Sandra‘s Closet

Being in my favorite city, Los Angeles, always makes me happy. Therefore I was over the moon when Smashbox (in Switzerland available at Marionnaud) invited me to come here for a truly amazing experience that I will tell you all about.

The first night I had dinner at Chateau Marmont. Here you see me leaving my hotel, Sunset Tower, which is right around the corner.

My look: Lampion dress, leather waist belt, platform shoes and stingray clutch, all by Azzedine Alaïa, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

TO SHOP A GREAT SELECTION OF ALAÏA ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“White is the color of perfection” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Institute. No other color – and yes, white is a color – has the range of moods that white does. Produced by the combination of all the colors of the visible spectrum, it can be warm and embracing, crisp and clean, or change its character according to the time of day or the time of year. It is most often associated with innocence, perfection, honesty, cleanliness, the new, neutrality and lightness. Whatever your trajectory, this is your blank canvas to run with.

Get the look: Chain-embellished wool-blend felt coat by Victoria Beckham, sequin-embellished silk-georgette mini dress by Saint Laurent, Espey crystal-embellished elaphe box clutch by Kotur and Matilda sandals in white textured-leather by Givenchy.

CLINIQUE Aromatics In White

Clinique has dedicated its newest fragrance launch to the color white. A very interesting edition, a successor of the Aromatics Elixir classic. A sensual and powdery scent that offers strength and an unquestionable magnetism.

CHYPRE MUSK
Top notes: Violet Leaf Accord, Cistus and Sichuan Pepper
Middle notes: Rose Water, Orange Blossom and Patchouli
Base notes: Amber Gris, Musk and Benzoin

Clinque Aromatics In White is expected to make its appearance in most key markets now while in Switzerland supply is anticipated from January 15, 2015 exclusively at Marionnaud before other retailers will follow in March 2015.
CHF 105.00 (50ml) and CHF 78.00 (30ml).

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via http://bubbelsoda.tumblr.com

Personally speaking, there is nothing else that makes me feel more sexy than a great make-up look, a sensual scent and some fabulous high heels like those Paris fringed suede ankle boots by Saint Laurent. Each season there is a new color trend. For more than 20 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring us the season’s most important shades. Here are the most prominent hues for fall 2014.

Beautiful colors that could be seen in Burberry Prorsum‘s fabulous blanket capes (also pictured above with the beauty products).

The newest collections are hitting the shelves and here are my must-haves:

My Burberry Eau de Parfum

Inspired by a London garden after the rain, My Burberry takes its name from the affectionate way in which people refer to their Burberry trench coat. A beautiful floral unique scent.

Top notes: Swest pea and bergamot
Heart notes: Geranium, golden quince and freesia
Base notes: Rain-tipped damask, centifolia roses and patchouli

Available as 30ml (CHF 79.00), 50ml (CHF 121.00) and  90ml (CHF 166.00).

YSL Couture Palette Collector Fetiche

Five warm shades inspired by every variety of leather; a definitive cult compact in the making, this has already caused a stir in the fashion world!
Base: Bright Copper – a nude, iridescent camel shade
Highlighter: Warm Gold – a luminous gold
Other Colours: Amazon Green – a dense, deep petrol; Opulent Brown – a varnished/glossy brown; Infused Black – an intense matte black.

CHF 93.00

Clarins Ombre Matte in Taupe

This is an amazing product that I’ve seen only very rarely on the market. A wet powder eyeshadow in a matte finish that also works great as a base. Ladylike pairs subtle mattes with creamy nude lips for an “ultra feminine” look — and the collection looks beautiful.

CHF 34.00

Giorgio Armani Eye Palette Fade to Grey

This eyeshadow palette is a gorgeous colour duo featuring a shimmery black and delicate golden nude to structure and widen the eyes. Moreover its gliding cream texture that is light like an airy veil works perfect to enhance your cheeks and your complexion.

CHF 98.00

Chanel Lèvres Scintillantes in 189 Rose Rêvé

This long-lasting, shiny gloss is rich in color and balances out the dramatic dark eyes with its pale shade.

CHF 41.00

Lancôme Vernis In Love in 197 Tourmaline Noire

The beauty of every woman is ideal when we pay utmost attention to small details too. So give importance to your fingertips, choosing this amazing shade!

CHF 26.00

Enjoy your new beauty must-haves!
This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Wednesday, I had a busy afternoon. First I went to Marionnaud‘s press conference to explore the house’s newest beauty brand BE CREATIVE MAKEUP, followed by a fashion show with Montblanc for the 6th edition of MODE SUISSE inside Zurich’s Lichthof.

This week has been perfect, many amazing things have happened and I am extremely happy. That might have been the reason for the pink splash of color I added to this elegant outfit giving it a joyful and fresh upgrade. And as you see, I had quite some fun taking those pictures.

My Look: Elaphe-paneled wool sweater and snake-print silk-satin and chiffon skirt, both by Jason Wu, metallic snake-effect leather pumps and pink pussybow silk necktie, both by Saint Laurent, fringed tote by Lanvin and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.
Lips: Kiss Kiss Shaping Cream Lip Colour in 361 Excessive Rose by Guerlain.
Nails: Le Vernis Nail Colour in 619 Pink Tonic by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Montblanc

Last Thursday, the launch party for L’Officiel Switzerland took place in Zurich at Kaufleuten. With a stunning atmosphere, reminiscent of 1920s Paris, where it all began over 90 years ago, the fashionable crowd partied until late. Enjoy some impressions of the night and for my outfit post please click here.

Swiss beauties: Sarina Arnold, Ronja Furrer and Fiona Hefti.

Trio infernal: Photographer Marco Grob, cover girl Patricia Schmid, and my humble self. We shot the first cover and fashion editorial for L’Officiel in Paris together.

L’Officiel is still family owned and I was thrilled to have Marie-José Susskind-Jalou and Benjamin Eymère with us at the launch party in Zurich. Mother and son, President and CEO of this legendary family business that started in 1921 and brings together the very best of French heritage in style, fashion and joie de vivre. To the right: Deputy CEO at L’Officiel Magazine Nicolas Reynaud.

Marie-José Susskind-Jalou framed by Albert Kriemler, Creative Director Akris and me.

CEO IWC Georges Kern with his lovely wife Monika.

Getting excited for my speech!

Looking gorgeous in Dolce & Gabbana Alina Kaltsidou-Poprawski with her husband Patrick.

They came especially for the party from Geneva: Julia Pleynes and Mathieu Arsac.

Clifford Lilley and Swiss male model Fabian Pfenninger.

The lovely Piaget ladies with whom I had just been in Los Angeles one week before: Mousse Jacquier, Nunzia Marsella and Nicole Suess.

Beauty power reunited. The teams from Kanebo Sensai, Dior, L’Oréal Luxe and Marionnaud know how to party.

Special performance by Nicola Hunt from London.

Dancing all night to the tunes of DJ Roger Taylor (Duran Duran) who had flown in from London.

The party was amazing and I am very happy with the first edition of L’Officiel Switzerland that is out now. A huge thank you to my dedicated team that made it all happen! You guys rock!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert and © Sandra Bauknecht

Sometimes, a press release can truly surprise. Recently Donna Karan sent me a basket full of Granny Smith apples along with a bottle of cider vinegar and the house’s newest beauty launch (matching my beautiful Sac de Jour in green by Saint Laurent perfectly).

The brand is expanding its line of DKNY Be Delicious fragrances (originally launched in 2004) with a new innovative collection of skin hydrating fragrances that nourish the skin leaving it soft and luminous. The collection consists of two already known fragrances now in a new form:

DKNY BE DELICIOUS SKIN Hydrating Eau de Toilette

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Cucumber, Grapefruit and Magnolia
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Tuberose, Rose, Violet and Green Apple
Base notes: White Amber, Woody Notes and Sandalwood

Available in Switzerland exclusively at Marionnaud from February as Eau de Toilette 50ml (CHF 72.00) and 100ml (CHF 100.00). From March 2014 also in selected department stores and shops.

DKNY BE DELICIOUS FRESH BLOSSOM SKIN Hydrating Eau de Toilette

FLORAL
Top notes: Apricot, Cassis and Grapefruit
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose and Jasmine
Base notes: Red Apple and Woody Notes

Available in Switzerland exclusively now at Marionnaud as Eau de Toilette 50ml (CHF 72.00).

The original formulas of the fragrances are enriched with the so-called “Apple Fusion Complex“, a blend of ingredients that is clinically proven to help moisturizing, smooth and brighten the skin. The bottles are also redesigned with a new atomizer spray for all-over body misting that dispense a soft, lightweight veil, and also with a new shape that is a bit more curvaceous.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Donna Karan and © Sandra Bauknecht

Santigold is Santi White: an artist whose perseverance relies on invention, a major muse watched by the inspired world, an American singer-songwriter and producer. She is neither calm nor mayhem, but from her lungs burst every color in between.

Exclusively for Smashbox, she designed an amazing colorful limited edition collection inspired by the idea of a post-apocalyptic golden age. In this world she imagined, the earth, the stars, mankind and aliens co-exist in perfect harmony.

BE LEGENDARY LIPSTICK RING – CHF 68.00
Still Kickin’

EYE SHADOW COLLAGE – CHF 47.00 each
Earth As We Know (left) and Apocalypse Now (right)

BE LEGENDARY LIPGLOSS – CHF 30.00 each
All Gold E’rything (left) and Hot Lava (right)

DOUBLE-ENDED LIMITLESS EYE LINER – CHF 33.00 each
Azurite Is Never Wrong (left) and Yellow Dwarf/Green Martian (right)

In Switzerland available exclusively at MARIONNAUD from April 15, 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Smashbox

Are you still looking for a last minute gift for a dear girlfriend or a little something to achieve the perfect holiday glow or the right sparkle for New Year’s Eve? Set an enchanting tone for Holiday, with the new makeup collections that express the magic and mystery of an endlessly festive night. Here are my favorites, enjoy and get inspired!

PETITE ROBE NOIRE SO CRAZY POWDER by Guerlain

The star product of Guerlain’s Christmas collection is this luxurious, limited edition atomiser designed to provide a generous puff of powder, scent and iridescent shimmer for the hair and body. Nobody can resist La Petite Robe Noire with its beautiful ingredients of black cherry, almond and Bulgarian rose.

HIGHLIGHTER ROSE ÉTINCELLE – VEIL OF LIGHT by Lancôme

As though the Lancôme rose were captured in crystalline frost this winter… Subtly pink in hue, this iridescent powder instantly illuminates every complexion. Simply apply with a brush to beautify your face and décolleté.
CHF 65.00

DIORIFIC JEWEL MANICURE DUO GOLD NAIL LACQUER BASE & CRYSTAL PEARLS by Dior

Dior reinvents its jewel nail lacquer with a duo that teams a gold base with crystal micro-pearls to sprinkle over nails. A bold manicure for precious, 3-dimensional nails.
CHF 60.00

ILLUSION D’OMBRE by Chanel

Enlivened with metallic reflections, this product can be used to create an extreme, stylised look or simply to caress the eyes with a veil of mother-of-pearl. I have never been a big fan of cream eyeshadows but totally changed my mind because this amazing powder-cream texture makes the application a pure delight.

My favorite shade is 837 Fatal, a silver purple, which is part of the House’s “Nuit Infinie de Chanel” holiday collection.

THE ONE LIMITED EDITION 2014 by Dolce & Gabbana

I am in love with special editions and this impeccably polished gold version conjures the luxurious spirit of its content for the festive season like no other. Holding one of the most beautiful rich oriental floral perfumes, it opens with a sparkling and modern interpretation of fresh top notes of zesty bergamot and mandarin combined with juicy lycée and peach. The journey to the heart follows into the scent of Madonna lily and ends in a sensual base of vanilla, musky and amber notes.

HYPNOTIC POISON by Dior

After showing you all the limited edition highlights for the holiday season, I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite scents for winter: Hypnotic Poison, one of the best gourmand orientals on the market that was launched in 1998. Almonds and sambac jasmine mix with vanilla and musk to create a dark, bitter aroma. Pure seduction in a bottle and already a classic! Sometimes I only wear the body products mixed with another scent to achieve a new unusual combination.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands

Flying, time difference, being sleep-deprived, and not eating the healthiest food is stress for your body which shows in your face. But it is common practice during NYFW. Due to the weight limit for the luggage on the plane, I like to take as less as possible with me. Here are some beauty products that work their magic instantly to make sure you look like coming from a spa treatment, nothing more needed.

RODIAL Glam Balm™ Hand

This innovative cream gently repairs, protects and moisturises skin. It is wonderfully scented, reminiscent of almonds and coconuts, like a mini holiday at the beach. Perfect to comfort you if you cannot fall asleep because of your jet-lag. Exclusively available in Switzerland at Marionnaud. CHF 63.00

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

Drinking lots of water is indispensable for a radiant complexion. But you can also replenish lost moisture (perfect after a long flight) by using this creamy, oil-free, penetrating night mask which helps skin drink deep to build reserves for the next day. All night long, it soothes and nourishes  so that you wake up with soft, dewy, glowing skin. CHF 52.00 (100ml)

SISLEY Eau Efficace Démaquillant Doux

This product is perfect for travelling as it combines three cleansing steps in one. You can remove your face and eye make-up, cleanse and tone the skin in one single sweep. CHF 105.00 (300ml)

SHISEIDO Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream

A powerful time-fighting cream for day and night that is formulated with Rose Apple Leaf Extract to protect skin from harmful environmental aggressors and maintain youthful looking skin. Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid N supplies a high level of moisture which helps maintain a positive cycle in the skin. Perfect for travelling! CHF 152.00 (50ml)

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

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

As you know, my daily beauty obsession is to clean my skin with my beloved Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System. In case you are not yet familiar with this amazing product, I would love to invite you to visit my previous post for all the details here.

Great news for my Swiss readers is that finally the smaller version Clarisonic MIA 2™ Skin Cleansing System will be available exclusively at Marionnaud for CHF 189.00 next month in three hip colors (pink, ipanema and lavender) with a travel case and a small charger which is perfect to take on your next trip.

I couldn’t resist the lavender one and it is already packed for my flight tomorrow to Paris Fashion Week! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarisonic and © Sandra Bauknecht