Sandra‘s Closet

In 1921, Gabrielle Chanel smashed the codes of perfumery with the creation of CHANEL N°5. She introduced an olfactory revolution – with a radical, sleek laboratory bottle and a lucky number – into women’s daily lives.

A century later, N°5 is the most famous fragrance in the world.

To celebrate this very special year, CHANEL has created the Factory 5 collection: limited editions inspired by quotidian objects as a reminder that N°5 transforms everyday life.

«By taking popular consumer items out of their context and dressing them up in the aesthetics of N°5, we return to CHANEL’s first creative gesture: that of transforming a functional object into a desirable luxury item. That’s what CHANEL FACTORY 5 is all about: offering the experience of luxury in everyday life.»

This month, CHANEL deploys this industrial scenography across the world’s largest cities. These pop-ups, imagined as theme parks dedicated to N°5, immerse people in a world which mixes the black and white identity of N°5 and the bright colors of pop culture. The experience is intended to be entertaining and offers a journey around the 17 products in this limited edition collection.

In a factory setting, the public follows the product through the various production line workstations and ends its journey with a visit to the factory store where they can watch playful, offbeat demonstrations. In Zurich, you can explore it at Jelmoli until July 18, 2021.

Other pop-ups in Switzerland are:
Boutique CHANEL PARFUMS & BEAUTÉ in Geneva from now until August 15, 2021
Boutique CHANEL MODE Geneva from now until July 31, 2021
Marionnaud Bern from now until July 18, 2021
Manor Lugano from august 2 – 15, 2021
Manor Vevey from July 19 – August 1, 2021
Globus Zurich from July 19 – August 1, 2021

There is also a digital version for those who wish to see the CHANEL FACTORY 5 without going to the pop up.

FACTORY 5 COLLECTION
N°5 LA CRÈME CORPS 150 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 20 X 6 ML CHF 75.-
N°5 L’HUILE CORPS 250 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LES GALETS DE BAIN 10 X 17 G CHF 75.-
N°5 L’EMULSION CORPS 200 ML CHF 65.-
N° LA POCHETTE SURPRISE CHF 75.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 500 ML CHF 75.-
N°5 L’ÉMULSION CORPS 5 X 20 ML CHF 65.-
N°5 LE SAVON 90 G CHF 55.-
N°5 LE GEL PAILLETÉ 200 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 5 X 20 ML CHF 55.-
N°5 EAU DE PARFUM VAPORISATEUR 100 ML CHF 183.-
N°5 L’EAU VAPORISATEUR 100 ML CHF 183.-
N°5 L’EAU VAPORISATEUR DE SAC 7 ML CHF 55.-
N°5 L’EAU RECHARGES VAPORISATEUR SAC 3 X 7 ML CHF 75.-
Two products are exclusively available only at Boutique CHANEL PARFUMS & BEAUTE in Geneva (Bongénie, first floor, 34 rue du Marché, 1204 Geneva)
GOURDE CHF 75.-
5 RUBANS AUTOCOLLANTS CHF 60.-

Stay tuned as I will show you my personal experience soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Your mum, your muse. My daughter, my muse. Anouk has been using Armani Sì Eau de Parfum since a long time. It is the fragrance I associate with her. Therefore, we loved the idea to collaborate with Armani Beauty for Mother’s Day to celebrate the launch of the new Sì EDP Intense.

My choice: The new Sì Eau de Parfum Intense

Sì Eau de Parfum Intense encapsulates the confident energy and modern femininity that characterizes the Sì woman. The fragrance’s signature is blackcurrant nectar, with this alluring note extracted from the heart of the fruit. In addition Ispartarose, harvested in Ispartaa region of Turkey known as «the city of roses», mingles with the velvety and liquorous davana. Together, these two notes create a fiercely intense effect. Finally, patchouli and benzoin resin lend an enveloping sensation. At the same time intense, voluptuous and sophisticated, Sì Eau de Parfum Intense, a chypré oriental, unveils each woman’s most intense side.

