Sandra‘s Closet

For Summer 2018, NARS collaborates once again with long time fashion design partner, Erdem Moralioglu. The designer brings his nostalgic romance and dreamlike narrative to beauty with the limited-edition Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection.

Bold yet timeless, the color collection is a custom designed palette of demure and daring shades for eyes, lips and cheeks, with additional newness in the form of NARS’ first lip powder palette and blotting paper. The highly covetable 13-piece capsule collection is encased in sophisticated soft-touch packaging adorned with one of three original floral prints Erdem created for the collaboration.

“It was really interesting to explore my aesthetic in collaboration with NARS and see how far we could push different elements through color and product,” says Erdem. “It was fascinating to develop new pigments and palettes as well as the cosmetics themselves.”

The Erdem for NARS Strange Flowers Collection includes:

BLUSH
Featuring a silky-soft pearlescent finish that departs sheer, yet buildable color, the velvety formula gleams in two new shades.

LOVES ME (pictured above) and LOVES ME NOT (pictured below) – CHF 41.40 each

LIPSTICK
Six new shades, featuring a creamy, smooth formula, range from bare to bold, sheer to intense.

Lipstick Shades in BLOODFLOWER, WILDFLOWER, VODOO LILY, MOON ORCHID, LARKSPUR (left to right) – CHF 45.00 each

LIP POWDER PALETTE
The new innovative palette includes a creamy primer and precision-tip lip brush to paint lips with four delicate shades of petal pinks, rose reds, and poisonous purples. The matte and metallic powders can be worn alone or layered on lips—with or without balm—for a range of unexpected looks and effects.

POISON ROSE LIP POWDER PALETTE
Shades, left to right: LIP PRIMING BALM, nude ZIRA, shimmering rose gold CALYPSO, matte rose DAMASK, matte fuchsia OTTOMAN, matte scarlet TRAVEL LIP BRUSH – CHF 66.00

EYESHADOW PALETTES
Two six-well palettes of highly pigmented, velvety-matte shades deliver longwearing, crease-resistant color. The formula can be applied sheer or layered for more dramatic effects.

NIGHT GARDEN EYESHADOW PALETTE Shades, top to bottom, left to right: OLEANDER, shimmering pale gold INDIO, satin forest green REBORN, satin marigold FAUNA, matte deep brown SPRUNG, satin midnight blue MATIRA, satin black

FLEUR FATALE EYESHADOW PALETTE Shades, top to bottom, left to right: MYTHIOS, shimmering ivory THISTLE, metallic mink FLOURISH, shimmering steel blue BELLADONNA, matte soft brown DAYDREAM, shimmering copper HOLLY HOCK, satin mulberry
CHF 66.00 each

MULTI-USE HIGHLIGHTING PENCIL
Illuminate intrigue with a multi-use highlighting pencil for eyes and cheeks. The new, ultra-smooth formula provides effortless blending and on-the-go radiance.
WHITE PHOX, opalescent lavender – CHF 41.40

BLOTTING PAPERS
Fresh-plucked blotting papers instantly soften and mattify. Perfect for shine control in the summer months. CHF 32.40

In Switzerland available in May 2018. So beautiful!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS

Spring is around the corner, my favorite season. Time to wake up your outer beauty and to get ready to party. Green is the color of nature and health representing growth and nature. It is said to have healing powers – so get ready for the blooming season… with those tips:

WAKE UP YOUR SENSES

Champagne Grand Brut Edition Miami by Perrier-Jouët
Nothing beats a glass of bubbly – it always puts me in a good mood. I am very proud to announce that I am one of the ten founding members of the Artistic Society by Perrier-Jouët. Soon, I can tell you more about this secret club!
CHF 55.00 (75cl)

WAKE UP YOUR SKIN

Energie De Vie Exfoliating Mask by Lancôme
«Energie de Vie» means vitality in English. This is exactly what our skin needs after the cold winter months. Reduce the appearance of pores and reveal softer, healthy-looking skin with this exfoliating mask. I use it daily as a cure.
CHF 85.00 (75ml)

EGF Serum by Bioeffect
This amazing serum restores your skin’s natural glow and youthful appearance. It contains EGF, a cellular activator natural to human skin, which stimulates the skin’s ability to renew itself. My personal must in the spring season. To be used in the evening. You just need 2-4 drops, great for traveling.
CHF 198.00 (15ml)

Super Acid X-Treme Hangover Mask by Rodial
A triple action rub off clay mask to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and restore a radiant looking complexion. Use it once a week for best results in addition to the daily mask.
CHF 69.00 (75ml)

Pro Spa Skincare Hand & Feet Intensive Callus Smoothing Balm by OPI
Last year, OPI launched the first & only professional salon skincare line that brings the quality & efficiency of facial skincare to premium products developed specifically for hands & feet. And here is one of my personal favorites that I use every night. This softening foot and heel treatment balm helps restore dry, callused soles to relieve severe dryness that you get during the cold winter months. For perfect spring feet!
CHF 35.90 (118ml)

WAKE UP YOUR NOSE – THE  MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENTS FOR SPRING

Elements of Man Strength by Ermenegildo Zegna
Such a yummy fragrance for men that gets spring fever for sure. It fuses the tenacity of tobacco leaves with rich gourmand notes. Drips of golden honey and ripe apricot highlight the intensity of agar wood. Deep smoke penetrates the intricate chainmaille of woven pine needles, encasing a core of burnt musk.
CHF 250.00 (50ml)

Valentino Donna Rosa Verde by Valentino
A new fresh scent that is lovely for the first spring days. A radiant composition that combines green rose, mate tea, bergamot, ginger and magnolia. Contemporary and sophisticated.
CHF 174.00 (125ml) – available in Switzerland from April 2, 2018

Aura by Mugler
The latest fragrance launch by Mugler (not Thierry Mugler anymore) Aura might become another iconic fragrance of the brand. After the first spritz, it has really got me by being different, unexpected. Something I would love to wear on a spring evening. By reinventing the Oriental Green family, Mugler has signed  a new olfactory experience for the brand. The mix of ingredients is unheard of: rhubarb leaf, orange flower (new distillation process), vanilla pod bourbon and Firmenich Wolfwood® (Firmenich exclusive).
CHF 109.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Padma Lakshmi’s talents have taken her from actress to cookbook author extraordinaire, top model to host of «Top Chef»… and now, to designer of a M∙A∙C capsule collection! Her eye shadow palettes and individual colours are designed to take you from day to deep night – and last through all the culinary adventures in between.

DESERT DUSK EYESHADOW QUAD, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

INDIAN MOON Creamy gold with sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
SHELL PEACH Muted peachy pink (Satin)
HOPPER BLUE Sky blue with white sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
NATURAL BROWN Deep creamy brown (Matte)

70’S SUNSET EYESHADOW QUAD, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SAND & CLAY Mid-tone cool beige (Matte)
CARDAMOM Cool light green with white frost (Veluxe Pearl)
MUMTAZ Coppery purple with gold sparkle (Veluxe Pearl)
ALL’S ROSY Mid-tone plum with gold (Matte)

LIPSTICK, CHF 31.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SUNSET ROSE Creamy brown with pearl (Cremesheen)
NUDE FUDGE Mid-tone neutral (Matte)
BLUE BLOOD True red (Matte)
APRICOT GOLD Mid-tone peach nude (Amplified)
MITTAI PINK Hot fuchsia (Matte)
SUMAC Deep plum (Matte)

POWDER BLUSH DUO, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

MOON & SHINE Frosty highlight (Frost) / Warm beige (Matte)
MELON PINK Bright peachy pink with gold sparkle (Satin) / Mid-tone orange (Frost)

POWERPOINT EYE PENCIL (DUAL-ENDED), CHF 29.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

ICED HEATHER/KERALA SUN Silver frost/Pure gold
INDIAN INK/MOSSY GREEN Pure black/Deep green
BORDEAUXLINE/MOLE BROWN Deep plum/Cool brown

BRUSH, (LIMITED EDITION)

168SES Large Angled Contour Brush (CHF 54.00)
275SES Medium Angled Shading Brush (CHF 40.00)
213/219SES Fluff Brush / Pencil (CHF 48.00)

CREMESHEEN GLASS, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION, ONLINE EXCLUSIVE)

NEFERTITI Peachy gold with sparkle

Available from March 8, 2018 online and at selected stores. In Switzerland at MAC Jelmoli Zurich, MAC store Zurich, MAC Globus Lausanne and Geneva, MAC counter Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

A harvest of 5 beautiful limited edition fragrances: JO MALONE English Fields. Evoking the essence of the English landscape and housed in ceramic bottles, master perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui used cereals and grains as the main focus. When I received the press samples, I was absolutely curious to try those new scents and each of them is different, unexpected and new. Really worth the visit to the next JO MALONE counter.

«Jo Malone English Fields is unexpected territory! It’s somewhere in perfumery I have never been before.» – Mathilde Bijaoui of MANE, Master Perfumer

Poppy & Barley Cologne
Rich red poppies dancing in the wind. Violet flowers, alive with colour. Fruity with blackcurrant. Cocooned by barley and bran. Softened with powdery notes of white musk. Lively. Cheerful. Inviting.

Oat & Cornflower Cologne
Wholesome oats gathered from the field, fit for a hearty feast. Warm and delicious. Enlivened by vivid blue cornflowers and a hint of hazelnut. Complemented by an elegant vetiver base. Mouth-watering. Warm. Sensual.

Primrose & Rye Cologne
Rolling fields dotted with primroses. Swaying softly on a spring breeze. Warmed by golden corn. Brightened with mimosa. On an addictive base of rye and vanilla. Filled with sunshine. Vivid. Glowing. Addictive.

Green Wheat & Meadowsweet Cologne
An English field at dawn, full of the joys of spring. Filled with young, green wheat. Crisp and fresh. Balanced with a zesty twist of grapefruit. Mingled with soft, white notes of meadowsweet. Pretty. Fresh. Powdery.

Honey & Crocus Cologne (MY FAVORITE)
Mouth-watering honey, fresh from the beehive. Blended with the bright bloom of crocuses and English lavender. Sweetened with a dash of almond milk. Rich. Comforting. Scrumptious.

Total fragrance crush! In stores now.
Each 30ml Cologne is available for CHF 72.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Remember when I attended the Shiseido press conference last December. Now I am finally allowed to show you the new must-haves. Let me get started with an amazing foundation that has truly surprised me. NARS Cosmetics has introduced its new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, its first 16-hour fade-resistant foundation with full-powered radiance. Its unstoppable medium-to-full buildable coverage stays vibrant and fresh, as if just applied. First, I thought it has a little too much coverage but somehow magically it blends in with your skin after a few seconds leaving your complexion absolutely flawless.

Applying the new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation at the press conference.

The staying power is enhanced by a patent pending technology that delivers a uniquely weightless texture with superior bendability for an imperceptible effect that looks like skin.
Formulated to improve skin hour by hour with skin optimizing complex—a blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts that helps support skin elastic fibers to smooth and improve skin texture – while specialized pigments recognize and fuse with your skin for your closest match yet.

Available in 33 skin-matching shades (how amazing is this range?!), from deep espresso to the fairest tones. Available for CHF 67.- each now.

To shop the new NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation online, click here please.

If you are at the counter or shopping online, don’t miss the new Spring 2018 look and the limited edition NARSissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette that has 12 shimmering, matte and satin shades, ranging from pale-pink and nude to rose gold, so you can easily customize your look to suit every occasion. The colors are truly divine and its powder formula lasts all day long!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I was invited to explore the new brand HAIR RITUEL by SISLEY PARIS and I have absolutely fallen in love with it! The Swiss team of SISLEY PARIS had invited hair stylist Rolf Baettig and his Intercoiffure crew from St. Gallen and Romanshorn to explain and show us the new products more in details. Moreover, I was treated to my own experience and trust me, those products are absolutely amazing, easy to handle and great for your hair! Let me tell you a little more about the concept.

Backed by a unique, forty-year history of expertise in skincare, Sisley Research is now extending its know-how to hair care with six essential treatment products creating a complete, sensorial beauty ritual intended for both women and men. Formulated with high concentrations of powerful plant-based active ingredients as we know them from the brand’s facial and body care, HAIR RITUEL by SISLEY PARIS hair care products act on both the scalp and the hair fibre to provide global action.

Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo with Camellia Oil, 200ml – CHF 75.00
This volumizing shampoo is formulated to give you fuller locks and improve density over time by targeting each hair bulb and fiber. Sulfate-free, it’s enriched with Camellia oil to gently cleanse while enriching the scalp with essential vitamins and minerals to leave your tresses shinier and instantly thicker.

Revitalizing Smoothing Shampoo with Macademia Oil, 200ml – CHF 75.00
Perfect for dry or damaged hair, the revitalizing smoothing shampoo is formulated with vitamins and minerals to restore your tresses to shiny and vibrant health. The Shea, Moringa and Macadamia Oil nourish and soften while Cotton Proteins rebuild ends to stop further breakage. The light fragrance provides a refreshing experience as you cleanse.

Restructuring Conditioner with Cotton Proteins, 200ml – CHF 70.00
As well as smoothing cuticles and detangling strands, the brand’s new conditioner is a little like a supplement for your locks. Cotton Proteins and Ceramide-like actives rebuild each follicle’s protein and lipid structures at a cellular level, while pro-Vitamin B5 stimulates growth for thickness and length. The result is nourished hair that’s made naturally stronger and glossier from within.

Regenerating Hair Care Mask, 200ml – CHF 98.00
The mask is devine! Designed to intensely nourish damaged hair, it is enriched with a fortifying blend of Shea, Macadamia, Camellia and Hazelnut oils to hydrate and strengthen each strand from the root, it’s packed with restorative plant-based proteins and vitamins that leave your mane feeling soft and replenished.

Precious Hair Care Oil Glossiness & Hydration, 100ml – CHF 100.00
This hair oil is designed to be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of damp or dry hair to give it a last-minute dose of glossiness and hydration. It’s uniquely formulated with a blend of Passion Fruit, Shea, Cotton and Moringa Oils that smooth the cuticles, limit dehydration and create a weightless, protective film around each fiber. An indispensable finishing touch to your routine, it will make locks feel healthy and radiant.

Revitalising Fortifying Serum for Scalp, 60ml – CHF 188.00
If you want to tackle frizzy or lackluster hair, this serum is the answer. Enriched with plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins and minerals, this light and non-greasy formula gets to work starting from your scalp by encouraging growth and promoting strength, whilst protecting your natural color (like in my favorite Sisley mascara «So Intense»). It can be applied as little or as much as needed, so for a more intense treatment try a few drops every other day. 

Rolf Baettig applied the Revitalising Fortifying Serum that also gave me volume.

HAIR RITUEL by SISLEY PARIS is available in Switzerland now at Jelmoli and Globus as well as selected perfumeries and hair salons.

TO SHOP THE NEW HAIR RITUEL BY SISLEY PARIS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

I am totally convinced and hope that you will be, too…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sisley Paris and © Sandra Bauknecht

WIN a limited edition DYSON Supersonic™ Iron/Red

Happy Valentine’s Day! As February, 14^th is regarded as the day of love where you make an effort to express your feelings through various gestures or gifts, I would like to show my gratitude for your support with a Valentine’s gift you’ll love and you’ll definitely can’t live without once you have tried it. In collaboration with DYSON three lucky readers have the chance to win a limited edition Dyson Supersonic™ Iron/Red with red case worth CHF 479.00.

Getting ready for Valentine’s Day: printed metallic leather box clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, earrings by Chanel, embellished satin pumps by Prada and my beloved Dyson Supersonic™.

This hair dryer has made my life so much easier. It not only looks different, it works and behaves also differently than everything you have been used to. I have slightly curly hair but with this it looks smooth and shiny in an instant – I cannot recommend it enough, such a great gift idea!

Here are the key facts about this hair drying wonder:

It helps prevent extreme heat damage to protect natural shine.
Air temperature is measured 20 times every second, keeping the temperature under control.

Extremely fast drying
Drying shouldn’t take forever. For fast drying you need controlled, high velocity airflow.

Engineered for balance
Convention is turned on its head by putting the motor in the handle which is completely rebalancing the dryer’s weight and shape.

Three different styling attachments with magic magnetic holding
1. The Dyson Smoothing nozzle dries hair gently using smooth, wide air.
2. With the Dyson Styling concentrator, you can shape your hair one section at a time – without worrying about disturbing the rest.
3. The Dyson diffuser disperses air evenly around your curls, helping to reduce frizz and improve definition.

Cool to touch
With Heat Shield technology, the surfaces of the attachments stay cool. Even during close-up styling.

Controlled by just four buttons
3 precise speed settings (Fast drying, Regular drying and Styling)
4 precise heat settings (100°C Fast drying and styling / 80°C Regular drying / 60°C Gentle drying
and 28 °C Constant cold)
Sliding on/off switch

Easy to clean
Simply twist and release to clean the filter.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «Dyson» to . All entries must be received until February 20, 2018. 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.

For more information or to shop the limited edition Dyson Supersonic™ Iron/Red, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dyson and © Sandra Bauknecht 

I love this holographic shine with iridescent pearls and the mirage of megawatt colour that both come alive on your lips with Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lipcolour. It’s magnetic, it’s hypnotic! Swipe on the futuristic sheen and be transfixed by the refreshing cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly fuller. For a magical look so real, it’s surreal.

Broken Halo – Silver with multi-color iridescence. 
Electric Rainbow – Opalescent pink and multi gold pearl.
Florescence – Electric yellow with pink iridescence.
Gilded Age – Illuminiscent bronze gold. 
Let’s Rock – Coppered orange with green and yellow iridescence. 
Lunar Module – Pale Blue iridescent pearl.
Peace, Love, Unity, Respect – Green with iridescent pearl. 
Pearly Girl – Cool pink with red and gold iridescence. 
Pink Trip – Bright pink with blue iridescence. 
Queen’s Violet – Royal purple with blue and pink iridecense. 
Rave Bunny – Bubblegum pink with electric blue iridescence. 
Sensory Overload – Blackened deep purple with shimmering iridescence.
Space Bubble – Blackberry Red with red iridescence. 
Twinkle Twink – Coral with gold pearl. 

Available from February 2018 for CHF 32.00 each at all MAC locations, MAC stores and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

It is raining outside and I am in the need for a vibrant and fun color splash. Therefore I would like to introduce you to this beautiful Marimekko for Clinique Limited Edition Collection.

If you are not familiar with Marimekko. Here is more information: it is a design house celebrated worldwide for its original prints and colours. When the company was founded in 1951, its unconventional designs transformed the tradition of textile printing and clothing in Finland.

The new Marimekko for Clinique Pop™ Splash Lip Gloss + Hydration

The new collection combines those iconic, colourful patterns with Clinique’s everyday beauty essentials and  introduces the beauty brand’s newest lip innovation, Marimekko for Clinique Pop™ Splash Lip Gloss + Hydration, 20 ultra-hydrating, non-sticky lip glosses, dressed in Marimekko’s iconic prints designed by Annika Rimala (1936–2014), Marimekko’s most prominent ready-to-wear designer in the 1960s and 1970s and one of the most influential fashion designers of her time. Available for CHF 33.00 each.

Marimekko for Clinique Pop™ Lip Colour + Primer, 10 shades that merge bold, saturated colour with a smoothing primer in one weightless formula that glides on to a velvety-smooth finish, dressed to impress with a unique, bright Marimekko pattern across the entire package. Available for CHF 33.00 each.

In Asia there will also be other products available:
– Marimekko for Clinique Empty Cushion Compacts that feature 10 unique, limited-edition lid designs that can be filled with the Cushion Compact Refill.
– Marimekko for Clinique Side by Side Empty Compact that feature 2 unique, limited-edition lid designs that can be filled with powder foundation.

Marimekko’s most iconic pattern is called Unikko, designed by Maija Isola in 1964.

“The prints chosen for the collection represent some of the most recognizable and celebrated Marimekko designs of all time. They capture the craftsmanship behind Marimekko’s art of print making: utilizing overlays of colour and surprising colour combinations to create impactful designs,” says Minna Kemell-Kutvonen who is in charge of Marimekko’s print design.

In Switzerland, the collection will be launched starting this month at Globus and Jelmoli, and will be available worldwide for a limited time at leading department stores and online.

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique 
#MARIMEKKOforCLINIQUE, #MakeASplash

M∙A∙C’s cult-favourite hydrating mist, Prep + Prime Fix+, takes on a delicious new twist in four permanent scents: rose, lavender, coconut and our original sugi needle aroma.
Water, vitamins and extracts give skin an instant boost of hydration while the lightweight prolonging formula sets makeup and refreshes your complexion. Try it, you will thank me forever! I use it on a daily base! Sheer out foundation, intensify colour, improve and extend the wear of makeup, or moisturize and soothe tired skin with the holy grail of hydrating mists.

PREP + PRIME FIX+
Original – Coconut – Rose – Lavender
CHF 26.00

Available January 2018 at all M∙A∙C locations, M∙A∙C stores and at maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics