Sandra‘s Closet

CARTIER launches right in time for Valentine’s Day three new three new fragrances dedicated to the queen of flowers. So many roses in perfume, but where is the daring? So many stories with rose water. Mathilde Laurent, Cartier’s perfumer, hates the archetype of the rose— an emblem of femininity withered before it blooms — and desires to give it back its true nature. «I only love wild roses», she says.

Avant-garde, she communicates its freedom in three acts. Cartier roses are neither meek nor submissive, they show their thorns with pride and dare to do anything!
Three perfumes, three strokes of rose take over the Maison’s High Perfumery:

PURE ROSE
for the Les Épures de Parfum Collection (a fully naked rose),
L’HEURE OSÉE
for Les Heures de Parfum (a punk rose),
OUD & PINK
for Les Heures Voyageuses (a shocking, androgynous rose in a tuxedo).

So, let us discover the rose… and above all, not cut it, so that it stays fresh, raw, lively, wild, acidic and daring. May it never wither.

L’HEURE OSÉE
Les Heures de Parfum Collection
No, this rose is not cute! It hates girly, baby doll, pastel pink or layettes. It is the pink that flushes the cheeks. It is blushing and bright, and this rose boasts only four letters: dare!
Fearless, it’s the hour of the exploding rose. An unprecedented pink, in touch with its time, with what is fresh and pop, as iconic as Warhol’s style…

PURE ROSE
Les Épures de Parfum Collection
We could devour it, now, raw, naked. A raw rose found in nature, bursting with life and essence that pulsates with freshness and permeates the nostrils.
No frills, just the pure and simple pleasure of a hyper-realistic rose that chooses to offer up her authentic, naked truth.

OUD & PINK
Les Heures Voyageuses Collection
This rose plays with gender, mixing the floral and the masculine, the rough with the smooth; a male rose. For women who flirt with contradiction and adore men’s fragrance.
Take a leap and plunge into the rugged and shadowy oud whilst wearing a dinner jacket with nothing underneath. Unstoppable.

TO SHOP THE NEW FRAGRANCES ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Last week, I spotted an amazing fragrance on display at my hair dresser Charles Aellen Company in Zurich. It is exactly as I am loving it, powdery, yet sugary, reminiscent of how babies would smell in my imagination.

The Different Company Pure eVe, Just Pure (the name was changed from Pure Virgin. Honestly I think that this was a smart move, who would like to say they are wearing something similar to olive oil …) is a kind of «innocent and soft» fragrance. Its beautiful dry-down of a powdery white musk with a lot of vanilla, powdered sugar and delicate candied almonds feels like a second skin, like wearing a fluffy piece of cashmere. Pure eVe was launched in 2011 as a unisex fragrance. However I personally find it very feminine. The nose behind it is Céline Ellena, the daughter of famous perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena, who launched The Different Company in 2000.

Céline Ellena with her father Jean-Claude Ellena

« Je compose mes fragrances avec l’objectif de créer la meilleure senteur possible, sans aucune contrainte de coûts ou de marketing. » Céline Ellena, 2004.

Eau de Parfum Gourmand – FLORAL WOOODY MUSK
Top Note:  Aldehydes
Middle Notes: Mimosa, Flax and White Rose
Base Notes: Candied Almond, Musk, Sweet Notes, Dried Fruits and Cedar

Give Pure eVe a try if you like powdery scents or white musk fragrances like me. I got it delivered in one day to my hotel in Gstaad by Spitzenhaus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, The Different Company
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I am just loving it!

Beauty fridges? Of course you need one! A skincare fridge keeps your makeup and facial products cooled which is prolonging their shelf life and increasing absorption. Furthermore, it is very practical to have your products close by so that you don’t need to run to your kitchen fridge to get them as I used to do before.

 Designed in sleek black just for Net-à-Porter, or in a girly pink, the Beauty Fridge has plenty of space for your top picks, plus two removable shelves for organization and extra storage on the door. It includes hot and cold settings, depending your needs.

But what should you store in your beauty fridge? Not just what looks good on instagram, actually. Here is my personal list of favorites:

FACIAL TOOLS
Rose Quartz Face Roller by Omorovicza
Facial rolling is an age-old technique used to sculpt features and stimulate lymphatic drainage.

SHEET MASKS
The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask by La Mer
Sheet masks kept in the fridge make for the ultimate hangover cure. You can do the same with your eye mask patches, making them ultra-cooling and de-puffing.

FACE MISTS
Pure Rosewater by Chantecaille
Rich in antioxidants that help tired skin look more youthful, there’s no doubt that keeping this face mist cool will make it feel more refreshing and skin-tightening.

DAY CREAM
Moisturizer With Cucumber by Sisley Paris
Known for its refreshing properties, this skin-balancing moisturizer is infused with cucumber to restore hydration levels, giving your complexion a visible boost within half an hour. Storing it in the fridge will double the effect. Keep some fresh cucumber slices in the fridge to put them on your eyes for 5-10 minutes, this will work wonders.

PROBIOTIC SKINCARE
Overnight Recovery Mask by Aurelia Probiotic Skincare
I recommend probiotic skincare to be refrigerated to extend the life of the bacteria. This overnight mask works to repair hidden damage while you sleep, leaving your complexion nourished and more luminous.

NAIL POLISH
Nail Color by Christian Louboutin Beauty
Mum’s old trick works wonders. Keeping nail polish in the fridge will maintain the stability of the formula, preventing it separating and going all gloopy.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Via The Beauty Fridge – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

A new addition to Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense collection: the ravishing Scarlet Poppy. This new floral has been inspired by the extravagant and exotic great scarlet poppy from the wild steppes of Asia. Amplified by velvety iris, notes of barley and tonka bean add a double hit of sweet decadence while a succulent fig accord draws you into this opulent scent.

Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense collection travels the world, collecting treasured ingredients to create unexpected fragrances. This latest Cologne Intense comes in a rich red bottle design, referencing the flower that inspired it.

«Scarlet Poppy is a grand, ravishing, deep floral, and the volume grows and grows as
you wear it. It’s a larger-than-life fragrance but still very sophisticated and refined.»
Celine Roux, Global Head of Fragrance

Jo Malone London recommends layering Scarlet Poppy with Poppy & Barley. The pairing of the two enhances the poppy note, creating an inviting floral scent.

Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 100ml, CHF 171.-
Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 50ml, CHF 120.-
Available at all Jo Malone London counters in Switzerland from January 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jo Malone London #CologneIntense

Refined elegance. An edge of authenticity. The power of personal style. Evoke effortless allure with a limited-edition collection inspired by Claudette, inimitable mother and muse to François Nars. Drawn from nostalgia and the irreverent spirit of 1970s Paris Rive Gauche, each boldly wearable shade paints an intimate portrait of unapologetic style and unconditional love. A vision of beauty.

«I am very lucky to have an extremely beautiful, glamorous and elegant mother on whom I was always able to practice makeup.» – Founder and Creative Director, François Nars

THE COLLECTION
AUDACIOUS SHEER MATTE LIPSTICK – CHF 46.80
Introducing the cult-favorite sensorial formula, now with a soft-focus finish. Each swipe delivers delicate color with medium-sheer coverage and a petal-soft powder finish.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ ANAÏS (pink nude)
▪ MATHILDE (rose beige)
▪ SYLVIE (berry red)
▪ BÉRÉNICE (warm brick red)
▪ SANDRINE (scarlet red)
▪ ANOUK (red)

AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK – CHF 46.80
A muse, bouche. Four new shades of the cult-favorite luxury satin lip formula, named for the most inspiring women in François’ life: his mother, Claudette Augustine; and grandmothers, Léa and Ginette.
Audacious Lipstick glides on like satin across lips with single-stroke coverage.
Bold, ultra-saturated color feels hydrating and stays put—without bleeding or feathering. The NARS logo is embossed on the bullet of each lipstick.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ LÉA (neutral spiced rose)
▪ AUGUSTINE (taupe nude)
▪ CLAUDETTE (rust red)
▪ GINETTE (deep brown red)

CLAUDETTE CHEEK DUO – CHF 63.00
Cheek to chic. A duo of sophisticated Blush shades for a natural-looking rush of color.
Our cult-favorite, bestselling blush formula delivers a weightless, natural-looking rush of cheek color. Superfine micronized powder pigments ensure an irresistibly soft, blendable application. Buildable shades deliver a natural wash of color to every skin tone – a light swipe of even the highest-intensity hues deliver a natural-looking flush.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ CROISETTE (matte bright peach)
▪ NINOTCHKA (matte toasted amber)

ST GERMAIN DES PRÉS EYESHADOW PALETTE – CHF 58.00
All eyes on yeux. Featuring six warm, neutral shades in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes. Each finish stays soft with a vibrant effect. Pure pigments suspended in an innovative liquid binding system create rich, high-impact color in just one stroke.
SHADES:
▪ TOP ROW (left to right)
• ENVIE (shimmering taupe)
• JOIE (shimmering champagne)
• RUE DE TOURNON (shimmering bronze)
▪ BOTTOM ROW (left to right)
• L’ÉPHÉMÈRE (matte rust)
• NOSTALGIE (matte cinnamon brown)
• LIBÉRATION (deep matte brown)

In Switzerland available from February 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS
For the Claudette Collection campaign, François Nars photographed his original muse and inspiration, his mother Claudette at the Hotel Regina in Paris.

This body cream is so amazing, that it deserves its own post. CHANEL enriches the GABRIELLE CHANEL perfuming ritual with a body cream, the perfect way to treat yourself to a precious moment just for you. Its creamy texture wraps the skin in the luminous floral notes of GABRIELLE CHANEL and intensifies the solar and voluptuous trail of the fragrance. It also works great in combination with any other scent you like to wear…

The cream moisturizes the skin and gently perfumes the body for a truly pampering experience. Delicately pearly, enriched with a moisturizing active ingredient derived from rose and jasmine, it leaves the skin soft, supple and luminous. Whether a moment of pleasure in the morning, a sensual touch after your bath or a gentle caress at the end of the day, each application becomes a ritual of relaxation and delight. The new square frosted glass jar with a shimmering gold lid only adds to its desirability!

GABRIELLE CHANEL Body cream – Jar 150 g – CHF 106.-
Available Mid January 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Great news! SISLEY introduces a new mascara, called «So Stretch». After injecting intensity with my all-time favorite «So Intense», creating curves with «So Curl», and building density with «So Volume», SISLEY is launching a new «So», with the «So Stretch» formula, which shapes and coats lashes and enhances their beauty, length and vitality, leaving them longer, denser, stronger, and more beautiful, day after day. This new care-infused triple-action mascara lengthens, separates and shapes lashes instantly and flawlessly for a wide-eyed result.

With a single application, each lash receives just the right amount of product. Enriched with Bamboo powder and Beeswax, the lightweight, elastic texture of «So Stretch» instantly extends lashes to open up the eyes. In the blink of an eye, the lashes are coated from root to tip. The Beeswax contained in the formula works to effortlessly separate each lash for a clump-free, fanned-out result.

The shaping, sculpting and curling properties of Carnauba wax amplify the intensity of the eyes and promise lightweight, long-lasting volume. The lashes are lifted but never overloaded, giving a sophisticated, elegant and natural finish.

Specially designed to enhance the performance of the formula, the «So Stretch» mascara brush‘s supple, triangular fibres catch the lash fringe and coat it in mascara, separating even the smallest, finest eyelashes and reaching the most inaccessible corners. The long bristles ensure optimum lash separation and give an ultra-defined result that opens up the eyes.

Immediately from the first coat, the lashes are infused with the many benefits of different active ingredients. In addition to boosting length and intensity, the formula of «So Stretch» strengthens and nourishes eyelashes and contributes to proper growth. Enriched with softening Castor oil and Damask Rose, the new mascara leaves lashes supple and silky. With repeated application, they become longer, thicker and more resistant.

Personally speaking, I am still a huge fan of «So Intense», but I love to use the «So Stretch» as the final touch because it makes the lashes look extremely long and defined. A perfect combination for me.

The new «So Stretch» mascara is available in 3 shades:
Deep Black, Deep Brown, and Deep Blue, for CHF 62.00 each from February 2, 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © SISLEY

Each year, Aesop unveils its gift kits that I am always a huge fan of. Themed around «Sensory Chronicles,» the 2020-2021 kits are inspired by the power of imagination with a forgotten work of literature included in each gift kit. As well as the literature, the kits contain a range of stand-out Aesop products.

Take a look at the four kits below, that are all housed in a biodegradable case which is produced from 100 percent recycled material. The 2020 gift kits are available from now until October 31, 2021. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The Chance Companion Kit
Aesop’s ‘Chance Companion’ set includes two full-size bottles of the brand’s best-selling hand and body products, making it the perfect gift for fans of the label. It comes in a recycled paper pulp presentation box that’s printed with a QR code – scan it to hear short stories by the modernist writer Katherine Mansfield.

The Lore Collector Kit
Aesop’s ‘The Lore Collector’ set is all about nourishing your body as well as your mind. It includes four soothing staples to help skin remain hydrated and supple. Plus, if you scan the QR code on the recycled pulp packaging, you’ll hear a relaxing audiobook with tales from folklorist Lafcadio Hearn.

The Seasoned Wayfarer Kit
Aesop’s ‘Seasoned Wayfarer’ set is a thoughtful gift for those who love hosting. It includes three aromatic products for the home, all packaged inside a recycled paper pulp presentation box printed with a QR code – scan it with a phone to unlock a range of audio stories by Nobel Prize-winning writer Rabindranath Tagore.

The Metaphysical Voyager Kit
With Aesop’s ‘The Metaphysical Voyager’ kit, you can enjoy skin-friendly benefits and some magical storytelling as well. You’ll find a scannable QR code on the recycled pulp packaging that reveals an audiobook version of the Brazilian author Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis‘ The Delirium and other stories.

The Ardent Nomad Kit
Each skincare product in Aesop’s ‘The Ardent Nomad’ kit is infused with Parsley Seed, an antioxidant-rich extract that promotes a calm, supple complexion. It’s boxed in recycled pulp packaging – scan the QR code to hear audio samples from the diary entries of legendary explorer Isabelle Eberhardt for an inspirational way to start the day.

LoL, Sandra

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

CHANEL presents ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE, the first lip color offering extreme shine and intensity: a comfortable ultrawear texture that is easy to apply and wear, offering a satin brilliance that dazzles non-stop. ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE reconciles all contradictions in a single creation. Its fluid formula fuses with lips and dresses your smile in elegance in all circumstances.
Delicate and creamy, water-resistant, it also withstands the rubbing and smudging of daily life. Its thin, supple mesh is composed of two agents: the first traps pigments for unchanging color radiance, while the second locks in a blend of oils for continuous shine. In a single stroke, this ultra-comfortable second skin imprints lips with lasting color and shine for up to 12 hours.

Each color expresses all of its intensity with a savvy mix of finely ground pigments. Coated in oils, they reveal an extremely pure color presence. On application, a volatile oil evaporates, leaving nothing but vibrant radiance on the lips. In addition to delivering extreme shine and intense color, ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE cares for lips and envelops them in comfort. The skin barrier of the lips is perfectly preserved by an antioxidant complex of Sappan wood and vitamin E.

The packaging comes in a tube that dresses up in a shiny gradation of black lacquer with a sheer finish to reveal the pure, radiant shade inside. Its high-precision curved and streamlined applicator with an ultra-soft foam tip adapts to the shape of the lips to leave just the right amount of product, for application that is easier than ever.

THE PALETTE*
60 Inflexible, a luminous iridescent beige
61 Continuous, a luminous beige
62 Still, a real natural nude
63 Ultimate, a pinky nude
64 Exigence, a rosewood
65 Impertur bable, a brick pink
66 Permanent, an intense rosewood
67 Steady, a light pink
68 Unlimited, a slightly pink luminous coral
69 Rémanence, a bright pink
70 Immobile, a raspberry pink
71 Mythe, a metallic red
72 Iconique, a brick red
73 Invincible, a true red
74 Expérimenté, a strong brown-red
75 Fidélité, a brown nude
78 Tenacious, a light plum
79 Éternité, a deep burgundy red
80 Timeless, a profound cherry red
81 Obstination, a deep brown
* Shades available depending on market

In stores Mid January 2021 for CHF 46.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Dear Santa, if I asked you for an instrument for Christmas this year, it would be the Piano of 24 Colors by Hermès. Indulging in a gifting extravaganza, the set is filled with 24 Rouge Hermès lipsticks designed by Pierre Hardy. The 24 number is in reference to the Hermès address in Paris, 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honorè, which means it could also work perfectly as an advent calendar.

The gift box that houses the lipstick collection is as long as a piano, spanning 88.3 cm. Beautifully packaged in the label’s signature orange bag in addition to the box, the collection includes all of the signature shades such as «Beige Naturel,» «Rouge Orange» and «Rose Lipstick.»

As Hermès Beauty’s creative director Jérôme Touron explains: «The 24 colors of our lipsticks resonate together like piano keys. Having them all to hand allows you to play endlessly.»

Limited to 440 boxes, the Piano of 24 Colors is available for example at Selfrigdes to order for £1400 here. A lipstick a day keeps the sorrow away!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès