Sandra‘s Closet

Each year, Aesop unveils its gift kits that I am always a huge fan of. Themed around «Sensory Chronicles,» the 2020-2021 kits are inspired by the power of imagination with a forgotten work of literature included in each gift kit. As well as the literature, the kits contain a range of stand-out Aesop products.

Take a look at the four kits below, that are all housed in a biodegradable case which is produced from 100 percent recycled material. The 2020 gift kits are available from now until October 31, 2021. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The Chance Companion Kit
Aesop’s ‘Chance Companion’ set includes two full-size bottles of the brand’s best-selling hand and body products, making it the perfect gift for fans of the label. It comes in a recycled paper pulp presentation box that’s printed with a QR code – scan it to hear short stories by the modernist writer Katherine Mansfield.

The Lore Collector Kit
Aesop’s ‘The Lore Collector’ set is all about nourishing your body as well as your mind. It includes four soothing staples to help skin remain hydrated and supple. Plus, if you scan the QR code on the recycled pulp packaging, you’ll hear a relaxing audiobook with tales from folklorist Lafcadio Hearn.

The Seasoned Wayfarer Kit
Aesop’s ‘Seasoned Wayfarer’ set is a thoughtful gift for those who love hosting. It includes three aromatic products for the home, all packaged inside a recycled paper pulp presentation box printed with a QR code – scan it with a phone to unlock a range of audio stories by Nobel Prize-winning writer Rabindranath Tagore.

The Metaphysical Voyager Kit
With Aesop’s ‘The Metaphysical Voyager’ kit, you can enjoy skin-friendly benefits and some magical storytelling as well. You’ll find a scannable QR code on the recycled pulp packaging that reveals an audiobook version of the Brazilian author Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis‘ The Delirium and other stories.

The Ardent Nomad Kit
Each skincare product in Aesop’s ‘The Ardent Nomad’ kit is infused with Parsley Seed, an antioxidant-rich extract that promotes a calm, supple complexion. It’s boxed in recycled pulp packaging – scan the QR code to hear audio samples from the diary entries of legendary explorer Isabelle Eberhardt for an inspirational way to start the day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aesop
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To be honest, this might not be the sexiest post, but on the other side what is sexier than lean legs and a beautiful smile?! Here are two new products that you will surely like, both made with natural ingredients.

White Ginger Contouring Oil by SISLEY
150ml (CHF 168.00)

This amazing oil is the key to smooth and slender legs. Its nourishing formula is enriched with White Ginger and Gingko Biloba that help to drain swollen tissues, as well as Red Algae extract and Gelidium Cartilagineum that promote the dissolving and burning of fat. The addition of Rosemary and Litsea Cubeba essential oils helps to firm and tone your skin. Formulated with hydrating Shea and Macadamia.

MASSAGE TECHNIQUE
Apply morning or evening, from the ankles to the top of the legs and hips according to the specific toning and draining application method:
1. Apply from the arch of the foot, moving up with circular movements around the ankles with your fingertips.
2. Then massage the calf by lightly stroking with one hand after the other, moving up from the ankle towards the knee, then go around the knee, pressing firmly with an upward motion to stimulate draining.
3. Repeat the same action on the thigh, starting at the knee and moving up to the top of the buttock. 
4. Follow with large, firm, circular movements with the palms of both hands, moving up from the knee towards the buttock and hip. Repeat this technique three times on each leg.

Toothpaste by AESOP
60ml (CHF 13.00)

Whether it’s part of the global wave of new naturals taking over the beauty realm or fluoride’s classification as a neurotoxin (shocking as it sounds, it is the same category that lead, arsenic, and methylmercury fall into) this year, there’s no denying that natural toothpastes are having a moment.

«Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.»
– Lucy Maud Montgomery

Taking about body odor is not a pleasant topic, but it can’t be ignored. But the idea that ingredients in deodorants, namely aluminum, can cause breast cancer has been scaring me for a while. I mean, it makes sense, applying something so chemical-heavy near that part of our body certainly does give me chills. Therefore I had been looking for an aluminium-free deodorant that really keeps me stink free for some time now.
And finally I have found one that I like: the Herbal Deodorant by AESOP, a botanically based product created for everyday use, which is suitable for men and women alike.

Its formulation contains zinc ricinoleate to help address compounds associated with coryneform bacteria – the main contributor to strong body odour – and a considered blend of essential oils, including rosemary, sage and eucalyptus. These ingredients also impart a refreshing residual aroma that complements our cleansing and hydrating preparations for the body.

Herbal Deodorant is available at signature stores, counters in select department stores, and at Aesop online for CHF 35.00 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Let me introduce you to my latest beauty musts. It is all about roses…

1 Flora rose, iris and orange blossom scented candle by FORNASETTI
My first step of a beauty routine is the calming scent of a candle. This one I love. Its delicate aroma of white rose and jasmine, inspired by the Fornasetti gardens in Milan is divine. I like to keep the ceramic vessel to store jewelry and small trinkets.

2 Rose de Vie – Sérum Délicat, 30ml by DR. SEBAGH
Lightweight and beautifully scented, this serum is the quickest way to a fresh and youthful glow.

3 A Rose By Any Other Name Body Cleanser, 500ml by AESOP
Fragranced with Rose Damascene Flower Oil and enriched with softening botanicals, it’s the perfect shower gel that will envelop you with a feeling of well-being and help to keep you focused through even the most manic of days.

4 Baume De Rose Lip Protectant by BY TERRY
My personal daily essential. The signature formula is enriched with softening Rose Flower Essential Wax and healing Shea Butter, simply dab it on to instantly soothe and plump your lips.

LoL, Sandra

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and it is still not too late to find the perfect gift for your beloved mum. Instead of giving a bouquet of roses have you ever thought of giving roses in a tube?

Here are some gift ideas for you:
(For my Zurich based readers, most products are available at Osswald and Jelmoli).

Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturising Masque by AESOP
CHF 38.- (120ml)

This rich conditioning treatment restores vitality and shine to all hair types with active ingredients of rose petals and lavender stems. It is to be used on the hair and scalp once a week for half an hour. Should hair be extremely dehydrated, it can be left on overnight. This masque is suited to all types of hair but ideal for dry, brittle or coloured hair.

The deep conditioning leaves hair soft, lustrous and moisturised; dry and flaky scalps will be soothed and hydrated.

Crème de Rose by DIOR
$26.50 / €24.50 / CHF 41.-

Crème de Rose is an essential nourishing and smoothing lip balm with a delicate rose fragrance that is simply addictive! It is enriched with a rare and precious Damask Rose essential oil extract, an anti-aging complex, energizing vitamins A and E, and shea butter for a long-lasting regenerating and smoothing anti-wrinkle effect. It leaves the lips optimally soothed, moisturized and nourished. Soft and beautifully plump, the lips are more radiant than ever!

Baume de Rose (Rose Balm Gloss) by BY TERRY
$55.- / €39.-

By Terry has created a chic and practical crystal case for their must-have Rose Balm which hydrates and nourishes the lips. It features an extremely high concentration of lipid-building substances and essential rose wax. The formula is a rejuvenating, reparative, strengthening, nourishing and anti-ageing treatment that enhances the voluptuousness of the lips and leaves them radiant with the glow of health!

Red Roses Bath Oil by JO MALONE
£38.- (250ml) – also availabe in a beautiful glass decanter (200ml)

Composed of seven types of roses from around the world, Red Roses is a surprisingly clean, voluptuous scent. With a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint, it unfolds like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Red Roses Bath Oil gently fragrances and moisturises the skin. Lush and softly foaming, it’s pure relaxation.

Crème Splendide Corps by ANNICK GOUTAL
€100.- (60ml)

Nutrition and firmness for all skin types. Highly concentrated in phyto-energizing active ingredients, caffeine and Active Rose Serum, Crème Splendide Corps nourishes, tones, firms and leaves skin satin-soft. Its luxurious, sumptuous texture and its fresh rose-like fragrance of morning dew win is seductive and irresistible. Rich in precious oils such as the oil of macadamia, and jojoba, this cream nourishes the skin in leaving it toned and soft like satin. It is a genuine, youth-promoting curative treatment which stimulates cellular renewal. I am completely addicted to the body cream.

Sa Majesté La Rose by SERGE LUTENS
CHF 119.- / €79.- (50ml)

A wonderful, intensive, floral bouquet with rose as the leading role in the center. For this fragrance, Serge Lutens combined Her Highness, the Rose, with fresh, green, opening notes, spices and woody notes in the base. For a previous interview with the famous perfumer, please click here.

Roses Scented Candle by DIPTYQUE
$60 (standard size) and $28 (mini size)

This beautiful scented candle recalls an armful of tender, changing roses that lightly evoke the world’s most universally loved flowers.

I would like to end this post with a huge thank you to all mums in the world:

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

– Washington Irving

LoL, Sandra

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is no April fool! It’s not often that a beauty product leaves me lost for words but this one truly did.

Cult beauty brand Aesop and French trend store A.P.C. have teamed up for their second collaboration following their Fine Fabric Care detergent. Introducing  their… no joke… Post-Poo Drops, a bathroom “deodoriser best suited for use by those who eat, drink and digest daily.” The drops will be available in store from April 1 for CHF 37.- (100ml).

“In instances where vigorous activity has occurred in the bathroom, dispense several drops of this carefully crafted Aesop product into the toilet bowl after flushing.”

Hilarious! Wouldn’t that be a thoughtful hostess gift idea for your next spicy dinner invitation?!

LoL, Sandra