Sandra‘s Closet

Mother’s Day is around the corner, so why not getting prepared on time to give a little unexpected surprise to your beloved mum. Here are some of my favorite new beauty products for Spring 2018. To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

ALAÏA PARIS Eau de Parfum Nude, 30ml
also available as 100ml
After black and white was nude the third important color for the late designer. He took the art of fragrance even a step further by saying: «the foundation of beauty is the body,» and your fragrance is the first step. Alaïa’s new Nude Eau de Parfum is an evocative, exotic scent that’s layered with orange blossom. It has warm tonka bean, cardamom and suede at the base, while woody top notes of cedar and sandalwood give it a luxurious finish. Just wonderful for a warm summer night.

TOM FORD Soleil Eye and Cheek Palette – Soleil D’Ambre
Perfect for traveling as everything you need is housed in a sleek compact that comes with a mirror for touch-ups on the go. This limited edition «Soleil D’Ambre» palette contains a coral-pink blush and antique-rose highlighter to give your cheeks a pop of color, with four shimmering eyeshadows ranging from cream to an aubergine chocolate. Time to get your subtle sun-kissed glow.

BY TERRY Baume de Rose Body Scrub, 180g
A gift your mum will surely love. Adding this scrub into the daily regime will keep the skin smooth, soft and radiant (also a prefect preparation for applying self tanning products). Infused with multiple elements of precious rose including butter, oil and extracts, this rich formula hydrates, repairs and protects dry and fragile skin. The naturally moisturizing sugar crystals will gently remove dead cells.

LA MER The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream, 60ml
As a huge La Mer fan, I can only recommend this new texture of the famous cream which is so lightweight that it is just perfect for the warmer summer months. It is also infused with the brand’s signature Miracle Broth™ formula that works to heal skin down to its core, while soothing irritation and leaving you feel refreshed.

NURSE JAMIE Neck & Décolleté Wrap – Skin Perfecting Silicone Treatment
When you mum thought there might be no help, you will surprise her hugely with this new «Neck & Décolleté Wrap» that helps minimize the signs of aging caused by sun damage, gravity and sleeping on your side tremendously. Something we will all experience when we get older. Inspired by scar treatments that have been used in the medical field for years, it works by blanketing the chosen area and amplifying the effects of your favorite moisturizer – for best results, the brand recommends leaving it on for at least 20 minutes. Great news is that it is reusable for up to 20 treatments.

TOM FORD Eau de Parfum – ******* Fabulous, 50ml
This is highly exclusive and you better order it fast as this bottle is something really special. After Tom Ford had sent out 300 of those bottles of its new fragrance «F***ing Fabulous» with the invites to his S/S 2018 show, fashionistas started craving for it after the first pictures appeared on Instagram of some of the lucky guests. The name was created the second Tom smelled the scent during a business meeting and proclaimed those very words and after that no other name could compete. It is an alluring leathery Eau de Parfum infused with spicy and bold notes of bitter almond oil, tonka resinoid and cashmeran, but there are also hints of lavender and vanilla for freshness, too. What a lovely way of telling your mum that she is f***ing fabulous!

FREDERIC MALLE Essentials Collection, 5 x 7ml
If your mum is a fragrance lover, she will adore this curated selection of Frederic Malle’s most-loved scents. Each bottle is perfectly sized for travel and bears the name of the perfumer who created the fragrance. Included are Carnal Flower, Magnolia, Iris Poudre, Musc Ravageur (my favorite) and Portrait of a Lady.

ANYA HINDMARCH Baby Powder scented candle, 700g
Evoke some of your mum’s happiest times with this candle that smells reminiscent of newborn babies and the memories they create. Set in a black glass vessel with hand-poured wax, this «Baby Powder» version blends notes of bergamot, Italian mandarin and rose petal with a base of vanilla, tonka bean and musk – reminding your mum of sleepless nights and first smiles… and that it was all worth it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

October is breast cancer awareness month and this year marks Estée Lauder‘s 25th anniversary of the iconic Pink Ribbon collection, a special range of beauty products with 20 per cent of the profits donated to research. A movement that started with one woman, Evelyn H. Lauder in 1992, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was born when the visionary became troubled by the lack of awareness, funding and resources necessary to overcome the disease.

Evelyn H. Lauder co-created the pink ribbon 25 years ago.

In the beginning, the brand started the campaign by handing out pink ribbons at its beauty counters around the world, and one year later, Lauder went on to establish the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a non-profit organisation, to generate funding that would be solely dedicated to the study of the disease. A quarter of a century later, The Estée Lauder Companies’ beauty brands – among them La Mer, DKNY, Jo Malone London, Tom Ford Beauty just to name a few – continue to create a breast cancer-free world by raising funds.

Interesting to know is that a touch of blue in the design represents the less than 1% of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information on The Breast Cancer Campaign, visit bcacampaign.com.

For more information on the Pink Ribbon products, click here please.

By shopping one of the specially created products, you can support the campaign. Moreover for every post on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #PinkRibbon25 and #ELCdonates @bcacampaign until October 31, 2017, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to fund a half-hour of breast cancer research. The goal is to finance 500 hours worth $25.000.

Time to end breast cancer!

LoL, Sandra

My Instagram post with my beloved Advanced Night Repair in pink by Estée Lauder.

Photos: Courtesy of The Estée Lauder Companies and © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you one of my beauty-obsessed readers who’s quick to notice even the most minor cosmetic tweak? Then this post is for you. Today, I would like to share my time-tested recommendation for the perfect concealer, foundation and powder trio.

One lovely morning in Zurich‘s Park Hyatt Hotel, I had the pleasure to try the three products by one of my favorite brands LA MER. All enriched with the brand’s coveted, ultra hydrating Miracle Broth™, the nourishing formulas blend seamlessly into the skin to conceal pores and even out texture. Forget the drying, cake-y powders of your makeup bag’s past, this is the answer to nailing the flawless complexion of everyone’s dreams. It is make-up that looks like no make-up.

Dream trio: Concealer, Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation, Powder and don’t forget to use the right Powder Brush.

New to the family: Sheer Pressed Powder (to the left) is the ideal compact companion to create a healthy matte finish – wherever you go.

In the beautiful ambiance of one of the suites at Park Hyatt Zurich, we were able to explore the products and enjoy some yummy food. What a great idea to serve desert in your used cream pots (see photo below) … ladies, keep collecting!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

June 8th marks World Oceans Day which is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. This year’s overall theme is «Our Oceans, Our Future», with the focus on encouraging solutions to plastic pollution and preventing marine litter for a healthier sea life.

Shades of blue: GG Marmont matelassé mini bag by Gucci and the limited edition Crème de la Mer Blue Heart.

To commemorate World Oceans Day, La Mer has created as in previous years a special collector’s edition of its much coveted miracle cream «Crème de la Mer Blue Heart» which will be available from now for CHF 490.00 (100ml). The ultra-luxury skincare brand has long been a committed guardian in assisting with the protection of sea habitats. Inspired by its healing power and the natural regenerating properties of plants, the Crème de La Mer creator and aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber looked to the sea to transform the look of his skin.

THE MISSION

The La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund launches with a focus on protecting ocean habitats by expanding Marine Protected Areas and empowering ongoing ocean conservation projects around the globe.

This year, La Mer is taking its mission a step further through a New York City-based art walk and auction in collaboration with ocean conservation organization Project 0 and the storied auction house Sotheby’s.

Here is a glimpse of the extraordinary sea-inspired sculptures on display in New York City through the end of June.

THE LA MER
WAVE WALK

Partnering with La Mer, Project 0 brought together some of the world’s most influential artists, designers and culture-makers to create their own wave-inspired, charitable works of art.

On display in New York City during the months around World Oceans Day, the artworks will be auctioned off with all net proceeds going to ocean protection efforts. The online auction will be live until June 23rd, 2017. Sotheby’s will auction off select wave sculptures in an exclusive, live charity event on June 21st in NYC.

YOU CAN SHOP LA MER ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht
#LaMerBlueHeart – #LaMerWaveWalk

Today I would like to introduce to you La Mer‘s newest launch: The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum for continuous hydration and energy. I am loving it!

This deeply replenishing serum awakens vitality one drop at a time, flooding skin with sea-sourced actives and the healing energies of the brand’s famous Miracle Broth™ Tiny micro-droplets of the Deep Hydration Ferment – with an interactive blend of green, brown and red algae – are designed to penetrate rapidly, revitalizing deep within skin’s surface. With 8x the immediate effects of a humidifier, this refreshing serum creates a haven of all-day hydration.

Lime Tea Concentrate – a powerful antioxidant – protects against the elements, allowing skin to thrive, cells plump and lines are visibly softened as natural repair is energized. My skin has become visibly radiant, youthful and full of vibrant life, just after a few days using it.

To use: Apply onto fingertips and gently sweep over face and neck morning and evening. For optimal results, follow with the La Mer moisturizer.

Available in Switzerland from January 9, 2017 for CHF 260.00 (30ml).
TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer

Since 1992 when it had been first inaugurated, World Oceans Day has been unofficially celebrated every June 8th until its official recognition by the United Nations in 2009. It is an annual observation to honour the world’s oceans, celebrate the products they provide such as seafood as well as marine life itself for aquariums, pets, and a time to appreciate its own intrinsic value.

To cherish the sea world, LA MER has launched BLUE HEART in 2014 with the commitment to support the protection of ocean habitats for generations to come and to raise awareness of the importance of healthy oceans worldwide.

To commemorate World Oceans Day and LA MER’s BLUE HEART foundation, a 100ml jar of Crème de la Mer with a limited-edition design will be available from now for CHF 490.00.

Always a magic moment for me: When you spot the sea of your holiday destination from the plane and you know you are going to jump in the crystal clear water within a few hours.

The brand also invites you to become an editor-at-sea and to share your story with the hashtag  #LaMerBlueHeart. Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

«Transforms age into agelessness.»

Great news for all LA MER fans, meet the brand’s newest innovation: the Serum Essence, the groundbreaking first treatment within the new Genaissance de la Mer Collection, is born of the extraordinarily pure Crystal Miracle Broth™, which accelerates skin’s natural renewal process.

This age-transcending serum essence was inspired when a scientist at the Max Huber Research Labs discovered crystals forming in a beaker of Miracle Broth™. Extraordinarily pure, the Crystal Miracle Broth™ is slow-crafted in extremely small batches to reach its ultimate potency.
Lines and wrinkles appear diminished, skin’s texture visibly smoothed, natural collagen and elastin are enhanced, pores are refined and skin’s barrier is strengthened. Over time rejuvenation becomes reality, as skin appears visibly reborn.

Available end of December 2015 for CHF 635.00.

TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of La Mer

Greetings from Barcelona where I went this week with La Mer for the launch of their new eye care product that I will soon tell you more about. I stayed at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, which is located in the center on the shopping mile Passeig de Gràcia. Outside of the hotel before we left for the press conference, those photos were taken. The weather was sunny and extremely warm for the end of October which made this trip even more amazing.

My look: Lace appliqué wool coat, floral quilted top, floral print trousers, floral keys printed scarf, crystal-embellished key earrings, Agata ayers-trimmed appliquéd felted-twill clutch and embellished slippers, all by Dolce & Gabbana. Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The power to wow! LA MER always excites me and I was eager to find out more about its new LIFTING CONTOUR SERUM.

This high-performance sculpting serum for face and neck gives skin a tighter feeling from the first touch, and visibly defines and reshapes contours, dramatically transforming and redefining skin’s appearance. You can see a difference just applying it to the back of your hand. Drawing inspiration from shape shifting materials, it helps to resculpt the face’s three-dimensional look and improve contours from the inside out. Active ferments immerse skin in the healing effects of the sea, of course with the power of the brand’s famous cell-renewing Miracle Broth™, while stimulating natural collagen and elastin to enhance skin’s density, dimension and definition. With a unique texture for an instant tightening feel, this refreshing gel-serum awakens youthful definition.

In as little as four weeks, the contours of the jawline look more lifted, and skin appears firmer, more defined, revitalized and healthy. Available now for CHF 390.00 (30ml).
I am already a huge fan!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer

GABRIELE FRANTZEN

The charming German fashion jeweler shares her time between Munich and New York City, a place that inspires her a lot for amazing creations that were seen at this year’s Oscars. Below you will find her tips for the Big Apple’s best places to visit.

Your favourite city? NEW YORK CITY

Your favourite restaurant? LA ESQUINA, 114 Kenmare Street New York, NY 10012, USA, +1 (646) 613-7100
Market fresh authentic Mexican food in 3 distinct spaces at one location.

Your favourite sightseeing spot? The EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10118, USA, +1 (212) 736-3100
At 8am when the city wakes up.

Your favourite district? ELIZABETH STREET / NoLIta
New York City’s North of Little Italy, or NoLIta, is a must visit. Elizabeth Street is packed with upscale & trendy shops.

Your favourite place for breakfast? CAFÉ GITANES, 242 Mott Street, New York, NY, USA, +1 (212) 334-9552

Your favourite walk? Starting in SOHO at WEST BROADWAY over to BLEECKER STREET to PASTIS in the MEATPACKING DISTRICT.
Pastis, 9 Ninth Avenue,  New York, NY 10014, USA, +1 (212) 929-4844
I love the street musicians, the small cafés and all the extraordinary fashion stores.

Your favourite hotel? MERCER KITCHEN, 99 Prince Street,  New York, NY 10012, USA, +1 (212) 966-5454

Your favourite beach? SHELTER ISLAND

Your favourite season in NYC? WINTER
I love the blizzards, when the snow is blowing through the urban canyons. I love to walk through Central Park when all flags are hanging crosswise. The lights are phenomenal then and the windows have beautiful ice crystals.

Your favourite cultural spot? FIT MUSEUM, Seventh Avenue at 27 Street,  New York City, +1 (212) 217-4558
I love fashion and photography exhibitions.

Your favourite store? SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

They sell a large selection of my jewelry pieces.

Your favourite beauty spa? The SPA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL, 80 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10023, USA, +1 (212) 805-8880
Book an apointment with the „beauty fairy“ Fini. She is amazing.

Your favourite treatment? 80 minutes MANDARIN ORIENTAL SPECIAL FACIAL TREATMENT
They use the Somme Insitute products which I adore . The American NYC-based label is dedicated to the science of skin perfection and uses Molecular Dispersion Technology which is the most significant advancement in skin care, a non-prescription synthesis of five highly-engineered vitamin compounds, designed to treat specific areas within the skin.

Your travel in style tip? I love to wear STRETCH JEANS by Closed, ANKLE BOOTS that are easy to take off or New Balance shoes (Store: 150 5th Avenue New York, NY 10010, USA +1 (212) 727-2520), such as my custom-made sneakers that say I LOVE NY.
I never fly without a CASHMERE SCARF to keep me warm, LA MER EYE CONCENTRATE, an eye cover and ear plugs. Moreover, I always pack two of my NECKLACES to change my look.

Your favourite book to read on a flight? ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoi

Thank you, Gabriele, for sharing your insider scoop on New York City with us!

LoL, Sandra