Sandra‘s Closet

Each month, I could dedicate at least one post to M∙A∙C Cosmetics. Their collaborations get better and better. This one is definitely to die for as I am a huge fan of the late legendary photographer, Helmut Newton. Limited Edition celebrates the erotically charged and elegant work of this icon. A regular contributor to Vogue and Vanity Fair, Newton is known for his precise, glamorous and empowering photography of women.

Helmut Newton, October 31, 1920 – January 23, 2004

This limited-edition color collection captures the photographer’s provocative, exquisite taste, dressing wine-stained lips in sultry rogue while darkening eyes in the black and white shades of his signature aesthetic. Nails are lacquered in colors inspired by Monte Carlo and Berlin, two of his homes. A selection of Newton’s most iconic photographs adorns the bespoke packaging – his work remains as distinctive and influential as ever.

Have fun exploring the new beauty must-haves:

POINT ‘N’ SHOOT EYESHADOW X4 | CHF 60.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Real Fantasy Soft eggshell (Matte)
Hard Currency Grey (Matte)
Influential Brown (Satin)
Point ‘n’ Shoot Black (Matte)

LIQUID EYE LINER | CHF 28.00
Boot Black Black

UPWARD LASH | CHF 34.00
Upward Black Black

RETRO MATTE LIQUID LIP COLOUR | CHF 32.00| LIMITED EDITION

Chateau M Deep red wine
High Heels Red
Self Portrait Dark plum

M∙A∙C STUDIO NAIL LACQUER | CHF 18.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Berlin Purple (Crème)
Call Time Grey (Crème)
Monte Carlo Red (Crème)

In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics, © Helmut Newton

La Roche-Posay‘s skincare line LIPIKAR has offered the perfect nourishing products for extremely dry skin. Moreover the brand has been supporting families with children who suffer from atopy to help them make their daily life easier. If you are not familiar with the term, here is a brief explanation: atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Patients have defective skin permeability and a hyperreactive, unbalanced immune system. The skin is very dry, sensitive and tends to be red and itching.

Filaggrin, a protein of the skin which ensures adhesion between cells in the outermost layer of the skin, is deficient. In addition, the skin lacks the lipids which are naturally found on its surface and which protect it from potential allergens. Under these circumstances, irritants found in the environment and which are usually well tolerated, such as pollen, dust and certain hygiene products, can penetrate the skin and cause a flare-up of eczema.

From November 1 to December 31, 2016, La Roche-Posay is launching a great campaign in Switzerland. People are encouraged to post a photo with a blue balloon on www.laroche-posay.ch. For every 500th shared balloon, one Swiss child will receive for one year free LIPIKAR products.

LIPID-REPLENISHING BALM LIPIKAR BAUME AP+
soothes immediately the skin and spaces out flare-ups of severe dryness.
Available now for CHF 22.00 (200ml) and CHF 28.50 (400ml).

LIPID-REPLENISHING CREAM WASH LIPIKAR SYNDET AP+
helps reduce severe dryness starting in the shower.
Available from November 2016 for CHF 24.50 (400ml)

Don’t forget, sharing is caring!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Roche-Posay and © Sandra Bauknecht

«All great things begin with a vision… a dream.» – Estée Lauder

On Tuesday, I flew to New York City as the first digital influencer for Estée Lauder Switzerland. During the next days, I will experience and share with you some really amazing moments. I will be meeting with Aerin Lauder and Carolyn Murphy, who has been the face for the American beauty brand since 15 years. I will visit the brand’s archives and be celebrating six decades of limitless luxury as the famous «Re-Nutriv» cream turns 60. In 1956, Estée Lauder introduced the «cream of creams» that marked the first milestone in creating a beauty empire. She was a true visionary and sold the product for $115 at a time when the average price of a moisturizer was $10.

A warm welcome by Aerin and Carolyn with a handwritten note and some of my favourites.

Today, the American beauty brand is as trendsetting as 60 years ago, catering to different needs of women of all age groups. Their newest coup? The absolutely mind-blowing collaboration with Victoria Beckham.

«I love to make women feel like the best versions of themselves.» – Victoria Beckham

That was Victoria’s vision for her collaboration with Estée Lauder. Incorporating her taste for wearability, quality and femininity, this makeup collection includes flattering hues, sleek packaging and blendable formulas.

Don’t miss my hero buys that I brought with me to NYC (from left to right):
Eye Metals – Bitter Clove, Lipstick – Brazilian Nude, Lip Pencil – Victoria and Lip Gloss – Moroccan Heat.

The collection is inspired by four different metropoles that you can buy as a set, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly:

New York City Look

Paris City Look

London City Look

LA City Look

TO SHOP THE COMPLETE VICTORIA BECKHAM x ESTEE LAUDER COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE. In Switzerland, it will hit the shelves on October 13, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder and © Sandra Bauknecht

How does your complexion survive 10 days of Zurich Film Festival and a weekend at the Oktoberfest before? Looking in the mirror the next morning after not a lot of sleep, champagne and smoke around you can be quite shocking. But there is hope – here is my new survival product!

For centuries, caviar has been known to be a magical source of dense, rich nutrients, known for its power to enrich and regenerate skin. More than 25 years ago, LA PRAIRIE journeyed to the depths of the sea to capture precious caviar beads and harness their rare restorative powers. The result was the wonder of Skin Caviar, created with potent ingredients from caviar.

2016 marks the launch of a new groundbreaking product: the SKIN CAVIAR ESSENCE-IN-LOTION that I would like to recommend to you as your first sophisticated step in your daily beauty ritual due to its light yet potent formula that is the perfect preparation for your skin. It contains Caviar Water, a highly concentrated infusion that is leaving the skin refined, firmer and perfectly moisturized. This new prerequisite helps you to achieve an increased performance of your routine.

Whereas classic lotions contain regular water, Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion is made with exclusive caviar water, the distillate obtained through the steam distillation of caviar beads.

This technique allows to get a different blend of components than the ones obtained from a classical extraction. In lieu of regular water, caviar water complements the properties of La Prairie’s rare and precious caviar extract, known for its firming and lifting benefits.

So sophisticated, Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion enhances the skin’s tone and helps to immediately improve skin’s hydration and elasticity, offering women a new exquisite experience.

The treatment lotion also features La Prairie’s extraordinary cellular complex. Believe me, it is your savior to revitalize dull skin.

How to apply:
• Apply AM and PM after cleansing and toning and before serum
• Apply 2-3 drops of the essence over the face with the palms of the hands
• Massage with gentle patting motions, skin is perfectly conditioned
• Follow with the usual treatment of Skin Caviar collection

Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion is available now for CHF 286.00 (150 ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie and © Sandra Bauknecht

The vivacity of late Mexican-American singer, Selena Quintanilla, lives on through the passion of her fans and her impact on Latin culture and beauty. The so-called «Mexican Madonna» got killed in 1995 by her former manager at the age of 23. Selena’s murder had a widespread impact. Major television networks interrupted their regular programming to break the news.

Inspired by the devotion of all those still touched by the iconic Latin legend. M·A·C Selena is a makeup collaboration tenderly curated with Selena’s sister. Selena not only taught us to move, she moved us—let’s keep that rhythm alive!

The line includes at least one deep red lipstick that reminds us of the iconic singer’s signature look. The name of the shade is «Como La Flor,» which is also the title of a single from Selena’s 1992 album «Entre a Mi Mundo».

LIPSTICK – CHF 31.00
Dreaming of You: deep wine (matte)
Como La Flor: muted cherry red (amplified)
Amor Prohibido: pinky mid-tone brown (glaze)

EYE SHADOW – CHF 28.00
Is It The Beat: deep black (matte)
No Me Queda Mas: warm dusty brown (matte)
Missing My Baby: light pinky nude beige (matte)
Fotos Y Recuerdos: bright warm pink (satin)
Selena: intense pearly violet (veluxe pearl)

LIQUID EYE LINER – CHF 28.00
Boot Black: intense black

OPULASH MASCARA – CHF 27.00
Optimum Black: intense black

TECHNO CUMBIA – CHF 39.00
Ven Conmigo: beige pink (matte)
Blunt: muted golden brown (matte)

BRUSH – CHF 54.00
129SH Powder/BlushLIPGLASS – CHF 29.00
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom: bubblegum pink with silver pearl

In stores from October 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Today, I would like to tell you about Penhaligon’s newest fragrance launch which is a mythical love story: Endymion Concentré EDP and Luna EDT.

In ancient Greek mythology, Endymion, the most handsome son of Zeus, was placed into a perpetual slumber by the Goddess of the Moon so that she could gaze upon him forever, his stunning face unmarked by the passage of time. The wishes of the Goddess were granted, and Endymion slept on for all eternity, his smile everlasting. And no wonder, for he spent his life forever dreaming that he held the moon, Luna, gently in his arms.

ENDYMION Concentré Eau De Parfum (for men)
Semi-Oriental

Top notes: Bergamot, Lavender, Sage
Middle notes: Geranium, Suede Accord
Base notes: Leather, Incense, Nutmeg

Endymion is a firmly established part of the Penhaligon’s collection, and now the fragrance house has launched a concentrated new version, an intense eau de parfum. To partner this iconic scent, Penhaligon’s has created Luna, a new fresh floral, that offers a feminine counterpart to the woody leather notes of Endymion Concentré.

Inspired by the light of a magnificent crescent moon that brightens one’s dreams, this luxurious new fragrance captures the intoxicating spirit of the mythical Goddess of the Moon. Hypnotic and sensual, Luna shines up from the dark water, illuminating the ink-coloured night sky.

LUNA Eau de Toilette (for women)
Fresh-Floral

Top notes: Bergamot Oil, Lemon Primofiore Oil, Orange Bigarade Oil
Middle notes: Rose Accord, Jasmine Petal Accord, Juniper Berry Oil
Base notes: Fir Balsam, Amber Gris, Musks

Both fragrances are available now for CHF 246.00 (100ml) each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Penhaligon’s

She’s back! Play it nice and charming in Ariana Grande’s shimmering neutral mauve lipglass, or get fresh and cheeky in matte orchid pink lipstick. Wear each shade alone, or layer together. Be a doll, and go GLAM! If you are interested, click here to see her first collaboration with the iconic beauty brand that was available last January.

Every cent of the selling price of M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass is donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund which to date has raised $425 million. Well done, bravo!

Lipstick
VIVA GLAM ARIANA GRANDE 2 in Deep Cool Pink (Matte)
CHF 28.00

Lipglass
VIVA GLAM ARIANA GRANDE 2 in Neutral Nude Pink
CHF 26.00

Available in Switzerland now at all MAC counters and online.
Shopping for a good cause, let’s do it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M·A·C Cosmetics

Alert to all trekkies! Spanning half a century, Star Trek and its loyal fans cross decades, influencing ideas and aesthetics of gender, race and intergalactic potential. As the sci-fi saga continues, delight in the beauty of exploration as M·A·C and Star Trek’s latest cinema generation joins forces in an exclusive makeup collaboration of astral hues.

The cosmic women of Star Trek not only made the series immortal, their powerful sense of style sent space-age fashion to a new frontier. Check out the new beauty must-haves:

LIPGLASS – CHF 29.00
Pleasure Planet – Set to Stun – Warp Speed Ahead – Khaaannnn!

LIPSTICK – CHF 31.00
The Enemy Within – Kling-It-On – LLAP – Where No Man Has Gone Before

TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC POWDER – CHF 45.00
Luna Luster – Strange New Words – Highly Illogical

SUPERSLICK LIQUID EYE LINER – CHF 32.00
On the Hunt – Pure Show – Nocturnal

PRESSED PIGMENT EYE SHADOW – CHF 36.00
Bird of Prey – Midnight
Th Naked Time – To Boldly Go

M·A·C STUDIO NAIL LACQUER – CHF 20.00
Enterprise – Skin of Evil – Holla-Deck

LASH – CHF 19.00
Wink of an Eye

Available now exclusively at all M·A·C Counters, M·A·C Stores and www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Rumours were out for a long time, now it is official! In 2016, the Maison Louis Vuitton is preparing to explore new territory after 70 years: perfume.

The new 7-piece fragrance collection. Even the bottles designed by Marc Newson are on point.

While unprecedented and firmly anchored in the House’s history, this olfactory path is not unchartered territory. Quite the contrary: it is informed by the trunk-maker’s legendary fondness for the vanity cases, travel asks and fragrances stamped Louis Vuitton that were created throughout the 20th century.

