Sandra‘s Closet

Ladies, finally it is summer, time for us to enjoy the pool or the beach. But we all want to look our best without spending too much time on our daily make-up. Here is my personal super duper tip that will save you lots of hours and earn you many compliments.

My avid readers know I cannot live without this savior:
SOLEIL DE LA MER THE FACE AND BODY GRADUAL TAN
CHF 110.00 (200ml)

I tan pretty fast on my body but not on my face (this is also an advantage… less wrinkles!). I have a pretty pale complexion but since I use this amazing product all year around, I always get compliments for my tan. This refreshing self-tanning lotion absorbs quickly for an even, perfectly natural-looking glow with no streaks (no orange stripes, no bad smell). Infused with the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation, it immerses skin in moisture, soothing sensitivities and restoring radiance. With sea-born antioxidant actives, it helps revitalize and recharge for a year-round radiance. It is so easy to apply! You will love it! And I use it on my body twice a week but daily on my face!

And then there are two new limited-edition products that LA MER has launched this summer that I don’t want you to miss.

Up first is the limited-edition SOLEIL DE LA MER BRONZING POWDER
CHF 98.00

Also infused with nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, this silky pressed powder creates the look of a glimmering sun-kissed glow any day of the year. Harmonious and illuminating shades blend perfectly to highlight and define the contours of the face. The skin looks radiant with a sun-warmed, illuminated glow. It is scented with this kind of beachy resort-like fragrance that makes you feel like being on holidays in your own bathroom.

Next there are the two new limited-edition SOLEIL DE LA MER THE LIP AND CHEEK GLOWS (Coral Glow and Pink Sands)
CHF 75.00

This blend of glowing pigments suspended in nourishing oil gives skin a quick hint of healthy color. They are as well infused with the iconic nourishing Miracle Broth™, and add a sheer, buildable flush of color to lips and cheeks as they visibly refresh and renew delicate skin. I especially love to use them on my lips as they nourish them very well and moreover they taste amazing, reminiscent of  a delicious sweet mint.

You can find the LA MER summer collection out now. To see me wearing it, click here for this previous post at the pool. TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of La Mer and Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Get ready for some Summer lovin’ with OPI‘s new GREASE collection  introducing 12 limited edition shades in Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor, plus three new special effect nail lacquers. To celebrate the iconic film’s 40th anniversary, it’s time to grab these bright colors and be ready to spark romantic nights ahead.

Top left to right: Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milkshakes / Meet a Boy Cute As Can Be / Summer Lovin’ Having a Blast! / Was It all Just a Dream / Teal Me More Teal Me More / Chills Are Multiplying

Bottom left to right: Frenchie Like To Kiss / Pink Ladies Rule the School / Hopelessly Devoted to OPI / You’re the Shade That I want / Tell Me About It Stud / Danny & Sandy 4Ever!

Available as Infinite Shine (gel-like shine for your home) for CHF 24.90, Nail Lacquer for CHF 19.90 and GelColor (pro only).

Here are my personal favorite shades:

Grease is the Word
To celebrate the iconic film’s 40th anniversary, I am on hand to ensure you’re saying #TellMeAboutItStud.

Leader of the Pack
#PinkLadiesRulesTheSchool, so get ready to be top of the class in pastel shades.

The Nail That I Want
Our #ChillsAreMultiplying for this T-Bird approved icy blue.

You Better Shape Up
I am having a serious Sandy moment. #Danny&Sandy4Ever.

New: Leather Effects
Say hello to 3 additional limited edition shades with a three-dimensional effect and leather-like texture. Unfortunately not available in Switzerland.

New leather effect shades from left to right: Rydell Forever / Electryfyin’ Pink / Grease Is The Word.
Available for $10.50 each. More information here.

Grease Mini Set (Nail Lacquer) 4 Nail Polishes à 3.75ml each
CHF 24.90

Grease Mini Set (Infinite Shine) Primer, 2 Colours and Gloss Infinite Shine à 3.75ml each
CHF 34.90

In stores now for approximately three months.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI #OPIxGrease
Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Aaliyah is truly one in a million — an unstoppable icon whose groundbreaking work in R&B music and film continues to inspire us all. For this reason M∙A∙C collaborated with Aaliyah Haughton for an outstanding limited edition make-up collection that includes many products you will surely adore!

LIPSTICK
Try Again: soft muted beige (matte) / Hot Like…: creamy fire-red (amplified)
More Than a Woman: cool deep red (amplified) /Street Thing: pure black with shimmer (frost)
CHF 28.00

LIPGLASS
Brooklyn Born: sheer nude with pearl / Li Li’s Motor City: coral with shimmer
At Your Best You Are…: warm berry / 1 In a Million: deep rich purple
CHF 26.00

AGE AIN’T NOTHING / EYE SHADOW X 9
Creative Copper: metallic gold (lustre) / That Somebody: gold brown with gold shimmer (satin)
Princess of Soul: muted golden brown (matte) / Gingersnap: muted pinky coral (frost)
Deception: cool medium brown (frost) / Dance in the Dark: deep cool brown (matte)
Lovesmoke: sterling silver (veluxe pearl) / Magic Moor: mauve plum with subtle shimmer (veluxe pearl) / Care 4 You: black with silver sparkle (lustre)
CHF 60.00

BRONZING POWDER
Baby Girl: pure golden with soft pearl
CHF 35.00

Available from July 5, 2018 in Switzerland exclusively at M∙A∙C Globus Geneva and M∙A∙C Store Lucerne and Zurich and at www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Ladies, it is time to get at least one Orgasm, but personally speaking I recommend getting four… For Summer 2018, NARS launches four new Orgasms for lips and cheeks. Swipe on seduction with Afterglow Lip Balm and intensify the look with Orgasm Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer. Give cheeks sensational dimension with Illuminating Loose Powder, and find pleasure in a limited edition, oversized Orgasm Blush. Universally coveted glow. New stimulating textures. Feels so bad it’s good. It’s time to indulge your senses…

ORGASM AFTERGLOW LIP BALM – CHF 38.00
Delivers a sheer wash of the universally-flattering Orgasm shade with a radiant finish. The formula features Monoï Hydrating Complex, for smooth comfort and a blend of antioxidant ingredients to help keep lips protected.

ORGASM FULL VINYL LIP LACQUER (LIMITED EDITION) – CHF 35.30
The innovative formula provides high-shine and a reflective finish, while vivid pigments deliver full coverage color that’s buildable. Features a non-sticky texture that glides on for a comfortable feel and line-free look.

ORGASM ILLUMINATING LOOSE POWDER –  CHF 38.00
This silky, soft-lit powder reflects light off the skin for a naturally glowing look. The shimmery powders create a soft radiance and blur the look of imperfections, blending effortlessly onto skin with a glimmering finish.

ORGASM BLUSH (LIMITED EDITION) –  CHF 52.20
The award-winning blush that includes the perfect blend of peachy pink and golden shimmer, comes in a limited edition oversized compact to achieve naturally flushed cheeks.

In Switzerland available from JUNE 2018 at Jelmoli and Sephora.
TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS, Collages © Sandra Bauknecht

Why do all good things happen at the same time? Last week, I was invited by HUBLOT to join them in Capri for the launch of an amazing nautically-inspired piece in collaboration with ITALIA INDEPENDENT. As I had my girls’ weekend in Belgrade, I couldn’t go unfortunately but I still want to share this with you as I find the watch a true must-have. Paying tribute to Lapo Elkann’s passion and love for the sea by drawing inspiration from the nautical world and from his own experiences and memories within.

Lapo Elkan working on the new Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent.

It has been several years since the Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia, Lapo Elkann, and HUBLOT were discussing about a nautical-related watch. And for good reasons. From his earliest childhood, Lapo was cradled by the movement of the waves, thanks to his iconic grandfather who was himself passionate about sailing. Lapo even won the famous race, the Fastnet, with his brother aboard the mythical Stealth.

Lapo Elkann’s legendary grandfather, L’Avvocato (the lawyer), Gianni Agnelli, had indeed an all-consuming passion for sailing. This was to such an extent that he was responsible for creating Azzurra, the first Italian team and challenge to win the America’s Cup. During his enthralling life, he had several yachts built so that he could indulge in his favourite sport.

Saint Tropez 90 – Gianni Agnelli with model Elle Macpherson and Tim Jefferies on his yacht.

In the mid-1990s, he ordered from the naval architect German Frers an exceptional, unique sailing boat whose name Stealth was a nod to the American Air Force’s F-117 fighters which were capable of avoiding radar detection. Like these aircrafts and thanks to the visionary Gianni Agnelli, this superyacht displayed the technical characteristic, a first at the time, of the wide use of Kevlar carbon and other composite material. The yacht was characterised by cutting-edge geometrical shapes, which together with the carbon fiber black sails would have a great influence on Lapo Elkann’s work as a designer.

Lapo Elkann and Ricardo Guadalupe unveiling the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent in Capri last week.

«This new project made us aware of the unsuspected links between the world of sailing and our watchmaking expertise, including, for example, the use of materials and techniques that are at the forefront of innovation we have managed to combine with traditional teak wood. A perfect match between technology and tradition, or the very meaning of the Art of Fusion! Here, our partnership with Lapo Elkann and his brand Italia Independent takes on an emotional, creative and technical dimension.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot

Paying tribute to this passion, HUBLOT and Lapo Elkann have once again come together to make a watch. And what setting could be more appropriate for its presentation than the blue of the island of Capri? It was here in the Hublot boutique on the main street Vittorio Emanuele, that guests were able to discover the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent, the production of which will be limited to 100 pieces.

Based on the legendary Big Bang Unico chronograph, this watch uses the style codes of the yachts of the late Gianni Agnelli, Azzurra, Agneta, Extra Beat, Stealth and particularly the Tiketitoo, whose hull was stained a warm golden colour. The case and the push-pieces are machined in King Gold, a unique alloy of gold and platinum developed by the HUBLOT manufacture. On the dial, the indexes are in orange while its bezel is cut out of teak, a precious wood usually adorning the deck of the finest boats. With a 45-mm diameter and water resistance to 100 metres, the watch encloses the UNICO HUB1242 calibre house chronograph movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve. This masterpiece of technology and watchmaking expertise is visible through the sapphire glass mounted on the back of the watch.

«As long as I can remember, sailing has been part of my life. I have spent many hours sailing the Mediterranean, like here in Capri or off the coast of Brazil.
I started very young thanks to my grandfather Gianni Agnelli love story with incredible boats which I was lucky to sail on. Each of them has a special memory but Stealth has a special place not only for his unrepeated, one of kind design but also because of our victory of the Fastnet with it.
I am therefore very proud to be able to pay tribute to him with this new watch.
A maritime spirit that has been perfectly restored thanks to the technical expertise of our partner Hublot.»
Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia

Each model of the Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent has two straps. The first, inspired by the world of regattas, is cut out of a real boat sail in Kevlar carbon with a rubber base. The second, which is orange and striped, is made entirely of rubber. The watch is fitted with the revolutionary One Click system which means that both straps are interchangeable at whim.

The 100 pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent watches will be delivered in a case containing a pair of Italia Independent sunglasses whose frames uses the same teak wood as the bezel of the watch. Do you fancy setting sail?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Hublot and via L’Avvocato

MEET THE LATEST COLLECTOR’S CREAM
Adorned with shimmering sea fans and watercolor coral, LA MER introduces this year’s Blue Heart Limited-Edition Crème de la Mer, already a true collector’s cream, to commemorate WORLD OCEANS DAY! Inside the pot is the famous luxuriously rich cream that deeply soothes, moisturizes and heals away dryness. My skin looks naturally vibrant and feels restored to its healthiest center. The iconic Miracle Broth™ – the legendary healing elixir that flows through all of LA MER – infuses the skin with sea-sourced renewing energies. Available for CHF 490 (100ml).

LA MER has teamed up with Sea2See Eyewear to produce this pair of sustainable sunglasses, made entirely from sea-salvaged plastic and handcrafted in Italy.

WHAT IS LA MER OCEAN’S FUND?
The ocean’s beauty is reflected in everything LA MER stands for. The sea is the brand’s constant inspiration. Alongside a devoted community of advocates, explorers and scientists, LA MER advocates for ocean protection through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives, and supporting ocean conservation projects.

AWAKEN A SEA CHANGE
The sea in you is the sea in me – and LA MER seeks to honor and protect the living connection we all have to the Earth’s precious seas for generations to come. Through the LA MER Blue Heart Oceans Fund’s commitment to marine protected areas in the Azores Islands, Grenada and the East China Sea, the brand hopes to positively impact the future of our seas.

In the East China Sea, #LaMerBlueHeart supports the groundbreaking research development of global sustainable fishing strategies to bring harmony back to marine ecosystems.

BEACH CLEAN UP
Each year, LA MER team members around the world lead an effort to clean their local shores and beaches.

All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health. Share your connection with the Earth’s ocean with #LaMerBlueHeart and mention @lamer for a chance to be featured.

TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

«Creativity takes courage.» – Henri Matisse

To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the emblematic Supracolor® Soft pencil, Caran d’Ache is celebrating its devotion to boundless creativity with an absolute treasure chest. This selection comprises more 422 colour pencils taken from the brand’s different yet complementary ranges, including Luminance 6901®, Museum Aquarelle, Supracolor® Soft, Pablo® and Prismalo® Aquarelle. It is one of the largest collection of artistic pencils in the world.

This prestigious limited edition of 100 numbered cases contains all the expertise and creativity tirelessly developed in the Geneva-based workshops since 1915, presented in an elegant, ebony-coloured wooden box. As the lid is lifted, the eyes are greeted with an explosion of colours and materials, a unique opportunity for artists to express their creativity using a whole host of different techniques.

During my own fashion design studies, I loved to work with Caran d’Ache pencils, especially using the iconic Supracolor® Soft, of which 30 new limited-edition shades are included in this box. Their quality lies in particular in the brightness of the colours and their unique covering power.

The weight of the filled box, that is available for CHF 4200, is approximately 17kg. Would love to have one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Caran d’Ache and © Sandra Bauknecht

One make-up collection for summer always gets me extremely excited and has never disappointed me. This year is no different: Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Summer 2018 has launched with the most beautiful fresh colors for eyes, lips and cheeks.

There is a new double-ended product called Shade and Illuminate Glow Stick (CHF 68.00) in Sunstruck with a shimmering gold and bold apricot cream. The colors are creamy and quite pigmented but blend beautifully on the skin, for the perfect glow on your face. You can swipe them without disrupting your foundation.

The famous Soleil Contouring Compact (CHF 100.00) comes in a new colors. The palette Nude Glow offers three shades, a soft powdery gold champagne, soft peach and pale pink glow. Most beautiful when layered together.

For the lip colors, there are really some beautiful new shades. I’m very happy with the Lip Color Sheer (CHF 62.00) in Bambou. It is a warm brownish shade that looks great in the sun especially if you don’t wear a lot of make-up at the beach.

For the eyes there is a new Shade and Illuminate Kohl Duo (CHF 51.00) in L’Avventura and Soleil Blanc, great to brighten the inner part of your eyes.

If you like to wear a stronger eye make-up, have a look at the new shade Emerald Isles (gold glitter + emerald cream) of the Cream and Powder Eye Color (CHF 60.00). Easily applied with the fingers, it intensifies any eye color.

There is also the new Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Toilette (CHF 132.00 for 50ml and CHF 200.00 for 100ml) which you should not miss. It embodies a refreshing illumination on the original Private Blend Soleil Blanc, bright, crips and drenched with sparkling citrus. The vibrant twist on the floral, amber warmth mirrors the crystalline reflection of the white sun, a sensual gleam of sky on water.

If you are at the counter, have also a look at the new Ultra-Shine Lip Colors (CHF 62.00 each) which are available in 11 new shades, the Soleil Lip Glow in Lumière (CHF 62.00) and the Sheer Cheek Duo in Exotica Flora (CHF 88.00).

ALTERNATIVELY YOU CAN SHOP TOM FORD BEAUTY ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty

MIU MIU’s woven basket bag is the perfect summer companion. Classic with a little retro touch, it’s embroidered with the label’s logo, topped with vibrant red, blue and black-striped grosgrain handles, and fitted with a zipped pocket at the canvas-lined interior.

My own limited edition woven basket from Cannes (there was only one, sorry :-)!).

If you want to prove your true jet-setting spirit, look for one of the limited edition versions that MIU MIU has launched in small quantities for some of their shops around the globe. A red tag is attached to the bag that indicates the location where you bought it.

Limited edition woven basket that is still available in MIU MIU’s newly opened St. Tropez boutique.

Those limited editions are available at the following MIU MIU stores around the globe: Madrid, Barcelona, Capri, Porto Cervo, Forte dei Marmi, Cannes, St. Tropez, Miami and Hawaii.

My personal summer essentials: Woven basket bag, frayed St. Tropez embroidered straw sunhat, and suede platform sandals, all by MIU MIU.

The perfect pieces to breeze effortless style from town to beach and back again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: first one courtesy of Matchesfashion, all others © Sandra Bauknecht

Celebrate the arrival of summer time with these new limited edition bracelets by DIOR that will stand out beautifully against sun-kissed skin. Personally speaking, my temptation to stack these pieces in vibrant hues is even stronger in summer: a mish-mash of whisper-thin pieces jangling against each other on a tanned wrist evokes a holiday mood, whatever the temperature outside.

DIOR’s Rose des Vents collection is a prime example: first launched in 2015 (for a previous post, click here please), the house has cleverly come up with a constant supply of new colors and designs – first were the pretty little bracelets with lapis, pink opal, mother-of-pearl and turquoise; later the medallion-like charm was studded entirely with diamonds, rendered in various colours on long sautoir necklaces and covered with onyx.

This summer the eight-pronged star, inspired by an old maritime navigational tool, appears in three limited edition colors, pink, orange and green. I love to flip the bracelets between the plain and embellished surfaces.

On my arm are these Rose des Vents bracelets from top to bottom:
– 18k white gold, diamond and pink ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and green ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
–  18k pink gold, diamond and orange ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise (permanent collection)

The perfect way to elevate the fresh summer accessories one step up, is to paint your nails in a vibrant hue that looks particularly flattering against bronzed skin. Part of Christian Louboutin Beauty‘s limited edition «Loubiflash» collection, these mini lacquers come in the matching colors to complement Dior’s summer bracelets.
Turquoise «Dragonflash» – Orange «Crosta Meteor» – Pink «Neoprene»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht