Sandra‘s Closet

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

Last Wednesday, the 16th annabelle Prix de Beauté ceremony was held at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich and I felt very honored to be in the jury like last year. Above you can see annabelle’s editor-in-chief Lisa Feldmann with me at the event.

For those of you who are not familiar with this trophy, the “Anna” is like the “Swiss Beauty Oscar”. Many products in different categories are tested among the jury members and the winner is analyzed with the help of an elaborate questionary.

“Anna” of 2013

Many of the winners have been featured here on Sandra’s Closet:

Fragrance Women: Coco Noir by Chanel
Fragrance Men: Tom Ford Noir by Tom Ford
Make-up: Holland Collection by OPI
Facial Care: The Moisturizing Soft Cream by La Mer
Natural Cosmetics: Idéalia Crème by Vichy
Body Care: Eau des Jardins Crème Corps Délicieuse by Clarins
Hair Care: Elixir Ultime by Kérastase
Sun Care: Swiss Suncare by La Prairie
Dior Bronze Crème Protectrice Sublimante SPF50 by Dior

Lovely Katrin Roth who is in charge of annabelle’s beauty blog with me. You can check out all her photos of the night by clicking here! Please stay tuned for the detailed post of my outfit that will be coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies, don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds. I am only talking about beautiful shiny hair and how to get a glow even in winter.

Is your hair dry and brittle, due to to those horrible cold temperatures?
Here are some quick and simple products to keep your hair glowing, manageable and moisturized that work winter and summer! Hair oils are perfect today, they make your hair smooth and shiny without leaving it greasy or flat.

From left to right:
Mythic Oil Color Glow by L’Oréal Professionnel
(Contains UV filters, lightweight feel and finish) – CHF 29.50 (125ml)

Mythic oil Milk by L’Oréal Professionnel
(Reinforcing milky mist for all hair types) – CHF 29.50 (125ml)

Elsève Extraordinary Oil by L’Oréal Paris
(This hair oil contains six precious oils extracted from rare flowers including lotus, chamomile, rose, flaxseed, matricaria and tiare. to protect and nurture the hair strands from the inside out) – CHF 14.90 (100ml)

Mythic Oil by L’Oréal Professionnel is also available as Shampoo CHF 20.40 (250ml), Conditioner CHF 25.50 (190ml), Masque CHF 30.50 (200ml) and as a personalized exclusive treatment at the hair salon.

After the success of Elixir Ultime, Kérastase has launched the Grands Crus Oils, luxe hair oils that are so beautifully scented that you will never forgot to apply them to your hair .

My favorites, from left to right:
Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe & Millenium Rose Extract by Kérastase
(Delicately beautifying scented oil for fine and sensitized hair) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe & Imperial Tea Extract by Kérastase
(Radiating and beautifying scented oil for color-treated hair) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe & Moringa Immortel Oil by Kérastase
(Replenishing and beautifying scented oil for damaged hair) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

Kérastase Elixir Ultime by Jade Jagger – LIMITED EDITION
(Kérastase has teamed up with jewlery designer Jade Jagger to create a limited edition of the house’s iconic Elixir Ultime. With a golden lips print, and a singular red highlight, the packaging adds even more glamour to this luxury hair oil.) – CHF 49.00 (125ml)

A great addition to Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime line are the new Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo CHF 31.00 (250ml) and the Beautifying Oil Masque CHF 59.00 (200ml), both for all hair types.

From left to right:
Strengthening and Hydrating Hair Oil-In-Cream by Kiehl’s
(With olive fruit and avocado oils, this daily leave-in works best for dry and damaged hair) –
CHF 42.00 (180ml)

Magic Elixir by Kiehl’s
(Hair restructuring concentrate with rosemary leaf and avocado oils for all hair & scalp types) –
CHF 34.00 (125ml)

Deeply Restorative Smoothing Hair Oil Concentrate by Kiehl’s
(Daily leave-in spray for frizzy and unruly hair with fairly-traded argan and sesame oil) – 
CHF  42.00 (118ml)

Color-Protect Shine Infusing Hair Oil Treatment by Kiehl’s
(Daily leave-in spray for color-treated hair with sunflower and apricot oils and SPF10 sunscreen for the scalp) – CHF 42.00 (118ml)

Enjoy your new glossy mane!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Oréal, L’Oréal Professionnel, Kiehl’s, Kérastase and © Sandra Bauknecht

A Small World hosted the pre-launch party of Zurich’s new hot spot Aura last Thursday.
The location is gorgeous, home to a bar and smoker’s lounge, a restaurant and a nightclub which can be booked for special events. The large room is surrounded by projectors that can be part of a presentation or show.

Getting ready at home, I put on some upbeat music that got me psyched for the night. Great for dancing, I chose a pretty short dress and comfortable boots. 
My look: Knit dress by Alexander McQueen, purple “punk”-style fur bag by Tom Ford, overknee boots by Gucci and cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

With night in full swing and the lights low you can afford to get stronger with your makeup. I went for smokey eyes paired with dark bold lips. Here are all the products I used:

FACE
1 NEW Teint Visionnaire by Lancôme
Launched this month, this first hi-tech make-up duo pushes the concept of perfect skin to an all-new level by the help of a high-coverage corrector enriched with vitamin CG and a perfecting foundation that reconciles perfect coverage, a natural finish and skincare efficacy.
2 Maestro Eraser by Giorgio Armani (the perfect lightweight concealer)

EYES
3 Pure Chromatics Collector’s Palette Arctic Night (limited edition) by YSL
4 Eye Color Quad in 10 Titanium Smoke by Tom Ford
5 Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet by Bobbi Brown (glides on smoothly, stays in place for hours)
6 NEW So Intense Mascara in Black by Sisley
The most innovating mascara that thickens, lengthens, curls and nourishes in one.
Easy application! In Switzerland available from February 2013.

LIPS
7 Cremestick Liner inVelvetella by MAC
8 Rouge Dior in 786 Mysterious Mauve by Christian Dior

CHEEKS
9 Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna by Nars (for the ultimate sun-kissed radiance)
10 Météorites Wulong by Guerlain (pressed powder, great for highlighting)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aura, A Small World and © Sandra Bauknecht

We love LANVIN and LANVIN loves Hong Kong!
All aboard! Celebrating the upcoming grand opening of Lanvin’s Hong Kong flagship store on Icehouse Street, fashionistas can take a ride on the iconic beautifully decorated HK tramway.

In the meantime, beauty addicts rejoice worldwide: Lanvin’s Creative Director Alber Elbaz will be collaborating with Lancôme for a special limited edition make-up collection which is set to hit counters on 15th of June, 2013.

The probably cutest beauty launch of the year.
In your bathroom soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lanvin and Lancôme

The new Spring 2013 make-up collection “Printemps Précieux” de CHANEL will hit the shelves in Switzerland in the end of this month.

Here is your preview of the upcoming new products. The inspiration? Pure eyes and a soft complexion balanced with vibrant colours for lips and nails.

Highlighting Face Powder (Limited Edition)
Poudre Signée de Chanel – CHF 84.00

Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition)
Raffinement – CHF 77.00

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eye Pencil (Limited Edition)
Beryl, Santal and Or Rose – CHF 35.00 each

Rouge Allure Velvet
L’Eclatante and La Favorite – CHF 48.00 each
and
Rouge Allure
Captivante (Limited Edition) – CHF 48.00

Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss
Merveille (Permanent) and Attirance (Limited Edition) – CHF 48.00 each

Le Vernis
Emprise , Accessoire and Fracas – CHF 35.00 each

My collection’s favourites are Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Merveille, the perfect brownish berry shade to complement your make-up, and Le Vernis in Fracas, a lovely orangy pink hue that looks even good on pale winter skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht