Sandra‘s Closet

Anticipation is the greatest joy and what a better way to indulge in the holiday season than getting a luxurious advent calendar that will get you even more excited for Christmas.

As usual, click on the highlighted product description to be transferred to the shop directly.

Forte Beads 18-karat gold and multi-stone advent calendar by Carolina Bucci

This advent calendar is my winner this year. How cool is that? Thanks to Carolina Bucci’s advent calendar, you’ll have a completed bracelet by Christmas day – every drawer is nestled with two beads that you can arrange on the Lurex cord with 18-karat gold charms. Each one has been hand-carved from unique gemstones for a joyful play of colors.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by NET-A-PORTER

The NET-A-PORTER Advent Calendar might be in your letter to Santa, but don’t leave it in your Wish List – the annual set sells out notoriously fast. Carefully edited by the beauty buying team, 2022’s round-up showcases the year’s heroes: a mix of team favorites and best-sellers to power through a season of parties and pamper nights. Expect plenty of industry stalwarts and new discoveries for 2023’s top shelf.

Advent Calendar 2022 by Dr. Barbara Sturm

Including an extensive array of full sizes and minis from her coveted range of skin and haircare, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s advent calendar ensures you step into 2023 at your most radiant. Regenerative Purslane – the aesthetic specialist’s hero active – features across many, and they’re house in an elegant box inspired by jewelry cases.

Holiday 2022 Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma

Twenty-five gifts of colours and joy in an explosion of hues and radiance, only with Acqua di Parma’s Advent Calendar, the star of the Holiday Collection dressed in a visual symphony of the Maison’s golden shades of yellow with seasonal accents of red and green. The one-of-a-kind print is inspired by a Florentine artisanal technique by Italian craftsmen. The countdown to the Holidays begins as every window unveils a daily surprise to immerse in the complete Acqua di Parma universe, from Colonia and Blu Mediterraneo to Signatures of the Sun and the Home Collection. The hatbox is inspired by a luminous Italian home and makes for a stunning addition to your space.

Women 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar and
Men 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar, both by Clarins

This is a must for all love birds. There’s no better way to countdown to the festive season than with two advent calendars, one for her and one for him. Each has 12 drawers filled with an array of the brand’s must-have products. For her, it reveals make-up, skincare and body surprises to pamper and indulge in ahead of the big day, with favourites such as the brand’s bestselling Double Serum – a guaranteed favourite for healthy skin. More treats come in the form of the SOS Pure Mask, the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector and the Cleansing Micellar Water. For him, he will find everything for an ultra-refreshing skincare routine, including the ClarinsMen Energising Eye Gel, Active Face Wash, Super Moisture Lotion and Fresh Face Scrub. The small sized products are all so great for travelling!

Advent Calendar 2022 by Dior

Upgrade on the advent calendars of Christmases past for Dior’s spectacular iteration. Housed in a smart navy box, it’ll open to reveal 24 windows just waiting to be opened, overlaid with a delicate illustration of the brand’s Parisian Maison surrounded by celestial figures and constellations – the perfect depiction of this magical time of year. As the days roll by, you’ll discover a number of Dior delights, from perfume and lipstick to luxurious skincare and even mini candles.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Right now I am enjoying my holidays in Saint Tropez to the fullest. After a very long night at Les Caves du Roy, and only 3 hours of sleep, I pulled myself together and joined my dear Barbara Sturm and Ayda Field Williams at Dr. Sturm’s new St. Tropez Spa, located at 6 Traverse de la Gendarmerie, for an anti-inflammatory morning with cold pressed juices and mini express facials.

Inside the new Dr. Barbara Sturm spa in St. Tropez

On display was also the absolutely amazing new luxury activewear line AYDA launched by Robbie Williams‘s wife Ayda, who is as sweet as she looks. Designed with the most buttery fabrics, high-performance details, and athlete-tested functionality, those pieces will help you reach peak joy. Her motto is «Fucking Fantastic», life is too short for camel toes and visible panty lines! For sweats that make you feel sloppy or sports bras that feel like jail. Say bye bye to muffin tops and hello to odor-eating, sweat-wicking, equal pay promoting, always-has-your-back performance gear that never lets you down… and always holds the girls up!

Ayda is luxury activewear dedicated to bringing JOY into the everyday motions of life.

The idea for AYDA has bounced around founder Ayda Field Williams’s brain for years. After being stuck at home and in athleisure 24/7 during quarantine made her realize that she could work with a team to improve on what was out there. The voice that said «Yes!! You can!!» finally grew louder than the voice that said «No, you can’t.»

Team Ayda set out to create clothes that could seriously perform but didn’t sacrifice on the playfulness. Bright, bold colors. Inventive details. Undeniable comfort. Clothes that brought joy. Clothes that make you wanna skip. Clothes that feel like rainbow sprinkles!!

Having fun with Ayda Field Williams and Barbara Sturm.

There’s so much to love about every piece in the collection. Everything from the power mesh panels that elevate while providing support and stretch, to the adjustable velcro straps that are both comfortable and forgiving for those days when you need a little more. Team Ayda scoured the universe for Goldilocks of fabrics: soft, sculpting, with great recovery to last and last. You will surely love the collection as much as I do!

It was a fucking fantastic morning with many amazing women… thank you, Barbara and Ayda for having me!

LoL, Sandra

With amazing Kinga Lampert, who is the co-Chair @bcrfcure the highest rated breast cancer organization in the US and largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.

Swimwear designer Melissa Odabash also enjoyed the morning.

Presenter and model Sylvie Meis 

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

A dear friend of mine asked me for advice as her favorite skin perfector had been discontinued. For her,  it was important that the product(s) delivered light coverage, sheer complexion, and a beautiful glow. Immediately, I thought of this unbeatable combination that I love to use as well, especially in the summer.

SISLEY Phyto Hydra Teint Beautifying Tinted Moisturizer SPF15

What it is: A tinted moisturizer that combines the effectiveness of a daily skin care product with a veil of color, all in one. Available in three shades, I wear Teint 2.

What it does: Its fresh, glide-on, very light texture melts into your skin to deliver a natural, perfecting result and a bare-skin effect. It contains a healthy skin ingredient cocktail to help even, correct and illuminate your skin while a beauty booster complex provides hydration and perfection to skin. Day after day, your skin’s texture appears more refined and your complexion’s radiance is boosted.

How to use: Apply using your fingertips or a fluid foundation brush, using light strokes all over the face.

DR. BARBARA STURM Glow Drops

What it is: A skin care formula designed to make your complexion glow, providing deep hydration, nourishment and pore refinement.

What it does: The potent anti-aging compounds in Glow Drops perfect skin quality and health, while the long-term glow comes from ingredients like purslane, bisorta root, rosa canina and sweet almond oil.

How to use: Use as a finisher to your skin care regimen and as a touchup throughout the day. Place a pipette length of formula in the palm of your hand and spread over your face, eye area and neck, gently patting in. Apply following your moisturizer for a lit-from-within glow, over your makeup or combine with your preferred skin care regimen.

I hope you will like them as much as I do.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

«My London patients are among the most discerning in the world when it comes to their skincare knowledge, forever searching for the latest innovations and ingredients to benefit their skin. I love London, and it has long felt like a second home to me. I am thrilled to be officially bringing the #SturmGlow to Mayfair and hope to excite my patients with new inventions, technologies and treatments that have never been seen before!» – Dr. Barbara Sturm

In London, I went to Dr. Barbara Sturm’s London flagship to enjoy one of her most sought-after treatments. The flagship London Spa & Boutique is located on Mayfair’s iconic Mount Street and set over two floors. It is designed in collaboration with architect Tobias Freytag, who also designed her LA and Dusseldorf spa locations. With each new location, Dr. Sturm aims to reflect the lifestyle of the customer she is serving and the culture that surrounds the store.

This will serve as a place of skincare discovery and advanced-scientific innovations where you can enjoy the full suite of Dr. Sturm’s most sought-after treatments.

The Spa & Boutique design exhibits minimalist, modern architectural elements, including a curved, mirrored wall, a sleek, white seating area, the original pave flooring, and a new ‘Discovery Table’ made from Italian green onyx. The Spa features two Express Facial Rooms, where shorter treatments are offered to time-conscious customers, as well as four, fully-fitted treatment rooms deploying Dr Sturm’s inventions and facial protocols and the latest in anti-aging skin technology, such as Myolift microcurrent.

A new, medically-advanced skincare collection only offered in-spa after personal consultation – will also be available at the London flagship. It will also be the first of Dr. Sturm’s Boutiques & Spas to offer exclusive body treatments – details of which will be announced soon.

When I arrived, a wonderful expert aesthetician guided me through to find the best products / treatment  to address my skin concerns. Personally speaking after one month of fashion weeks, I was aiming for that #SturmGlow. My skin was dry and dull and definitely needed some hydration and a glow boost. The famous Signature #SturmGlow Facial was created around Barbara’s skincare philosophy to deliver hydration, boost skin barrier function, soothe signs of irritation and improve the overall skin health and skin matrix. The facial incorporates techniques created in her German clinic for cleansing, exfoliating, extractions, and an anti-aging lymphatic massage. It was a truly amazing facial. My facial also include Dr. Sturm’s Signature Anti-Aging Massage; a unique combination of massage techniques which help increase blood and oxygen flow and tone and define the facial muscles for an instant, youthful-looking complexion.

Long and short-chain Hyaluronic Acid molecules in the so-called Hyaluronic Ampoule were infused into my skin and provided intensive hydration at both upper and deeper skin layers.

Catering to my personal needs, my facialist added red light therapy which is a fantastic treatment. The restorative power of safe, natural light LEDs also has a therapeutic effect on your body and mind. The use of natural light LEDs is non-invasive and painless, with clinically-documented benefits, including diminishing the appearance of age spots, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as making skin feel firmer and more elastic.

The Sturm Glow after my facial. No make-up!

The 90 min facial was amazing. It instantly smoothed fine lines, reduced puffiness, lifted and defined the cheekbones and jawline and gave my skin a youthful glow. At Dr. Barbara Sturm’s spa, the result of the appointment is a routine tailored specifically to your skincare needs. To book, please contact the Spa & Boutique.

OPENING TIMES
MONDAY – SATURDAY: 10AM-7PM
SUNDAY: 12PM-6PM

ADDRESS
125 MOUNT STREET
LONDON, W1K 3NS

CONTACT DETAILS

+44 207 959 0840

TO SHOP DR. BARBARA STURM, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Gift sets are a great way to treat a fellow beauty lover or yourself. Whether your complexion needs lifting, smoothing, brightening or plumping, it will always benefit from a targeted regimen. Enjoy these three curated sets of skincare saviors.

Best for smoothing lines and wrinkles: DR. BARBARA STURM – The Super Set

Any good anti-aging approach takes hands into consideration – they’re exposed to the wind, UV rays and pollutants as much as our face, and are even more prone to dehydration and premature aging with today’s stringent handwashing demands. That’s why this super trio from Dr. Barbara Sturm pairs the brand’s Anti-Aging Hand Cream – packed with mega-hydrators aloe vera, prickly pear and hyaluronic acid – with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient-rich Serum and Face Cream from the same range. All three come housed in a reusable, grey velvet pouch that’s as coveted as the firmer, smoother, plumped-up skincare results delivered over time.

Best for head-to-toe hydration: AUGUSTINUS BADER – The Icons with the Cream

The skin on your body deserves as much attention as the skin on your face, and this double act from Augustinus Bader will help you elevate these two self-care rituals. Both The Rich Cream – a more indulgent, extra-hydrating version of the original cult moisturizer – and The Body Cream are infused with the brand’s Trigger Factor Complex, a bespoke blend that activates the body’s own stem cells so you get major anti-aging benefits (think fewer lines, less redness and pigmentation). Really knead the body cream into particularly dry areas, including knees, elbows and over hips and thighs to address cellulite, too.

Best for clearing congested skin: EVE LOM – Rescue Ritual Gift Set

Pore size and texture make a big difference to the look of your complexion, and these two full-sized iconic products work in tandem to purify and clear skin that’s prone to blemishes and visible pores or in need of a deep cleanse. On top of effortlessly removing waterproof makeup, Eve Lom’s signature cleanser blends four aromatic plant oils to open pores, tone skin and boost circulation without overtaxing the skin. Apply the kaolin clay-packed Rescue Mask to really draw out impurities and grime from pores, while buffing away dead skin cells with the set’s muslin cloth.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NET-A-PORTER
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Today I am on my way to Ischia and Capri for the weekend and I am so much looking forward to being back. Last time I was there was for the opening of the Aquazzura store one year ago. The brand’s founder & creative director, Edgardo Osorio, invited us to the island for a weekend of pure fun that I have only shared in my IG stories so far. Here is my outfit that I wore for the first night. We enjoyed sunset cocktails at the beautiful JK Place Capri. A magical place for Edgardo and his partner Ricardo. Here the name Aquazzura was created during a sunset dinner overlooking the bay. It comes from the words ‘acqua’ and ‘azzurra’, which means blue water in Italian. Edgardo has always been in love with the sea and the sun, and wanted the name of his brand to both evoke his love for Italy and to remind him of Capri.

My look: Cropped button-embellished jacquard-knit blazer (also available in beige), cropped button-embellished pointelle-knit top (also available in peach), and button-embellished ribbed stretch-knit midi skirt (also available in peach), all by Balmain, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Whisper metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, earrings by CHANEL, Clash de Cartier ring in 18K rose gold with amazonite by Cartier, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

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

When you look in your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth. Your mum is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend. Sunday is Mother’s Day, time to appreciate the most amazing woman I’ll always admire, appreciate and love.

Personally speaking, I have a very deep bond with my mum. Her eyes looked after me all my life and this inspired me to today’s gifting idea. Why not surprise your mum with a great eye care product or / and a pair of sunglasses, telling her how thankful you are to have her in your life.

It was love at first sight because we have all been loving our mums the second we opened our eyes for the first time. Even if you cannot be with your mum physically like me due to the current worldwide crisis, you can still surprise her with a gift sent to her directly. Just click on the highlighted product description to be transferred to the respective shop.

LoL, Sandra

The Eye Concentrate by La Mer
My avid readers know that I am a huge a fan of this newly formulated product. With triple the Concentrated Miracle Broth™, it helps transform the delicate eye area with essential energy and healing hydration to reduce the look of dark circles, lines and wrinkles in 3 weeks. Lime tea concentrate, the antioxidant powerhouse, helps prevent future damage before it begins.
Theprocedure is top secret, rumors are they play classical music to the kelp-based elixir for three months as it ferments. No matter how they do it, the formula’s anti-aging effects are truly undeniable.

Cat-eye neon-trimmed printed tortoisehell acetate sunglasses by Fendi
For the mum, who loves everything fashion like me, those sunglasses feature both, the monogram and neon trend in one.

Eye Rescue Stick by Susanne Kaufmann
The perfect new tool for the spa-loving mum as she can apply the stick whenever she wants during the day. Stored in the fridge, it can deliver an even more intense cooling effect. The product counteracts the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, energizing tired-looking eyes caused by blue light and smoothes various visible signs of aging like first wrinkles.

Green coffee extract reduces swelling around the eyes, while jasmine and hawthorn activate the enzyme telomerase in the skin cells and unleash antioxidative properties. A highly concentrated active ingredient from baobab helps to smooth out crow’s feet and fine lines. Ectoin increases cell protection and an antioxidant from larch bark leaves the eyes with a fresh glow.

Eye Cream Line A by Susanne Kaufmann
Powered by a combination of active botanical ingredients like white lupine and elderberry extract, this brightening treatment stimulates collagen production to improve firmness while simultaneously reducing any puffy areas.

Oversized aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses by Givenchy
Those clean frames look very sophisticated.

Eye Cream by Dr. Barbara Sturm
If your mum is into a thorough medical understanding of cells and anti-aging, she will love Dr. Barbara Sturm’s beauty products. Designed to target dark circles, this ultra hydrating eye cream has been specially developed in her German lab with purslane and golden root to lift the sensitive areas around the eyes and reduce puffiness. It’s also infused with active omega lipids that help skin retain moisture. Personally speaking, I love its pudding-like consistency.

D-frame acetate sunglasses by Bottega Veneta
Those sleek shades will work for pretty much any occasion.

Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid by SISLEY PARIS
The rose is the queen of the flowers, and this fluid features black rose aqueous extract for a radiant complexion and hydrating padina pavonica. Specially formulated for everyday use on the delicate eye area, it is fitted with a soothing ceramic applicator, that with regular use, reduces puffiness and dark circles, leaving behind a luminous, youthful-looking glow.

Paris oversized cat-eye zebra-print acetate sunglasses by Balenciaga
Animal prints are always in style and worn as sunglasses in an oversized cat-eye silhouette, they add some drama to every look. 

Luminary Genius Eye Cream by Bynacht
Between the hours of 11pm and 4am our skin’s renewal rate almost doubles – with no exposure to environmental aggressors or makeup, the dermis can absorb nutritional ingredients without any interference. Perfect for targeting signs of aging and tiredness around the eyes, Bynacht’s specially formulated cream is infused with persian silk tree extract and nourishing oils that repair and hydrate while you sleep.

