Sandra‘s Closet

Lavish the lips in exotic ingredients with Tom Ford‘s new lipstick, LIP COLOR SHINE. Made with Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil; the ultra-creamy texture delivers a decadent and luminous veil of semi-transparent colour while tasting deliciously. Available in 10 great shades, these lightweight, wearable, semi-transparent beauty musts hydrate lips that may have suffered the effects of the recent cold weather.

”Lips are a woman’s most alluring and sensual feature. Luminous, semi-transparent lip colour is seductive in a very kissable way”, says Tom Ford.

My favourite shades: Frolic, Insidious, Quiver and Willful.
In Switzerland exclusively available at Jelmoli in Zurich for CHF 62.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to take you on an aromachological journey with Roger & Gallet. Recently, I attended their press conference n Zurich at the beautifully decorated Pflanzbar that provided the perfect ambiance to experience this olfactory adventure. Personally speaking, it has been one of the most breathtaking presentations in a very long time. Roger & Gallet offers a natural touch of emotion and luxury everyday with their know-how of a perfumer-apothecary since 1862.

Inspired by the original Eau de Cologne Jean Marie Farina, official supplier to Napoleon I, the creations of Roger & Gallet result from an authentic know-how of distillation of rare natural ingredients. At the Pflanzbar, we were able to go on a perfumer’s journey to the heart of some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Let me share with you the secret of a wonderful and unique daily beauty regime. Perfumes that are composed with natural essential oils, soaps perfumed to their ‘heart’ using the traditional cauldron method and body care with exceptional textures.

GINGER
Stimulating

Succumb to the exuberance of Indian gardens, allow yourself to be aroused by the magic of maharajahs’ palaces, the sensual swish of silk saris and savour a sparkling bouquet of ginger flowers and precious wood mingled with the sensual spices.

GREEN TEA
Soothing

Allow yourself to be carried away by the radiant, sacred atmosphere of Mount Fuji rising among the tea fields. The senses are aroused, the mind is stimulated under a natural waterfall of green tea and citrus fruit blended with the subtle sensuality of the precious wood, inspired by the wisdom and harmony of the oriental tradition. The balancing of body and mind.

BOIS D’ORANGER
Invigorating

An olfactive journey into the Andalucian gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada under the orange trees of the Generalife Palace.  Capture the vibrant sunshine, as well as the freshness of the leaf and the fruit, the softness of the flower and the fresh sensuality of orange wood.

ROSE
Relaxing

The exquisite refinement of a mythical flower with a bewitching perfume and silky  petals. A magical walk through the splendour of the palaces of Bengal and their delectable gardens, it celebrates its union with the mystery of amber.

FLEUR D’OSMANTHUS
Euphoric

This beautiful fragrance transports you into a Chinese Garden of Eden, in quest of the rare and mysterious flower of happiness.

And here is the newest addition to the Roger & Gallet fragrance family:

FLEUR DE FIGUIER
Delightful

Imagined during a trip to the Mediterranean garden of Esterel, this new fresh and indulgent scent radiates light and opulence. The sensual accord of fig pulp is first enhanced by a hint of caraway and the freshness of grapefruit. The fragrance notes of crisp fig leaves then reveal themselves as they blend with those of mandarin blossom. Finally, the sensuality of musk and fig wood provides a sensation of relaxing wellbeing. A truly amazing new scent!

Available from April 2013 in pharmacies.
Eau Fraîche CHF 59.70 (100ml) 
Crème Douche CHF 16.00 (200ml), Soap CHF 9.60 (100g) and Body Milk CHF 20.60 (200ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love coming back from my travels to some nice surprises. This week, two arrivals have truly made me very happy.

When Prada unveiled its gourmand caramel scent named CANDY in 2011, I have become immediately a huge fan. Therefore I was over the moon about the house’s newest flanker version that has arrived on my doorstep this week: PRADA CANDY L’EAU. Like the original, the new version is also signed by perfumer Daniela Andrier. Seductive and playful in one, the new fragrance  is modified with notes of citruses and flowers.

ORIENTAL VANILLA
Top notes: Italian citruses
Middle notes: Sweet pea
Base notes: Benzoin, white musk and caramel (The Prada Candy trilogy).

Prada Candy L’Eau EdT CHF 74.00 (30ml) – CHF 99.00 (50ml) – CHF 127.00 (80ml)
Available in Switzerland Mid April 2013.

White pumps are so hot! And the amazing Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent will be among my summer favorites.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © Sandra Bauknecht

Let me introduce you to one of my favourite beauty treatments at home:
The Glamoxy™ Snake Mask by Rodial, heralded as ‘Botox in a bottle’!.

RODIAL – ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY

In the age of chemical peels and invasive cosmetic procedures, the London-based brand has captured nature’s power by creating a range of super-effective skincare that delivers targeted treatments to specific skin concerns. In all Rodial products, Pomegranate Ellagic Tannin, with its natural anti-ageing, firming and collagen-boosting properties, is combined with breakthrough natural ingredients clinically tested to show results.

The Rodial Glamoxy™ Snake Mask has an innovative black “peel off” formula that visibly improves skin radiance and texture. Amino acids and licorice brighten the skin tone while enriched minerals deep cleanse and purify pores to remove excess oil, dirt and impurities. It also contains dipeptides, inspired by the potent effects of the Temple Viper venom, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. Apply a fine, even layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area and hairline (and be truly careful!). Leave it for 15-20 minutes or until completely dry.

2. Gently peel off the mask from the outer edges like a snake sloughs its skin. This can be a little painful and feels more like a waxing. But the result is all worth it. Rinse off any residue with warm water. You can enjoy immediately a younger looking and more radiant skin. Can be used once or twice a week. I use it as a deep cleansing once a month.

THE FACE BEHIND RODIAL

Grecian-born Maria Hatzistefanis started her career as a beauty journalist. It was then that her entrepreneurial instinct foresaw the potential of a luxury skincare range that would offer an alternative to plastic surgery and injections.

Maria started the company in 1999 and grew it into a global brand now available in more than 1000 doors and 35 countries worldwide, with a huge celebrity following.

The Glamoxy™ Snake Mask by Rodial is available in Switzerland at Marionnaud for CHF 69.00 (50ml). And some very exciting news, next week I will be leaving to London to attend the Rodial Beautiful Awards 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photos used for the collage: Courtesy of Rodial

While being in Paris, I couldn’t resist this beautiful trio from Dior‘s Cruise 2013 nail lacquers collection. Setting the right tone for summer, the three shades, inspired by fresh fruits, Mango 438, Lime 602 and Pastèque 658, would compliment the gorgeous Dior S/S 2013 dresses perfectly. Just beautiful!

The nail polishes are available exclusively at the Christian Dior boutique, 30 avenue Montaigne and Bon Marché in Paris. Enjoy your tutti-frutti!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Runway photos: Via style.com

Tom Ford presents his new fragrance inspired by the mystery and luxury of the Middle East. Evoking the untamed beauty of the Arabian Peninsula, SAHARA NOIR is an ode to the enchanting power of one of that land’s most treasured ingredients: frankincense. The composition is built around this precious desert resin, which can be found at all three main stages of the development of the fragrance. Exclusively available in the Middle East.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bitter orange, frankincense, calamus, cistus and cypress.
Middle notes: Beeswax, jasmine, papyrus, rose, frankincense and cinnamon.
Base notes: Ambreinol, balsam, benzoin, labdanum, oud, vanilla, frankincense resin, cedar and agarwood.

Good news is that Sahara Noir is said to launch in Europe this May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

The last weeks have been incredible, I had so many amazing experiences, wonderful travels and endless parties. One thing that went missing though was sleep. So skin is attacked, its natural defenses are weakened and wrinkles set in. Don’t we all need a little rescuing sometimes? Therefore I would like to show you the three products that helped me look kind of fresh every morning. I like to keep my beauty savers easy and handy, here we go:

BOTANICAL D-TOX by Sisley

This product is a life saver! At times of stress or extreme tiredness, this powerful one month night treatment program enriched with detoxifying plant extracts refreshes the skin, as if it has been replenished by a good night’s sleep.
In 4 weeks, the face looks rested, skin regains its glow and energy.

CHF 209.00 (30ml)

PRODIGY POWERCELL EYE URGENCY by Helena Rubinstein

Those SOS eye patches work real magic, having an instant de-puffing, smoothing and lifting effect in one. It is a true luxury and sensorial feeling to put them on as they feel like a second skin due to Bio-cellulose that fusions with the skin. Your immediate anti-fatigue booster.

CHF 164.00 (6 pack), CHF 33.00 (1 pack)

TOP SECRETS TOUCHE EXPPRESS WAKE-UP EYECARE by Yves Saint Laurent

Perfect for on-the go rescue! It helps you fight puffiness and dark circles. Its smoothing emulsion is enriched with arnica, known for its decongesting and microcirculation activating properties. I love the draining action of this roll-on applicator. Regain a radiant look in a flash.

CHF 70.00 (2.5ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Sisley, Helena Rubinstein and YSL

I am so tired of winter. Spring fever is in full swing and what better way to greet this eponymous season than with some whimsical butterflies, cute little ladybugs and some vibrant colors.

Butterfly print duchess satin dress by Marc Jacobs, two-tone leather bag by Miu Miu,Botanica Pam platform pumps with rose applications by Charlotte Olympia, Lady Bug leather coin purse by Gucci and Ladybug enameled 18-karat gold ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge.

The perfect scent for spring: CLINIQUE HAPPY IN BLOOM 2013

Clinique has been launching a limited edition every year since quite a while loved by fans of their fragrances all around the world. The latest one for 2013 – Clinique Happy in Bloom arrives in a new flacon with an illustration of cheerful flowers and ladybugs and is reminiscent of a dewy morning. In Switzerland in stores beginning of March 2013.

Top notes: Apricot and frozen fruit
Heart notes: Freesia, mimosa and incense
Base notes: Woody notes and blond wood

CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 59.00 (30ml)

LoL, Sandra

Part Two of my “Flankers Are Fun” story is dedicated to the seductive and floral aquatic new scents that can surely be pretty addictive. (For Part 1 click here please).

FAN DI FENDI Eau Fraîche by Fendi

The famous Italian fashion house launches every season its iconic Baguette bag in new interpretations. The same goes for its iconic scent that is scheduled to be released in a fresher version, the new edition of the Fendi perfume this spring.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and cardamom
Heart notes: White flowers and green tea leaves
Base notes: Leather and woody notes
Eau Fraîche CHF 93.50 (50ml) and CHF 114.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 1, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

ACQUA DI GOIA Eau Fraîche by Giorgio Armani

Introducing a new experience of radiant and natural femininity, the new scent is a fresher, luminous and more delicate version of the iconic fragrance.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Grapefruit, Primofiore lemon and mandarin zest
Heart notes: Ylang-ylang, water jasmine and a jasmine tea accord
Base notes: Cedarwood, brown sugar and musk
Eau Fraîche CHF 91.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml) 
Available in Switzerland from April 2013.

EAU LEGERE by Bottega Veneta

This year, a new version of the self-titled debut fragrance from 2011, the Italian fashion house’s second scent Eau Légère will be coming out, which will offer more freshness and clarity.

LEATHERY FLORAL CHYPRE 
Top notes: Bergamot and pink pepper
Heart notes: Gardenia and jasmine
Base notes: Oak moss and musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 79.00 (30ml), CHF 109.00 (50ml) and CHF 134.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 4, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

HYPNOTIC POISON EAU SECRETE by Christian Dior

Hypnotic Poison was introduced in 1998 (one of my favourite fragrances); and this year, the lighter version Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrète will see the light of day, smelling of fatal attraction, extreme sensuality and seduction.

ORIENTAL VANILLA 
Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin and orange
Heart notes: Neroli and jasmine
Base notes: Vanilla
Eau de Toilette CHF 105.00 (50ml) and CHF 149.00 (100ml)
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

If a brand sees that a perfume is very successful, it will happen very likely, that new slightly modified versions of the said scent will be launched, as a cross-selling strategy, mostly targeted at the fans of said original fragrance. For spring 2013, many of those flankers will hit the shelves and they are all worth a try. All are light, floral and feminine, everything you need to smell good this summer. And that a beautiful scent deserves a beautiful ad campaign you can see below…

LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE Eau de Toilette by Guerlain

From the Eau de Parfum, the lighter Eau de Toilette version is not far and it is extremely yummy!

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Jasmine, rose and green accords
Heart notes: Cherry, orange blossom and apple
Base notes: White amber, white musk and patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 77.00 (30ml), CHF 100.00 (50ml), CHF 149.00 (100ml)
Available from March 1, 2013 in Switzerland.

LOVE EAU FLORALE by Chloé

The French fashion house is launching a new romantic version of its iconic Love fragrance family with the fusion of rich floral notes. One of my favorites as I love its powdery aspect.

FLORAL
Top notes: Sweet pea
Heart notes: Green tea
Base notes: Powdery notes
Eau de Toilette CHF 83.00 (30ml), CHF 109.00 (50ml), CHF 128.00 (75ml)
Available from April 15, 2013 in Switzerland.

SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL L’Eau Si Sensuelle by Guerlain

This fragrant novelty is a successor to last year’s fragrance Shalimar Parfum Initial L’Eau, very romantic in a matte glass flacon. Absolutely beautiful!

FLORAL GREEN
Top notes: Green notes, grapefruit, neroli and bergamot
Heart notes: Iris, jasmine and rose
Base notes: Vanilla and tonka bean
Eau de Toilette CHF 97.00 (60ml)
Available from March 1, 2013 in Switzerland.

FOR HER L’EAU by Narciso Rodriguez

A vivid and delicate floral interpretation of the famous scent. Personally speaking, the perfect body scent, but be careful, it is addictive.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK
Top notes: Peony, cyclamen and jasmine
Heart notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, amber and rose
Base notes: Patchouli and musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 65.00 (30ml), CHF 95.00 (50ml), CHF 135.00 (100ml)
Available from February 2013 in Switzerland.

VALENTINA ACQUA FLOREALE by Valentino

This new fragrance version is all about summer, nature, the scents of a beautiful garden, very sensual and feminine.

FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and orange blossom
Heart notes: Neroli, mimosa, tuberose and jasmine
Base notes: Amber and patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 96.00 (50ml) and CHF 122.00 (80ml)
In stores now.

SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo

This joyful fragrance is ideal for a romantic young and elegant woman. Exceptionally fresh, its is proof that a Signorina can be a different Signorina every day.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Grapefruit and litchi
Heart notes: Rose oil and rice steam
Base notes: Milk mousse and cashmeran
Eau de Toilette CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 89.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml)
Available from February 2013 in Switzerland.

NINA L’EAU by Nina Ricci

The French fashion house launches a new version of its famous Nina perfume from 2006. Romantic and subtle, fresh fruity and aquatic, it will be perfect for the warm summer months.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Neroli, mandarin orange, grapefruit and apple
Heart notes: Gardenia, cherry and watery notes
Base notes: Musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 50.00 (30ml), CHF 71.00 (50ml) and CHF 85.00 (80ml)
Available from March 2013 in Switzerland.

MISS DIOR Eau de Toilette by Christian Dior

The creation of this modern chypre and romantic fragrance is signed by Francois Demachy. The face of the new fragrance is actress Natalie Portman. A truly beautiful new scent that I can only recommend.

CHYPRE FLORAL
Top notes: Tunisian neroli
Heart notes: Turkish and Bulgarian rose
Base notes: Patchouli
Eau de Toilette CHF 108.50 (50ml) and CHF 156.00 (100ml)
Available from March 8, 2013 in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of the Brands