Sandra‘s Closet

The fast fashion trend has arrived on our nails. OPI partners with The Coca-Cola Company to release nine new limited edition nail lacquers inspired by some of the most recognized drinks. Coca-Cola by OPI offers a range of colors and hues representing everything from classic red for Coca-Cola to metallic silver for Coke Light, dark red and black for Coke Zero, black cherry for Cherry Coke, cream and warm pink for Vanilla Coke, shimmering citrus green for Sprite and bright orange and deep purple for Fanta Orange and Fanta Grape.

Coca-Cola by OPI will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas mid June 2014. Nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Gabrielle Chanel considered lace to be “one of the prettiest imitations ever made of nature’s fantasies”(In L’illustration, 29 April 1939), because they reminded her of the incomparable designs embroidered across the sky by the leaves and branches of trees.
Inspired by this light and gracious adornment, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has designed DENTELLE PRÉCIEUSE, an illuminating compact powder revealing two contrasting shades of beige, pink and bronze, to sculpt the face with a translucent finish full of light.

This limited edition beauty must is in Switzerland exclusively available at Jelmoli now.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

Brazil and its famous drink, the Caipirinha, has inspired Thierry Wasser to create Guerlain‘s newest Aqua Allegoria Limon Verde that includes the refreshing notes lime alongside sugar cane liquor. This citrus aromatic fragrance can be worn by women and men.

Top note: Lime
Middle notes: Green Notes, Tropical Fruit, Fig and Sugar Cane
Base note: Tonka Bean

Since 1999, there is one new Aqua Allegoria launched each spring. 31 have been created so far of which four have remained classics and are available all year around: Pampelune, Herb Fresca, Mandarine Basilic and Nérolia Bianco.

Available for CHF 109.00 (125ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

I love blue eyeshadows and nail polishes. Therefore I couldn’t have been more excited when I spotted YSL‘s new summer makeup look 2014: “Bleus Lumière” that is inspired by the late designer’s fascination with the various hues of blues of the ocean. Capturing the alluring contrast between the fresh Mediterranean sea and the glowing warmth of summer beaches, it offers the perfect products to achieve an amazing glow. Today, I am off to the Cannes Film Festival with Chopard and needless to say, this makeup look is packed in my suitcase!

Couture Palette Bleu Lumière – New & Limited Edition – CHF 93.00
YSL’s limited edition summer eyeshadow palette draws on inspiration from the sea, with a quintet of hues that work with each other to give you a gorgeous, enviable look.

Dessin du Regard Waterproof Eye Pencil – CHF 36.00
No.12 Bleu Acqua
No.13 Bleu Indigo

Vernis a Lèvres Rebel Nudes – CHF 48.00
No.111 Coral Guilty
No.112 Rouge Frondeur

La Laque Couture – CHF 38.00
No.50 Bleu Celadon
No.51 Bleu Cyclades

Kiss & Blush Lip & Cheek Stain – CHF 54.00
I adore those new hybrids between a lip color and a blush. A double play of colour for lips and cheeks to be mixed or matched.
No.1 Fuchsia Desinvolte
No.4 Orange Fougueux
No.7 Corail Affranchi
No.10 Nude Insolent

In Switzerland available Mid May 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL

It’s a men’s post but looking into Chris Pine‘s amazing blue eyes, I am sure that my female readers will get inspired by this code of seduction as well. The handsome Hollywood star is the new face to embody the charisma of the timeless seducer, this magnetic charm which symbolizes Armani Code, one of the most successful Giorgio Armani fragrances for the past decade.

Armani Code Ice is a new, fresher and brighter limited edition interpretation of the original, developed by Alberto Morillas, Master Perfumer at Firmenich.

AROMATIC
Top notes: Mint, lemon and spicy ginger.
Middle notes: Geranium and lavender.
Base notes: Woodsy notes.

ARMANI CODE ICE (50ml) CHF 89.00 and (75ml) CHF 117.00.
Available in Switzerland from May 2014 exclusively at Import Parfümerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

While you are reading this post, I am back in the Middle East. This time, I followed Chanel‘s invitation to Dubai. Here, the French house’s Cruise 2015 show will take place tomorrow evening.

The last time I flew with Emirates in their new amazing A380 was in January with Thierry Mugler for the launch of their newest fragrance Alien Eau Extraordinaire. In this post, I will tell you all about this fantastic trip to Oman.

The A380 is an experience in itself. The world’s largest passenger jet has a twin-deck, which means business and first class are on the top floor. Every business class seat has a built-in mini-bar, a personal storage area and a privacy divider. And here comes the best, there is even a real bar on this floor where passengers can mingle and enjoy a drink.

I spent one night in Dubai before leaving on a fun road trip to the Six Senses Zighy Bay resort which is located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman.

When you arrive on top of the mountain, you will surely be taken by the breathtaking scenery of this hidden gem. The resort is as spectacular as its setting, with the natural beauty of Oman’s rugged mountain landscape on one side and a sandy beach on the other.

I have to say, I was amazed how fast you find total inner peace here through the power of nature. The resort is built on sand and you throw away your shoes in a second. Feeling the sand beneath your toes, you tantalize your senses, you enjoy an exciting remoteness and a barefoot luxury beyond imagination.

The team of Thierry Mugler invited us to “lâcher price” which means to let go and the Six Senses Zighy Bay offers the perfect surrounding. Being committed to environmental responsibility, the resort offers fresh, organic food prepared with ingredients that are cultivated in the region.

I stayed at a private villa with my own pool, 24-hour butler service and my own bike to drive around the resort. The rural charm of the rooms is amazing and I loved taking an outdoor shower in the morning.

One day, we went on a cruise. We had no cell phone coverage to really let go. It was such a beautiful afternoon that I absolutely enjoyed.

Let’s have a closer look at Alien Eau Extraordinaire, the new addition to Thierry Mugler‘s Alien family, created by Dominique Ropion and Veronique Nyberg.

Pierre Aulas, artistic director at Parfums Mugler, explained me more about this beautiful floral fragrance launch. He is very charming and a genius when it comes to both, marketing and fragrance creating.

ALIEN EAU EXTRAORDINAIRE

Delicate floral notes transport a unique freshness and femininity. Exuding pure optimism, this scent is perfect for summer.

Top notes: Tunisian Neroli, Tea and Bergamot
Middle notes: Tiare Flower and Heliotrope
Base notes: Cashmeran and White Amber

It was such an amazing trip… Stay tuned for my upcoming post from Dubai, this time with Chanel!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is CHANEL‘s summer 2014 makeup look: Reflets d’Eté.
Mix. Match. Mismatch. It’s a season of colour creativity. The shades of summer add a playful stroke to your beauty ritual, with vibrantly versatile options from LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer and LE VERNIS Nail Colour. Coordinate shades of gloss and polish to accentuate a bronzed-skin look, or contrast lips, tips and lashes with a bright, shimmery eye for a sweet colour clash. The pairing possibilities are endless . . . the bolder, the better.

EYES

Illusion d’Ombre CHF 47.00
Mirage Bronze – Utopia Luminous lavender (Limited Edition) – New Moon Irridescent copper (Limited Edition)

Mascara Inimitable Waterproof CHF 47.00
Violet Touch Purple with gold shimmer (Limited Edition) – Orange Touch Orange with gold shimmer (Limited Edition)

Style Yeux Waterproof CHF 35.00
Ambre Dore Gold

LIPS

Lèvres Scintillantes CHF 41.00
Hello Jelly light rose (Limited Edition) – Sexy Jelly fuchsia  – Happy Jelly coral – Sunny Jelly orange

NAILS

Le Vernis CHF 35.00
Eastern Light White beige (Repromote, Limited Edition) – Sweet Lilac Lilac (Limited Edition) – Pink Tonic Fuchsia (Limited Edition) – Tutti Frutti Soft coral – Mirabella Orange (Limited Edition)

TEINT

Le Blush Crème de Chanel CHF 54.00
Cheeky Rose with bronze tint (Limited Edition)

In Switzerland available in the beginning of June 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Hudson Yards is Bond N°9‘s newest fragrance launch, dedicated to spring in New York City like a bouquet of beautiful flowers poured into a decorated green bottle. It celebrates a new beginning and in its perfume collection it maps a new emerging location in the city, the largest private real estate development in the history of the US and the largest development in New York City since Rockefeller Center: Hudson Yards, planned to be finished in 2017.

It is anticipated that more than 24 million people will visit the district every year. The site will ultimately include more than 17 million square feet of commercial and residential space, 5 state-of-the-art office towers, more than 100 shops, 20 restaurants, approximately 5,000 residences, a unique cultural space, 14 acres of public open space, a 750-seat public school and a 150-room luxury hotel—all offering unparalleled amenities and easy access to transportation for residents, employees and guests.

FLORAL
Top notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Freesia and Pink Pepper
Middle notes: Peony, Bulgarian Rose and Litchi
Base notes: White Musk, Iris and Orange Blossom

In Switzerland available Mid May 2014 for CHF 375.00 (100ml) and CHF 239.00 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bond N°9 and Hudson Yards

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, the 11th of May and I have the perfect gift idea for you: a self-designed Mother’s Day beauty basket. There are no limits to your creativity. Amongst some amazing beauty products, you can place finest pralines, macarons and chocolate truffles, a CD with chill-out music and a bottle of champagne. A great way for daughters to give their moms a relaxing little break from everyday life including an extra portion of beauty care.

Great news is that I have already a finished basket for you to win with some beautiful products from the house of Olaz, including the ultra famous Olaz Beauty Fluid has been around since 1952. Being bestseller for 60 years, its texture has thrilled women around the globe. It provides the skin with moisture and lends immediately an incredibly fresh appearance. Furthermore the fluid is a true multitasker: Placed in the fridge, it becomes a perfect cooling lotion during summertime. When applied to the hands, it makes them soft and smooth and with some glitter powder mixed, the fluid leaves the skin with a beautiful shimmering glamour effect.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Olaz releases a limited edition in a special packaging design of its iconic product.

Olaz Beauty Set for a self-designed Mother’s Day gift basket:
Olaz Beauty Fluid Limited Edition (CHF 9.45) provides the skin with moisture.
Olaz Regenerist 3 Point Cleansing System (CHF 52.20) for a cleansing massage.
Olaz Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser (CHF 15.50) for effective skin cleansing.
Olaz Total Effects CC Cream (CHF 39.90) for an instantly improved skin tone.
Olaz Total Effects Night Firming Treatment (CHF 26.90) fights the signs of aging.

The package has a total value of CHF 143.35 and one lucky lady can win it.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Mother’s Day with Olaz” to . All entries must be received until May 1st, 2014. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Olaz

Great news for all beauty aficionados: Yves Saint Laurent‘s new luxurious premium skin care line OR ROUGE fights aging with the help of saffron, often called “red gold”, as the key ingredient. But it’s not just any saffron strain, explained Stephan Bezy, International General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, it comes from high in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, a country with historic links to the founding couturier himself, since that’s where Saint Laurent gleaned inspiration. Saffron pistils from crocus flowers grown there contain a high concentration of a unique glycan known as crocin. Glycans play a leading role in skin’s cell communication and metabolism, plus contribute to tissue structure and architecture. Their quantity diminishes as people age, causing skin to lose substance and the deterioration of its supporting architecture.

I have tried this new skin care collection since a few weeks and it has absolutely convinced me. It targets the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, smile lines and roughness. Dullness and dark spots are reduced, leaving the skin appearing more radiant, firmer and more uniform.

Or Rouge Cream
CHF 539.00 (50ml)
Or Rouge Eye Cream
CHF 243.00 (15ml)
Or Rouge Lotion
CHF 182.00 (200ml)

Available at Harrods as an online exclusive. In Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Basel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL