Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I would like to present you the new scent TWILLY D’HERMÈS by Hermès, designed for Generation Y, the millennials. Young women that are free, bold, connected, mischievous and impulsive, they turn expectation on its head, swim against the tide, impose their own rhythm, invent a brand new tempo.

The desires that nourish them, the ideals that inspire them and the stories that make their hearts skip a beat… What do young women dream of when they think of a fragrance?

It is with these young women in mind, by observing their lives, smiling at the fun they have, that Christine Nagel, Hermès’ perfumer-designer, has created TWILLY D’HERMÈS. Conceived in a spirit of absolute freedom, this fragrance in its joyous, impish bottle, plays with today’s feminine.

Aimed at young women, and named for the brand’s narrow Twilly scarves, TWILLY D’HERMÈS plays with a twist of three materials: ginger, tuberose and sandalwood. Freshness, mystery and wood. Spice, sunlight and tenderness. Three classic materials which, combined differently, become something special. The cute bottle shows its inspiration with a silk ribbon-tie that is knotted like a scarf around the cap.

A joyful transposition, a playful twist, everything upside down and back to front, TWILLY D’HERMÈS dances to the vibrant and passionate beat of youth.

Even the press release had a new interesting touch. First I had to download an app, put my phone over the twilly that accompanied the new launch to see an interactive animation that was truly something.

TWILLY D’HERMÈS, Eau de Parfum
is available in Hermès stores, department stores and authorised perfumeries from today.
30 ml (CHF 80.00) • 50 ml (CHF 119.00) • 85 ml (CHF 165.00) spray

LoL, Sandra

First two photos and still: © Hermès – all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Around 5 years ago, I had the chance to meet and interview perfume genius ​Serge Lutens (for the previous post click here please). He is a true gentleman, an inspiring soul, a very special human being with an aura that captures you in an instant.

For the launch of the House’s newest scent, DENT DE LAIT (milk tooth – think about it who in the world but Serge Lutens would name a perfume like this – you must already love him), which joins the Collection Noire, Serge Lutens wrote a poem-like story as he usually does.

The fragrance, inspired by childhood, includes notes of milk, metallic notes, incense, heliotrope and almond. And now I invite you to indulge in his words…

DENT DE LAIT

«The leather of my wristwatch encircles my left wrist. In the centre of the watch face turn two hands, an integral part of the mechanism, one indicating the hours and the longer one the minutes. They demonstrate the existence of time, a concept as elusive as God. Each day I descend a little further into it. But a child appears in my deepest slumber, asking me to go to take a look. What does it want me to see?

Myself as a pupil in the playground, back against the wall, alarmed at my fear provoked by the violence I saw in others? It was the age when you were supposed to be able to distinguish between Good and Evil. To recognise the male and the female in these faces. To know your friends from your enemies. The onset of a danger when, panicked, you see abandoned sections of the dental arch.

I am knocked off kilter by the incisors, canines, molars and premolars on the roof of my mouth, each loosened in turn by the bottom teeth growing out of the sockets.
By dint of explanation, I manage to live with it.

Now weary of the tongue’s games which have for weeks on end been loosening its tooth, a young wolf is anxious to move on from milk to blood. If to one end of a thread, at least two meters long, he ties the wobbly tooth and attaches the other end to a door handle, this is not merely to wait for the wind to swing the door, but through this text to release him from his childhood alienations. The nails of the middle finger and thumb now embed the tooth. Persistent suction on the cavernous empty space evacuates the “bad”. What will become of the relic?

At best, after a night under the pillow, it will become a coin or a wrapped sweet…
or, we might find it so beautiful that we attach it to a chain to carry it with us. I have loved you for so long I will never forget you.
The youth, still innocent, must tear himself away from the calming, albeit tenacious, comfort of these years. He has for many years been gagged by that which must not be said. Now he wants to find his voice. There may be 42 faces of the Quran, but only one will prevail: be it the genius or the madman, the dictator or the sage, in each of them, he will find himself again.»

Serge Lutens

Black collection
Dent de Lait 100 ml ($230/€180/CHF225)
Available now at the Palais Royal – Serge Lutens and on www.sergelutens.com.
From September 2017, in selective perfumeries and department stores.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Serge Lutens and © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid reader know how much I love Sisley‘s So Intense Mascara. But I have to admit, it has gotten competition.

«Brazen. Bold. Bad, bad, bad.» A new way to give your lashes the attention they deserve thanks to M∙A∙C Bold & Bad Lash. This revolutionary mascara is the ultimate product to create a 360-degree lash look from top to bottom. The dual-chamber package contains a brush for upper lashes, a brush for lower lashes AND different formulas in each. The larger brush delivers customized volume to the top, while the smaller brush creates smudge-proof definition to the bottom. Start a lash revolution!

Available online and in stores now for CHF 31.00!
LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics
@MACCosmetics #MACBoldnBAD #MACCosmetics

«Everyone deserves a bit of glamour.» – Jonathan Adler

Your summer is about to get a whole lot brighter, thanks to CLINIQUE’s new limited-edition collection with interior designer Jonathan Adler. The just-launched Clinique x Jonathan Adler Collection includes many of Clinique’s best-selling makeup products (including its Lip Pops, Lid Pops and Cheek Pops), in a rainbow of bold, vibrant hues and captures the jet-set glam of his favorite seaside destinations: Palm Beach, Capri, Santorini.

Who is Jonathan Adler?

Born in 1966, Jonathan Adler is an American potter, designer, and author who launched his first ceramic collection in 1993 at Barneys New York. Five years later he expanded into home furnishings, opening his first namesake boutique in Soho, Manhattan. He now has 30 stores and runs an eponymous design business. Adler lives and works in New York City together with his partner Simon Doonan, Barney’s Creative Director Ambassador at Large .

Enjoy this little talk with Jonathan Adler about the collection he created in collaboration with Clinique.

What inspired this collection?
Jet-set glamour. I always think about iconic destinations. Places where women look like their most glamorous selves. I wanted to capture that in makeup. I thought about diving into the Aegean Sea, and being in fabulous places: Palm Beach, Florida. Capri, Italy. Santorini, Greece.

How would you describe your design style?
I call my style modern American glamour. I always try to keep things fresh and new and modern. One of the lines in my manifesto is “We believe in irreverent luxury” and that captures a lot of what I’m about.

What do interior design and makeup have in common?
Good design has the power to transform your mood, like a big squishy sofa you plop into. Makeup is like that, too. It can transform a woman’s day.

What does Clinique mean to you?
Clinique is a classic, iconic brand. It’s always been in my life. I grew up with it in my mother’s and sister’s cabinets. That’s why I was so thrilled when this collaboration came about. My brand is very similar. We’re both about being classic, chic and refreshing.

If this collection had emotions, how would it feel?
It feels fresh! It feels like a trip to Capri. It feels like jumping into the Mediterranean Sea.

What do you love most about this collection?
This collection shows that tiny treasures can bring big pleasures. It’s very chic, very classic, very Clinique. I hope everyone enjoys using it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Thank you, Mr Adler, for giving us your insider scoop on this beautiful collection!

TO SHOP THE CLINIQUE x JONATHAN ADLER COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, © Jonathan Adler and © Sandra Bauknecht

As you already know, I have just finished a week of detox at Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden, something that I absolutely recommend. If you don’t find time in the near future, I would like to share with you my favorite products to help you start a detox plan at home.

1 Botanical D-Tox by Sisley Paris
Purify and awaken fatigued skin with this powerful, month-long detoxifying treatment.

2 9-Day Detox by Bodyism
Conveniently split into three categories – ‘Cleanse’, ‘Rebuild’ and ‘Maintain’, this set works to repair the digestive system, remove toxins and balance the mind using a combination of supplements, clean eating, guided exercise and meditation.

3 Instant Detox Mask by Caudalie
This detoxifying mask is the perfect cleansing treatment for spot-prone complexions. It absorbs excess oils and sweeps away impurities, leaving your skin’s texture refined and pores tightened.

4 Marula Detoxifying Salt and Sugar Body Scrub by African Botanics
A gentle exfoliant that lifts dead cells and reveals refreshed, smoothed skin.

5 Hair Detox & Renewal Treatment Kit by Rahua
Enriched with healing oils, this kit is designed to revive damaged hair and nourish your scalp. It removes synthetic build-up and environmental residue, while infusing your strands with plant-based nutrients.

6 Overnight Detox Mask by Nails Inc
Designed to regenerate nails overnight, this treatment is perfect for those in between gel manicures. Its water-based formula is blended with antioxidant-rich ingredients to stimulate the nail bed, strengthen and promote growth.

7 Natural dry body brush by Mio Skincare
Proven to exfoliate, stimulate circulation and detoxify, body brushing is an easy yet effective way to rejuvenate tired skin as it helps to reduce toxins, bloating and cellulite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

For years I mocked myself that I didn’t like rose perfumes: too dusty, too old-fashioned, too grandma-like. What perfume planet was I on? One day I looked around my boudoir table and realised that a lot of my fragrances were based around the rose, just in a more subtle way.

Here are the best new launches to introduce the flower of love to your olfactory wardrobe now. The five fragrances you’ll be probably sniffing to prolong summer a little longer.

PRADA Les Infusion Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 136.76 (100ml)

A new edition to the collection Les Infusions de Prada. The fragrance interprets the note of rose in a new and different way, luminous and feminine. Created by perfumer Daniela Andrier and Miuccia Prada.

Notes: Turkish Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Galbanum, Neroli, Mandarine

BURBERRY My Blush
Eau de Parfum CHF 79.20 (30ml), CHF 120.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.60 (90ml)

A fruity floral Eau de Parfum with a sparkling twist.  Stepping back into a London garden awakening in the first light of day, My Burberry Blush captures the senses as blossoming flowers pop with spirited energy. Created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and Christopher Bailey.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Lemon
Middle notes: Rose Petals, Apple
Base notes: Jasmine, Wisteria

VIKTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb Bloom
Eau de Toilette CHF 68.00 (30ml)

The addictiveness of Flowerbomb is rewritten with an airy twist. A new interpretation of the iconic fragrance, Flowerbomb Bloom is an explosion of fresh flowers caressed with a breath of cool mountain air. The floriental fragrance was created by perfumer Domitille Bertier.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Mandarin
Middle notes: Freesia, Rose, Jasmine, Liquid Air
Base notes: Woods

BULGARI Splendida Rose Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 126.00 (50ml), CHF 177 (100ml)

The floral chypre Splendida Rose Rose is worn like a necklace of 45 fresh roses, those contained in its bottle. It evokes the Italian romance that Bulgari enjoys with women, the absolute embodiment of the superlative femininity. The scent was created by perfumer Sofie Labbé.

Top notes: White Mulberry, Mandarin
Middle notes: Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute, Damask Rose
Base notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Musk

GIORGIO ARMANI Sì Rose Signature
Eau de Parfum CHF 123.00 (50ml), CHF 156.00 (100ml)

Each spring, Giorgio Armani creates a limited edition bottle of the beautiful Sì Rose Signature scent. This year, it is reminiscent of an Haute Couture gown with its cute pink ribbon. Discover a floral fragrance that radiates beauty and passion. The fragrance was created by perfumer Julie Massé.

Top notes: May Rose, Damask Rose, Bergamot, Mandarin, White Freesia
Middle notes: Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Osmanthus, Iris, Ambrette Seed
Base notes: Amber, Patchouli

In case you are still not convinced about the rose fragrances, treat yourself to this beautiful clutch:

Printed metallic leather box clutch «I Love You» by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I had the pleasure to experience a very special facial at the GSTAAD PALACE that brings royal Mediterranean flair to the Bernese Oberland. Exclusive in Switzerland, only at the PALACE SPA, you can find the luxury cosmetics line MARGY’S MONTE CARLO.

The famous Palace spa.

The facial treatment concept of the Swiss-by-choice Margie Lombard, which Princess Charlène of Monaco has already pampered herself with, is comprised of natural care products, that are developed in Vevey. For the brainchild behind the luxury beauty brand, it has been clear from the beginning: A high-quality, effective skincare product consists of pure, undiluted ingredients. This is why, she uses exclusively pure substances produced in the body to counteract ageing highly effectively, which she has been able to imitate using Swiss bio-technology.

As a young entrepreneur, Margie Lombard learnt that collagen and hyaluronic acid are two fundamental elements of our body. They have been proven to influence the moisture content of the skin. If this is intact, it has a beneficial effect for a youthful appearance – uneven and wrinkled places also automatically become softer and gentler. In addition, Vitamin A in the selection of MARGY’S provides elasticity, while Vitamin E as an antioxidant has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the hydrolipid layer of the skin. All products are completely natural, contain no perfume at all and are formed on the basis of sandalwood oil and geranium oil.

«My products are not exotic, but instead classic and clearly results-oriented. Beautiful skin requires sound treatments based on clear biochemical laws, and not magic. I am convinced that I have found the “place-to-be” for my brand and my concept at the Gstaad Palace.», explains Margie Lombard happily.

The native Alsatian and Swiss-by-choice has dedicated herself entirely to skincare. At the age of 18 she already attended the well-known CARITA Institut in Paris and learned the craft of cosmetics from the experts. With this precious degree in her hand, she came to Gstaad, where she managed a cosmetics salon independently. Her talented hands and her beneficial facial treatments quickly became appreciated by guests from all over the world. Soon her career was already taking off.

Despite her love of the Saanenland, she moved on: She studied cosmetology and after long research founded her own line of spa products. Many famous people were now among Margie’s customers – including even Princess Charlène of Monaco. After stays in Dubai, Hong Kong and Monte Carlo, Margie Lombard then returned to the Bernese Oberland with her care formula. She has been a resident of Switzerland for more than 20 years, and lives with her husband and son in Zurich.

The complete product range of Margy’s Monte Carlo is available at the Palace Spa.

The Palace Spa provides three exclusive treatments with MARGY’S products. As well as this, guests can also buy selected products on the spot and thus continue the beauty regime at home.

Haute Couture Facial – 90 minutes / CHF 450.–
For true skin rejuvenation combined with sublime relaxation. A 90 minute facial employing unique Margy’s techniques to activate the natural ingredients and their benefits. Skin feels smoother, firmer and plumper, benefiting from intense moisturization.

The beautiful treatment room at the Palace Spa.

I tried this treatment and was fully convinced. My therapist Manuela worked with different massage techniques to let the ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. It was absolutely relaxing and my skin felt moisturized and pampered afterwards.

Firming Lifting Facial – 60 minutes / CHF 210.–
This facial treatment – based on a highly-efficient algae mask – smooths the skin gently and tones the face. Highly moisturizing, skin feels firm and supple following this treatment.

Short Fresh-Up – 30 minutes / CHF 95.–
A quick freshness boost for the skin for a glowing start to the day or to be party-ready.

Bookable via e-Mail: or by phone: +41 33 748 50 00.

LoL, Sandra

The beautiful heated jacuzzi that is part of the Palace Spa.

Photos: Courtesy of Gstaad Palace, © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer, MAC Cosmetics introduces Pro Longwear Long-Last Lips, a brand new lip product that is specifically formulated to work overtime to seal and lock in all day moisture, without affecting colour’s vibrancy and brilliant shine. Personally speaking, I am fully convinced. The color stays on without fading but also leaves your lips comfortable for hours.

Stroke on the liquid lipstick for a rich color punch, then flip the stick and apply the clear hydrating topcoat.

Available in 15 robust, permanent shades for CHF 36.00 each.

Staunch Character – metallic taupe-grey
Constant Companion – warm mid-tone nude
Unchanging – soft neutral lilac pink
Endless Possibilities – burnt coral-orange
Stuck In Love – blushing mid-tone pink

Immortally Yours – bright red rose
Know No Bounds – deep bright magenta
You + Me 4Eva – cocoa brown
Single-Minded – deep dark blue-red
Stuck On You – berry-red with gold

Truly Timeless – mid-tone cool red
Clingpeach – shimmering peach
For Keeps – rose-plum with iridescence
Perennial Rose – dusty pink with gold
Lasting Lust – smoldering red

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Tom Ford invites you to enjoy the ultimate refreshing summer experience with these three new All Over Body Sprays that capture the essence of Portofino, the famous resort town on the Italian Riviera that stands for old-world glamour and is recognized for its conflux of arresting beauty.

Drawing upon its dramatic landscape and jet-set sophistication, the Neroli Portofino Collection introduces these lightly scented sprays to complement this lifestyle as well as to experience a new dimension of the Eau de Parfum counterparts. Packaged in an aerosol bottle, each one is easily transportable and with its invigorating mist a great pleasure to be applied.

Tom Ford Costa Azzura All Over Body Spray
This scent evokes the fragrant and sunbaked landscape of coastal and island Mediterranean woods where pines and oaks mingle with wild-growing herbs and salty water.

Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi All Over Body Spray
Capturing the calm idyll of the whitewashed villas lining the cliff sides of the Amalfi coast, this fresh fragrance contains mandarin oil, lemon sfumatrice, basil spearmint and a duet of jasmine.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino All Over Body Spray
Inspired by the cascades of flowers from the white acacia tree, a beloved shade tree that dots the Mediterranean’s gardens and avenues, this fragrance contains notes of Sicilian lemon, bigarde leaf, violet leaf, jasmine and acacia honey.

Available in Switzerland at select Tom Ford Beauty point of sales for CHF 82.00 each.
TO SHOP TOM FORD BEAUTY ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford, © Sandra Bauknecht and via Home in Italy
#PrivateBlend

In February, I introduced you for the first time to EOS lip balms (EOS Smooth Spheres Organic Lip Balms ) that are 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free (for the previous post click here please). I love those little «eggs» that I am always carrying in my bag, even when I am travelling as you see.

This month marks the launch of a special collaboration between EOS and Austrian-born and Berlin-based fashion designer Marina Hoermanseder. This limited edition duo set with an extremely cute packaging, that combines beauty and fashion, includes two lip balms, Organic Passion Fruit & Visibly Soft Honey Apple, both dressed in a special design created by Hoermanseder.

«EOS lip balms are my favorite lip care products. Natural ingredients are essential for me. The colorful lip balms are among my personal beauty must-haves, as smooth lips complement every outfit.» – Marina Hoermanseder

Being EOS first lip balm with a print design and also 100% natural, the Organic Passion Fruit shows Marina Hoermanseder’s initials with a cute little butterfly, that plays a central role in her current collection.

The Visibly Soft Honey Apple comes with sweeping lines in the iconic swirl design, reminiscent of the designer’s famous strap skirt.

Smooth lips are never out of style. Don’t miss this collector’s item.
The set is available now for CHF 13.80 in Switzerland at Manor and Coop.

LoL, Sandra

#eosproducts #eosxmarina
Photos: Courtesy of EOS x Marina Hoermanseder and © Sandra Bauknecht