Sandra‘s Closet

Lily Collins is the face of Lancôme‘s Spring 2014 makeup collection FRENCH BALLERINE. Looking at her gorgeous brows, her beautiful complexion and her striking resemblance to Audrey Hepburn, it was only a matter of time before the actress and daughter of Phil Collins landed a beauty contract. And it couldn’t be a better fit as Lily’s grandmother, Jane Hale, was dancing en pointe professionally in the forties.

Her first campaign was lensed by Mario Testino. Lancôme‘s FRENCH BALLERINE features the most romantic products inspired by the pink satin ribbons sewn onto toe shoes. For every woman who ever dreamed of wearing a tutu.

BLUSH HIGHLIGHTER
01 Rose Ballerine CHF 65.00

HYPNÔSE PALETTE DOLL EYES
D06 Rose Ballerine CHF 79.00

OMBRE HYPNÔSE DAZZLING
DO114 Topaze Dorée – DO215 Spinelle Rose CHF 48.00 each

CRAYON KHÔL HYPNÔSE WATERPROOF
07 Taupe CHF 36.00

GLOSS IN LOVE
010 Volumizer CHF 49.00
202 Mocha Queen – 302 Rose Oscar CHF 45.00 each

VERNIS IN LOVE
030 Undercoat Color Booster – 366 Rose Satin – 537N Pearl Grey CHF 26.00 each

This beautiful and romantic collection will hit the shelves this month in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

L`Eau Couture is the olfactory continuation of the designer’s Prêt-â-Porter S/S 2014 collection, in which ethereal fabrics as light as petals chisel a magical fusion between woman and nature. It captures the ecstasy of nature blossoming in an urban springtime setting.

For L`Eau Couture, Francis Kurkdjian dreamed up a brand new tribute to freshness, which he leads into sensuality characterised by absolute sophistication. L`Eau Couture reinterprets accords in a way never seen before. “The idea to create a Couture Eau is quite uncommon in this register. It s a sophisticated, sensual freshness, far removed from the conventions found in fragrances usually created in this repertoire” – Francis Kurkdjian.

FLORAL

Top notes: Bergamot, magnolia and citrusy notes
Middle notes: Orange blossom
Base notes: Vanilla and green almond

Dressed in an elegant water-green box, the delicately facetted bottle reveals a crystalline green juice. L’Eau Couture lets us discover freshness like a promise of new emotions. It invites us to dive into unknown sensations born of the lightness associated with the newness of spring.

L’Eau Couture is the perfect addition to the Elie Saab fragrance family and will be available from February 1, 2014 (Swiss launch date) as EdT Vaporisateur 30ml (CHF 63.00), 50ml (CHF 94.00) and 90ml (CHF 132.00). I am already a huge fan!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Elie Saab

What happens at night stays there. MAC captures the moment when flashing lights illuminate a flair for finery and limitless luxury that can only be described as divine. Gorgeous colours in rich finishes inspire an evening on the scene and to be seen. Enjoy yourself – past midnight, the darkness keeps the secrets.

One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster… I cannot wait to wear those shades for New Year’s Eve in the Thai capital.

Here are the products I got for myself (starting clockwise from top left):

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW in Captivating and Tonight’s Temptation – CHF 34.00
MINERALIZE BLUSH in Lavish Living – CHF 36.00
FROST LIPSTICK in You’ve Got It – CHF 31.00
FLUIDLINE EYE-LINER GEL in Deliciously Rich – CHF 27.00
CREMESHEEN GLASS in You’ve Got It – CHF 32.00
KOHL POWER EYE PENCIL in Raven – CHF 25.00
The DIVINE NIGHT collection is in stores worldwide now. Great news is that MAC has recently launched an online shop for Germany and Switzerland. To visit the site, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love this time of the year when the new makeup collections will soon hit the shelves. The main beauty trend for Spring 2014 is cute and sweet, soft pastel shades mixed up with some vibrant hues. All very feminine and romantic. Here is your sneak preview of CHANEL‘s Notes De Printemps, one of the most beautiful ones for the new season.

NAILS
Chanel Le Vernis (CHF 35.00 each)
• Charivari – a deep aubergine
• Tapage – a vibrant coral red

LE TEINT
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte (CHF 62.00)
• Préface – translucent light peach

Le Blush Crème de Chanel (CHF 54.00 each)
• Intonation – intense coral pink
• Chamade – tangy rosy red

LE REGARD – EYES
Chanel Illusion d’Ombré (CHF 47.00 each)
• Impulsion – silver-shimmer pastel pink
• Diapason – violet-plum brown

Chanel Lumière Facettes Eyeshadow Quad (CHF 77.00) Création Exclusive (Edition Ephémère)
• Quadrille – Grey lavender, Shimmery gold-ivory, Satin apricot pink, Matte deep brown

LIPS
Chanel Rouge Allure (CHF 48.00 each)
• Mélodieuse – candy orange-red
• Fougueuse – fuchsia

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet (CHF 48.00 each)
• L’Adorée – matte plum
• La Diva – matte electric pink

Chanel Le Crayon Lèveres Lip Liner (CHF 34.00)
• Sonic Pink – soft pink

Chanel Glossimer – Lèvres Scintillantes (CHF 41.00 each)
• Murmure – coral
• Plaisir – sheer soft pink
• Sonate – red

Chanel Rouge Coco (CHF 46.00 each)
• Dédicace – sweet blue-based pink
• Triomphe – sweet peach pink

The collection will be available in Switzerland in the end of January 2014. In some other countries, like the United States, already around the 10th.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel 2013

Recently, I was invited to La Réserve in Geneva, one of my favorite hotels in this area, to be pampered in their spa with the amazing products of Nescens. During my stay, I also had the honor to meet Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in the biology of aging and anti-aging medicine, who created fifteen years ago a center that is unique in Europe: “Centre de Prévention du Vieillissement” (Nescens Center for Preventive Medicine at the Clinique de Genolier).

Professor Proust’s passionate vision is pretty simple and easy to understand as every human being deeply aspires to enjoying the best of life for as long as possible and needless to say this is accomplished through the preservation of his or her appearance, physical fitness and health. He created Nescens to help every individual attain this legitimate desire.

Building on his years of fundamental research in the field of senescence, Professor Jacques Proust developed a deep interest in the therapeutic strategies susceptible of slowing down the effects of aging on the human body. As the largest and most exposed organ of the body, the skin naturally attracted his scientific interest. Based on his knowledge of the biological mechanisms underlying the aging process, Professor Jacques Proust devised the Nescens cosmeceutical range and its product formulas which are all scientifically validated.

I can absolutely recommend a visit to the Nescens Medical Spa that is located inside the 5-star hotel La Réserve Genève. Being one of the best ones I have seen so far, it boasts 2,000 sq.m dedicated to well-being and the management of your health capital, under the supervision of a team of physicians, nutritionists and osteopaths.

I was absolutely impressed by this high performance anti-aging treatment program that combines technical prowess and ultimate comfort for long-lasting effectiveness and tailor-made support. The first diagnostic step, based on an in-depth analysis with the help of  dedicated machine, shows you the different aspects to be considered concerning skin aging, from dark spots to wrinkles, from its moisture level to its firmness. You see the now status and how it would develop if you didn’t consider working on its appearance. This enables your therapist to create a customized preventive and corrective treatment.

The big difference to other treatments is that Nescens delivers cellular regeneration, step by step, from the stratum corneum to the deep structure of the cells. An improvement is visible in just 10 sessions: the skin looks revitalized and rejuvenated; wrinkles appear visibly smoothed and diminished; the complexion is resolutely evened out and clarified. It was very impressive to see what is already possible in one hour, not to be speak of the long-term if you continue working with their products.

The Nescens range offers a resolutely innovative anti-aging approach based on the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the maintenance and repair of skin structures. If you are interested, check out their product range by clicking here.

I am absolutely convinced and can highly recommend the Swiss brand.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Product shot: © Nescens

Are you still looking for a last minute gift for a dear girlfriend or a little something to achieve the perfect holiday glow or the right sparkle for New Year’s Eve? Set an enchanting tone for Holiday, with the new makeup collections that express the magic and mystery of an endlessly festive night. Here are my favorites, enjoy and get inspired!

PETITE ROBE NOIRE SO CRAZY POWDER by Guerlain

The star product of Guerlain’s Christmas collection is this luxurious, limited edition atomiser designed to provide a generous puff of powder, scent and iridescent shimmer for the hair and body. Nobody can resist La Petite Robe Noire with its beautiful ingredients of black cherry, almond and Bulgarian rose.

HIGHLIGHTER ROSE ÉTINCELLE – VEIL OF LIGHT by Lancôme

As though the Lancôme rose were captured in crystalline frost this winter… Subtly pink in hue, this iridescent powder instantly illuminates every complexion. Simply apply with a brush to beautify your face and décolleté.
CHF 65.00

DIORIFIC JEWEL MANICURE DUO GOLD NAIL LACQUER BASE & CRYSTAL PEARLS by Dior

Dior reinvents its jewel nail lacquer with a duo that teams a gold base with crystal micro-pearls to sprinkle over nails. A bold manicure for precious, 3-dimensional nails.
CHF 60.00

ILLUSION D’OMBRE by Chanel

Enlivened with metallic reflections, this product can be used to create an extreme, stylised look or simply to caress the eyes with a veil of mother-of-pearl. I have never been a big fan of cream eyeshadows but totally changed my mind because this amazing powder-cream texture makes the application a pure delight.

My favorite shade is 837 Fatal, a silver purple, which is part of the House’s “Nuit Infinie de Chanel” holiday collection.

THE ONE LIMITED EDITION 2014 by Dolce & Gabbana

I am in love with special editions and this impeccably polished gold version conjures the luxurious spirit of its content for the festive season like no other. Holding one of the most beautiful rich oriental floral perfumes, it opens with a sparkling and modern interpretation of fresh top notes of zesty bergamot and mandarin combined with juicy lycée and peach. The journey to the heart follows into the scent of Madonna lily and ends in a sensual base of vanilla, musky and amber notes.

HYPNOTIC POISON by Dior

After showing you all the limited edition highlights for the holiday season, I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite scents for winter: Hypnotic Poison, one of the best gourmand orientals on the market that was launched in 1998. Almonds and sambac jasmine mix with vanilla and musk to create a dark, bitter aroma. Pure seduction in a bottle and already a classic! Sometimes I only wear the body products mixed with another scent to achieve a new unusual combination.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands

Happy fourth Sunday in Advent – your chance to win one last time in 2013! Three of  my lovely readers could win a COVERGIRL beauty kit in the amount of CHF 79.00 each.

The COVERGIRL beauty kit provides you with the perfect make-up products to create a glamorous look for the festive season, including the new Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step to make sure your skin looks nothing but perfect! Also included is the LashBlast Fusion Mascara – the brand’s first ever volume and length mascara! The fiberstretch formula and oversized brush make every little lash bigger, fuller and longer-looking. Moreover, the lucky winner receives a Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner, an Outlast Lipcolor, a Nail Lacquer Timeless Ruby and a Smokey Shadow Blast.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Covergirl” to . All entries must be received until December 28, 2013. 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

I cannot wait to fly to London soon to visit The Burberry Beauty Box in London’s Covent Garden. This new retail concept brings the house’s must-have fashion and beauty together in an innovative format that allows you to explore the connections between make-up, fragrance and accessories through personalised physical and digital experiences.

Featuring the full Burberry Beauty collection of make up and fragrance, as well as limited edition beauty products, the new space also houses accessories including sunglasses, scarves and an exclusive selection of bags, available only in the store. A new look will be revealed each month, available to experience in store.

Below you can discover some of Burberry signature looks:

Brit – an irreverent look inspired by music

Body – a natural, nude look

Tender – a fresh, dewy look

Icon – a timeless look inspired by the Burberry icons

All products are gift-wrapped in exclusive Burberry Beauty Box gift packaging. Payments are taken using a mobile point of sale system on iPads and iPhones, which also offers the option of digital receipts. What a great concept! Love it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burberry

Happy second Sunday in Advent – your chance to win again! In July, I have introduced you already to the Braun Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa (for the previous post about professional hair removal, please click here). Personally speaking, it is the most efficient wet & dry epilator. I adore the innovative exfoliation brush that combines two beauty treatments in one device – for smoother and visibly more radiant skin. The epilator removes even the shortest and finest hairs for up to four weeks of smooth skin, a longevity shaving can’t deliver. The exfoliation brush removes dead skin cells with the help of massaging micro-vibrations to bring out your natural skin glow.

Great news is that two of you have the chance to win a Braun Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa which is worth CHF 245.00 per piece.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Braun” to . All entries must be received until December 16, 2013. 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 Braun

I always love those days when the new makeup collections for the festive season are hitting the shelves. Extremely beautiful is Girgio Armani Beauty’s limited edition HOLIDAY COLLECTION 2013 ECCENTRICO for Christmas. An unexpected mix of colorful and glamorous hues, this winter Giorgio Armani Beauty is shaking up the conventional.

To create this exceptional palette of explosive shades, Linda Cantello, International Make-up Artist Giorgio Armani, took her inspiration from Giorgio Armani’s travelling fashion exhibition Eccentrico, which reveals a collection of 51 equally bold and extravagant dresses designed by the Maestro. The result is an unprecedented palette of fresh and luminous tones that breaks away from the House of Armani’s traditional codes.

ECCENTRICO BLUSH PALETTE (CHF 117.00)
In its red lacquered case, it reveals a harmony of four blushes multi-compacted with micronised powders. Their light texture melts over the skin. With a sweep of the brush, the four Eccentrico shades blend together to create a fresh and sophisticated universal blush, illuminating the complexion.

LIP MAESTRO (CHF 51.00) and NAIL LACQUER (CHF 39.00)
302 Clash – 303 Dazzling – 505 Eccentrico

The lips and nails display matching dazzling shades, while offering contrasting matte and shiny textures.

EYES TO KILL QUADS PALETTE (CHF 83.00)
The eyes are ethereal, almost bare, adorning the eyelids in flamboyant shades, such as pink, coral, Parma violet and pearly white.

In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani