look 2017 «Summer Swing»

Belle de Teint Bronzer & Blush in 01 Patio Méditerranéen – CHF 75.00
Le Stylo Waterproof in 06 Tempo Méditerranéen – CHF 34.00
Vernis in Love in 103 L’Esprit Libre – CHF 26.00

By the way the straw bag is exactly the same one by Sensi Studio for Eden Being I showed you a few days ago (click here please for the previous post). On one side it says «Making Memories», on the other side it has this hand-painted palm and waves. My favorite!
TO SHOP IT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

So easy and so effective – these sun protection sprays for the face have saved me as they are so easy to use and also work over makeup. Simply spray one of them depending on your personal needs evenly to exposed areas 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50 Invisible Face Mist Anti-Shine 75ml for CHF 17.50
The best facial spray for sensitive skin to skin prone to sun intolerance, commonly known as sun allergies.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Hydrating Mist SPF50 75ml for CHF 26.00
Delivering a refreshing veil with a dry touch finish, the high performance mist utilises a broad spectrum filtering system for maximum sun protection without leaving white marks or visible residue. Enriched with Vichy Thermal Spa Water, it will calm, hydrate and regenerate skin.

Lancaster Sun Sport Invisible Face Mist SPF30 100ml for CHF 49.00
This new fast-dry, alcohol-free mist is easily applied even with sandy hands. It gently moisturizes and is makeup-compatible.

Coola Face SPF30 Makeup Setting Spray 50ml for CHF 42.00
My all-year must-have! Makeup meltdown and UV exposure have met their match! Introducing the first ever sun protection makeup setting spray. A simple spritz of our weightless, matte finish mist protects the sensitive skin of your face while keeping your makeup looking fresh all day.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

An invitation that couldn’t have been more perfect for me on a very hot summer day. My favorite Parisian coiffeur visited my beloved Zurich hair dresser for a morning full of laughter, beauty and the launch of a great new hair care line.

Nathanael, Charles, my humble self and Christophe in Zurich

As you already know I like the products by Christophe Robin a lot (for more info have a look at this previous post). Now they are not only available at Net-à-Porter, but also exclusively in Zurich at Charles Aellen Company. Charles took his whole team to Paris to train with the Robin staff known for being absolute experts in hair coloring.

Charles Aellen and his team with Christophe Robin

Beautiful salon I go to in Zurich: Charles Aellen Company

Aellen’s beautiful salon was the perfect backdrop to indulge into the world of Christophe Robin’s new hair line dedicated to make the dream of volume come true. I was skeptical towards those new products as in general everything that gives me volume makes my hair look dull and it tangles much easier. After having used it, I am completely sold. For the first time, I had nice volume that lasted for many days without looking frizzy.

What is the secret behind it? Robin told me that the biggest problem is that the hair cannot breathe when washed with volume shampoo. That is the reason why it collapses the next day. Therefore he was looking for an alternative providing volume that would first of all not damage the hair and that would stay for longer.

During a trip to Morocco, where hair care is considered an art de vivre, a lifestyle, he came up with the idea to use rassoul clay, also known as the most noble of clays, and rose extracts for his new cleansing volumizing paste. This unique formula creates real volume, noticeable from the first use and effects that build up day after day.

Its exclusive composition is 85% natural origin. Protected and fortified, the hair instantly shows more volume at the roots and density down its length. The best? When mixed with water, its surprising paste-like texture transforms into a light foam, creating a moment of pure well-being.

The hair care routine for long-lasting volume includes the following products from left to right:

Volumizing Mist 150ml
Volumizing Conditioner 250ml
Delicate Volumizing Shampoo 250ml
Cleansing Volumizing Paste 250ml

I hope that you will like it as much as I do! Also try some of Robin’s other products, they are all amazing… While Christophe presented his line, he gave a tip for hair coloring. If you have the feeling it got too dark, just put some olive oil on at night on the freshly colored hair and sleep with it. You will be amazed in the morning by the result as it will wash the color out. Coconut oil by the way does not!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christope Robin, Charles Aellen, Marietta Budiner and © Sandra Bauknecht

Each year, I receive many products to test for the summer. After testing them all, I always like to show you a summary of my favorites. Those ones you see here have fully convinced me and I can only recommend them. If you are wondering why there are no facial products included, bare with me, they will be coming up shortly in a different post.

But first of all, it all starts with the right beach tote, doesn’t it?!

BEACH TOTE

«Making Memories» beach tote by Sensi Studio for Eden Being
Holidays are all about making memories. Therefore I have fallen in love with this exclusive beach tote the minute I spotted it at the Eden Being Pop-up Boutique at Le Bristol in Paris. It hits it on the head with its woven maxim. The perfect companion for the beach, the bag will carry everything you need, even a laptop fits in perfectly. Handmade in Ecuador to designs from the Milan based creative studio, it is crafted from toquilla straw with woven lettering – a unique and absolutely stylish piece.

IN THE SUN

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Body Milk SPF50+ 250ml for CHF 27.00
This very high sun protection can be applied on damp or on dry skins. Its wet skin technology forms a gel that repels water on the skin and maintains its protection. It doesn’t leave any oily or sticky finish on the skin, not even white marks which is very unusual for a sun protection that high.

Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk SPF30 200 ml for CHF 47.00
This is Biotherm’s first eco-designed sun care with no compromise on sensoriality, with eco-tested SPF filters and a 95% biodegradable base formula for a lower impact on the water environment. Now you can better protect what you love: your skin, your family and the ocean.

AFTER THE SUN

Clarins After Sun Moisturizer Ultra-Hydrating 200ml for CHF 41.50
This moisture-rich cream with soothing extracts of watermelon, sunflower and mimosa promotes a radiant, even, long-lasting tan. It helps reduce peeling and flaking, while taking the sting out of hot, sun-baked skin.

SUN GOODIES

La Mer The Glowing Body Oil 95ml for CHF 120.00
My favorite! With its rich blend of vitamin E and nourishing oils, this luxurious body oil softens and conditions skin to create a natural, sun-kissed glow. It gives your skin a touch of shimmer and youthful luminosity.

Bio-Beauté by Nuxe Cologne Fraîche Méditerranéenne Cédrat & Néroli 100ml for CHF 35.00
This floral and fruity cologne takes you to the heart of the Mediterranean and can be worn in the sun. Its olfactory combination of Cedrat and Neroli subtly perfumes the skin and envelops it with a breath of freshness.

SWIMWEAR

Bikini by Wikini
Let me introduce you to Wikini, an Italian swimwear brand, that creates beautiful bikinis at affordable prices. And they even do modest Brazilian-style buttoms which can be rarely found. The models are packed in a jar topped with the fabric of your chosen bikini. So cute!
In Zurich available from July 20-22, 2017 at a pop-up shop at Residence K.

And now happy sunbathing…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht