Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I followed YSL Beauty‘s invitation to a decadent dinner party that took place at Die Giesserei Oerlikon in Zurich. The YSL Beauty team transformed this amazing location into the most instagrammable spots with different areas all dedicated to the Maison’s iconic products, from the famous Libre scent, to make-up and skincare. After the dinner, we went downstairs to the underground club where we danced all night long.

The dress code said «all black with a touch of decadence» and needless to say, I went for a head-to-toe Saint Laurent outfit. All details of my look will be coming up shortly. Stay tuned and in the meantime enjoy the impressions of this fun night.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography #indulgeingold #yslbeauty
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Refined elegance. An edge of authenticity. The power of personal style. Evoke effortless allure with a limited-edition collection inspired by Claudette, inimitable mother and muse to François Nars. Drawn from nostalgia and the irreverent spirit of 1970s Paris Rive Gauche, each boldly wearable shade paints an intimate portrait of unapologetic style and unconditional love. A vision of beauty.

«I am very lucky to have an extremely beautiful, glamorous and elegant mother on whom I was always able to practice makeup.» – Founder and Creative Director, François Nars

THE COLLECTION
AUDACIOUS SHEER MATTE LIPSTICK – CHF 46.80
Introducing the cult-favorite sensorial formula, now with a soft-focus finish. Each swipe delivers delicate color with medium-sheer coverage and a petal-soft powder finish.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ ANAÏS (pink nude)
▪ MATHILDE (rose beige)
▪ SYLVIE (berry red)
▪ BÉRÉNICE (warm brick red)
▪ SANDRINE (scarlet red)
▪ ANOUK (red)

AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK – CHF 46.80
A muse, bouche. Four new shades of the cult-favorite luxury satin lip formula, named for the most inspiring women in François’ life: his mother, Claudette Augustine; and grandmothers, Léa and Ginette.
Audacious Lipstick glides on like satin across lips with single-stroke coverage.
Bold, ultra-saturated color feels hydrating and stays put—without bleeding or feathering. The NARS logo is embossed on the bullet of each lipstick.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ LÉA (neutral spiced rose)
▪ AUGUSTINE (taupe nude)
▪ CLAUDETTE (rust red)
▪ GINETTE (deep brown red)

CLAUDETTE CHEEK DUO – CHF 63.00
Cheek to chic. A duo of sophisticated Blush shades for a natural-looking rush of color.
Our cult-favorite, bestselling blush formula delivers a weightless, natural-looking rush of cheek color. Superfine micronized powder pigments ensure an irresistibly soft, blendable application. Buildable shades deliver a natural wash of color to every skin tone – a light swipe of even the highest-intensity hues deliver a natural-looking flush.
SHADES (left to right):
▪ CROISETTE (matte bright peach)
▪ NINOTCHKA (matte toasted amber)

ST GERMAIN DES PRÉS EYESHADOW PALETTE – CHF 58.00
All eyes on yeux. Featuring six warm, neutral shades in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes. Each finish stays soft with a vibrant effect. Pure pigments suspended in an innovative liquid binding system create rich, high-impact color in just one stroke.
SHADES:
▪ TOP ROW (left to right)
• ENVIE (shimmering taupe)
• JOIE (shimmering champagne)
• RUE DE TOURNON (shimmering bronze)
▪ BOTTOM ROW (left to right)
• L’ÉPHÉMÈRE (matte rust)
• NOSTALGIE (matte cinnamon brown)
• LIBÉRATION (deep matte brown)

In Switzerland available from February 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS
For the Claudette Collection campaign, François Nars photographed his original muse and inspiration, his mother Claudette at the Hotel Regina in Paris.

«I was looking for something poetic, like a memory – a natural filter that makes everything look dreamier.» Lucia Pica

Today’s post about CHANEL‘s new S/S 2020 make-up collection, called DESERT DREAM, will make you literally dream, something we need in today’s difficult times.

If the eye is a camera with its shutter open – always recording, turning experience into image – it is Lucia Pica’s unerring instinct to train her lens on visions less familiar. Seeking inspiration for her S/S 2020 collection, the CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer took a photographic trip to the center of the ancient desert, an expedition that uncovered a completely new perspective on color.

Initially drawn to the desert for its famous orange dunes, sacred cave paintings and lunar plains, Lucia Pica was soon captivated by the uncanny silence of the vast nothingness she found there, its powerful stillness moving her to reappraise the landscape through fresh eyes. Shifting her gaze toward the quieter hues of the quartzes, basalts and shales scattered across the desert floor, and forests bleached by the relentless sun, Lucia Pica unearthed a muted palette that is surprising new territory for her. DESERT DREAM is characterized by peachy rose tones, cool browns and the romantic undercurrents of mauve, whose shimmering, at times metallic textures echo the desert’s hidden treasures.

«It was beautiful in the desert but quite unexpected,» Lucia Pica says. «In the desert, there is almost a universe of one single, dominant color – mauve – which really came to life with the particular photographic process we used.»

Like distant memories, the dreamy Polaroid pictures at the heart of DESERT DREAM lend their sensual soft focus and painterly abstractions to a makeup collection that is perhaps Lucia Pica’s most poetic take on femininity yet. Using the prints’ soft colors to bring subtle emotion to the face – mysterious, mauve intensity to the eyes, planes of warm light on the high cheeks and red-hot desert heat on the lips – Lucia Pica evokes a womanly state of inner calm, self-possession and utter contentment.

DESERT DREAM
SPRING SUMMER 2020 COLLECTION
Le Teint
Eclat du Désert CHF 70.-
Exclusive Creation (Edition Limitée)
Baume Essentiel CHF 55.-
Golden Light (Edition Limitée)

Les Lèvres
Rouge Allure CHF 48.-
191 Rouge Brûlant
Rouge Allure Velvet Extrême CHF 48.-
132 Endless

Les Ongles
Le Vernis CHF 33.-
735 Daydream
739 Mirage

Le Regard
Les 4 Ombres CHF 77.-
352 Elemental
354 Warm Memories
Ombre Première Laque CHF 42.-
22 Rayon
24 Rising Sun (Edition Limitée)
26 Quartz Rose
28 Desert Wind
32 Vastness
Stylo Ombre et Contour CHF 42.-
34 Contour Brun (Edition Limitée)
36 Contour Mauve (Edition Limitée)

YOU CAN SHOP THIS BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION ONLINE AT MARIONNAUD.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © CHANEL

Naj Oleari is a beloved Italian brand that garnered extraordinary fame for its original patterned fabrics inspired by nature, which were applied to every kind of accessories. Many of those symbols became iconic especially for young people of the ’80s generation obsessed with designer labels.

This year, Naj Oleari Beauty is ready to come back and tell its new story with the launch of a complete make-up line (50 products – 200 references), packed in rose gold for a modern and refined look. The mythical illustrations of Naj Oleari adorn the details and finishes of every product. Compacts and lipsticks are made with innovative magnetic closures that make them even more practical and elegant.

Furthermore, it is the first time that a make-up line has been made with perfumes created exclusively by Maitre Parfumeur. Lipstick smell like marshmallows for example and nail polishes like fig sorbet.

Tonight, I attended the launch event in Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse at WeSpace. The room was divided into different corners with several activities, from getting your hair braided or a professional make-up look to a photo booth. My favorite part was to make my own lipstick. I wanted to create a perfect nude shade and mixed white, red and brown.

First, I had to melt the wax, then I added some glitter and raspberry extract for an anti-aging effect. The hardest decision was to choose the scent. Vanilla and coconut convinced me the most. After that, I had to go back to the stove to melt everything together. The liquid was filled into a small compartment and put for 20 minuted in the fridge. Et voilà I have the best smelling nude shade.

Thank you for this experience! Naj Olevari is available from end of March at all Müller drugstores in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For all makeup lover, I have some great news to look forward to! After dazzling women with his modern but timeless designs on the runway and red carpet for 13 years, New York designer Zac Posen presents his debut colour collection for M·A·C which will hit the stores end of February 2016. The limited edition line will include products for eyes, lips and cheeks as well as brushes.

“Over the past 15 years I have learned a great deal from M∙A∙C about beauty. Fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand and I have always wanted to create a makeup collection to complement my designs and brand. It was only natural to work with M∙A∙C to create my first ever signature collection. I wanted to keep it luxurious, a little mysterious and clean with a large dose of star wattage,” says Zac Posen.

Naomi Campbell on the F/W 2015 runway presenting the final look.

TO SHOP ZAC POSEN’S BEAUTIFUL F/W 2015 GOWNS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and via VANITY FAIR,
© Gianni Pucci/Indigitalimages.com

Fashion’s most romantic couple, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, are renowned for their award-winning and imaginative work in fashion design and illustration. This unique collaboration with MAC pair’s Isabel’s sensational penchant for colour with Ruben’s vibrant energy in a palette of hues designed to sculpt, paint and transform the face.

Specially designed white packaging features Ruben’s illustrations, an array of graphic lines and red-lipped faces brought to life with his one-of-a-kind aesthetic. In stores now and available online here.

MAC Bellgreens Eye Shadow Palette (CHF66)
Fresh Blade: Pale frosted yellow (Veluxe Pearl)
Gorgeous Gold: Muted yellow gold (Veluxe Pearl)
Savant: Mid-tone mustard lime (Satin)
Vicuña: Light neutral olive (Frost)
Charcoal Brown: Muted taupe brown (Matte)
Sushigreen: Charcoal olive with multidimensional pearl (Velvet)

MAC Violetwink Eye Shadow Palette (CHF66)
Sweet Allure: Soft light pink (Satin)
French Clay: White grey (Frost)
Stars ‘N’ Rockets: Purple with pink pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
Tendersmoke: Muted silver lilac (Frost)
Frizzyplum: Dark violet with multidimensional pearl (Frost)
Overnight: Cool black (Matte)

MAC Moodyblu Eye Shadow Palette (CHF66)
Midnight Snow: Pale silver (Frost)
Idol Eyes: Silver violet with gold (Lustre)
Deep Truth: True dark blue (Frost)
Knight Divine: Black with silver pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
Indigogo: Blackened navy with multidimensional pearl (Veluxe)

MAC Lipstick (CHF31)
Oxblood: Light peachy nude (Matte)
Barbeque: Vivid orange red (Matte)
Victoriana: Mid-tone pink red (Matte) Tenor Voice: True classic red (Matte) Opera: Dark red (Matte)
Sin: Deep blood red (Matte)

MAC Lipglass (CHF29)
Oxblood: Light peachy nude
Barbeque: Vivid orange red
Victoriana: Mid-tone pink red
Tenor Voice: True classic red
Opera: Dark red
Sin: Deep blood red

MAC Blush Ombre (CHF42)
Ripe Peach: Light coral Azalea Blossom: Light cool pink Kindergaren Red: Crimson into pale nude MAC Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner ($17.50) Designer Purple: Iridescent violet Chlorafill: Green line with pearl Petrol Blue: Deep navy with pearl

MAC Modern Twist Lash Mascara (CHF37)
Vynil: Black
Caligrafy: Navy
Tarot: Purple
Chlorafill: Lime

MAC Nail Lacquer (CHF20) 
Faint of Heart: Palest milky nude (Cream)
Venus Red: Clean true red (Cream)
Vixen: Deep burgundy red (Cream)

MAC Isabel and Ruben Toledo 129SE Powder/Blush Brush (CHF57)

MAC Isabel and Ruben Toledo Makeup Bag (CHF38, only available online)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

MAC launches the Cinderella collection which feeds the little girl in us who used to dance around in glittery heels hoping for a Prince Charming. The 17-piece collection is encased in sky-blue packaging with the classic Cinderella logo.

It will all be available online Feb. 26 and in stores starting March 5, just before the official remake of the Cinderella film comes to theaters on March 13. In Switzerland, it will be available at MAC Manor Zurich, MAC Manor Geneva, MAC Store Lucerne and online.

My personal favorites that are truly special from previous makeup collections are:

IRIDESCENT PRESSED POWDER
Coupe D’Chic – light golden peach with gold shimmer, CHF 42.00

MAC STUDIO EYE GLOSS
Lightly Tauped – light beige with gold pearl, CHF 37.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC, © Sandra Bauknecht

Dior’s Summer 2012 makeup collection is all about an escapade on the Croisette… a glamorous couture trip. The French Riviera has always been a great source of inspiration for Christian Dior. From Dior’s first swimsuit collections and seaside fashion designs in the Fifties to the current Resort 2012 collection as shown above.

The new summer make-up look revives this fascination for the Croisette with colours inspired by the sun and turquoise waters, created by Tyen.
Please enjoy my collection favourites below:

COMPLEXION
Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder
A natural, Sunset orange-pink. luminous tan.

With the aim of a natural and radiant tan, Dior creates a new healthy glow makeup product with a bare skin effect for all skin tones, all year long. To achieve the illusion of a complexion glowing with vitality, the Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder offers a range of original shades.

Rosy harmonies add a touch of freshness and an anti-dulling effect, while apricot harmonies ensure a healthy glow, infused with sensuality.

This is powder is available in four harmonies, two for summer and two for winter, to enhance skin all year long.

For summer : 002 Sunlight and 004 Sunset.
For all year : 001 Aurora and 003 Zenith.
CHF 79.50 each

EYES

5 Couleurs – Croisette Edition
Eyes set on the croisette

Just for summer, the 5 Couleurs palette is embellished with a sunray pleat relief, a couture reference to the Dior dresses whose finish exemplifies the know-how of the House. The palette comes in two colour interpretations of the French Riviera:

224 Swimming Pool (photo above) and 654 Aurora (top photo)
One-shot, CHF 92.- each

1 Couleur – Eye Gloss

Introducing the first eye gloss by Dior in four sparkling shades. This gel eyeshadow formula glides on effortlessly for a long-lasting, hydrated look, and a fresh, cooling sensation on the lids.

Shades: 020 Seashell, 560 Tan, 240 Azur and 750 Sunset
One-shot, CHF 40.- each

LIPS
Dior Addict Lip Balm

Inspired by the Backstage Dior technique where every makeup application begins with a nourishing and perfecting lipcare ritual, Dior creates Dior Addict Lip Balm, featuring a nourishing skincare complex filled with moisturizing oils enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres, in:

Shades: 001 Crystal, 002 Crystal Pink and 003 Crystal Coral
CHF 46.- each

NAILS
Dior Vernis

The Croisette spirit down to the fingertips. Two shades to wear at the poolside.

Shades: 401 Saint-Tropez (turquoise, on my nails below, which is pretty similar to Chanel’s 2010 Nouvelle Vague) and 231 Bikini (coral)
CHF 37.- each

Show off your French Croisette style!
This beautiful collection is available in Switzerland starting April 18, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

In winter, skin tends to be dry and sensitive. Low humidity, cold temperatures, and strong winds deplete skin of its natural lipid layer. Now it is time for an extra-treat! To keep skin soft and supple, your goal is not only to add moisture to skin, but to keep moisture in.
Here are some new products that I have tested during the last weeks and that have absolutely convinced me.

Let me get started with an amazing foundation that will help you through the day to enhance your complexion and to achieve an instantly smoothed and luminous skin:

Skinleÿa – The Anti-Aging Foundation by Sisley
available in 9 different shades, $190 (30ml)

Its “second skin” make-up effect also reduces signs of aging and fatigue in appearance. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The application is very easy due to its very own brush and the velvety texture.

The best is that Skinleÿa protects skin against free radicals and moisturises it deeply thanks to the extract of Cherry blossom and pro-Vitamin B5 (D-Panthenol) and Alpha-Bisabolol. For all actions, please click here.

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Black Rose Cream Mask by Sisley
$158 (60ml)

The Black Rose Cream Mask by Sisley is a soothing skin care mask rich in trace elements, vitamins and plant extracts which acts instantly on the signs of aging and fatigue to rejuvenate skin and restore vitality.
I love roses. Therefore I adore its very gentle rose scent blended with flower oils that are reminiscent of a beautiful summer garden. Exactly what you need during winter!

I apply two times a week a generous layer of the mask to the face and neck and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping the excess off. Its is unbelievable how soft and full my skin feels after, almost like a rose petal.

Dior Prestige
Crème Satin Regard Revitalisante – Satin revitalizing cream, CHF 383

Another great product that uses the strength of rose ingredients, the Rose Satin™. This sensuous creme intensely nourishes the skin and envelops it in absolute comfort. The skin regains its strength, suppleness and softness. I use it each morning for the entire face and neck. (Perfect for sensitive skin.)

The story behind the discovery of Rose Satin™  is just lovely:

In the house of Christian Dior in Granville was a magnificent garden that stretched over the cliff. One night, there was a violent storm. The day after, Christian Dior strode along the devastated garden. He was amazed to discover a rosebush that had remained miraculously intact, flowering with sumptuous rose blossoms trimmed with petals as tender and luminous as satin. Christian Dior’s garden had just revealed its treasure: the Rose Satine™. A unique flower endowed with extraordinary resistance whose beauty becomes each year even more stronger, overturning the laws of time.

Today the Rose Satine™ is grown in the best French region for rose cultivation. A Dior Garden, exclusively reserved for this flower, features cultivation methods that are totally organic. Highly qualified craftsmen work by hand to preserve the Rose Satine™ exceptional properties. After eight years of trailblazing research, Dior unveils the secret of the Rose Satine™ extraordinary resistance. One thousand Rose Satine™ flowers and a unique craftsmanship know-how are necessary to make a powerful anti-aging elixir: Rose Satine™ Nectar. Ultimate quintessence of the Rose Satine™ powers, this precious nectar is delicately infused in each Dior Prestige skincare.

More products from this line: 
Crème Satin Regard Revitalisante Yeux – Satin revitalizing creme,  CHF 199
Nectar Satin Revitalisant – Satin revitalizing nectar, CHF 397

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator – CHF 57

Clinique has updated its Moisture Surge franchise, introduced in 1988, with a new product, Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator. A double hit of moisture for parched skin, this rich cream-gel instantly recharges and locks moisture in.
In one week, I have already seen dramatic skin improvements. It contains Olive Squalane and red algae extract to maintain skin water balance, intensively recharge moisture to make skin healthy, supple and moisturized up to 24 hours. I like to use at night.

Visionnaire by Lancôme
Advanced Skin Corrector – CHF 110 (30ml) and CHF 159 (50ml)

The Lancôme ad promises:
“Our new vision of skin perfection. One out of two women tempted by a cosmetic procedure decided to postpone it.”

So, I was pretty curious to try this product. And there is just one word for it, amazing! I have used it now for over two months and it works its magic. Much more than a wrinkle-corrector, it is a skincare capable of fundamentally re-creating more beautiful skin. The first skincare with LR 2412 (12 years of research. 20 international patents), a molecule designed to propel through skin layers. On its path, it triggers a cascading series of micro-transformations: On the surface wrinkles and pores are visibly corrected, imperfections like signs of UV damage and acne marks appear diminished. It is very light and easy to use. Apply it morning and evening as your first skincare step!

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Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Serum, $105 (30ml)

I adore this rich treatment serum for very dry skin that instantly hydrates with a concentrated blend of natural ingredients. Olive Oil and Meadowfoam Seed Oil intensively moisturize for an immediately softer, smoother complexion. I apply it morning and night before my moisturizer and after Visionnaire.

Anti-Aging Neck Cream by La Prairie
CHF 254 (50ml)

My mum has been telling me about the importance of neck skincare ever since I can remember. It is true, your neck can hint at your age as it ages differently from the skin of the face. With time, the chin may lose its youthful streamlined look and show easily signs of aging that once they are there, are hard to fight.

Therefore I was delighted to receive the new Anti-Aging Neck Cream by La Prairie. The scientist at La Prarie have developed a formula containing a complex to help re-contour the targeted area while hydrating, smoothing and promoting an even skin tone.

Le Petit Marseillais Beurre Réparateur
CHF 4.95 (125ml)
(This is not a typing error, this phenomenal product has an outstanding price!)

Le Petit Marseillais Beurre Réparateur is a special care cream for very dry skin. With its shea butter enriched formula, it also contains soothing aloe extracts and protective beeswax so your skin gets the perfect care mix.

This authentic French product is intended to be used for the body but it works amazingly for the face. Be a risktaker and try it! You will thank me forever.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht