Sandra‘s Closet

Meet the most instagrammable suncare brand on the market: DARLING! «Your skin will alway be your best dress,» and using sunscreen is the first step to a successful anti-aging routine. Simplicity is the essential characteristic of the texture of the products: white and silky. Beauty is in the packaging: pastel colours and essential shapes.

A complete skin care line perfect for taking care of your skin on sunny and relaxing days as well as busy city life. The Italian brand’s philosophy is based on the concept of the sun protection factor as an essential element of daily skin care. For DARLING, SPF stands for «stay pretty forever».

Darling is for every skin type and every skin tone. High quality and know-how are in the performance of the products and their formulas. All products are anti-aging, anti-oxidant, hydrating, with light textures and easy application, 100% vegan, cruelty free, no parabens, nickel tested, and produced with 100% recyclable materials.

DARLING is available at NISHES and FARFETCH.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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Today, I would love to introduce you to my favorite sun protection this summer, easy to use and environmental-friendly.

A clear stick sunscreen that goes on smoothly without stickiness or a mess on your hands. Featuring SynchroShield™, its protective veil becomes even stronger when it detects heat, water or perspiration. This multi-protective stick provides a seamless defense against UVA/UVB rays and dryness anytime, anywhere. It works for the face and the body.

Containing the botanical ingredient complex Profense CL, it helps to prevent UV damage that causes wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

The anti-pollution formula helps to keep pollutants from adhering to the skin and contains an antioxidant to help to protect against damage that can be caused by them.

– This very water-resistant veil contributes to less elution when you enter the sea, compared to non-water resistant sunscreens.
– This bag is made from 72% certified biodegradable materials.
– Please repurpose this nomadic pouch before discarding it.

The SHISEIDO Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+ is available for €32.00.
TO SHOP IT ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored. However, I received the product to test it.

If you have a very sensitive skin and tend to burn easily, then you will love the products of ULTRASUN, the Swiss brand that has launched many innovations for over twenty years with strong focus on this skin condition.

The newest range, called ULTRASUN MINERAL, offers formulas that also provide ultraviolet A-protection whilst leaving many critically discussed ingredients. To describe the difference between UVA and UVB rays, I have an easy association. UVA is for Aging as it penetrates the skin very deeply (even windows are no protection against those rays) and UVB is for Burning/Bad as it destroys the DNA. Not every sun care product protects against both kind of rays. The SPF rating of sunscreens is related to protection from UVB rays. Regardless of the combination of active ingredients, if the sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum” it has been tested and proven to protect against the full range of UVA light.

Here are some facts about ULTRASUN MINERAL:

• 0% PERFUME
  Because the combination of perfume ingredients and UV rays can lead to unwanted pigmentation disorders/stain formation.
• 0% PEG/PPG
  Makes the skin permeable, allowing pollutants to enter the skin.
• 0% MINERAL OILS or EMULSIFIERS
  Because mineral oils together with emulsifying agents and UVA rays can lead to sun allergies in the form of Mallorca acne.
• 0% ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE
  Hormone-like activity (Krause 2012, Sarveiya 2004, Rodriguez 2006, Klinubol 2008)
  
• 0% PRESERVATIVES
  Ultrasun uses absolutely no preservatives (no parabens, no phenoxyethanol, no methylisothiazolinone). This is due to its very stable formulation and the top quality airless packaging.
• 0% SILICONES
  Because the long-term use of silicone in cosmetics is controversial.

All products restores the moisture levels of the skin and reduce the appearance of sun-induced ageing (lines, wrinkles, larger pores). Featuring incredibly fast-absorbing, lightweight and non-greasy textures, they are deal for ultra sensitive skin.

ULTRASUN Face Mineral SPF 30 (40ml) – CHF 24.00 / € 21.00
ULTRASUN Face Mineral SPF 50 (40ml) – CHF 26.00 / € 24.00
ULTRASUN Body Mineral SPF 30 (100ml) – CHF 26.00 / € 23.00
ULTRASUN Body Mineral SPF 50 (100ml) – CHF 28.00 / € 25.00
ULTRASUN Baby Mineral SPF 50 (100ml) – CHF 32.00 / € 27.00

For store locations, please visit the ULTRASUN website.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of ULTRASUN and © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, let me tell you, I hate sun creams. For me, it is something I have to apply to protect my skin but cannot be bothered too much with. So my ideal solution is to use it once and be protected the whole day.

La Roche-Posay ANTHELIOS XL CREAM SPF 50 (50ml, CHF 30.00) has become my favorite. It is perfect for sensitive and sun intolerant skin, very water-resistant and its UVA protection twice stricter than the European recommendation (for sun care) thanks to its patented and photostable filtering system Mexoplex®. Its moisturising velvety texture leaves no white marks and works for the body as well as for the face! The range includes also a BB (50ml, CHF 30.00) and a Blur cream (40ml, CHF 30.00), both with SPF 50.

Like this, you can enjoy the sun to the fullest and read our big summer issue of L’Officiel Switzerland that is now at the newsstands nationwide.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally, summer has arrived in Switzerland and I couldn’t be any happier about it. I spent the last sunny days like probably most of you outside and really got impatient to get a nice tan. Here is a post dedicated to my favorite beauty musts for the sun. Whether you want to look slightly sun-kissed or savagely tanned, these bronzers and spray tanning products will deliver.

Especially on your first day at the beach (like me above in Maui – Happy 4th of July to my American readers by the way!!!), you don’t want to look too pale, so you better start getting organized now…

ALL YEAR AROUND
LANCÔME Flash Bronzer Self-Tanner Gel gives you the perfect glow in a record application.
CHF 45.00 (50ml)
GUERLAIN Terracotta Sunless Tinted Self-Tanning Gel smells well and gives you a golden skin tone in a second.
CHF 72.00 (150ml)
GUERLAIN Terracotta Sun Celebration La Lacque Couleur in 602 Tonka Impériale. This limited edition nail polish has the perfect shade to match your summer tan.
CHF 37.00

BEFORE TANNING – SUN PROTECTION
BIOTHERM Brume Solair Dry Touch SPF 30. I love this ultra-sheer, oil-free and waterproof sun protection spray for the body that leaves a dry and matte touch.
CHF 39.00 (200ml)
SISLEY SUNLEŸA G.E. Age Minimizing Sun Care SPF 30 is the “Rolls-Royce” among the sun protection products and I love using it specially for my face. It is waterproof, protects and also minimizes the signs of aging.
CHF 245.00 (50ml)

AFTER SUN CARE
GUERAIN Terracotta After Sun Cream prolongs your tan and restores comfort to the skin after a day in the sun.
CHF 72.00
SISLEY SUNLEŸA Age Minimizing After-Sun Care is the best product to minimize aging due to sun exposure. It hydrates and cools your face. I like to use it as a mask.
CHF 207.00 (50ml)

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During my stay in Doha, I needed high sun protection for my winter pale skin to prevent damage from UV radiation. As temperatures are so perfect in December/January, you can spend hours in the sun. With the help of this trio, I have enjoyed it in complete safety.

FACE: Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme by La Roche-Posay
This tinted water-resistant fluid is perfect for sensitive skin providing you with a little bit of bronzy glow you are missing after those winter months.
CHF 27.90 (50ml)

BODY: Aroma Sun Expert for Body SPF 50 by Decléor
A protective hydrating milk that protects the skin while moisturizing (Melon Extract, Argan Oil) it at the same time. Thanks to the DNA Protection Complex (Vanilla and Jasmine Extracts), it helps cells to prevent premature aging. It boosts skin’s natural defences (Essential Oil of Rose) and reduces reactions caused by sun exposure (Rea from Tahiti). Personally speaking, I have never used such an easy-to-apply milk with a non-greasy texture but such a high SPF.
CHF 47.- (150ml)

AFTER: Capital Soleil After Sun Cellular SOS Repair Balm by Vichy
A rich but non-sticky texture that works well for the whole family by calming down the skin after sun exposure. This specially designed formula works to repair damage by restoring the skin’s cellular defense capital. Willowherb Extract even soothes over-exposed, painful and red skin so that a sunburn can transform into a beautiful bronzed tan.
CHF 26.- (100ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Naturally, the right skin protection is indispensable when the sun is shining like the last days. At the moment, my favourites are Lancôme’s new Génifique Sôleil releases. I have to admit that I hate applying suncreams but those sprays are easy and fast to use.

FACE
The lightweight melting and water-resistant formula for the face delivers optimal UVA-UVB protection. It works for all skin types, even sensitive.
The skin is ideally tanned and its youthful appearance is visibly protected.
Génifique Sôleil Visage SPF 15, 50ml, CHF 49.-

BODY
Lancôme has made a major scientific discovery: UV rays affect gene expression and reduce the synthesis of certain youth proteins. Therefore the French brand invented its first skin youth protein UV protector oil with a pleasant texture combining a broad UVA-UVB filter system and antioxidant complex Applied immediately before sun exposure, the skin is irresistibly sparkling and has a velvety soft touch feel.
Génifique Sôleil Huile Corps SPF 10, Spray, 200ml, CHF 51.-

AFTER SUN
The last step is the after sun care that moisturizes the skin perfectly while leaving it lovely scented. The tan is magnificently radiant and even, as if lit from within.
Génifique Après-Soleil, Crème Corps, Spray, 200ml, CHF 53.-

Depending on your own skin type, you might consider taking a higher UV protection.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, I took the flight at 7am to London and hadn’t gone to bed at all before. Too much excitement and packing stress… it is London Fashion Week.
I still don’t look like a zombie thanks to those lifesaving products. Let me introduce you to my 5 minutes radiance treatment:

Lancôme Rénergie Yeux Multiple Lift

This amazing eye care product combines 2 formulas for 6 different results. A unique treatment that addresses both wrinkles and lost firmness, featuring the GF-Volumetry™ complex, shown to help support cellular communication

A dual action lift: The cream texture helps to prevent sagging eyelids and to recover a young, lifted look. The natural firmness is visibly regained and the eye contour appears redefined.
The tinted texture (works like a highlighter) makes dark circles and puffiness to disappear.
Youthful eye contours return: skin is visibly lifted, firmer, and reshaped.
Available in Switzerland in March 2011, (15ml, CHF 125).

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Emulsion SPF 30

A gossamer-light, skin-brightening, moisture-replenishing lotion with a high level of SPF protection and multiple anti-aging benefits.
Quartz crystals and reflective pigments, imbedded in La Prairie’s Radiance Complex, filter environmental light through miniscule prisms to soften the effects of harsh lighting and give the skin a subtle radiance. This action is intensified by the presence of colloidal gold, which has a warming effect on these radiant substances.
The product will be in stores in Switzerland end of March 2011, (50ml, CHF 570).

Origins Vita Zing™ SPF 15 Energy-boosting moisturizer

This multi-tasking moisturizer handles the vital jobs of hydrating, energizing and protecting to maintain skin’s momentum all day. Gives skin the refreshing zing of antioxidant-rich Mangosteen. And adds a healthy hit of radiance that mimics the glow you get from a week’s vacation. All in 10 seconds max. Slip it on first thing tomorrow – you’ll look like you eat right, sleep tight & don’t
have a worry in sight, (50ml, $35.-).
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tinted Release Moisturizer SPF 15

You won’t believe your eyes once you have tried it. The light texture that smells so lovely like cucumber, transforms into an ultra sheer tint when applied, enhancing any skintone with a healthy, even-toned glow. Moreover, the moisturizer is a super effective anti-oxidant and broad-spectrum sunscreen protection to help prevent and diminsh the appearance of the first signs of aging.
Apply as your last step. Available now (50ml, CHF 72).

You don’t need to use all of the products together. I do so in case of a facial emergency like today and believe me, those products work their magic…

Stay tuned, will be heading to Matthew Williamson’s F/W 2011 show this afternoon.

LoL, Sandra

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