Sandra‘s Closet

In January 2013, CHANEL opened at Hysan Place, the new luxury temple located at the centre of the island, its largest boutique in Hong Kong. To celebrate the event, CHANEL presents the exclusive limited edition HONG KONG COLLECTION. The uniquely modern elegance and glittering beauty of the Chinese metropole inspire a luminous colour palette. Exclusive creations for eyes and nails are infused with a metallic glow, evoking the lights of the city as they reflect in the waters of the China Sea.

OMBRES MATELASSÉES
The elegant rectangular case reveals an original combination of five shadows embossed with the iconic quilted motif of CHANEL. Like the shimmering light on water, the PEARL RIVER palette offers a harmony of golden white, a vintage gold nuance and intense peach for a soft, radiant effect on eyelids. Ideal for sculpting the eyes in a natural or more sophisticated makeup look, intense brown is paired with a very luminous silver white shade that makes eyes look bigger and illuminates the entire face.

LE VERNIS
Two contrasting nail colours echo the extremes of the eye palette. Elegant and modern EASTERN LIGHT is a luminous, very opaque white enamel. Deep and intense WESTERN LIGHT is a chocolate brown glowing with a pearly red heart.

Like a city combining multiple influences, the two nail colours can be worn together for an original effect. To reinterpret the elegance of a French manicure, apply the light colour to the bottom edge of the nail and apply the dark colour from the centre to the tip of the nail.

Great news for my Swiss readers, the collection is now available exclusively in Switzerland at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

“She’s a rose with thorns, don’t mess with her. She’s a girl who goes to extremes. When she can, she soothes; and when she wants … ! Her fragrance lifts you higher, she rocks and shocks.” – Serge Lutens

Inspired by Marlene Dietrich, a German-American actress from Berlin’s ‘Golden Twenties‘, Serge Lutens’ newest fragrance launch pays a poetic tribute to a woman who is beautiful and delicate on the surface but strong, independent and mysterious underneath. The Eau de Parfum is a concentrate of red roses: subtle and powdery yet spicy and extremely long-lasting.

LA FILLE DE BERLIN (A Girl from Berlin) by Serge Lutens
Oriental Floral

Top notes: Red rose and black pepper
Middle notes: Violet
Base notes: Musk, amber and woody notes

In stores now for €82.00 (50ml).

Lutens is a very intellectual perfumer. His ideas and inspirations seem mostly abstract and highly fascinating. If you are interested to read an interview with him, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Serge Lutens, © GDW

When I presented you the first photos of the Dior Iconic event in February, I wasn’t allowed to show you all. But it is time to reveal the missing pictures. The new DIORSHOW ICONIC OVERCURL mascara is gorgeous and this month, DIOR is adding some fabulous lip glosses and nail polishes to their line. I felt so honoured to be photographed for this new launch as well.

The official photos by Dior are in the collage above. Moreover, you can enjoy some behind the scenes photos below.

As Christian Dior said: “Colour is indispensable for beauty. Lipstick is a fashion accessory”.

Let me introduce you to the indispensable beauty manifesto. DIOR ADDICT GLOSS is the new magic touch for shine and fashion. A creative, addictive accessory for experimenting with this season’s trends.

Ultimate shine, playing with effects, turning heads: all eyes are on DIOR ADDICT GLOSS. And needless to say, the spot is on nails as well with the matching DIOR VERNIS. Have fun experimenting and mix and match your new sparkling must-haves!
Here are all the details:

DIOR ADDICT GLOSS
With the help of its magic formula, it provides lips with incredible shine and complete comfort. Its secret: the Mirror Shine Complex, an unrivalled procedure perfected by the Dior Research team. Each color has its own fashion effect, making it beautiful and unique, addictive, and as sexy as a pair of stilettos. Available in 24 different shades for CHF 45.00 each.

The stars of the shoot: “SHIMMER” SHADES
A fun, sensual collection for lips that do as they please, both night and day. Meticulously dosed glitter is carefully chosen to match the gloss, for a spectacular shimmering effect. Stylish, tailored shine for your lips and inspired by that, the magic goes right down to your fingertips.
DIOR VERNIS gets also some “shimmer” with 4, new, star shades:

Diablotine, Spring Ball, Princess and Délice.
DIOR ADDICT GLOSS – CHF 45.00 each
DIOR VERNIS – CHF 37.00 each

To finish off your manicure, try the new DIOR GEL COAT.
This visionary topcoat produces the perfect, ultra-shine finish of a professional style, gel-effect manicure. Smooth and elegantly curved, nails are lacquered with exceptional, long wear shine that dramatizes their glittering sparkle.
DIOR GEL COAT – One Shot – CHF 37.00

What a gorgeous idea, for the shoot, I got a special Dior Cannage manicure.

Thank you to the whole Dior team for letting me be part of this amazing event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

In the beginning of January, a few days after I came back from Qatar, I had the chance to meet the lovely Eduardo Ferreira, International Artistic Director for Bobbi Brown, who was in Zurich to present the newest launches personally. What an honor!

We got together at the Grieder Bar and bonded immediately. He is not only extremely charming, fun and witty, but also highly professional and interesting to talk to.

Being in his element to create makeup looks that every woman will adore, he suggested that he tries out the newest products right away on me. I am sure that you can imagine the looks I got from the other guests. Very funny!

Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks are my new best friends after Eduardo explained me how to use them. I have to admit that I had always found the application of this kind of stick pretty difficult but their texture is amazing.

These creamy eyeshadows have just hit the shelves in eight highly pigmented shades, they are easy to use thanks to their do-it-all formula which glides on tug-free and can be used to shade, define, smoke up and highlight eyes. In subtle to eye-popping shades that last for up to 8 hours without creasing, flaking or fading, it’s a stroke of genius. Just swipe on and go.

LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK by Bobbi Brown
Available in Vanilla, Golden Pink, Sand Dune, Iced Blue, Forest, Shadow, Bark and Violet Plum.
(Eduardo used Vanilla, Bark and Violet Plum on me, like on Katie Holmes who is the face of the campaign and Bobbi Brown’s first celebrity testimonial).
CHF 40.00 each

“Confidence is everything, but a little makeup can’t hurt.”

Launching in Switzerland this month, Bobbi Brown’s newest compact foundation will surely be a bestseller . Imagine your can’t-live-without liquid foundation in a fuss-free compact. Thanks to the twenty different shades, it can be perfectly matched to your skin tone and texture, it never looks fake or makeup-y, just like smooth, even skin. With 12 hours of flawless, oil-free wear, all you see is your skin – at its best. Plus, it’s completely portable, too – with a hidden sponge applicator right in the compact – so you look polished wherever you go.

LONG-WEAR EVEN FINISH COMPACT FOUNDATION by Bobbi Brown
Available in 20 different shades. CHF 65.00 each.

Eduardo finished off my look with some products from the new LILAC ROSE COLLECTION which is absolutely amazing. Don’t miss out those must-haves in stores now:

SPARKLE EYE SHADOW by Bobbi Brown (Limited Edition)
Lilac Sparkle, CHF 40.00

LIP GLOSS by Bobbi Brown (Limited Edition)
Pink Lilac, CHF 35.00

For my Swiss based readers, I have some amazing news. The lovely Eduardo Ferreira will be in Zurich from April 8-13, 2013 and you can meet him at the Bobbi Brown counter at Globus (Phone 0800 820 823). Don’t miss this chance!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht

During the last weeks, I have tried many many new scents for men. Here is my list of the ones we would like to smell on our men this summer. The ones I can truly recommend.

DIOR HOMME COLOGNE
Citrus Aromatic

This new version is absolutely wonderful, my personal favourite. Modern, fresh and warm in one, another hit created by François Demachy.

Top notes: Calabrian bergamot
Middle notes: Grapefruit
Base notes: Musk

Available now for CHF 104.50 (75ml) and CHF 143.00 (125ml).

LE BEAU MALE by Jean Paul Gaultier
Aromatic Fougère

Eighteen years ago, “Le Male” irreversibly shook up the world of perfume by introducing an unprecedented masculine archetype: the sensual sailor with a soft heart. Today, this object of desire is the leader of a new olfactory generation. The freshness in the new fragrance is as powerful as it is addictive.

Top notes: Mint and mugwort
Middle notes: Lavender, sage and orange blossom
Base notes: Musk

Available now for CHF 81.00 (75ml) and CHF 112.00 (125ml).

VERSACE EROS
Aromatic Fougère

Love, passion, beauty and desire: these are the key concepts of this new men’s fragrance. Named after the Greek god of love and son of goddess Aphrodite – Eros, it celebrates the perfection of the male body. For the passionate man, who is the master of himself! For all heroes among you…

Top notes: Mint oil, lemon and green apple
Middle notes: Ambroxan, tonka bean and geranium flower
Base notes: Vanilla, vetiver, oakmoss and cedarwood

Available now for CHF 90.00 (50ml) and CHF 121.00 (100ml).

BVLGARI MAN EXTREME
Woody Aromatic

Bulgari unveils a new expression of masculine charisma, a fragrance that melds an intense Mediterranean freshness and a modern woodiness, evoking Rome’s vitality and strength.

Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, pink grapefruit and cactus juice
Middle notes: Cardamom, amber and freesia
Base notes: Woody notes, vetiver and benzoin

Available now for CHF 112 (100ml) and CHF 84 (60ml).

ACQUA ESSENZIALE by Salvatore Ferragamo
Aromatic Fougère

The nose behind this fragrance is Alberto Morillas. The famous perfumer was inspired by water as the most essential natural element. A signature scent that celebrates a man’s real essence. Perfect for summer!

Top notes: Grapefruit, mint, mandarin and lemon tree leaf
Middle notes: Geranium, cascalone, rosemary and lavender
Base notes: Patchouli, musk, cistus and vetiver

Available now for CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 109.00 (100ml).

ETERNITY MEN SUMMER by Calvin Klein
Woody Acquatic Fougère

This beautiful limited edition for 2013 reminds you of the romantic sound of the waves and the summery smell of the sea.

Top notes: Tarragon, bergamot and orange blossom
Middle notes: Seaweed, cedar oil, violet, mimosa and lavender oil
Base notes: Patchouli, amber, driftwood, musk and cashmere

Available now for CHF 101.00 (100ml).

GUCCI GUILTY BLACK pour Homme
Aromatic Fougère

This scent is one vision of the modern man: Seductive, courageous and witty, for all of you who desire a new sensual experience.

Top notes: Lavender and coriander
Middle notes: Green notes, neroli and orange blossom
Base notes: Cedar and patchouli

Available now for CHF 78.00 (30ml), CHF 100.00 (50ml) and CHF 126.00 (90ml).

1 MILLION INTENSE by Paco Rabanne
Woody Spicy

The original 1 Million fragrance was launched in 2008. This year, a new intensified, deeper version is hitting the market, an embodiment of extravagance, a wonderful spicy oriental composition.

Top notes: Cardamom, blood mandarin, saffron and black pepper
Middle notes: Cinnamon, neroli and rose
Base notes: Orris root, sandalwood, leather and patchouli

Available now for CHF 87.00 (50ml) and CHF 121.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

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

So yummy and sweet! I adore Dolce & Gabbana‘s new fragrance named THE ONE DESIRE, a successor of the popular fragrance The One, launched in 2006. The olfactive statement speaks of pure femininity, complementing the collection with a bouquet of intoxicating notes to create an opulent scent. Once again, Scarlett Johansson is the face of the campaign photographed by Terry Richardson.

Desire. Seduction. Strength.
“Everything starts with desire. There wouldn’t be seduction, sensuality or passion if it wasn’t for desire. For us, it’s always been fundamental to let this sensation go, to break the mould and live free by emotions.” – Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana

THE ONE DESIRE
Oriental Floral

Top notes: Mandarin, lychee, bergamot and lily of the valley
Middle notes: Madonna lily, Indian tuberose, jasmine and plum nectar
Base notes: Vanilla, caramel, sandalwood, musk and Cistus Labdanum

In stores now. Eau de Parfum, CHF99.00 / €69.00 (30ml), CHF149.00 / €93.00 (50ml) and CHF179.00 / €117.00 (75ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Gentlemen, get the grit out of your hair. Clean Brew by Redken extra cleansing shampoo works best for extra dirty hair as it washes away a hard day of work or play. The formula contains a premium blend of malt (nourish & condition), brewer’s yeast (strengthen & boost body) and orange zest (purifying) that intensely cleanses to eliminate dirt and oil while helping to purify the scalp. Apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse.

Include beer and you will have surely a shampoo that men will notice! And ladies, those purifying ingredients work perfectly for us as well. So it is time to borrow from the boys, and this time not only his shirt, but his shampoo.

Available in Switzerland Mid April 2013 for CHF 28.00 (250ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Redken and © Sandra Bauknecht

Disney‘s Oz The Great and Powerful, has hit the cinemas worldwide. The American fantasy adventure film directed by Sam Raimi, stars James Franco as Oscar Diggs, Mila Kunis as Theodora, Rachel Weisz as Evanora, and Michelle Williams as Glinda. The film is based on L. Frank Baum‘s Oz novels, and also homages the 1939 MGM film, .

To celebrate the theatrical release, OPI is launching a beautiful collection featuring 6 limited edition and 1 Liquid Sand™ shades. Below are the names and descriptions for each:

What Wizardry Is This?
This new Liquid Sand™ lacquer is a mix of soft crème and warm, subtle glitter shades.

When Monkey’s Fly!
I’m simply bananas for this gold confetti.

Lights of Emerald City
White confetti adds city girl flair and style to nails.

Which is Witch?
Is this silver glitter with irridescent sparkle or the other way around?

I Theodora You
This adorable, sheer pink is bewitching on you.

Glints of Glinda
Only a good witch could turn beige from meek to chic.

Don’t Burst My Bubble
Don’t wake me…I’m dreaming about puffy clouds of white.

As with all OPI nail lacquers, those shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.
This limited edition promotion is in stores now (for CHF 23.90 in Switzerland) and will surely fly off the shelves, so better hurry!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Elegant, desirable, seductive, those three adjectives come to my mind when I think of Shiseido‘s PERFECT ROUGE lipsticks. By fusing powerful skincare with cutting-edge color technologies, Dick Page has created the ultimate lipstick. You will fall in love with the clear, true color and rich, full-looking finish that make these luscious shades unique, giving lips lustrous, all-day moisture and a protective veil that actually improves their texture. I couldn’t live without them anymore.

Available in 15 shades for CHF 40.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shiseido

I love the body care products by Le Petit Marseillais. Bursts of nourishing ingredients leave the skin irresistibly soft and sweet. Feel moisturized all day long with a blend of fig, aloe vera or shea butter immersed in their exclusive hydrating formula. The fast absorbing, non-greasy textures absorb quickly and make them the perfect body lotions for everyday use. The scents are addictive and all that for little money.

From left to right:
– Hydrating body lotion with karité, almond, argan oil for dry skin (yellow)
– Skin restoring body lotion with karité, aloe vera, beeswax for stressed, dry skin (beige)
– Hydrating body lotion with karité, essential chamomile oil, fig for very dry skin (purple)
My favourite! This product smells amazingly. I especially love it in combination with Fleur de Figuier by Roger & Gallet.

Available in Switzerland for CHF 6.95 (250ml) each.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht