Sandra‘s Closet

It’s Christmas – time for presents, also here on Sandra’s Closet. Three of my Swiss readers have the chance to win a COVERGIRL beauty kit (42.60 CHF per set) for the perfect holiday styling.

Whether you need a natural nude look for the Christmas festivities with your family or dramatic smokey eyes for the New Year Eve’s party, the COVERGIRL beauty kit provides you with the must-have products for both options.

The new Eye Enhancer 4-Kits „Natural Nudes“ offers four perfectly matching eye shadow colours for the trendy nude look of this season. In combination with the new Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara and the Flamed Out Pencil Eyeliner it gives your eyes more expression and intensity. The new beautiful light pink Colourlicios Lip Gloss brings colour to the dark season. With its moisturizing formula and non-stickiness, it offers everything a girl needs for a romantic kiss when the New Year begins.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “X-mas with Covergirl” to . All entries must be received until December 29, 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 Covergirl

Now, that the CHANEL Cruise 2015 collection, that was presented last May in Dubai (for the previous post please click here), is hitting the stores, the exclusive limited edition “RÊVE D’ORIENT” eye palette is also available (in Switzerland now at Jelmoli).

Reinterpreting velvet eyes in a collection inspired by the eternal East, the eye makeup is driven by the power of intense black down to the tips of the lashes, and lights up with a hint of gold in a precious glimmer on the eyelids. Precious down to its last details, each eyeshadow is adorned with a star motif, a reference to the magical nights of the legendary Orient. Isn’t this eye make-up to die for?

Get this amazing makeup look:

The complexion: PERFECTION LUMIÈRE VELVET, ÉCLAT LUMIÈRE, CORRECTEUR PERFECTION, POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE, LES BEIGES and CAMÉLIA DE PLUMES – Exclusive Creation – 2014 Christmas Collection.

The eyes: LES 4 OMBRES Rêve d’Orient, ILLUSION D’OMBRE 85 Mirifique, ILLUSION D’OMBRE 90 Convoitise, LE CRAYON KHÔL 61 Noir, ÉCRITURE DE CHANEL 10 Noir, LE VOLUME DE CHANEL 10 Noir, LE CRAYON SOURCILS. The lashes are intensified with LE VOLUME DE CHANEL and false lashes. Small pieces of gold leaf are applied on the inner corners of the eyes (not for sale).

The cheeks: JOUES CONTRASTE 82 Reflexe.

The lips: ROUGE ALLURE 125 Indécise, LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES 189 Rose Rêvé and ROUGE ALLURE VELVET 42 L’Éclatante.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel, © Vincent Lappartient

For F/W 2012, Giorgio Armani draws a “no complex” style, for confident women who play with men dress codes humorously. His couture collection shows contrasts with these eccentric but still classic women suits, mixing bright, vibrant colours.

In opposition to these silhouettes, Linda Cantello, International Makeup Artist, came up with a pale matte skin, subtly rock and glamorous. “Clothes were very colorful so we imagined with Mr Armani a monochrome face, with no blush or contour.”
Inspired by the ’80s, the makeup is matte black and white. A new conception of the smokey eye, with a matte black “neo classic” look.

First, Luminessence, the new brightening and anti-dark spots skincare range, is applied to regenerate skin’s light and obtain a default less matte result. Maestro concealer is smoothed on under the eyes and gives the last touch to unified skin.

The “smokey eye” is reinvented with a black shadow swept around the eye in a “teardrop” shape, stretched to the inside of the eyelid and under the eye.

The colour is defined and softened with a white liner applied on top of the upper eyelid emphasizing the C-shape. The anthracite grey pencil #4 is faded with a brush on the arch of the eyebrow, the latter being emphasized with a black pencil.

To contrast and soften the look, a matte soft dusty rose, Rouge d’Armani #526, is applied on the lips with the fingertips.

Your shopping list:

On the skin: Essence in lotion Luminessence bright primer, bright regenerator concentrate, BB cream bright revelator universal greige.

