Sandra‘s Closet

Next week my blog is turning 10! Time flies… I still remember my first post on November 23, 2009 and all of a sudden this is the 4182nd time I have pushed the «publish immediately» button. Since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion and beauty. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate this special occasion with you like we did last year, just a little bigger and better …

Meet me in one week on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich!

For all my Swiss readers and of course also for those who want to come to Switzerland, meet me Thursday, November 21, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbly champagne by Perrier-Jouët, beauty and great company.

That night, the shops in Zurich will be open until 10pm and the city’s «Lucy» lights for Christmas will be illuminate the Bahnhofstrasse in a switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

To celebrate the occasion, LA MER and I would love to spoil you to the fullest.
WHAT TO EXPECT:

The Genaissance line and a little preview of my LA MER inspired outfit next week…

Discover the most luxurious line of LA MER skincare that is known for harnessing the renewing energies and healing powers of the sea: GENAISSANCE, designed to help improve signs of aging with the brand’s legendary Crystal Miracle Broth™ – a naturally potent bio-fermented formula that reawakens the skin’s radiance and reduces the appearance of lines and imperfections.

One lucky lady can WIN A GENAISSANCE TREATMENT at Jelmoli worth CHF 500.00.

As the Genaissance line was inspired when a scientist at the Max Huber Research Labs discovered crystals forming in a beaker of Miracle Broth™, we will have Alex Kruse (@_alexandrakruse_) with us, who will give each guest – if they like – a CRYSTAL READING, to give you some amazing and fun insights into your past, present and future.

Your goodie bag!

On top, each guest will RECEIVE A GOODIE BAG with an original size LA MER Loose Powder Skincolor worth CHF 95.00 that will be engraved with a special birthday message as well as the LA MER 15ml Soft Cream worth CHF 110.00 and a mini bottle of Perrier-Jouët.

With all these goodies, isn’t it crystal clear that you have to join me that night!

As space is limited and to coordinate your personalized gift, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 18th of November. First come, first serve. Please send me an e-mail with the header «10 Years», and your full name to . I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

I am so much looking forward to seeing, meeting and spending the evening with you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography © Sandra Bauknecht
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
Instagram @_alexandrakruse_ #LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch 

For the Holiday 2019 Collection, Lucia Pica, CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer, found inspiration in one of Gabrielle Chanel’s particular — and perhaps unexpected — penchants: her love of ornaments.

After all, while Mademoiselle Chanel famously pioneered a «less is more» approach to elegance, she was equally fascinated by aesthetic opulence: by the deep lacquer of Chinese Coromandel screens, or the shimmering gold leaf that decorated her apartment. Now her paradoxical proclivities are reflected through LES ORNEMENTS DE CHANEL, which showcases festive grandeur for the modern age. Within Lucia Pica’s vision for the collection, a statement smoky eye or a glossy, lustrous lip appears set against a fresh, luminous complexion, and the contemporary contrast between indulgent splendor and refined minimalism is gleefully indulged.

THE LIPS
RICH. LUXURIOUS. MODERN.
«The vivid reds are very rich. I wanted that sense of being bathed in colour.» Lucia Pica

In celebration of the Holiday Collection, the iconic ROUGE ALLURE is revamped through the introduction of six luxurious, luminous shades suspended within graphic, gold-edged limited-edition packaging. For a modern richness, each intensely saturated ROUGE COCO GLOSS can either be worn alone or layered atop lipstick to amplify its impact.

LUCIA’S TIP
A fresh complexion means that you can be bold in your adornment. A deep, glossy lip is made entirely modern when paired with a natural, luminous complexion.

EXCLUSIVE CREATION ROUGE ALLURE – CHF 52.00
Rouge Délicieux: a soft rosebud
Rouge Majestueux: an intense muted raspberry
Rouge Splendide: a pink coral
Rouge Magnifique: a bright orange
Rouge Spectaculaire: a true red
Rouge Noble: a black cherry burgundy

 ROUGE COCO GLOSS – CHF 39.00
Rouge Carmin: a light brick red
Rouge Grenat: a brownish red

THE FACE
LUMINOUS. GLEAMING. RADIANT.
«The highlighter brings light sculpting to the face with a soft shine.» Lucia Pica

A luminous backdrop of angelic skin sets the scene for holiday splendor; an elegant incandescence amplifies the depth of colour to come. A creation exclusive to LES ORNEMENTS DE CHANEL, ÉCLAT MAGNÉTIQUE DE CHANEL offers the perfect starting point for glamorous festivities, its blendable texture melting into the skin to seemingly illuminate from within. Embossed with the likeness of a vintage CHANEL button, its lustrous, pearlescent shine can be used to highlight the contours of the face for a gently sculpting, radiant effect.

LUCIA’S TIP
Using a brush to diffuse the powder, create an iridescent halo of light around the eyes either before or after eyeshadow application for a fresh approach to highlighting.

EXCLUSIVE CREATION
ÉCLAT MAGNÉTIQUE DE CHANEL
Metal Peach: a satiny peach

THE EYES
INDULGENT. OPULENT. SUMPTUOUS.
«The eye palette is sumptuous and rich, yet earthy and real.» Lucia Pica

A harmonious series of sumptuous shades, each eye product encapsulates the spirit of the season with a lustrous effect fit for festive indulgence. Decadent, silken shadows, with a creamy powder texture, exclusively etched with the form of a CHANEL button, LES 4 OMBRES and OMBRE PREMIÈRE can be blended or layered, diffused or defined. Fairer shades can envelop chocolate browns or gunmetal khakis in a «veil of light»: lightly pressing over the center of the lid with a soft peach, or antique gold, will offer a modern dimension to deeper hues. A rich, deeply pigmented khaki pencil, STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF can add elegant definition, or be blended outwards for dramatic effect. Through Lucia’s creations, a world of lavish possibilities awaits.

LUCIA’S TIP
As well as being worn alone, OMBRE PREMIÈRE Grandeur offers the perfect base for other shadows, making their impact even more lush and luxurious, or can be used as a highlighter and swept across small areas around the eyes or cheeks.
EXCLUSIVE CREATION LES 4 OMBRES – CHF 77.00
Lumière et Opulence: a dark gunmetal khaki, soft peach
a bronzy khaki, a chocolate brown
EXCLUSIVE CREATION OMBRE PREMIÈRE – CHF 45.00
Grandeur: a metallic old gold
Poupre Brun: a plum brown
STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF – CHF 35.00
Khaki Intense: a dark gunmetal khaki

THE NAILS
GLOSSY. LACQUERED. PRISTINE.
«I expressed the idea of opulence by creating profound and generous colours. A chestnut red and a black green, as deep as the lacquer of Gabrielle’s Coromandels.» Lucia Pica

With long-lasting, high-shine shades that reflect the Holiday palette, the dramatic pigmentation of LE VERNIS offers the perfect final touch to the look of the season.

LE VERNIS – CHF 32.00
Deepness: a gunmetal green
Richness: a chestnut red

The limited edition Les Ornements de CHANEL collection will be in stores Mid November 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Designed especially for the holidays, the limited-edition Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison shades are collectable objects of desire. Delivering intense, explosive color with one application, the glittery formula is blended with ultra-reflective pearls, releasing full tone and shine.

The two shades of Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison featured are the classic red hue 25 «Goldie Red» and 710 «Fay Turquoise», an unexpected shade of blue-green.

TO SHOP THE GUCCI GLITTER LIPSTICKS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci

October is breast cancer awareness month and each year the Estée Lauder Companies launch some of their iconic products as a part of the Pink Ribbon collection, of which proceeds of the profits are donated to research. A movement that started with one woman, Evelyn H. Lauder. In 1992, the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was born when the visionary became troubled by the lack of awareness, funding and resources necessary to overcome the disease.

