Sandra‘s Closet

«I love seeing a woman in a man’s suit. Why not have a lipstick named after a man?» – Tom Ford

My dearest ladies, it is time for you to meet the new boys. Tom Ford has it all worked out for us, lipsticks and the stronger sex, what else do we need. LIPS & BOYS is a 50-piece lipstick lineup that unveils now 25 new shades, literally 25 new boys, including for the first time, 10 modern matte shades, all available now for CHF 39.00 (2g) each.

From nuanced nudes like Bradley and Alexander to the unabashed bold reds of Nicholas and Dominic, all lipsticks come with specially-treated pigments that deliver pure color to suit our every mood. What I love most about them is the small size as they fit perfectly in my evening clutches.

My favourite shades? Patrick, a fresh and vibrant coral and Ashton, a rosy berry.

If you are living in Zurich, come and visit Jelmoli this weekend. You are invited to experience the new lipstick collection in the presence of some handsome male models – each of them representing another type of boy. And of course your favorite one will pose with you for a cute selfie that you can share on instagram with the hashtag #TFLIPSANDBOYS.

For all living abroad, the new shades are also available online HERE.
Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Johannes Diboky and Courtesy of Estée Lauder

Mariah Carey, «songbird supreme», has once again teamed up with M·A·C Cosmetics for a second holiday-themed makeup collection. The singer has dazzled us with her songs and timeless contributions to music for decades and now brings her extraordinary glamour for the second time to an iconic makeup collection with M·A·C that’s all you’ll ever want. After a successful 2015 partnership, Carey and M·A·C are ready for round two and we are, too.

Needless to say, there is plenty of glitter incorporated into the collection itself, which includes many beautiful sparkeling products that I can absolutely recommend for the festive season. I am anyway a «smokey eyes – nude lips» type of girl and Mariah Carey x M·A·C offers everything I adore.

#MACMariahCarey is available now. Have a look at all the products below and happy weekend shopping:

LIPSTICK – CHF 31.00
All I Want – champagne shimmer (Frost)
Bit of Bubbly – soft pinky nude (Cremesheen)
Dahhlinggg! – pinky peach (Cremesheen)
MCizzle – cool peach (Cremesheen)
I Get So OOC – shimmering brown (Frost)

LIPGLASS – CHF 29.00
It’s Just Like Honey – tan shimmer
Rainbow Interlude – soft white shimmer
Little Miss Monroe – true gold shimmer
Dreamlover – dirty pink shimmer
Butterfly Bling – pink bronze shimmer (Online Exclusive)

PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCIL – CHF 33.00
So Dramatique – deep brown
New Ombre – cool peach

I’M THAT CHICK YOU LIKE EYESHADOW X 4 – CHF 60.00
Whenever You Call – yellow gold (Veluxe Pearl)
Can’t Escape Me – dirty mocha with gold pearl (Satin)
Golden Petals Scattering – cool brown shimmer (Frost)
How You Thrill Me – rich dark brown (Satin)

IT’S EVERYTHING EYESHADOW X 4 – CHF 60.00
Diamond Butterfly – silver white shimmer (Frost)
I’d Give My All – muted mid-tone grey (Lustre)
Images of Rapture – muted black with red shimmer (Velvet)
Twinks – deep plum with pearl (Veluxe Pearl)

LIQUID EYE LINER – CHF 31.00
This is My Night – rich brown-black

POWDER BLUSH – CHF 36.00
You’ve Got Me Feeling – light candy pink
Sweet Sweet Fantasy – deep coral

LOOSE POWDER – CHF 49.00
Touch My Body – radiant gold shimmer

EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH – CHF 56.00
My Mimi – warm gold shimmer

BRUSHES
183 Buffer – CHF 69.00
239 Eye Shader – CHF 40.00

LASHES – CHF 19.00
05 – 36

On my shopping list:
Extra Dimension Skinfinish, Buffer Brush, Lipstick in Dahhlinggg! and Lipgloss in Dreamlover.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer, Clarins has opened the doors of a new beauty temple in Zurich. Hard to believe, this new concept marks the first of its kind for the French brand in Europe.

Located in the city center at Gebergasse 6, just around the corner of the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse and very close to the Jelmoli parking, the new Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa houses the complete range of products, from fine scents to high performance skin care on the ground floor.

One level up, the skin spa welcomes its customers for the most exclusive skin treatments. The second floor is reserved for the in-house training center. Altogether, the shop has a size of more than 280 square meters.

Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa opening party in Zurich

I truly recommend a visit to indulge into the world of Clarins. In 1954, Jacques Courtin-Clarins had a pioneering vision when he opened his first Clarins institute in Paris. Still today, the house is known for creating luxury products based exclusively on plants as the eternal source of inspiration and innovation.

Flown in for the occasion: Prisca Courtin-Clarins (SPAs, My Blend and Retail Director Clarins), Laurent Malaveille (General Manager Clarins Switzerland) and Natalie Bader (CEO Clarins).

During the hectic holiday season, let time stand still while you enjoy a treatment, and some time for yourself. Or find a little gift for a loved one as this very cute advent calendar that I got for myself.

24 days filled with little surprises, beauty products in small sizes that I love to take with me when travelling. Available for CHF 99.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

Jo Malone will launch Myrrh & Tonka, a new unisex fragrance in the Cologne Intense Collection, in January that follows 2015’s Orris & Sandalwood.

This amazing addictive scent uses the potent sap of the Namibian myrrh tree and blends it with a little dose of warm almond and lush vanilla from the tonka bean. It was developed by perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui.

What was the inspiration behind the fragrance?

The idea of Namibia, with its sand dunes and warm desert colours, conjured up the romance and emotion of faraway lands. Myrrh felt like the perfect note to use for a new and innovative Cologne Intense. Once enriched with the note of tonka, the fragrance gives a real sense of richness, travel and escape.

The Cologne Intense collection works with rare, ritualistic ingredients; what makes Myrrh & Tonka an ideal addition to this collection?

Both the myrrh and the tonka have a decadent and addictive quality that chimes with the Cologne Intense concept of rarity and opulence. I felt that the collection was missing a fully warm, sensual and rounded Oriental feel. We do already have a resinous incense note elsewhere in the collection, in Incense and Cedrat, but it’s cut through with a citrus that amplifies the fresh nature of the Incense. However for Myrrh & Tonka, we headed in the opposite direction and reinforced the richness of the resin rather than trying to contrast it. Even though the final fragrance is deep, it stays true to our philosophy of simplicity and clarity; that’s because it’s a short formula with very few extra ingredients, making it easy to layer with our existing fragrances through our Fragrance CombiningTM ritual.

How was the Myrrh harvested?

We wanted to go to the source of the myrrh and I had the privilege of travelling to Namibia to be part of the harvesting process. It’s a long, long journey and, once there, it feels like a very distant land. Once we landed in the country, it was another eight hours travelling into the mountains to get to our destination.
The trees they collect the myrrh from are called Omumbiri trees – they seem almost dead when you look at them as they grow in the dryness of the desert. But a few times a year the trees produce a sap that comes out like a resin; it’s a mechanism that the tree harnesses to fight potential bacteria, and the myrrh has a wonderful purity to it because of the altitude and climate.
Accumulating the resin is a ritualistic process in itself. The sap is very gluey so traditionally they would cut the tree trunks to get it. But in this region, to preserve the tree, they don’t touch it at all: they wait until it’s become dry and either scrape it from the tree or they wait until it falls off. With their method there’s no waste, the trees aren’t damaged and the whole experience is very simple and clean. And because of the nature of the crystals you can keep them for a week or two, unlike flowers that you have to work with immediately as they’re so fragile. I’ve never seen something so beautifully uncomplicated.

How would you describe Myrrh & Tonka as it warms and develops on the skin?

Right at the top there is a hint of lavender and a little floral to make the opening effect comforting and voluptuous. The big, rich heart and base note of myrrh is sensual and balsamic, with hints of amber and licorice. And the tonka brings generosity. There is also a touch of vanilla, cypriol and gaiac wood, which together deliver a smoky tobacco note to the perfume.
It’s a fragrance that’s quite linear: that means that from the top to the bottom it more or less stays the same. It’s very stable in its evolution, and that’s something quite rare in perfumery.
It’s sensual and addictive, captivating and mesmerising.

Top Note: Lavender
Middle Note: Omumbiri Myrrh
Base Note: Tonka Bean

Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka will be available as 100 ml Cologne Intense for CHF 165.00 from January 2, 2017. In Switzerland at Globus Geneva, Globus Lucerne and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Recently I was invited to preview M·A·C‘s beautiful Christmas collection «Nutcracker Sweet» and the holiday kits at the brand’s store at Bellevue in Zurich (Rämistrasse 2, 8001 Zürich). It was a very sweet event with a ballerina and tons of fun make-up products to try.

Leap into a magical land that’s a bit nutty, a little naughty, bursting with whimsy. Lose yourself in an eccentric kingdom of oversized treats and rosy-cheeked nutcrackers.
Twist, turn and tumble deeper into the land of dolls. Our story has only begun…

Who knows what thrilling adventures are in store? A collection of kits invite the unexpected, with fabulous hues leading the way for an imaginative evening.

LIPSTICK – CHF 31.00
Kingdom of Sweets soft, milky pink (cremesheen)
Flamboyish hot deep pink (matte)
Saucy Little Darling deep coral red (amplified crème)
So Good For You Furiously Festive intense cool red (matte)
Leap of Delight deep plum purple (matte)

MAGIC DUST EYE SHADOW – CHF 31.00
Dance Flowers Dance light pink
Pretty Dainty pink coral shimmer
Rabblerouser bright intense pink
Forward March peachy gold shimmer
Dark Lullaby midnight purple
Mustache black with gold sparkle

MAGIC DUST POWDER – CHF 45.00
Yum Yum Yum soft pink with gold pearl
Sweet Vision pinky peach with gold pearl

PIGMENT – CHF 35.00
Rose rose with copper sparkle
Process Magenta bright magenta

KOHL POWER EYE PENCIL – CHF 24.00
Powersurge bronzed brown with golden shimmer
Prunella purple
Feline black

Don’t miss the holiday kits that make a great gift for your mum, a beloved friend or yourself. Here are some of my favorites. You can explore more in stores.

NUTCRACKER SWEET RED LIP BAG – CHF 68.00
Vamplify in Suggestive intense blue-red
Lipstick in Candy Cane intense blue-red
Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Trust In Red bright cool red cream

NUTCRACKER SWEET NUDE LIP BAG – CHF 68.00
Vamplify in Tuned In mid-tone rosy nude
Lipstick in Magic Spell mid-tone mauve nude
Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in In Control brown mauve

NUTCRACKER SWEET COOL EYE COMPACT – CHF 64.00
Enchanted Beauty pale pink shimmer (lustre)
Absurdly Pretty matte raspberry (matte)
Plum Darling metallic charcoal plum (lustre)
Performance Art mauve with silver pearl (lustre)
Nutcracker deep blackened purple (satin)
The Wrong Man pale cool pink (satin)
Sugar Plum dirty grape (matte)
Marzipan muted plummy taupe (matte)
Quite Spoiled muted mid-tone lilac (satin)
214/213 Dual-Ended Brush

The collection is now available at all M·A·C counters, M·A·C Stores and www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and © Sandra Bauknecht

Sure, anyone can make her face look perfect in any photo (Thanks, Instagram filters!), but the same can’t be said for in real life. Exception: TEMPTU‘s innovative Air Glowing Complexion Kit makes creating an airbrushed, flawless look at home a breeze, thanks to its amazing technique that shortcuts you to Photoshop-esque perfection.

Suitable for all skin types, its easy-to-use dual voltage system quickly delivers sheer, buildable coverage that’s natural-looking and virtually weightless. It has three speeds that allow you to customize the level of coverage, focus on specific areas and erase blemishes. You can achieve pro results in less time than it takes to apply traditional makeup. The portable device has a globally-compliant micro-USB port and rechargeable battery that lasts up to three weeks.

Find the right foundation shade here.

Airpod Makeup is dermatologist recommended, oil free, and hypoallergenic.
– The oil-free Champagne highlighter will brighten your complexion
– Create or enhance a sun-kissed glow with the Warm Glow bronzer

Something else that I find absolutely an amazing idea is TEMPTU‘s haircare system that temporarily colors roots in between salon visits. I don’t color my hair so I didn’t try it but I remember my days as a blonde and those horrible times in between when the outgrowing roots really got on my nerves.

As I am convinced about the innovative technology for the make-up appliance, I am pretty sure it will also work for the hair. This non-greasy, vitamin-enriched formula uses the brand’s airpod™ airbrushing technology to seamlessly tint your tresses and is transfer and water-resistant for up to 24 hours. It’s weightless texture won’t leave a stiff or sticky residue so your hair will feel soft and touchable.