Toilets accessories from a Cora case in leather, 1927

By way of an olfactory prelude, the Maison Louis Vuitton unveils its creative atelier in the heart of Grasse, in the Provence region of France; the unique background of House Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, and the palette of exclusive raw materials he has assembled since his arrival. It is an invitation to travel, a prologue to an imminent departure…

ITINERARY OF A GRASSE NATIVE

Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, Louis Vuitton Master perfumer, 2016

Named Maître Parfumeur of Louis Vuitton in 2012, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud traveled the world for four years to perfect the first collection of Louis Vuitton perfumes.

Facade of the Bastide, Les Fontaines Parfumées, Grasse

As a schoolboy in Grasse, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud would walk by an imposing portal. He had no idea what sat behind the wrought iron gates that so intrigued him. Little could he have imagined that, in 2016, this very place would become his creative workshop.

At that time, fragrance still fanned through every street and alleyway in Grasse. One only had to breathe in to know what the perfume factories were distilling that day. Orange blossom, citronella, lavender, Jacques already knew those ingredients, by heart.

Burst of May roses from Grasse

At the age of eight, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud went to his father, a perfumer, and told him he wanted to follow in his footsteps. He learned perfume notes the way other children practiced piano scales. Every evening, his father gave him perfume blotters, dipped in essence and he would have to wait until daybreak to write a detailed description in the notebooks he kept with care. When he got good grades in school, his father allowed him to weigh out formulas. The day after receiving his high school diploma, he began working in a perfume factory in Grasse, where he learned to distill flowers. At 18, he created his first formula — but his father reminded him that becoming a perfumer takes much more than mixing a few scents together…

Years later, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud proved his parent right. With the development of the Vuitton-exclusive fragrance palette, he has gone one step beyond using the latest fragrance extraction technology, of course.

Emblematic Louis Vuitton natural leather

For example, while there are existing molecules simulating the smell of leather in perfumery today, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud insisted that the Vuitton perfume workshop makes their own. Using the light beige leather that covers the handles and straps of Maison’s trunks and handbags, the exquisite scent of the Vuitton leather is extracted following complex steps of steeping in alcohol and clarification until a clear and crystalline liquid is obtained. Free of any hints of sharpness or smokiness, the end result is soft, refined and utterly Vuitton.

Extraction process of the Louis Vuitton leather infusion.

And that’s not all. Jacques Cavallier Belletrud also uses the supercritical CO2 extraction method on precious fresh flowers like the Centifolia rose and jasmine. Exclusive to Maison Louis Vuitton, this method doesn’t use any heat so as to ensure that all of the delicate flowers’ scent facets are protected and retained.

Centifolia rose from Grasse, immersed in the fountain water, Les Fontaines Parfumées, Grasse.

THE FACE

Léa Seydoux

By way of this visual prelude, the Maison Louis Vuitton unveils a first hint of the upcoming campaign: “Beyond Perfume”. French actress Léa Seydoux is the face of the new Louis Vuitton fragrances.

A COLLECTION OF SEVEN OLFACTORY EMOTIONS From the airiness of Rose des Vents to the intoxicating Turbulences, the ecstasy of a first night with Dans la Peau to the mindful immersion in nature with Apogée; from the self-revealing Contre Moi to an exploration of a darker side with Matière Noire and the explosion of the senses with Mille Feux… Les parfums Louis Vuitton describe a journey of emotions.

Les Parfums Louis Vuitton will be available from September 1st, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Dramatic brows without the drama! Brow Sculpt elegantly adheres to your brow hairs shaping and gently filling in with matte colour. Its angled tip lets you size and shape your brows anyway you choose: use the flat edge for a natural diffused look or the pointed tip for a precise HD effect. Set your look with the built-in grooming brush. Naturally sculpted brows are just a sweep away.

BROW SCULPT
Omega light ash blonde
Cork warm blonde
Fling taupe blonde
Taupe light taupe
Brun taupe brown
Lingering medium brown
Spiked deep brunette
Stud deepest black brunette
CHF 28.00

BIG BROW PENCIL
Fling blonde
Lingering mid-tone warm brown
Coquette mid-tone neutral brown
Cork redhead
Spiked rich brunette
CHF 28.00

BROW DUO
Blonde omega/soba
Redhead espresso/cork
Brunette brun/coquette
CHF 39.00

Available from September 2016 at all MAC counters, MAC stores and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics