Sandra‘s Closet

A new trio to adore!  The floral bouquet of J’adore is infused in Les Adorables: a series of perfumed gestures to enhance the skin with a body milk, a shower gel, and a hand, nail and décolleté cream being the latest additions.

Like their predecessors, these three new Adorables celebrate the luminous fresh and floral notes of J’adore, delivering intense pleasure directly to the skin.
Their sensual fragrance is joined by the expertise of Dior science. Elevated by sensorial textures, their formulas promise effectiveness as much as well-being.

The cases of this unique trio also add to the pleasure of the senses. With their rounded form inspired by the bead that tops the iconic perfume bottle, they take on the aesthetic codes of J’adore to transcend the traditional bath and body universe and become objects of desire to collect.

The Shower Gel – Enveloping
The shower gel combines the bath ritual with a fragrant moment of pleasure, illuminated by the notes of J’adore. Infused with jasmine extract, it envelops the body with a fine, light foam that leaves the skin silky and lightly scented.

The Body Milk – Hydrating
The Body milk enhances the skin with a caress thanks to its formula composed of 92% natural origin ingredients enriched with jasmine wax. Its creamy, soothing texture hydrates and nourishes the skin making it more supple. It feels softer and is subtly scented with the floral notes of J’adore.

The Cream for Hands, Nails and Décolleté – Soothing
With its nomad format, the Cream for hands, nails and décolleté is the perfect ally for a subtly scented touch of softness at any time of the day. Composed of 97% natural origin ingredients, infused with jasmine wax and cotton nectar, its nourishing and hydrating formula blossoms into a smooth delicate texture. With a single touch, it leaves the skin supple and satiny, enhanced by the floral scents of J’adore.

Adorably Irresistible
In addition to their irresistible scent and sensorial formulas that look after the skin, Les Adorables are a delight for the eyes. Presented in sophisticated and feminine cases, they are endlessly collectable. Showcasing a design that reinterprets the aesthetic codes of the cult perfume bottle, the iconic bead is transformed across three white cases accentuated with a touch of gold. The small format, especially for the the Cream for Hands, Nails and Décolleté, means it can be slipped in everywhere, for a moment of self-care at any time of the day.

As an introduction to the Adorables universe, the House of Dior has brought together miniature versions of the first 3 creations in the collection – the Body Cream, the Shimmering Body Gel, and the Shimmering Body Scrub – in an exclusive set available in a selection of boutiques and at Dior.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior @DIORBEAUTY
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This holiday season, CHANEL invites you to discover 5 essentials for a complete perfuming ritual revolving around its most iconic fragrance: N°5.
CHANEL has elevated the abstract scent of N°5 with 5 new textures for the body. 5 ways to wear fragrance and intensify your trail, 5 ways to leave your mark, 5 ways to remember that any detail that transforms the ordinary is a necessity.

THE FINISHING TOUCH OF THIS PERFUMING RITUAL:
N°5 Eau de Parfum, a legendary, timeless fragrance, a floral aldehyde bouquet housed in a bottle with a minimalist design. During the holiday season, it is dressed up for the occasion in an exclusive, limited-edition sleeve.

THE 5 BATH AND BODY ESSENTIALS OF THE N°5 PERFUMING RITUAL

ESSENTIEL N°1
THE SHOWER GEL – CHF 60.00 (200ml)
A pure moment of pleasure, the N°5 Shower Gel’s creamy, foaming texture lightly scents the skin and leaves it feeling velvety soft. Its transparent bottle is now equipped with the «Twist and Slide» cap, a CHANEL exclusive that makes it easy to dispense the product

ESSENTIEL N°2
THE BODY LOTION – CHF 68.00 (200ml)
The N°5 Body Lotion provides instant hydration on a daily basis and is easily and liberally applied thanks to its «Twist and Slide» cap. Its formula, enriched with an active ingredient derived from rose and jasmine, leaves a delicate, hydrating veil on the skin for 8 hours.*

ESSENTIEL N°3
THE BODY CREAM – CHF 106.00 (150g)
The N°5 Body Cream provides a voluptuous experience and is intensely hydrating. Its rich, sensual texture envelops skin in softness and keeps it moisturized for 8 hours.* Presented in a lightly frosted glass jar, the N°5 Body Cream, enriched with an active ingredient derived from rose and jasmine, subtly prolongs the N°5 trail.

ESSENTIEL N°4
THE DEODORANT – CHF 56.00 (100ml)
An immediate veil of freshness for lasting well-being, the N°5 Deodorant leaves the skin lightly scented. Housed in an opaque bottle, this comforting step of the routine was formulated with subtle, fresh notes that perfectly complement the floral bouquet of N°5.

ESSENTIEL N°5
THE HAIR MIST – CHF 63.00 (35ml)
Ultimate touch of seduction to infuse hair with the delicate scent of N°5. In a transparent, frosted glass bottle, its formula enriched with a new active ingredient derived from rose and jasmine makes hair soft and shiny.

In stores in November 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
*Instrumental test conducted on 20 women

This week, parts of Europe have to experience an extreme heatwave as exceptionally hot weather is pulled from Africa northwards across our Northern hemisphere. In some parts of the continent, temperatures are rising as high as – and surpass – 40 degrees.

The only thing that helps to beat the heat is a cold shower. Pick one of these new summer shower gels and stay fresh. They will stimulate the senses, give you a great bathing experience and leave you with a rejuvenating feeling.

This summer, LE PETIT MARSEILLAIS launches two new scents inspired by the Provence, «Fig» and «Lavender» to make it even more fun to gently clean your skin. The foam reveals a sweet and romantic fragrance while leaving your skin moisturized and nourished.
250ml for CHF 3.50 each

WELEDA invites you to get aways from the everyday in a lush summer with the limited edition «Summer Garden Shower». Step into the summer scents of exotic ylang ylang, fresh lemon and woody copaiba. The 100% plant-based surfactants cleanse gentle while organic sesame oil cares for your skin.
200ml for CHF 10.50

BIOTHERM‘s «Delighting Blend» cleansing gel is infused with grapefruit and sage for the ultimate indulging moment. When in need of a detox – for your skin and for your mind – this uplifting fragrance will help your mind disconnect while the fresh formulas will leave your skin purified and lightly perfumed.
400ml for around CHF 28.90

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

New, limited and perfect for Valentine’s Day, The Body Shop is launching the Smoky Poppy body care line which is enriched with real, hand-picked poppy flowers from the Ankara region of Turkey. This sensual and indulgent range is infused with a seductive, euphoric scent that will leave you longing for more.

The packing is really beautiful and the scent absolutely tempting. When I opened the box filled with all those beauty must-haves, I was immediately taken by their intoxicating, seductive and captivating blend of sultry spices, elegant flowers and colorful shades.

From left to right:
Smoky Poppy Poppy Seed Peeling CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Body Butter CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Shower Gel CHF 9.90
Smoky Poppy Body Lotion CHF 19.90
Smoky Poppy Bath Bombs CHF 29.90
Smoky Poppy Massage Oil CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Eau de Toilette CHF 24.90

Smoky Poppy Deluxe Collection CHF 84.90
A great gift for Valentine’s Day!

The makeup range includes the following products:

Lips & Cheeks Velvet Sticks CHF 22.90 each
Poppy Universal Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick CHF 22.90

Yellow Poppy Shimmer Cubes Palette CHF 39.90
Pink Poppy Shimmer Cubes Palette CHF 39.90

Colour Crush™ Nail Polish in Cupid Pink, Mad About Blue and A Sunny Affair, CHF 9.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Body Shop and © Sandra Bauknecht

ITALY MEETS ARABIA

Acqua di Parma‘s new Colonia Intensa Oud is absolutely wonderful, something we would like to smell on our men. Bringing together two different worlds, this unique fragrance blends the distinctive Italian freshness of the cologne with the richness of the finest ingredients of the Middle East. The fragrance is the portrait of a man who embodies the best of different cultures, and confident in his own unique identity.

Congratulations! Last month, Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa Oud won the 2013 Fragrance Foundation Award in the Men’s Luxury category in New York.

Top notes: Orange and Calabrian bergamot
Middle notes: Coriander, Amyris wood and Agarwood essential oil
(Agarwood essential oil is known to be a sign of charismatic, ancestral virility in the worlds of incenses, balms, particularly found in male Middle Eastern fragrances)
Base notes: Sandalwood, ceadrwood, patchouli, musk, wood and forest notes

A complete line for those who love this captivating fragrance in every aspect of their lives. The Eau de Cologne is available in 180ml and 100ml sizes, as well as in a Travel Spray 30ml format for those who want to enjoy the pleasure of this Eau de Cologne at any time and place.

Colonia Intensa Oud is now also available as a Shampoo and Shower Gel, Perfumed Deodorant and as a skilfully crafted Cube Candle for those who would love to spread the enigmatic notes of this Eau de Cologne in their daily routine and in their homes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Acqua di Parma

The press event for the launch of Lancôme‘s newest fragrance LA VIE EST BELLE started with the following statement:
“Lancôme is not a brand, it is a philosophy of femininity.”

The French house is turning over a new leaf. The scent is meant to be a declaration for a new era. In a world full of diktats and conventions, there must be another way. Therefore, the concept plays with the idea of natural and simple beauty, the choice of once own vision of happiness and freedom. This shows best in the advertising film directed by Tarsem Singh (Mirror, Mirror), in which the face of the campaign, beautiful Julia Roberts, frees herself from being an imaginary puppet on a string (Click here for the making of).

This gourmand and elegant composition was developed by three famous perfumers together, Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo. It took them three years of probation and endless versions to create the final formula that includes 63 ingredients with iris playing the lead, surrounded by orange blossoms and jasmine as middle notes. I especially like the warm and powdery base with accords of tonka bean, praline, patchouli and vanilla. This fragrance is surely going to be a new bestseller, following in the steps of its famous predecessor Trésor.

The flacon is a redesigned version of the classic Lancome bottle from 1949. It is a masterpiece of crystal in the shape of a smile, a square in the circle that achieves the impossible. Happiness captured in a bottle.

Top notes: Pear and black currant
Middle notes: Orange blossom, jasmine and iris
Base notes: Praline, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli

Available in Switzerland in September 2012.
Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 75.-), 50ml (CHF 115.-) and 75ml (CHF 145.-)
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 59.-) and  Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 66.-)

The press event took place at the Dolder Hotel in Zurich. The weather was definitely not co-operating but you have to take the rough with the smooth. No matter what: La vie est belle – Light up the world with a smile from the heart, like Lancôme’s lovely PR-lady Magi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

The three well-known fragrances from the Chanel Chance family, the original Chance (2003) with amber and spicy elements and a floral top note, the Chance Eau Fraîche (2007), a sharper floral scent with fresh vetiver, citron and teak wood notes and the Chance Eau Tendre (2010), a “fruity floral” with grapefruit, white musk and jasmine scents, come now in a handy “twist & spray” version.

Choose your favourite “Chance” version and get it in an atomiser that fits in the palm of your hand, making it easy to use and easy to carry in your handbag. It is the perfect addition for all “Chance” fans among you.

Chanel has also created three new Chance body products. Available in Switzerland in the end of January 2012.

LoL, Sandra

CHANCE

The decidedly young scent for those who dare to dream.

– Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur  Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-

CHANCE Eau Fraîche

The unexpected fragrance. . . Sparkling, spirited, surprising.

– Vaporisateur Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-
– Lait Fondant pour le Corps 200 ml CHF 68.-

CHANCE Eau Tendre

Tender yet vibrant. . . the fragrance of a woman who embraces her chance

– Vaporisateur Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-
– Lait Fondant pour le Corps 200 ml CHF 68.-
– Gel Moussant pour la Douche 200 ml CHF 60.-

“An imaginative scent, drenched in the delicate sweetness of sapphire blooms. And wild, because it’s a pretty quirky take, inspired by a wickedly whimsical, contemporary fairytale starring Wild Bluebell herself. With persimmon, lily of the valley and eglantine, its lush transparency is decidedly naughty…but nice.”

Wild Bluebell is the newest fragrance from the world of Jo Malone and has just arrived on the market. Bluebell is a wild forest flower. Christine Nagel, the creator of the new scent, came up with an elegant, yet playful composition, combining fresh notes, flowers and spicy choord of cloves. A modern-day fairytale blend, a welcome addition for the Jo Malone fan.

Floral Green
Top notes: Bluebell and cloves
Middle notes: Lily of the valley, jasmine and rose hip
Base notes: White amber and musk

Eau de Cologne Wild Bluebell 30ml, €42
Eau de Cologne Wild Bluebell 100ml, €84 
Body & Hand Wash Wild Bluebell 250ml,  €40
Body Cream Wild Bluebell 175ml, €60
Scented Candle Wild Bluebell 200g, €50

Aren’t those advertising photos just adorable?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Ladurée is worldwide known for their double-decker macaroons which come in various flavours and seasonal specials. Founded in Paris by Louis-Ernest Ladurée, in 1862, the famous luxury pastries shop and café is always worth a visit. Today, the brand can be found all over the world and has even opened its doors in Zurich last winter.

Even if you are not into caloric treats, you should pay the shop a visit. The interior itself is overly stunning and inspiring, definitely nothing for minimalists.
Remember my friend, I wrote about, that built her dream closet in the famous Ladurée green.

The Ladurée universe includes much more than sweets. They sell the most beautiful gifts you can imagine from scented candles to shower gel, from ruffled printed umbrellas to tea degustation sets. All gorgeously wrapped and packed in their signature boxes in pastel colours.

Many designers got together with the famous French patisserie for the best fashion/food collaborations ever. Names like Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Marni, which are making our hearts go all aflutter with their designs, have created adorable macarons gift sets.
In the end of October, John Galliano will be decorating his special edition for Ladurée: The rose-ginger macaroons.

While the sweets inside may not last long, the fashionable packaging will be worth keeping it forever.

LoL, Sandra