Just choose the right Airbrush 24-Hour Root Touch Up & Hair Color as they are compatible with the portable device that you are using for your make-up. You can also use it for your eyebrows.

Have a lovely weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Temptu

Thierry Mugler takes the success of his famous gourmand scent Angel from 1992 a step further with the launch of «Étoile des Rêves», a special reinterpretation made specifically for the night and its rituals, available as Eau de Parfum and scented candle. Enriched with large quantities of soft white musk it provides the illusion of silk lingerie and cashmere blankets.

Wrap yourself with a delicate negligee of scent as you unveil a new night ritual with the sensual ANGEL «Etoile des Rêves» Eau de Parfum. This new star product is an intimate, intense version of ANGEL with an intoxicating fragrance that lasts… all night long. Even the stars won’t resist you!

Fragrance notes: bergamot, praline, vanilla, patchouli, musk
CHF 125.00 (100ml)

Reinvent your night ritual with the ANGEL «Etoile des Rêves» Scented Candle. Inspired by the glamorous boudoir tradition, this delicious scented candle diffuses the intimate, sensuous atmosphere of ANGEL Eau de Parfum all night long…

Fragrance notes: bergamot, tropical fruits, vanilla, caramel, patchouli
CHF 84.00 (160gr)

Both products are available now only for a limited time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mugler

Beautiful natural colors that suit every women, makes up that wakes up, that provides you with that certain glow we all wish for. Recently, I got a request from a dear reader about the products I use for my nude lip colors, here you go: meet EDWARD BESS – of course not without serious hair envy. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Edward Bess would discover his muse early on. With an innate sense of style and attention to detail, Edward has dissected beauty around him for as early as he can remember.

“Even as a young boy my mother and three sisters looked to me for beauty advice – a glimpse into my future guiding women to look their best.”

At age 15 on a trip to New York City, Edward auditioned for the Professional Performing Arts School to study theater. Edward’s acceptance into the famed Manhattan theater school exposed him to cultural inspirations at every turn. As Edward continued his theater studies, he was approached to consider modeling. At age 18, fully immersed in modeling, Edward moved to work in London. His days were filled with castings and photo shoots as he soaked up the adventure of living abroad. These experiences would further influence and define Edward’s style as he set out to share his vision for women.

The face of beauty would be revolutionized by Edward’s next endeavor. “I decided to create a collection of lip colors that flattered all women – and would never go out of style,” he says. Assembling ten lipsticks and five glosses together in a sleek lacquer box, Edward named his first foray Lip Wardrobe. He debuted his lip colors in 2006 at Bergdorf Goodman, meeting with customers excited for his hand-picked shades. Edward’s talent and passion for beauty was clear – Lip Wardrobe sold out on its debut.

Ultra Slick Lipstick – Tender Love

As word spread, women flocked to meet the 20 year old behind the buzz and have Edward personally select their lip colors. Edward expanded his range and introduced wearable shades for the eyes and face, also unveiling his Black Sea skincare range.

Black Sea Precious Pearl Perfector, 47ml

In 2010 Edward Bess launched at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, establishing the brand’s pared-down philosophy across the country. The long list of celebrity followers continued to grow. Edward Bess made his international debut in Paris with the launch of his coveted collection at Colette in 2012, satisfying the demand abroad for the brand’s signature edited look.

Defining Lip Liner – Natural

 Today, Edward’s collection has conquered the world of beauty all over the world and I have become a very big fan. His passion for making the world a more beautiful place, one woman at a time, lies at the heart of his “less is more” approach to beauty.

TO SHOP THE EDWARD BESS COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
Also available at Osswald Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Edward Bess

“I believe in manicures.”

The words famously uttered by film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn could not ring truer at OPI. That’s why the number one salon brand worldwide is unveiling Breakfast at Tiffany’s – a holiday collection that captures the elegance and effervescence of Audrey as Holly Golightly in the American cinema classic.

The collection’s It-shade: I Believe in Manicures

The new limited edition Breakfast at Tiffany’s shades take their inspiration from Audrey’s classic beauty and sense of playfulness. Timeless reds and burgundies share the marquee with sophisticated, chic glitter shades. The collection also evokes the film’s most memorable fashions, including Holly’s sexy pink party frock, statement-­making little black dress, and elegant five-­strand pearl necklace. And the collection wouldn’t be complete without a signature shade aptly named I Believe in Manicures.

All Breakfast at Tiffany’s nail lacquer shades are also available in GelColor, for a salon-­perfect finish with two-­week wear. I Believe in Manicures – along with five additional shades in timeless hues of pearl, wine, burgundy, coral and dark purple -­ will also be available in OPI’s Infinite Shine No Light Gel Lacquer formula, part of a three-­step gel lacquer system that offers long wear, shine and ease of removal.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s shades offered in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

I Believe in Manicures
And I believe in this precious, light blue.
(Available in all three formulas: GelColor, Infinite Shine, and nail lacquer.)

Champagne for Breakfast
Wake up to this bubbly, sparkling silver.

Black Dress Not Optional
This elegant Little Black Dress black is a must-have.

Apartment for Two
Make room for this cozy, romantic raspberry.

Rich & Brazilian
Get a Brazilian, compliments when you show off this rich burgundy.

Meet my “Decorator”
A hot little red for rendezvous and other “meetings.”

Got the Mean Reds
Everything will be all right…just put on some red!

Fire Escape Rendezvous
Make a date with this matte, glittery ruby.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s
A matte pearl for early morning window shopping.

Sunrise…Bedtime
A glittery dawn pink for night owls and party girls.

Can’t Read without my Lipstick
This creamy, elegant maroon is one for the books.

Five-and-Ten
Indulge in a little retail therapy with this shimmery champagne.

Additional Breakfast at Tiffany’s shades offered in both in GelColor and Infinite Shine formulas:

Girls Love Pearls
Just like this lustrous silver, they add a touch of class to everything.

I’ll Have a Manhattan
This sleek dark purple mixes perfectly with classic cocktails.

Can’t Tame a Wild Thing
This daring red is too free to let anyone pin it down.

Ring the Buzzer Again
Anyone who wears a scarlet this rich is too fabulous to carry a key.

Party at Holly’s
Come by at 6, this burnished mahogany is the perfect access to a wild night.

The collection includes a dazzling array of holiday gift items. My favorite? The luxurious “Mini Mani Month” – a set of 25 OPI Mini Nail Lacquers that makes the perfect surprise for all beauty lovers.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by OPI is available now.
Nail Polish 15 ml : CHF 19.90 • Infinite Shine 15 ml : CHF 24.90.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI. Breakfast at Tiffany’s ©2016 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. Audrey Hepburn™ & logo image™-­‐trademark, copyright ©2012 and likeness property of Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti -­‐ All rights reserved.

Tom Ford goes green with the launch of four new scents (in Switzerland only three will be launched) in the designer’s sophisticated Private Blend Les Extraits Verts line.

Seventies style isn’t just trending down the runways this fall season, it’s also coming to your grooming cabinet. Those daring and intoxicating interpretations of perfumery’s classic ‘green‘ note are the perfect companions in rainy weather as they are reminiscent of beautiful spring days. All four of the chypre fragrances are unisex. Personally speaking, I like Vert Bohème and Vert de Fleur for women, the other two are definitely very masculine.

Vert d’Encens
Sophisticated, aromatic and wild, Vert d’Encens is inspired by the rugged Mediterranean coastlines of Corsica. Smoky incense, pine resin and fir balsam evoke the dense forest and rugged peaks, while delectable heliotrope and woods heighten the grand atmosphere of sea and shadow.

Vert de Bois 
Unique, deep and provocative, Vert des Bois represents a new evolution for green scents, introducing provocative woods at their most expressive. Poplar bud extract acts as an inventive ingredient in modern perfumery. This extract from the unopened buds is further driven by spiked ouzo, evoking the deepest thicket of snow-laden forest.

Vert Bohème
Bright, ethereal, fresh, and entirely divine, Vert Bohème sparkles like a jewel in the sun. It is Tom Ford’s most free-spirited fragrance interpretation with Sicilian mandarin and magnolia that both are exuding bohemian feminity. Moreover, it is exquisitely enhanced with Gustavia, also known as the tree of heaven, known for its spectacular single blossoms that last for just one day.

Vert de Fleur
Pleasant, exuberant and sophisticated, Vert de Fleur is a glamourous scent with a modern flourish of iris and hyacinth. A bouquet of floral accords is complemented with classic notes of galbanum and vetiver for a fragrance that evokes 70s glamour with a contemporary allure (not available in Switzerland). SHOP VERT DE FLEUR EXCLUSIVELY AT HARRODS.

In stores now for CHF 250.00 (50ml) and CHF 660.00 (250ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford