Sandra‘s Closet

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

Prada’s latest fragrance evolved from the concept of an imaginary flower created especially for Candy. Of course, Candy cannot simply have any flower. Her flower has to be wondrous and sophisticated, unlike any other. One that is simply unique.

Prada Candy Florale is the third fragrance from the Prada Candy collection. The original Candy was launched in 2011, followed by Candy L’Eau in 2013

PRADA CANDY FLORALE
FLORAL FRUITY GOURMAND
Top note: Sorbet of Limoncello
Middle note: Peonies
Base note: Musks, Benzoin and Caramel

Available in perfumeries and selected warehouses by the end of April 2014 as Eau de Toilette Spray 30ml (CHF 74.00), 50ml (CHF 99.00) and 80ml (CHF  127.00).

Steven Meisel captures Léa Seydoux as Candy at her most sensual and uplifting for the new ad campaign, with the fragrance transporting her into a dreamlike state. Just beautiful!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada and © Sandra Bauknecht

Brazil is the star country this summer and served as a great source of inspiration for Clarins that dedicated their new summer makeup look to the Latin hot spot. Bright colours dominated by Curaçao blue, lightly coloured full lips and a tanned, glowy complexion, the perfect look to dance through warm summer nights…

EYES

Colours of Brazil Palette Yeux Ombres & Liner CHF 62.00
LIMITED EDITION

Truly Waterproof Mascara CHF 39.00
NEW! 01 Intense Black – 02 Curaçao

COMPLEXION

Colours of Brazil Poudre Soleil Visage CHF 49.00
LIMITED EDITION

LIPS

Crayon Baume Lèvres CHF 26.00
LIMITED EDITION
01 my pink – 02 creamy pink – 03 tender coral – 04 sweet cherry – 05 delicious plum

In stores Mid April 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

There are some press releases that get me overly excited. This is one. Shu Uemura ‘Art of Hair’ launches a new product so-called TEXTURE WAVE, a dry workable spray for buildable grip, fuller touch and moveable texture.

The wave effect was key on the runway for S/S 2014, comprising lightly airspun texture right through to sensual, volumised curls. Texture Wave is the perfect product for recreating these styles with a no-shine finish.
CHF 45.00 (250ml)

The new styling innovation is insipred by one of the most famous Japanese works of art – the Great Wave of Kanagawa. It dates back to the 1830’s as the first print in Katsushika Hokusai’s series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. Caught in movement, the wave composition is dynamically extending, about to break.

In the mood for volumised, sensual curls? Why not try a look called WINDY WAVES (see cover photo)?
Step 1: Form curls using a wide-barrel curling iron, working sections in interchanging directions, inwards and outwards.
Step 2: Loosen curls with fingers and apply Texture Wave while tousling layers. Hair is left with texture and shape, but still free to move, like the waves it is inspired by.

To create on-trend, TOUSLED WAVES on shorter hair, begin by lifting sections and spraying Texture Wave through the roots, lengths and ends. Ruffle and scrunch with fingers to achieve un-done movement.

Create an effortless DISHEVELLED PONY by following these few simple steps:
1. Section the front of the hair by parting down the middle. Lift hair at the back and apply Texture Wave whilst tousling.
2. Gather the hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, spraying Texture Wave through the lengths for a mussy finish.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shu Uemura and Style.com

Great news for all beauty addicts among you. CLARINS has created a comforting anti-pollution cleansing cream for skin weakened by a polluted urban environment. Enriched with moringa extract, nourishing shea and mango, it combines extreme comfort with effective cleansing to restore perfectly clean, radiant and beautiful skin. For face and eyes!

Clarins Professional Cleansing Method

1. Warm a small amount of cream in your hands. Apply a fine layer, then place hands flat on the face without pressing.
2. Remove hands briskly from the face. The cream will thicken and create a suction effect to lift off all make-up, impurities and traces of pollution without irritating or stretching the skin. Repeat this action 7 times.
3. Rinse and follow with a toning lotion.

Available Mid April 2014 for CHF 39.00 (200ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Complementing the recently launched limited edition of eight new Sheer Lip Colors and four new Nail Lacquer shades, Tom Ford offers everything you need for a sunkissed glow with the following amazing new products:

TOM FORD SUMMER 2014 COLOR COLLECTION 
Eye and Cheek Compact – CHF 90.00

This limited edition eye and cheek colour palette imbues a sultry, effortless summer look with a refreshing twist of colour. Eyes are enveloped in a blend of soft pearl and satin finish neutrals and a bold accent of cobalt. Cheeks are illuminated with light rose and peach coral shades for a warm and sexy glow. Packaged in a retro-chic, ivory and gold coloured Tom Ford case.

Skin Illuminator – CHF 76.00 (30ml) in Fire Lust

Inspired by the look of skin bathed in summer evening light, this limited edition illuminator creates an irresistible, translucent glow. Its peach-pink shade flatters every skin tome while moisturizing and soothing skin and it’s highly micronized pearls diffuse light for a natural enhanced, sun-kissed look. Apply the illuminator all over the face on its own or mix it with the Tom Ford traceless foundation to achieve radiant and balanced skin. The illuminator can also be used as a highlighter under or over makeup.

Lip Shimmer – CHF 62.00 in Moonlight, Solar Gold

The new lip shimmer in moonlight and solar gold can be swept onto bare lips for a sultry, glimmering effect, or veiled over Tom Ford lip color to add radiant shimmer to a spectrum of nude and vivid shades. Infused with vitamins C and E and shea butter, this moisturizing lip glaze in a domed bullet is package in a limited-edition, ivory and gold-colored Tom Ford Case.

In Switzerland exclusively available at Jelmoli Zurich from April 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford