Sandra‘s Closet

To celebrate the launch of Rodial‘s newest line of products that include bee venom, the British beauty brand and Marionnaud Switzerland invited us busy bees, bloggers and journalists to a lovely lunch at the Widder Hotel in Zurich.

Listening to Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis who had flown in from London especially for the event, I learnt that the bee venom is a very interesting ingredient that helps to increase blood flow to the skin and provides a plumping effect to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It apparently fools the skin into thinking it has been stung with the toxin, which forces the body to produce collagen and elastin, which are both two key components of healthy skin, in the affected area. In case you are allergic to bees, no worries, the amount included is too small to cause an allergic shock or reaction. I am a big fan of the brightening eye cream of the line.

RODIAL Bee Venom Super Serum – CHF 229.00 (30ml)
RODIAL Bee Venom Moisturiser – CHF 219.00 (50ml)
RODIAL Bee Venom Eye Cream – CHF 165.00 (25ml)

Maria Hatzistefanis with me at the lunch

Also on display was the brand’s newest body care range. All products have some very fun names and promise to firm and target problem areas fast. Whatever body part you would like to focus on, Rodial has the right product: ARM SCULPT™ CHF 82.00 – TUMMY TUCK™ CHF 123.00 – BOOB JOB™ CHF 123.00 and SIZE ZERO™ CHF 79.00.
Rodial is exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland.

The SIZE ZERO™ daily toning body moisturizer is a great way to get started as it works for most areas of your body. It helps to reduce stubborn fatty deposits and water retention. Maria told me that she loves to use it post-workout to firm and smooth the skin. A fast way to look great, just the right thing for busy bees…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Unfortunately, MAC‘s Tropical Taboo hasn’t arrived on time before my departure to China. It would have been the perfect look for Sanya. But no need to complain. Zurich feels very tropical at the moment as well, with temperatures rising every day.

The extremely colourful Tropical Taboo collection includes many of the brand’s iconic mineralize products, plus amazing new lipsticks and some beloved repromotes.
Here are my favorites:

LIPS
RICH LIPSTICK in Divine Choice (mid-tone cool pink cream) – CHF 36.00
CREMESHEEN GLASS in Fever Isle (bright red coral) – CHF 32.00
LIP PENCIL in Ablaze (bright apricot) – CHF 22.00

EYES
MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW in Time to Tango (lavender with silver pearl / frost) – CHF 33.00

CHEEKS
MINERALIZE BLUSH in Exotic Amber (orange with bronze pearl / frost) – CHF 35.00

This beautiful limited edition collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC and © Sandra Bauknecht

If you think, isn’t she a little too old for being a Directioner?! Point taken! Yes, I am but my daughter is one and this is how I learnt about the boys of One Direction: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. In May, I even went to their concert in Zurich.

My look at the concert: Denim and wool jacket by Givenchy, leather and cotton-jersey sweater and chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent, boots by Chanel and Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Here are the breaking news for all Directioners: The boys created a line of beauty products with London-based makeup company MUA Cosmetics. They may sing about natural beauty in the song “What Makes You Beautiful,” but that’s not holding them back to come up with this very smart marketing strategy. So girls, forget the natural look because it’s the LITTLE THINGS, which is the name of their 15-piece lip, nail and cheek colour collection that make all the difference now.

Each band member has chosen their favourite color and signed their own ‘Kiss You’ lip shade: Harry loves Strawberry, Zayn loves Watermelon, Louis loves Vanilla, Niall loves Cherry, Liam loves Blueberry – which one will you choose?!

Available on www.muastore.co.uk, www.superdrug.com and in select Superdrug stores starting from July 29, 2013.

This is their moment. One Direction are about to take over the fragrance world, too. The new very sweet OUR MOMENT fragrance will go on sale in Harrods on August 25, nationwide in the UK from September 9, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mua Cosmetics and Harrods

I love smoky eyes, they are always on trend. I have recently tried two new products that are absolutely great. Here are some tips how to achieve this gorgeous look very easily.

SERGE LUTENS FARD A PAUPIERE N°2

Discover the most recent addition to the Les Necessaires de Beauté collection: a palette in pale neutrals and mauves to create a smoky eye that is as easy to wear as black.

Available for CHF 200.00 (at Jelmoli in Zurich for example).

GLOMINERALS SMOKY EYES KIT

This kit includes four essential colors for creating a sultry smoky eye in a sleek, mirrored compact. A five easy steps application guide is also included.

Formulated with glominerals’ exclusive blend of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E and green tea, it provides nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance. The colours may be applied dry or wet to increase pigment, which is great if you are using them as an eye liner.

In Switzerland available for CHF 64.00 (at Schminkbar in Zurich or Cosmetic Susan Meier in Lucerne among others).

TIPS  & TECHNIQUES 
How to create the perfect smoky eye

When creating a smoky eye, always start off with doing the eyes first, as makeup may fall on to the face. Use the lightest shade as a base eyeshadow from lash line to brow. Follow with the second lightest color, applying it to the lid, stopping just beneath the brow bone. Next, apply a darker hue in the outer 3/4 of the crease. Lastly, add definition by lining top and bottom lash lines using the darkest one such as black. Smudge gently for a sexy, smoky look. Blending is the key. Use lighter, more natural tones on the cheeks and lips to let the eyes stand out but not look overdone.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Glominerals and Serge Lutens, © Sandra Bauknecht

In the beginning of July while I was travelling through China, Chloé unveiled at the Hôtel de Miramion in Paris the amazing new fragrance Roses de Chloé, a celebration of the flower of love in the heart of the city of lights. The rose was already a key ingredient of the fragrance signature, launched in 2008.

Now, it has been reinterpreted, in the form of a Damascena rose essence. Reminiscent of a walk down the Parisian rose gardens, the sensual new scent includes bergamot, magnolia, white musk and amber.

In Switzerland available from August 22, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chloé (Coty Prestige)

Finally, Clarisonic – the US beauty obession – has hit the Swiss market. Whenever I was in the States, I had been arguing with myself if I should get this hyped skin cleansing tool or not. I never did, a huge mistake!

In April, I attended the press conference held at the HautZentrum Zürich and was truly impressed by this new technology. Coming from the creators of the Sonicare® toothbrush, Clarisonic has changed the way I cleanse my skin.

Taking off my make-up all of a sudden has become a lot of fun, like a 60 seconds daily spa treatment. The sonic frequency moves this easy-to-use device‘s soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing my pores and skin surface.

Here are some of the benefits this revolutionary skincare tool delivers:
– Removes makeup six times better than traditional methods in just 60 seconds.
– Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size.
– Cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better.
– Creates noticeably healthier-looking skin.

One feature I adore is the Clarisonic Body Brush Head which takes sonic cleansing beyond the face to gently cleanse and exfoliate, smooth rough, dry patches, ideal for use on the décolleté, hands, arms, elbows, and feet. It firms, and smoothes the skin, delivering radiant, silky-soft results.

In Switzerland, Clarisonic is available exclusively at Marionnaud.

FACE: Clarisonic MIA 2™ Skin Cleansing System for CHF 189.00
A travel-friendly, professional-quality skincare brush with two speeds.

FACE & BODY: Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System for CHF 289.00
An enhanced Clarisonic® Plus system with a third speed along with a Body Brush Head.

Replacement Brush Head for CHF 29.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarisonic

Introducing TOM FORD’s latest fragrance innovation, the PRIVATE BLEND ATELIER D’ORIENT fragrance collection. Inspired by the sublime beauty, enigmatic sensuality and exquisite luxury of Asia, I would like to invite you to discover those four new must-haves for all fragrance junkies among you:

SHANGHAI LILY – Opulent. Tantalizing. Elegant.
Shanghai Lily is an exotic floral scent that transports the senses into a world of rare and opulent ingredients from the historic silk road. Warm spices, elegant florals, and addictive notes of vanilla and frankincense create hazy reverie of glamour and temptation.

RIVE D’AMBRE – Ornate. Compelling. Warm.
Tom Ford’s newest take on the classic eau de cologne, Rive d’Ambre seduces with precious citrus fruits, that are regarded as a talisman of good fortune in Asia, illuminated by a warm and seductive, amber background.

FLEUR DE CHINE – Dramatic. Smoldering. Seductive.
Fleur de Chine is an unequivocally romantic and haunting floral fragrance touched with a reverence for the great scents of the past. Precious Asian flowers, including Hualan flower and star magnolia, are arranged in a bouquet of rare beauty.

PLUM JAPONAIS – Delectable. Luscious. Sensual.
Plum Japonais reveals the extraordinary beauty of the Ume plum by juxtaposing it with a lush and unconventional mélange of exotic Asian ingredients. Rich and luxurious, it is a fragrance with irresistible complexity.

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

Three new flankers for summer have hit the shelves, all telling the story of love, with all the excitement, intoxicating attraction and euphoric feeling of these first moments. Those magic seconds when he is the only one are captured in a bottle. New scents that the skin can no longer do without, inspired by the sensations of a first kiss, a forbidden love, love at first sight and all the other moments that accelerate your pulse.

AMOR AMOR IN A FLASH by CACHAREL

A true love potion, this luscious oriental fragrance created by Pierre Negrin, encapsulates the excitement of love at first sight.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top notes: Red apple, mandarin orange and apricot
Middle notes: Cinnamon and jasmine
Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood and caramel

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 55.90 (30ml), CHF 83.50 (50ml) and CHF 114.80 (80ml).

L’AMOUR FOU Eau de Toilette by EMANUEL UNGARO

The new 2013 Eau de Toilette flanker of the 2012 launched Eau de Parfum concentration is adapted to the sunny days of the year, a softer and more romantic version of the original, designed by Véronique Nyberg.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Black currant, toffee apple and pink pepper
Middle notes: Violet, rose and peony petals
Base notes: Musk, orris and vanilla

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml).

AURA BY SWAROVSKI LOVE COLLECTION

This season, Swarovski is launching a new very sensual interpretation of the original perfume Aura from 2011, created by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin with a beautiful floral-woody-musky trail.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK

Top notes: Physalis and freesia
Middle notes: Lily and rose
Base notes: White musk and sandalwood

Available as Eau de Toilette Légère for CHF 73.00 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

San Francisco by OPI brings West Coast flair directly to your nails and toes for F/W 2013.

The new collection features 12 nail polishes in shades of sky and sea-colored hues of blues and gray to reds, burgundies and browns inspired by some of the city’s most iconic elements – Chinatown, the Golden Gate bridge and the Embarcadero, along with three limited edition Liquid Sand™ shades.

San Francisco by OPI includes the following 12 shades that will stay permanently:
A-Piers to Be Tan – I shore do like this chocolaty tan.
Dining al Frisco – Just feast your eyes on this fresh-air blue!
Haven’t the Foggiest – Can’t tell you why I love this misty gray…I just do!
Peace & Love & OPI – This holographic sage and eggplant is far out!
Keeping Suzi at Bay – There’s no holding back this assertive navy blue.
Incognito in Sausalito – You better keep this almost-black blue under wraps.
Lost on Lombard – Oh garn-et! I’m all turned around!
I Knead Sour-Dough – Are you bready to wear this toasty warm brown?
Muir Muir on the Wall – This trailblazing plum is the fairest of all.
In the Cable Car-Pool Lane – Good golly, Miss Trolley, this rich burgundy takes me away!
Embarca-Dare Ya! – Betcha can’t pass up this marvelous magenta.
First Date at the Golden Gate – You and me and this shimmery ruby make three.

The three limited Liquid Sand™ nail lacquers (should always be worn without top coat) are:
It’s All San Andreas’s Fault – I’d move mountains to get this textured earthy taupe!
Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! – Dog-gone it…fetch me that textured matte blue!
Alcatraz…Rocks – There’s no escaping this arresting textured gray.

My favourite shade: Alcatraz…Rocks

The collection will be available in Switzerland starting July 25, 2013 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Challenge the sun and get a sun-kissed and healthy glow with the help of those products.
(Maze bag by Maison Mollerus).

Preparation is the key:
INNEOV SUN SENSITIVITY CAPSULES 30

Used before sun exposure, this breakthrough probiotic helps to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays, as a complement to sun protection cream. It works from the inside out, consumed orally as a nutritional supplement, rather than applied topically like a lotion. In the body, it creates tiny amounts of health-promoting substances that circulate in the blood stream, activating the skin’s natural immune defenses, which consequently helps prevent sun damage.

CHF 41.00 (30 capsules)

Tan booster:
GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA SUN SERUM

This remarkable limited edition serum is your loyal ally in acquiring, deepening and prolonging a tan. Adding a few drops of this honey-coloured serum to your normal skincare product will instantly transform it into a tan booster. It stimulates the natural production of melanin and is enriched with a soothing complex to moisturize and soften the skin.

CHF 72.00 (28ml)

The best high protection sunscreen for face and body:
SHISEIDO EXPERT SUN AGING PROTECTION LOTION PLUS SPF 50+

A light non-sticky very water-resistant sun protection lotion that defends against UV rays while providing skincare benefits that protect the health and beauty of the skin. Great for the face.

CHF 58.00 (100ml)

For sensitive skin who tends to have sun allergies:
LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS XL SPF 50+ Dry Touch Gel Cream

Best for sensitive skin to skin prone to sun intolerance, commonly known as sun allergies and for extreme sunshine intensity. It helps to prevent pigment spots (pregnancy, photosensitization…). Thanks to its ultra-dry finish, it leaves no white marks and no shine. Water-resistant.

CHF 29.00 (50ml)

Not only for kids:
LANCASTER COMFORT CREAM FOR CHILDREN – Wet Skin Application SPF50

This smooth, water resistant, anti-sand & tearless cream can be applied even on wet skin, without leaving traces after spreading, and provides broad-spectrum protection. It helps preserve children skin and its DNA from the negative effects of sun rays.

CHF 55.00 (125ml)

Easiest application:
BIOTHERM BRUME SOLAIRE LACTEE SPF 30

The multi-position sun mist can be sprayed on quickly and easily in any position, even upside down. It provides intense hydration for sundried skin, leaving skin protected and softened in quick-time.

CHF 24.00 (125ml)

Sun spray:
PIZ BUIN WET SKIN Transparent Sun Spray – SPF 30

Just apply this amazing spray directly on your wet skin as soon as you get out of the water, lie back, relax, and let the warmth of the sun to dry you.

CHF 24.00 (150ml)

After sun:
CLARINS AFTER SUN MOISTURIZER ULTRA-HYDRATING

The ultimate in targeted, post-sun skin care, this moisture-rich cream delivers an intense beauty treatment every time you use it. Soothing botanical extracts nourish skin while taking the sting out of the sun.

CHF 44.90 (400ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht