Sandra‘s Closet

Thursday evening, I was invited by SISLEY Paris to a wonderful evening at Widder Hotel in Zurich to discover their newest launches focusing on the eye area.

While enjoying yummy food and champagne, we were invited to explore the new products at dedicated work spaces where we could apply and try everything on our own eye area.

From left to right:
Helena Remmert, Valeska Jansen, my humble self, Christian Stannek and Götz Winter.

The new SUPREMŸA AT NIGHT THE SUPREME ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAM is an exceptional anti-ageing skin care dedicated to youthful-looking eyes. Night after night, the eye contours appears revitalised and lifted, regaining its youthfulness. At the heart of this skin care, the Fundamental Regeneration Complex, a unique combination of powerful key ingredients of natural origin, such as yellow gentian, that precisely acts on the three key stages of the night cycle, when the skin’s regenerative power is at its highest.

Fine and light, its ultra-modern texture melts pleasantly over the eye contour, leaving a sensation of freshness and intense comfort, for an unique sensorial experience. For optimised results, this skin care comes with its exclusive zamac massage accessory. A tailor-made four-step gesture to revitalise, smooth, lift and stimulate the eye contour. Formulated without essential oils, it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Its multi-faceted glass jar has been specifically designed to accommodate a refill. Available for CHF 320 (15ml).

The iconic OMBRE ECLAT LIQUIDE, a long-lasting liquid eyeshadow that immediately deposits an ultra-luminous wash of colour while offering a feeling of freshness and lightness, comes in three new shades (07 Antique Gold, 08 Stardust and 09 Plum). Available for CHF 50 each.

Personally speaking, I was really curious about the new DUO LIGNE NOIRE, consisting of the new PHYTO-NOIR MASCARA and the LIGNE NOIRE EYELINER. Achieve intense-looking eyes and amplified lashes, even after makeup removal. Don’t delay – this new makeup duo is sure to take pride of place in your beauty bag.

PHYTO-NOIR MASCARA
Upon application: Lashes are lifted and left 15 times thicker* for instant volume.
After 1 month: Lashes are visibly transformed, leaving them fuller, longer, stronger and thicker, even after makeup removal.

What I love about this mascara is that you can add volume during the day as it doesn’t harden and clog. Available for CHF 65.

LIGNE NOIRE EYELINER
An eyeliner that stands the test thanks to its waterproof formula.
Upon application: Draws a black line that lasts 12 hours once dry without smudging.
Day after day: Its formula is enriched with Vitamin Peptide to leave lashes stronger, denser and longer.

In a single stroke, you can draw a precise, intense and long-lasting black line. Day after day, it strengthens lashes at the root. Available for CHF 65.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Now streaming for fall, OPI announces its largest collection of metallic shades to date, two vivid palettes of liquid metals, including 21 total shades. The Metallic Mega Mix collection is inspired by y2k trends and early 2000s pop culture mixed with space aesthetic and futuristic escapism. Every shade is a metallic mic drop made to create So. Mani. Hits. 

For the first time ever, OPI has created an exclusive song and music video, featuring singer and finger tutter @iam_dytto, to be available on OPI’s Instagram (@OPI_SWISS). Like the color palette, this track features a modern take on iconic y2k sounds. Lyrics capture OPI’s voice with nods to the collection’s hero shades. The world premiere of OPI’s first music video showcases the collection on @iam_dytto (she/her) and dancers Sydney Marie Skipper (she/her) and Andrew Tiamzon (they/them) in a finger tutting dance choreographed by Dytto. 

From millennium blues (Y2Slay, MillenniYUM) to rich nostalgic reds (Cyber Cherry on Top, CD Rom-antic, DeJa RoUgE), Metallic Mega Mix offers warm and cool tones that give nails serious pop. Color highlights include soft, reflective tones (You’ve Got Nail, Lip Pink Battle) mixed with futuristic space aesthetic hues (Liquid Fire, Funmetal). The palette ends on a high note with glowing metal shades (SaTURN Me On, 2000 Karats). 

«These jaw-dropping liquid metals give consumers and pros that elevated metallic look that’s perfect for fall. We’ve given the metallics a new fresh take with ethereal tones, iridescence, and dichroic finishes,» explains OPI Global Director of Color Equity Jill Bartoshevich. «One shade alone is a statement. Used in nail art, and you get something out of this world. Hero shade, Cyber Cherry on Top, is a cherry pink-red with rich pink tones that will compliment every fall outfit. Liquid Fire, another top color, is a beautiful burnt orange that will be a huge trend for fall.»

Launch date Switzerland: 12th August 2024 

Recommended retail price per Infinite Shine 15 ml: 24.90 CHF (at the discretion of retailers)
Recommended retail price per Nail Lacquer 15 ml: 19.90 CHF (at the discretion of retailers) 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © OPI #OPIMetallicMegaMix #OPISwitzerland
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Each year, NARS offers the perfect summer collection. The heat is on with bronzing essentials all inspired by award-winning shade Laguna. Get sunkissed in a swipe with sultry essentials for eyes, lips, and cheeks.

GOOD AS GOLD

Swipe, sculpt, and shade your way to sunlit seduction with the must-have limited edition Laguna Ultimate Face Palette. Summer awaits inside the all-in-one palette for eyes and cheeks inspired by the iconic bronze shade, featuring four eyeshadows, two bronzers, and one illuminating highlighter. Each eyeshadow creates high-impact color in one stroke while bronzing and highlighting powders softly diffuse to a warm, lit-from-within effect.

EYESHADOW SHADES: SPRITZ Shimmer rose gold – UNWIND Matte peach pink – HEAT SPELL Satin rust brown – SIZZLE Shimmer yellow gold

LAGUNA BRONZING POWDER SHADES: LAGUNA 02 (ORIGINAL) Light-medium bronze with neutral undertones – LAGUNA 04 Medium bronze with warm undertones

HIGHLIGHTER SHADE: DRIFT AWAY – Champagne shimmer

Available for CHF 75.00.

SWIPE. SMOLDER. SEDUCE.

Draw attention with the seductively smooth, ultra-creamy Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick that applies instant high-impact color and sets to an all-day, crease-resistant matte finish, which is also the perfect base for any eye makeup. Fueled by Flexi-Lock Technology, it forms a longwearing, flexible cream with an effortless smooth-glide application for comfortable, easy-to-blend, and buildable color that’s transfer- and smudge-proof. With shades that work across every skin tone, eight colors create limitless eye looks that stay in place for up to 16 hours.

SHADES:
ADULTS ONLY Matte apricot – DON’T TOUCH Matte milk tea brown – OBLIVION Matte medium caramel – STRIP DOWN Matte warm red brown – MAMBO Matte chocolate brown – REBELLION Matte rich dark brown – FATED Matte deep aubergine – ENIGMATIC Matte black

Available for CHF 49.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / NARS
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Darlings, get ready to LOVE YOURSELF and PROTECT YOUR SKIN with Charlotte Tilbury’s SPF 50 Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer!

This research-powered SPF primer is infused with Hyaluronic Acid, pollution defence and SPF 50 to protect, hydrate and perfectly prime your skin! The weightless, satin-smooth texture glides on and instantly absorbs into your skin with an invisible finish!

Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer is the ultimate soft-focus beauty glow filter that creates the most beautiful flawless, poreless looking canvas for makeup whilst providing hydration and essential daily UVA/UVB defence with SPF 50 for everyone of every age, skin type and skin tone!

Apply daily after your magic moisturiser and before your makeup, darlings! This is the final step in your skin ritual and the first step of your makeup routine! It’s an absolutely amazing product that has won many awards. I can not count the times I have finished and restocked this primer, even on no make up days I use it after my regular moisturizer! It glides on the skin, light enough but it makes the skin glowing and hydrated! For me it is a cult product.

YOU CAN SHOP THE INVISIBLE UV FLAWLESS PORELESS PRIMER HERE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Each year in celebration of World’s Ocean Day, that is celebrated on the 8th of June, La Mer continues their quest to give back to the glorious entity that gave them so much, the ocean.

When founder Dr. Max Huber discovered the particularly nutrient-rich Giant Sea Kelp, he was inspired to harness the ocean’s legendary healing powers by bio-fermenting it along with other natural, skin-boosting ingredients like magnesium and iron, to formulate the heart of the La Mer line, the iconic Miracle Broth™.

Reflecting the ongoing commitment to ocean conservation, this year’s limited-edition Blue Heart Crème de La Mer is an artistic interpretation of the power of Giant Sea Kelp, and a painterly portrayal of the healing moisture that waits within. Those jars have already collector’s status.

YOU CAN SHOP THE LA MER BLUE HEART 2024 LIMITED EDITION HERE.
Your purchase of this commemorative Blue Heart Crème de la Mer does not impact La Mer’s charitable donations.

Take La Mer on your next escape, so you can hydrate, revitalize and glow on the go.

LoL, Sandra

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

The latest addition to its LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL fragrance collection, aptly named COMÈTE, is inspired by the cosmos and I am absolutely obsessed.

Each of these Eaux de Parfum in the collection reveals one of Gabrielle Chanel’s character traits, writing a page from her life, sketching the outlines of one of her designs, or illustrating a symbol that guided her steps. COMÈTE is literally born under a lucky star.

Gabrielle Chanel let the stars be her guide, revolutionising the world of jewellery in 1932 with her unique «Bijoux de Diamants» collection and its legendary Comète necklace, whose shooting star nestles into the hollow of the neck.

«I WANTED TO COVER WOMEN IN CONSTELLATIONS. STARS! (…) SEE THESE COMETS, WHERE THE HEAD GLITTERS ON A SHOULDER, AND THE SPARKLING TAIL SLIPS BEHIND THE SHOULDERS TO FALL BACK DOWN IN A SHOWER OF STARS ON THE CHEST…»

Gabrielle Chanel.

Intensely floral and luminous, COMÈTE explores a new olfactory identity in the LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL collection. Rich and powdery, sophisticated and complex, it is a universe in itself. A fresh cherry blossom accord, luminous and intense, is elevated by sensual notes of heliotrope and iris in this intense floral «stardust» scent, which is housed in a bottle whose design aligns with the sober aesthetic created for the collection.

COMÈTE. A new star in the constellation of LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL is in stores now for CHF 245 (75ML) and CHF 440 (200ML).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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The scent of the sun is a sensation. Soothing and strengthening, it is an extract of energy: a perfume of opportunity and enhancement.

In his first involvement in a fragrance project for Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams asked Jacques Cavallier Belletrud to capture the light which is the essence of into a highly crafted men’s fragrance for a global community collectively uplifted by the warmth that radiates from the sun.

LVERS was conceived through a creative dialogue between Pharrell Williams and Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and crafted in the Louis Vuitton creative atelier at Les Fontaines Parfumées in Grasse, France.

For this new collaborative opus, the Master Perfumer kept a cross-generational approach at heart, involving in the creative process Camille Cavallier Belletrud, perfumer at Louis Vuitton and member of the creative studio, who was trained at the Maison under the mentorship of the Master Perfumer for many years, cultivating the DNA of the house.

Founded in the Men’s Creative Director’s philosophy of sunlight as a metaphor for love and a source of life and motivation across human experiences, it echoes the question posed upon his arrival at Louis Vuitton: What will you do when the sun shines on you?

Distilled into Eau de parfum, the original idea has to take new form. «The theme of sunlight that lit up Pharrell’s debut show on Pont Neuf in June 2023 inspired us to convey photosynthesis in scent. It may sound abstract, but if you look at life, photosynthesis is the starting point for everything,» Jacques Cavallier Belletrud says.

LVERS conveys in fragrance the figurative yet familiar scent of the sun illuming the skin, energising the vitality of nature, and giving life to the organisms that surround us. With olfactive alchemy, the Master Perfumer transforms the abstract scent of sunlight into earthly matter. Observing the science of photosynthesis, the Maison’s expert identified the notes that emanate from nature as a result of the vitalising power of light: the luxuriance of leaves caressed by rays; the evaporating nectar of freshly grown grass; the warm earthiness of tree trunks expanding under the forest sun. Within the study, pure and ancient natural substances are unearthed.

Galbanum, the mythical resin of the Ferula plant rarely used in modern-day fragrances, is revitalised and refined from its wild, vegetal state. Like a diamond in the rough, the centuries-old scent is cultivated into delicate green notes, creating the sappy and spicy core of the LVERS bouquet. It is grounded in the bottom note of cedarwood. Extracted from second-hand wood from carpentry, the oil’s deep woody sensibility establishes the indefinable but recognisable olfactic sensation universally associated with the forest. Harmonised with the creaminess of sandalwood, it sets an earthy but elegant tone for the fragrance, energised by the clean crispness of ginger. The composition is raised by the fruity, zesty top notes of bergamot, gently announcing the galbanum in a figurative illustration of the early rays of sunrise. Echoing the therapeutic force of the sun, each of the LVERS ingredients is rooted in age-old cultural practices connected to notions of healing. In Ancient Greece, galbanum was employed as a curative remedy, while in Ancient Egypt, cedarwood oil was used as a means of preservation and to ward off evil spirits. In Eastern medicine, sandalwood is a key component alongside ginger, widely known for its health benefits. Across cultures, bergamot has been considered a tool for both mental and physical renewal. The healing powers traditionally linked to the ingredients infuse LVERS with a holistic air: the idea of fragrance as an elixir of well-being; a spray of sunlight distilled in a bottle.

Fashioned in the cylindrical signature silhouette of Louis Vuitton’s Les Parfums, the LVERS flacon reflects, refracts and imitates the sunlight. A prismatic finish electrifies the glass structure coloured from within by a golden jus, evoking the bright effect of sunlight gilding the skin. Introduced alongside the fragrance, a travel case and a fragrance trunk – which holds three bottles – are crafted in the green Damoflage motif. Central to the creative expression of Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton, the graphic splices the Maison’s heritage Damier pattern with camouflage, a signifier in the personal style lexicon of the Men’s Creative Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Skincare brand Augustinus Bader is to open a pop-up in Paris in September in collaboration with artist and founder of the architecture and interior design studio Crosby Studios Harry Nuriev.

Harry Nuriev is an US and France-based artist best known for his sci-fi, minimalist interiors and striking silver designs. He explained that the concept for Augustiner Bader was inspired by a combination of futuristic high-tech and the architecture and symmetry of the Palais Royal’s traditional French garden.

«The final design is a true combination of these two elements within one project,» he said. «I love Palais-Royal and this project was special to me as I could experience the entire historical creative agenda and add my own layer to it.»

This pop-up store will be located in the Augustinus Bader boutique in Paris from September 2024 to January 2025. Nuriev has redesigned the space, inspired by a combination of futuristic high-tech and the architecture and symmetry of the Palais Royal’s traditional French garden.

To book an appointment, call +33 1 40 26 21 77.
Boutique Augustinus Bader, 84 Galeries de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris, France

LoL, Sandra

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

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.

Welcome to the new Dubai wellness haven: the Dior Spa The Lana. Opening its doors in spring 2024, it is the first Dior Spa in the UAE. Being a place of incomparable beauty and exceptionally soothing treatments, it is an exquisite sanctuary of holistic wellbeing infused with a visionary spirit and the Dorchester Collection’s latest gem.

Bathed with natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that artfully frame views of iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dior Spa The Lana provides an unprecedented wellbeing experience with five treatment rooms and one couple’s suite. Seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into treatments, featuring Icoone Therapy, Hydrafacial, Dior Micro-Abrasion, and the Dior Skin Light LED therapy mask, which is renowned for its ability to promote intense cell regeneration, the spa also offers a futon for Japanese-inspired treatments, and a dedicated beauty room. Each cocoon possesses distinctive characteristics, adeptly adapting to the unique desires of every guest while upholding an unwavering commitment to privacy.

Elevating the experience further, Iyashi Dôme technology introduces customisable sauna sessions, providing both relaxation and slimming effects. This is complemented by an impressive array of facial treatments thoughtfully curated for men and a personalised programme of hand and foot treatments.

Three signature treatments will be exclusive to The Lana, including Escale at The Lana, Dior Stone Therapy and D-Sculpt.

Escale is a tribute to the inaugural Dior Spa set ‘amongst the clouds’. This unique Japanese-inspired ritual defies the laws of gravity, inviting guests to unwind on a futon on the floor, where a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative relation methods embrace both body and mind. The treatment seamlessly blends kneading, friction and percussion and full body stretching. Deep, slow, and unforgettable massage strokes traverse from head to toe, releasing muscle and joint tensions to foster a sense of tranquillity. The final touch involves a precise, sensorial sequence of massage movements transporting guests to a realm of ultimate relaxation.

For a truly refined experience, guests can delve into the Dior Stone Therapy treatment. This sophisticated massage harmonises energy flow with meticulous attention, utilising semi-precious stones strategically placed on the body. The indulgence extends with facial micro-abrasion, employing sapphire crystals while the skin revels in the rejuvenating glow of the Dior Skin Light led therapy mask.

D-Sculpt, a body massage with firming and slimming properties, skillfully combines the traditional benefits of wood, dry brushing and toning techniques, with those of the manual «skin lift» method, offering anti-cellulite effects.

The Lana and the Dior Spa, which stays faithful to the vision of iconic French designer who had a special relationship with Dorchester Collection’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, home of Dior Spa Plaza Athénée, will work closely together to craft personalised well-being escapes for each guest, tailored to their desires, needs and preferences. From a memorable half-day experience combining cocktails, lunch, as well as a sports session and treatment, to a full day journey where the hotel’s Rolls-Royce collects guests to ensure a seamless transition from their preferred location to and from the hotel, The Lana will take wellbeing to new heights.

Dior Spa The Lana will also present an elegant boutique showcasing Dior’s product lines including Dior Prestige, renowned for its creams, serums, and face lotions infused with Rose de Granville, L’Or de Vie, a Dior skincare ritual featuring anti-aging skincare creations, Rouge Premier, the quintessence of haute couture lipstick and La Collection Privée Christian Dior, a luxurious line of Dior’s unisex fragrances.

For more information or to make a booking, please visit the website.

Photos: Courtesy of Pierre Mouton © DIOR
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.