Sandra‘s Closet

The CHANEL Les Indispensables de L’Eté Cruise 2017 Makeup Collection, created by Lucia Pica, is full of fun and richly colored additions to your current makeup stash. The colors all have an element of summer mixed into each product included in the lineup that is available now.
Discover more here:

FACE

CHANEL Les Beiges Poudre Belle Mine Ensoleillé Powder – CHF 70.00

This powder is a miracle product as it can be used to enhance or highlight, and even works as a bronzer. The powder is ideal for a custom glow over foundation as it sets makeup and provides a finish that is sheer but luminous.
• Light
• Medium Light
• Medium
• Medium Deep
• Deep (In Switzerland this shade is only available at the CHANEL Parfums et Beauté Boutique in Geneva)

LIPS

CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine – CHF 46.00

This season, the iconic lipstick comes in two new extremely beautiful shades. Its high impact lip shine is also very hydrating for lips.
• Golden Sun – sunny peach – (Limited Edition)
• Golden Sand – warm intense nude – (Limited Edition)

CHANEL Rouge Coco Stylo – CHF 46.00

Two new colors to choose from. The stylo is the easily adjustable, on-the-go lip-gloss option. I love it!
• Panorama – soft beige (Limited Edition)
• Esquisse – coral pink

NAILS

CHANEL Le Vernis –  CHF 33.00

The new shades of Chanel Le Vernis nail polish are very special. I adore their milky opaqueness creating a stable color base for three of the new shades of an orange, a peach and a pink. But the real star is the deep stormy grey with the green shimmer built in.
• Coquillage – bold, milky orange
• Coralium – milky coral
• Sea Whip – milky pink
• Sargasso – grey with blue-green shimmer

EYES

CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara –  CHF 47.00

CHANEL’s amazing mascara is designed to volumize lashes, improve separation and add noticeable length and curl to them. Now it is available in two limited shades.
• Brun Profond – deep brown color – (Limited Edition)
• Vert Profond – deep green – (Limited Edition)
(In Switzerland both shades are only available at the CHANEL Parfums et Beauté Boutique in Geneva)

CHANEL Stylo Yeux Waterproof – CHF 35.00

Designed to look rich with a single sweep across the lids, those eyeliners stay thanks to the formula until you are ready to wash them off.
• Horizon – black – (Limited Edition)
• Terra Rossa – eggplant – (Limited Edition)
(In Switzerland both shades are only available at the CHANEL Parfums et Beauté Boutique in Geneva)

Sail away with CHANEL’s new Cruise Collection and get into the intense lightness of summer. Natural glamour, solar beauty, dashes of colours. Summer has never been so sensual.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht

With email at your fingertips, nonstop group texting, and around-the-clock social media delights and distractions, actually making the time to unwind and shut down at the end of the day can be pretty difficult. My stay at LANSERHOF truly helped me to regain some energy and to boost my beauty sleep which is still for me the most important aspect when it comes to a healthy glow.

While I was at the famous detox retreat, I forgot about my beauty regime (something I love to do from time to time). Sometimes the secret to perfect skin could be about using a minimal amount of product and slapping it on in under three minutes…

CLINIQUE Pep-Start Eye Cream
CHF 36.00 (15ml)

«Snap, pop, swipe»! Here is an eye cream that really make you look «wide awake» even if you haven’t gotten 8 hours of rest. The first thing to love about this eye cream is its packaging. It’s housed in a tube with a plastic cap and a ball-tip applicator. Though it might seem confusing at first, dispensing is a snap: Just pop the ball tip applicator up, squeeze and swipe. The skin feels instantly hydrated, a real energy boost. I recommend carrying it in your bag for a quick fresh-up during the day (it can be applied over the make-up).

SISLEY SISLEŸA L’Intégral Anti-Âge
Extra-Rich for Dry Skin Day and Night
CHF 450.00 (50ml)

A major factor of aging is linked to personal lifestyle. Everyday stress, life’s hardships and various excesses deregulate the biological life cycle of cells. This behavioral dimension, the third dimension of aging, affects the face even more than genetic or environmental aging. Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge fights against the visible signs associated with the 3 types of aging to provide a truly complete anti-aging solution. The results are spectacular on wrinkles, firmness, radiance, density and hydration to preserve the skin’s beauty. From the first few applications, lines are smoothed, skin is plumped and durably moisturized. Signs of fatigue are reduced, the skin glows (also available for normal skin).

DIOR Hydra Life Moisturizing Tinted Aqua-Gel
Immediate Beauty SPF 30
Water BB 020
CHF 68.00 (30ml)

Inspired by Asian beauty rituals and developed in partnership with Dior makeup artists, this amazing water-based product combines the moisturizing and protective powers of a skincare with the complexion-perfecting and skin-evening properties of a foundation. Its featherweight texture conceals imperfections and reduces surface irregularities, revealing flawless skin instantly. You look like you are wearing no make-up and are provided with a healthy glow. I love it!

GUERLAIN La Petite Robe Noire
Deliciously Shiny Lip Color
020 Poppy Cap
CHF 42.00

Lipstick is the absolute symbol of femininity and seduction. This deliciously shiny lip color provides you immediately with a healthy appearance as it reveals the lips’ natural radiance, leaving them supple and comfortable. What I love most is its buildable coverage thanks to its thin film: one layer to offer a glimpse of the sensual texture of the lips, several for a more dense and sophisticated finish. I personally love to add a touch of orange if I am not wearing any make-up.

LoL, Sandra

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

As you know, I am a huge fan of niche fragrances and haute perfumery. But there is one Maison that has always impressed me with its “commercial” launches and that is GUERLAIN. Founded in 1828, the French perfume, cosmetics and skincare house is among the oldest in the world. Perfumes by Guerlain are often said to be characterized by a common olfactory accord known as the “Guerlinade“. Let me introduce you to the newest creation:

Thierry Wasser at work

This spring, Guerlain, that was acquired in 1994 by the LVMH group, has launched a new fragrance for a strong, free and sensual woman, MON GUERLAIN, orchestrated by Guerlain Master Perfumer Thierry Wasser. The new women’s fragrance is embodied by Angelina Jolie, an icon of modern, multi-faceted femininity.

Angelina Jolie, the face of Mon Guerlain

Why her? “We create perfumes for the women we admire” said Jacques Guerlain, creator of mythical fragrances such as Shalimar, L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. Thierry Wasser, Guerlain’s Master Perfumer, drew his inspiration from Angelina Jolie to create a fragrance expressing the idea of the “notes of a woman”: the choices, emotions and dreams that embody modern femininity.

The partnership between Angelina and Guerlain was agreed in Cambodia in December 2015, where she was directing her film First They Killed My Father. It has its roots, however, in Angelina’s childhood memory of her own mother’s love of a Guerlain powder. Angelina Jolie is a filmmaker, Special Envoy of the UN Refugee Agency and co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative. She has donated her entire salary from the Guerlain campaign to charity.

At the heart of the fragrance composition is Tahitensis vanilla – also present in Jicky, Shalimar and Habit Rouge – joined by Carla lavender, Sambac jasmine and sandalwood. Melding fresh and sensual feminine and masculine notes, this audacious accord gives Mon Guerlain its power and modernity.

Mon Guerlain – Carla Lavender

The bottle for the new fragrance revisits the celebrated quadrilobe bottle, inspired by an alchemist’s flacon, designed by Gabriel Guerlain and crafted by Baccarat in 1908. One century later, it is beautifully enhanced by a luxurious glass weight and a golden adornment.

The Mon Guerlain fragrance collection features:
Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum spray 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum bottle 1 l

 Mon Guerlain Perfumed Body Lotion 200ml and Mon Guerlain Perfumed Shower Gel 200ml.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Last week, I was invited by RAUSCH for a hair treatment and blow dry at MURAT TOKAY. The beautiful salon is located close to Bahnhof Enge in Zurich and Murat, whom I know from his previous job at Charles Aellen Company before he opened his own salon three years ago, is a true figaro, who has an extremely good eye for hair.

Murat Tokay in Zurich

But let’s come back to the company that has actually invited me, RAUSCH. Founded in 1890, it is still owned in third generation by the Baumann family. Guaranteeing the highest possible percentage of natural raw materials from nature, the Swiss brand uses the power of herbs for the health of your hair and skin. The philosophy is pretty impressive. Extracted from 87 herbs, oils and plant extracts, RAUSCH combines centuries-old herbal knowledge from convents with the most modern scientific technique. Premium quality, ideal tolerability and sustainability, the tensides used in RAUSCH haircare are produced using renewable raw materials and are ideal for cleansing and treating both hair and scalp.

My new hair beauty regime

When you start using the products, you might not have the wow-effect you will get from the ones that use a lot of silicones as they coat the hair in a plastic like substance which sits on the strand’s surface giving the appearance of silky soft and smooth hair, but which are actually not so good for the long term health of our hair. Why is that? It is pretty simple, the coating will prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.

It makes absolutely sense to me. By using natural products, your hair will actually benefit in the long run, rather than offering a temporary mask that will cause your hair to worsen overtime

Let’s be frank, 125 years’ experience of careful dealings with herbs seems to be pretty trustworthy. Great news is that the products are fairly priced.

Me getting the hair analysis – on the iPad in front of me I could see my strands enlarged.

I got started off with a hair analysis and was very happy to hear that my scalp and hair is absolutely healthy, just very dry. Therefore they recommended their Egg-Oil NOURISHING SHAMPOO, that is said to nourish the structure of dry hair with valuable proteins from fresh egg yolk and wheatgerm extract. The best? It smells like cake dough. Promise me, to try it! At least smell it, it is so good!

With my new hair beauty regime that was recommended to me, I will hopefully enjoy shiny, bouncy hair styles like the one Murat created for me last week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Rausch

Ladies, let’s be honest! When it comes to skincare, to maintain or achieve youthful, radiant skin, the struggle is real. Therefore I would like to introduce you to the newest wonder potion on the planet: La Prairie’s White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion. I had the honor to try it for one month before the official launch and love its power. This outstanding pearl elixir transforms your skin in just four weeks. For real!

Think of this new skin miracle as liquid light in a bottle. I am talking about protection against environmental factors and skin stressors, plus dark spot correction. And whilst admittedly, it’s not cheap, it will do wonders for your skin. Brighten, lift, recapture the luminosity of younger-looking, healthier skin with White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion.

How does it work?
The scientists at La Prairie have developed a new proprietary breakthrough in the complex science of brightening skin as they discovered that skin’s uneven tone and loss of luminosity are due not only to melanin-induced spots but also to redness and dullness. Therefore they developed a formula – the first of its kind – that works to fight not one but all three types of skin chromatic disorders revealing luminous, healthy skin.

Everyday stress can lead to permanently irritated skin expressing signs of inflammation and redness. Stress factors include: lifestyle-induced cortisol, UV light, pollutants and chemicals that damage the skin’s natural protective barrier. Atmospheric and domestic pollution that assaults the skin, particularly in urban areas, contributes to a grey, dull complexion. Mature, dry or sensitive skin types are especially vulnerable to pollutants. The shell of the caviar pearls in White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion shields the skin from these harmful particles, forming a protective “second skin”. Its unique structure allows active ingredients to penetrate the skin while shielding it from particles and heavy metals that can damage cells and contribute to a dull appearance.

In stores now for CHF 558.00 (30ml). And trust me, you’ll love the results!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie Switzerland

The issue of aluminium chlorides in deodorants has been discussed among manufacturers, scientists and consumers for a couple of years, now. There are different points of view in the interpretation of scientific research, some of them see potential health hazards caused by the regular use of aluminium salts in deodorants, such as breast cancer.

In order to be on the safe side, I had been looking for the best natural deodorant for quite some time, one that actually works and will leave you stink-free the whole day.

The new WELEDA 24h Deo Roll-on is one that I can truly recommend. I love the sensual scent and long-lasting protection. All three versions use essential oils and ingredients to neutralize odor-causing bacteria without aluminium salts that close the pores and disrupt the body’s innate detoxification. Like this the regulating skin functions are retained.

Weleda Citrus 24h Deo Roll-on
Natural essential oils of lemon and litsea cubeba have a refreshing effect and provide for a pleasant smell.

Weleda Pomegranate 24h Deo Roll-on
The exotic combination of orange and davana creates a sensual fragrance experience with balsamic vanilla notes.

Weleda Men 24h Deo Roll-on
The tart scent of vetiver combined with essential oils of the Litsea cubeba invigorates and provides a pleasant feeling of freshness.

Available now for CHF 9.50 each (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

For twenty-five years, the absolute glamour of the iconic MUGLER fragrance ANGEL has captivated the senses into a unique olfactory vortex.

Nicolas Cloiseau, Creative Director of La Maison du Chocolat, has captured the deliciously surprising notes of this fragrance, blending bergamot, red fruits, praline, vanilla and patchouli, and interpreted its three accords to create three rare chocolates, vibrating with the legendary Angel notes.

CELESTIAL – First tasting note, top note.
A delicate fruit paste with a crisp acidulous attack of moist mandarin, followed by the citrus notes of elegant bergamot with lemon zest, gently tempered by a milk chocolate ganache.

DELICIOUS – Middle tasting note, heart note.
Nostalgic vanilla cotton candy with red fruits and slivers of moist cranberries rev up the delicate layer of praliné with notes of biscuits and nuts enrobed in a layer of dark chocolate.

VOLUPTUOUS – Final tasting note, base note.
An intense patchouli attack with woody and vanilla notes, almost smoky, in a warm sensual dark chocolate ganache with notes of honey and vanilla bourbon.

STAR – A nod to Angel…
A star with chocolate from Madagascar featuring acidulous notes of red fruits on the palate then notes of nuts persist.

Shelf-life: 10 to 26 days. Available to order from April 24, 2017 here.

For all Angel lovers, I recommend to also get the new ANGEL Eau Sucrée Limited Edition 2017, created by perfumer Dorothee Piot, that was first presented in 2014 and which is now back for a few summer months.

“ANGEL EAU SUCRÉE is an ode to sweet indulgence. Sensual and mischievous, EAU SUCRÉE concentrates the aromas of confectionery treats in a swirl of tangy freshness and tantalizingly sweet indulgence. The sugar-coated star glitters with the promise of tangy, decadent delight. “

ORIENTAL VANILLA
Top notes: Red Berries
Middle note: Meringue
Base notes: Patchouli and Vanilla

This year’s bottle is coated in a slightly shimmering cobalt blue glaze. The box is decorated with blue and silver stripes, inspired by the codes of traditional confections.

The limited edition Eau de Toilette is in stores now for CHF 69.00 (50ml, not refillable).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mugler and La Maison du Chocolat

Today I would like to introduce you to the ROSE COLOGNE COLLECTION –  three new fragrance expressions inspired by AERIN LAUDER‘s favorite flower. Those light and luxurious scents are perfect for every occasion and mood. I am already addicted to all three. Even that they are colognes, they last extremely well due to their distinguished ingredients and are great to be sprayed on your clothes, linens, and in a room. A lovely Easter gift for a loved one!

“I love long walks on the beach. The roses in my East Hampton garden seem to bloom effortlessly surrounded by the natural beauty of the dunes, water and sky.”
— Aerin Lauder

LINEN ROSE Eau de Cologne

A floral amber rose fragrance that evokes the joy of a relaxed, casual day at the beach, with cool white linen sundresses and sun-kissed roses. Its modern, effortless and free-spirited scent captures the pure simplicity of a rose touched by the salty-cool ocean breezes, open to the sea, sand and sky.

The energizing rush of sundrenched top notes scatter Orange Flower petals among Lemon Leaves to create a vivid burst of freshness. They flow through the enveloping warmth of the rose-filled heart of the fragrance: White Bulgarian Rose, exotic Ylang Ylang, refreshing Coconut Water, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Bulgarian Rose Oil and Rose Bouton. Like the sun upon the sand and sea, a golden glow emerges in the final notes of Vanilla and Amber. Sun-bleached Vetiver adds the final modern note of depth and refinement.

“In Asian gardens, serenity and sensuality balance each other. The roses are cultivated to bring out their seductive fragrance and the peaceful atmosphere is like a quiet meditation on beauty. ”
— Aerin Lauder

BAMBOO ROSE Eau de Cologne

A green floral rose scent blend that brings to mind the formal beauty and artful simplicity of an Asian garden. A scent that draws you irresistibly on as you follow the trail of roses deeper and deeper into the garden.

A refreshing top note of Sicilian Bergamot and Mandarin Blossom fuse effortlessly with dewy Green Leaves for an impression of delicate, elusive femininity. A profusion of White Bulgarian Rose, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Rose Infusion and Rose Centifolia is enhanced by the cool allure of Jasmine Petals. The final shimmering touch is a hint of Pink Pepper, Amber and Musk.

“There’s something so natural and free about the fragrance of an English garden rose. The exhilarating scent comes from its strength as much as its beauty. It’s like a rush of energy.”
— Aerin Lauder

GARDEN ROSE Eau de Cologne

This scent takes you into the English countryside, filled with the irrepressible scent of wild roses. Lively, lush and free spirited.

This fresh floral rose scent opens with the natural green notes of Geranium wrapped around the fresh floralcy of Rose Bouton Sauvage. Like a bud opening, the heart of the fragrance unfolds to reveal the uninhibited splendor and depth of White Bulgarian Rose, the rich, full-bodied Rose Bulgare and lush Rose Centifolia. Together, they capture the irresistible spirit of the English garden rose, blooming boldly in the sun, enhanced with the smooth warmth of Sandalwood and Amber and softened by Musk.

The Aerin Rose Cologne Collection is now in stores for CHF 200.00 (200ml) each. In Switzerland exclusively at Globus and esteelauder.ch.

TO SHOP THE NEW AERIN ROSE COLOGNE COLLECTION ONLINE WORLDWIDE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aerin Lauder

Yesterday evening, I attended the long awaited opening of SEPHORA in Zurich as a shop-in-shop concept at Manor located at Bahnofstrasse 75.

Craziness a few seconds after the doors opened at Sephora Zurich.

Here are some facts:
Selling Space: 65 m² (small, but filled with great stuff)

Staff: 10 sales associates and one shop manager

Question: which Becca highlighter should I get…

Exclusive brands: Made In Sephora, Too Faced, Make Up For Ever, Marc Jacobs,
Becca, Dr.Jart+, Tony Moly, Caolion, Skinfood, Too Cool for School

Other brands available: Nars, Benefit Make Up and Benefit Skincare

Services: Sephora Make Up Bar and Benefit Brow Bar
Thanks to Click & Collect at manor.ch/sephora customers can order all their favorite products online and get them delivered to their preferred  Manor department store in Switzerland.

A goody bag filled with so many amazing products… thank you, Sephora!

Founded in 1969, Sephora is today part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and present in 32 countries worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Myriam Françoise at the opening yesterday.

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Andrea Monica Hug and © Sandra Bauknecht

Chinese fashion designer Min Liu brings her personal twist on Chinese traditionalism to a mythically charged M·A·C collection. Meditating on the creation and rejuvenation of life, it features bold reds, deep peony pinks and misty metallics, capturing the flow of energy that connects mountains, oceans – and all of us.

This makeup collaboration is nearly otherworldly beautiful. The artwork alone is as amazing as nearly any other one that M·A·C Cosmetics has produced.

Pearlmatte Face Powder – Limited Edition – CHF 49.00
The stunning wave pressed into the powder is beautiful and the blend of the colors will create the ideal look on nearly any face.
First Waves – pink, red, grey-beige oversprayed with pearl

Cream Color Base – Limited Edition – CHF 32.00
All Year Red – warm bright red

Eyeshadow x 2 Fortune Duo Lotus – CHF 33.00
Pink – bright pink matte
Platinum Shadow – sparkling silver

Fluidline – CHF 26.00
Blacktrack – black (Repromote/ Permanent)

Lipglass – Limited Edition – CHF 29.00
Fortune Red – warm bright red
Peach Blossom Pink – peachy pink

Lipstick – Limited Edition – CHF 31.00
Dynasty Red – matte warm bright red
Peach Blossom Pink – matte peachy pink

Makeup Bag – Limited Edition – CHF 33.00

Brush Bag – Limited Edition – CHF 59.00
129SE Powder / Blush Brush
263SE Small Angle Brush
246SE Synthetic Fluffy Eye Brush

In Switzerland in stores now exclusively at Jelmoli, M·A·C stores Lucerne and Zurich and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © M·A·C Cosmetics