Sandra‘s Closet

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

Are you dreaming of having gorgeous legs? Cheat perfect post-holiday legs with This Works’ serum. Vitamins C and E even out skin tone and imperfections, while Arnica helps to fade bruising. What’s more, the bronze tint will give your legs a subtle sun-kissed glow. It can be used all over the body. Perfect Legs Skin Miracle by This Works.

It smells so lovely and works incredibly well. You will thank me forever!

LoL, Sandra

Miley Cyrus is the new face of M∙A∙C‘s Viva Glam campaign. Every cent of the selling of the two products below goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information click here please.

Lipstick
Viva Glam Miley Cyrus
Hot Pink (Amplified)
CHF 28.00

Lipglass
Viva Glam Miley Cyrus
Hot Pink with Sparkling Pearl
CHF 26.00

In Switzerland available from February 2015 at all M∙A∙C counters and online at www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics

Dear beauty lovers! It is this time of the year when I am looking for the best eye makeup palettes as most beauty brands are launching amazing limited edition products for the holiday season. In winter time, eyes should sparkle and shine in deep hues. I have always been a huge fan of smokey eyes and for this post I tried many palettes to present you my favorites. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it…:-). Here we go!

My favorite: YSL Palette Collector – Wild Edition – CHF 111.00

This is your little black book! The packaging of this palette is absolutely amazing. Including everything you need for eyes, lips and cheeks, you can carry it like a little clutch. The super chic satin tassel which is inspired by Saint Laurent’s passion for oriental styling gives it the ultimate touch.

DIOR 5 Coleurs in 046 Golden Reflections – CHF 90.00

Perfect for every day: when golden hues and metallic effects collide, they create a chic look. This palette is a token of femininity and a modern classic you can easily play around with.

CHANEL Les 5 Ombres de Chanel in Oiseaux de Nuit – CHF 80.00

For all night owls: the Chanel holiday eyeshadow palette with the eponymous name features five pretty shades: icy white, pale lavender grey, deep purple grey, black and antique gold. The texture is amazing and easy to apply.

LANCÔME Hynôse Palette Drama Eyes in Parisian Lights – CHF 79.00

Get ready for the party season with this limited edition Hypnôse eye palette from Lancôme. Play with dark, smoky shades and golden tones to create your dramatic look for the holidays, a spectacular eye made easy. The advantage of this palette is that you can use it wet and dry.

GUERLAIN Écrin 2 Couleurs in 10 Cygne Noir – CHF 62.00

For a magical mysterious eyes. Glistening black and copper-colored plum combine for a sophisticated finish. The perfect companion for the handbag because of its size.

Happy Self-Decorating!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Adriana Tripa and © Sandra Bauknecht

This announcement seems just natural: OPI is launching six new limited-edition nail lacquers inspired by Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ Fifty Shades of Grey, the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the worldwide bestselling book by E L James. Available in January 2015, the collection includes five grey nail lacquers in varying shades and textures, along with one rich red hue. Fifty Shades of Grey arrives in theaters on Valentine’s Day weekend of 2015. As you know, I binge-read the trilogy (click here for my book review) and cannot wait to see the movie.

The OPI collection includes the following shades:

My Silk Tie
This silky, gleaming silver has got me all tied up.

Romantically Involved
I’m in a deep relationship with this luscious crème red.

Dark Side of the Mood
This brooding, stormy charcoal is dangerously gorgeous.

Shine for Me
This shimmering silver with subtle blue sparkle really turns me on!

Cement the Deal
I’d sign anything to get my hands on this stony, cool gray.

Embrace the Gray
Let this chic, moody gray crème become one with you.

Each nail lacquer shade features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The collection will be available from 19th January 2015 for a limited time only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Now, that the CHANEL Cruise 2015 collection, that was presented last May in Dubai (for the previous post please click here), is hitting the stores, the exclusive limited edition “RÊVE D’ORIENT” eye palette is also available (in Switzerland now at Jelmoli).

Reinterpreting velvet eyes in a collection inspired by the eternal East, the eye makeup is driven by the power of intense black down to the tips of the lashes, and lights up with a hint of gold in a precious glimmer on the eyelids. Precious down to its last details, each eyeshadow is adorned with a star motif, a reference to the magical nights of the legendary Orient. Isn’t this eye make-up to die for?

Get this amazing makeup look:

The complexion: PERFECTION LUMIÈRE VELVET, ÉCLAT LUMIÈRE, CORRECTEUR PERFECTION, POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE, LES BEIGES and CAMÉLIA DE PLUMES – Exclusive Creation – 2014 Christmas Collection.

The eyes: LES 4 OMBRES Rêve d’Orient, ILLUSION D’OMBRE 85 Mirifique, ILLUSION D’OMBRE 90 Convoitise, LE CRAYON KHÔL 61 Noir, ÉCRITURE DE CHANEL 10 Noir, LE VOLUME DE CHANEL 10 Noir, LE CRAYON SOURCILS. The lashes are intensified with LE VOLUME DE CHANEL and false lashes. Small pieces of gold leaf are applied on the inner corners of the eyes (not for sale).

The cheeks: JOUES CONTRASTE 82 Reflexe.

The lips: ROUGE ALLURE 125 Indécise, LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES 189 Rose Rêvé and ROUGE ALLURE VELVET 42 L’Éclatante.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel, © Vincent Lappartient