Anouk’s choice: The classic Sì Eau de Parfum

Both bottles come with the beautiful glossy black, stone-shaped cap that is a signature of Giorgio Armani fragrances, while sleek gold rings around the bottle’s neck and at its base lend a glamorous touch. Perfect for your bathroom display.

Happy Mother’s Day! To shop the fragrances, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Armani Beauty © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We truly love the scents. However we received the fragrances for free.
@ArmaniBeauty #ArmaniSi #SaySi #ArmaniBeauty

Based in Grasse, Haute Perfumery brand Le Couvent des Minimes knows exactly what scent lovers dream of, luxury fragrances at accessible prices. The history of the house begins at the namesake Couvent of the Minimes, a majestic place founded in 1614 in the South of France, where a renowned botanist of French king Louis XIV, Louis Feuillée, once lived and worked. His crossing of the continents in search of singular plants left to the convent the legacy of his remarkable journeys and the wildlife he discovered.

Jean Claude Ellena, exclusive Nose for Hermès during fourteen years, is considered as one of the most influential perfumers of Contemporary Perfumery. Today he takes the olfactory direction of Le Couvent des Minimes. His first project with the brand: the new collection of Les
Eaux de Parfums Singulières that I would like to introduce to you today. The five fragrances are exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland.

Ellena has interpreted five unique and surprising portraits of nature, five majestic animals once encountered by the King’s botanist. Olfactory tales elegant, subtle yet intense signature, based on up to 89% noble and rare natural raw materials, all 100% vegan.

LES EAUX DE PARFUM SINGULIÈRES
15% Concentration – 50ml for CHF 54.90 and 100ml for CHF 94.90 (isn’t this just an amazing price?!)

NUBICA
The Sensuality of the Lioness.
Patchouli & Tonka Vanilla

Woody Amber Sensual
Tonka Vanilla has a feline sensuality. Patchouli resonates like botanical leather, wound and ready to be unleashed.

Top Note: Tangerine
Heart Note: Patchouli
Base Notes: Tonka Bean & Vanilla

In the same mood: FLOWER BY KENZO – Kenzo, THIS IS HER – Zadig & Voltaire, TOBACCO VANILLE – Tom Ford, BOIS VANILLE – Serge Lutens

LYSANDRA
The Grace of the Butterfly
Tangerine & Jasmin Grandiflorum

Powdery Floral Delicate
Jasmine Grandiflorum takes flight, while slivers of Mandarin and tears of Labdanum dart to and fro in a fleeting dance.

Top Note: Tangerine
Heart Note: Grandiflorum Jasmine
Base Notes: Vetiver & Labdanum

In the same mood: NARCISO POUDRÉ – Narciso Rodriguez, NUIT DE CELLOPHANE – Serge Lutens, DIORISSIMO – Dior, L’INTERDIT – Givenchy

HATTAÏ
The Enigmatic She-Wolf
Red Berries & Woody Amber

Gourmand Amber Enigmatic
A chiaroscuro impression that reveals the power of the materials: a flash of Amber Woods, a dash of Cacao, the intense sweetness of Red Berries.

Top Note: Red Berries
Heart Note: Cocoa
Base Notes: Cinnamon & Cade Wood

In the same mood: LA VIE EST BELLE – Lancôme, SCANDAL – JP Gaultier, BLACK OPIUM – Yves Saint-Laurent, HYPNOTIC POISON – Dior, JUNGLE – Kenzo

SAÏGA
The Elegance of the Antelope
Rose Centifolia & Blackcurrant Bud

Fruity Floral Elegant
The refined middle notes of Rose Centifolia, intertwined with the fruity, mischievous note of Blackcurrant Bud, remind us that an intense heart beats under this tender cloak.

Top Note: Blackcurrant Bud
Heart Note: Rose Centifolia
Base Note: Cedar Wood

In the same mood: PARIS – Yves Saint-Laurent, INFUSION DE ROSE – Prada, LA NUIT TRESOR – Lancôme, MON GERLAIN ROSE – Guerlain

HELIACA
The Power of the Eagle
Oud Wood & Ginger

Spicy Wood Vibrant
An upward surge of spices bursts forth, a blend of Ginger and Cardamom, revealing the noble power of Oud Wood.

Top Note: Ginger
Heart Note: Cardamom
Base Note: Oud Wood

In the same mood: GENTLEMAN – Givenchy, WANTED BY NIGHT – Azzaro, DIOR HOMME INTENSE – Dior, M7 – Yves Saint-Laurent

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Le Convent des Minimes

«A daily bathing ceremony is one of life’s simplest luxuries. It is a chance to prepare yourself for the day ahead or reflect on the day just gone.» – Claire Croft (founder)

Today, I would like to introduce you to Abahna, a beautiful British brand that is now available exclusively at Marionnaud in Switzerland and that celebrates the ceremony of bathing. Something that has become very important to me. During the last months I had such a crazy schedule that I had this feeling of being literally crushed under a heavy pile of work. I wondered if I was just spinning my wheels, or if it was even worth it. I decided it is time for a change, to look at my own personal time management.

To counterbalance my busy social life as well as all my travels, I knew that I needed to allow myself some me-time to recharge my energy. Since a few weeks, I start my day with a book and leave my laptop unopened while having my first cup of coffee. In the evening, I light a scented candle, take my book and indulge in a bath without checking my iPhone at all. This helps me to clear my mind so I can focus on my actual goals that I would like to achieve in the near future.

Following the idea that bathing could be both rewarding and therapeutic, Claire Croft founded Abahna in 2005, inspired by exotic bathing ceremonies and spas that she experienced during her travels to India and the Far East. Influenced by the world’s many and varied bathing traditions, Abahna borrows from «nahana» (Urdu for to have a bath), the Russian «banya» and the Portuguese «banho». Her focus is on the product formulations and also on the packaging aesthetics. Therefore she carefully works with English suppliers who meet her high standards.

Let me introduce you little further to the ceremony of bathing as throughout the ages it has involved so much more than just getting clean. In ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the purifying properties of water were revered with sacred practices, while across Asia and Africa special ceremonies honoured its life-giving powers. And still today, Japanese onsen, Moroccan hammam and Scandinavian sauna are steeped in elaborate bathing customs.

In all of these traditions, aromatic oils and natural extracts have been used for health, beauty and emotional wellbeing. Divinely scented and brimming with therapeutic qualities, these ritual preparations are the inspiration behind the Abahna collection.

Claire Croft designed every beautifully packaged product with these rich traditions in mind – from exotically scented soaps, foams and creams to natural wax candles and room diffusers – so that you can enjoy the benefits of your own sumptuous, multi-sensory bathing experience. Before you let the ceremony begin, please read those bathing do’s and don’ts.

• Don’t soak for longer than 20 minutes at a time – extended wallowing can dry out skin and zap energy.
• Don’t soak for longer than 3 minutes in a cold bath.
• Always wait until at least 40 minutes after eating before bathing.
• Bathing more than twice a day is not recommended, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Try to avoid having a really hot bath just before bed as it increases your heart rate which can make it hard to sleep.

And now enjoy your bath and some you-time. Abahna products make also beautiful gifts.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Abahna

«Give yourself a break.
Give yourself time.
Give yourself love.
Make YOU a priority.»
– Margo Marrone, Founder of The Organic Pharmacy

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to meet Margo Marrone, founder of THE ORGANIC PHARMACY, for the opening of the brand’s first spa in Switzerland at MARIONNAUD‘s Bahnhofstrasse shop in Zurich. Margo and I have clicked in a second. She is such an inspirational, passionate lady who’s story reads like a book, a real business woman with a heart of gold.

Her story begins over 27 years ago as a Saturday girl in her local pharmacy. Fascinated by the rows and rows of amber bottles, she watched person after person come in asking the pharmacist for help on their various ailments and was enthralled as he expertly blended from the amber bottles lining those shelves.

Later, she decided to study pharmacy and six years later she embarked on her career as a pharmacist specialising in herbal medicine, nutrition and well being with a focus on natural and alternate medicine. It wasn’t until several years later that she discovered homeopathy, a form of medicine that completely changed her life and that of her family.

Being shocked at the level of toxins in our food and cosmetics, which she became aware of whilst studying homeopathy, she truly understood what organic means and decided to use her herbal, homeopathic and pharmaceutical knowledge to create a shopping haven free from chemicals found in other stores. She took the idea to her husband Franco whose design skills and vision turned THE ORGANIC PHARMACY into a modern day health and beauty centre. The first store opened in 2002 in London on Kings Road. Today they have shops and distribution all over the world.

THE ORGANIC PHARMARCY skin care is based on homeopathic and herbal medicine with the principles that the quality of the ingredients and the purity of the formulation is paramount as well as the dosage. One of the things that makes them different is the science that the couple put into their formulations, with their own factory in London, they oversee the careful preparation and manufacture of the products, from start to finish. The high tech natural extracts, the pharmaceutical grade ingredients and their dosage in their products at levels that really count means serious results for healthy glowing skin.

Margo took the experience one step further by extending her offering to high quality supplements and spa treatments for her customer’s health and beauty needs. The touch of a fantastic therapist, the advice of a homeopath who knows you well – she is convinced that it all helps to live a balanced healthy life. Managing stress, cleansing our bodies, feeding our cells essential nutrients are key to a healthy anti-ageing lifestyle.

Maria, therapist at THE ORGANIC  PHARMACY Beauty Spa in Zurich has magic fingers! During the press conference she gave us a great insight about the different treatments available. Thank you to Katrin Roth of Sonrisa for being such a great model!

I had the pleasure to experience the ROSE DIAMOND FACIAL in Zurich at THE ORGANIC PHARMACY SPA with the most amazing therapist, Maria (sorry, I was so relaxed that I forgot to take a photo of me before and after). The brand’s most luxurious facial truly restores, hydrates and rejuvenates the skin with the power of diamonds and cosmeceuticals. Both are combined to moisturize, firm and brighten skin. A deep exfoliation using diamond dust, an enzyme peel and hydra-diamond exfoliation are followed by an intensely lifting massage leaving the skin looking instantly refreshed and rejuvenated. 

«The treatment that irons your wrinkles away…» – the Radio Frequency Facial…

… that therapist Maria only performed to Katrin’s right side left a spectacular result. Especially the fine lines under her right eye are almost gone.

All aesthetic facials combine the very latest technologies (including the most advanced tools to let the products penetrate the skin easier and deeper) with organic cosmeceuticals to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and pigmentation for a healthier, plumper, firmer and more radiant skin.

My favorite products that I can only recommend to you are the following:
Honey & Jasmine Mask – a rich, deeply moisturising and nourishing mask.
Carrot Butter Cleanser – a balm cleanser that melts on contact with the skin.
Superantioxidant Capsules – a potent all-in-one anti-ageing antioxidant mixture, protecting the cells and system from the inside.

I love Margo’s approach to beauty from the inside and outside!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Lipsticks are certainly back this fall and not only on handbags (Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch by Saint Laurent). Let your lips do the talking and pay homage this season to the beauty icon in rich and trendy shades. From blood-red to smudgy, just-kissed stains, you choose the intensity. From left to right:

Goth Girl

Chanel Rouge Allure
N°109 Rouge Noir
A classic since 1994, this shade dresses lips with an unmistakable attitude.
CHF 48.00

Vampire Red

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Collector Kiss & Love
N°1 Le Rouge
Being part of YSL’s Holiday Look 2015, this lipstick comes with kisses all over.
CHF 48.00

Fine Wine

Shiseido Perfect Rouge
N°RS 656
Intensive ultra-pigmented color that moisturizes your lips.
CHF 40.00

Dangerous Colour

Clarins Joli Rouge
N° 742 Joli Rouge
A classic red in a rich and creamy formula.
CHF 34.50

True Blood

Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick
Matte Bad Blood
A classic suede-like finish – careful, it is highly addictive!
CHF 27.50

Dark Passion

Clinique Pop Lip Colour & Primer
N°21 Rebel Pop
Rich color plus a smoothing primer in one.
CHF 33.00

A Statement in Red

Estée Lauder Modern Muse «Le Rouge»
An oriental floral fragrance inspired by the color red, seductive and ultra feminine as a lipstick itself.

Top notes: Red currant, raspberry, pink pepper and saffron
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, may rose, jasmine and magnolia petals
Base notes: Patchouli, vetiver, madagascar vanilla and ambrette

CHF 68.00 (30ml), CHF 98.00 (50ml) and CHF 138.00 (100ml).

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

All that sparkles, golden hues have never been bigger in fashion, and where fashion goes, so does beauty. No doubt, gold is the most festive shade. This holiday season, decadence is the key word. More is more is the motto. Here are my personal favorites:

Marc Jacobs has dedicated its newest oriental floral fragrance DECADENCE to opulence and glamour. The bottle design is reminiscent of an emerald green handbag with a python pattern, a gold chain and a black tassel. Definitely the most stylish one on the market!

Top notes: Italian plum, saffron and iris.
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, jasmine and orris root.
Base notes: Liquid Amber, vetiver and papyrus wood.

Decadence by Marc Jacobs
Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 106.00), 50ml (CHF 153.00), 100ml (CHF 207.00)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 76.00) and Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 72.00)

«The poop was beaten gold,
Purple the sails, and so perfumed that.
The winds were lovesick with them.»

William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra

The new fragrance from Bvlgari, GOLDEA is an invitation to an exceptional olfactory journey. The name means «Gold Godess» (eng. gold & lat. dea). The oriental floral composition is a sumptuous hymn to the musks which have always been characteristic of Bvlgari’s style in fragrances.

Top notes: Crystal musk, orange blossom, raspberry and bergamot.
Middle notes: Golden musk, ylang-ylang and jasmine.
Base notes: Ambery musk, patchouli and Egyptian papyrus.

Goldea by Bvlgari
Eau de Parfum 25ml (CHF 66.00), 50ml (CHF 137.00), 90ml (CHF 189.00)
Body Oil 100ml (CHF 101.00), Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 68.00) and Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 60.00)

For the most radiant facial glow – a formula inspired by pure gold. Guerlain L’OR banishes imperfections, revives the skin by erasing its irregularities, and cloak it in a luminous veil. This ultra-moisturizing primer melts into the skin, offers freshness and prepares it for your perfect make-up with the help of pure gold. For me a daily must-have product! I can also recommend the fluid and the compact foundation of this line.

 L’Or Make-up Base 30ml (CHF 90.00), Fluid Foundation (CHF 110.00) and Compact Foundation (CHF 113.00)

Happy Holidays with Lancôme. For a truly festive eye makeup, those dazzling eye shadows provide an intense and sophisticated color with jewel-like sparkles. Easy to apply, just dab them in with your fingertips.

Lancôme Hypnôse Dazzling in 420 Givre Doré, CHF 48.00

To upgrade your manicure, I recommend this glittering top coat. Can be worn alone or over every shade you wish.

Lancôme Vernis in Love Golden Top Coat, CHF 28.00

A pioneer of the beauty industry, Helena Rubinstein created the first revolutionary mascara in a tube. This fall, a new mascara launches, providing volume, definition and softness, encased in a distinctive gold packaging.

Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Perfect Blacks, CHF 47.00

I am wishing you a wonderful festive season with lots of sparkles and golden bubbles. Here is my holiday favorite – enjoy a glass of champagne with some raspberries to create an explosion of flavors.

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Long expected! This fall, MIU MIU begins the sales of their first perfume Miu Miu. Miuccia Prada is a master of the counterintuitive, she mixes the common and the ultra-refined to create something surprising and knowing yet never contrived. Drawing on Prada’s inspiration, perfumer Daniela Andrier creates a study in contrasts. The focus is on lily of the valley flowers supported with floral notes of jasmine, rose absolute and synthetic green notes, as well as a special ingredient created by Givaudan, akigalawood, which develops the scent of patchouli, notes of pepper and woody aromas of oud. Unique, youthful and sophisticated, the new scent will surely be a bestseller.

Trapeze mini matelassé leather shoulder bag by Miu Miu

The flacon of the first Miu Miu fragrance is inspired by the special material characteristic of the brand’s iconic matelassé leather bags.

The face of the advertising campaign, shot by Steven Meisel, is actress Stacy Martin.

Miu Miu Fragrance Collection
Eau de Parfum 30 ml CHF 84,00
Eau de Parfum 50 ml CHF 110,00
Eau de Parfum 100 ml CHF 150,00
Available in Switzerland at Marionnaud from September 14, 2015.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Don’t be a sweaty mess. Fill your beach bag with these Baywatch-sexy beauty essentials to keep you cool, protected, and looking good all summer. Here are my favorites:

FOR THE FACE

LANCÔME Belle de Teint – CHF 69.00
in 04 Belle de Mielle

 Perfect for a healthy glow,  this silky, smooth bronzer adds instant color, shimmer and healthy glow to your skin. I like to use it on my face or all over my body to enhance my summer tan.

LANCÔME Shine Lover – CHF 40.00
in 120 Ô My Rouge

A vibrant shine lipstick that reveals the attitude of a smile while hydrating, rejuvenating, and smoothing the lips.

SISLEY Phyto-Eye Twist – CHF 45.00
in 02 Bronze

This is your all-in-one waterproof eye make-up solution combing an eye shadow and with an eyeliner. The “jumbo” tip blends and glides to color the eyelids the way you like it. Perfect for the beach!

CLARINS UV Plus Anti-Pollution
Day Screen Multi Protection SPF 50 – CHF 59.00

This is my daily must-have all year around because it is the perfect daily defense for younger-looking skin as the lightweight, oil-free screen shields skin from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and free radical damage. It forms an invisible shield that protects the skin from the appearance of dark spots and future aging.

FOR THE BODY

BIOTHERM Spray Solaire Lacté SPF 30 – CHF 41.00 (200ml)
Ultra-Light Moisturizing Sun Spray

I love this oil-free and non-sticky sun protection spray. With its quick application, high SPF and water-resistant formula, its is ideal for all your beach activities.

CLARINS Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster – CHF 46.50

One word: amazing! This self-tanner that can be mixed with any skin care product to add a self-tanning effect to the moisturising and firming benefits of your usual routine. Ultra-simple for a radiant sun-kissed glow.

ESTÉE LAUDER Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent – CHF 82.00 (100ml)

Last but not least, summer wouldn’t be the same for me without Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess scent. The limited edition fragrance is finally back and it smells like beach, sun and summer in a bottle with its gourmand base notes of amber, coconut milk, vanilla, vetiver, sandalwood and myrrh.

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally a product that not only Marilyn Monroe would have adored. Diamonds for the face – a triple-action flash radiance serum, containing a powerful cocktail of age-defying peptides and proteins, that has an immediate lifting effect on the skin, evens out skin tone and adds luminosity to the complexion through skin tightening enzymes, vitamin C and real diamond powder.

Rodial PINK DIAMOND INSTANT LIFTING SERUM
Short Facts

Diamond Powder: Multi-dimensional light reflective particles infuse skin with a lit-from-within glow.

Vitamin C: Reduces free radical damage, aids in protection and production of collagen and elastic fibres for a younger looking complexion.

Skin Tightener ST: Skin lifting proteins and enzymes- A hydroglycolic substance which has an immediate skin tightening effect whilst also leaving the skin feeling fresh and smooth.

In Switzerland, Rodial PINK DIAMOND INSTANT LIFTING SERUM is available for CHF 330.- (30 ml) exclusively at Marionnaud.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Bert Stern / 1962, Still: Courtesy of Rodial