My Favorite Sun Protection Lotion in 2024

Get the best of SUN SKIN CARE with SHISEIDO SUN EXPERT PROTECTOR Lotion SPF50+. This invisible, lightweight UV protective lotion comes with a protective veil that is strengthened by heat and water, and re-smooths on its own. It protects the inner and outer skin layers against UVA and UVB.

It is infused with 66% skincare ingredients and helps maintain hydration and limits photo-aging for a smooth and plumped skin.

HOW TO USE
– Shake well before use.
– When using on the face, apply after your regular skincare.
– To remove, rinse off thoroughly using daily cleanser.
– Can be used as a makeup base.

TO SHOP THE NEW SHISEIDO SUN EXPERT PROTECTOR LOTION SPF50+, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Clé de Peau Beauté Launches in Switzerland

I am happily announcing that I am a new ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté. Founded in Japan in 1982, the ultra luxury skincare and makeup brand is finally available in Switzerland again. Today Clé de Peau Beauté is owned by the Shiseido Group. The name says it all, Clé de Peau means in French the key to skin’s beauty.

Mathieu Arsac, Marketing Director Shiseido Group, Switzerland, with me.

Yesterday, influencers and journalists were invite to Signau House in Zurich for an intimate lunch and to discover the products first hand.

«INTELLIGENT – EXQUISITE – UNCOMPROMISING»

Clé de Peau Beauté’s mission has always been to forge new frontiers in advanced skin cell science. It was the first brand in 1982 to consider the skin on a cellular level. Based upon decades of research and with a sophisticated combination of cutting-edge Japanese technology and precious ingredients, scientists unlocked the power of Skin Intelligence – skin’s innate ability to distinguish between good and bad stimuli to achieve and maintain its ideal condition. Scientists considered the epidermis as the third brain. Clé de Peau Beauté products were created to empower skin to reach this highly desired state of harmony – the key to skin’s radiance, and optimal qualities of texture, tone and contour.

«SKIN BEHAVES LIKE A BRAIN.»

Luxurious in every aspect, from masterfully crafted formulations to highly sensorial experiences, Clé de Peau Beauté adopted the global language of luxury, French. With a full range of exceptionally crafted skincare, color, and complexion products, Clé de Peau Beauté helps women to unlock skin’s innermost potential and, ultimately, transform skin and reveal the radiance within.

During the next weeks, I will explain you the different products, my skincare routine further and give you some make-up tips. So stay tuned for more.
Clé de Peau Beauté is available in Switzerland at Globus and Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Beautiful Hands

Beautiful hands are the result of great care. I haven’t been a day without nail polish since a very long time. My favorite manicurists in Zurich is Carmen at Medical Garage and Megan at GG Cosmetics. They are mother and daughter, and I promise you will be in very good hands.

In terms of nourishment, I love this new hand cream from SHISEIDO’s best-selling ULTIMUNE collection. It is bursting with natural vitality that moisturizes and protects — courtesy of Multi-Defense Shield — for smoother, more beautiful skin. I love its quick-absorbing non-sticky texture, lasting smoothness, and relaxing floral scent in an easy to carry tube. In Switzerland available for CHF 32.00 (75ml).

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE SHISEIDO ULTIMUNE POWER INFUSING HAND CREAM ONLINE.icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – @shiseido #Ultimume
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Shiseido Advent Calendar

Celebrate the 2021 holiday season with this indulgent 24-day advent calendar, full of full and mini-sized Shiseido treats, from skincare products and makeup to fragrances. I received one and I am so happy about it as I love to open those little doors before X-mas. The small sized products are also great for traveling.

Inspired by breathtaking visions of festive fireworks, the iconic Hanabi Show in Tokyo, the magical collection is housed in decadent packaging.

The price for this super luxury gift is CHF 140.00, available now and allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of Japanese beauty.

Scroll down to see what’s inside… spoiler alert!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Shiseido
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

The Story of Serge Lutens

The story of Serge Lutens is a very special one, emotional and deep. Loss can lead to extraordinary ways to cope with pain. For Serge Lutens it has created the foundation to become this extraordinary designer and true artist. A visionary of beauty in all its forms, he has led many revolutions in the world of beauty and perfume. For him, «perfume is illuminating, affirming, the ultimate final touch».

Building on his success, in 2000 he created his own brand, Serge Lutens. The brand reflects its authentic, bold creator who conceives his fragrances, designs his bottles and considers every detail of his creations without concession. To date, he has created around 70 perfumes in timeless collections: the Collection Noire, Exclusive Bottles, Section d’Or, Gratte-Ciel and more. His perfumes for men and for women reveal something of the wearer’s character and bring out their true identity.
He has also launched a makeup line bringing together beauty essentials, with an expert selection of cosmetics for a high-definition makeup finish.

Discover the story of Serge Lutens, a genius living in his own world.

LIVING AT A DISTANCE

Serge Lutens was born during the war, on March 14th, 1942 in Lille, in northern France. Separated from his mother when he was just weeks old, his personality was indelibly marked by this original abandonment. Permanently torn between two families, he lived life at a distance and through his imagination. He was a dreamer. At the École Montesquieu, they said he was «on the moon»: he paid no attention, although his teachers recognised that he was a gifted storyteller.

A STYLE IS BORN

In 1956, at the age of 14, he was given a job against his will – he would have preferred being an actor – in a beauty salon in his native city. Two years later, he had already established the feminine hallmarks that he would make his own: eye shadow, ethereally beautiful skin, short, plastered down hair. He also became known for the colour black, from which he never deviated. He confirmed his tastes and his choices with the female friends of his whom he photographed. He was 18 when he was called up to serve in the army during the Algerian War. He was remoulded. This was an important break that led him to make his decision: to leave Lille and head for Paris. This was 1962. Helped by a friend, Madeleine Levy, and bearing large prints of his photographs of his friends, Serge Lutens, experiencing his first years in Paris at a time of insecurity and want, contacted Vogue magazine. For him, this magazine represented the essence of beauty: a sort of convent that he mythologised. Three days later, he collaborated on the Christmas issue. The creator of a vision through make-up, jewellery and extraordinary objets, Serge Lutens quickly became the person to call, and the fashion magazines made no mistake: Elle, Jardin des Modes, Harper’s Bazaar were constantly after him: he worked with the greatest photographers of the time, all the while pursuing his own photographic work. During these years, his talent was fully acknowledged.

THE DIOR YEARS

In 1967, Christian Dior, who was preparing to launch its make-up line, called upon him. For the House of Dior he would create colours, style and images. Finally, his vision was unified through photography. In the early 1970s, the famous editor-in-chief of US Vogue, Diana Vreeland, was unstinting in her enthusiasm: «Serge Lutens, Revolution of Make-up!» His success was resounding. Serge Lutens became the symbol of the freedom created through make-up, for a whole new generation. In 1974, mirroring his taste for films and the legendary actresses in them, he made a short: «Les Stars.» During this period, he travelled widely, exploring Morocco and later Japan. These two countries, with their rich and yet so different cultures, came together in him and confirmed his way of seeing and feeling.

THE SHISEIDO YEARS

He recalled them some years later, in 1980, when he signed on with Shiseido for a collaboration that was to enable the Japanese cosmetics group, until then unknown on the international scene, to establish such a powerful visual identity that it became one of the world’s leading market players in the 1980s and ‘90s.

MARRAKECH, THE AWAKENING OF THE SENSES

Although this first perfume made its mark on the 1980s, it was the creation of «Féminité du bois» and the opening of the Palais Royal shop – with its dreamlike décor – in 1992 which stamped Serge Lutens’ first olfactory revolution on the perfume world. Deeply moved by his discovery of Morocco, more specifically Marrakech (where he bought an old house in the heart of the Medina in 1974), this was where Serge Lutens established his perfume business. Waxes, cedarwood, orange blossom…, Marrakech provided the inspiration for his first perfumes: Ambre sultan, Cuir mauresque, Chergui… Now well-established, at the time they wrote a whole new chapter in the history of essences. In 2000, Serge Lutens took the logical step of creating the brand which carries his name and embodies his uncompromising style. Perfumes, make-up… distributed through specialist retail channels and, for the select few, his own network of shops.

THE SERGE LUTENS FOUNDATION

In 2007, Serge Lutens received the «Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters» accolade and went on to receive many awards for his multifaceted talent, before he set up the Serge Lutens Foundation in 2014. Based in the house he purchased in 1974, in the historical heart of the Medina in Marrakech, this vast museum-like space of over 3,000 m2 is today a vibrant testimony to an artist who breaks norms and never rests on his laurels.

I had the chance to interview Serge Lutens in 2012. If you are interested, click here to read the post. It is absolutely worth it!

Stay tuned, I will also show you Serge Lutens’ newest perfume creations this week.
TO DISCOVER THE WORLD OF SERGE LUTENS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos and information: Courtesy of Serge Lutens
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Fun in the Sun

So, if you’re ready for some time spent under the summer sun and want to make sure your routine protects your skin during this time, check out these products below. Sun-smart must-haves to get you through the holiday season.

CAUDALIE Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF 30
Innovative filter system, hydration, luminous tan, water-resistant – CHF 32.90

BIOTHERM Waterlover Sun Mist SPF 30
Eco-designed, water-friendly, invisible, hydrating formula enriched with Life Plankton™ – CHF 51.90

ST. TROPEZ Bronzing Water Face Mist (LOVE!)
Ultra-lightweight skin protecting, tropical scented, tanning water mist – CHF 36.00

SHISEIDO Sports Invisible Protective Mist SPF 50 (LOVE!)
Ultra lightweight, water and sweat resistant, very high protection, easy application – CHF 52.90

CLARINS Refreshing After Sun Gel
For face and body, deep hydration, helps promote a longer-lasting tan – CHF 39.00

ANTI BRUMM Night
Protects from insect bites, great for travelling, hydrates – CHF 15.00

Enjoy your holidays wherever you are going. For my favorite facial sunscreens, click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Best Facial Sunscreens

Today’s post is dedicated to my favorite facial summer 2019 sunscreens that will protect your skin from harmful rays with these trusty products that work as make-up or do their job without. They won’t make you look pale or will clog your pores, but they will prevent your skin from aging through the sun.

Let’s start with the basics. The number on the container means it will last times that amount it takes your skin to burn in the sun. For example, if you’re a whiter shade of pale and it takes five minutes for you to feel the burn, and you have an SPF 15 on, you’re going to last 75 minutes before you need to reapply. So keep a handy reinforcement in your bag to keep topping up as the number is individual to the wearer. Check in with yourself to see what fits throughout the day.

Personally speaking, I love these cushions. Healthy glow make-up, that you can take with you wherever you go this summer thanks to their travel-friendly packaging. In the blink of an eye, the complexion is warmed up and corrected with a lightweight, non-cakey finish. Applied all over the face or in touch-ups, it instantly creates an endlessly buildable, glowing natural tan, while offering sun protection.

GUERLAIN Fresh Bronzing Fluid Make-up
Buildable sun-kissed glow – SPF 20 (available in two shades, I wear «natural») – CHF 40.00

CLARINS Mineral Sun Care Compact
Enriched with antioxidants –  SPF 30 (universal nude beige) – CHF 45.00

SHISEIDO Sports BB Compact
Very water-resistant – SPF 50 (available in three shades, I wear «medium») – CHF 43.20

For a more classical application to protect your facial skin, I recommend these products that also work perfectly under foundation without leaving your skin pale and white. Both provide instant hydration and long-lasting comfort for face, neck and décolleté. Skin’s youthfulness is preserved at all times.

CHANEL UV Essentiel Complete Protection
UV – Pollution – Antiox – SPF 50 – CHF 68.00

SISLEY Super Stick Solaire Teinté
Tinted sun care – very high protection – SFP 50 – CHF 70.00

Better looking skin starts with healthy habits. Therefore I recommend LA ROCHE-POSAY’s wearable sensor and the companion app to measure your exposure to UV, pollution, pollen and humidity. No battery is needed. You will get personalized advice and product recommendations as well, a skincare regimen tailored to you.

LA ROCHE-POSAY My Skin Track UV
Available on apple.com – CHF 69.95

LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Shaka Fluide 
Invisible ultra-resistant for sensible skin – SPF 50 – CHF 31.90

Wishing you a beautiful and wrinkle-free summer!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

New Summer Fragrances You Shouldn’t Miss

Bid farewell to the heavy oriental, woodsy fragrances you wore on those cold days. Summer is here, and your perfume wardrobe is due for an update. As you are sporting your espadrilles with your favorite sundress, reach for fresh citruses, florals, and other sparkling uplifting notes to wear on your escapades in the sun, salt, and sand. Below my three favorites that fit the bill.

LIGHT BLUE SUN by Dolce & Gabbana
Inspired by sunny days and romances, this delicious fragrance is conveyed with a summery coconut water accord.


Fruity Floral
Top Notes: Lemon, Granny Smith Apple, Ozonic Notes and Coconut Nectar
Middle Notes: Jasmine, White Rose and Frangipani
Base Notes: Ambergris, Bourbon Vanilla, Cedar and White Musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 68.40 (25ml) and CHF 91.80 (50ml)

RISING SUN by Shiseido
Specially formulated without photosensitive or phototoxic ingredients, this mood-lifting Eau de Toilette can be even worn in the sun.


Fruity Floral
Top Notes: Lemon and Mineral-Marine Accord
Middle Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine Absolute and Rose
Base Notes: Coconut, Mirabelle Plum, Cashmerean and Musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 75.60 (100ml)

ANGEL EAU CROISIÈRE by Thierry Mugler
A new summer edition of the iconic gourmand perfume inspired by the leisure atmosphere of summer cruises and flavours of fruity cocktails.


Fruity Gourmand
Energetic Cocktail Facet (Top Notes): Mango, Grapefruit and Black Currant Sorbet
Voluptuous facet (Base Notes): Patchouli and Pralines
Eau de Toilette CHF 69.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht  and Courtesy of the Brands

Gruner + Jahr Spa Awards in Baden-Baden

A weekend of beauty! For the 23rd time the Gruner + Jahr SPA AWARDS (formerly GALA SPA AWARDS) were awarded in the end of March in Baden-Baden at the beautiful Brenner’s Park Hotel that is part of the Oetker Collection. My avid readers might remember my time to unwind at Villa Stéphanie, their «House of Wellbeing» next door. For me, it was an absolute pleasure to be back at one of my favorite places to detox and relax. I enjoyed the warm temperatures in the garden next to the blossoming cherry blossom trees after a wonderful facial and massage before getting ready for the night.

How beautiful is Brenner’s Park Hotel’s pool when you see the cherry blossom trees blossoming outside?!

The Gruner + Jahr SPA AWARDS are among the most important international beauty and spa awards. In addition to winners in six categories, two outstanding personalities are awarded the «Beauty Idol» and the «Special Prize». Personally speaking, I have a close relationship to Gruner + Jahr as my first job after my studies was at German Marie Claire magazine that belonged 50% to the  publishing house.

Spoiled upon arrival in the room…

Over 200 invited guests from the cosmetics industry, well-known representatives of the luxury hotel industry, from culture and show business gathered at the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, among them Franziska Knuppe, Eva Padberg, Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi, and Verona Pooth. Scroll through the best moments of the weekend, the bright winners and the glamorous looks of the evening that was hosted by Barbara Schöneberger, who is truly one of the most entertaining women I know.

Model Miranda Kerr is Beauty Idol 2019
The «Beauty Idol» was awarded to Miranda Kerr, the famous Australian «Victoria’s Secret» angel. Miranda is known not only as a top model, but also as an entrepreneur. Together with her mother Therese Kerr, she runs a beauty brand for sustainable natural cosmetics under the label «KORA Organics» (TO SHOP KORA ORGANICS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.icon). In addition, Miranda Kerr, a certified health coach and practicing buddhist, has dedicated herself to the topic of empowerment: In 2010, she published her first book «Treasure Yourself», followed by «Empower Yourself» in 2013. Despite her success, Miranda Kerr is very much down to earth and announced that she is pregnant with baby number three that night. For this inspirational personality, the jury honored her this year as «Beauty Idol» in 2019.

To read a previous interview I did with Miranda about her travel tips for Australia, click here please.

Special Prize for Günther Bonin
This year, the «Special Prize» went to environmental protector Günther Bonin, who set up the organization «One Earth – One Ocean». Together with his team of experts and volunteers, he developed the concept for a «maritime garbage collection». This special coastal waste collection catamaran, the so-called «SeeKuh», fishes floating plastic parts on the water surface with the help of a net. It uses solar energy and can pick up two tons of garbage per trip, which can then be recycled ashore. In addition to cleaning up the waters and seas, Günther Bonin wants to provide information in the long term, so that not so much garbage gets into the environment. The jury thanked Günther Bonin for his special commitment with the «Special Prize».

All other award winners at a glance:


Category «Luxury Concepts»: ShiseidoFuture Solution LX / Intensive Firming Contour Serum

Category «Innovation Concepts»: ForeoForeo Ufo

Category «Cult Concepts»: NiveaQ10 Series

Category «Organic Concepts»: Dr. HauschkaRegeneration Day Cream 

Category «Medical & Health Concepts»: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & SpaSpa Nescens, Switzerland

Category «Spa Concepts»: – Corinthia Hotel LondonESPA Life at Corinthia, United Kingdom

From left to right: Award winners Thomas Kochs (ESPA Life at Corinthia), Hans-Peter Veit (Victoria Jungfrau Frau Hotel & Spa), Maren Speckmann-Munz and Nicoline Woehrle (Dr. Hauschke), Kerstin Unger (Nivea), beauty idol Miranda Kerr, Editor-in-chief Gala Anne Meyer-Minnemann, host Barbara Schoeneberger, winners Günther Bonin, Johannes Scheer (Shiseido Group Germany) and Audrey de Saint Priest (Foreo) with their awards.

Switzerland in the house: with my dear Alana Netzer.

Barbara Schöneberger and CEO Oetker Collection Frank Marrenbach on stage.

A true beauty idol: Miranda Kerr

Eva Padberg with me

Anne Meyer-Minnemann and Cathy Hummels

Franjo and Verena Pooth

GNTM juror and celebrity make-up artist Armin Morbach with me

Franziska Knuppe

Always fun times with Princess Lilly Sayn-Wittgenstein

Let’s Dance: Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi and Victoria Swarovski

The night culminated in a fun after party… thank God we had lots of beauty products in our room to look fresh the next day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of GALA, © Axel Kirchhof/Gala, the respective locations and © Sandra Bauknecht

Rescue Remedies to Keep Skin Trouble-Free

In 2017, SHISEIDO launched the WASO skincare line. Comprised of 7 daily skincare products, the line, which is inspired by Washoku, a traditional Japanese cuisine, is formulated to address the specific needs of young adult’s skin, as well as boosting its resistance to daily stressors.

This fall, Waso introduces two brand NEW masks to visibly and instantly rescue skin by resolving concerns due to our daily environment and lifestyle.

Formulated with two new star ingredients, associated with a unique anti-blemish technology, these masks will immediately improve sudden skin troubles and bring it back to a balanced and healthy looking condition. Constant exposure to the stresses and strains of modern living: late nights, overworking and pollution can take its toll on your skin. Your skin, as well as your mind, deserves a break with these little helpers.

PURIFYING PEEL OFF MASK
A pearl-red mask powered by botanicals. Peels away dirt, pollutants, such as oxidation, carbon and airborn dirt particles, and others causes of breakouts, to uncover smooth, hydrated skin that’s free from impurities. An emergency reset button for stress free skin and a stress-free mind.

FOCUS: RED SHISO FOR DETOX
Renowned for its natural health benefits, the Red Shiso’s roots lay deep in Japan. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this herb has been used throughout history for its detoxification and anti-oxidizing effects. By suppressing the glycation of protein, shiso leaf extract helps to minimize dullness caused by stress and restore radiance. For dewy, healthy-looking skin with a radiant glow.

WHO IS IT FOR?
• All skin types in need of refining
• Skin that needs purifying
• Skin that is dull
• Skin with visible pores

WHAT DOES IT DO?
• Removes old surface cells for smoother, more radiant skin
• Lifts sebum and impurities from pores for a clearer complexion
• Maintains essential moisture

WHAT WILL I SEE?
• A fresh, bright skin with renewed clarity
• Less visible pores

HOW TO USE IT
Use once or twice a week – approximately 3cm x 4 of product (equivalent to a tablespoon)
Smooth evenly on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area, brows, lips and hairline.
Wait for approximately 20 mins or until the mask becomes no longer sticky to the touch and gently remove from forehead to chin.
Purifying Peel Off Mask – CHF 46.80

BEAUTY SLEEPING MASK
An intensive yuzu-infused moisturizing mask. Recharges skin while you sleep for a refreshed, radiant and healthy-looking glow the very next morning – even after little sleep.

FOCUS: GREEN  YUZU FOR MOISTURE
High in vitamins A, C and E, Yuzu (Japanese citrus) is known for its intense beautifying effects. The Aoyuzu (Green Yuzu), harvested only in early summer, possesses a fresh acidity and crisp dewiness. Its extract promotes production of hyaluronic acid to help moisturize skin that is prone to dryness.

WHO IS IT FOR?
• All skin types in need of an intensive moisture boost
• Fatigued skin

WHAT DOES IT DO?
• Restores skin using an intensive moisture wrap
• Recharges skin overnight for a rested and vibrant complexion

WHAT WILL I SEE?
• Radiant and healthy looking skin
• Skin plumped with moisture

HOW TO USE IT
Complete recharge at night
. Use as the last step in your skincare routine, just before going to bed. Take an almond-sized drop and smooth evenly over the face, gently blending it in. Do not remove the gel. Allow the mask to work while you sleep.

Flash 10 minutes recharge. Apply the product in thick layer and smooth over the face, focusing on the cheeks and around the eye area. After 10 minutes, massage the remaining gel onto the skin. When applying makeup directly after, use a tissue to absorb any excess oil.
Beauty Sleeping mask – CHF 55.80

Two masks to reset and recharge your beauty – true rescue remedies to keep skin trouble-free, and not only the young one. My daughter and I are fighting over them…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shiseido