Sandra‘s Closet

This year, Brazil will be in the global spotlight hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup from June 12 to July 13, 2014. With the South American country being the place to be this year, OPI’s right on the spot with the S/S 2014 collection inspired by the tropical rainforests and warm sandy beaches of one of the most vibrant and colourful countries on our planet!

Brazil by OPI features a palette ranging from bright hues of red, pink, coral, orange and yellow to earthy tones of taupe, sienna, mocha and jungle green.

In addition to 12 nail lacquers, the Brazil launch includes a set of four limited edition Beach Sandies Liquid Sand™ mini neon nail lacquers in bold purple, pink, turquoise and yellow shades with a textured, matte finish.

In stores in Switzerland from February 24, 2014 for CHF 23.90 (15ml).

Matching your new manicure, Sal y Limon launches the Rio Special Edition bangles in two designs in four different color combinations.
Available from May 2014 for €30.00 (small) and  €40.00 (large).

Now, it is up to you to feel the Brazilian vibe!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and Sal y Limon

When I first heard that Gwen Stefani was teaming up with OPI for a limited edition collection, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” seven new nail lacquers, featuring standout color in breakthrough finishes will launch in January 2014.

Highlights from the collection include a bold red lacquer that pays homage to Gwen’s signature lipstick, a new semi-matte satin finish in shades of gold and black, and a mirrored chrome paired with a special base coat.

From left to right:
Over & Over A-Gwen – Gwen’s signature red OPI hue is available in a boxed set, which includes Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes for creating unique nail designs, as well as nail glue for easy application.
Hey Baby (a perfect pink) and I Sing in Color (a deep blackberry) are also two glossy crème lacquers.

From left to right:
Love.Angel.Music.Baby. and 4 in the Morning feature a new, semi-matte satin finish designed to be worn without top coat.
In True Stefani Fashion is a sparkly holographic silver glitter shade.

My favorite: Push and Shove, a bold chrome hue, is also worn without top coat but requires a special complimentary base.

The collection will be in stores worldwide in January 2014, in Switzerland it will launch on the 21st and be available for around 3 months.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©2014 OPI Products Inc.

Time is flying and you might want to get in the Christmas mood just looking at your nails. OPI‘s new 2013 holiday nail polish collection in collaboration with no other than Mariah Carey contains 18 different limited edition nail polishes which are of course heavy on red and glitter. No doubt, those must-have shades are for Christmas.
CHF 23.90 (15ml) each

The 18 colors come in three textures: cream, glitter and the famous liquid sand. The names are all dedicated to the famous singer.

“Mariah Carey is truly synonomous with the holiday season,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “People around the world listen to her festive, iconic songs – ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ is a personal favourite – and these 18 lacquers evoke the warmth, beauty, energy and positive spirit that’s present in Mariah’s music.”

My favourite that I am wearing today is: “Underneath the Mistletoe” – a dark red with just enough glitter to give it a nice little twist.

In addition to this beautiful winter collection, a limited edition “Pure 18K White Gold & Silver Leaf Top Coat” (similiar to last year’s “The Man with the Golden Gun”) adds precious metal texture over any OPI shade or can be worn alone for a subtle but luxurious look. This genuine18 karat white gold & silver leaf top coat comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable box.
CHF 49.90 (15ml)

All colours will be in stores in Switzerland starting October 28, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

San Francisco by OPI brings West Coast flair directly to your nails and toes for F/W 2013.

The new collection features 12 nail polishes in shades of sky and sea-colored hues of blues and gray to reds, burgundies and browns inspired by some of the city’s most iconic elements – Chinatown, the Golden Gate bridge and the Embarcadero, along with three limited edition Liquid Sand™ shades.

San Francisco by OPI includes the following 12 shades that will stay permanently:
A-Piers to Be Tan – I shore do like this chocolaty tan.
Dining al Frisco – Just feast your eyes on this fresh-air blue!
Haven’t the Foggiest – Can’t tell you why I love this misty gray…I just do!
Peace & Love & OPI – This holographic sage and eggplant is far out!
Keeping Suzi at Bay – There’s no holding back this assertive navy blue.
Incognito in Sausalito – You better keep this almost-black blue under wraps.
Lost on Lombard – Oh garn-et! I’m all turned around!
I Knead Sour-Dough – Are you bready to wear this toasty warm brown?
Muir Muir on the Wall – This trailblazing plum is the fairest of all.
In the Cable Car-Pool Lane – Good golly, Miss Trolley, this rich burgundy takes me away!
Embarca-Dare Ya! – Betcha can’t pass up this marvelous magenta.
First Date at the Golden Gate – You and me and this shimmery ruby make three.

The three limited Liquid Sand™ nail lacquers (should always be worn without top coat) are:
It’s All San Andreas’s Fault – I’d move mountains to get this textured earthy taupe!
Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! – Dog-gone it…fetch me that textured matte blue!
Alcatraz…Rocks – There’s no escaping this arresting textured gray.

My favourite shade: Alcatraz…Rocks

The collection will be available in Switzerland starting July 25, 2013 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Who would not want to be a Bond Girl?! Having a great body, a fancy name, being extremely sporty and super-handy with any kind of weapon, a Bond Girl looks absolutely stunning. Moreover she always gets James Bond himself. As this dream might not  going to happen any time soon, we should better focus on OPI‘s new The Bond Girls Liquid Sand™ collection.

The 6 different shades are each dedicated to a Bond Girl. I love their Liquid Sand™ texture (Do you remember the Maria Carey by OPI collection that featured the same technology?). It is easy to apply, extremely long-lasting and it gives your nails an eye-catching look in one stroke.

Top from left to right: Solitaire, Pussy Galore, Honey Rider
Bottom from left to right: Vesper, Tiffany Case, Jinx

My favourite shade is Tiffany Case.

The Bond Girls by OPI collection is in stores now for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Disney‘s Oz The Great and Powerful, has hit the cinemas worldwide. The American fantasy adventure film directed by Sam Raimi, stars James Franco as Oscar Diggs, Mila Kunis as Theodora, Rachel Weisz as Evanora, and Michelle Williams as Glinda. The film is based on L. Frank Baum‘s Oz novels, and also homages the 1939 MGM film, .

To celebrate the theatrical release, OPI is launching a beautiful collection featuring 6 limited edition and 1 Liquid Sand™ shades. Below are the names and descriptions for each:

What Wizardry Is This?
This new Liquid Sand™ lacquer is a mix of soft crème and warm, subtle glitter shades.

When Monkey’s Fly!
I’m simply bananas for this gold confetti.

Lights of Emerald City
White confetti adds city girl flair and style to nails.

Which is Witch?
Is this silver glitter with irridescent sparkle or the other way around?

I Theodora You
This adorable, sheer pink is bewitching on you.

Glints of Glinda
Only a good witch could turn beige from meek to chic.

Don’t Burst My Bubble
Don’t wake me…I’m dreaming about puffy clouds of white.

As with all OPI nail lacquers, those shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.
This limited edition promotion is in stores now (for CHF 23.90 in Switzerland) and will surely fly off the shelves, so better hurry!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Have a look at my favourite foot care products to survive the cold winter months and to get you sandal ready for summer.

CHAMOMILE MINT MASSAGE by OPI
With the help of botanical extracts, plus vitamins and emollients, this product works wonders. A non-greasy spa massage for home that moisturizes your feet perfectly. For all who have barely time to get a pedicure. (Can also be used on hands).
CHF 39.90 (125 ml)

NORDIC BERRY FOOT CREAM by Neutrogena
This foot treament is a real favourite of mine. It intensively moisturizes and nourishes even the driest skin of feet, it helps to prevent rough and horny skin. You will see visible results already after one week of use.
CHF 19.90 (100ml)

AMANDE FOOT CARE by L’Occitane
If you’re looking for a foot lotion that you can actually feel working, then this is the one for you. With a mix of almond milk, shea butter and purifying mint essential oil, tired toes are reawakened with a tingly feeling.
Thanks to its powdery finish, you can quickly put your shoes on.
CHF 14.- (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands
Fur scarf by Gabriele Frantzen

Ladies, spring is coming and OPI‘s newest S/S 2013 collection, Euro Centrale, has been uncapped for you!

Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail polishes match perfectly  the new season’s trends. “Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania make up an exciting new fashion hotspot,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “When visiting these countries, you’ll view Gothic churches alongside vibrant graffiti murals, blending two very different aesthetics.”

Euro Centrale by OPI includes the following shades:

Polka.com Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.
OPI…Eurso Euro This deep blue cream is very continental.
Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!
You’re Such a BudaPest If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?
Can’t Find My Czechbook I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!
My Paprika is Hotter than Yours! Get the extinguisher…this fiery red is sizzling!
Hands Off My Kielbasa! Get your own…this bronzy tan is all mine!
OY–Another Polish Joke! So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar…
A Woman’s Prague-ative I’m changing this shimmery copper for…never mind!
Vant to Bite My Neck? You know you want to…wear this deep eggplant.
I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw Be seen in this deep midnight blue.
My Vampire is Buff Creamy, pale and nude…just how I like my vampires.

My favourite combination that you can see in the collage above is OPI…Eurso Euro with a layer of Polka.com. The beautiful collection will be in stores in Switzerland starting March 1st, 2103 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Wednesday, the 16th annabelle Prix de Beauté ceremony was held at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich and I felt very honored to be in the jury like last year. Above you can see annabelle’s editor-in-chief Lisa Feldmann with me at the event.

For those of you who are not familiar with this trophy, the “Anna” is like the “Swiss Beauty Oscar”. Many products in different categories are tested among the jury members and the winner is analyzed with the help of an elaborate questionary.

“Anna” of 2013

Many of the winners have been featured here on Sandra’s Closet:

Fragrance Women: Coco Noir by Chanel
Fragrance Men: Tom Ford Noir by Tom Ford
Make-up: Holland Collection by OPI
Facial Care: The Moisturizing Soft Cream by La Mer
Natural Cosmetics: Idéalia Crème by Vichy
Body Care: Eau des Jardins Crème Corps Délicieuse by Clarins
Hair Care: Elixir Ultime by Kérastase
Sun Care: Swiss Suncare by La Prairie
Dior Bronze Crème Protectrice Sublimante SPF50 by Dior

Lovely Katrin Roth who is in charge of annabelle’s beauty blog with me. You can check out all her photos of the night by clicking here! Please stay tuned for the detailed post of my outfit that will be coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, I came across this photo that put a huge smile on my face. Those nails are so cheesy. As you know I am living in Switzerland that is famous for the best cheeses in the world. So some of you might get inspired to match their manicure to their next raclette.

Are you ready for some Fondue nails? Honestly, I find it very fascinating to look at them, but who wants to walk around with nails like that. I have more an admiration for the craftsmanship that went into them. Marta from the UK (Top Fashion Nails) is pretty creative. Look at her strawberry manicure below.

Have a lovely Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Top Fashion Nails