Sandra‘s Closet

Today, the doorbell rang and the postman delivered some beautiful literally sweet surprises. The Park Hyatt Zurich sent me such a gorgeous cake in the shape of a bag that complemented the new limited edition nail polish shades by Estée Lauder PURE COLOR HEAVY PETALS perfectly.

The new limited edition spring collection of lacquers looks delicious thanks to its inspiration from the famous macaron dessert. The shades are from left to right: Narcissist, Lilac Leather, Coral Cult, Dilettante France, and Absinthe.

To a tasty weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder and © Sandra Bauknecht

I am in love with Guerlain‘s new fragrance launch, Eau de Lingerie, which is, as the name brings to mind, designed for fine underwear, delicate fabrics, as well as intimate and special occasions. The Eau de Toilette is part of the exclusive collection: Les Elixirs Charnels and available now for CHF 99.- (125ml).

“Close to the skin, in the very place where fragrance settles, our lingerie lies… and this inspired Guerlain to conceive of an innovative beauty ritual. A delicate new fragrance to spray onto lingerie, creating a special moment of sensuality in which women are invited to indulge…”

The fragrance can blend with any other scent and beautifully complements lingerie of every kind, leaving a light and subtle impression. Sensual and intimate, Eau de Lingerie is composed as a floral, powdery and musky scent. It contains notes of iris, rose, vanilla, sandalwood, white musk and ambrette.

To interpret the Elixirs Charnels collection, Guerlain entrusted Absolutely Pôm to create a limited edition of five pieces of fine lingerie. Available exclusively at the most prestigious Absolutely Pôm locations (see photos above).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies, save your money this month until the new YSL makeup collection for Spring 2013 will hit the shelves in Switzerland Mid February. The range just looks fab and is inspired by the beauty of precious stones. Its credo: “Let’s fight against boredom” – I am on and you?

YSL Arty Stone Makeup Collection comes in cool shades of mint and pink, purple and blue. “Pink quartz, amethyst, pyrite, malachite, azurite, jade, each possesses a hypnotic beauty. When you hold them in your hands, these precious stones diffuse energy and light, like galaxies. Their crystalline purity and voluptuous opalescence were the departure point for the creation of the Spring Look 2013 for Yves Saint Laurent,” explained Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Make-up Yves Saint Laurent Beauté.

Pure Chromatics Eye Collector Palette – CHF 79.00 (One Shot)
Shades: Malachite, Fluorite, Amethyst, Azurite
Can be used wet and dry, 4 colours for endless combinations.

Dessin du Regard – CHF 36.00
N° 15 (One Shot) & N°16 (One Shot)

Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
N°21 Green Emerald (One Shot)

Crème de Blush – CHF 54.00
N°7, N°8, N°9

Volupté Sheer Candy – CHF 49.00
N°12 Tasty Raspberry
N°13 Griotte Mocha

Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres – CHF 48.00
N°27 Pêche Cerra-Colla
N°28 Grenat Acrylique
N°29 Rose Fourreau
N°30 Mauve Fusain

Volupté Sheer Candy – CHF 49.00
N°11 Frosted Mint (One Shot)

La Laque Couture – CHF 37.00
N°34 Jade Impérial
N°35 Bronze Pyrite (One Shot)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

“If Yves Saint Laurent was a religion, his divinity would be a woman.”
Cotton-poplin shirt, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, patent-leather escarpins and Cabas medium leather tote, all by Saint Laurent.

Complementing the house’s beautiful prêt-à-porter collections, Yves Saint Laurent launched many iconic and famous fragrances over the years:
1971 Rive Gauche  – for the woman, who asserts herself
1977 Opium – for the women, who is mysterious and sensual
1983 Paris – for the passionate woman
2009 Parisienne –  for the freedom-loving woman

2013, Manifesto – a declaration of feminity is added:
The expression of audacity, excess, and desire.  A bouquet of jasmine punctuated by green notes and a bold trail combining wood, vanilla, and tonka beans are the scent’s very own signature. In a flacon reminiscent of the silhoutte of a woman. The face of the fragrance is actress Jessica Chastain. The composition was developed by Anne Flipo and Loc Dong.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and black currant
Heart notes: Sambac jasmine and lily of the valley
Base notes: Cedar, sandalwood, vanilla and tonka bean

EdP 30ml (CHF 84.-), EdP 50ml (CHF 124.-) and EdP 90ml (CHF 157.-)
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

Busy men demand skincare products that work hart, smart and fast. Therefore gentlemen, I have good news for you. You can check off multiple items off your daily grooming to-do list with this single, highly advanced, efficient product:

PRO LS ALL-IN-ONE FACE TREATMENT by LAB SERIES Skincare for Men
Today’s most advanced face essentials combined in one super-light, fast-absorbing formula.

What are the benefits?
Soothing: Calms the look of irritation and redness
Moisturizing: Replenishes hydration, helps rebuild and fortify the all-important moisture barrier
Repairing: Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Mattifying: Absorbs oil instantly, leaving skin looking clean and less shiny

Apply it after cleansing or shaving, great for everyday use, for travel and for your gym bag. Available in Switzerland starting from March 11th, 2013 for CHF 38.00 at selected department stores and online at www.labseries.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Lab Series

Fresh and fierce, strong and sexy; the NARS Spring 2013 Color Collection introduces a vibrant, ‘90s-esque palette that sets the tone for a season of audaciously feminine looks.

The ’90s have been back on the runways and this is the perfect make-up to complement your revived look. François Nars has created a collection that heralds spring’s arrival with shades ready to make a graphic statement. Look your best as the face of the campaign, model icon Stella Tennant.

The collection will be available in Switzerland end of February 2013.

Another great product will be launching in March 2013: The long awaited, skincare infused Radiant Creamy Concealers from NARS, that had been spotted during New York Fashion week S/S 2013 when the house’s make-up teams were using them backstage. They come with an amazing creamy liquid formula and will be available in 10 different shades for CHF 40.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nars

There are two fashion labels at the moment that you should be watching very closely, Saint Laurent with Hedi Slimane at the helmet and Dior designed by Raf Simons who has maintained the high-end essence that the French house is known for while maintaining his own simplistic and futuristic aesthetic. The bar was set incredibly high for the designer of Belgian origin, but Simons did an amazing job, incorporating Monsieur Christian Dior’s classic shape’s and cut, while modernizing them at the same time. I am crazy for his S/S 2013 collection.

The same goes for Dior’s newest make-up collection: CHERIE BOW that has just hit the shelves. The bow was Christian Dior’s favorite final touch, a timeless and emblematic code of the House of Dior. The “Chérie Bow” spring 2013 collection draws inspiration from the feminine, playful effect of the bow featuring shades of powder pink, deep rose and classic shades of grey, anchored in deep black. Enjoy exploring the beauty must-haves:

STAR PRODUCT
Chérie Bow – CHF 115.00
Make-up palette for glowing eyes & lips
One Shot

The Dior Chérie Bow Palette features the classic Fontanges Bow reinvented by Dior fashion jewelry designer Camille Miceli with three elements that come together to form a delicate bow shape, sealed with a pearl duo clasp reminiscent of one of Miceli’s iconic designs. Composed of three eye shadows, a black eyeliner and lipgloss, the Rose Poudre harmony features pale pinks, grey and deep charcoal eye shadows as well as deep black eyeliner and a fresh pink gloss to finish the look.

CHERIE BOW EDITION
5 Couleurs Eyeshadows – CHF 92.00
Available in 724 Rose Ballerine and 854 Rose Charmeuse (as pictured) 
One Shots

For the first time ever, the houndstooth check motif cherished by Christian Dior decorates the 5 Couleurs Palette. 2 colour harmonies, one based on a contrast of bright pinks with black, the other based on pale pinks brightened by a shimmering white, explore the interplay and effects of  materials and textures. Under the influence of Chérie Bow, the Dior 5 Couleurs Palette imprints the eyes with ultra-couture style.

Diorblush – CHF 67.50
Available in 659 Tender Coral and 729 Pink Happiness (as pictured)
One Shots

Two new colour harmonies: peach and a fresh rosy shade with which your cheekbones flush like you just have taken a walk outdoors.

NEW SHADES
Dior Addict Lipstick – CHF 48.50
437 Charmante, 457 Candide (One Shot), 467 Bow (One Shot) and 687 Espiègle

3 Couleurs Smoky – CHF 71.50
731 Smokey Rose (One Shot) 
Matching the Dior S/S 2013 collection in perfection.

NEW PRODUCTS
Twin Set – CHF 50.00
060 Grey Sigh, 090 Fishnet Black, 530 Beige Ribbon and 840 Ballerina Pink

The new eye shadow pen, Twin Set, is an essential for eyes. It is inspired by the secrets of backstage make-up artists who apply a rich shadow then set it with powder for long wear. At one end, a super-soft pencil applies a veil of dense, satin or iridescent eye shadow. At the other end, a foam blender impregnated with shimmering powder makes your colour sparkle.

Dior Addict Lip Glow – CHF 46.00
Color Reviver Gloss
(One Shot)

This new limited edition gloss revives your natural lip colour and gives it the perfect glow.

Dior Nail Glow – CHF 37.00

To reveal the natural beauty of your nails, Dior has invented Nail Glow. A treatment nail varnish that makes pink pinker, and brightens nail tips for an instant French manicure look.

Dior Vernis – CHF 37.00
155 Tutu (One Shot), 306 Gris Trianon and 355 Rosy Bow (One Shot)

Diorskin Nude BB Crème – CHF 62.00
Available in three different shades 001, 002 and 003

Once you are at the counter, have a look at the new must-have in the art of natural beauty: Diorskin Nude BB Crème. The new generation beauty balm helps you to reveal Dior’s beloved rosy complexion, “Le Teint de Rose”. It works wonders and is just perfect to achieve a lovely complexion during the warm summer months without melting away.

Those new colours are so beautiful that I couldn’t resist to create an outfit in the same colour family. If you like it, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the shop.

Taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, belted wool cardigan by Miu Miu, bow-embellished patent-leather escarpins by Saint Laurent and bow silk-satin clutch by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and net-à-porter

New Year, New You! Have you lived up to your new year’s resolution? I am sure that most of you have, after four weeks have passed, already forgotten about their good intentions. But time flies and summer is approaching fast. So better start now getting in shape.

How to get started:

1. Get a stylish outfit to exercise that makes you feel good so that you want to work out.

Two-tone cotton-jersey hooded top, mesh-trimmed animal-print stretch tank, run mesh-trimmed animal-print stretch leggings, embossed yoga mat, all by Adidas by Stella McCartney and leather wedge sneakers by Pierre Hardy.

2. Find a sport or a studio that suits your personal needs best.

I try to work out at least 4-5 times a week when I am at home. When I am travelling, I exercise less in general. My favourite places in Zurich:
BALLET: Jeannette Steiner Ballettschule Küsnacht
PILATES: Karolina Schmid Pilates Personal Training
YOGA: Vasili Vlachos Iyengar Yoga Center

3. For toned thighs and skin, it is best to complement your workout with the right body care: Celluli Eraser by Biotherm.

This slimming gel works efficiently on two levels to visibly reduce cellulite from 14 days and deliver long-lasting results with the help of marine-derived active ingredients, red Coralline algae extract and pure caffeine, providing a double-effect against cellulite and fat formation. The formula’s refreshing frozen film texture gives skin a feeling of fresh vitality. Apply daily in circular movements on targeted areas. Available in Switzerland from February 2013 for CHF 58.00.

4. It goes without saying that a healthy lifestyle is essential to look your best.

Healthy nutrition helps you to maintain the natural balance and energy flow throughout our physical and mental body. Purelosophy drinks are designed to engage your senses, offering different blends of fresh natural fruit and gentle herbal tastes. A welcome change, a great and healthy treat.

Purelosophy is totally natural. The drinks are not carbonated, which is easier on digestion. Refined sweeteners are avoided that could lead to metabolic (“calorie counting”) and gastrointestinal disturbances. The sweetness comes naturally from fruit juices and fruit sugars. Purelosophy drinks are gently pasteurised to preserve taste and freshness for a long time.

Purelosophy is available online for CHF 3.00 (250 ml) and around the world, including famous places such as Confiserie Sprüngli Zürich, Badrutt’s Palace St.Moritz, Le Byblos St. Tropez, Shangri-La Paris, Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Los Angeles and Mandarin Oriental Singapore, among many others.

5. Cleanse, purify, detox your body from time to time!

Women want to have a perfect body, and therefore maintain constant pursuit of all kinds of light. Detoxification is always a very effective process to eliminate all the negative effects on our body from the environment, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, additives in our foods, secondary smoke, pollutants, or heavy metals. Nowadays, internal detoxification should be adopted to keep your body systems in pristine condition.

Christina van der Schaar, founder of Holistic Health in Zurich, helps you find simple ways to eliminate toxins from your body with different sorts of detox programs, short-term or long-term, from 24-hour juice fasting for a radiance boost to long-term nutrition counseling. During the program, she comes home to you and delivers you what you need on a daily basis. I have to admit that I have never done such a detox program but I feel that it is time. Holistic Health has convinced me and once I get started, I will journalize my experiences here.

To a New You and Me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

Ladies, spring is coming and OPI‘s newest S/S 2013 collection, Euro Centrale, has been uncapped for you!

Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail polishes match perfectly  the new season’s trends. “Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania make up an exciting new fashion hotspot,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “When visiting these countries, you’ll view Gothic churches alongside vibrant graffiti murals, blending two very different aesthetics.”

Euro Centrale by OPI includes the following shades:

Polka.com Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.
OPI…Eurso Euro This deep blue cream is very continental.
Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!
You’re Such a BudaPest If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?
Can’t Find My Czechbook I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!
My Paprika is Hotter than Yours! Get the extinguisher…this fiery red is sizzling!
Hands Off My Kielbasa! Get your own…this bronzy tan is all mine!
OY–Another Polish Joke! So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar…
A Woman’s Prague-ative I’m changing this shimmery copper for…never mind!
Vant to Bite My Neck? You know you want to…wear this deep eggplant.
I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw Be seen in this deep midnight blue.
My Vampire is Buff Creamy, pale and nude…just how I like my vampires.

My favourite combination that you can see in the collage above is OPI…Eurso Euro with a layer of Polka.com. The beautiful collection will be in stores in Switzerland starting March 1st, 2103 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

SUGAR & SPICE by Jo Malone

A limited edition collection of five fragrances created for moments of guilt-free delicious pleasure. Inspired by delectable ingredients. Decadently tempting. Impossible to choose. Delicious to wear. Succumb to divine indulgence. Believe me, you cannot get enough of it!

Lemon Tart
The mouth-watering tang of lemon tart. Sparkling with citrus fruits and verbena, contrasted with swirls of meringue and lemon thyme. Refreshing.

Redcurrant & Cream
A summer pudding. Sharp-scarlet juices of redcurrants, lush strawberries and raspberries, rippling through creamy musk. Vivacious and enticing.

Elderflower & Gooseberry
A voluptuous gooseberry fool. Crushed, summer-green gooseberries, juicy with lychee, enfolded into the soft delicacy of elderflower. Tender and feminine.

Ginger Biscuit
Just-baked biscuit. Spiced with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon, melting into caramel. Butter-crumbly with roasted hazelnuts. Warmed by tonka bean and vanilla. Irresistible.

Bitter Orange & Chocolate
The bite of bitter orange, layered with dark chocolate. Orange peel counterpoised with warm, powdery cocoa, milky coconut and coumarin. Sumptuous and addictive.

Isn’t the packaging itself just to-die-for? The beautiful collection for fragrance aficionados will be available in Switzerland from March 2013 for CHF 68.- (30ml) each bottle.
In Zurich at Jelmoli and in Geneva at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone and © Sandra Bauknecht