Sandra‘s Closet

In 2016, Louis Vuitton ventured into new creative territory: perfume (for the previous post, click here please). Seven singular fragrance trails came into being. Seven compositions conceived like so many invitations on a journey. Seven concentrates brimming with emotion, composed in Grasse at Les Fontaines Parfumées, the creative atelier of Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, Louis Vuitton Master Perfumer.

Today, this collection of exquisite perfumes welcomes a new unprecedented creation. Composed by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, this fragrance radiates luminous optimism. The name of this new olfactory celebration: Le Jour Se Lève, which means literally «the day begins itself». So this what a brand new day smells like… The notes for the fruity floral include mandarin, blackcurrant, jasmine, magnolia, osmanthus and musks.Louis Vuitton Le Jour Se Lève will be available from March 2018 in 100 and 200 ml Eau de Parfum, and in a set of travel sprays (four x 7.5 ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Thanks to the internet, micro needling, or CIT (collagen induction therapy) as it is sometimes called, is the latest in skincare trends. As needles aren’t my thing, this has never occurred to be the right procedure for me. Nevertheless, I have been pretty amazed seeing the results when my friends had undergone the quite unpleasant treatment.

After doing some research, I have found a tool that I truly like to use, like a «DIY micro needling»: BEAUTY STAMP, a unique micro-exfoliation tool that utilizes a gentle «press & lift» action. It stimulates the collagen production for a fresher, younger-looking complexion. This results-oriented tool makes micro-impressions along the top dermal layer to improve texture, tone and firmness. It also preps your skin to boost the effectiveness of your daily skincare routine. Moreover it minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, rejuvenates and renews the skin.

TO SHOP THE BEAUTY STAMP ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nurse Jamie

British jewelry designer and daughter of Mick Jagger, Jade Jagger brings her gemstone proclivities and free-spirited sensibilities to a collection for M·A·C. In tribute to her rock ‘n’ roll heritage, Jagger shares all the lustre of her eclectic lifestyle with pearlescent Mineralize Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Blushes and Skinfinish. Jewel tones and deep golds take on all the cool glamour of the designer’s vision. Below she tells us a little bit more about her inspiration:

Jade Jagger

Jade, can you share with us your inspiration for the collection?
Maybe I’m not quite as young and adventurous as my daughters are with makeup, but my inspiration speaks truly to the gold tones since they suit everyone and are universally accepted no matter the time of the day. I love the lipsticks and the eye shadow palettes because the application is so buildable. I can go quite natural during the day and while I’m in the car going to an event at night I can use that same lipstick or palette to create a more defined or daring look. The jewel-like tones and reflective pigments in my M∙A∙C collection were inspired by the precious stones used in my jewellery designs. 

Georgia May Jagger, Jade Jagger, Lizzy Jagger

Who is Jade Jagger and who are her role models/strongest influences?
Jade Jagger is a mother and a designer and a strong willed and sexy person to me. I’m influenced by so many things in the world and we are so fortunate to be alive. Different points in nature and the insurgence of cultures really brings indigenous beauty to the forefront of my mind. I love getting inspiration from modern people and architecture and studying the simple things like the shape of a leaf or the colour of the sky. Finding influence in these ways has always been a big part of me. It’s so hard to remember everything that I’ve been inspired by but Andy Warhol played a huge part since he was so intimate with his work yet itappealed to such a huge culture.

The beautiful end result of the collaboration

How was the creative process with M∙A∙C and what was the key concept you wanted to deliver?
The creative process with M∙A∙C was nothing short of amazing. Everyone was so creative, inspiring, and kind hearted, really making sure to take my visions and bring them to fruition. I really had to understand that there was an entire process to learn when it comes to creating a makeup line and deciding on what the packaging would look like. It was great to have creativeliberty and really make something that I feel so proud of.

Rings from Jade Jaggers’ Neverending Collection

What are the similarities and differences in launching this collection and designing your pieces?
Designing my jewellery pieces is quite similar to developing my collection with M∙A∙C when it came to gathering ideas and understanding the needs and the wants. The main difference that I found, was with my M∙A∙C collaboration, we are creating so many products that are being launched as a collection. There needs to be elements that connect each piece to one another and create this comprehensive makeup story that we are trying to tell. When it comes to my jewellery designs, I’m not necessarily looking at it as a collection, but rather I make a lot of unique one-off pieces that create individual stories of their own.

Jade Jagger sketching

How do you keep your designs refreshing and unique?
Each year we go through a regeneration process. We get influence by bringing all of these different experiences together whether the basis is architecture or the garden, I’m able to determine these new concepts based on everything I’m exposed to. I’m always keeping notes and doing sketches, so delivering unique pieces is a stable yet growing and organic process.

Thank you, Jade, for this insight!
Let’s know have a closet look on the make-up collection itself:

BURNING LIGHTS MINERALIZE EYESHADOW X 4, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

NANO NUDE Soft beige
SUEDE Mid-tone bronze
SPACE Dark olive brown
JUNGLE GREEN Dark green

GOLDEN SHINE MINERALIZE EYESHADOW X 4, CHF 66.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

CHAMPAGNE Soft champagne gold
ROSE Rose gold
GOLDEN Bright copper
BROWN Deep reddish brown

MINERALIZE RICH LIPSTICK, CHF 36.00 CAD (LIMITED EDITION)

OPAL BEACH Soft peach nude
SUNSET PEARL Mid-tone rosy brown
ROLLING RED Pinkish red

MINERALIZE BLUSH, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

MOON SHIMMER Soft peach with brown
PERFECT BRONZE Rose with brown

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH, CHF 41.00 (LIMITED EDITION)

SATIN SHIMMER Deep brown with gold pearl

The collection is exclusively available online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics, © Pamela Berkovic, © Robert St Sparks, © Robery Astley Sparke – #MACJadeJagger

Get a fresh start! Keeping your beauty resolutions has never been easier; with remarkable new Vitamin C enriched skincare and beauty products, I show you everything you need to detox, rejuvenate and face 2018 afresh.

C + Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum, 30ml by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Recharge fatigued skin with this Vitamin C enriched serum that helps support natural collagen growth and creates an overall radiant complexion. It’s also proven to enhance firmness and diminish the look of dark spots over time.

Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm, 60ml by Kat Burki
If you take one thing with you while traveling, it should be this amazing cleansing balm. Saturated with a ton of nutrient-rich extracts, it works to repair signs of aging by brightening skin tone, increasing plumpness and replenishing moisture to prevent dryness. It also removes even the most stubborn of makeup and mascara without causing irritation.

Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream, 5 x 1.95g by Dr. Sebagh
A shot of energy for your skin, this nourishing set includes five vials of the purest and highest concentration of Vitamin C – the wonder weapon against aging. Personally speaking, I am addicted and like to mix it with my daily cream. The powder cream formula smooths imperfections and dramatically brightens and rejuvenates your skin.

C.E.O. C + E antiOXIDANT Protect + Repair Moisturizer, 50g by Sunday Riley
While road-testing Sunday Riley’s ‘C.E.O. C + E antiOXIDANT Protect + Repair Moisturizer’ a friend of hers asked for even more Vitamin C to be added. Luckily for us, the cosmetic chemist listened. Infused with an incredible amount of the anti-aging vitamin, this cream penetrates deep into the skin to restore radiance, soften fine lines and promote a youthful-looking complexion.

C+C Vitamin Scrub, 100ml by Natura Bissé
This citric-scented scrub is infused with gentle but effective exfoliants which smooth the surface of your skin. Its hydrating gel-like formula eliminates dead cells to reveal a radiant and clear complexion beneath. Perfect to get your glow back after all those party nights.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Are you planning your festive look for New Year’s Eve? Check out GUERLAIN‘s holiday make-up collection that has some gorgeous, limited edition, collector’s pieces. Comparing to what other luxury brands have been releasing this winter, GUERLAIN is surely one that got the attention of many. I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer so let’s begin.

GOLD PALETTE (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 105.00
In a lacquered compact with stylised palm leaf motifs inspired by Art Déco style, nestled in a black and gold case, the new Guerlain Gold Palette offers a complete make-up set (face, eyes, brows and lips) to create a Gold & Chic look that’s a must for spending New Year’s Eve with the Great Gatsby. Its Wet & Dry texture lets you intensify the colours each time you wet the brush. The shades can be applied on their own or layered, dry or wet, for a buildable result rising in a crescendo, from day to night.

METEORITES GOLD LIGHTS (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 80.00
This refined box in the style of an antique jewel holds the delicate Météorites pearls. For the first time this year, they come in golden colours (white, yellow, pink, champagne). This unique combination enfolds the complexion like a beautiful piece of jewellery that lights up the face. The Gold Pearl Météorites bathe skin in a halo of light, revealing all of its radiance.

TERRACOTTA GOLD LIGHT (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 80.00

It perfectly enhances your natural sun-kissed glow and catches the light thanks to the precious hints of gold contained in the formula. It’s made with incredibly fine mother-of-pearl and imitates the dazzling light of skin that’s been left silky by the sun. Enriched with moisturizing active ingredients, it won’t dry out the skin and it ensures lasting comfort.

ROUGE G DE GUERLAIN LIPCOLOR (LIMITED EDITION) – 65.50
Cast in a gold and black fine jewellery pack that reveals a mirror on opening, Rouge G adorns your lips with an incandescent stroke of colour. This season, Guerlain has designed two exclusive (limited-edition) shades for its star lipstick. Ultra-pigmented, creamy and plumping, it lets us play with different intensities and stays true on our lips all night long.

• 822 Glamorous Cherry – this red illuminates the complexion of brunettes
• 823 Flaming Red – creates an intense effect for blondes

GOLD LIGHT TOPCOAT (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 33.00
A limited-edition topcoat in Gold Light to dress your lashes, eyebrows and hair with precious hints of gold.

Enjoy your week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

What if your instincts were guided by your sense of smell,
leading you towards new adventures?
What was long suspected has finally been proven…
the power of scent unconsciously influences our behaviour.

My avid readers know that I am a perfume junkie and I love niche fragrances. This week, I came along a new scent that I have fallen in love within a second: PSYCHEDELIC LOVE by INITIO from the Carnal Blends collection.

FLORAL POWDERY
Bergamot, Rose, Hedione, Heliotropin, Myrrh, Vanilla, Almond and Patchouli
CHF 199.00 (90ml)

A transgressive reference to psychedelic trips, this fetishist composition has the effect of a double-action bomb: first, it triggers an immense, addictive and egotistical pleasure, before diffusing itself and titillating its target, who is left completely hooked.

What is this scent of subversion?
Stupefying fragrance – The signature of this narcotic bomb lies in three essential ingredients: rose, hedione and heliotropin.

While hedione activates the brain regions linked to pleasure and the libido, heliotropin goes even further. Equally tender and illicit, this crystalline powder hides its intentions well. Beware of its creamy, powdery and floral facets, wavering between vanilla and almond!

Used in over doses, heliotropin becomes a psychoactive substance. A forbidden shiver rushes over the skin. A substance under strict regulations. Its possession is strictly controlled by law, because heliotropin is used for the chemical synthesis of MDA, a prohibited drug and substitute for ecstasy. Confronted with this diabolical indulgence, no one is safe from an olfactory obsession that can soon become a real addiction!

Scientists have long rejected the idea that certain fragrances are capable of releasing sex hormones. However, a team of researchers from Bochum University (Germany) demonstrated that specific scented molecules known as hedione (methyl dihydrojasmonate) can activate brain regions linked to the libido, triggering impulses and attraction in their wake.

This discovery led to the creation of Carnal Blends, an unprecedented collection by INITIO in which all of the formulas are enriched with hedione – a word very aptly derived from the Greek hedone (meaning «pleasure»), a mysterious molecule that plays the role of the final detonator.
Each of these fragrances dares to showcase fantasy raw materials, carnal notes and passionate, distinctive accords, celebrating rebellious olfactory compositions capable of arousing pleasure and inciting physical attraction.

INITIO takes fragrances to new heights, with enhanced powers that defy the imagination.
Wild nature and the science of pheromones fuse deeply together within the formulas, working their magic imperceptibly. The Magnetic Blends, that include a pheromonal molecule, are great to be blended. I adore wearing MAGNETIC BLEND 7 (Musks – CHF 190.00 (90ml)) under PSYCHEDELIC LOVE.

INITIO fragrances stir your instincts. Ladies, no man is safe anymore. Trust me, those are the sexiest scents on the planet! You will thank me forever…

In Zurich available at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Initio

Singer and songwriter Sia has been announced as the newest spokeswoman for MAC’s VIVA GLAM lipstick. The cosmetic brand’s iconic campaign to raise awareness and money for HIV/AIDS was created in 1994, at a time when the pandemic was dramatically affecting fashion communities in particular as well as the wider world.

This year, the pop star’s debut lipstick is a warm and bright red shade named VIVA GLAM Sia. The color is meant to speak to the artist’s avant-garde style and boundary pushing persona.

All proceeds from the VIVA GLAM products go to ending HIV/AIDS and the campaign has raised over $470 million to date. Sia joins an impressive lineup of former VIVA GLAM faces, including, Nicki Minaj (2012), Miley Cyrus (2014/2015) Rihanna (2014) and Ariana Grande (2015/2016), among others.

In Switzerland, the lipstick will be available for CHF 28.00 at all MAC locations from January 28th and online here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
#VIVAGLAM

You know it is Christmas when a beautiful jewelry box arrives at your doorstep filled with two amazing new fragrances and a handwritten note by Aerin Lauder.

The new AERIN Tuberose collection is dedicated to one of my favorite flowers, the tuberose that imparts two different fragrances depending on when it is harvested—a dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk.

The new duo of scents aims to capture the different personalities of this incredible flower with two fragrances, luminous Tuberose Le Jour and sensual Tuberose Le Soir. These scents can be worn to suit different moods, occasions, and times of day.

Tuberose Le Jour Eau de Parfum

With the first spritz, you’ll immediately notice the sweet notes of Orange Blossom and Neroli before the fresh scent evolves into a floral heart of Indian Tuberose and Jasmine. Cedar and Cashmere Wood rounds it off nicely while adding just the right amount of warmth.

Tuberose Le Soir Eau de Parfum

This one is a slightly darker, more powdery version of the label’s Tuberose Le Jour scent. It opens with sweet notes of Mandarin Orange rounded out by a heart of Bergamot Tuberose and Ylang-Ylang. It closes with a warm base of Vanilla, Sandalwood and Amber.

Aerin, why did you create two fragrances—Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir—instead of one?

In India, the Tuberose is known as Rajanigandha, which translates as “fragrant at night.” Depending on the time of day, the Tuberose gives different scent impressions: dewy femininity at dawn, and a rich intoxicating fragrance at dusk. We wanted to capture the beauty of Tuberose in its entirety with two scents that embody its differing personalities. Together the fragrances tell the complete story of this incredible bloom.

What type of woman did you have in mind when creating these fragrances?

The Tuberose Collection is for the modern woman—feminine, strong, and sophisticated. It is aimed at someone who appreciates the luxury and authenticity of wearing an artisanal fragrance blended from the finest ingredients.

What was the inspiration behind the packaging?

Reminiscent of fine jewelry, each translucent glass bottle is adorned with a suede-like cord and golden cap. The fragrance names are engraved on a golden plaque. The color of the suede-like outer carton complements each fragrance’s story and character—a pale pink for the delicate yet luminous Tuberose Le Jour, and a creamy rose for the rich and sensual Tuberose Le Soir.

Do you consider Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le Soir strictly day and night fragrances?

It depends on the mood and the occasion, but I love the versatility of both scents. They can be worn at opposite ends of the day to capture each fragrance’s inspiration or layered together to create a unique scent altogether.

First of all, you know that I am a big fan of niche fragrances but there are some scents that have been popular since many years that I adore as well. For example the two cult perfumes CLASSIQUE und LE MÂLE by Jean Paul Gaultier. The man’s version is for me one of the most seductive scents a man can wear… it smells so incredibly good. Moreover it is the most popular man’s fragrance among women. And here comes the great news, those two classics have dressed up for the festive season and present themselves inside a limited edition snow globe. How cute is that?!

CLASSIQUE for women Christmas Collector
Eau de Toilette 100ml, CHF 142.00

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Mandarin orange, star anise, bergamot, rose, pear and orange blossom
Middle notes: Plum, ginger, iris, ylang-ylang, orchid and tuberose
Base notes: Musk, cinnamon, vanilla, sandalwood and amber

LE MÂLE for men Christmas Collector
Eau de Toilette 125ml, CHF 112.00

ORIENTAL FOUGERE
Top notes: Mint, lavender, artemisia, bergamot and cardamom
Middle notes: Caraway, orange blossom and cinnamon
Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber and cedar 

In Switzerland only available from now at Manor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier

After the launch of AMBER MUSC in 2013 and ROSE MUSC in 2016, Narciso Rodriguez is launching a new fragrance to complement his Oriental Musc Editions this fall: SANTAL MUSC.

All three stand for pure luxury: addictive modern classics created through a masterful synchrony of East and West. Dedicated to discerning fragrance connoisseurs, I invite you to have a closer look:

AMBER MUSC (2013)

The quintessential fragrance. For centuries, the distinctive nature of both amber and musc have captured a sublime sensuality as scent dissolves into skin. Narciso Rodriguez melds the two iconic notes as one in this captivating Eau de Parfum Intense.

“The idea for the amber musc was to honor two great periods of fragrance with my own modern interpretation,” says Narciso Rodriguez, “and the results have been beyond my dream.”

The perfumer Aurélien Guichard synthesizes a golden balsamic accord with the smoky sweetness of oud wood, the illusive nature of incense and the lush smoothness of black patchouli to create a dusky palette. Narciso Rodriguez’s signature musc acts as a luminous counterpoint to this palette, softened by orange blossom.

ROSE MUSC (2016)

The poetic symbol of perfection in the annals of perfumery: rose, a most mythical ingredient. In both Eastern and Western culture, its rich yet delicate scent has served as the synonym of fragrance for over a millennium. For this creation, the world’s most iconic flower meets an equally iconic note, the signature musc of the famous designer.

“I was very passionate about the idea of creating a new fragrance using rose, the ultimate symbol of refinement, and musc, which is more raw,” says Narciso Rodriguez. “The process to find the precise scent was very challenging and I think we met the challenge.”

The perfumer Sonia Constant has obtained the supreme rose absolute for rose musc from Morocco. Golden saffron lends vibrancy to the top notes as a hint of labdanum adds a unique opulence to the heart of musc. Spicy black pepper and dusky patchouli further refines its intensity.

SANTAL MUSC (2017)

This new beautiful fragrance captures a discreet luxury that’s addictive by transcending boundaries. Narciso Rodriguez conceives a provocative balance of soft woody accords and bright florals with delicacy and nuance. Santal musc reinterprets the masculine-feminine with a sensuality both illusive and potent. It is a surprising contrast of deep warmth and silky softness.

“The santal musc was meant to be an entirely unique fragrance—very magnetic, very intriguing,” says Narciso Rodriguez, “I wanted to capture beauty and desire in a scent that both men and women would covet.”

Sonia Constant and Caroline Sabas create a transformative fragrance, bold yet enigmatic, with eclectic woody accords and floral notes.  The signature heart of musc is surrounded by sumptuous amber accords, sandalwood and vetiver heightened by fresh ylang flowers and a hint of cardamom spice.

Available as Eau de Parfum Intense for CHF 229.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Narciso Rodriguez