Skin tone: Maestro Concealer dark circles eraser AMAZING!
(Available in Switzerland in September 2012 for CHF 53.-)

On the eyelids: Neo classic look through the colours, the textures and the shapes, with the Fall 2012 “Easy Chic” palette #1 Neo Black – Harmonie noire
(One Shot – Available in Switzerland  this month for CHF 89.-)

and the NEW Armani Eyes To Kill Quad palette #1 Maestro – Harmonie blanche
(Available in Switzerland in November 2012 for CHF 81.-) and the “Smooth Silk” black pencil #4

Lips are matte soft, enhanced with Rouge d’Armani #526 Plum from the Fall 2012 “Easy Chic” collection. (One Shot – Available in Switzerland this month for CHF 54.-)

I just would like to have everything and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

My make-up look for the photo shoot was based on the “It”-colour Plaza, a wonderful pink tone. It is inspired by the glamour of the Parisian luxury hotels, such as the eponymous Plaza Athénée hotel. The colours are dramatic, deep and sophisticated.

My skin was prepped with the new Revitalizing Foundation from the Dior Prestige line which is only available in Asia (To all my Asian readers, lucky you!). It is an amazing product, you have to try it. For us Europeans, Diorskin Nude is a great alternative.

For the dramatic look, the make-up artist started to contour my eyes with a black eye pencil.

Then, she used the darkest shade of the 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette “970 Stylish Move” and applied it with a beveled brush as an eyeliner.

She made the line thicker toward the outer edge and extended the upper line out beyond the corner of the eye, to form a cat’s–eye-like shape. The lighter colours of the palette served as a base. Then, she applied the new Diorshow New Look Mascara in black.

On my cheeks: Diorblush in 839 Vintage Pink.

On my lips: The new Dior Addict Extrême in 476 Plaza, lasting lip colour with radiant shine.

On my nails: Matching the lips, the new pink 579 Plaza nail polish was applied.
Love it so much!

Stay tuned for the official photos!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A little, a lot passionately!

Ultra-feminine passion red combines with elegant gold. Eye shadows and powder are decorated with sparkling pearl. Silky textures melt into skin and last until dawn. Passion by Clarins offers everything you need to look chic during the festive holiday season.

Passion Face Palette – CHF 78.-

The star product of the collection is a precious powder presented in a gold case with a graphic design inspired by Art Deco motifs. An ultra-fine gold pearl shimmer helps you to subtly illuminate the face and décolleté for the festive season.

Passion Ombre Minérale 4 Couleurs  – CHF 62.-
Long-Lasting – Wet & Dry

Focus on the eyes with this palette for the perfect „smokey eyes“ look. The pearl texture of the highlighter is easy to use and leaves the eyelid ultra-shimmery. It can be used also as a base for your eye make-up. The three powder eye shadows can be used wet or dry, leaving you the decision if you prefer a more natural or more intense look. Flawless hold guaranteed.

How to create your Passion „smokey eyes“ look?

From left to right:
Apply make-up
1. Apply the coppery pink on the half of the top eyelid, to the inner corner of the eye.
2. Then the silvery grey on the other half, t the outer corner of the eye.

Intensify
3. Using the finer applicator, emphasize eyes with the charcoal grey eyeliner.

Highlight
4. Apply the silver highlighter in touches, on the inner corner of the eye.

Rouge Prodige – CHF 37.-
True-Hold – Colour & Shine Lipstick
131 Passion Rose

This limited edition shade in pearly rosewood with a subtle bronze shimmer would suit most skin tones. Not too light, not too dark, it is the perfect tone for winter. The sensously velvet texture provides a total comfort while remaining shiny for a long time. Let the party go on!

My beauty must-have: Rouge Prodige Passion Rose, I have one in my bag… love it!

All three limited-edition products are in shops now and as the season of goodwill is almost upon us, it is time to glam up…

LoL, Sandra

Today, I would like to introduce you to an eye makeup collection that is easy to apply. Do you like smokey eyes, natural or dramatic, but don’t know how to get the look?
Clarins gives you the answer with their new products that are truly amazing.

The eye shadows play on colour for a variety of looks. The formula can be used dry for a natural result or wet for an intense, sophisticated touch. The extremely supple texture provides perfect hold all day long.

Ombre Minérale 4 Couleurs comes in six colour combinations., CHF 62 each.

Each variation comprises two satin shades, a darker eye shadow liner and an iridescent highlighter to mix and match to suit you.

How to apply the eye shadows:

Step 1: Make-up

Apply shade 1 on one half of the top eyelid, up to the inner corner of the eye, then shade 2 on the other half, up to the outer corner of the eye.

Step 2: Intensify

Using the finer applicator, accentuate eyes with the shadow liner 3.

Step 3: Illuminate

Apply the highlighter 4 in touches on the brow bone.

The final step is the mascara. Clarins has invented a cutting-edge technology which makes applying mascara simple: The Instant Definition Mascara.

The new high-tech double brush was inspired by the way classic mascara is applied. The brush lengthens and separates every lash, including short ones, for a spectacular „wide angle“ result.

The new mascara comes in three different colours, CHF 41 each.

Here is the easy technique in 2 steps:

Step 1: Apply make-up to lashes

Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes, from root to tip, with the fibre brush. The creamy texture allows you to customize the volumizing effect as you apply, to create the look you want.

Step 2: Define the eyes

With the elastomer brush, apply mascara to the smallest lashes at the inner and outer corner of eyes, top and bottom. Groom and separate lashes one by one and optimize the distribution of mascara.

Have fun accentuating your eyes!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The 29, St. Honoré collection, named for Lancôme’s Paris address is an homage for F/W 2011 by creator Aaron De Mey to the most sophisticated femininity and style – the Parisian woman. This seductive colour statement captures the glamour of the 1940s (complementing the ’40s runway trend) with luscious red lips, thick eyeliner and seductive smokey eyes.
Discover your inner femme fatale!

Maison Lancôme Blush – $48/CHF 65 – Limited Edition

Les Oeillades Eyeshadow and Brow Compact Quad – $54/CHF 75 – 02 Blondette Fatale – Limited Edition – with 4 subtle matte and iridescent shades to enhance eyes and define eyebrows and Ombre Absolue Palette – G10 Gris Fatale

Hypnôse Drama Mascara – $31/CHF 44 – 15 Gris Fatal – deep grey – Limited Edition

Le Crayon Khôl – $28/CHF 39 – 10 Black Gold or 11 Strass– a waterproof eye pencil with sparkles – Limited Edition

Le French Touch Absolu Lip Colour – $40/CHF 48 – Rouge Saint Honoré – highly pigmented red or – Rouge Faubourg – captivating carmine lipstick with red flecks of glitter – Limited Edition – Rouge 29 – a bluish red

Le Vernis Nail Polish – $16/CHF25 – 22 Rouge Saint Honoré or 23 Noir 29 – infused with mini multi-coloured flecks – Limited Edition. Use these hues individually or combine them for an ultra-sophisticated look.

Enjoy those behind-the-scenes photos below and get inspired for your F/W 2011 makeup look.
The collection will be available in Switzerland next month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Barwerd Van Der Plas for Lancôme © 2011, Stills: Hondodigital for Lancôme © 2011

It is that time again, when fashionistas from all over the globe mingle to spot the newest trends for the upcoming season. And it starts with New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

To start you off, I have a real eye candy for you from yesterday’s presentations. Derek Lam showed his F/W 2011 collection with a modern and dramatic makeup look designed by Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux. Enjoy the first-hand details on the look by following Tom Pecheux and his team backstage.

Derek Lam’s collection focused on new combinations of fabric to make the clothes look fresh, fluid and weightless, the bulk is eliminated and the pieces fit effortlessly together.
Walking in the show were Estée Lauder Global Spokesmodels Liu Wen, Constance Jablonski and Joan Smalls dressed in bold textures and patterns mixed with seamlessly flowing and sharp accents.

Tom Pecheux framed by Constance Jablonski, Liu Wen and Joan Smalls

Working with Derek and Estée Lauder for a third consecutive season, Tom created the sleek leaden eye and muted lip and skin with new products from his upcoming Pure Color collection launching in Fall 2011.

Eyes: Silver (metallic finish) and black (shimmer finish) shades
Two NEW Estée Lauder eye shadows tested backstage – both launching Fall 2011
Highlight Shade: NEW Estée Lauder Illuminating Powder tested backstage – launching Fall 2011
Eyebrows: Automatic Brow Pencil

Tom started with shimmering black eyeshadow and dramatically winged out towards the temples and then used an intensely pigmented metallic grey eyeshadow to produce a silver foil finish in the center of the lid.  Finishing the eye with a swipe of a new highlighting powder on the brow bone created the focus on the bold eye that perfectly complemented the soft richness of the clothing.

Lips: NEW Estée Lauder Nude Matted Lipstick tested backstage – launching Fall 2011

The skin and lips evoked an almost blurred effect, using a new matte nude lipstick and soft contouring under the cheekbone.

Cheeks: Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer – below cheek

Face: Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder

Skin: NEW Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator – launching Summer 2011
DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 15

Nails: NEW Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Porcelain –launching Fall 2010

Famed manicurist Jin Soon Choi was also on-hand to polish the toes and fingers of the models in the new limited pale shade.

“This look is very versatile, it almost changes with your movement. The silver metal on the eye reminds me of modern architecture, hard and strong and plays delicately against Derek’s minimal but sophisticated collection. These clothes, you want to keep forever.” described Pecheux, “This look is very confident and lovely, it evokes the fantasy of the Derek Lam woman.”

I am always a big fan of smokey eyes and pale lips and love Tom’s look for F/W 2011. We just have to wait a little longer for those amazing metallic and shimmering shades…
But isn’t anticipation the greatest joy?

LoL, Sandra

Pearls and Chanel go hand in hand. Coco Chanel’ s belief that „the light-reflecting property of pearls enhanced a woman’s natural beauty by bringing a delicate luminosity to her skin“ inspired Peter Philips, the Global Creative Director of Chanel make-up, to design the S/S 2011 Les Perles de Chanel make-up collection. He used the iridescent reflections of pearls to flatter face and fingertips.

Some products were seen already on the runway, please click here for my previous post.

There is no doubt that the three limited nail polishes will be absolute bestsellers.

511 Pearl Drop – white pearl

513 Black Pearl – pearly grey shimmer with deep blue and green reflections (so hot!)

515 Pêche Nacrée – soft tender peach

The limited edition Ombres Perlées de Chanel eyeshadow palette is also among my must-haves.

It includes beautiful shades that you can play with, perfect for summery smokey eyes: Blanc Perle, Rose Porcelaine, Violine Clair, Gris Vert and Gris Noir Scintillant.

Another gorgeous product is the limited edition Poudre Universelle Shimmering Powder in Rose Merveille – a pale pink with subtle sparkles that will make your skin look fresh and radiant.

The Glossimers are available in two new shades: Nakkar (raspberry) and Aragonite (iridescent white).

The S/S 2011 Les Perles de Chanel make-up collection is available now in the US, other launch dates (depending on where you live) are January 8th and January 28th, 2011.
Please contact your nearest Chanel beauty counter for further information.

LoL, Sandra

As Chanel is always a big trendsetter for make-up looks, I was eager to have a closer view at what is coming next for S/S 2011.

Since 1994 (the launch of Rouge Noir), Chanel has consistently turned out must-have nail polishes. So what is it going to be next spring?
Et voilà, question answered: It will be all black and white.

But it would not be Chanel if it was an ordinary black. Black Pearl is more a metallic green-gray colour reminding me of an oil-black sheen. On the toes, it was all about Pearl Drop, a milky white, beautiful for summer.

The make-up itself was focused on the eyes, emphasizing them with a smokey look. Peter Philips, Chanel’s gobal creative director of make-up, used an emerald tinged onyx black shade and for the lips and cheeks just a little rosy shimmer. It might seem a little dark for summer but I always like the spot on the eyes. Very pretty!

A total invention was the sleek hair with a liquid eye pencil line down the model’s center part. Who is up for this?

By the way, the show was absolutely amazing, more coming soon…

LoL, Sandra