Sandra‘s Closet

Jo Malone created one of the world’s most sought after luxury fragrance brands eponymous with her name. In 1999, Jo sold her beauty business to Estée Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until her departure in 2006. Now, five years on, Jo is once again designing scent and November 2011 marks the launch of her new global brand JO LOVES, that is not a subsidiary company or an associated business of Jo Malone Ltd.

Jo’s passion for fragrance never ceases and it was falling in love with cooking that inspired her to play with food, flavours and colours that she had never used before. Jo soon realised that her instincts were prompting her to create fragrance for a second time and she found herself asking ‘could I do it again?’

JO LOVES captures the things in Jo’s life that inspire her, from ingredients and people to moments in time nestled within bold red packaging; the heartbeat of the brand.

“When I start out with a fragrance I don’t always know where it will lead. It’s a creative process that often surprises me and I like that. JO LOVES will be full of excitement and anticipation and I want to discover things that I’ve only ever dreamed about. Everyday I’m struck by different smells which evoke emotions or memories that inspire me to be creative. The scent of my husband’s cologne, freshly washed linens, hot Moroccan mint tea, the smell of a horse’s saddle and New York in the rain are a few of my favourites but the list continues to go on and on”.

The range includes some beautiful scents with yummy names: POMELO, GREEN ORANGE & CORIANDER, ORANGE TULLE, GARDENIA, ORANGE TULLE, PINK VETIVER, MANGO NECTAR, A SHOT OF THAI LIME OVER MANGO and A SHOT OF OUD OVER MANGO.

You can shop JO LOVES online here. Jo has done it again… Jo Loves, we do, too!
Stay tuned for Jo Malone’s travel insider in which she gives us some amazing tips regarding her favourite city…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Loves

I have been thinking of getting bangs since forever, but I was always to scared going for the chop. Now, I am so glad that I didn’t do it as I have found the perfect solution, fringe clip-ins, at HERSHESONS, an amazing website for all sorts of hair products. This is the ultimate way to shake up your look without the nail biting long term commitment.

Available in different styles and colours, I went for two different winges that will show you below. The fringe clips in easily below the front of your hairline and stays undetectable.

THE ROCK CHIC CLIP IN WINGE

This side winge gives you the instant insouciance of a modern day rock chick, adding a graphic, sharp dimension to your hair. It works great with a headscarf like this Dolce & Gabbana one.

YOU CAN SHOP THE FLORAL PRINT HEADSCARF BY DOLCE & GABBANA HERE.

THE SHARP CLIP IN WINGE

Style it slick and 
square to add a chic, preppy twist or part 
it in the middle to 
nail a boho vibe that accentuates eyes and makes cheekbones stand to attention.

Have fun experimenting!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hershesons and © Sandra Bauknecht

Summer will hopefully be coming soon and with its arrival the time to show more skin. Here are some products that help you to achieve super soft skin extremely fast, especially in those dry areas around the elbows or knees. No matter how long you’ve been ignoring these body parts, with those three products to can get rid of those persistent scales and dark patches easily.

Argan Oil Peeling by Arganiae, CHF 17.00
I am in love with its creamy formula that delicately scrubs the skin leaving it smooth and soft.

Argà Velvety Body Cream by Nature’s CHF 24.50 (200ml)
Its fluffy texture makes its application a true please. Great for nourishing and firming the skin.

Argà Pure Argan Oil by Nature’s, CHF 48.50 (50ml)
The perfect addition to your beauty routine that works wonders on extremely dry spots.

Those argan oil cosmetics are entirely organic and contain no substances that can cause allergies, such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and have not undergone any type of chemical treatment.

In Switzerland available at FORET VIERGE (Klosbachstrasse 88 in Zurich, Phone +41 43 819 30 19), a wonderful shop that carries all sorts of natural cosmetics.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Whether you like floral, fruity, or the scent of the ocean itself, one spritz of these new fragrances will conjure up the sweet or refreshing smell of summer that is desperately needed during those cold and rainy days.

Here are my personal favorites:

CLASSIQUE Summer Fragrance by Jean Paul Gaultier

The design of this year’s summer limited edition of Classique is inspired by tattoos featuring carp motifs or koi tattoos.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Clementine, rose and orange blossom
Middle notes: Jasmine sambac, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and white iris
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and amber

Available now for CHF 85.00 (100ml)

ROBERTO CAVALLI ACQUA by Roberto Cavalli

The very elegant turquoise successor to the Roberto Cavalli Eau de Parfum from 2012 is inspired by exciting nights in the Mediterranean. The perfect scent for a party on a yacht.

FLORAL AQUATIC

Top notes: Lemon, watery notes and jasmine
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-valley
Base note: Musk

Available now for CHF 63.00 (30ml), CHF 94.50 (50ml) and CHF 123.00 (75ml)

CK ONE Summer 2013 Eau de Toilette by Calvin Klein

This limited edition for 2013 offers an interesting combination of citruses, fruits, aquatic and aromatic notes. A wonderful refreshing scent for a hot summer day, like a splash from a waterfall.

AROMATIC ACQUATIC

Top notes: Citruses and watery notes
Middle notes: Water lily, caraway seeds, watermelon and cucumber
Base notes: Moss, woody notes and musk

Available now for CHF 55.00 (100ml)

J’ADORE Voile de Parfum by Christian Dior

My absolute favourite for summer. Like a gentle veil it leaves a sensual trail on the skin, very elegant and light.

FLORAL

Top note: Damask rose
Middle note: Tuscan iris
Base note: White musk

Available now for CHF 115.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.00 (100ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

The Jo Malone™ Townhouse is in full bloom. Over 10,000 peonies and swathes of the softest blush suede have transformed the global headquarters for the launch of the Peony & Blush Suede Collection. The new fruity floral fragrance for women, developed by perfumer Christine Nagel, features red apple, peony, rose, honey and suede. Available in September 2013.

Peonies are my favourite flowers and I can literally smell them looking at the beautiful photos…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

«L’Air du Temps is blue, as blue as the sky and the sea thus evoking infinity and freedom.»
Olivia Putman.

Designer and heiress to the Putman style, Olivia Putman brought a breath of fresh to the Ricci label, reworking the bottle of the house’s celebrated perfume L’Air du Temps for a unique and limited edition 2013 with her certain Parisian chic.

L’AIR DU TEMPS by Nina Ricci – A classic revisited

A tribute to flowers. Since its creation, this vibrant and sumptuous bunch of flowers – the first spicy floral in the history of perfumerie – has been jealoulsy protected and remained unchanged.

A fragrance that goes from mothers to daughters, from girls to women, L’Air du Temps is a joy that is inherited, an object that is shared, a trail that is transmitted.

A determinedly free creation from its very start, in 1948. New and bold alchemy of natural materials and synthetic products, invented in the elation of the post-war period, L’Air du Temps is an ode to new found joy, peace and victorious freedom.

A pure and radiant fragrance that has all the seductive and bewitching assets of femininity.

FLORAL

Top notes: Peach, carnation, neroli, bergamot, rose and palisander rosewood
Middle notes: Rosemary, carnation, gardenia, violet, orchid, cloves, orris, jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose
Base notes: Spices, iris, amber, sandalwood, musk, benzoin, moss, vetiver and cedar

The limited edition L’AIR DU TEMPS par Olivia Putman is available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 129.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nina Ricci

CHANEL is a trendsetter, especially in terms of makeup. Whenever a new runway show takes place, we are eagerly waiting for the backstage pictures to arrive to see the look up close, Peter Philips, Creative Director for Chanel Makeup, has created.
Something we will wear 6 months later…

The focus for Cruise 2014, that was presented yesterday in Singapore, is on a graphic eye in turquoise and black, created with Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in True Blue and Noir Intense.

Complexions were kept matte, dusted liberally with the Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Loose Finish Powder.

And the very important question: How will our nails look next spring? Rather than wearing a newly-created colour, models sported Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Satin from the permanent collection. So ladies, you can get ahead of the game right now… and don’t forget to add punk-style bangs. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on this hair style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Trend forecasting in perfumery is very similiar to the world of fashion, it is seasonal in terms of olfactive notes and compositions. This summer, it is all about fruity scents composed of ingredients such as passion fruit, mango, guava and litchi combined with aquatic florals.

Here are the most mouthwatering new flankers:

L’EAU D’ISSEY Summer Eau de Toilette by Issey Miyake

The exotic summer flanker of the original L’Eau d’Issey, created by Alberto Morillas, is carrying us away toward new evocations of scents, flavors, and colors. This year, discover the juicy, sparkling sweetness of exotic fruit.

AROMATIC FRUITY

Top notes: Pink grapefruit and litchi
Middle notes: Guava and passion fruit
Base notes: Vanilla and wood

Available now for CHF 85.00 (100ml).

WOMANITY AQUA CHIC Eau de Toilette Légère by Thierry Mugler

The energetic and sparkling limited edition 2013 summer version of the original comes with a provocative freshness without loosing its identity.

AROMATIC FRUITY

Top notes: Black currant, red berries and coriander
Middle note: Mandarin blossom
Base notes: Spices and woody notes

Available now for CHF 59.00 (50ml).

OH LOLA! Sunsheer Edition Eau de Parfum by Marc Jacobs

Inspired by sun-kissed pleasures, Marc’s summer version of Oh Lola! emits hints of vanilla, peony, and raspberry. It’s more fresh and sheer than its predecessor and I love its delightful green bottle.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top notes: Raspberry, wild strawberry and pear
Middle notes: Peony, cyclamen and magnolia
Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood and tonka bean

Available now for CHF 115.00 (50ml)

DAISY Sunshine Edition Eau de Toilette by Marc Jacobs

Radiant, colourful, full of joy, dressed in the happiest flowers of the season, this limited edition scent is designed to compliment your summer wardrobe.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top notes: Red currant, guava and mandarin orange
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-valley, litchi and violet
Base notes: Musk and woody notes

Available now for CHF 98.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

This might not be the sexiest post of all, but it will help you to have a wonderful smile which can be quite sexy though…

Daily dental hygiene is very important. In order to keep your mouth clean, brushing and flossing your teeth is indispensable. If you are not happy with your tooth position, pay a visit to an orthodontist. It is never too late. I can only recommend Invisalign, transparent braces which are the clear alternative to metal ones. These see-through aligners are virtually invisible as well as removable. I did it around five years ago and am absolutely in love with the result. In Zurich, the best place to go to is Dr. Marco Tribò, who is probably one of the most experienced orthodontists in that field worldwide.

Here are some products that I can only recommend, your jumpstart for a healthier mouth!

SWISSDENT CRYSTAL Repair & Whitening Toothcream

This enamel strengthening toothcream with natural whitening effect should be applied in the evening. It contains biominerals which help to strengthen the tooth’s crystalline structure through biomimetic mineralization. The patented low abrasion formulation is particularly suitable for teeth that are sensitive and have been frequently whitened or bleached. The fruit enzyme papain and xylitol, a natural antibacterial ingredient, helps to keep them healthy. Great news is that it doesn’t include any peroxide.

Available online or at Jelmoli in Zurich among others.
CHF 29.00 (100ml)

PHILIPS SONICARE AIRFLOSS

Using dental floss to clean between your teeth can be cumbersome and time consuming. With the new tool, you can easily clean between all of your teeth in just 60 seconds and it is fun.

Called a game changer in the industry by dental professionals, the PHILIPS SONICARE AIRFLOSS removes up to 99% more plaque. With a quick burst, microdroplets of water are accelerated by pressurized air to disrupt and remove plaque in-between teeth. The speed and force of these droplets are incredibly effective yet proven gentle on your gums.

Available for € 99.99 at your dentist.

LISTERINE® ZERO™

Your PHILIPS SONICARE AIRFLOSS works best with this alcohol-free mouthwash. Voted by more than 3,000 consumers, SHAPE editors, and beauty experts as one of the best beauty products of 2011, its formula cleans deep to kill millions of bad breath germs for a cleaner, fresher mouth!

Available for CHF 8.00 (500ml).

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands, Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Do you know Ahava? Do you believe in love at first sight?

It might happen now. Ahava (Hebrew: אהבה‎) means love, in this case love for your skin. The Israeli cosmetics company, that was launched in 1988, manufactures skin care products made of mud and mineral-based compounds from the Dead Sea which are outstanding, especially for sensitive skin. And don’t forget to enter the contest at the end of this post!

The Dead Sea is a natural geological wonder formed throughout the millennia and located at the bottom of the world, some 410 meters below sea level. I have been there. It’s a strikingly beautiful and peaceful place that only Mother Nature could create. It’s mysterious: A unique salty lake, in which bathers rather float than sink, and a muddy shoreline that holds the earth’s greatest concentration of skin-moisturizing minerals. The sea water is filled with a one-of-a-kind, age-delaying algae; and skin-soothing plants that grow in the driest desert conditions. Once the legendary, personal spa of Cleopatra it has become a modern-day oasis for people everywhere seeking its clinically-proven skin therapies and treatments.

The AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories have developed the exclusive Osmoter™, a blend of Dead Sea minerals that helps delivering moisture to even the deepest layers of the skin. It’s a sensation that says “my skin reborn”, included in all three products below. I have tested them all and am absolutely convinced of their replenishing power.

Time to Treat – COMFORTING CREAM

This effective calming moisturizer provides total relief from sensitive skin and can be used every day or for occasional flare-ups. It soothes irritations, reduces redness and lessens the skin’s reaction to aggressors by fortifying the skin’s natural barrier and providing deep hydration and nourishment. A MUST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN! You will thank me forever!

CHF 58.00 (50ml)

Time to Revitalize – EXTREME RADIANCE LIFTING MASK

A fast-firming, active mineral based mask that provides skin with a vital boost of radiance. Enriched with hydrating Dead Sea minerals, Moroccan Argan oil, and augmented by a rich concentrate of detoxifying botanical extracts from the Himalayas, the ingredients combine their collective powers to achieve an instantly firmer, smoothly toned youthful complexion.

CHF 58.00 (75ml)

Time to Clear – EYE MAKE UP REMOVER

A gently effective water and oil based formula that removes even waterproof eye makeup without leaving a sticky residue or drying skin. I have a very sensitive eye area and love this product that leaves it completely clean and soft.

CHF 24.00 (125ml)

Good news for my Swiss based readers: 10 of you have the chance to WIN A BOTTLE of this fantastic EYE MAKE UP REMOVER by AHAVA.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Ahava” to . All entries must be received until May 15, 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 Ahava