Sandra‘s Closet

«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

The pink snakeskin trend for accessories has been spreading like wildfire recently, especially the softer and dustier versions of the feminine shade. Think baby or powdered pink and set the tone for a new reptile-inspired season. Carry those must-haves to channel your own sophistication.

Below you can shop my favorites:

1 Python toe-cap lace-up sneaker by Lanvin
2 Holographic python medium Happy bag by Lanvin
3 Small Tonda printed python clutch by Diane von Furstenberg
4 Hera python bag by Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli has brought the reptile trend to the beauty industry with the launch of his newest fragrance: JUST CAVALLI. The cylindrical top of the bottle and the box are embellished with a pink snake motive accentuated with golden details.

CREAMY FLORAL

Top note: Neroli
Middle note: Tahitian tiare flower
Base note: Palisander rosewood

Available as Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 59.00), 50ml (CHF 79.00) and 75ml (CHF 93.00)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 29.00) and Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 29.00)

Face of the advertising campaign is Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, photographed by Mario Sorrenti. As sexy as the new scent…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

As I told you already in January, Lancôme and Lanvin‘s Creative Director Alber Elbaz have joined forces to create the limited edition collection HYPNÔSE SHOW. Here is your sneak preview at those beauty must-haves.

Sometimes we just need a little something to brighten up a morning beauty routine. Alber Elbaz gives eye makeup a touch of whimsy for Lancôme. This amazing collection that will hit the shelves with very limited quantities, comprises the four Lancôme’s best-selling mascaras with matching eye shadow palettes, all embellished with designs, such as blue stars, red hearts, pink polka dots, and green heavily lashed lids. There will also be one set of false lashes.

The limited-edition Hypnôse Show line is due to hit counters worldwide on June 15, 2013. In Switzerland exclusively at Marionnaud until July 1, 2013.

Mascara Hypnôse Show, Hypnôse Drama Show, Hypnôse Star Show, Hypnôse Doll Eyes Show, CHF 49.00 each
Hypnôse Palette CHF 79.00 each, Ombre Hypnôse CHF 39.00 each, Faux-Cils Show CHF 38.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

The star of YSL‘s Summer 2013 Baby Doll Collection is the house’s new mascara, applied in the ad campaign by Cara Delevingne. The gorgeous collection will also feature new shades of eyeliner and a limited edition glossy stain for lips and matching nail polish.

The new MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS BABY DOLL provides volume  and clean definition in one. The brush surrounds each lash with a breakthrough clump-free formula that is also protecting lashes from free radicals.

The micro-faceted brush is easy to use: lashes are multiplied, precisely defined and magnified. On one side, thick and spaced bristles coat the lashes and create volume. On the other side, fine and close bristles reach every lash, including the smallest lashes at the corner of the eye for a full fringe effect.

Available in 4 different colours.
(Fetish Black – Audacious Blue – Indiscreet Purple – Wheedler Brown)
VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS BABY DOLL N°01, N°02, N°03, N°04 – CHF 53.00

EYELINER BABY DOLL N°10, N°11, N°14, N°15, N°16  – CHF 51.00

VERNIS A LEVRÈS Baby Doll CHF 48.-
LA LAQUE COUTURE Rose Baby Doll CHF 37.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL

Ever since its 2012 launch, Lancôme‘s Rouge In Love lipstick has become the cult must-have of every beauty addict. This season, the collection is enriched with a brand new generation of  gloss, so-called GLOSS IN LOVE.

Available in 12 In Love shades, those new lip glosses are infused with intense pigments and light-trapping mother of pearl for dazzling lips. The must-have accessory for every woman on-the-go comes moisturizes lips for 6 hours.

From the softest of shades to pure pop tones, Gloss In Love is created in a palette of vibrant pinks, oranges and fuchsias to play with to your heart’s content! Not forgetting my favourite shade Just Strass, an ultra-iridescent flashy white to layer on or to use as an undercoat to transform any shade of lipstick or gloss…  with its subtle scent of mouth-watering vanilla, lifted by a fresh fruit cocktail, it is spring 2013’s absolute must-have!
In stores in Switzerland Mid May 2013. CHF 40.00 each.

The ROUGE IN LOVE palette is enriched with 9 new colours, from radiantly pure reds to vibrant oranges and pinks… CHF 43.00 each

4 new shades of VERNIS IN LOVE nail polishes will complement the look. CHF 25.00 each

Discover it this summer; you’ll be hooked all year round.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

If you think that the emerald makeup trend is too vibrant for you, you will love today’s post featuring the most alluring nude and bronze products for this summer.

Above you can see my personal must-haves that are all part of the new collections hitting the stores now.

1 CLARINS Shimmer Body Oil – CHF 49.00
2 CLARINS Summer Bronzing Compact – CHF 49.00
3 CLARINS Colour Quartet & Liner Eye Palette – CHF 62.00
4 ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquer So Vain – CHF 34.00
5 ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquer Diabolique – CHF 34.00
6 ESTEE LAUDER Dual Ended Liquid Liner Black Sands – CHF 40.00
7 YVES SAINT LAURENT La Laque Couture N°37 Taupe Maresque – CHF 38.00
8 TOM FORD Bronzing Powder Gold Dust – CHF 82.00

CLARINS Splendours Summer Makeup Collection

Amazing, that was the first word that literally came into my head when I unpacked the stunning summer makeup collection from Clarins. Splendours is themed around a harmony of glistening gold shades for the perfect warm natural summer glow. Available now.

ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquers French Nudes

Suiting every women’s skin tone, Makeup Director Tom Pecheux created these muted nudes that look elegant and sophisticated. In stores now.
From left to right: Diabolique, Nudité, Bittersweet, So Vain and Ballerina Pink.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Saharienne Heat

Lindsey Wixson, the face of the ad campaign, shows how gorgeous the variety of colours in this collection look: bronze and nude combined with shades of purple and emerald.
The perfect alternative for those who would like to add a splash of colour to their natural look. And with the golden Moroccan arabesque designs on top of the compacts, it is a pleasure to open them every day. In stores now.

TOM FORD Beauty Summer 2013 Color Collection

Tom Ford’s summer 2013 makeup collection brings some interesting essentials to the table. Beautiful nudes and bronze shades that will give you that natural-looking glow we all want to achieve during the warm weather months, for a skin that is bathed in sunset light.
In Switzerland available Mid May 2013 exclusively at Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht