Sandra‘s Closet

The name of Guerlain‘s newest fragrance launch alone had me intrigued: FRENCH KISS. Belonging to the Exclusive Collections LES ELIXIRS CHARNEL that previously included Chypre Fatal, Oriental Brûlant, Gourmand Coquin, and Floral Romantique, and which is designed for perfume-lovers who enjoy rare scents, exquisite ingredients and absolute refinement, the floral fruity scent is as spellbinding as a sensuous kiss.

Top notes: Litchi and Raspberry
Middle notes: Rose and Violet
Base notes: White Musk, Vanilla, Orris Root and Heliotrope.

FRENCH KISS is such an addictive scent that made its way extremely fast into my boudoir. It is available now at Guerlain counters for CHF 260.00. In Switzerland at Manor Geneva, Bon Génie Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Guerlain

Dear beauty lovers! It is this time of the year when I am looking for the best eye makeup palettes as most beauty brands are launching amazing limited edition products for the holiday season. In winter time, eyes should sparkle and shine in deep hues. I have always been a huge fan of smokey eyes and for this post I tried many palettes to present you my favorites. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it…:-). Here we go!

My favorite: YSL Palette Collector – Wild Edition – CHF 111.00

This is your little black book! The packaging of this palette is absolutely amazing. Including everything you need for eyes, lips and cheeks, you can carry it like a little clutch. The super chic satin tassel which is inspired by Saint Laurent’s passion for oriental styling gives it the ultimate touch.

DIOR 5 Coleurs in 046 Golden Reflections – CHF 90.00

Perfect for every day: when golden hues and metallic effects collide, they create a chic look. This palette is a token of femininity and a modern classic you can easily play around with.

CHANEL Les 5 Ombres de Chanel in Oiseaux de Nuit – CHF 80.00

For all night owls: the Chanel holiday eyeshadow palette with the eponymous name features five pretty shades: icy white, pale lavender grey, deep purple grey, black and antique gold. The texture is amazing and easy to apply.

LANCÔME Hynôse Palette Drama Eyes in Parisian Lights – CHF 79.00

Get ready for the party season with this limited edition Hypnôse eye palette from Lancôme. Play with dark, smoky shades and golden tones to create your dramatic look for the holidays, a spectacular eye made easy. The advantage of this palette is that you can use it wet and dry.

GUERLAIN Écrin 2 Couleurs in 10 Cygne Noir – CHF 62.00

For a magical mysterious eyes. Glistening black and copper-colored plum combine for a sophisticated finish. The perfect companion for the handbag because of its size.

Happy Self-Decorating!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Adriana Tripa and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Wednesday, I had a busy afternoon. First I went to Marionnaud‘s press conference to explore the house’s newest beauty brand BE CREATIVE MAKEUP, followed by a fashion show with Montblanc for the 6th edition of MODE SUISSE inside Zurich’s Lichthof.

This week has been perfect, many amazing things have happened and I am extremely happy. That might have been the reason for the pink splash of color I added to this elegant outfit giving it a joyful and fresh upgrade. And as you see, I had quite some fun taking those pictures.

My Look: Elaphe-paneled wool sweater and snake-print silk-satin and chiffon skirt, both by Jason Wu, metallic snake-effect leather pumps and pink pussybow silk necktie, both by Saint Laurent, fringed tote by Lanvin and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.
Lips: Kiss Kiss Shaping Cream Lip Colour in 361 Excessive Rose by Guerlain.
Nails: Le Vernis Nail Colour in 619 Pink Tonic by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Montblanc

Finally, summer has arrived in Switzerland and I couldn’t be any happier about it. I spent the last sunny days like probably most of you outside and really got impatient to get a nice tan. Here is a post dedicated to my favorite beauty musts for the sun. Whether you want to look slightly sun-kissed or savagely tanned, these bronzers and spray tanning products will deliver.

Especially on your first day at the beach (like me above in Maui – Happy 4th of July to my American readers by the way!!!), you don’t want to look too pale, so you better start getting organized now…

ALL YEAR AROUND
LANCÔME Flash Bronzer Self-Tanner Gel gives you the perfect glow in a record application.
CHF 45.00 (50ml)
GUERLAIN Terracotta Sunless Tinted Self-Tanning Gel smells well and gives you a golden skin tone in a second.
CHF 72.00 (150ml)
GUERLAIN Terracotta Sun Celebration La Lacque Couleur in 602 Tonka Impériale. This limited edition nail polish has the perfect shade to match your summer tan.
CHF 37.00

BEFORE TANNING – SUN PROTECTION
BIOTHERM Brume Solair Dry Touch SPF 30. I love this ultra-sheer, oil-free and waterproof sun protection spray for the body that leaves a dry and matte touch.
CHF 39.00 (200ml)
SISLEY SUNLEŸA G.E. Age Minimizing Sun Care SPF 30 is the “Rolls-Royce” among the sun protection products and I love using it specially for my face. It is waterproof, protects and also minimizes the signs of aging.
CHF 245.00 (50ml)

AFTER SUN CARE
GUERAIN Terracotta After Sun Cream prolongs your tan and restores comfort to the skin after a day in the sun.
CHF 72.00
SISLEY SUNLEŸA Age Minimizing After-Sun Care is the best product to minimize aging due to sun exposure. It hydrates and cools your face. I like to use it as a mask.
CHF 207.00 (50ml)

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Brazil and its famous drink, the Caipirinha, has inspired Thierry Wasser to create Guerlain‘s newest Aqua Allegoria Limon Verde that includes the refreshing notes lime alongside sugar cane liquor. This citrus aromatic fragrance can be worn by women and men.

Top note: Lime
Middle notes: Green Notes, Tropical Fruit, Fig and Sugar Cane
Base note: Tonka Bean

Since 1999, there is one new Aqua Allegoria launched each spring. 31 have been created so far of which four have remained classics and are available all year around: Pampelune, Herb Fresca, Mandarine Basilic and Nérolia Bianco.

Available for CHF 109.00 (125ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Feminine, sophisticated and reminiscent of 1950s elegance, for the new season polka dots returned to the S/S 2014 runway. At Burberry Prorsum they came in a modernized and bold way, while at Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino they appeared smaller in black and white or red – all aptly retro-inspired, especially given Moschino’s special anniversary show.

So cute, a real must-have! Polka dot ‘Pashli’ satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Shop the trendy look and get one of those amazing pieces:

1 Polka-dot cotton and lace shirt by No. 21
2 Febe stretch-mesh balconette bra by L’Agent by Agent Provocateur
3 Polka dot-print stretch-silk dress by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Leather-trimmed polka-dot canvas slip-on sneakers by Katie Grand Loves Hogan
5 Polka-dot linen shirt by Burberry Prorsum
6 Polka-dot cotton dress by Marni
7 Polka-dot silk bow tie by Saint Laurent
8 Chuck Taylor All Star polka-dot suede sneakers by Converse
9  Polka-dot cashmere and silk-blend scarf by Burberry Prorsum
10 Lilico flower-embellished leather sandals by Sophia Webster

There is also a scent dressed in dots living up to the trend. Insolence, one of Guerlain’s iconic fragrances, is adopting a whirlwind of neon pink polka dots. A true collector’s item for lovers of the fruity floral scent or a great way to rediscover it.

Top notes: Raspberry, red berries, lemon and bergamot
Middle notes: Violet, orange blossom and rose
Base notes: Orris, sandalwood, tonka bean and musk

Insolence – Limited Edition Crazy Touch – Eau de Toilette 50ml bottle, CHF 110.00.
Available from March 1, 2014 on all Guerlain’s authorized points of sale.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

As you might have already realized looking at the Spring looks of the likes such as Dior, Lancôme or Chanel, this season it is all about soft, pastel and very feminine shades. This post is dedicated to GUERLAIN‘s Météorites Blossom Collection which is probably one of the most beautiful and wearable ones this season. In the French Maison’s press release it says “a spring fable by Guerlain“, so please enjoy this little makeup fairytale that tells you the story of light and freshness with a radiant Natalia Vodianova as the princess of the story.
To the springtime muse in you, enjoy!

MÉTÉORITES
Light-Revealing Pearls of Powder

In 1828, Guerlain, the magician of powders, enchanted the beauty world and illuminated the royal and imperial courts with its radiance. A stroke of its brushes revived the complexions of princesses, the Empresses Sissi and Eugénie, and even Queen Victoria, lighting them up with joy. This unique know-how was so precious that it led to a multicolored big bang in 1987: the marvelous Météorites, small and perfectly round pearls whose happy and varied colors give a heavenly glow to the complexion. A powder? No, all powders! Each of these intangible little pastel beads has its own function and helps beautify the skin. Celestial bodies in pink for a healthy glow, pale green to correct redness, delicate mauve to catch the light and highlighting white and gold for a boost of radiance. In one swish of the brush, they work their magic to bathe the skin in light. Oh, and the last and now legendary detail: their delicious violet fragrance has a loyal following. More than 25 years later, like the original creation, these delightful and magical little pearls are delicately shaped by hand. This enchanting craftsmanship is mastered by only four people in the world… So rare! Now more than ever before, the Météorites write a new chapter of their legend: a constellation of colors that revives light and absolute radiance.

This season, Guerlain launches its iconic Météorites in three different shades that adapt to every skin tone. Available in Clair (pure light for fair skin), Medium (tone-on-tone light for medium skin) and Doré (warm light for golden skin).

BEAUTY TIP –  How to apply the Météorites

1. SCULPT: use Terracotta powder to define the facial contours and the area below the cheekbones. On each side, trace a 3 starting from the hairline, from the forehead to below the cheekbone, then from the facial contour towards the chin. Blend inwards towards the centre of the face.

2. HIGHLIGHT: with your Météorites harmony, illuminate the curved areas of the face. Trace a G from the centre of the forehead towards the top of the cheekbone, then from the bridge of the nose towards the chin. For a dazzling and more iridescent effect, try the Météorites Travel Touch.

MÉTÉORITES BUBBLE
Blush – Light Cream – Fizzy Healthy Glow
LIMITED EDITION

Enchanting partners of the marvelous Météorites, the new bubble blush adds a tangy touch to the complexion for a springtime glow.

Available in 01 Pink and 02 Cherry.

ROUGE AUTOMATIQUE
Hydrating Long-Lasting Lip Colour
171 Attrape-Coeur – 144 Insolence

GLOSS D’ENFER
Intense Colour and Shine, Bare Lip Sensation
900 Star Dust (Limited Edition)

COLOUR LACQUER
Long-Lasting Colour and Shine
263 À La Parisienne –  463 La Petite Robe Noire – 862 Star Dust (Limited Edition)

ÉCRIN 4 COLEURS
Long-Lasting Eyeshadows, Captivating Colours
503 Les Tendres (Limited Edition)

ÉCRIN 2 COLEURS
Colour Fusion Eyeshadows, Vibrant Effects
09 Two VIP

EYEBROW KIT
4 Long-Lasting Powders  – Tailor-Made Shades
00 Universel
CILS D’ENFER
Volume Creating, Curl Sculpting Mascara
03 Moka

In stores in Switzerland starting January 17, 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Are you still looking for a last minute gift for a dear girlfriend or a little something to achieve the perfect holiday glow or the right sparkle for New Year’s Eve? Set an enchanting tone for Holiday, with the new makeup collections that express the magic and mystery of an endlessly festive night. Here are my favorites, enjoy and get inspired!

PETITE ROBE NOIRE SO CRAZY POWDER by Guerlain

The star product of Guerlain’s Christmas collection is this luxurious, limited edition atomiser designed to provide a generous puff of powder, scent and iridescent shimmer for the hair and body. Nobody can resist La Petite Robe Noire with its beautiful ingredients of black cherry, almond and Bulgarian rose.

HIGHLIGHTER ROSE ÉTINCELLE – VEIL OF LIGHT by Lancôme

As though the Lancôme rose were captured in crystalline frost this winter… Subtly pink in hue, this iridescent powder instantly illuminates every complexion. Simply apply with a brush to beautify your face and décolleté.
CHF 65.00

DIORIFIC JEWEL MANICURE DUO GOLD NAIL LACQUER BASE & CRYSTAL PEARLS by Dior

Dior reinvents its jewel nail lacquer with a duo that teams a gold base with crystal micro-pearls to sprinkle over nails. A bold manicure for precious, 3-dimensional nails.
CHF 60.00

ILLUSION D’OMBRE by Chanel

Enlivened with metallic reflections, this product can be used to create an extreme, stylised look or simply to caress the eyes with a veil of mother-of-pearl. I have never been a big fan of cream eyeshadows but totally changed my mind because this amazing powder-cream texture makes the application a pure delight.

My favorite shade is 837 Fatal, a silver purple, which is part of the House’s “Nuit Infinie de Chanel” holiday collection.

THE ONE LIMITED EDITION 2014 by Dolce & Gabbana

I am in love with special editions and this impeccably polished gold version conjures the luxurious spirit of its content for the festive season like no other. Holding one of the most beautiful rich oriental floral perfumes, it opens with a sparkling and modern interpretation of fresh top notes of zesty bergamot and mandarin combined with juicy lycée and peach. The journey to the heart follows into the scent of Madonna lily and ends in a sensual base of vanilla, musky and amber notes.

HYPNOTIC POISON by Dior

After showing you all the limited edition highlights for the holiday season, I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite scents for winter: Hypnotic Poison, one of the best gourmand orientals on the market that was launched in 1998. Almonds and sambac jasmine mix with vanilla and musk to create a dark, bitter aroma. Pure seduction in a bottle and already a classic! Sometimes I only wear the body products mixed with another scent to achieve a new unusual combination.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands

Yesterday I flew to Paris to celebrate the reopening of GUERLAIN‘s legendary address – 68, avenue des Champs-Elysées, which will officially open its doors this Saturday. Since 1914, it had been the house of the family and also the first boutique with only 45m² until 2005.

Peter Marino, Laurent Boillot (CEO Guerlain) and Guy Martin (Chef G68)

Today, it has become a temple of beauty with 1000m² on four floors, expressing the house’s DNA with an unbelievable atmosphere that has not forgotten its past. It is the biggest mono brand beauty store in the entire world. Peter Marino designed the store concept, displaying amazing pieces of art and giving the house’s history space. He encrusted marble into marble in a modern way and said that he relied on his wife for any advice on beauty.

For Peter Marino, “perfume is something in the air, something that is not concrete, that travels through the atmosphere.” Therefore he came up for example with a ceiling installation in the entrance that he called “lost in fragrance”, a very flowing and captivating interior design.

Yesterday with Guerlain’s famous face Natalia Vodianova

A happy Sandra exploring Guerlain’s temple of beauty, filled with house’s iconic fragrances and makeup products.

The store also has a private shopping room where you can indulge into the Haute Perfumery.

Here, you will find exceptional bottles, like for example the Queen Secret, a diamond encrusted bee that opens her wings to reveal the perfume you choose (€400.00 per piece) or a perfumed watch that combines the craftsmanship of watchmaking, jewelry and perfume making.

On display in the store are also some amazing vintage pieces.

An hommage to Guerlain’s iconic L’Orchidée Impériale line is this artwork by Marc Quinn.

To celebrate the opening, different limited or special editions have been launched such as a face powder of which only 400 pieces will be available or L’Eau 68, created by Thierry Wasser, that weaves a thread between the past and the future. Its scent, floral and woody, plays off the contrast between warm and cool spices.

Moreover, you can find a silk scarf selection or perfumed gloves which are amazing and said to keep their scent for a very long time.

The charming Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director of Guerlain, with me yesterday.

On the fourth floor, the amazing Guerlain spa is located. Nine rooms offer a relaxing and calming atmosphere with a very holistic approach. Every treatment is tailor-made for the customer. Different massage techniques from all over the world are combined to cater to the needs of the individual.

The waiting area has its own orchid garden and the entrance is just breathtaking.

In the basement, you will find the G68 restaurant where one of the best French chefs Guy Martin is treating his exclusive clientele to sophisticated and luxurious food – French Haute Cuisine. Martin has worked closely with Guerlain’s in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser. Following the same approach to creativity, they invented food that is called like the fragrances, working with similar ingredients. Martin said: “You have to understand the brand. You have to work with the best qualities, looking for the right products. It is a cuisine of comfort, pleasure and travel.”

I am completely in love with their tea selection named after their iconic fragrances that is also available to buy.

Guerlain’s legendary address is a feast for your senses, where you can indulge in luxury and beauty like nowhere else.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Guerlain introduces its exclusive fall 2013 VOILETTE DE MADAME makeup line, composed to make every woman irresistible, expressing her seduction and personality with style and femininity. Madame’s ultimate accessory, the veil, is the inspiration for this season’s collection. Like the seductress herself, this delicate fabric gives only small glimpses into a woman’s mysterious world. And as Madame unveils herself, her secrets come to light. It is all about “being beautiful and playing the game of seduction,” Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director, describes his inspiration.

Let’s have a closer look at one of my favourite makeup collections of the season. Two luxurious collector’s items adorned in Swiss dot: her precious ROUGE G and the unique 4-COLOUR BLUSH, a delicately violet-scented pressed powder which brings colour to her cheeks, are among my must-haves.

Rouge G de Guerlain (Limited Edition)
860 Madame Batifole – a vibrant fuchsia
861 Madame Flirte – a fruity red
862 Madame Rêve – a voluptuous pink
CHF 64.00

Madame Rougit
4-Colours Blush (Limited Edition)
CHF 85.00

Her GLOSS D’ENFER, with three new shades to die for, and her COLOUR LACQUER complement the look perfectly.

Gloss d’Enfer (Limited Edition)
860 Madame Batifole – an electric sparkling fuchsia (middle)
861 Madame Flirte – a gourmand sparkling red (left)
863 Madame Fascine – a sparkling deep purple for a bitten lips effect (right)
CHF 43.00

Colour Lacquer (Limited Edition)
860 Madame Batifole – an intense fuchsia
CHF 37.00

The new It-accessories for the eyes: two colours, two textures: L’ECRIN 2 COULEURS. Guerlain’s new duo eye shadows are the perfect tool for creating statement looks.

L’Ecrin 2 Couleurs
01 Two Rock – mysterious green & dazzling black
02 Two Stylish – deep blue & metallic grey
03 Two Extravagant – chocolat brown & zesty green
04 Two Gossip – stirring plum & baroque gold
05 Two Candy – soft white & sparkling pink
06 Two Parisian – intense black & powder pink
07 Two Lovely – soft grey & aquamarine
08 Two Spicy- ebony brown & spicy casual
CHF 62.00

The collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain