Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday I had the pleasure to interview supermodel Miranda Kerr for a very interesting project that will be revealed soon in L’Officiel Switzerland (and of course on Sandra’s Closet). Having the chance to talk to her, I was totally curious to find out more about her amazing skin care line KORA ORGANICS by Miranda Kerr that I adore. The twenty-one-piece lineup of face and body essentials is as eco-luxe as it gets.

Being a green goddess and organic-devotee from Down Under, Miranda set up her skincare brand because she couldn’t find pure natural beauty products that delivered high performance results. She explained it to me: “I have been looking for a certified organic skin care line for myself. As I have been working in the industry for a while, I decided to launch one on my own and spoke to a great lab in Australia. I chose the key ingredients. First of all noni, which has over 17o vitamins and minerals. I used to drink it every day and so I thought why not putting it in my skin care line. Other key ingredients are green tea extract and rosehip oil.”

Her bestselling products are the Luxurious Rosehip Oil and the Enriched Body Lotion.
TO SHOP KORA Organics by Miranda Kerr, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Try the line, I can absolutely recommend it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of KORA Organics by Miranda Kerr and © Sandra Bauknecht

My mum has always told me about the importance of skin cleansing. She has taught me never to leave my makeup on during night and to take time for my cleansing routine. So I made it my daily beauty ritual that I am looking forward to, those few minutes of pampering that only belong to me. And about the effects, she has been absolutely right.

When bare and perfectly purified, the skin is better able to regenerate itself. This type of ‘breathing’ – a routine prelude to the application of skin care products – is essential to facial youth and beauty. However, whether internal or external, several residues dull the skin’s purity on a daily basis, accentuating the marks of time.

Helena Rubinstein has invented PURE RITUAL, a new range of skin cleansing products, that uses a dual technology to rid skin of the accumulation of external and internal impurities on the outside and strengthen your own skin-cleansing systems from the inside. The powdery scent of white flowers makes the application a true pleasure.

PURE RITUAL CARE-IN-FOAM
DEEP-CLEANSING FOAMING CREAM – SMOOTH & RADIANT SKIN
The softness of a cream combined with the intense effectiveness of a dense and delicate mousse.
CHF 78.00 (125ml)

PURE RITUAL CARE-IN-MILK
INTENSE COMFORT MAKE-UP REMOVER MILK
Pamper your skin with the caress of a milk-based treatment.
CHF 78.00 (200ml)

PURE RITUAL CARE-IN-LOTION
SKIN-PERFECTING LOTION – REFINED PORES & SKIN TEXTURE – RADIANT COMPLEXION
When the purity of water is combined with the effectiveness of a cream, the lotion works wonders by revealing perfect skin.
CHF 74.00 (200ml)

PURE RITUAL CARE-IN-PEEL
BLACK RADIANCE-RESTORING DOUBLE PEEL – RESURFACED & MOISTURISED SKIN
Black rice, skin clarity enhancer. A must-have for beautiful skin.
CHF 74.00 (100ml)

Available from April 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Helena Rubinstein

Fire it up with COVERGIRL‘s new Flamed Out Collection! The face of the campaign singer P!NK shows off summer’s brightest, boldest eye looks featuring the new bold and blendable colors. For makeup tutorials and your chance to win just scroll through… Hot enough for you?

PRODUCTS

Flamed Out Mascara
Make a bold statement with winged lashes that curve up and out.
• Maximum volume instantly
• Bold winged-out lash look
• Unique wire brush to curve lashes up and out

Flamed Out Shadow Pencil
Two versatile products in one brilliant pencil: vivid, creamy color plus the definition of an eyeliner.
• Gel shadow and liner in one
• Ten hot, blendable shades
• Creamy formula for smooth application

Flamed Out Shadow Pot
Go bold with these perfectly sized pots! Mix, match, and blend to customize those vivid hues.
• Twelve blazing, blendable colors
• Glittery and sparkly effect
• Powder in perfectly sized pots

TIPS & TRICKS

Below you can enjoy three make-up tutorials that show you how you can achieve different looks with the new Covergirl Flamed Out collection. The model is no other than Miss Switzerland Dominique Rinderknecht who looks just like P!NK, don’t you think?!

WHITE EYES

Step 1: Apply Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pot Blazing White all over your lid and brow bone generously for a fresh and elegant glow around your eyes.
Step 2: To give your eyes a more intense look use Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara. Depending on your personal taste just keep adding layers in order to accentuate the powerful look.
Step 3: Apply a flashy red, pink or orange lipstick, which matches your outfit or accessories.

METALLIC EYES

Step 1: Apply Covergirl Flamed Out Pencil Lime Green Flame all over your lid and blend with fingers or eyeshadow brush.
Step 2: Apply the Flamed Out Pencil Ashen Glow in the eyelid fold and accentuate the outer eye corner with it.
Step 3: Draw a line along the upper and lower eyelashes with the Flamed Out Pencil Silver Flame and finish off the look with the Flamed Out Mascara.

COLOURFUL EYES

Step 1: Apply the Flamed Out Pencil Hot Pink Flame on your lid.
Step 2: Apply the Flamed Out Pencil Ice Flame along your lower eyelashes.
Step 3: Apply the Flamed Out Shadow Pot Fired Up Pink with an eyeshadow brush in your eyelid fold and blend the color well.
Step 4: Use the Flamed Out Shadow Pot Sapphire Flame with a moist eyeliner brush along your upper and lower eyelashes.
Step 5: Accentuate your brow bone with the Flamed Out ShadowPot Blazing White.
Step 6: Generously apply Flamed Out Mascara on your eyelashes.

CONTEST

Great news is that three of my lovely Swiss readers get the chance to win a COVERGIRL Flamed Out Set which includes the following products: Flamed out Mascara, Flamed out Shadow Pencil Melted Caramel, Flamed out Shadow Pencil Lime Green Flame and Flamed out Shadow Pot Fired Up Pink for a total of CHF 35.60.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Flamed Out” to . All entries must be received until March 24, 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 Covergirl

Yves Saint Laurent‘s iconic must-have highlighter pen gets an animal makeover in this new WILD Edition, boasting an engraved black and gold leopard print design. With a click of Touche Éclat, you can conceal your dark circles and add radiance to your face, you can dance all night and still look glowing in the morning, like the radiance of beauty sleep in a click.
I couldn’t live without it!

The limited edition is available now in N°2 Luminous Ivory for CHF 55.00.

LoL, Sandra

As you know, I am travelling like crazy and funnily enough the more I do, the more I like to take only hand luggage. Unfortunately, the amount of liquids to take is strictly limited on flights. Therefore I was very happy when I discovered this amazing travel set by EVE LOM. The brand’s core philosophy is all about a perfectly cleansed, exfoliated skin as the key to a glowing complexion. Their multi-award-winning cult products have become beauty insiders’ secret weapon – and are still unrivalled in a highly competitive market.

EVE LOM‘s Travel Essentials set ensures your skin looks radiant no matter your itinerary. Filled with flight-compliant sizes of the label’s most coveted products – including the cult-status Cleanser and Muslin Cloth, Morning Time Cleanser, Rescue Mask and TLC Radiance Cream – this compilation is a must-have for long or short trips.

TO SHOP THE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS SET, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

When fashion meets beauty, I always get super excited. Proenza Schouler have joined forces with MAC Cosmetics to launch a limited edition line for release this spring, a collection very much in line with the Proenza Schouler catwalk aesthetic, relevant, refined, just beautiful.

Lets have a closer look at those upcoming beauty musts:

LIPSTICK – CHF 36.00
Woodrose light pink with beige (lustre)
Pinkfringe vivid flamingo pink (satin)
Mangrove bright clean orange-red (matte)
Primrose sheer berry plum (lustre)

PRO LONGWEAR EYE LINER – CHF 32.00
Black Ice rich black
Rich Experience true brown

PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCIL – CHF 32.00
Dynamo bright peony
High Energy bright orange-red cream

BLUSH OMBRE – CHF 42.00
Sunset Beach cool pink ombre into beige
Ocean City coral orange ombre into beige

NAIL LACQUER – CHF 22.00
Dayflower clean plum (cream)
Nocturnelle black as night (cream)
Thimbleweed pale nude (cream)
Bougainvillea bright orange coral (cream)

BRUSH PROENZA SCHOULER 129SE POWDER/BLUSH BRUSH – CHF 59.00

In Switzerland exclusively available at Globus from March 27, 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Jo Malone‘s newest addition to its Cologne Intense collection (Amber & Patchouli, Oud & Bergamot, Iris & White Musk, Rosewater & Vanilla, Velvet Rose & Oud and Saffron) smells absolutely heavenly: TUBEROSE ANGELICA.

Top note: Angelica
Middle note: Tuberose
Base note: Amber

Tuberose Angelica was developed by perfumer Marie Salamagne. The ‘fragrance combining’ suggestion is English Pear & Freesia. Available now for CHF 165.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Jo Malone

I have to admit that I am a little behind posting. The last weeks have been crazy. I went to Las Vegas with Gucci, flew back for a few days to Zurich to prepare the launch of L’Officiel Switzerland (the first edition will finally hit the shelves on March 7, 2014) and then hit off to Los Angeles with Piaget for the Spirit Awards.

So I have to rewind a little to tell you all about the amazing time I had in Nevada. There is a saying that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…” but of course not on Sandra’s Closet. I will give you every little detail of this amazing time. This reason for it  was to discover the Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition, a glamorous new take on the striking scents.

Inspired by the modern rebel, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini created Gucci Guilty in 2010, a bold pair of fragrances for modern trend-setters. In 2011, Gucci Guilty Intense was launched, followed by Gucci Guilty Black in 2013. 20 million bottles have been sold, it is a true success story.

This year, it its all about a rock star attitude. The Italian brand has always loved rock’n roll and rock’n roll has always loved Gucci. For Frida Giannini, it is a constant source of inspiration. Therefore, I was invited to explore the brand’s newest stud collection in the Gucci store, located at The Crystals at CityCenter.

To live up to the rock star attitude, we enjoyed a Bruno Mars (Gucci dresses him) concert in the VIP area which was absolutely outstanding. Personally speaking, I have never been really crazy for his songs but after seeing him live on stage, I have become a huge fan.

The next day, Gucci has spoilt us even more with an exclusive dinner at the famous Joël Robuchon restaurant located at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas. Inspired by the fragrance’s main ingredients, the eight course menu was just divine, an explosion for all senses.

So let’s have a look at the first limited edition of Gucci Guilty (the scent stays the same), available for both for woman and men. To celebrate the brand’s signature mix of rock and glamour, the Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition is covered in more than 400 metal studs (in gunmetal for him and gold for her). Frida Giannini says: “I have always had a love of the rock aesthetic. I like to think of Gucci Guilty Stud as bottled rock attitude.“ One thing is sure, these exclusive flacons are true collectors’ items.

Gucci Guilty For Women Stud Limited Edition (right) 
ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Mandarin and Pink Pepper
Middle notes: Peach, Lilac and Geranium
Base notes: Patchouli and Amber

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Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Stud Limited Edition (left)
AROMATIC FOUGERE

Top notes: Italian Lemon and Mandarin, Green Leaves and Pink Pepper
Middle notes: Lavender, Coriander, Orange Flower and Neroli
Base notes: Cedar and Patchouli

Below you can enjoy some exclusive behind the scenes photos from the campaign shoot with Evan Rachel Wood and a little interview with her.

Tell us about Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition?

Gucci Guilty is releasing a limited edition bottle with studs on it to invoke a rock and roll vibe. It is a very seductive, provocative and bold perfume and now it’s taken to the next level.

How would you describe the person that wears Gucci Guilty Stud?

A Gucci Guilty woman is someone who is very confident, bold and daring. Someone that isn’t afraid to indulge in their guilty pleasure.

Do you think that perfume reflects personal style? Does Gucci Guilty match yours?

I think that Gucci Guilty does match my personal style and that perfume can reflect your personal style. I view my style as sleek and classy, but definitely with an edge. I think that’s why this perfume fits me.

On what occasion would you wear Gucci Guilty Stud?

One thing I love about this perfume is that is has a balance of sweet and spicy. You can wear it during the day but also at night when you’re out to have a good time. It’s a fragrance that makes a statement.

What does Rock n Roll mean to you?

Rock and roll means everything to me. Even more than acting, music is my first passion. Rock and roll has inspired me in very way. It has inspired me to be myself and to take chances. Rock and roll is all about pushing boundaries. I try to live my life by that.

What is your first memory of rock and roll?

My first memory of rock and roll was when I saw Labyrinth as a kid. That was when I first saw David Bowie. He was singing these rocks songs in a kid’s film and I completely fell in love with him! I thought, ‘who is this amazing person wearing makeup?

Who are your rock icons (musically and aesthetically – fashion)?

Patty Smith and Janis Joplin. Women who aren’t afraid to be loud and scream their hearts out.

What clothing item(s) do you think best reflects a rock and roll lifestyle?

Studs and spikes represent a Rock and Roll lifestyle. Anything that is different, weird, shocking or provocative are all things that represent a Rock and Roll style.

When you think Gucci, do you think Rock & Roll? Why?

I definitely think rock and roll when I think Gucci. Gucci also sponsored a David Bowie exhibition and the amazing Sound for Change live concert in London in 2013. Frida is also very Rock and Roll. It s said that she has 7,000 records!

The new limited edition is in stores now. Get yours as long it is available as it will be flying off the shelves…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I was recently in Los Angeles and one spot I always like to visit is Sephora to browse through the latest beauty must-haves. My most inspiring buy comes this time from Ciaté, known for innovative nail trends.

This season, their newest hype are cuticle tattoos, a faux embellishment for the skin around your nail. These super simple transfers make a cute fashion statement and a tattooed look without the needle. They are easily washed away when required. Very important to know: Don’t use any oils to minimize damage to your design.

The Ciaté Cuticle Tattoos set includes 10 sheets in 5 different designs and it sells for $12 at Sephora.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ciaté and © Sandra Bauknecht

Radiant Orchid, the color of 2014, couldn’t have been a better source of inspiration for Tom Ford‘s newest scent VELVET ORCHID which comes in the iconic bottle in purple. The new feminine perfume creation could definitely be associated with the brand’s most popular vamp fragrance Black Orchid that was launched in 2006. The new version definitely carries on the legacy of a seductive and warm floral signature that promises a lot of attention.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Honey, rum, mandarin orange and bergamot
Middle notes: Orange blossom, rose, orchid, black orchid, jasmine, heliotrope, narcissus, hyacinth and magnolia
Base notes: Suede, myrrh, sandalswood, labdanum, Peru balsam and vanilla

Velvet Orchid is available as Eau de Parfum in Switzerland starting April 7, 2014 for CHF 132.00 (50ml) and CHF 200.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty