Sandra‘s Closet

Today, the doorbell rang and the postman delivered some beautiful literally sweet surprises. The Park Hyatt Zurich sent me such a gorgeous cake in the shape of a bag that complemented the new limited edition nail polish shades by Estée Lauder PURE COLOR HEAVY PETALS perfectly.

The new limited edition spring collection of lacquers looks delicious thanks to its inspiration from the famous macaron dessert. The shades are from left to right: Narcissist, Lilac Leather, Coral Cult, Dilettante France, and Absinthe.

To a tasty weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I came across those photos from my trip to Istanbul that I had taken with my new small Leica camera and completely forgotten about. The purple light of the night had been so beautiful and my outfit had just blended in.

My look: Pink and black striped dress by Alexander McQueen, clutch and sandals by Prada, necklace by Etro, ring by Roberto Cavalli and watch by Roger Dubuis.

On my finger nails: Ballerina Pink by Estée Lauder
On my toe nails: Purple Passion by Estée Lauder

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I went to the Estée Lauder press conference to explore their newest products which is always a lot of fun. Here are my personal favourites that are in stores now. Below you can also find more information on them. Estée Lauder’s slogan is „Every woman can be beautiful“ and this sounds pretty promising, don’t you think?

So let’s get started!

LoL, Sandra

A mini-lift on the go with Resilience Lift
Firming/Sculpting Collection

Resilience Lift Instant Action Lift Treatment instantly gives you a tightening and firming sensation of a mini-lift, wherever and whenever you need it. This fast-acting treatment with CustomSculpt Technology™ precisely targets and plumps areas most prone to sagging for a more lifted, firmer, sculpted look. It helps skin boost its natural collagen and elastin production over time so you’ll look as young as you feel.

You can use it in the morning and evening, plus throughout the day as desired. Can be applied over makeup. The results can be seen immediately.

CHF 84 / 30ml

Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator dramatically reduces the look of uneven skintones and works for all skin colours. No more redness, acne marks, dark spots, sun spots and discolorations. I have used the oil-free serum now for only five days and my skin feels already radiant and more fresh. The anti-oxidants in the product also help prevent its re-appearance.

Apply on clean skin, preferably after Advanced Night Repair. For maximum even skintone results, use morning and evening for the first 12 weeks, then continue with your regular regimen, using it only in the morning.

CHF 90 / 30ml – CHF 130 / 50ml

Estee Lauder’s new fall makeup collection is called Modern Mercury and was created by their Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux. His inspiration for the texturally graphic collection came from the reflections found in modern avant-garde architecture. He liked that the buildings never look the same colour because their glass facades reflect what surrounds them. Tom Pecheux debuted pieces from the collection at the Derek Lam Fall 2011 show, for the photos and application, please click here.

Pure Colour Eyeshadow Duo in Modern Mercury (Limited Edition) works perfect for a smokey look during the day. CHF 50Matte lips are so chic at the moment and this rich red is the perfect tone to go.
Pure Colour Velvet Lipstick in Red Velvet (Limited Edition), CHF 40

Give your look an unexpected twist with sage green coloured nails.
Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Metallic Sage (Limited Edition), CHF 34

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

One of the biggest make-up trends for summer is a supernatural look with the emphasis on the lips. A radiant skin with glowing cheeks is important. The lips are coloured with see-through lipsticks and glosses in sorbet-coloured hues. Vibrant and colourful are the nails in eye-popping shades like blue and green. Nail lacquer has really become a fashion statement like a must-have accessory.

Here is all you need for a supernatural look for summer that is easy and fast to achieve, that will make you look much younger and that works perfect on hot days. If you like, you can add a touch of mascara. Please find herewith my favourite products for this season.

LoL, Sandra

1 This spring Estee Lauder has stepped up their nail game by introducing sixteen nail polishes in a new long lasting formula.

The king of color, Creative Director, Tom Pecheux has created the mesmerizing shades of which eight are limited, among them the extravagant hues: Wicked Green and Wild Blue. My must-haves! CHF 34

2 Dior Summer 2011 is Electric Tropics, and the stars of the collection are two bronzing powders, called Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Summer Powder.

The one that I use is the lighter one with a soft pink tone, so-called Aurora (001), see photo to the left.

The darker powder is named Sunset (002) and is slightly peach-coloured.

One-shots

CHF 68.50 each.

3 Dior’s Electric Tropics Collection also includes two catwalk duo nail polishes.

These are the vibrant orange Aloha (638) that I wear below and the bright jelly pink Paradise (558). Each is packed with a super glossy topcoat to add a special flash of shine to your summertime nails.

One-shots

Available now for CHF 54 each duo.

4 Dior Addict Crystal Gloss – Jelly Gloss Spotlight Shine comes straight from the runway, it features a featherweight formula with a flash-plumping, “spotlight shine” effect.

Shades Available:

Sweet Peach (047) – the one I use
Luminescent Peach (087)
Luminescent Rose (077)
Sweet Rose (037)

CHF 44 each

5 Lancôme’s new L’Absolu Nu is a bare lip sensation!

Enriched with enhancing pigments to reveal the radiance of beautifully replenished lips, it enhances your natural lip tone in a veil of shiny, translucent colour while leaving them moistured for up to 8 hours. My favourite tone is 302 Voile de Rose.

CHF 44

6 A flawless complexion and peach-soft skin! Moisturization and radiance in one easy step.

HydraQuench Tinted Moisturizer by Clarins continously moisturizes and colours the complexion with a transparent finish, giving it a natural radiance and healthy glow. It protects against UV rays (SPF 6, 100% mineral filter), pollution and free radicals. Available in several shades to suit all skin tones.

Available starting Mid April for CHF 49

7 Colour Quench Lip Balm by Clarins provides you with long-lasting shine and moisture.

The best is the fruity flavour that makes you want to lick your lips all the time. This ultra-shine gloss helps your lips to appear fuller and more beautiful day after day.

My personal favourites are:

04 Rasberry Smoothie
05 Delicious Plum
06 Sweet Papaya.

CHF 26 each, available Mid April in 8 different shades.

8 Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm by Clarins – an innovation from the Clarins Laboratories.

This is an amazing product which combines crystalline transparent colour with the repairing benefits of a lip balm. The minute you apply it, you feel a unique sensation of softness and comfort. Trust me, it works!

Available in three colours:

01 Crystal Coral
02 Crystal
03 Crystal Red

CHF 35 each