Sandra‘s Closet

Personally speaking, I have to admit that I had never really thought about the impact of pores. That changed drastically when I went to Clinique‘s press conference to hear about their newest products in the end of August. One launch has especially convinced me after having used it now for almost two months: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS.

Dr. Markus Dawid, Head of Dermatology at the Kaiser Franz Joseph Spital in Vienna / Austria, gave a very interesting and eye-opening speech about how the appearance of your skin can be changed just by refining your pores. We have 300.000 pores in our face and during the age of 25-50, a doubling takes place, they become twice the size they used to be. If our pores are not immaculate, the light cannot be reflected perfectly and we look older.

Clinique offers now a full product range taking care of this problem: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS. Give them two weeks, and you’ll wonder why they were ever such a big deal.

Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum by Clinique

The Pore Resurfacing Complex quickly, gently clears out debris and rough flakes. Pores ‘snap back’ into shape and look 58% smaller in only 2 weeks. Over time, it helps your skin create stronger supports and healthier cells to see more improvement. CHF 65.– for 30ml.

Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator by Clinique

After mattifying instantly, this oil-free formula supplies needed hydration while curbing excess oil and shine for 8 hours. Even the T-Zones feel fresh and stay comfortably matte. It instantly refines the look of pores with unique light-scattering optics and over time, they seem smaller. Non-acnegenic. CHF 57.- for 50ml.

Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique (MY FAVOURITE)

It makes you look smooth and virtually flawless with pores that appear more than 50% smaller—instantly. The natural-looking matte finish lasts up to 8 hours. Resists sweat, humidity. In two skin tone shades, Invisible Light and Invisible Deep, or Invisible Bright for subtle brightening. CHF 32.- for 15ml. If you want to have an immediate result, this is your dream product!

Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup by Clinique

It softens and blurs appearance of visible pores instantly and over time. CHF 43.-, available in Switzerland in 6 shades, in the US in 12 shades.

Sisley has also invented a very powerful skin-enhancing concentrate with an all-round corrective, preventative and treatment action. One step for many results – I love!

Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley (MY FAVOURITE)

A pore-minimizing skin perfector, that at any age tightens dilated pores, smoothes the skin’s surface and ensure flawless skin texture day after day. Immediately, the skin texture is refined, the skin mattified. Day after day, the skin surface is smoother and more even. The skin’s balance is restored ,the freshness of the complexion is revealed. CHF 183.00 for 30ml.

Personally speaking, this is my perfect power couple for pores: Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley as a daily serum and Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique before applying makeup for an instant improvement. Following this beauty routine, I like to use other moisturizing creams because of my very dry skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, Sisley, © Sandra Bauknecht and via fashiongonerogue

Thank God, it is weekend and finally I am feeling better after my stomach flu. A wonderful girlfriend of mine had a little surprise from New York for me. This very cute cosmetic bag. The perfect accessory to store my emergency must-have beauty products.

BLUSH

It is a miracle what a little blush can do for you, add a little colour to your cheeks and you look immediately healthier. The light PHYTO BLUSH ÉCLAT by Sisley works wonders with micronized pigments and light-reflecting powders for a soft focus effect. It includes the extracts of gardenia, linden, and mallow to soften plus rosehip and ginkgo biloba to protect the skin. So it is not just another pretty blush. It is one with benefits. Available in five colours from peach and pink berry, to pink rose, mango and pink coral. Personally speaking, I also adore its “zebra” print design that is nice and flat.
My favourite shade: 5 Pinky Coral

CHF 74.-

LIP GLOSS

Sisley‘s new collection of ultra shiny colours PHYTO-LIP GLOSS have a 3D pouty effect. Active vegetable ingredients help to nourish, moisturize, soothe, heal and protect the lips. Available in seven non sticky shades. Yet again, a lipgloss with benefits.
My favourite shade: 4 Fuchsia

CHF 47.- each

MASCARA

And last but not least, add a little mascara to finish off your 2 minute emergency beauty routine. I became a huge fan of MASCARA VOLUME GREEN PRIDE by UNE. A new invention on planet lashes, a mascara that brings you volume that is as good for your lashes as it is beautiful. Its organic formula is certified by Ecocert and lasts for up to 16 hours. But all it takes to remove it is a simple micellar water cleanser or cleansing milk and lotion! The waxes dissolve gently and totally, leaving no residue on lashes and causing no irritation to eyes. Available in brown and black. A mascara with benefits for you and the environment.
My favourite shade: V01 Black

CHF 26.90

The emergency beauty formula: Mascara, blush + gloss = Looking so much better in 2 minutes.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Sisley and UNE

Here you see my favourite sun protection products at the moments. Those are the ones I have packed for my trip to Maui. Of course, I always start with a high SVP that gives more sunburn protection and prevents skin aging. Before giving you the product details, let me explain you a little bit further why sun protection is so important.

If the sun is not good for the skin, why not avoid it all together?

Because the sun also has beneficial qualities and can have a positive impact: its light stimulates the pineal gland in the brain which produces ‘tryptamines’, chemical molecules that help boost our mood. UV rays make it possible to synthesize vitamin D that impacts calcium, vital to a healthy bone structure.

What does ‘sun capital’ mean?

The ‘sun capital’ corresponds to the dose of sunrays each person can receive throughout their lifetime without the risk of developing a skin disease. At birth, everyone has a sun capital which slowly diminishes at each sun exposure which is why it is necessary to save it and to protect the skin beginning at a young age. Cells are generally able to divide themselves about 70 times in a lifetime. Sunburn can lead to unnecessary cellular division.

Why is it necessary to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays?

UVB rays, ‘B’ as in burn, are responsible for tanning but also for sunburn. Today, we know that they are also the rays which can cause skin cancer. UVA rays reach the deeper skin layers, the dermis in particular. Less energetic but more numerous, they are the rays responsible for signs of skin ageing because they can damage collagen and elastin fibres. UVA rays are able to penetrate the skin, even in the shade. They are a threat beginning at sunrise and all throughout the day.

The SPF 50+ version of the Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Resisto Spray helps protect children’s delicate skin from sun induced skin damage and also works perfectly for adults, especially during those first days in the sun. It is extra water-resistant and sand-proof. My daughter is travelling with me and this is the product I use for her. I like it because it is not so greasy as others with this high protection.

CHF 21.90 (200ml)

The Kibio Solaire Suncare Body Lotion SPF 30 is my favourite product for the first days in the sun. I tan very easily so that I am safe with this protection. I especially like its ultra-fluid, water-resistant texture that will not leave any white trace behind.

Interesting to know is that every Kibio Solaire product has received the Ecocert label and are certified that they do not contain nanoparticles or colouring agents. All are paraben-free and fragrance-free (including synthetic fragrances).

The beautiful slightly sweet smell derives from the natural oils used for it: Organic coconut oil, organic vanilla essential oil and organic shea butter.

CHF 26.- (100ml)

When I am already tanned, I apply this product: Shiseido Sun Protection Spray Oil-Free SPF 15 that works for the face, body and hair. The oil-free moisturizing sunscreen is sprayed on easily and feels lightweight. Its formula includes Rose Apple Leaf Extract to deliver an antioxidant effect and help prevent UV-caused DNA damage plus Xylitol for soft and healthy-looking skin. Water-resistant and sand-proof.

CHF 43.- (150ml)

Products that I like to use in general:

I am a huge fan of La Prairie products that have the new Soleil Suisse Sun Defense Système. Powered by La Prairie’s science-driven biotechnology, the products go beyond the “first line of defense” of conventional sun-protection offerings. In fact, they constitute a new lifestyle of protective skincare for both women and men.

I use the Sun Protection Emulsion Face SPF 30 on a daily basis. It is formulated to protect the most exposed, most vulnerable part of your body, guards against the sun’s age-accelerating UVA and UVB rays and diffuses potential damage from environmental pollutants with anti-oxidants from the red algae Porphyra Umbilicalis. The lightweight emulsion is also rich in anti-aging agents and a blend of emollients that keeps the skin moisturized and protects its barrier function.

CHF 130.- (125ml)

Ultra Protection Stick Eye • Lip • Nose SPF 40 ratchets the sun protection factor up even higher to provide an extra dose of protection to the most super-sensitive regions of your face. It lightly and invisibly covers those often-neglected areas – including the ear lobes – with a protective barrier that keeps harmful UVA and UVB rays out and beneficial moisture in. This sleek, portable swivel-stick is something you’ll want to have with you at all times for frequent touch-ups to guard against environmental damage. I especially love to use it for the eyes and have it always with me in my bag.

CHF 74.- (10g)

At the end of day full of sun exposure, calming and revitalizing your skin is important. I love the easy-to-use Soothing After Sun Mist Face and Body by La Prairie that is an excellent antidote to sun-parched skin. Enriched with minerals and soothing botanical extracts, this gentle mist helps restore the skin’s equilibrium, while instantly diminishing redness and calming irritability. Its action is enhanced by Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, which relieves the skin’s sensitivity.

Complementing this calming action, a botanical moisturizing agent counteracts dryness with intensive 24-hour hydration, while sea-sourced minerals, including calcium and zinc, keep the skin supple and well nourished. Detoxifying red algae provides protection against environmental pollutants, major contributors to premature skin aging.

CHF 96.- (150ml)

This is my favourite step in the evening: Sunleÿa Soin après-soleil anti-âge by Sisley instantly refreshes, repairs and comforts skin exposed to the sun by trapping free radicals that accumulate during the day helping skin recover and repair itself. Sisley has developed a complete after sun care combining the benefits of a restorative product with a high-performance anti-ageing formula to help skin replenish itself and preserve its youthfulness.

Its emulsion texture is rich, light and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly and is delicately perfumed with essential oils of Marjoram and Mallow. Such a treat!

CHF 207.- (50ml)

Stay tuned for a post about the products I like to use to protect my hair from the sun!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
Stills: Courtesy of L’Oréal Suisse SA, Kibio, La Prairie, Shiseido and Sisley.

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

For F/W 2011, many new fragrances will or have already hit the market just recently. Today, I would like to give you a brief summary of what is worth getting your nose on. Enjoy!

SENSOUS NUDE – Oriental Floral

Sensuous Nude is a new version of the original perfume Sensuous from 2008 and a fragrance reminiscent of the summer due its beautiful coconut accord.

Top Notes: Bergamot, pink and black pepper and mandarin

Middle Notes: Lily of the Valley, jasmine, coconut water, white honey and musk

Base Notes: Sandalwood, vanilla, amber, helioptrope and woody notes (that were created with a new technology, so-called Melted Wood Nature Print, for a more natural scent experience)

Sensuous Nude EDP, 30ml (CHF 60), 50ml (CHF80), 100ml (CHF114)
Sensuous Nude Body Veil – rich body cream 200ml (CHF 60)
Sensuous Nude Touch On Fragrance – light silky serum 10ml (CHF 54).

Advertising campaign was designed and executed by photographer Craig McDean, and advertising face is Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana, who posed on Californian beaches for this campaign (first photo on top). The fragrance is in stores now.

VIOLET BLONDE – Floral Woody Musk

Tom Ford has launched a new fragrance, named Violet Blonde which is based on powdery notes of violet and iris.

Top Notes: Violet leaf, pink pepper and Italian mandarin

Middle Notes: Tuscan iris absolute, Tuscan orris butter and jasmine

Base Notes: Musk, vetiver, suede, cedar and benzoin.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde EDP, 30ml (CHF 90), 50ml (CHF132), 100ml (CHF200)

Lara Stone was chosen to feature the campaign of the whole line that was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. In stores in Switzerland Mid September 2011, in the US already available.

BURBERRY BODY – Chypre Fruity

Burberry Body is a feminine and effortlessly sensual fragrance with an eclectic combination of refined ingredients.

Top Notes: Green absinthe, peach and freesia

Middle Notes: Rose absolute, iris and sandalwood

Base Notes: Woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, amber and musk.

Burberry Body is available in a wide range, featuring EdP Intense in different sizes, EdP in different sizes, Body Oil and Body Milk.

Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley features in the new campaign shot by Mario Testino to promote the range, wearing nothing but a gold trench – and a few drops of the scent of course that is in stores now. 
The scent has so far been featured on Facebook, giving fans a chance to preview the scent. The page has had a staggering 8 million ‘likes’ as the brand continues to push the boundaries of digital media. The new fragrance is available since beginning of September.

PRADA CANDY – Oriental Vanilla

Prada has launched a new feminine perfume called Candy. As for me, this is the most surprising new scent on the market, very sweet , very girly and very unusual for the Italian brand.

Top Notes: Musk

Middle Notes: Benzoin

Base Notes: Caramel and vanilla.

Prada Candy EDP is available in three different sizes (30,50 and 80ml), with shower gel, body lotion and peeling.

The face is young French actress Léa Seydoux known for her role in The Beautiful Person (La Belle Personne) shot by Jean Paul Goud. Prada Candy is in stores now.

VERSACE YELLOW DIAMOND – Floral

Versace started its perfume line inspired by crystals in 2004 with Crystal Noir, and then launched the lighter and fruitier Bright Crystal in 2006. In 2011, a new addition is presented, “a crystal that turns into a diamond”: Yellow Diamond, a transparent and airy floral scent.

Top Notes: Neroli, lmon, bergamot and pear sorbet

Middle Notes: Orange blossom, freesia, mimosa and water lily

Base Notes: Amber, musk and guaiac wood.

Versace Yellow Diamond is available as 50 and 90 ml EdT, with deodorant and body lotion.

The face of the campaign is Australian model Abbey Lee Kershaw, shot by Mario Testino in Paris.

TOMMY HILFIGER EAU DE PREP TOMMY GIRL – Floral Fruity

The Tommy Hilfiger Group is launching two new fragrances – Eau de Prep Tommy Girl and Eau de Prep Tommy (for men). The fragrances reflect the preppy lifestyle which means sporty yet elegant. Let me give you more facts about Eau de Prep Tommy Girl:

Top Notes: Pink peppercorn, green apple and pear

Middle Notes: White roses, violet and hawthorn

Base Notes: Sandalwood, patchouli and musk.

Eau de Prep Tommy Girl EdT, 30ml (CHF46), 50ml (CHF76), 100ml (CHF96)

The fragrances will launch in Switzerland starting October 24, 2011.

SISLEY EAU D’IKAR  for Men – Woody Aromatic

Let me introduce you to the first ever masculine fragrance from Sisley named Eau d’Ikar. The composition is based on the note of mastic, a Mediterranean tree that grows in Corsica where the d’Ordano family’s origins are. A wonderful new composition for men.

Top Notes: Mastic, bitter orange, bergamot, lemon and carrot seeds

Middle Notes: Mastic absolute, iris, jasmine, orange pekoe tea, reeds, leather, wood and spices

Base Notes: Green cistus, sandalwood and vetiver.

Eau d’Ikar EdT, 50ml (CHF90), 100ml (CHF145)

The artwork bottle, symbol of a myth revisited, was designed by Polish sculptor Bronislaw Krzysztof. The new fragrance will be available from October, 1, 2011.

Have fun exploring those new fragrances in real and stay tuned for more releases to come! My personal favourites are Sensous Nude and Eau de Prep Tommy Girl!

LoL, Sandra

I desire, therefore I am.

Sisley’s art project continues. This time, the fashion brand has joined forces with Italian illustrator and comic book artist Milo Manara for a limited edition S/S 2011 capsule collection, including T-shirts, tops, skirts, shorts, handbags, shoppers and sneakers for both genders.

Portraits, illustrations and whole comic strips starring his provocative heroines come to life on Sisley’s clothes and around the wearer’s body. Black-and-white prints, sometimes with sparkling elements, and colour prints faithfully reproduce different drawing techniques, from chalk to acrylics, to recount the adventures of numerous female characters.
The collection will be available in a wide number of Sisley shops and sold in dedicated shopping bags.

Good news for my Milan based readers, Milo Manara, will be the guest of the brand’s store in Piazza San Babila on Thursday, May 5, from 5 to 7 PM and sign the limited edition T-shirts.

LoL, Sandra