Sandra‘s Closet

Belmond unveils a partnership with Dior for a new wellness experience in the legendary gardens of Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina, in celebration of the iconic property’s 150 year anniversary. From now to October 2023, the hotel’s storied gardens will welcome two Dior treehouse treatment cabins perched in the majestic cypress trees, offering guests and visitors exclusive skincare treatments in a verdant oasis, overlooking the sea.

In Timeo’s six-acre gardens, designed by English gardener and pioneering wildlife conservationist Florence Trevelyan at the end of XIX century, many artists and writers have found meditative peace and inspiration over the last 150 years. Today Grand Hotel Timeo and Dior Spa are fostering the same spirit, inviting guests to enjoy a moment of wellbeing in the hotel’s lush enclave.

LUXURIOUS WELLNESS COCOONS AMONGST THE CYPRESS TREES
Guests are invited to climb a few steps up a wooden staircase to access two highly sophisticated treatment cabins, one double and one single, perched in the cypress trees. These vibrant green wooden treehouses are elevated with the famous Toile de Jouy curtains, in a matching shade.
The decor takes inspiration from the fragrant flora and fauna which envelopes the pop-up spa. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior, has reimagined the iconic Dior fabric decorating the cabins in a bold leaf-green to blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings. The Dior Toile de Jouy wallpaper, the bamboo seating and the modern design lamps with brushed brass finishes, create an intimate and refined atmosphere.

Each cabin, designed by Thirtyone Design + Management, has its own individual terrace with sea views complete with a parasol in matching fabric, rattan furniture and plants, offering guests the privacy to extend this moment of well-being in absolute serenity.

ICONIC TREATMENTS TAKEN TO NEW HEIGHTS
The menu of signature face and body treatments draws on the skills and expertise of Dior skincare, created to help the skin and the senses blossom during the summer. The signature Dolce Vita Solar Glow, a one-hour face and body treatment ensures a perfectly enhanced and extended sun tan. Depending on the time of the treatment, it concludes with either a head-to-toe application of protective sun cream, lotion or oil before sun exposure, or with a soothing after-sun balm or shimmering oil, at the end of the day.

Beauty-enhancing treatments, all characterised by iconic Dior techniques that combine the best of traditional Eastern and Western methods with powerful, targeted movements, include: Dior Prestige Haute Précision, a major holistic face treatment using the Dior Prestige product line and combining the regenerative power of the Granville Rose with enveloping massage techniques to blend pleasure with visible correction of the signs of age; and Constellation, a deeply relaxing holistic body massage, for perfect harmony between body and mind.

To see the spa menu and prices, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior
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The eternally-glamorous red lip has recently undergone a seriously racy makeover, thanks to trailblazing makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench. Her eponymous beauty brand Isamaya Beauty has just launched its third collection, entitled LIPS, that literally screams «read my lips.»

We all know that packaging is important in our days, and Isamaya Beauty seems to have heard the call for action. Sex sells … therefore the latest product additions are head-turning phallus-inspired lipstick tubes, a playful take on the sexual innuendo marketing tactic that beauty brands have deployed forever.

But be careful, your better half might be jealous how many times per day you enjoy this glow job …

TO SHOP THE LIPSTICKS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Isamaya Beauty
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Meet the most instagrammable suncare brand on the market: DARLING! «Your skin will alway be your best dress,» and using sunscreen is the first step to a successful anti-aging routine. Simplicity is the essential characteristic of the texture of the products: white and silky. Beauty is in the packaging: pastel colours and essential shapes.

A complete skin care line perfect for taking care of your skin on sunny and relaxing days as well as busy city life. The Italian brand’s philosophy is based on the concept of the sun protection factor as an essential element of daily skin care. For DARLING, SPF stands for «stay pretty forever».

Darling is for every skin type and every skin tone. High quality and know-how are in the performance of the products and their formulas. All products are anti-aging, anti-oxidant, hydrating, with light textures and easy application, 100% vegan, cruelty free, no parabens, nickel tested, and produced with 100% recyclable materials.

DARLING is available at NISHES and FARFETCH.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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June 8th marks World Oceans Day and LA MER is celebrating this special occasion with the limited-edition Blue Heart Crème de la Mer. It lives the same combination of sea-sourced ingredients that gives every batch of the iconic moisturizer its skin-soothing abilities. With a collectible design imbued with the regenerative energy of Giant Sea Kelp, that power now undulates on the outside, too.

Today, over 90% of LA MER’s sea plants are responsibly sourced. As a brand born from the sea and powered by the self-regenerative properties of kelp, the House is committed to listening closely to its needs. That’s why the LA MER Blue Heart Oceans Fund was launched, a resource that helps to support organizations that share the commitment to protecting the ocean.

YOU CAN SHOP THE LA MER BLUE HEART 2023 LIMITED EDITION HERE.
Your purchase of this commemorative Blue Heart Crème de la Mer does not impact La Mer’s charitable donations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Nourishing hair oils help to care for your hair each day. Consisting of a blend of botanical oils, they protect hair and infuse it with their benefits. Hair is repaired, locks stay shiny and soft despite shampooing, blow-drying and straightening.

Nuxe Paris takes the hair oil one step further to absolutely transform your hair with the new Pre-Shampoo Nourishing Mask (CHF 38.00) that intensely nourishes and helps to repair the hair fiber for amazing shine with a silky feel. This oil care infused with the iconic Huile Prodigieuse® fragrance envelops the hair for a truly sensorial ritual. Apply to your dry hair before shampooing and leave on for 10 minutes for shiny hair, leave on for 30 minutes for an intensive reparation.

Rinse well and follow with High Shine Shampoo (CHF 16.00) and High Shine Conditioner (CHF 25.00), both with fermented pink camellia oil. All three products have a vegan formula without any ingredients or derivatives of animal origin and no silicones.

I tried the products and love how my hair is shiny and fluffy, and not at all heavy.
Personal tip: Spray the hair oil on your natural hair brush for a very easy application.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nuxe Paris
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In spring 2023, the House of CHANEL is making it loud and clear: color has flair—the flair of the person wearing it. With the latest edition of its 24-hue LE VERNIS range, which includes 17 new nail polish shades, CHANEL has issued a creative manifesto that puts the spotlight on color as a way to satisfy every desire.

This season, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has proven that it has creativity at its fingertips; in revisiting the LE VERNIS line, it has designed a rich, expressive collection that matches every mood and every emotion.

It was envisioned as a language, conceived to reflect a style, like the detail that makes all the difference in a look. CHANEL explored the subtlest hues in its color vocabulary to form the new palette, whose 24 shades range from vibrant to mysterious, giving every personality and every creative spirit a voice.

Because wearing fiery red, light pink, or khaki gray nails means stating exactly who you are at this very moment. Uncompromisingly. Unapologetically.

For this collection centered on five main color families, CHANEL, a master of emotion-conveying and sensation-provoking color, has given each nail polish its own character traits.

COLORS THAT ENERGIZE. Radiant shades that can boost your energy in a snap: a fiery red, a vibrant fuchsia pink and a bright coral, an intense plum.
COLORS THAT SOOTHE, that comfort. Soft neutrals that inspire calm and serenity: a light pink, a latte-colored beige.
COLORS THAT BRING JOY. Fresh, light, and optimistic hues that encourage playfulness and mischief: a cloud blue, a fresh lilac, a zesty yellow.
COLORS THAT DISRUPT, that break the rules in order to establish their own. Subtly dimmed and muted shades that do not fit the mold. In between two worlds, in between two shades: from pink-infused terracotta to androgynous gray with khaki accents.
COLORS THAT PROVIDE STRENGTH, designed to be worn as a manifesto: three assertive and alluring shades of red.
And finally, the finishing touch, a hint of luxury: a festive antique gold shade that rounds out the palette.

So, in this very moment, who are you? What story do you wish to share? The story of a whim, a crush, a case of the blues, a wake-up call… This May, be EMOTIONAIL.
Iconic, like latte-colored Légende beige. Calm, like moonlit Insomniaque white. Surprising, like tangy Ovni yellow. Rebellious, like bluish Pirate red. Now, it is your turn. Your turn to create. Your turn to dream up vibrant and lively color combinations and, for a limited time, adorn nails with House emblems. To design looks that are graphic, artistic—iconic, even.

LE VERNIS
INSOMNIAQUE: a white
PARTICULIÈRE: a taupe
FAUSSAIRE: a rosy beige
PREMIÈRE DAME: a bright coral pink
MUSE: a cloud blue
OVNI: a tangy yellow
DUELLISTE: a khaki gray
SORCIÈRE: a mauve
OISEAU DE NUIT: an aubergine
INCENDIAIRE: a red-orange
POMPIER: a raspberry red
PHÉNIX: a gold
LÉGENDE: a latte-colored beige
BALLERINA: a light pink
PASSE MURAILLE: a brownish rosewood
FABULISTE: a terracotta
FUGUEUSE: a deep blue
CAVALIER SEUL: a sage green
IMMORTELLE: a lilac
ACTIVISTE: a deep plum
DIVA: a fuchsia pink
PIRATE: a bluish red
ROUGE NOIR: a rouge noir
LE DIABLE EN CHANEL: a black
Each CHF 37.00

SET LE VERNIS DE CHANEL – LIMITED EDITION
Limited-edition SET LE VERNIS, for creating unique manicures
LE VERNIS Incendiaire
LE VERNIS Insomniaque
LE GEL COAT
NAIL DESIGN : One sheet of 45 iconic nail sticker designs in black + one sheet of 45 iconic nail sticker designs in white.
CHF 111.00

LA BASE CAMÉLIA CHF 38.00
LE GEL COAT CHF 37.00
In stores Mid May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #BeEmotioNail #CHANELMakeUp #CHANELNails #CHANELBeauty
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Taken all-together, the Louis Vuitton Cologne Perfumes form an odyssey of scent inspired by the dramatic landscape, light, and extravagant beauty of America’s Pacific Coast. They reveal impressions of Los Angeles, a phantasmagorical city whose complexities, moods and atmospheres provide constant inspiration for Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, the great composer of fragrance who, with this collection, has built a truly Californian adventure. Characterized by an ethereal, fruity mist and floral depth — each Louis Vuitton Cologne Perfume tells a story about light: from the gentle glow of daytime sun to the sparkling lights of a city at dusk. The newest addition to this collection, Pacific Chill, captures a sense of well-being, vitality and the pleasures that come from the light of a new day warming the skin.

A fragrance with a cool, purifying vibe, inspired by California’s renowned health and wellness culture, Pacific Chill was crafted to rally the senses, uplift the spirit, and to introduce a detox-like effect. It channels the regenerative vigor of the infinite ocean, an energizing force central to both body and spirit in search of a sense of balance and well-being.

«One morning in Los Angeles, while I was chatting with Alex Israel, we both ordered one of those detoxifying smoothies that Californians love. I was inspired by the vitamin-packed juice and said to Alex, ‘I’m going to create a detox Cologne!’ I tried to transcribe, through emotion, the well-being effects of that fruity blend. Blackcurrant has a truly interesting temperament. It’s vibrant, fruity, almost like a raspberry but lighter, and it’s also a concentrate of leaves held aloft by notes of cedrat and lemon. Blackcurrant’s character is fickle, which I amplified with a blend of coriander and ambrette seeds, basil, peppermint and orange essence. Hence the lightning start, like the sensation of foliage brushing against the skin. From the carrot seed I extracted an essence developed in Grasse. That essence of carrot tempers the impact of the blackcurrant’s green tones, which are as frontal as a painting by Gauguin. The carrot has an iridescence, with creamy, velvety accents of apricot, date and fig. It brings a lot of depth; it lends structure. A hint of May Rose offers floral sweetness and seals the alliance.» – Jacques Cavallier Belletrud

California’s West Coast is an unfettered, passionate, wildly creative territory. Its textural, atmospheric fragrances lend themselves perfectly to the Parfums de Cologne form: to combining the spontaneity of Cologne with the sophistication of perfume. As if capturing a moment when the first hours of sunshine chase the exuberance of night into the purity of the morning, Pacific Chill reaches for the horizon. Like a deep breath before a tranquil ocean, it stimulates all five senses and attunes them to the reawakening of life as the city slowly stirs under a crystalline sky.

blackcurrant + carrot seed + aromatic herbs
The newest addition to this collection, Pacific Chill, captures a sense of well-being, vitality and the pleasures that come from the light of a new day warming the skin.

Pacific Chill Parfum de Cologne is accompanied by a Fragrance Trunk and a Travel Case that reprise Israel’s painting on Monogram canvas, – a testament to the Maison’s savoir-faire. Available as of 18th May 2023.

Parfum/Cologne 100ml, CHF 305.-
In-store refill 100ml, CHF 190.-
Parfum/Cologne 200ml, CHF 465.-
In-store refill 200ml, CHF 435.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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The Rouge Hermès S/S 2023 collection introduces three new limited-edition colors. A summer palette with a new, glossy finish, like a veil of delicately tinted light on the lips. The melting texture gives a luminous, translucent finish. The objects designed by Pierre Hardy, are adorned with contemporary seaside stripes, evoking an invitation to escape.

THE COLORS
06 – Corail Parasol
Corail Parasol, a fresh, subtle coral infused with light.

10 – Beige Croisette
Beige Croisette, a warm and natural, subtle pink-toned beige.

22 – Brun Yachting
Brun Yachting, a light brown that warms the lips with a healthy glow.

The three objects in the Rouge Hermès S/S 2023 limited-edition collection are refillable with any other shade from the Rouge Hermès permanent collection.
Each lipstick is available for CHF 82.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Hermès
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Back in 1927, Mademoiselle Chanel bet on the on-the-go lifestyle, supporting women as their way of living evolved. Ever the innovator, she decided to make her line of skincare and makeup products available in smaller sizes. Daily essentials that could easily be slipped into a handbag, evening clutch, or small piece of luggage for spur-of-the- moment getaways.

CHANEL was inspired by these formats, which are as fun as they are practical, for its 2023 LES BEIGES collection. The House has revisited its iconic LES BEIGES products, offering them in limited-edition travel sizes. The LES BEIGES Summer To-Go collection captures the very essence of a radiant complexion and a healthy glow makeup look in miniature formats. As sensorial and intuitive as ever, LES BEIGES essentials are the perfect companions for achieving a fresh, luminous glow, anytime and for any occasion.

A HINT OF FRESHNESS IN A BOTTLE
Dazzlingly sheer, LES BEIGES WATER-FRESH TINT Travel Size (15 ml) is a water-based complexion product infused with micro- droplet pigments that leave a nearly imperceptible, luminous veil on the skin. Its 8 shades cater to all skin tones, giving the complexion a beautiful sun-kissed look.
LES BEIGES WATER-FRESH TINT Travel Size – 15ml – CHF 53.00
Light – Medium Light – Medium – Medium Plus – Light Deep – Deep – Medium Deep – Deep Plus

AN ULTRA-RADIANT COMPLEXION
As light as a caress, LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW BRONZING CREAM Travel Size (15 g) warms up the skin, creating the illusion of having spent a weekend in the sun. When applied to the cheeks, nose, forehead, and décolleté using the fingers or a brush, this cream-gel bronzer delivers an ultra-natural makeup look. It is available in 3 shades for a customizable sun-kissed glow.
LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW BRONZING CREAM Travel Size – 15 g – CHF 43.00
SOLEIL TAN BRONZE – A golden caramel
SOLEIL TAN MEDIUM BRONZE – An intense warm deep beige
SOLEIL TAN DEEP BRONZE – A chocolate brown slightly satiny gold

SUMMER ON YOUR SKIN
A true light catcher, LES BEIGES ILLUMINATING OIL Travel Size (50 ml) envelops the skin, leaving it with an iridescent shimmer. Enriched with jasmine oil, it gives skin a slightly coppery, golden glow. Apply to the face, shoulders, décolleté, arms, and hair for instant radiance.
LES BEIGES ILLUMINATING OIL Travel Size – 50 ml – CHF 66.00
One universal, sheer shade with shimmering gold and copper flecks

HARMONY OF LIGHTS
OMBRE PREMIÈRE LAQUE coats lids with a golden shimmer and is featured in two iconic jewel tones: RAYON, a soft, luminous beige, and QUARTZ ROSE, a radiant pastel pink.
ROUGE COCO BAUME (CHF 45.00) delivers a light, fresh lip look with two new shades: PINK DELIGHT, an ultra-natural, soft pink, and SWEET TREAT, a semi-matte brownish mauve.
To round off this sun-kissed look, CHANEL has designed two new shades of ROUGE COCO FLASH (CHF 48.00) with evocative names. DESTINATION, a rosy beige that enhances lips with its nude shimmer, and ESCAPADE, a slightly warm sienna red.

Available from Mid May 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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You will thank me once you have tried this new amazing AVEDA product. The vegan botanical repair™ bond-building styling cream combines sleek styling with hair bonding. It is a multi-benefit styling hair cream that nourishes hair while the silicone-free hair bond builder also protects hair from thermal damage up to 450 degrees, shielding from future breakage and damage caused by styling.

Create new bonds by the thousands, strengthen hair’s cortex, prevent and protect from damage with these plant-derived components:

• Bond-building plant molecule – Build new hydrogen bonds deep in hair’s cortex to strengthen and reinforce hair’s integrity at the core.
• Nourishing macro green blend – Replenish the essentials of healthy-looking hair with certified organic avocado, green tea and sacha inchi oils. Smooth the cuticle to detangle. Help prevent breakage.
• Plant-based complex – Create an invisible botanical outer layer to protect hair from future damage.

Featuring Aveda’s own Pure-Fume™ aroma with certified organic ylang ylang, rose and marjoram essential oils, it is a great addition to the botanical repair™ family.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aveda / Sandra Bauknecht
@avedaswitzerland #veganhaircare #avedarepairinstyle
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