Even that this post is pretty late in the last days of October (I hadn’t received the infos in time…), I don’t want you to miss this beautiful initiative by the Estée Lauder Companies as raising awareness for breast cancer is very dear to my heart. My mum had it twice and survived it. Being close to someone that goes through this terrible disease, is eye-opening.

BOBBI BROWN
Proud to be Pink Lip Color Duo
CHF 59.00 (of which CHF 15.00 are donated)

CLINIQUE
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Jumbo with Keychain
CHF 89.00 / 200ml (of which CHF 17.00 are donated)

LA MER
The Treatment Lotion
CHF 105.00 / CHF 100ml (of which CHF 21 are donated)

ESTÉE LAUDER
Limited-Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II with Pink Ribbon Bracelet
CHF 149.00 / 50ml  (of which CHF 20.00 are donated)

ESTÉE LAUDER
Pink Perfection Lipstick Set
CHF 65.00 (of which CHF 13.00 are donated)

AVEDA
Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Cream with Cherry Almond Aroma
CHF 40.50 (of which CHF 5 are donated)

The products will be available until they are sold out. Shopping for a great cause is something we should all be supporting! Girls support girls…

For my Swiss readers some great news: On October 31, 2019 you are invited to attend the Estée Lauder Companies Pink Ribbon Charity Sale at Puls 5, Giessereihalle, 8031 Zurich from 11am to 7pm with mark downs up to 70% from brands such as Aveda, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Glamglow, Jo Malone London, Mac, Origins, Smashbox, Tom Ford and fragrances from DKNY, Michael Kors. All proceeds will go to Look Good Feel Better.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Estée Lauder Companies
#TimeToEndBreastCancer

One thing my mum taught me from an early age is taking care of my neck and upper chest. Let’s be frank, most of us have been cleansing and moisturizing since we were in high school but how many pay really attention to this delicate area even that the décolletage is often one of the first places to show signs of ageing. I am always amused when I see some perfectly smooth faces treated with botox on top of a wrinkled neck. It doesn’t look young, rather bizarre.

Why is that? The skin on our neck and upper chest is naturally thinner and more prone to wrinkling than elsewhere. It also produces less oil than the face, but also often receives more sun exposure so forgetting to apply SPF and neglecting to nourish it can result in premature ageing quicker than you’d imagine. I know so many women who rely on foundation to provide protection, but they’re not blending it down onto their neck in sufficient amounts to block damaging UVA rays, the same goes for their moisturizing routine that mostly stops at the chin.

Another very important factor are so-called «sleep wrinkles» that can show on your chest. Especially if you are a side sleeper. Try to get off to sleep when lying on your back and use my beloved Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow by Nurse Jamie.

And most importantly, there is the phenomenon of the «tech neck», that can occur from persistent folding of the skin from repetitive motion, like looking down at your phone or laptop computer. This leads to a laxity of the neck skin and causes these terrible horizontal wrinkles. This is not all…

Did you know that the upper chest area is a high histamine response area, and thus red flushing can occur. Most women think skincare stops at the neck. However, the quality of most daily body lotions is insufficient to treat or delay signs of ageing on the décolletage. If you’re serious about treating your chest, shop for décolletage-specific skincare. Personally speaking, I am a total fan of the new LA MER ‘The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate’ cream. Formulated with Miracle Broth™, strengthening ferment and lime tea concentrate, this intensive balm deeply hydrates and plumps to soften fine lines and crepiness.

The product is intended to be used morning and evening. Gently smooth it onto your neck and décolletage with fingertips (my preferred way) or with the brush provided, then massage using upward, circular motions. For optimal results, follow with your favorite moisturizer.

My personal tip to get bad beauty habits literally off your chest. You can tone your skin as you pamper it by doing this exercise I got from a dermatologist: Tilt your head back, relax your upper body, and open and close your mouth, jetting your jaw forward and tensing it as you do it. The platysma on the neck muscles are like cords, you are strengthening them that way. The muscles on the neck are independent from the skin, unlike the face where it’s all glued together. Apply the neck cream first with vigorous upward strokes using your entire palm, and then do the exercise. Repeat the exercise 20 times each night to get great results!

The special skin there has special needs. My best tip is to treat your décolleté like you treat your face. Get cleansing. Get moisturizing.

The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate is available now for CHF 320.- (50ml).
TO SHOP IT ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

«My new citrus floral fragrance was inspired by the sparkling scents and quality of light that can only be found in Sicily. Limone di Sicilia evokes that same uplifting radiance with an artisanal blend of Bergamot and Muguet de Mai paired with Lemon Primofiore. It’s as joyful and vibrant as the island itself.» – Aerin Lauder

AERIN Beauty‘s newest perfume is inspired by golden sunlight and the many lemon groves that dot Sicily’s stunning landscape. This light and airy fragrance opens with citrusy notes before revealing its floral heart. The velvety base notes will linger on your skin – enhance the aroma with the coordinating body cream.

Luminous White Floral
TOP NOTES: Bergamot, Lemon Primofiore, Italian Mandarin
MIDDLE NOTES: Egyptian Jasmine, Rose Centifolia, Pink Pepper
BASE NOTES: Ambrox, Oakmoss

If you like to shop the products online, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Limone Di Sicilia Parfum Spray, 50ml

Limone Di Sicilia Body Cream, 190ml

A great scent to take summer into fall…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aerin Beauty, © Sandra Bauknecht
#AerinBeauty #MyPerfectEscape

Looking for some Halloween make-up inspiration? Here you go! Bella Hadid reveals her mischievous side for DIOR MAKE-UP with ROUGE DIOR for HALLOWEEN. A spellbinding look in tribute to the most emblematic House of DIOR colour.

Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for DIOR MAKE-UP, audaciously celebrates red, the «colour of life» according to Mr. Christian Dior and creates a captivating make-up look that is both chic and enigmatic, that works for Halloween and for daily life.

With ardent lips dressed in striking red, glittering eyelids heightened with elegant eyeliner, and a velvet complexion sporting a vivid blush, Bella is transformed into a mesmerizing femme fatale. The Hitchcockian tension between her and the young man Ludwig Wildsdorff is captured by photographer Richard Burbridge.

LoL, Sandra

Photos © DIOR #DIORMAKEUPHALLOWEEN
@DIORMAKEUP @PETERPHILIPSMAKEUP @DIORBEAUTYLOVERS 

There are advent calendars and then there those supersized, super-luxe advent calendars, full of the best in makeup, hair and skincare or even filled with surprises for intimate pleasures. It’s what self-gifting was made for…

Consider them the ultimate, carefully curated «best of» – and everything you need to take you through the holiday season. Click on the highlighted description to find out more… I personally love the small sized products as they are great for travelling.

LoL, Sandra

The Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar by Harrods
Housed in a beautiful navy blue coffret which will serve as a keepsake for years to come, it’s packed to the rafters with twenty five miniature and full size favourites from the famous Harrods Beauty Halls.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by Net-à-Porter Beauty
Counting down 25 days, its drawers are packed with a slew of goodies picked especially by Net-à-Porter’s team of Beauty Buyers.

Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic Advent Calendar by Charlotte Tilbury
 Filled with hero products to get you through the party season and beyond.

10 Day Balmain Advent Calendar by Balmain Hair Couture
Balmain Paris Hair Couture brings back the joy of opening advent calendars with this grown-up version featuring 10 haircare products.

 12 Days of Red Carpet Advent Calendar by Rodial
This round-up of miniatures will ensure your skin is looking refreshed and radiant in time for the big day.

Beauty Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma
Featuring a miniature version of the signature scent Colonia, it also includes Blu Mediterraneo, Le Nobili and Signature of the Sun miniatures.

12 Days of Glowing Renewal by La Mer (coming soon)
Featuring 12 mini La Mer products from the popular Renewal Oil and Treatment Lotion to two 15ml mini moisturisers in the Soft Cream and original Creme de la Mer Moisturising Cream.
In Switzerland available from October 21, 2019 for CHF 440.

Townhouse advent calendar by Jo Malone London (coming soon)
As always, the calendar is filled to the brim with sweet-smelling products, with 24 doors containing small vials of perfume (9ml), candles and body lotion.
In Switzerland available from October 28, 2019 for CHF 490.

Deluxe Advent Calendar by Amorana
In Switzerland available now for CHF 479.90 – for intimate pleasures.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

In 2016, two icons partnered to create one unforgettable collection, the Hello Kitty Collection by OPI. The collection became an instant favorite –the most talked about OPI collection of all time with the most searched for shade ever, Let’s Be Friends!

Due to huge demand, these two icons are saying Let’s Be Friends again! With this collection, Hello Kitty celebrates her 45th anniversary. Born from the Japanese «omotenashi» tradition of gift giving, the pop culture icon will celebrate by offering fans the ultimate in holiday gifting. The 2019 OPI Hello Kitty Collection includes 12 signature shades plus three festive glitters, ranging from frosty whites and pinks to deep velvety hues and lots of sparkles.

Inspired by the first collection, best-selling shade Let’s Be Friends!, a powdery pink, will make its return.

Sanrio’s beloved character inspires a range of colors from those evoking frosty landscapes to warm pink sparkles (Let’s Be Friends, Glitter to My Heart, A Hush of Blush, Let’s Celebrate!). Classic reds, rich golds and shimmering pewter (All About the Bows, A Kiss on the Chic, Many Celebrations to Go!, Isn’t She Iconic!) pay homage to the signature Hello Kitty bow while being perfect for the season. Blues and purples in the collection vary from icy hues to deep velvet tones (Pile on the Sprinkles, Hello Pretty, Let Love Sparkle, My Favorite Gal Pal). Additionally, three playful and festive holiday glitters are sure to be the life of the party (Glitter All the Way, Born to Sparkle, Dream in Glitter).

All 15 Hello Kitty Collection shades will be available in classic Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90), long-wear Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90) and GelColor formulas.

The Hello Kitty by OPI collection will be available from today in Switzerland for at least 3 months.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of OPI

This November, CHANEL is expanding LES EXCLUSIFS collection with the GENTLE OIL (Huile Douce), a delicate and sensorial oil for the hair and body that you shouldn’t miss and I will tell you why. In the cold season, our skin and hair are both suffering from the dry and freezing temperatures. Oil seals in moisture and adds extra nourishment.

With an elegant and sensual touch, the GENTLE OIL is pure luxury and embellishes the skin and hair while leaving a discreet, fresh and citrusy trail with floral notes of jasmine against a backdrop of white musks, making itself discreet and gives a voice to the fragrance of your choice in perfect harmony. It moisturizes the skin, thus prolonging and intensifying the scent of each LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL creation, or needless to say any other perfume you love wearing, while remaining true to the fragrance.

The light, caressing texture of the GENTLE OIL envelops the skin in a silky satiny veil. Its formula boasting 80% ingredients of natural origin is extremely compatible with the skin, instantly absorbing upon application without leaving an oily film. To heighten the pleasure, I recommend mixing a few drops into your favorite body cream, in my case the FRESH BODY CREAM by CHANEL. The GENTLE OIL can also be applied on hair (down the length of the hair before shampooing or on dry ends as a finishing touch) leaving it softer, shinier and suppler. The bottle is iconic and beautiful, decorating every bathroom shelf by itself.

LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL GENTLE OIL Body & Hair will be available as 250ml bottle for CHF 190.00 from beginning of November 2019.

In Switzerland at the CHANEL Boutiques in Zurich and Geneva, at  CHANEL Parfums & Beauté at Bongénie in Geneva and CHANEL Space Parfums at Jelmoli in Zurich and Manor in Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL and © Sandra Bauknecht