Sandra‘s Closet

This summer, Clarins has opened the doors of a new beauty temple in Zurich. Hard to believe, this new concept marks the first of its kind for the French brand in Europe.

Located in the city center at Gebergasse 6, just around the corner of the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse and very close to the Jelmoli parking, the new Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa houses the complete range of products, from fine scents to high performance skin care on the ground floor.

One level up, the skin spa welcomes its customers for the most exclusive skin treatments. The second floor is reserved for the in-house training center. Altogether, the shop has a size of more than 280 square meters.

Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa opening party in Zurich

I truly recommend a visit to indulge into the world of Clarins. In 1954, Jacques Courtin-Clarins had a pioneering vision when he opened his first Clarins institute in Paris. Still today, the house is known for creating luxury products based exclusively on plants as the eternal source of inspiration and innovation.

Flown in for the occasion: Prisca Courtin-Clarins (SPAs, My Blend and Retail Director Clarins), Laurent Malaveille (General Manager Clarins Switzerland) and Natalie Bader (CEO Clarins).

During the hectic holiday season, let time stand still while you enjoy a treatment, and some time for yourself. Or find a little gift for a loved one as this very cute advent calendar that I got for myself.

24 days filled with little surprises, beauty products in small sizes that I love to take with me when travelling. Available for CHF 99.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

Lipsticks are certainly back this fall and not only on handbags (Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch by Saint Laurent). Let your lips do the talking and pay homage this season to the beauty icon in rich and trendy shades. From blood-red to smudgy, just-kissed stains, you choose the intensity. From left to right:

Goth Girl

Chanel Rouge Allure
N°109 Rouge Noir
A classic since 1994, this shade dresses lips with an unmistakable attitude.
CHF 48.00

Vampire Red

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Collector Kiss & Love
N°1 Le Rouge
Being part of YSL’s Holiday Look 2015, this lipstick comes with kisses all over.
CHF 48.00

Fine Wine

Shiseido Perfect Rouge
N°RS 656
Intensive ultra-pigmented color that moisturizes your lips.
CHF 40.00

Dangerous Colour

Clarins Joli Rouge
N° 742 Joli Rouge
A classic red in a rich and creamy formula.
CHF 34.50

True Blood

Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick
Matte Bad Blood
A classic suede-like finish – careful, it is highly addictive!
CHF 27.50

Dark Passion

Clinique Pop Lip Colour & Primer
N°21 Rebel Pop
Rich color plus a smoothing primer in one.
CHF 33.00

A Statement in Red

Estée Lauder Modern Muse «Le Rouge»
An oriental floral fragrance inspired by the color red, seductive and ultra feminine as a lipstick itself.

Top notes: Red currant, raspberry, pink pepper and saffron
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, may rose, jasmine and magnolia petals
Base notes: Patchouli, vetiver, madagascar vanilla and ambrette

CHF 68.00 (30ml), CHF 98.00 (50ml) and CHF 138.00 (100ml).

This post is also available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

For S/S 2015, soft and pastel, long tutu tulle skirts and dresses were gracing the runways, reminiscent of the lightness of a ballerina (in the collage above from left to right: Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet). They same trend can be seen for makeup. Creating the perfect no makeup look, mastering a healthy complexion, a radiant glow by applying subtle pink blush on the cheeks, nude eye colors that can get a colorful upgrade and lips that look as if they just had been kissed are the ultimate hype this spring. Here are the products that are wish list worthy:

FACE

Instaglam™ Compact Deluxe Contouring Powder 03 by Rodial
The beauty brand of the celebs is launching an amazing makeup line this spring. This face sculptor and definer can be best applied with a contour blush along cheekbones and jawline to sculpt and define the areas of the face.
CHF 72.00 (Available exclusively at Marionnaud from April 2015)

Météorites Perles de Blush – Eclat Angélique by Guerlain
An angelic complexion in a swish of brush, this small technological wonder infuses cheeks with soft, evanescent pink. A magical hybrid blush that recreates the glow of a complexion bathed in springtime freshness.
CHF 70.00 (Limited Edition)

Jardin de Chanel Blush Camélia Rose by Chanel
The exclusive creation of the Spring 2015 Collection Rêverie Parisienne, is the most romantic blush that can be easily slipped into your bag. This beautiful duo of pinks smells divine and recalls the delicate grace and purity of the favorite flower of Mademoiselle Chanel. 
CHF 63.00 (Limited Edition)

EYES

My French Palette by Lancôme
My favorite eye palette for the day this spring. The perfect mix & match for your eyes, it reveals a little secret of aquatic hues hidden under an extra lid in this treasure box. Create versatile looks from the most sophisticated to the cutest.
CHF 79.00 (Limited Edition)

Couture Palette Collector Ombre de Jour by Yves Saint Laurent
The name itself declares this palette to be used for the day but personally speaking it is perfect for a smokey eye look for a night out. A rare and precious object, this exclusive palette combines luminosity and darkness. Dressed in a glittering sequined pink all-over, the iconic gold case is belted with black satin.
CHF 100.00 (Limited Edition)

LIPS

Eclat Minute Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector 01 Rose by Clarins (far left)
I am convinced that you will love those new lip balm perfecters by Clarins as much as I do. Great for every day, part makeup, part skin care, it melts onto the lips to veil them with subtle luminous color. 
CHF 30.00 (Available in 6 colors)

Phyto-Lip Twist 08 Candy by Sisley (far right)
This spring, Sisley offers three new shades of its famous tinted balm, which is colored like a lipstick and shiny like a gloss. Ladies, let’s twist again! Easy to apply, it stays on for hours! If you haven’t tried it yet, you will have to now!
CHF 45.00 each

Veiled Rouge Sloe RS 308 by Shiseido
Mellow, delicate color and sheen, this lip stick keeps lips moist and shimmering like a veil. You will love it for summer. 
CHF 40.00 (Available in 8 colors, I adore this deep berry hue.)

Dior Addict Gloss 624 Mylord by Dior
Part of Dior’s Spring 2015 Kingdom of Colors Collection, this new lipgloss has the perfect shimmering mauve nude with gold sparkles mixed in.
CHF 46.00

NAILS

Le Vernis Nail Colour 625 Paradiso by Chanel
CHF 35.00 (Limited edition)
Top Coat Eclosion Blossoming 01 by Dior
CHF 38.00 (Limited edition) 
The perfect duo when for together!

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog. Check it out – there are more interesting products available.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Runway photos: via Style.com and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Brazil is the star country this summer and served as a great source of inspiration for Clarins that dedicated their new summer makeup look to the Latin hot spot. Bright colours dominated by Curaçao blue, lightly coloured full lips and a tanned, glowy complexion, the perfect look to dance through warm summer nights…

EYES

Colours of Brazil Palette Yeux Ombres & Liner CHF 62.00
LIMITED EDITION

Truly Waterproof Mascara CHF 39.00
NEW! 01 Intense Black – 02 Curaçao

COMPLEXION

Colours of Brazil Poudre Soleil Visage CHF 49.00
LIMITED EDITION

LIPS

Crayon Baume Lèvres CHF 26.00
LIMITED EDITION
01 my pink – 02 creamy pink – 03 tender coral – 04 sweet cherry – 05 delicious plum

In stores Mid April 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

Great news for all beauty addicts among you. CLARINS has created a comforting anti-pollution cleansing cream for skin weakened by a polluted urban environment. Enriched with moringa extract, nourishing shea and mango, it combines extreme comfort with effective cleansing to restore perfectly clean, radiant and beautiful skin. For face and eyes!

Clarins Professional Cleansing Method

1. Warm a small amount of cream in your hands. Apply a fine layer, then place hands flat on the face without pressing.
2. Remove hands briskly from the face. The cream will thicken and create a suction effect to lift off all make-up, impurities and traces of pollution without irritating or stretching the skin. Repeat this action 7 times.
3. Rinse and follow with a toning lotion.

Available Mid April 2014 for CHF 39.00 (200ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Challenge the sun and get a sun-kissed and healthy glow with the help of those products.
(Maze bag by Maison Mollerus).

Preparation is the key:
INNEOV SUN SENSITIVITY CAPSULES 30

Used before sun exposure, this breakthrough probiotic helps to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays, as a complement to sun protection cream. It works from the inside out, consumed orally as a nutritional supplement, rather than applied topically like a lotion. In the body, it creates tiny amounts of health-promoting substances that circulate in the blood stream, activating the skin’s natural immune defenses, which consequently helps prevent sun damage.

CHF 41.00 (30 capsules)

Tan booster:
GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA SUN SERUM

This remarkable limited edition serum is your loyal ally in acquiring, deepening and prolonging a tan. Adding a few drops of this honey-coloured serum to your normal skincare product will instantly transform it into a tan booster. It stimulates the natural production of melanin and is enriched with a soothing complex to moisturize and soften the skin.

CHF 72.00 (28ml)

The best high protection sunscreen for face and body:
SHISEIDO EXPERT SUN AGING PROTECTION LOTION PLUS SPF 50+

A light non-sticky very water-resistant sun protection lotion that defends against UV rays while providing skincare benefits that protect the health and beauty of the skin. Great for the face.

CHF 58.00 (100ml)

For sensitive skin who tends to have sun allergies:
LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS XL SPF 50+ Dry Touch Gel Cream

Best for sensitive skin to skin prone to sun intolerance, commonly known as sun allergies and for extreme sunshine intensity. It helps to prevent pigment spots (pregnancy, photosensitization…). Thanks to its ultra-dry finish, it leaves no white marks and no shine. Water-resistant.

CHF 29.00 (50ml)

Not only for kids:
LANCASTER COMFORT CREAM FOR CHILDREN – Wet Skin Application SPF50

This smooth, water resistant, anti-sand & tearless cream can be applied even on wet skin, without leaving traces after spreading, and provides broad-spectrum protection. It helps preserve children skin and its DNA from the negative effects of sun rays.

CHF 55.00 (125ml)

Easiest application:
BIOTHERM BRUME SOLAIRE LACTEE SPF 30

The multi-position sun mist can be sprayed on quickly and easily in any position, even upside down. It provides intense hydration for sundried skin, leaving skin protected and softened in quick-time.

CHF 24.00 (125ml)

Sun spray:
PIZ BUIN WET SKIN Transparent Sun Spray – SPF 30

Just apply this amazing spray directly on your wet skin as soon as you get out of the water, lie back, relax, and let the warmth of the sun to dry you.

CHF 24.00 (150ml)

After sun:
CLARINS AFTER SUN MOISTURIZER ULTRA-HYDRATING

The ultimate in targeted, post-sun skin care, this moisture-rich cream delivers an intense beauty treatment every time you use it. Soothing botanical extracts nourish skin while taking the sting out of the sun.

CHF 44.90 (400ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

If you think that the emerald makeup trend is too vibrant for you, you will love today’s post featuring the most alluring nude and bronze products for this summer.

Above you can see my personal must-haves that are all part of the new collections hitting the stores now.

1 CLARINS Shimmer Body Oil – CHF 49.00
2 CLARINS Summer Bronzing Compact – CHF 49.00
3 CLARINS Colour Quartet & Liner Eye Palette – CHF 62.00
4 ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquer So Vain – CHF 34.00
5 ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquer Diabolique – CHF 34.00
6 ESTEE LAUDER Dual Ended Liquid Liner Black Sands – CHF 40.00
7 YVES SAINT LAURENT La Laque Couture N°37 Taupe Maresque – CHF 38.00
8 TOM FORD Bronzing Powder Gold Dust – CHF 82.00

CLARINS Splendours Summer Makeup Collection

Amazing, that was the first word that literally came into my head when I unpacked the stunning summer makeup collection from Clarins. Splendours is themed around a harmony of glistening gold shades for the perfect warm natural summer glow. Available now.

ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquers French Nudes

Suiting every women’s skin tone, Makeup Director Tom Pecheux created these muted nudes that look elegant and sophisticated. In stores now.
From left to right: Diabolique, Nudité, Bittersweet, So Vain and Ballerina Pink.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Saharienne Heat

Lindsey Wixson, the face of the ad campaign, shows how gorgeous the variety of colours in this collection look: bronze and nude combined with shades of purple and emerald.
The perfect alternative for those who would like to add a splash of colour to their natural look. And with the golden Moroccan arabesque designs on top of the compacts, it is a pleasure to open them every day. In stores now.

TOM FORD Beauty Summer 2013 Color Collection

Tom Ford’s summer 2013 makeup collection brings some interesting essentials to the table. Beautiful nudes and bronze shades that will give you that natural-looking glow we all want to achieve during the warm weather months, for a skin that is bathed in sunset light.
In Switzerland available Mid May 2013 exclusively at Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Wednesday, the 16th annabelle Prix de Beauté ceremony was held at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich and I felt very honored to be in the jury like last year. Above you can see annabelle’s editor-in-chief Lisa Feldmann with me at the event.

For those of you who are not familiar with this trophy, the “Anna” is like the “Swiss Beauty Oscar”. Many products in different categories are tested among the jury members and the winner is analyzed with the help of an elaborate questionary.

“Anna” of 2013

Many of the winners have been featured here on Sandra’s Closet:

Fragrance Women: Coco Noir by Chanel
Fragrance Men: Tom Ford Noir by Tom Ford
Make-up: Holland Collection by OPI
Facial Care: The Moisturizing Soft Cream by La Mer
Natural Cosmetics: Idéalia Crème by Vichy
Body Care: Eau des Jardins Crème Corps Délicieuse by Clarins
Hair Care: Elixir Ultime by Kérastase
Sun Care: Swiss Suncare by La Prairie
Dior Bronze Crème Protectrice Sublimante SPF50 by Dior

Lovely Katrin Roth who is in charge of annabelle’s beauty blog with me. You can check out all her photos of the night by clicking here! Please stay tuned for the detailed post of my outfit that will be coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The eponymous Clarins Spring 2013 make-up collection is dedicated to the house’s new lipstick line, ROUGE ECLAT. The first age-defying lipstick is so beautifully scented that you are tempted to lick it off your lips.

NEW LAUNCHES

Rouge Eclat
Available in 15 new shades.
CHF 37.00

Poudre Multi-Eclat – Poudre Libre Minérale Eclat & Transparence
This ultra-fine, lightweight mineral powder has a velvety soft texture that illuminates the skin, giving it a translucent yet radiant finish. Shades: 01 Light 02 Medium 03 Dark
CHF 59.00

LIMITED EDITIONS

Palette Eclat – Poudre Teint & Blush
This palette comes with a beautifully embossed Iris pattern and a trio of colors perfect to make you glow.
CHF 59.00

Ombre Minérale 4 Couleurs – Iris Blossom
Shades: Violette: black, antique gold, cream, violet
CHF 62.00

This beautiful collection will be available in Switzerland end of January 2013, including also new colors for Joli Rouge Brillant and Gloss Prodige.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

During the last weeks, I have been receiving the upcoming Christmas collections and from now on, I will start showing them to you. Personally speaking, I love this time of the year in terms of beauty products. Sparkling shades, glittering powders, rich shades of red and gold make my heart leap for joy.

Clarins Odyssey Limited Edition Christmas Makeup Collection comprises two limited edition compacts inspired by the magnificence of Ancient Greece.

Clarins Odyssey Face Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 78.-

Like an elegant and sumptuous odyssey, this silky-smooth compact powder enhances the complexion for a beautiful, more even skin tone.

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet Mineral Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 62.-

A collection of four long-wearing golden-brown shades. It also includes two applicator brushes with pointed and round ends which can be used to blend the colour or to create a smoky eye makeup.

Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation – Available in 11 shades – CHF 53.-

Your skin – Only better. Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation is a loose powder foundation with an ultra-fine, silky texture that contains highly effective mineral and plant-based ingredients that work in harmony with the skin to illuminate the complexion’s appearance.

The result: a beautifully radiant, perfectly even, matte complexion and skin that feels incredibly soft and comfortable. Matte finish – light to medium coverage – suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

In stores Mid October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Clarins