Sandra‘s Closet

If I dedicate a post to just one product, it means that this product can do some magic… How does highlighting, brightening and energizing for a lit-from-within glow sound?

With LA MER‘s The Hydrating Illuminator you can instantly awaken your skin with a luminescent glow. Infused with Miracle Broth™ and antioxidants, this multi-use highlighter diffuses and redirects light to brighten and enhance while amplifying skin’s natural radiance with nourishing hydration.

Complementing a range of skintones with radiant pearls, this universal shade plumps skin’s appearance with a healthy-looking, fresh glow.

The Hydrating Illuminator (40ml) is available now for CHF 80.00.
TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

A stroke of brilliance for you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer

Thursday one week ago, I had the privilege to be celebrating my 10th blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli in Zurich among dear friends and most amazing Sandra’s Closet readers. With all my heart, I would like to thank everyone who came and made this evening so special, also for the many beautiful and thoughtful gifts I got. A big and heartfelt «thank you» goes also to the very professional LA MER team, that surprised me with the best cake ever and to PERRIER-JOUËT for the lovely champagne.

The evening was dedicated to the most luxurious products by LA MER, the Genaissance de La Mer collection. The brand’s best anti-aging skincare products offer accelerated renewal and visibly erase signs of time with the help of potent crystals. Inspired by the latter, guests were invited to enjoy a personalized crystal reading by Alexandra Kruse.

I have been blogging for one decade now and so much happened over these past 10 years. I have always believed in being authentic and that staying true to myself would gain success in the long run. Nobody knows what the future holds. So let’s enjoy life to the fullest, be kind and inspire each other every day. Thank you to everyone for the journey.

Happy 1st Advent!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sanjeev Velmurugan – © Sandra Bauknecht and via my lovely guests

Last week was crazy. Monday Dubai, Tuesday Abu Dhabi, Wednesday London and Thursday back in Zurich for one night to celebrate my 10 year blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli before leaving again for Frankfurt. The evening was fantastic and I cannot wait to show you everything!

In honor of LA MER, my outfit was inspired by the sea and I went for this wave-printed top and a seashell clutch in shades of the ocean.

My look: Grosgrain-trimmed printed stretch-jersey turtleneck top by Kenzo, embellished leather-trimmed pleated cady maxi skirt by Christopher Kane, Donna crystal-embellished leather sandals by Prada, faux pearl and satin clutch by Balenciaga, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sanjeev Velmurugan

10 years – as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 120 months, which is around 3650 days, and this is my 4193rd post which means I wrote more than one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

On Thursday, I pre-celebrated my blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli, I was so proud to welcome some of my Swiss readers, confident, beautiful and smart women, who came from all over the country. I cannot wait to show you the photos. A huge thank you to everyone for coming and all the surprises, I truly felt loved.

Me in the senior yearbook in 1994.

After a crazy week, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and London, I am at the airport again, ready to leave for Frankfurt in Germany as I have my 25-year class reunion today. I am so happy to be reunited with all my girls.

Thank you all for the journey! More to come…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Next week my blog is turning 10! Time flies… I still remember my first post on November 23, 2009 and all of a sudden this is the 4182nd time I have pushed the «publish immediately» button. Since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion and beauty. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate this special occasion with you like we did last year, just a little bigger and better …

Meet me in one week on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich!

For all my Swiss readers and of course also for those who want to come to Switzerland, meet me Thursday, November 21, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbly champagne by Perrier-Jouët, beauty and great company.

That night, the shops in Zurich will be open until 10pm and the city’s «Lucy» lights for Christmas will be illuminate the Bahnhofstrasse in a switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

To celebrate the occasion, LA MER and I would love to spoil you to the fullest.
WHAT TO EXPECT:

The Genaissance line and a little preview of my LA MER inspired outfit next week…

Discover the most luxurious line of LA MER skincare that is known for harnessing the renewing energies and healing powers of the sea: GENAISSANCE, designed to help improve signs of aging with the brand’s legendary Crystal Miracle Broth™ – a naturally potent bio-fermented formula that reawakens the skin’s radiance and reduces the appearance of lines and imperfections.

One lucky lady can WIN A GENAISSANCE TREATMENT at Jelmoli worth CHF 500.00.

As the Genaissance line was inspired when a scientist at the Max Huber Research Labs discovered crystals forming in a beaker of Miracle Broth™, we will have Alex Kruse (@_alexandrakruse_) with us, who will give each guest – if they like – a CRYSTAL READING, to give you some amazing and fun insights into your past, present and future.

Your goodie bag!

On top, each guest will RECEIVE A GOODIE BAG with an original size LA MER Loose Powder Skincolor worth CHF 95.00 that will be engraved with a special birthday message as well as the LA MER 15ml Soft Cream worth CHF 110.00 and a mini bottle of Perrier-Jouët.

With all these goodies, isn’t it crystal clear that you have to join me that night!

As space is limited and to coordinate your personalized gift, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 18th of November. First come, first serve. Please send me an e-mail with the header «10 Years», and your full name to . I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

I am so much looking forward to seeing, meeting and spending the evening with you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography © Sandra Bauknecht
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
Instagram @_alexandrakruse_ #LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch 

October is breast cancer awareness month and each year the Estée Lauder Companies launch some of their iconic products as a part of the Pink Ribbon collection, of which proceeds of the profits are donated to research. A movement that started with one woman, Evelyn H. Lauder. In 1992, the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was born when the visionary became troubled by the lack of awareness, funding and resources necessary to overcome the disease.

Even that this post is pretty late in the last days of October (I hadn’t received the infos in time…), I don’t want you to miss this beautiful initiative by the Estée Lauder Companies as raising awareness for breast cancer is very dear to my heart. My mum had it twice and survived it. Being close to someone that goes through this terrible disease, is eye-opening.

BOBBI BROWN
Proud to be Pink Lip Color Duo
CHF 59.00 (of which CHF 15.00 are donated)

CLINIQUE
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Jumbo with Keychain
CHF 89.00 / 200ml (of which CHF 17.00 are donated)

LA MER
The Treatment Lotion
CHF 105.00 / CHF 100ml (of which CHF 21 are donated)

ESTÉE LAUDER
Limited-Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II with Pink Ribbon Bracelet
CHF 149.00 / 50ml  (of which CHF 20.00 are donated)

ESTÉE LAUDER
Pink Perfection Lipstick Set
CHF 65.00 (of which CHF 13.00 are donated)

AVEDA
Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Cream with Cherry Almond Aroma
CHF 40.50 (of which CHF 5 are donated)

The products will be available until they are sold out. Shopping for a great cause is something we should all be supporting! Girls support girls…

For my Swiss readers some great news: On October 31, 2019 you are invited to attend the Estée Lauder Companies Pink Ribbon Charity Sale at Puls 5, Giessereihalle, 8031 Zurich from 11am to 7pm with mark downs up to 70% from brands such as Aveda, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Glamglow, Jo Malone London, Mac, Origins, Smashbox, Tom Ford and fragrances from DKNY, Michael Kors. All proceeds will go to Look Good Feel Better.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Estée Lauder Companies
#TimeToEndBreastCancer

One thing my mum taught me from an early age is taking care of my neck and upper chest. Let’s be frank, most of us have been cleansing and moisturizing since we were in high school but how many pay really attention to this delicate area even that the décolletage is often one of the first places to show signs of ageing. I am always amused when I see some perfectly smooth faces treated with botox on top of a wrinkled neck. It doesn’t look young, rather bizarre.

Why is that? The skin on our neck and upper chest is naturally thinner and more prone to wrinkling than elsewhere. It also produces less oil than the face, but also often receives more sun exposure so forgetting to apply SPF and neglecting to nourish it can result in premature ageing quicker than you’d imagine. I know so many women who rely on foundation to provide protection, but they’re not blending it down onto their neck in sufficient amounts to block damaging UVA rays, the same goes for their moisturizing routine that mostly stops at the chin.

Another very important factor are so-called «sleep wrinkles» that can show on your chest. Especially if you are a side sleeper. Try to get off to sleep when lying on your back and use my beloved Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow by Nurse Jamie.

And most importantly, there is the phenomenon of the «tech neck», that can occur from persistent folding of the skin from repetitive motion, like looking down at your phone or laptop computer. This leads to a laxity of the neck skin and causes these terrible horizontal wrinkles. This is not all…

Did you know that the upper chest area is a high histamine response area, and thus red flushing can occur. Most women think skincare stops at the neck. However, the quality of most daily body lotions is insufficient to treat or delay signs of ageing on the décolletage. If you’re serious about treating your chest, shop for décolletage-specific skincare. Personally speaking, I am a total fan of the new LA MER ‘The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate’ cream. Formulated with Miracle Broth™, strengthening ferment and lime tea concentrate, this intensive balm deeply hydrates and plumps to soften fine lines and crepiness.

The product is intended to be used morning and evening. Gently smooth it onto your neck and décolletage with fingertips (my preferred way) or with the brush provided, then massage using upward, circular motions. For optimal results, follow with your favorite moisturizer.

My personal tip to get bad beauty habits literally off your chest. You can tone your skin as you pamper it by doing this exercise I got from a dermatologist: Tilt your head back, relax your upper body, and open and close your mouth, jetting your jaw forward and tensing it as you do it. The platysma on the neck muscles are like cords, you are strengthening them that way. The muscles on the neck are independent from the skin, unlike the face where it’s all glued together. Apply the neck cream first with vigorous upward strokes using your entire palm, and then do the exercise. Repeat the exercise 20 times each night to get great results!

The special skin there has special needs. My best tip is to treat your décolleté like you treat your face. Get cleansing. Get moisturizing.

The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate is available now for CHF 320.- (50ml).
TO SHOP IT ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

There are advent calendars and then there those supersized, super-luxe advent calendars, full of the best in makeup, hair and skincare or even filled with surprises for intimate pleasures. It’s what self-gifting was made for…

Consider them the ultimate, carefully curated «best of» – and everything you need to take you through the holiday season. Click on the highlighted description to find out more… I personally love the small sized products as they are great for travelling.

LoL, Sandra

The Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar by Harrods
Housed in a beautiful navy blue coffret which will serve as a keepsake for years to come, it’s packed to the rafters with twenty five miniature and full size favourites from the famous Harrods Beauty Halls.

25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar by Net-à-Porter Beauty
Counting down 25 days, its drawers are packed with a slew of goodies picked especially by Net-à-Porter’s team of Beauty Buyers.

Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic Advent Calendar by Charlotte Tilbury
 Filled with hero products to get you through the party season and beyond.

10 Day Balmain Advent Calendar by Balmain Hair Couture
Balmain Paris Hair Couture brings back the joy of opening advent calendars with this grown-up version featuring 10 haircare products.

 12 Days of Red Carpet Advent Calendar by Rodial
This round-up of miniatures will ensure your skin is looking refreshed and radiant in time for the big day.

Beauty Advent Calendar by Acqua di Parma
Featuring a miniature version of the signature scent Colonia, it also includes Blu Mediterraneo, Le Nobili and Signature of the Sun miniatures.

12 Days of Glowing Renewal by La Mer (coming soon)
Featuring 12 mini La Mer products from the popular Renewal Oil and Treatment Lotion to two 15ml mini moisturisers in the Soft Cream and original Creme de la Mer Moisturising Cream.
In Switzerland available from October 21, 2019 for CHF 440.

Townhouse advent calendar by Jo Malone London (coming soon)
As always, the calendar is filled to the brim with sweet-smelling products, with 24 doors containing small vials of perfume (9ml), candles and body lotion.
In Switzerland available from October 28, 2019 for CHF 490.

Deluxe Advent Calendar by Amorana
In Switzerland available now for CHF 479.90 – for intimate pleasures.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Ladies and gentlemen, the next (re)generation is here and this is your chance to win youth in a bottle for three months!

Personally speaking, my beauty secret has always been the use of serums. I swear on them as they target the skin’s natural metabolism and strengthen every treatment. As I am constantly travelling and deprived of sleep, chronic inflammation – caused by outside stressors, such as pollution, UV light, and others – can be one of the reasons skin prematurely shows the typical signs of aging. As the LA MER research department discovered, through decreasing inflammation, you can effectively preserve the pre-existing collagen and elastin already found in your skin.

Therefore a decade after the launch of the beloved Regenerating Serum and inspired by breakthrough discoveries, LA MER re-engineers its cult-favorite with advanced science, new sea-sourced actives, and an added dose of Miracle Broth™ to accelerate skin’s natural renewal process. The new Regenerating Serum is formulated with plant stem cells, lightweight and quick-absorbing. With a new Metabolic Ferment, it helps skin activate collagen and boost the elastin production while reducing the appearance of evident fine lines, wrinkles and pores. This super-charged serum is free from parabens, phthalates and sulfates.

Like the rest of LA MER’s skincare line, the new Regenerating Serum is incredibly easy to use, too. To release key ingredients, shake gently and sweep 1 to 2 pumps over face and neck morning and evening. Follow with your LA MER moisturizer.

In stores now for CHF 390.00 (30ml).

While not exactly a budget buy, the new formula offers up cutting-edge ingredients from LA MER and it is absolutely worth the try. Great news is that five lucky readers get the chance to try the new Regenerating Serum for three months!

To participate, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «LA MER NEW REGENERATING SERUM» to . All entries must be received until October 6, 2019. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address. Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LA MER and © Sandra Bauknecht
@LaMer #LoveLaMer

Got a jam-packed summer of festivals lined up? Whilst letting loose and embracing the dirt is all part of the festival experience, a few days of minimal showering and little sleep doesn’t exactly make for the best look. The key is to pack light, look after your skin and keep to multitasking makeup in your beauty bag. Below are some tent-proof products to get you festival-ready:

Luminizing Powder – Grande Dame by RMS Beauty
This pressed powder imparts a subtle yet radiant glow that’s perfect for every day to achieve a fast and lasting complexion.

Amethyst Bottle by GLACCE
Childhood friends Sharon Leslie and Julia Schoen grew up in New Orleans and were affected by Hurricane Katrina, so they decided to use crystal healing to spread comfort, gratitude, and love in the community – that’s how GLACCE was born. The removable amethyst crystal is thought to emit calming and creative energy.

A Social Life For Your Hair Finishing Cream, 80ml by Larry King
London’s celebrity hair stylist’s new product line includes this finishing cream that can be used to tame curls and flyaways or to smooth tresses. It’s fragranced with a ‘cloud watching‘ scent, perfect for Coachella.

Boost Supplement (30 capsules) by Form Nutrition
Whenever you need a hit of energy before dancing through fun Coachella Parties, this calming boost formula is a natural caffeine supplement to get you in the zone. Each tablet contains calming Amino Acid L-Theanine to improve attention and alertness, plus a powerful dose of CDP-Choline to maintain healthy mental function and focus.

The Icon Palette by Charlotte Tilbury
Inspired by the musicians and dancers the makeup artist used to party with in her heyday, it offers everything you need to enhance eyes, lips and cheeks. Don’t forget, festival season is not for the shy!

Holi(stick) N3 Deodorant, 50ml by Agent Nateur
Dancing around in the sunshine all day long means you’ll require a reliable, high-performing deodorant. This aluminum-free deodorant is formulated to keep odors at bay without the use of toxic chemicals.

Facial Cleansing Wipes x 15 by Cleanse by Lauren Napier
After a long day soaking up the festival vibes, all you’ll want to do when you get back to the tent is remove your makeup – and the many layers of dirt and grime. Cleansing wipes are the perfect tool to leave you feeling as fresh as a daisy – or near enough!

The Broad Spectrum SPF50 UV Protecting Fluid, 50ml by La Mer
Of course we’re always hoping the sun shines for our festivals, but the truth is, whatever the forecast, protection from the sun’s radiation is an essential. You’ll want to choose a broad-spectrum high SPF sun fluid, that is lightweight like this one by La Mer.
For my Swiss followers: the promo code sandralamer is still active on the Swiss La Mer website until April 30, 2019. Receive some amazing goodies. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ONLINE SHOP DIRECTLY.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter