Sandra‘s Closet

Here is my mandatory outfit post from the LA MER event at Jelmoli last week. I went through my closet to find something that would perfectly match the occasion and I am convinced there couldn’t have been a better choice than my Fishtank Dress from Mary Katrantzou’s S/S 2012 season. Funnily enough, some thought this is the new LA MER uniform. Would be pretty cool, don’t you think?

My look: Fishtank silk-blend jacquard mini dress by Mary Katrantzou, ribbed wool turtleneck sweater by T by Alexander Wang, GG Marmont leather belt bag and Angel platform boots in turquoise, both by Gucci, and Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Celebrating my 9th blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli in Zurich last week was absolutely amazing and I truly would like to thank everyone who came and made it so special, also for the many amazing gifts I got. A big and heartfelt «thank you» goes also to the very professional LA MER team, that is so much fun to work with and to PERRIER-JOUËT for the lovely champagne.

I have been blogging for a long time now, and that evening made me acknowledge just how much happened all these years, and the fact that it all happened because I created a space online to share my love for fashion and beauty, my ideas, inspiration and advice with others. I always believed in being authentic and that staying true to myself would gain success in the long run.

Some of you have been reading Sandra’s Closet since I pressed publish on my very first blog post. I hate the word following. Why? If you see my readers you know they are not followers, they are leading ladies! This was such a rewarding feeling. Seeing all these beautiful, smart women who came from all over Switzerland, from Geneva, Chur, or Basel to Zurich to join me on this occasion. Together we indulged into the luxury world of LA MER and each guest could take home her personally engraved lip gloss.

There were friends who became blog readers and blog readers that became friends. Everyone had a big smile on their face and I was the happiest girl that night! Thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

I am so happy to share today’s post with you. Next week my blog is turning 9! Can you imagine? Time flies… just to give you an idea of all the work that went into this site. This is my 3821st post and since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate with you…

Meet me next Thursday, November 22nd, 2018 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 next Thursday, November 22nd 2018 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbles, 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.

As space is limited and a personalized gift will be waiting for you, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 19th of November. Please send me an e-mail with the header «LA MER», your full name and the time you are planning to come to . First come, first serve. I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

You will get a lot of special treats – here is what to expect:
Champagne from Perrier-Jouët

Freelance celebrity make-up artist Andrea Kipfer will introduce LA MER‘s amazing Skincolor Foundation. Andrea is the co-founder of the renowned hair & makeup agency Style Council and has done many advertising and fashion shoots. During the evening, she will happily help you to improve your make-up skills and share some beauty secrets with us.

You also get the chance to discover the different textures of the famous LA MER moisturizers. Once you find your favorite, you will be gifted with a luxury size sample of it.On top, each guest will receive an original size LA MER Lip Balm worth CHF 82.00 that will be engraved with a special message.

I am so much looking forward to meeting and spending the evening with you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Andrea Kipfer
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
#LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch

Hybrid fashion has been trending for some time now and it is a must when you are looking for refreshing staples. Here you see me wearing a deconstructed sweater that instantly catches your eye. Spliced with a lace-trimmed cream satin camisole through the middle, it slouches off the shoulder and has an adjustable spaghetti strap. The gray wool-blend is knitted with touches of cashmere so it feels soft and cozy. Perfect for a stroll through the city.

My look: Cashmere coat in pink by Prada, paneled wool-blend, lace and satin sweater by Alexander Wang, drawstring shorts by Givenchy, suede overknee boots by Dior, Kelly «So Black» by Hermès, GG jacquard pattern knitted scarf, and rabbit-felt fedora, both by Gucci.

The key to fight the autumn blues is to wear some vibrant colors and to have a glowing complexion. One product I can highly recommend is LA MER‘s new The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation SPF 20. This all-in-one compact is also a hybrid product, a mixture between powder and foundation, especially great for touch-ups on the go. With healing hydration from Miracle Broth™ and color capsule technology, it gives skin a lift of luminosity—for a fresh, flawless look and a plumper, firmer feel, like cashmere for your skin. Available now for CHF 115.00 including a refill and additional sponge applicator.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Breast cancer … it’s a scary thought and all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them. Fact is though, every 19 seconds a woman is diagnosed with this terrible disease somewhere on this planet. So, don’t be ignorant, during breast cancer awareness month October go for a medical checkup, it might save your life. Moreover you can shop for a good cause by getting one of the PINK RIBBON 2018 products below. The Estée Lauder Companies’ iconic brands support the mission #TimeToEndBreastCancer to create a breast cancer-free world. In Switzerland they raise funds for the «Look Good Feel Better» foundation that helps people with cancer deal with the appearance side effects of cancer treatment.

LIMITED EDITIONS ESTÉE LAUDER
Advanced Night Repair with Pink Ribbon Keychain
Enjoy the #1 repair serum plus a collectible keychain, honoring and supporting breast cancer awareness.
CHF 149.00 (50ml) of which CHF 20.00 will go to charity.

Powerful Pink Color Collection
A make-up set with everything you need.
CHF 75.00 of which CHF 15.00 will go to charity.

Powerful Pink Contour & Highlight Minaudière
This golden, sophisticated clutch holds a Pure Color Lipstick, plus powerful pink makeup shades to sculpt and glow-on-the-go.
CHF 195.00 of which CHF 30.00 will go to charity.
All three available at Estée Lauder counters or online.

LIMITED EDITION BOBBI BROWN
Pinks with Purpose Lip Color Duo
Think pink with this set featuring two of our iconic, semi-matte lipsticks that deliver comfortable, full-coverage color in a single swipe.
CHF 59.00 of which CHF 15.00 will go to charity.
Available at Bobbi Brown counters and online.

LIMITED EDITIONS CLINIQUE
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
Limited-edition bottle of the famous yellow lotion in a jumbo size for a great cause. Adorned with a 5-charm key ring including the Pink Ribbon.
CHF 89.00 (200ml) of which CHF 17.00 will go to charity.
Available at Globus and Jelmoli.

Moisture Surge – 72Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
Enjoy 72 hours of non-stop hydration, even after washing your face.
CHF 39.00 (50ml) of which CHF 7.00 will go to charity.
Available at Manor, Marionnaud, Import and Beauty Alliance.

LIMITED EDITION LA MER
Cleansing Micellar Water
This light, fresh, sea-inspired cleanser sweeps away dirt and micro-emulsifies makeup in one rinseless step.
CHF 60.00 (100ml) of which CHF 12.00 will go to charity.
Available at all La Mer counters.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«The story of La Mer is one of hope, healing, and one man’s deep respect for the power of the living sea.»

Dear readers, let me invite you to my home to discover the hero, the icon, the original moisture miracle by LA MER.

In the beginning of September, I hosted a lovely intimate dinner with LA MER at my house for my dear friends. The evening was filled with everything we as women like – from discovering skincare products to sharing beauty secrets, from great conversations to playing games. Under the eye of a sea god with great abs, real mermaids were swimming in the pool while we enjoyed lots of PERRIER-JOUËT bubbly and a four-course gourmet meal.

A huge thank you the LA MER team – pure women power!
From left to right: Quynh Arguello, Jasmin Aziz and Maike Kiessling with me.

During dinner, Quynh and Jasmin gave us a lovely insight into the journey of the famous cream that began when Dr. Max Huber suffered burns in an experiment gone awry. Scientist by day, star-gazer and dreamer by night, he hoped to unlock the legendary healing powers of the sea he held so dear.

Living by the ocean, he was constantly inspired by marine life, especially the extraordinary, self-regenerating properties of giant sea kelp. Eventually he created his own method of unlocking potent activity from such pure ingredients, using the power of fermentation, an art that works like alchemy. Perfected over 12 years, after nearly 6,000 experiments, this transformative process finally produced the iconic cell-renewing Miracle Broth™ by using light and sound energies to amplify activity. The elixir that soothed his skin still flows through every LA MER product today.
Every time the Miracle Broth™ is created, it all begins with a starter drop from the previous batch – the unbroken link to Dr.Huber’s very first Crème de La Mer.

I am truly a LA MER fan. I like that the fact that I don’t need to worry about finding the right product. It is one cream, available in different textures and accompanied by additional products such as body care must-haves, serums, masks and more. Here I am explaining my addiction to the brand’s self-tanning lotion.

As I am having very dry skin, I love to indulge in the original texture of the Moisturizing Cream. For those who will try it for the first time, don’t forget to warm the product between your fingers before you apply it. If you prefer a lighter texture, I recommend using the Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream or the Moisturizing Soft Lotion.

During dinner we were able to try many different LA MER products and even enjoyed a fish sabayon served in the famous white jar.

On display was a preview of this month’s launch: to celebrate Crème de la Mer’s transformative touch, a vintage edition is available now featuring one of the brand’s earliest jar designs.

After dessert, the ladies were invited around the pool to chance their luck by playing «Message in a Bottle». Our lovely sea god fished them for us. Each of us was gifted with a little note and three even got some extra surprises.

It was a beautiful summer night filled with laughter and fun. A huge thank you to LA MER for this beautiful idea and to all my lovely girlfriends for coming!

LoL, Sandra

All Photos: © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
#LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch

The skin around the eyes is the most hard-working part of the face – we blink up to 28,000 times a day – but it can also be fragile and under-nourished. Here are the best eye creams and treatments to strengthen this sensitive area.

THE EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL
The Eye Concentrate by La Mer
This light, deeply conditioning cream comes with an applicator that doubles as a massager. Use the cool metal tip from the inner corner of the eyes outwards to get rid of puffiness.

THE DAILY ANTI-AGER
Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix by Estée Lauder
This lightweight eye serum tackles all the major problems that we have around the eyes: puffiness, dark circles, dry and crepey skin. The skin around the eye doesn’t produce natural oils, so the high dosage of hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates before applying your eye cream – and don’t be fooled by the name, you can use it in the mornings, too.

THE MASK
Eye Contour Mask by Sisley Paris
One of my favorites as you’ll see instant results from the first use! Apply a thick layer of this transparent gel and gently tissue off 10 minutes later to look refreshed, rested and rejuvenated. 

MASK ON THE GO
All Natural Retinol Infused Eye Mask by KNC Beauty
I always have them in my pocket and take them on my trips. Playfully shaped like shooting stars, they’re infused with retinol to improve texture and stimulate blood flow. The plumping collagen, soothing aloe and moisturizing hyaluronic acid help reduce swelling and diminish dark circles in no time.THE DE-PUFFER
Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes by Anne Semonin
Perfect ahead of a big event or to counter the effects of jetlag, these clever cubes use cryotherapy to refresh tired eyes. Keep them in the freezer for at least three hours before use, remove the cube and gently run along the contours of your eyes. The freezing temperature firms the skin and helps to eliminate toxins and lessen the effects of eating too much salt or a night of drinking a few too many mojitos.

THE GADGET
SpectraLite EyeCare Pro by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet are reduced by 72 LED lights penetrating the skin to stimulate collagen production. Use for two weeks, three minutes per day, for noticeable results.

THE COVER UP
The Cure Sheer Eye Cream & Concealer by Natura Bissé
This multitasker, infused with water lily and caffeine, acts as an anti-aging eye cream and a concealer. The perfect mix of skincare and coverage, it goes on like a lightweight foundation while the added serum brightens and hydrates.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Recently, I received new beauty products to try. These two have been helping me to survive the hot weather perfectly. Regardless of where you live, this summer has been a scorcher (and it’s not even close to being over!). I have definitely been in the sun too much. I try to protect my skin, but it is still dried out.

LA MER‘s new TREATMENT LOTION HYDRATING MASK is absolutely amazing. You can hydrate on the go. This innovative supercharged sheet mask is infused with a full ounce (30ml) of The Treatment Lotion‘s energizing vitality in each application. Your skin feels immediately moisturized. Prep with The Treatment Lotion followed by the mask for an healthy glow.
CHF 170.00 (6 sheet masks) #LoveLaMer

To beat the hot weather, I love to put the products in the fridge and apply them chilled. This feels so good and refreshing.

Beauty on the go – also best for travelling. Another amazing product is this one here:

JO MALONE‘s LIME BASIL & MANDARIN BODY & HAIR OIL is a great way to refresh and moisturize after a hot day. Spray it on your dry or wet skin or hair and you will immediately feel invigorated. You will love its summery smell.
CHF 81.00 (100ml) – #DeclareYourScent

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Moisturizing your skin in summer with oils is a great idea and an awesome way of feeling sexy at the beach as you immediately get a beautiful glow. There are two products about which it is obviously not the first time I’m blogging about nor will it be the last that I always pack for my vacation.

First NUXE‘s Huile Prodigieuse® Dry Oil which is for me a cult beauty classic as it is so multi-tasking. It can be used on face, body and hair and smells divine like a bouquet of white flowers. It comes with a unique cocktail of borage, St Johnswort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut, macadamia plant oils and Vitamin E. This year as a limited edition in a cute golden dress.
CHF 34.90  (100ml)

Then there is LA MER‘s The Glowing Body Oil with its rich blend of vitamin E, nourishing oils and tiny sparkles that leave a subtle shimmer on your skin to create the perfect sun-kissed glow. This luxurious body oil softens and conditions skin for a youthful luminosity. The sparkles make the difference…
CHF 120.00 (95ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Frayed «St. Tropez» embroidered straw sunhat by Miu Miu

MEET THE LATEST COLLECTOR’S CREAM
Adorned with shimmering sea fans and watercolor coral, LA MER introduces this year’s Blue Heart Limited-Edition Crème de la Mer, already a true collector’s cream, to commemorate WORLD OCEANS DAY! Inside the pot is the famous luxuriously rich cream that deeply soothes, moisturizes and heals away dryness. My skin looks naturally vibrant and feels restored to its healthiest center. The iconic Miracle Broth™ – the legendary healing elixir that flows through all of LA MER – infuses the skin with sea-sourced renewing energies. Available for CHF 490 (100ml).

LA MER has teamed up with Sea2See Eyewear to produce this pair of sustainable sunglasses, made entirely from sea-salvaged plastic and handcrafted in Italy.

WHAT IS LA MER OCEAN’S FUND?
The ocean’s beauty is reflected in everything LA MER stands for. The sea is the brand’s constant inspiration. Alongside a devoted community of advocates, explorers and scientists, LA MER advocates for ocean protection through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives, and supporting ocean conservation projects.

AWAKEN A SEA CHANGE
The sea in you is the sea in me – and LA MER seeks to honor and protect the living connection we all have to the Earth’s precious seas for generations to come. Through the LA MER Blue Heart Oceans Fund’s commitment to marine protected areas in the Azores Islands, Grenada and the East China Sea, the brand hopes to positively impact the future of our seas.

In the East China Sea, #LaMerBlueHeart supports the groundbreaking research development of global sustainable fishing strategies to bring harmony back to marine ecosystems.

BEACH CLEAN UP
Each year, LA MER team members around the world lead an effort to clean their local shores and beaches.

All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health. Share your connection with the Earth’s ocean with #LaMerBlueHeart and mention @lamer for a chance to be featured.

TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht