Sandra‘s Closet

After CC creams have already revolutionised the cosmetics market, alessandro International is now launching the first Colour & Care nail polish. The new all-in-one nail regime offers an extra dose of active ingredients to strengthen the nail structure. Thanks to its light coverage the individual skin colour will be illuminated. CC Polish Colour & Care is the new must-have for all those no-make-up-lovers who want an extra dose of care.

The colour palette offers four nude shades that harmonise well with all skin tones.

In summary, the CC Polish formula offers six advantages with just one application:
– A high dose of care thanks to a valuable cocktail of active ingredients
– A corrective concealing effect to cover ridges, marks and irregularities
– Natural coverage for a radiant nude look
– ‘5-free’, avoidance of ingredients that are harmful to health (formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), camphor, formaldehyde resin, toluol)
– Skin-optimising effect due to individual colour selection
– Long-term regeneration of nail structure when regime is used

What a clever idea, I like! The new CC polishes are available now for CHF 17.90 each. For store locations in Switzerland please visit www.alessandro.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Paris-born Francis Kurkdjian is revered as one of the world’s most talented perfumers; he worked behind the scenes for many years, creating fragrances for fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dior, and Jean Paul Gaultier. In 2009, he introduced his own fragrance house, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and created an alluring collection of scents. The acclaimed perfumer draws inspiration from his hometown, the City of Light.

His newest creation «À la Rose» is a tribute to femininity, a declaration of love for all women captured in a fragrance. Queen of flowers, the rose knows no boundaries and has inspired those in the creative arts for centuries.

A rosy duo in one fragrance: Two varieties of rose have bestowed the radiance and richness of their petals on this Eau de parfum: two hundred and fifty Centifolia roses from Grasse (May Rose) in the form of an absolute produce a very floral base note with sweet honeyed and carnal accents. One hundred and fifty Damascena roses from Bulgaria in the form of an essential oil create a top note with a playful blend of pear and lychee.

If you think that this is one of those in-your-face kind of rose perfume, you are mistaken, it is light and delicate. It is close to skin, perfect for the summer.

FLORAL/WOODY

Top notes: Damascena rose from Bulgaria, bergamot from Calabria and orange from California
Heart notes: Violet and magnolia blossom
Base notes: Woody cedar, musk and Centifolia rose from Grasse

In Switzerland «À la Rose» Eau de Parfum 70 ml is available now for  CHF 218.00 at Perfumery Osswald in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Every year, I am curious which shade will be announced by global color authority Pantone as the official color of the year. For 2015, it is a soothing and comforting tone, which could be an inspiration for a balanced and more fulfilling life: MARSALA. Much like the fortified wine that gives it its name, this tasteful hue with its grounding red-brown roots embodies a satisfying richness and a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

A hearty yet stylish tone, the impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors. I like it extremely in combination with mint green. It’s time to fill your wardrobe with the new It-shade!

Leather bustier by Kiki de Montparnasse

Fringed suede trench coat by Valentino

Textured-leather travel wallet by Smythson

Marsala, a slightly muted wine shade. It’s much deeper and more winter-friendly than last year’s bright, showy purple, Radiant Orchid, which means it’s kind of perfect to start wearing right now. If you’re into it, here are a some great beauty products in the hue:

Marsala for Nails: Chanel‘s Le Vernis in “639 Exception“, CHF 35.00

Baume De Rose Nutri-Couleur – Bloom Berry by By Terry

Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks in 11 Prune Impertinente by Yves Saint Laurent

5-Colour Eyeshadow in 876 Trafalgar by Christian Dior

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog. Check it out – there are more interesting products available.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Pantone, Etsy, Valspar Reserve, pica4u.ru – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Yesterday evening, a really fun event for the readers of L’OFFICIEL Switzerland magazine in collaboration with DIOR took place at Jelmoli in Zurich. The exclusive invitation could be found in our recent February issue and was dedicated to the launch of the brand’s new DIORSKIN NUDE AIR collection.

In my position as editor in chief of L’Officiel Switzerland. I welcomed the guests together with Michelle Fisher, Dior’s make-up expert, who shared some amazing tips with us.

One of the biggest trends in fashion and beauty is the no makeup look which means you wear makeup without looking like you do. Dior is a true pioneer in achieving this natural look with the new DIORSKIN NUDE AIR line: weightless velvety freshness, a foundation that breathes, a range for flawless skin with a incredibly fine, exceptional texture, as light and beneficial as a breath of fresh air, for an enhanced complexion with sheer correction. Like after a day in the great outdoors,you achieve the fresh, radiant beauty of a natural healthy glow.

The DIORSKIN NUDE AIR range includes:

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR SERUM FOUNDATION
A few drops of this ultra-fluid are enough to create perfect nude makeup with a velvety finish and a no-makeup feel that is both ultra-natural and luminous. Made with oils that evaporate instantly, the talc-free Diorskin Nude Air formula deposits an undetectable film of makeup on the skin. Dior introduces Oxygen Activ™ technology, an innovative combination of a hyper-oxygenated oil, Cranberry oil, vitamins and minerals. Revitalised, the skin breathes and becomes more beautiful each day.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR LOOSE POWDER
Impressively light, this loose powder sets and protects makeup while protecting skin from urban assaults.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR POWDER COMPACT
The powder compact transparently unifies and mattifies the complexion to create the illusion of a fresh and radiant glow.

DIORSKIN NUDE AIR TAN BRONZING POWDER
Available in a range of naturally blended shades, the bronzing powder warms the skin tone giving a sunny complexion that radiates vitality.

Guests were able to experience this new light makeup along with the complete range of DIOR products during the night and were able to get a complete makeover.

The DIOR team: Michelle Fisher, Giuseppe Oltolini and Manuela Pastore with me.

Sophie Handke and Nina Aryapour with me

Personally speaking, it was so lovely to meet my readers last night. Some had even come from Basel, Zug and other Swiss cities. This morning, the first photos of yesterday’s event popped up on my Facebook wall and I am happy to share them with you. Thank you, ladies, for coming, for posting, for commenting and for being loyal readers of L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. You are the reason I am doing this job with all my heart!

LoL, Sandra

Young Park with me

Jackie and Paula Iller with me

Jo Dema and Bojana Veljkovic with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (A huge thank you to my daughter for taking them!)
Thank you to Sophie Handke, Nina Aryapour, Jo Dema, Bojana Veljkovic and Young Park for the lovely pictures!

For all fragrance addicts, this is great news: AJ ARABIA is a new perfumery house founded by Ali Aljaberi in Abu Dhabi. Original fragrances that combine the best of French perfumery with the treasures of the Arabian Desert, in a breathtaking packaging inspired by the beautiful Arabian architecture.

The fragrances will be numbered rather than named, and are designed to be worn by both men and women.

AJ ARABIA BLACK COLLECTION I
«Arabian hospitality in a bottle»

Top Notes: Cinnamon, Cardamom
Heart Notes: Incense, Cypress
Base Notes: Sandal Wood, Musk, Cedar Wood

AJ ARABIA BLACK COLLECTION II
«Sweet Arabian seduction»

Top Notes: Plum, Mandarin
Heart Notes: Rose, Sandalwood
Base Notes: Musk, Vanilla, Moss

I personally love the second oriental fragrance, Black Collection II, that features fruity top notes, a woody-floral heart and a classic dry-down. This delicate and fragrant perfume with its enticing aromas takes you on a journey to the marvelous heritage of the Middle East.

Both fragrances (50ml) are available exclusively in Zurich at Perfumery Osswald for CHF 396.- each.

Speaking of Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to enter the amazing contest with Etihad HERE. For more information about the ultimate shopping experience that you can win with me in Abu Dhabi, click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of AJ ARABIA

Jo Malone will launch Incense & Cedrat in February. The new fragrance was inspired by Omani incense and joins the Cologne Intense Collection. Celine Roux, Fragrance Director, says: “It’s the most historic and precious incense in the world. We loved the way it’s so intrinsic to Omani culture, often layered with other scents. This made complete sense to us as the philosophy of Fragrance Combining™ is an intrinsic part of our DNA.“

Omani incense has never before been captured in perfumery before. Marie Salamagne, Master Perfumer, explains the technique behind: “The really special thing about this project is that we used NaturePrint™. We spent months scouring Oman for the finest incense before bringing it back to the laboratory. When I smelt the NaturePrint™ note it was instantly inspiring. It was so close to nature. The traditional smokiness was there but there was also a freshness, something illuminating.“

The Omani incense, which is harvested from the Bowsellia sacra tree, is found in Dhofar, Oman. Incense is extracted by incising the bark. At certain times of year the trees are cut with special knives releasing tears of fresh resin which are left to dry in the sun. At the beginning of April, as soon as the temperatures start to rise, the incense gatherers cut the frankincense trees in many places. The first ‘cut’ consists of paring off the outer bark of the branches and trunk. Then three more follow. The process requires great skill and the same families work on the harvest for centuries.

Incense & Cedrat features a headspace note from the Boswellia sacra (frankincense) tree. Additional notes include lemon, pepper, elemi, labdanum and benzoin. Jo Malone Incense & Cedrat will be available as 100 ml Cologne Intense for CHF 165.00 from February 2, 2015 in Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

A great tip regarding Fragrance Combining™ comes from Marie Salamagne: “In combination with another Cologne Intense, Oud & Bergamot, it develops a sophisticated woody note that’s hypnotic and masculine. And for a completely different mood, try layering Incense & Cedrat with Red Roses. It creates a multi-faceted rose fragrance, spicy and sensual with incense.”

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

This will be my new beauty addiction for February: this limited edition collection consists of 50 clutch sized lip colors named after the characters in Tom Ford’s life. Finally, I can fit my favorite lip color in the teeny-tiny little bags that we all will carry this summer. Here is the selection to choose from, another tough one.

NUDES TO BROWNS
Holden – Vanilla suede (existing shade)
Beau – Blush nude (existing shade)
Henry – Warm sable (existing shade)
Gustavo – highly pearlized rich mocha with purple pearl
Pavlos – intense cherry brown

SILVERS TO BLACKS
Casey – highly pearlized white
Orlando – highly pearlized pinky platinum
Peter – highly pearlized rose gold
Stavros – highly pearlized rich grey
Alasdhair – rich blackened orchid

METALLICS
Kyril – highly pearlized clean white silver
William – Pink dune (existing shade)
Sebastian – highly pearlized gold copper
Omar – highly pearlized intense rich bronzed copper
Blake – highly pearlized reddish copper

LIGHT PINKS TO MAUVE
Ian – highly pearlized metallic pink rose
Flynn – neutral pale pink
Addison – Pink dusk (existing shade)
James – Twist of fate (existing shade)
Richard – Negligee (existing shade)

POP PINKS TO ROSES
Alexander – light rose pink
Patrick – pasty muted coral
Michael – vibrant pinkish coral with small level of pearl
John – hot blue pink with heavy pearl
Giacomo – deep rose

FUCHSIAS TO MAGENTAS
Preston – bright pop blue pink
Justin – vibrant rich blue pink with blue pearl
Cooper – Pure pink (existing shade)
Jack – rich blue orchid
Francesco – intense blue magenta

CORALS TO ORANGES
Luca – highly pearlized pink/peach coral
Matthew – pasty coral yellow undertones
Adriano – True coral (existing shade)
Tomas – highly pearlized burnt metallic orange
Rafael – bright tangerine

REDS
Rory – clean yellow gold
Diego – more intense version of “Firecracker”
Alejandro – Slander (existing shade)
Luciano – Deep blue cherry red
Leonardo – Smoke red (existing shade)

VIOLETS TO ORCHIDS
Olivier – highly pearlized soft lavender pink
Julian – light pearlized pasty white lilac
Pablo – bright magenta
Xavier – Violet fatale (existing shade)
Liam – rich grape

PLUMS
Colin – Indian rose (existing shade)
Cary – Casablanca (existing shade)
Didier – Moroccan rouge (existing shade)
Guillermo – rich purple fig
Wes – intense blackened plum wine

I want all the boys for me… The limited edition collection will be available in Switzerland from February 23, 2015 at the Tom Ford counters Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

As you might imagine, my long hair needs a lot of care. Therefore I am always very happy when I am able to try some new hair products. Kérastase‘s new addition to their Elixir K Ultime line made my heart leap with joy.

Thanks to two technological breakthroughs: oil blending, or the art of classifying and then mixing the most remarkable oils chosen for the perfect synergy between them; high tech challenge, or the art of creating new hybrid textures that, with the mere touch of the fingertips, transform and merge with the hair fiber, Kérastase is opening up new horizons and using the many different forms of oil in innovative textures that represent a complete break with the past, for winningly gorgeous hair with glimmering shine.

Three new precious products have arrived to complete the iconic Elixir K Ultime line:

Metamorph’oil, pre-shampoo purifying for the hair with an unprecedented jelly texture
CHF 43.00 (150ml)

Bain Oléo-Riche, which offers a total-immersion bliss for the fiber
CHF 31.00 (250ml)

Solid Serum, grand finale of the hair sublimation, for unequalled smoothness and shine
CHF 43.00 (18ml)

Available exclusively at your Kérastase hair dresser.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Kérastase

When I go to bed, I really enjoy being relaxed, especially after a tough day at work or some intense traveling. Sometimes my mind just drifts away and my head is filled with thoughts or things I need to do. Then, I love to use some of the L’Occitane Aromacholgie products that truly work their magic when it comes to relaxation. It’s like having a spa treatment at home.

Relaxing Pillow Mist
Made with essential oils, this mist can be sprayed in your bedroom or on your pillow to create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being. 100% natural scent with proven soothing effectiveness.
CHF 25.00 (100ml)

Relaxing Massage Body Oil
This rich massage oil helps to relax the senses and ease away tensions. Made with sweet almond oil from Provence, it leaves skin supple and satiny.
CHF 36.00 (100ml)

Relaxing Perfumed Sachets
Filled with dried lavender and beads scented with essential oils, these sachets release a relaxing fragrance, making them ideal for bedtime.
CHF 20.00 (2 x 25g)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Occitane

New, limited and perfect for Valentine’s Day, The Body Shop is launching the Smoky Poppy body care line which is enriched with real, hand-picked poppy flowers from the Ankara region of Turkey. This sensual and indulgent range is infused with a seductive, euphoric scent that will leave you longing for more.

The packing is really beautiful and the scent absolutely tempting. When I opened the box filled with all those beauty must-haves, I was immediately taken by their intoxicating, seductive and captivating blend of sultry spices, elegant flowers and colorful shades.

From left to right:
Smoky Poppy Poppy Seed Peeling CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Body Butter CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Shower Gel CHF 9.90
Smoky Poppy Body Lotion CHF 19.90
Smoky Poppy Bath Bombs CHF 29.90
Smoky Poppy Massage Oil CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Eau de Toilette CHF 24.90

Smoky Poppy Deluxe Collection CHF 84.90
A great gift for Valentine’s Day!

The makeup range includes the following products:

Lips & Cheeks Velvet Sticks CHF 22.90 each
Poppy Universal Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick CHF 22.90

Yellow Poppy Shimmer Cubes Palette CHF 39.90
Pink Poppy Shimmer Cubes Palette CHF 39.90

Colour Crush™ Nail Polish in Cupid Pink, Mad About Blue and A Sunny Affair, CHF 9.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Body Shop and © Sandra Bauknecht