Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I was invited by Dior to Paris for an exclusive evening with Charlize Theron to celebrate the new communication of J’Adore, the house’s bestselling fragrance since 1999. The bouquet of flowers is already an icon and we all remember the amazing campaign in which the blonde actress mingled with Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Marlene Dietrich around 10 years ago. Now, in 2014, the story is picked up where it last left off, in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles with a breathtaking Charlize Theron who celebrates the future. And the future is gold… a new inspiration, an open mind. Everything is hopeful and possible.

I saw the commercial this week in a private screening. It is still highly confidential and I will be happy to reveal it to you in September. In the meantime, enjoy the photos of the wonderful night in Paris at Monsieur Bleu restaurant.

LoL, Sandra

With Raf Simons, Creative Director of Dior, one of my favorite designers.

Claude Martinez, CEO Dior Parfumes, Charlize Theron, Raf Simons, Katia and Sydney Toledano, CEO Dior

With lovely Sonya Burch-Baumann

Monsieur Bleu restaurant

My highlight of the night: Meeting Sean Penn

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, Jo Malone invited me to discover the house’s newest fragrance Wood Sage & Sea Salt, which is inspired by the English coast during a lunch at the Zurich lake.

“For me this fragrance is different. The sea air mixes with salty spray and the mineral texture of sand and rock. Like the scent of driftwood, it has a natural and fresh sophistication. A complex combination of wood and the sea is at its core. The feeling is of free-spirited liberty and joy.” says master perfumer Christine Nagel, the nose behind this new beautiful scent.

Unlike other beach scents that smell of coconut and suncream oil, Wood Sage & Sea Salt truly surprises you. It is reminiscent of English beaches and the harsh surroundings, such as wind, rain, sand in your mouth and salt in your hair, but still without loosing its sensuality and lightness.

AROMATIC
Top note: Ambrette seeds
Middle note: Sea salt
Base note: Sage

Fragrance Combining: Lime Basil & Mandarin for a fresh, woody scent.
Nectarine Blossom & Honey for a fruity, rich scent.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt is available from September 1, 2014 as 30ml (CHF 68.00) and 100ml (CHF 130.00) Cologne, Body Cream 175ml (CHF 99.00), Body & Hand Wash 250ml (CHF 64.00) and Home Candle 200gr (CHF 82.00).In Switzerland at Globus Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Recently, I was invited to Paris with Dior to discover their newest innovation: Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara. It was an amazing event as I was not only able to explore the new products, but also to experience the effect myself. Moreover, Dior did a professional photo shoot with me in their Boutique Ephémère Beauté Dior at 368 rue Saint Honoré in Paris.

The new mascara is truly special because it transforms your eyes with a single sweep, as if by magic. It pumps up extreme volume with the help of a thick brush, made from soft and supple elastomer, and gives your lashes a gleaming coat of deep black, or vibrant color due to its combination of waxes and a transparent gel base. For complete simplicity of use, you can rinse it off with just water or of course make-up remover. To put if briefly, it is the ideal mascara for those who want it all, right now.

Great news is that the new mascara comes in four different It-shades.
It-Purple – a dazzling, deep purple for a sophisticated allure. 
It-Blue – a saturated blue for electric eyes.
It-Pink – a pop pink for come-hither eyes.
It-Black – a breathtakingly deep black.

And here comes the most fun part of the new launch. The new mascaras are accompanied by four eyeliners Dior Addict It-Line Easy Liner in the same colors to mix and match. If you have ever felt insecure applying an eyeliner, this will be your chance to change this attitude. Applied in the blink of an eye thanks to its precision tip, its smooth fluid texture dries instantly. During the shoot in Paris, I got a great tip from the make-up artist: Make a dot where you want to end your line. You will see how easy drawing the line becomes because of  this little preparation.

For my photo shoot, we chose the Dior Addict It-Line Easy Liner in It-Blue and combined it with the Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara in It-Black. You can even layer the eyeliners… it is really fun playing around with the colors. Stay tuned as I will show you some fun combinations during the next weeks.

The new products are in stores now. Once you check them out, don’t forget to look also for the new Diorshow Mono Pop Eye Shadows that come in four shades. Adjust the intensity of your made-to-measure look and enjoy endless creativity!

We created a pretty big buzz when we started to shoot outside of the store…

If you like my look, please click here for more information.

Dior made this cartoon of me. I have to admit it is fun but I am not so sure if I really like it:-) …!
While you are reading this, I am on my way to Paris again with Dior for a very exclusive event. Stay tuned for more… I can only say J’ADORE DIOR!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally, summer has arrived in Switzerland and I couldn’t be any happier about it. I spent the last sunny days like probably most of you outside and really got impatient to get a nice tan. Here is a post dedicated to my favorite beauty musts for the sun. Whether you want to look slightly sun-kissed or savagely tanned, these bronzers and spray tanning products will deliver.

Especially on your first day at the beach (like me above in Maui – Happy 4th of July to my American readers by the way!!!), you don’t want to look too pale, so you better start getting organized now…

ALL YEAR AROUND
LANCÔME Flash Bronzer Self-Tanner Gel gives you the perfect glow in a record application.
CHF 45.00 (50ml)
GUERLAIN Terracotta Sunless Tinted Self-Tanning Gel smells well and gives you a golden skin tone in a second.
CHF 72.00 (150ml)
GUERLAIN Terracotta Sun Celebration La Lacque Couleur in 602 Tonka Impériale. This limited edition nail polish has the perfect shade to match your summer tan.
CHF 37.00

BEFORE TANNING – SUN PROTECTION
BIOTHERM Brume Solair Dry Touch SPF 30. I love this ultra-sheer, oil-free and waterproof sun protection spray for the body that leaves a dry and matte touch.
CHF 39.00 (200ml)
SISLEY SUNLEŸA G.E. Age Minimizing Sun Care SPF 30 is the “Rolls-Royce” among the sun protection products and I love using it specially for my face. It is waterproof, protects and also minimizes the signs of aging.
CHF 245.00 (50ml)

AFTER SUN CARE
GUERAIN Terracotta After Sun Cream prolongs your tan and restores comfort to the skin after a day in the sun.
CHF 72.00
SISLEY SUNLEŸA Age Minimizing After-Sun Care is the best product to minimize aging due to sun exposure. It hydrates and cools your face. I like to use it as a mask.
CHF 207.00 (50ml)

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, the new edition of L’Officiel Switzerland that is hitting the newsstands today is dedicated to beauty. When we put the issue together, we wanted to feature Swiss women who influence the world of beauty in our Alpine country. Above you see lovely Patrizia Schlatter (photographed by Robert Bellamy) who brought together with her business partner Marc Winiger a great idea to life: INTHEWHITEROOM, Switzerland’s first beauty walk-in centre located in Basel that combines classic cosmetic and medical aesthestic treatments under one roof, following its slogan “walk in and enjoy beauty“.

Massages, a nail studio, a cryosauna, tooth whitening, all is promised to be enjoyed on short notice. Alongside skincare and beauty treatments there is also a range of innovative cosmetic products from exclusive brands such Sisley, Ligne St. Barth, SBT, Butter London, Revitala and Alphasense.

The latter is also featured in the new L’Officiel magazine. ALPHASENSE SWISS COSMETICS is a great program invented by Tanja Medweth (see photo below) to fight the signs of cellulite. The gorgeous brunette who is also living in the Basel area researched for many years and came up with the help of scientists with a five-step program featuring a body roller to stimulate the circulation, a firming power gel that breaks the vicious cellulite cycle, a basic powder and a herbal tea that both help to eliminate overacidification in your body, along with slimming pants that worn at night emphasize the effect extremely.

Congrats to those two amazing women that help making our world more beautiful! And of course congrats to our Swiss national soccer team for reaching the round of 16!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of inthewhiteroom, Alphasense and © Robert Bellamy/L’Officiel Switzerland

For Kérastase, offering women the hair they dream of is a never-ending quest. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the famous Parisian luxury hair care brand has prepared an exciting new launch, a completely revolutionary hair-taming collection named Discipline! L’Oréal Advanced Research decided to focus on women’s dissatisfaction with their unmanageable and frizzy hair. The new products promise “obedient” hair that does exactly what we want it to do.

I have tried the new line at home and really like it. My hair was easy to blow-dry, more shiny, resistant to humidity, and the best of all frizz-free for around 72 hours thanks to the following ingredients:

– Morpho-Keratine™, a unique blend of shape enhancing ingredients to consolidate hair fiber
– Surface-morphing polymers to smooth surface roughness

The Kérastase Discipline line for home includes the 250ml Bain Fluidealiste and Bain Fluidealiste sulphate free for CHF 29.00, the 200ml Fondant Fluidealiste for CHF 41.00, the 200ml Maskeratine for CHF 51.00, and the 150ml Fluidissime for CHF 51.00. The collection is available now. There is also a in-salon treatment that is said to last up to 10 hair washes.

The celebrated prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre, who embodies with total perfection, Diana Vishneva, is the face of the new line.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kérastase

This spring, Bobbi Brown announced Kate Upton as her new face for the upcoming campaigns. Now the time has come to take a first look and explore the new Surf & Sand Summer 2014 Collection. Reminiscent of the perfect beach holiday, it features the ultimate summer beauty essentials to create an effortless, chic beach look.

Surf Eye Palette (left) – Limited Edition – CHF 110.00
Eight stunning eye shadows in pastel tones from shimmery pink to soft blue and mild aqua shades.

Sand Eye Palette (right) – Limited Edition – CHF 110.00
This palette offers a variety of natural colors from metallic bronze to glitter gold. Perfect for day and night.

Sheer Lip Color – Limited Edition – CHF 38.00 
Sunlit Pink, Summer Nude, Peach Sorbet and Pink Taffy

Long-Wear Eye Pencil – Limited Edition – CHF 34.00
Black Chocolate and Bronze

Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick – New – CHF 40.00
Champagne Gold

Beach Rollerball Fragrance – Limited Edition – CHF 26.00 (6ml)
Bobbi’s classic “Beach” fragrance is now available in a portable rollerball version. The light and refreshing fragrance evokes warm sunshine and sea air.

Brightening Blush – Limited Edition – CHF 69.00
Bronze and Pink

The collection will be in stores in July 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

For summer Lancôme presents the Golden Riviera Summer Collection (in some countries it is named French Riviera Summer Collection and the products may differ) that offers everything for your upcoming vacation by the sea. Transport yourself to the the South of France with a look that creates effortless shine and a golden glow.

Star Bronzer Golden Riviera (Limited Edition) for Face & Body – CHF 72.00
Star Bronzer Golden Riviera (Limited Edition) Bronzing Brush – CHF 59.00

Cils Tint – CHF 45.00
Noir (01)

My favorite product of this collection! Cils Tint by Lancôme is the first semi-permanent lash enhancer that delivers intense black color to your lashes with up to three days of wear. The waterproof, transfer-proof, wax-free formula tints your lashes and allows them to keep their natural flexibility, while the addition of rose oil provides care for optimal lash health and radiance.

City Miracle CC Cream Complexion Beautifier Daily Defense SPF 50/PA – CHF 49.00
Beige Dragée (01) – Peau de Pêche (02) – Beige Aurore (03)

The 1st CC Cream by Lancôme perfects your skin like a foundation, beautifies it like an illuminator and hydrates it like a moisturiser. With SPF 50 to help protect the skin, it can be applied with a brush or fingers all over the face to reduce the appearance of imperfections for natural and flawless-looking results.

Gloss in Love – CHF 45.001
Glittermania (144) – Fizzie Rose (222) – Peach Show (146)

Vernis in Love – CHF 26.00
Marine Madrague (555) – Azur Pampelonne (557) – Or Citadelle (340)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

As you know, I am travelling like crazy at the moment and I have barely time for myself. Nevertheless, I like to look fresh and radiant. Dior has some new launches this summer that work their magic, providing you with a sun-kissed glow as if you spent your weekend at the pool.

DIORSKIN Nude Tan Prime & Bronze – CHF 59.00

Dior’s first primer especially for summer enhances your complexion with a light tan to create the illusion of a natural healthy glow. After one week of application, its progressive self-tanning effect gives you a natural-looking tan. The texture is light and fresh and subtly tinted. I couldn’t live without this product at the moment…

DIORSKIN Nude Tan Matte Powder – CHF 72.00

This extra-matt non-pearlised bronzing powder enhances your skin’s original colour without iridescence for an imperceptible glow. Its extra-matte texture blends perfectly with the skin, leaving only a subtle, velvety veil. Available in two shades, pink or gold, the powder is suitable for any complexion and levels of tan.

Available in 002 Matte Amber and 003 Matte Cinnamon

DIORSKIN Nude Shimmer Powder – CHF 79.50

This shimmer bronzing powder mimics a fresh glow. With its kabuki brush, it sculpts and contours, creating a dazzling, complexion-enhancing radiance.

Available in 4 different shades.

All products are in store now. While you are reading this, I am on my way to Paris with Dior to shoot their new mascara launch, so please stay tuned for some fun pics!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Thierry Mugler presents a new limited edition version of its most popular women’s fragrance Angel from 1992 for the summer season. Angel Eau Sucrée is a mischievous and delicious new interpretation, an invitation to indulge in pure gourmand pleasure.

Angel Eau Sucrée, developed by Dorothee Piot, retains some of its original notes as well as combining three new additions. Its pearly star-shaped bottle is sprinkled with glitter reminiscent of sugar. The packaging is inspired by vintage confectionery and it evokes memories of sweet little childhood treats.

ORIENTAL VANILLA

Top notes: Red Berries
Middle note: Meringue
Base notes: Patchouli and Vanilla

Available as 50 ml Eau de Toilette (non- refillable) starting end of May 2014.

The French delicacies house Fauchon has been fully inspired by Mugler’s newest fragrance launch and has created the “Angel Eclair“, for which the composition of the Angel Eau Sucrée has been translated into this gourmet treat that features almond praline, caramel and vanilla notes. This limited edition will be on sale at Fauchon’s Place de la Madeleine store in Paris until June 7, 2014.

The perfect union between two senses: smell and taste!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Thierry Mugler and Fauchon