Air Heart cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Le Specs
Slightly oversized, the blacked-out lenses will complement practically all of your mum’s outfits.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands – Photo of me: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Baby, it’s cold outside and so important to protect and nourish your skin during these freezing temperatures. Especially in the mountains, it is extremely dry and that makes your complexion suffer. Furthermore, you need a lot of sun protection. Here are some of my favorites that will help you survive your stay in St. Moritz or Gstaad or wherever in the cold you are planning to go… to shop click on the highlighted text.

Beauty on the slopes – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Perfect Moment Ski Cream, 30ml by Dr. Barbara Sturm
The extreme winds and temperatures on the slopes can be harsh on your complexion. Created in collaboration with Perfect Moment, this cream is an innovative, intensely nourishing water-in-oil formula that provides a protective shield, with active ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil and sunflower extract.

Rescue Diver – Multi-Level Hydration Cell Plumping Infusion, 30ml by Elixseri
This intensely hydrating gel-serum drenches your skin with moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s formulated with exclusive bio-regenerative technology, which blends light water with antioxidant gardenia meristem concentrate and prebiotic tropical papaya ferment. A few drops help to retain optimum moisture levels throughout the day and leave you with a dewy, glowing complexion.

In-Depth Hydration Face Mask, 50ml by Circumference
The brand’s products are developed based on two standards – healthy skin and an appreciation for natural ingredients. Blended with the sustainable and locally sourced botanicals, this hydrating face mask is formulated to replenish and rejuvenate dry and dull skin. Antioxidant-rich moringa oil and cactus flower extract help retain moisture, while hibiscus extract nourishes and smooths for a radiant complexion.

Hello Sunshine Sensitive Sunscreen SPF30, 40ml by Pai Skincare
Sarah Brown founded London-based brand Pai Skincare when she developed chronic urticaria and many products irritated her sensitive, acne-prone skin. Formulated with protective zinc oxide – which acts as a natural mineral filter and shields against UVA and UVB protection – this sunscreen is balanced with cotton extract to repair any damage caused by the sun’s rays, infrared and visible radiation. The light and non-greasy formula means you can wear it as a base for makeup, too.

Kosasport LipFuel – Baseline by Kosas
Kosas founder Sheena Yaitanes knows intense gym sessions can leave lips dry and cracked, which is why she came up with ‘Kosasport LipFuel’ – it’s infused with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to lock in moisture for a smooth, supple pout. Botanical konjac root extract protects against environmental aggressors, too, making it perfect for long runs. 

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

“World-class skincare yields maximum results with a minimum number of products” – this is the concept behind Dr. Barbara Sturm’s nourishing formulas. Based on a thorough medical understanding of cells and anti-aging, her products protect, strengthen and detoxify without overburdening the skin and are gentle enough for sensitive complexions.

The so-called “dermatologist to the stars” is a very fascinating woman, who combines business and family life perfectly.

Married once to George Hamilton, she is now the wife of New York based lawyer Adam Waldman. She has two daughters, a 20-year-old and a 3-year-old. At the age of 45, she is her own best example that her products obviously work.

Two of them have fully convinced me and let me explain to you why:

Skin Food Supplement (60 capsules) by Dr. Barbara Sturm
Nicknamed the “fountain of youth,” Dr. Barbara Sturm’s supplement is boosted with Purslane – abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids, it improves skin health and fights signs of aging from the inside out. Each capsule contains Japanese Knotweed Root Extract and Glucosamine to support the body’s natural production of plumping Hyaluronic Acid.

– Easily absorbed by the body, providing support for a healthy function
– Infused with antioxidants Kudzu and Astragalosides to combat the ageing process

But it gets better. What happens when Jessica Alba’s make-up artist and Cher’s doctor join forces to come up with something really magical – an anti-aging primer!

Anti-Aging Primer, 30ml by Dr. Barbara Sturm + Monika Blunder
In collaboration with her Austrian fellow Monika Blunder, L.A. based celebrity makeup artist, Dr. Barbara Sturm developed her ‘Anti-Aging Primer‘ to enhance the look of her makeup while caring for her skin. Enriched with antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid and Pearl Pigments, this creamy formula contains the brand’s key active ingredient Purslane that protects your skin against free radical damage while reducing the appearance of enlarged pores and wrinkles.

– Suitable for all skin types

TO SHOP THE WHOLE LINE OF DR. BARBARA STURM CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter, Getty Images, ©  Sandra Bauknecht