Sandra‘s Closet

History does repeat itself, and so do trends. Here’s another throwback to ’90s hair must-haves (after the revival of the barrettes) that is celebrated this S/S 2018 season: SCRUNCHIES.

Sarah Jessica Parker with a perm and a scrunchie in 1988.

It was no other than Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City who sentenced scrunchies in one episode to the purgatory of style faux pas with her portentous proclamation to her boyfriend Berger for mentioning a scrunchie in his novel, claiming that no New Yorker in her right mind would ever wear one. Love them, hate them, but you cannot ignore them, scrunchies were making a comeback even on the catwalk, and funkier than the ones we had been wearing decades ago.

Times change. Would it be controversial to say that now looking at those fabulous Balenciaga leather ones, I actually disagree with Carrie Bradshaw and totally think that they really are rather fabulous?!

YOU CAN SHOP THE BALENCIAGA SCRUNCHIES IN DIFFERENT COLOURS AT BROWNS FASHION AND NET-A-PORTER. FOR AROUND €150 EACH.

Styling tip: Because those leather scrunchies tend to keep sliding down your hair, I recommend giving it a good grip by applying SACHAJUAN’s Hair Powder to the part where the base of your ponytail will be. This will give your hair texture, fullness and help keep your scrunchie stay in place without adding any weight to your tresses.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga and © Getty Images

A NEW SERUM FOR THIRSTY SKIN
HYDRATE WELL, AGE WELL
Every day, our skin is subjected to the ill effects of the cold, wind, pollution, UV rays, stress, fatigue and unhealthy lifestyles. These aggressors weaken and disrupt the skin’s natural hydration mechanisms. As a consequence, fine dehydration lines appear, the skin feels tight, and it loses its plump, supple and radiant appearance. As optimal hydration is the key to keeping skin youthful, Sisley created HYDRA-GLOBAL in 2007 to solve these problems. This hydrating anti-ageing product can restore the skin’s hydric balance while promoting the circulation of water within the epidermis to transport moisture deep down.

IN 2018, SISLEY’S RESEARCH IS GOING EVEN FURTHER BY CREATING HYDRA-GLOBAL SERUM Anti-Aging Hydration Booster – a «super-product» that boosts hydration and deeply quenches the thirstiest skin by helping it to restore itself by means of its natural hydration mechanisms. Hydra-Global Serum kick-starts intense and autonomous hydration by reteaching the skin how to take in water, circulate it through the different skin layers and retain it as much as possible.

THREE ACTIONS
1. Boosts water reserves
2. Promotes water circulation in the epidermis
3. Retains water at the skin’s surface – for longer.

Filled with water, the skin is more supple and more bouncy. The complexion is radiant and wrinkles are softened. Continuously moisturized, the skin is ready to withstand the hands of time and the gel-serum texture leaves a bare-skin sensation. Apply it morning and evening to face and neck as it perfectly complements the moisturizing action of all daily skin care products.

HYDRA-GLOBAL SERUM Anti-Aging Hydration Booster will be available from May 2, 2018 for CHF 247.00 (30ml).

Don’t forget, hydration is the first step in anti-ageing. As I am having very dry skin, I am totally in love with this new serum. After only a few days of having used it, I can see a big difference!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sisley Paris

In 2016, Christine Nagel took over the reigns as the resident nose at Hermès. Breathing new life into the Maison’s fragrance world while living up to the traditional elements and quality the brand is famous for, Nagel seeked inspiration from the orient and its long history of perfumery for the house’s first foray into fragrance oils which are part of the new HERMESSENCE collection.

«I wanted to return to the origins of perfumery and immerse myself in its history. Each of these five creations is an individual expression of a dream of Orient.»
– Christine Nagel

Originally created by Nagel’s predecessor, Jean-Claude Ellena, around six years ago, the ten eaux de toilette – all made of exquisite and unexpected notes – are now joined by three new unisex contributions, that are based on oriental notes such as cedar, agarwood, and myrrh.

For her new concept, Nagel ties to ancient scent applications and suggests layering them with one of the two oils from the collection, both grounded by musk, one laced with cardamom, the other enchanted by iris.

HERMESSENCE Eaux de Toilette
Myrrhe Elegantine – Agar Ebène – Cèdre Sambac
CHF 278.00 (100ml)

HERMESSENCE Essences
Cardamusc – Musc Pallida
CHF 402.00 (20ml)

My personal favorite combination is Cèdre Sambac together with Musc Pallida. Warm, sensual and extremely yummy. Try for yourself – Hermès is about craftsmanship – so now it’s up to you to use your skin as your canvas! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès and © Sandra Bauknecht

«Give yourself a break.
Give yourself time.
Give yourself love.
Make YOU a priority.»
– Margo Marrone, Founder of The Organic Pharmacy

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to meet Margo Marrone, founder of THE ORGANIC PHARMACY, for the opening of the brand’s first spa in Switzerland at MARIONNAUD‘s Bahnhofstrasse shop in Zurich. Margo and I have clicked in a second. She is such an inspirational, passionate lady who’s story reads like a book, a real business woman with a heart of gold.

Her story begins over 27 years ago as a Saturday girl in her local pharmacy. Fascinated by the rows and rows of amber bottles, she watched person after person come in asking the pharmacist for help on their various ailments and was enthralled as he expertly blended from the amber bottles lining those shelves.

Later, she decided to study pharmacy and six years later she embarked on her career as a pharmacist specialising in herbal medicine, nutrition and well being with a focus on natural and alternate medicine. It wasn’t until several years later that she discovered homeopathy, a form of medicine that completely changed her life and that of her family.

Being shocked at the level of toxins in our food and cosmetics, which she became aware of whilst studying homeopathy, she truly understood what organic means and decided to use her herbal, homeopathic and pharmaceutical knowledge to create a shopping haven free from chemicals found in other stores. She took the idea to her husband Franco whose design skills and vision turned THE ORGANIC PHARMACY into a modern day health and beauty centre. The first store opened in 2002 in London on Kings Road. Today they have shops and distribution all over the world.

THE ORGANIC PHARMARCY skin care is based on homeopathic and herbal medicine with the principles that the quality of the ingredients and the purity of the formulation is paramount as well as the dosage. One of the things that makes them different is the science that the couple put into their formulations, with their own factory in London, they oversee the careful preparation and manufacture of the products, from start to finish. The high tech natural extracts, the pharmaceutical grade ingredients and their dosage in their products at levels that really count means serious results for healthy glowing skin.

Margo took the experience one step further by extending her offering to high quality supplements and spa treatments for her customer’s health and beauty needs. The touch of a fantastic therapist, the advice of a homeopath who knows you well – she is convinced that it all helps to live a balanced healthy life. Managing stress, cleansing our bodies, feeding our cells essential nutrients are key to a healthy anti-ageing lifestyle.

Maria, therapist at THE ORGANIC  PHARMACY Beauty Spa in Zurich has magic fingers! During the press conference she gave us a great insight about the different treatments available. Thank you to Katrin Roth of Sonrisa for being such a great model!

I had the pleasure to experience the ROSE DIAMOND FACIAL in Zurich at THE ORGANIC PHARMACY SPA with the most amazing therapist, Maria (sorry, I was so relaxed that I forgot to take a photo of me before and after). The brand’s most luxurious facial truly restores, hydrates and rejuvenates the skin with the power of diamonds and cosmeceuticals. Both are combined to moisturize, firm and brighten skin. A deep exfoliation using diamond dust, an enzyme peel and hydra-diamond exfoliation are followed by an intensely lifting massage leaving the skin looking instantly refreshed and rejuvenated. 

«The treatment that irons your wrinkles away…» – the Radio Frequency Facial…

… that therapist Maria only performed to Katrin’s right side left a spectacular result. Especially the fine lines under her right eye are almost gone.

All aesthetic facials combine the very latest technologies (including the most advanced tools to let the products penetrate the skin easier and deeper) with organic cosmeceuticals to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and pigmentation for a healthier, plumper, firmer and more radiant skin.

My favorite products that I can only recommend to you are the following:
Honey & Jasmine Mask – a rich, deeply moisturising and nourishing mask.
Carrot Butter Cleanser – a balm cleanser that melts on contact with the skin.
Superantioxidant Capsules – a potent all-in-one anti-ageing antioxidant mixture, protecting the cells and system from the inside.

I love Margo’s approach to beauty from the inside and outside!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Beauty guru PATRICK STARRR brings his inspiring «makeup is a one-size-fits-all» philosophy to life through his new collection at M·A·C! The beauty star makes waves with these mesmerizing new floral-inspired essentials to make everyone and anyone easily feel their best! This collection is all you need for fresh-picked, vibrant springtime looks.

KIT #1: ME SO FLEEK / PATRICKSTARRR
Hey, Boy, Hey! Lipstick: dirty pinkish plum (retro matte)
Queen P Lipglass:neon pink with blue pearl
Eye Shadow x 4 / Play with Me: In Living Pink pinky coral with gold shimmer (frost)
Hickie: bright pink with shimmer (frost)
All’s Rosy: dirty mid-tone pink (matte)
In the Shadows: vibrant dark blue with shimmer (frost)
Powder Blush Duo / Take Me Home: Mocha Rev soft coral pink (satin)
Stubborn Rev: muted pink plum (matte)
*SRP 89.00 CHF

KIT #2: ME SO CHIC / PATRICKSTARRR
Sweet Mamastarrr Lipstick: mid-tone neutral pink (amplified)
Mamastarrr Kiss Lipglass: sheer nude with pearl
Eye Shadow x 4 / Stay with Me: Daddystarrr muted baby pink with pearl (matte)
Yesss: mid-tone dusty violet (VLXP)
Queen Patrick: bright purple (frost)
Bon Nuit: black purple (matte)
Powder Blush Duo/ I’m Not Blushing: Peaches Rev pure peach (satin)
Gingerly Rev Capri: bronze (matte)
*SRP 89.00 CHF

Limited Edition, available exclusively May 2018 at M∙A∙C Manor Geneva, M∙A∙C Manor Zurich and at maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

The hardest part about touching up your makeup before a night out? Not being able to reapply your mascara. Until now. The ultimate do-over, URBAN DECAY‘s MASCARA RESURRECTION brings your mascara back to life so you can keep piling it on. Like a killer lash comb in liquid form, this clear refreshing serum combs through lashes to soften mascara and get your lashes ready for another coat. And the curved fiber brush really grabs onto lashes and separates them. There’s NOTHING else like it!

Want to top off your mascara later in the day? A quick coat of this serum makes lashes pliable and ready for more. If you botched your mascara or didn’t pull it through well, simply comb Mascara Resurrection through your lashes to refresh, then reapply mascara.

This lightweight, oil-free formula contains a special blend of ingredients to moisturize lashes while helping with mascara wear. Copper powder and panthenol condition and bind moisture to the hair shaft, improving lash health while giving your mascara new life.

I am one of those beauty junkies who does her make-up only once a day and just adds some touch-ups in the evening. This product is my saviour – I am sure that you will like it as much as I do and thank me forever! Available here for CHF 25.90.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Urban Decay

This is literally the caviar among skin care, the ultimate luxury for your facial care.
LA PRAIRIE’s White Caviar Crème Extraordinaire is a lavish cream infused with a potent brightening serum to fight the appearance of discolouration and age spots. Drawing its unrivalled power from a new, breakthrough molecule, this luxurious formula goes beyond mere brightening to unlock the power of light. It diffuses shadows and leaves the skin looking immaculate with extraordinary luminosity.

Following years of research that included screening 50,000 active ingredients to find the single most powerful brightening ingredient, the molecule Lumidose was identified by the scientists at LA PRAIRIE as the most effective in supporting the inhibition of melanin production.

White Caviar Crème Extraordinaire works at the speed of light. The formula’s optimized concentration of active ingredients helps it to reach the source of discolouration, providing an extraordinary brightening effect.

Effects include a marked reduction in the visibility and intensity of age spots; improvement in the appearance of dull, discoloured skin; an evened complexion; and the firming and refinement of the skin’s texture. Skin feels smoother, and its elasticity and moisture levels are improved.

White Caviar Crème Extraordinaire provides measurable results in 2 weeks, visible results in 4 weeks, and extraordinary results in 8 weeks.

I have been using it for around four weeks now and was amazed that last weekend a dear friend commented on the disappearance of my pigments that were caused the combination of sun and the anti-baby pill. Looking closer at night in the mirror, I realized that they were absolutely gone. WOW!

In stores now for CHF 788.00 (60ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie @laprairie #whitecaviar #poweroflight 

Egyptian Magic probably has garnered more kudos in the fashion press than any comparable product in the world. From Japan to Australia to Europe and the US, top celebrities in the film and fashion industries agree that Egyptian Magic is a «must-have» beauty and skin care product. They use it on face, skin, hair, cuts, burns, bruises, rashes – everywhere!

«Life takes from the taker & gives to the giver.
Above all, let your word be your bond.»

Ancient Kamitian (Egyptian) folklore recalls the existence of a miraculous skin cream secretly used by the great sages, mystics, magicians and healers to maintain radiant, healthy, smooth and glowing skin. Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream claims it has the exact formula than this miraculous cream found in ancient Egyptian tombs.

It is a phenomenal healing balm with legendary powers due to its unique mixture of all natural ingredients derived only from living plants and organisms. Being on the market since August 1991 with a solid track record, a loyal word of mouth following, and twice the healing power for half the price of conventional skin creams, it contains no additives, added preservatives, parabens or GMO ingredients and is made with Olive Oil, Bees Wax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, Bee Propolis & Divine Love.

I had been curious about this magic cream that is loved by celebrities around the globe since quite some time and was looking forward to trying it. At first, it looks like Vaseline. But upon contact, this cream is much softer, a lot oilier and melts easily when rubbed into the skin. You don’t need a lot of product and it easily absorbs. The only thing that I am not used to yet is the smell. It’s not unpleasant, please don’t get me wrong, it’s just not a scent you’ll fall in love at first sniff.

I was truly impressed by its multi-purpose approach for the whole family (you can even use it for babies). The cream  hydrates and repairs skin from head to toe. I love to apply it on my cracked heels and elbows. Moreover, you can use it as a moisturizer, lip balm, eye cream or even hair mask as well as a makeup remover. Imagine that you are traveling, you just have one product for all! It also works wonders on eczema and skin irritations and helps fading scars. In addition gynecologists recommend Egyptian Magic even to be used on your private parts.

In Switzerland, Egyptian Magic is exclusively sold at Import Parfümerie.
CHF 36.00 (59ml) and CHF 54.00 (118ml)

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Via Pinterest @Egyptian_Magic

A liner that combines long-lasting wear with a non-smudge, non-flake precision line. Now, MAC launches new shade extensions of the iconic LIQUIDLAST LINER in fun, pop shades and metallic finishes. A little line for an eye-catching effect… literally!

BLUE ME OVER Bright teal (Pearl)
COCO BAR Chocolate brown (Matte)
KEEP IT CURRENT Deep oxblood (Matte)
LATE NIGHT Blackened green (Matte)
MISTY ME Bright silver (Pearl)
NAKED BLOND Copper (Pearl)
POINT BLACK Black (Matte)
RICH & ROBUST Deep purple with magenta pearl (Pearl)
WET ROAD Black with pearl (Pearl) – Repromote

Beautiful effect: mixing black and teal eyeliner.

Available from now for CHF 28.00 at all MAC locations and stores or online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

My avid readers know that I am totally addicted to yoga and ESTÉE LAUDER‘s Advanced Night Repair (please don’t laugh about the combination, it is actually a match made in heaven). For me, there is not one beauty regime happening without a drop of this beauty elixir before. I use it day and night, but the latter is the most important, this is when my night time ritual starts – along with the Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix for the delicate eye area that repairs, fortifies and hydrates. After I applied the products, I start my bedtime yoga session. This calms me down, helps me to digest the impressions of the day and relaxes me after a busy day.

Carolina Fischer-Waibel with me at her ATHAYOGA studio in Zollikon.

To give you an impression we took some photos at the beautiful ATHAYOGA studio in Zollikon (there is also one in Zurich city) while training with Carolina Fischer-Waibel who owns the studio along with her husband Roland Fischer (he photographed me – thank you!).

Strong pose – the Dancer’s pose

Some of the poses are pretty strong, so you have to be careful when doing them before bedtime as they might give you energy on the spot. Just do this routine one or two hours before laying down. Other exercises are more gentle and a great remedy to anyone feeling stress, anxiety or tension in the mind or body. It will help you to decompress and prepare for a good nights rest.

Yoga before bedtime can calm down your mind which helps you to sleep better.

Did you know that yoga before bed can be some of your best defense against insomnia? By calming down your body and your mind, you’re putting yourself in a better position for sweet and restful slumber. Stretching is so important for your body. A flexible body makes a flexible mind. If you add a little beauty secret, the effect is even better.

Never without my Advanced Night Repair!

Personally speaking I like to apply Advanced Night Repair before starting my 15 minute yoga bedtime routine, as I have the impression that my skin is perfectly prepared for extra pampering afterwards due to the activation of  the blood circulation through the yoga flow.

But why is this product so great? Here are some facts:

In 1982, Estée Lauder revolutionised the beauty world with Night Repair being one of the first beauty companies to make the link between DNA damage and skin ageing. Moreover, it was the first ever serum to launch, the first ever repair product and the first skincare product to use hyaluronic acid. The packaging of the little brown bottle was groundbreaking by being reminiscent of a pharmacy product. Over the last 30 years, many scientists have worked on Advanced Night Repair to constantly improve it.

In 2013, a new formula Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II was launched that has won 127 beauty awards worldwide (pretty impressive, isn’t it?!). The new pioneering product has patents valid until 2033. Every 8th minute, a ANR bottle is sold worldwide, which are around 4.5 million bottles a year.

I truly recommend trying ANR as you can easily apply it before the beauty products you like to use in general. I am sure you will see the difference after a few weeks and might be interested in other products of the Advanced Night Repair family such as the Advanced Night Repair Ampoules (I like to use them as a cure for two weeks four times a year) and the Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask, a weekly treatment ask that resets the look of your skin after the visible assaults of modern life. Your skin looks instantly fresher and renewed. For cleansing, I absolutely recommend the Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm, a lightweight balm that melts to a cleansing oil to remove makeup and impurities. You’ ll love it!

If you like my outfit, visit SPORTLES (Thank you Megan Herak!). I am wearing Drapey V back by Onzie, Shakedown bra by Vimmia, and Captain ankle tight leggings by Alala.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Roland Fischer for Estée Lauder Switzerland