Sandra‘s Closet

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

Nature’s blooms at their most tempting. The nectarous, pink-fringed pompoms of Silk Blossom. Irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. Apricot-fresh with a touch of spice. Airy with clouds of powder-soft heliotrope, nestling on a bed of moss. Fruity and enticing.
JO MALONE has captured spring in a bottle.

FRUITY FLORAL

Top note: White Pepper
Middle note: Silk Blossom
Base note: Moss

Fragrance Combining™: Orange Blossom

Available from May 2014.
(In Switzerland from May 21, 2014 at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva).
Cologne 30ml CHF 68 / £41
Cologne 100ml CHF 130 / £82
Home Candle 200g £42

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

For the third consecutive year, I was invited by DIOR to Paris for a photo and video shoot to mark the launch of their newest beauty must-haves. Inside a transformed Parisian gallery, the new DIOR ADDICT FLUID STICK and DIOR VERNIS were revealed.

DIOR ADDICT FLUID STICK
I am not joking when I am telling you that this is a real makeup revolution and you will love it. It is the first lip hybrid on the market that can do it all in one single stroke. It is not a gloss, not a lacquer and not a lipstick, it is something completely different, a new technology fluid that you can barely feel, but that delivers maximum color, glossy shine and a “no makeup” feel in one lip color. With the help of its intense, long-hold pigments, the water-based formula and its applicator in the shape of the stick of a lipstick, its application becomes a pure sensory feeling.
Available in 22 shades from April 1, 2014 for CHF 51.50 each.

DIOR VERNIS
As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Dior nail polishes and their top and base coats. Therefore I was a little worried when I heard that Dior has completely reformulated its nail polish palette as I asked myself if it was anyhow possible to improve those fabulous products. Truth is, it was! The new formula intensifies Dior’s manicure know-how, resulting in a salon-worthy finish. If you love gel nail polishes, then be sure to check out the latest from Dior. 
Available in 21 shades from April 1, 2014 for CHF 37.00 each.

Lovely Alexandre helped me pick out the perfect shades for my photo and video shoot with Dior.

My nails were designed in a half moon shape in a delicate and seductive violet (338 Mirage) by Dior’s newly appointed Nail Designer Anatole Rainey, my lips colored by Violette in a bright coral (373 Rieuse) and hair done by the uber-fabulous Cyril Auchere.

The video we filmed for the new amazing beauty products can be seen here.

My photo shoot took place in a specially created Digital Gallery designed by Guillaume Lemaitre and Oliver Weppe of GL-OW.

Redefining the artistic experience through projections, atmospheres and striking visuals, the four must-have shades for nails and lips within Dior’s new palette of colors were the inspiration for the art installations. The perfect backdrop for my photo shoot.

The four sophisticated, ultra-trendy it-shades are 754 Pandore, 551 Aventure, 575 Wonderland and 338 Mirage.

I had an amazing time in Paris. A huge thank you to the whole Dior team for this extremely fun photo and video shoot and to Céline for taking some backstage photos! Addict is my Dior!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, GL-OW and © Sandra Bauknecht

After Majestic Rose, Noble Leather and Supreme Bouquet introduced last year, the Yves Saint Laurent Oriental Collection has received the fourth fragrance inspired by wood created in an oriental style: SPLENDID WOOD.

The extremely precious ingredients for this scent to fill the luxurious glass flacon decorated with gold colors were imagined by perfumers Marie Salamagne and Amandine Marie.

WOODY SPICY
Top notes: Cardamom, Incense and Saffron
Middle notes: Jasmine Sambac and Oriental Woodsy Notes
Base notes: Cypriol Oil, Cedar and Oud

Splendid Wood is available now as 80 ml Eau de Parfum for CHF 250.00.
A beautiful scent for men and women.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

To enhance your fragrance trail, CHANEL offers three new shimmering products for the body in limited edition, so catch them while you can!

Unfurling the notes of CHANCE, CHANCE EAU FRAICHE and CHANCE EAU TENDRE, they perfume and illuminate the skin with a subtle pearly sheen. Believe me, even if you don’t wear those scents in general, you will love those fun products.

CHANCE SHIMMERING BODY CREAM
Its rich and silky texture wraps the body in an iridescent veil and moisturises the skin, leaving it delectably soft. Its floral scent prolongs the trail of CHANCE, while its subtle pearly shimmer further enhances the skin. 
CHF 106.- (200g)

CHANCE EAU FRAICHE SHIMMERING TOUCH
Like a caress of the skin, its velvety gel texture is applied in subtle touches to enhance the fresh and vibrant trail of CHANCE EAU FRAICHE. Its delicate shimmer is a must for highlighting and putting a sparkle in your décolleté.
CHF 75.00 (25g)

CHANCE EAU TENDRE SHIMMERING POWDERED PERFUME
Refined and feminine, the application with a powder puff deposits a cloud of tenderness on the skin and a fine dusting of shimmer on the body. A delicate and subtle illumination with a fruity-floral scent that revives the CHANCE EAU TENDRE fragrance for ever-greater softness.
CHF 90.- (25g)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Acqua di Parma‘s GELSOMINO NOBILE is a tribute to a radiant fragrance and a unique flower. This spring it is celebrated for the first time with a special edition in a limited flacon that provides the same, sophisticated shades of the classic from 2011.

The bottle is adorned with an elegant stylised interpretation of the jasmine flower. Hand crafted by skilled artisans in Tuscany, the 24 karat gold decoration is created by an elaborate manual silk screen printing process. Each individual petal is engraved by hand through delicate craftsmanship and close attention to detail.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK

Top notes: Mandarin Orange and Pink Pepper
Middle notes: Orange Blossom, Tuberose and Jasmine
Base notes: Musk and Cedar

Available now as one shot for CHF 236.00 (100ml). To find out more about the wonderful world of Acqua di Parma, please click here for a previous post and an interview with Gabriella Scarpa, CEO and President of Acqua di Parma.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Acqua di Parma