Sandra‘s Closet

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

Estée Lauder has launched the limited-edition makeup collection for spring 2013 PRETTY NAUGHTY. Optimistic yet not overly sweet, the world of watercolor pastels is taken to new heights by infusing an urban synthetic vibe for a youthful and modern twist. 
All products are in stores now.

PURE COLOR SHEER MATTE LIPSTICK
Naked, Rock Candy, Rebel and Demure – CHF 40.00
Skip the lip liner. Shape lips with the slim edge of Pure Color Sheer Matte Lipstick in Rock Candy instead. Apply the Naked shade for a soft matte mix.

PURE COLOR ILLUMINATING POWDER Tease – CHF 58.00
Start blushing slightly below the highest point of cheek and blend down and away.
PURE COLOR FIVE COLOR EYESHADOW PALETTE Pretty Naughty – CHF 72.00
Play with the five shades that work for day and night.
PURE COLOR SHEER NAIL LACQUER Insatiable – CHF 34.00

Be creative with your nails. Here are some inspirations:
The spring nail pairings techniques combine 2 or more shades to the most stylish newest looks. Nail colours are from the Pretty Naughty and the Heavy Petals collections.

SKINNY DIPPER
Brush nails with Absinthe. Brush Dilettante over it, from mid-nail to tips. With a toothpick, draw 3-4 thin horizontal stripes of Blue Blood, as fine as you can make them, across the nails.

PRETTY NAUGHTY
Paint nails with Insatiable from the Pretty Naughty Collection. Then add Chaos in a half “moon” on the right and left sides of each nail, base to tip.

I’M WITH THE BAND
Brush nails with Coral Cult. Add a broad horizontal stripe of Absinthe across middle of nails.

PURPLE MOON
Stroke Lilac Leather on nails. Brush Smashed on moon area only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder

Guerlain‘s new Spring 2013 makeup collection is all about maxi lashes and shiny lips.

Dress up your eyes with the newly launched Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash Mascara and enjoy a breathtakingly sublime look just in the blink of an eye.

CILS D’ENFER – Mascara Créateur de Volume – Sculpteur de Courbe 01 Noir & 02 Violet 8,5ml –
CHF 44.-

ÉCRIN 4 COULEURS – 501 Attrape-Coeur (as pictured) & 502 Coup de Foudre 7,2g – Limited Edition– CHF 80.-

ROUGE AUTOMATIQUE – 600 Ballade & 601 Romance 3,5g – Limited Edition – CHF 54.-
SHINE AUTOMATIQUE – 761 Flirt & 762 Rendez-vous 3,5g – Limited Edition – CHF 54.-

Erase the fatigue and start your day with an angellic complexion. Fond of girly pink ? Discover the limited edition of Météorites Perles du Paradis.

MÉTÉORITES PERLES DU PARADIS – Poudre Lumière Scintillante 55g – Limited Edition –
CHF 93.-
The collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

In case that you have liked the amazing In Love clutch designed by Olympia Le-Tan for Lancôme, you will surely enjoy the French house’s newest spring 2013 makeup collection:
IN LOVE with Emma.

Here are all the details of how to achieve Emma’s look.
All products are limited editions and in stores.

FACE
Blush in Love in 20 Pommettes D’Amour: Apply as a soft highlighting contour. CHF 68.00
Base Dewy Glow Mist: Prep, set or refresh makeup throughout the day with this soothing spray. CHF 54.00

LIPS
Baume in Love in 110 Rose Macaron: Focus color in the center of the lips and moving out toward the lip line. CHF 43.00

EYES
Color Design Infinité 24H in 200 Perpetual Pink: Apply all over lid with fingers or brush.
Color Design Infinité 24H in 501 Tremendous Turquoise: Use a brush to soften the eye liner and create a slightly winged out effect.
Those crease-free luminous eye shadows are not available in Switzerland. Therefore I recommend: Ombre Hypnôse in Love in 50 Pistachio Cream for a similar effect. CHF 39.00
Khôl in Love in 501 Jade Crush: Line upper and lower lash line. CHF 33.00
Finish off with your favourite mascara.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

The beginning of 2013 marks the launches of many new mascaras. As you know, I went to Paris for the new DIORSHOW ICONIC CURL which I absolutely love. Mascaras are such an individual product. Therefore it is hard to recommend one as everybody applies it differently and a formula or brush that works best for me might not be applicable for you. So here is my IT-LIST (from left to right) with comments. I am sure, you will find one that suits your lashes best.

BEST CURL
DIORSHOW ICONIC OVERCURL by Dior

Dramatic volume and curl in a stroke. The new brush adapts perfectly to your lash line. One of my favorites. (For more information on the product and the photo shoot for it, please click here).
In stores now. CHF 48.00

BEST TEXTURE
SURREALIST EVERFRESH by Helena Rubinstein

A true mascara revolution with 4 exclusive patents pending. Its innovation? Due to its ideally-gliding texture and brush, it is the first mascara ever on the market that doesn’t try out, feeling like a brand new mascara every day. 
Available in Switzerland from March 2013. CHF 53.00

BEST WATERPROOF FORMULA
SUMPTUOUS EXTREME WATERPROOF by Estée Lauder

This lash multiplying volume mascara offers deep, rich color. Its smooth, non-clumping formula leaves lashes feel soft and light, which is unusual for a waterproof product. With a good eye makeup remover, the removal is not a problem and no scrubbing is neccessary. I am not a fan of waterproof mascaras, but I could warm towards this one.
Available in Switzerland from April 2013. CHF 45.00

BEST FORTIFYING APPLICATION
SO INTENSE by Sisley

Another one of my absolute favorites. The very thin brush might take you some time to get used to it. But once you can handle it, you will thank me forever. This mascara instantly thickens, coats and separates lashes in just one stroke. Its fortifying formula, enriched with a vitamin-packed peptide, helps you to achieve fuller, longer, more beautiful lashes from day to day. Amazing product! (To see me wearing it, please click here).
In stores now. CHF 57.00

BEST VOLUME
LE VOLUME DE CHANEL by Chanel

The application of Chanel’s newest volumizing mascara is amazingly simple due to its unique, patented “Snowflakes” brush that coats lashes from root to tip in an instant. Your lashes are longer, plumper, thicker and more intense. The result is undeniable: eyes are defined and look bigger with a wide-open effect.
In stores now. CHF 47.00

BEST SCENT
CILS D’ENFER by Guerlain

As its names applies, this mascara is bombastic, creating maximum volume, curl and hold. The formula is nice, lightweight and doesn’t smudge or flake. Its application is a true pleasure due to its beautiful rosy scent.
In stores now. CHF 44.00

I hope that I could help you find your new favourite mascara to achieve an unforgettable look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

Creative Director of Chanel Makeup Peter Philips gave us the details about the look he created for the Pre-Fall 2013 Paris-Edimbourg Métiers d’Art Show. In the focus – pure skin and dramatic eyes. Here is all you need:

Skin prepared with HYDRA BEAUTY SERUM

The Complexion
VITALUMIERE ECLAT
MAT LUMIERE
ECLAT LUMIERE
CORRECTEUR PERFECTION
POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE

The Eyes
LES 4 OMBRES “Raffinement” (N° 39) – “Printemps Précieux de CHANEL”– 2013 Spring Collection

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF “Noir Intense” (N°88) 
LE CRAYON KHOL “Clair” (N°69)
CRAYON SOURCILS RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL
NO MASCARA

The Cheeks
JOUES CONTRASTE “Rose Initial” (N°72)

The Lips
ROUGE COCO BAUME
LEVRES SCINTILLANTES “Plaisir” (N°164) ) – 2013 Lèvres Scintillantes Collection (to be launched this year)

The Nails
LE VERNIS “Taboo”– (plum violet) 2013 Lèvres Scintillantes Collection (to be launched this year)

Enjoy all those extremely beautiful backstage photos!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel