Sandra‘s Closet

Oh, the healthy glow, the purified pores and moisture just sinks in. Sounds to good to be true? The new CLINIQUE Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush is designed to clean even hard-to-reach areas like the T-Zone with two bristle types for customized cleansing. Your skin is left radiant and soft.

You might remember from a previous post that I like to use the Clarisonic technology to clean my skin at night. Therefore I was curious to try CLINIQUE‘s first cosmetic device. The US brand is known for the most effective products to enhance every skin type and concern. Personally speaking, I prefer the Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush as it is so much more gentle to your skin, very light and handy. The angled tip easily targets hard to reach areas.

HOW TO USE

I suggest you begin by using the Cleansing Brush once daily.

Remove makeup before use. Apply cleanser to moistened skin or brush head.

Massage in circular motion for 15 seconds on cheeks using white bristles. No need to apply pressure.

Massage in up-and-down motion for 15 seconds combined on T-Zone using green bristles.

Rinse and pat dry. Exfoliate and moisturize. Rinse brush head after each use.

The new Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush will surely revolutionise the way that women cleanse their skin just as its famed 3-step Skin Care System did over 40 years go!

The new cosmetic device is in stores now for CHF 149.00 (Refill CHF 25.00).
To receive the best results, I also recommend getting the following products: Liquid Facial Soap, Clarifying Lotion 2 and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique

Last Wednesday, a secret event took place in the city of Zurich to launch Samsung‘s newest mobile phone GALAXY ALPHA, emphasizing the brand’s foray into the fashion crowd.

Ready-to-wear has laid its focus from the runway also to the world of high technology as many renowned fashion houses scramble to stamp their coveted logos on mobile handsets and other personal devices. Samsung for example collaborated in one-off projects with the likes of Giorgio Armani, Alexander Wang, Nicholas Kirckwood and Moschino. Therefore, I was very curious to arrive at the secret event …

Inside an unspectacular backyard at Kanonengasse, I was guided by a bouncer to the basement. There a room, reminiscent of an underground club in New York, awaited me.

When I entered, I was handed my very own new Samsung GALAXY ALPHA phone as a gift. It had a prepaid card so that I could use it immediately to read the text messages the guests were sent during the event.

Only 80 people were invited and I spotted among the illustrious crowd Swiss supermodel Nadine Strittmatter who had flown in from Paris where she is living.

Other highlights were the melting ice bar and different performances.

Ezgi Cinar, the brainchild of the secret event with me.

Menswear designer Julian Zigerli, one of Samsung’s ambassadors, had created 80 personalized mobile phone covers to choose from. As you see in the collage above, I went for the little mouse…

… and my friend Mel Guenthardt (photo below) for the cute owl.

The GALAXY ALPHA phone is available in Switzerland from the beginning of September 2014 in the colors Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver and Scuba Blue for CHF 749.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug, © Ezgi Cinar, © Melanie Guenthardt and © Sandra Bauknecht

On August 23rd 2014, Angelina Jolie married Brad Pitt in a secret ceremony in the South of France wearing a stunning Atelier Versace creation designed by Donatella Versace. The first photos are out and here is even the sketch of the amazing gown.

The white silk-satin gown was gathered at the bust with an elongated train, detailed with the embroidered drawings of her children that got reproduced also on the silk veil. Donatella Versace accessorised her creation with a pair of white Versace silk satin pumps. “Beauty, class and brain. That’s you Angelina. I wish all the best and happiness to you and your wonderful family. Love, DV“

To the newly weds, all the best! They are really an amazing couple and it was a true pleasure meeting them. Enjoy some of their best moments below…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Hello Magazine, Bunte, People Magazine, US
© Sandra Bauknecht, Sketch: Courtesy of Versace

Yes, I still can get very excited about press announcements and this one really made my heart leap with joy as I am a huge nail polish aficionado.

This month, the 10th Zurich Film Festival will take place and Dior is launching two limited edition nail lacquers to celebrate this occasion. The two shades 228 Reflects (golden sparkles that also look beautiful over any other nail color) and 808 Night Shock (a metallic shiny black) will be available from September 10, 2014 at Globus Zürich, Globus Glatt and at the ZFF Festival Center at Sechseläutenplatz for CHF 37.00 each.

My international readers might recognize the nail polishes as they were part of Dior’s first pre-fall collection ‘Dior Colour Icons’. Unfortunately the beautiful red shade 888 Tout Paris won’t be available in Switzerland. But let’s be happy we can get our hands at those two exclusive ones! I just love that kind of stuff!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, ZFF and © Sandra Bauknecht

Swiss Gentlemen, today’s your lucky day! Five of you have the chance to win a 50ml bottle of Salvatore Ferragamo‘s Acqua Essenziale Blu Eau de Toilette Natural Spray.

The extremely masculine, yet sensual oriental fougère fragrance is inspired by energetic sea water aromas and the power of waves and nature, blending luxurious Mediterranean ingredients and innovative molecules.

The fragrance arrives in an elegant glass flacon iridescent in shades from darker to lighter blue that will embellish every bathroom shelf. Salvatore Ferragamo Acqua Essenziale Blu is available as 30, 50 and 100ml Eau de Toilette, accompanied with a perfumed 200ml shower gel.

ORIENTAL FOUGÈRE

Top notes: Cardamom, Lemon and Calabrian Bergamot
Middle notes: Atlas Cedar, Lavender, Cascalone and Cypriol Oil
Base notes: Patchouli, Ambroxan, Tonka Bean and Benzoin

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Acqua Essenziale Blu” to . All entries must be received until September 8, 2014. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo

Dear September, a warm welcome from my side! I hope that you will save the Swiss summer 2014. Like probably most of you, I had constant clothing dilemmas with this sort of dreadful, end-of-days weather we have been getting this year.

As you see, I have started to wear my new Pre-fall 2014 pieces already in August, adding some vibrant colors to lighten up the mood and my new diamond ring makes me feel like the sunshine is at least wrapped around my finger. Whenever I look at it, my heart beats a little faster… isn’t it just a dream?!

My look: Geometric print cotton sweatshirt, LTN printed crepe skirt and printed modal and cashmere blend scarf, all by Peter Pilotto, Paris fringed suede ankle boots and Monogramme embellished shopper tote, both by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond earrings by Cartier and baguette diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Giorgio Armani‘s beautiful ROUGE & BLACK ECSTASY collection is inspired by two of the most prominent colors: red and black. Strong and seductive, those shades are made for the Femme Fatale inside you.

I love the Rouge Ecstasy lipstick collection with its lightweight yet pigment-rich texture. Now there are three bold and vibrant new shades, all with oriental names.

ROUGE ECSTASY CHF 56.00
#404 Spice – #405 Orient – #406 Sultan (pictured) – (all Limited Edition).

All shades are also available as matte lip lacquers – LIP MAESTRO CHF 51.00 (#404 Spice pictured).

Part of this elegant collection is the new Black Ecstasy Mascara. Its high-tech technology that contains a black hosting polymer helps you to achieve thicker, longer and intensified lashes in a single stroke. Available in 4 different shades.

BLACK ECSTASY CHF 51.00
#01 Obsidian Black (pictured) – #02 Armani Navy (Limited Edition) – #03 Wood – #04 Tadzio (Limited Edition).

In Switzerland, the new collection will be launched in September 2014. The perfect products for sensual red lips and dramatic black lashes. Love this collection and I am sure that you will, too!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Friday one week ago, I went to the iconic Rive Gauche Summer Party at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. The theme of the beautiful event was “ARIGATAU LAC – A NIGHT OF ASIAN DELIGHT“. With many enchanting performances, yummy food and lots of champagne, it still keeps its crisp flavour of freshness as the first social event after the summer break when everybody in the city enjoys the “to see and to be seen” part a lot! The dress code was “Asian Cocktail, Tokyo-Chic, Dress to Impress the West.” I didn’t want to wear a traditional cheongsam (Mandarin gown) as I was sure most of the guest would show up in something similar so I went for this origami-inspired gown spiced with some Chinese ideographs on my bag.

My look: Draped jersey dress by Givenchy, Jane sandals with chunky silver-tone studding by Saint Laurent, “Take Away” bag by Chanel, diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, necklace and earrings by Dior.

For the photos of last year’s Rive Gauche Summer Party, please click HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

A perennial favourite, leopard print takes centre stage this season. Whether you choose traditional spots or a colour-injected style, balance the look with ultra-chic extras to truly master the trend. This is how the trend works best, balance the eye-catching effect of an animal-printed statement jacket with elegant layers and great tailoring. Finish off your outfit with some fun heels and a pastel colored bag.

Get the look: Leopard-print calf hair peacoat by Gucci, pussy-bow chiffon blouse by Chloé, high-rise wool tapered pants by Victoria Beckham, D-Cube Piccolo Check leather tote by Tod’s and Desirée leopard-print calf hair pumps by Charlotte Olympia.

LoL, Sandra

Tuesday evening, I attended the Estée Lauder press conference in Zurich at the Metropol restaurant. The famous house celebrates this years its 50th anniversary in Switzerland and has been since decades the number one beauty brand in the country. Therefore we were spoilt with this yummy cake and amazing products.

Many new launches will take place during the next months but two have absolutely caught my eyes and I couldn’t wait any longer to share them with you.

The new ENLIGHTEN range is designed to work as a trio to provide prevention and treatment for pigmentation, day and night. It includes a moisturizer, a serum and a completely new product, the EE (Even Effect) cream. Yes, after BB and CC creams, there is now an EE cream, not a double D! It gives you an even skin tone while defending environmental stressors, protecting against UV rays with a SPF 30 and building a barrier against pollution and free radicals. I have been sold immediately!

Enlighten Serum CHF 95.00 (30ml) and CHF 142.00 (50ml)
Enlighten Moisturizer CHF 95.00 (50ml)
Enlighten EE Cream in Light, Medium and Deep CHF 52.00 (30ml)
In stores from October 22, 2014.

The house’s new flanker fragrance MODERN MUSE CHIC is a warm and sensual scent that I personally like much more than the original Modern Muse that had been launched last year.
Please click HERE for the interview with the face of the campaign Arizona Muse.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK

Top notes: Plum and artemisia
Middle notes: Jasmine sambac, tuberose and lily
Base notes: Cashmere wood, agarwood, labdanum, patchouli, ebony tree, musk, madagascar vanilla and suede

Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum Spray is available from September 2014 for CHF 68.00 (30ml), CHF 98.00 (50ml) and CHF 138.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder and © Sandra Bauknecht