Sandra‘s Closet

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

Hawaii Collection by OPI brings the fresh, bright colors of its namesake islands to nails and toes this summer. This new collection features a palette ranging from muted tones of mint, peach, pink and nude to bolder hues of coral, green, purple and gold to deep tones of mauve, violet, brick red and shimmery blue.

When I spotted the press release, I reminded myself that I still had this draft about a tour around Maui from 2012 that I haven’t published yet. Who has ever been there knows about its magic. The beautiful beaches, surfing, the weather, the islands’ lush greenery, colorful flowers, and yummy fish, the landscape that ranges from Scottish Highlands to a tropical rainforest, all together inspired those 12 fresh new nail shades.

“Printed, flowing fabrics dominated spring runways, with patterns and graphics in both bold and muted hues. Warm, ethereal neutrals in shades of rose, peach and mint added a soft, feminine note,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “That’s Hula-rious!, a pastel mint green from the Hawaii Collection, was seen at Charlotte Ronson’s S/S 2015 NYFW show; this shade was used to create a cutout half moon manicure that complemented the designer’s youthful presentation.”

Hawaii Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

That’s Hula-rious!
This pastel mint green makes me dance with joy!

My Gecko Does Tricks
Being bright and pearly green is just one of its talents.

Do You Take Lei Away?
On second thought, I can’t wait – I need this creamy nude now!

Is Mai Tai Crooked?
Get it straight – this fruity orange crème is fabulous!

Go with the Lava
Flow You can feel the heat shimmering off this golden red.

Aloha from OPI
Let’s give a warm island hello to this bright creamy coral!

Suzi Shops & Island Hops
A light and happy pink that’s the perfect traveling companion.

Just Lanai-ing
Around This dark, creamy mauve says “hang loose!” in style.

Hello Hawaii Ya?
In this gorgeous, dusky purple, I’m doing just fine.

This Color’s Making Waves
This shimmery, lagoon blue has got heads turning.

Lost My Bikini In Molokini
With this reef-inspired purple, what’s one bikini more or less?

Pineapples Have Peelings Too!
The heart of the matter lies in this gold shimmer with colorful sparkle.

Hawaii nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The new shades will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas from 15th February, 2015.

If you are interested in some previous posts from Maui, click on the highlighted links below:

Aloha from Maui

On Top of the Volcano – Maui Sunset Dinner

Last Night in Maui – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of OPI, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

You’ll be blooming’ gorgeous with those cheerful colored stains for lips and cheeks. A must for all globetrotting’ celebs, makeup artists and gals everywhere, those products that come in four different shades, give you the sexiest flush you can get from a bottle. A kiss-proof and smudge-proof, indelibly sheer tint, it gives an innocent yet provocative glow to keep everyone guessing. My 5-second makeup for a healthy look.

Since last summer, each of the current range of lip and cheek stains has a little sister, with benebalm, lolllibalm, chachabalm and posiebalm joining the iconic Benefit family.

My personal two favorites are benetint, the classic, and posietint, a poppy-pink stain. 
TO SHOP ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Benefit and © Sandra Bauknecht

“White is the color of perfection” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Institute. No other color – and yes, white is a color – has the range of moods that white does. Produced by the combination of all the colors of the visible spectrum, it can be warm and embracing, crisp and clean, or change its character according to the time of day or the time of year. It is most often associated with innocence, perfection, honesty, cleanliness, the new, neutrality and lightness. Whatever your trajectory, this is your blank canvas to run with.

Get the look: Chain-embellished wool-blend felt coat by Victoria Beckham, sequin-embellished silk-georgette mini dress by Saint Laurent, Espey crystal-embellished elaphe box clutch by Kotur and Matilda sandals in white textured-leather by Givenchy.

CLINIQUE Aromatics In White

Clinique has dedicated its newest fragrance launch to the color white. A very interesting edition, a successor of the Aromatics Elixir classic. A sensual and powdery scent that offers strength and an unquestionable magnetism.

CHYPRE MUSK
Top notes: Violet Leaf Accord, Cistus and Sichuan Pepper
Middle notes: Rose Water, Orange Blossom and Patchouli
Base notes: Amber Gris, Musk and Benzoin

Clinque Aromatics In White is expected to make its appearance in most key markets now while in Switzerland supply is anticipated from January 15, 2015 exclusively at Marionnaud before other retailers will follow in March 2015.
CHF 105.00 (50ml) and CHF 78.00 (30ml).

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via http://bubbelsoda.tumblr.com

NARSissist (NARS∙is∙sist) (n.) – lives by her own rules, not afraid to express herself in every look, mood or attitude. Effortless charm with a bottomless makeup bag.

One to watch. Eight to swatch. The NARSissist keeps her eyes (and options) open with the limited edition Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette that features eight dual-intensity eyeshadows and a specially designed wet/dry eyeshadow brush. The perfect tool for traveling with shades for a neutral or dramatic look.

Shades include: All About Eve, Madrague, Fez, Bali, Coconut Grove, Madrague ll, Nepal, Ashes to Ashes, Brousse, Mekong, Bellissima, Lhasa, Bad Behavior, Dogon, Pandora.
NARSissist Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette will be available for CHF 95.- from March 2015 in Switzerland.  In other countries already for sale online. Double-takes never looked so good.

LoL, Sandra

Still: Courtesy of NARS

The name of Guerlain‘s newest fragrance launch alone had me intrigued: FRENCH KISS. Belonging to the Exclusive Collections LES ELIXIRS CHARNEL that previously included Chypre Fatal, Oriental Brûlant, Gourmand Coquin, and Floral Romantique, and which is designed for perfume-lovers who enjoy rare scents, exquisite ingredients and absolute refinement, the floral fruity scent is as spellbinding as a sensuous kiss.

Top notes: Litchi and Raspberry
Middle notes: Rose and Violet
Base notes: White Musk, Vanilla, Orris Root and Heliotrope.

FRENCH KISS is such an addictive scent that made its way extremely fast into my boudoir. It is available now at Guerlain counters for CHF 260.00. In Switzerland at Manor Geneva, Bon Génie Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Guerlain