Sandra‘s Closet

Pioneer of the natural skincare space Susanne Kaufmann and luxury beauty brand Byredo have partnered to launch a limited-edition series of products that celebrate the sensorial connection between skincare and fragrance. What started as a friendship and meeting of two friends developed into a creative collaboration that celebrates the worlds of both brands, their passion for beauty and commitment to local production and craftsmanship.

Combining Susanne’s expertise in skincare with Ben Gorham’s knowledge of fragrance, the collection includes a deeply moisturising scented body oil and roll-on fragrance oil, inspired by the Bregenzerwald, a forest region in the heart of the Austrian Alps and home of the Susanne Kaufmann brand. Drawing on these surroundings, the fragranced oils celebrate the idyllic landscape, amplified by the green freshness of the pine trees that blanket the mountainous area. Antioxidant rich, locally sourced plant oils deliver lasting moisturising benefits, while notes of jasmine and hints of sweet fig create an invigorating yet soothing aroma, reminiscent of a walk in the forest.

BREGENZERWALD BODY OIL
Inspired by the fresh, energising air of the forest and developed with apricot kernel and meadowfoam seed oil, achieve silky smooth skin by applying the oil all over the body to damp skin after showering or bathing and massage in.

BREGENZERWALD FRAGRANCE OIL
Transport yourself to the forests of Bregenzerwald in the heart of the Austrian Alps with this on-the-go fragrance oil. Apply to the pulse points and desired areas of the body and sense the wild yet calming openness of Alpine nature.

The Bregenzerwald Fragrance Oil retails for €110 EURO/$125 USD/$130 CAD/£90 GBP and the Bregenzerwald Body Oil retails for €90 EURO/$100 USD/$155 CAD/£75 GBP. Both are available at Byredo stores, Byredo.com, Susannekaufmann.com and select retail partners from 14 September 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Susanne Kaufmann / Byredo
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After two weeks in Gstaad, my skin needs an extra treat to be fit for the challenges of 2019. I am testing right now and am very happy with Susanne Kaufmann‘s ‘Pollution Skin Defence System‘, a 15-day treatment designed to protect your skin from environmental aggressors and leave you with a radiant, more youthful complexion.

It comes in a white presentation box which contains three different ampoules: Vitamin C, Ectoin and Q10. Each night you have to open one glass ampoule and apply it to your preferably wet face. I am still in the Vitamin C phase, but already feel a difference.

– Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants available. It’s blended with the superfruit Schisandra to help even skin tone and encourage natural detoxification.
– Ectoin protects skin from environmental stressors, helping to prevent damage that can result in premature aging.
– Coenzyme Q10 energizes and helps to repair on a cellular level. This serum also significantly increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

TO SHOP SUSANNE KAUFMANN’S POLLUTION SKIN DEFENSE SYSTEM ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
In Zurich available at Spitzenhaus and at Beauty Care.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Susanne Kaufmann, © Sandra Bauknecht

SUSANNE KAUFMANN comes from Austria‘s beautiful Alpine valley, the Bregenz Forest, where knowledge of the healing powers of nature is passed down from generation to generation. From an early age, she was fascinated by the idea of creating a holistic skincare range inspired by the intensive and effective properties of the Alpine plant world. She began fulfilling her dream at a very special place: the Susanne Kaufmann Spa at the Hotel Post Bezau. Together with a team of pharmacists and dermatologists she developed result-driven products for spa treatments followed by the launch of SUSANNE KAUFMANN ORGANIC TREATS which now encompasses more than 60 functional products, in Switzerland available at Spitzenhaus in Zurich. Today, she gives us some amazing travel tips for her home country AUSTRIA.

Your favourite city / region?
The BREGENZERWALD (Bregenz Forest)- it is very traditionel but the local people are very open-minded. Besides that the air smells like perfume.

Your favourite hotel?
In Austria I really like the RITZ-CARLTON in Vienna. Within the four 19th-century palaces the hotel now calls home, you get a very authentic feel of the city known for its beauty and culture.
Schubertring 5-7, 1010 Vienna, Phone: +43 1 31188

Your favourite spa?
Definitely our SUSANNE KAUFMANN SPA in Bezau. It stands for everything I love, a place of beauty, relaxation, and holistic well-being.
Brugg 35, 6870 Bezau, Phone: +43 5514 22070

Your favourite restaurant?
STEIERECK in Vienna – they have an exquisite cuisine and a concept that reflects my belief in high quality ingredientes and local products.
Am Heumarkt 2A, 1030 Vienna, Phone: +43 1 7133168

Your favorite local dish?
WIENER SCHNITZEL with POTATO SALAD.

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
It‘s definitely the WERKHAUSRAUM in Andelsbuch, designed by architect Peter Zumthor, is a distinctive mark in the Bregenzerwald and highlights the culture of craftsmanship and artisanal work.

Your favourite park?
The whole BREGENZERWALD (Bregenz Forest) is like a huge park with wild animals and a beautiful fauna and flora.

Your favourite shop?
ROOM SERVICE CONCEPT STORE and SAGMEISTER.
I really like these two shops for their exclusive selection and personal touch.

Your must-have accessory?
Besides a good skin condition, my SMYTHSON CALENDAR.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
I’ve been passionate about music since childhood. Luckily my husband, Alfred Vogel, is Jazz musician and brings year by year wonderful artists to BEZAU BEATS in Austria.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
OSKAR LEO KAUFMANN: 69 PROJEKTE 2012–1996 – my brother recently gave me his book. You can see how the architecture in the Bregenzerwald has shaped the landscape.

TO SHOP SUSANNE KAUFMANN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Thank you, Susanne, for sharing your insider scoop on Austria with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Susanne Kaufmann, the different locations and Voralberg Tourismus

Here’s how to make the countdown to Christmas all the more exciting. Starring Jo Malone, Balmain Paris Hair Couture and Molton Brown, here are my favourite luxurious advent calendars for Christmas 2017. To shop click on the highlighted text or see the information below each calendar.

Balmain Advent Calendar by Balmain Paris Hair Couture
This 10-door advent calendar is filled with some of the house’s best-selling beauty products to get you ready for the party season.

Gold Holiday Calendar by Susanne Kaufmann
Let the holidays come early with Susanne Kaufmann’s advent calendar. Presented in an opulent gold box are 24 doors with hidden beauty products designed to make you look and feel your best over the busiest period of the year. Make it an early present to yourself.

Lippie Countdown Advent Calendar by NYX Professional Makeup
24 lip colors are included in this limited edition advent calendar! Make every day more colorful.
Available for CHF 79.90

Nail Polish Advent Calendar 2017 by Essie
It’s never early enough for XMAS! This calendar is for the nail polish aficionados, it is filled with different nail polishes in different sizes, topcoat and base coat as well as apricot oil, remover, a nail file, nail butter and a toe separator.
Available in Switzerland at MANOR, Import Parfumerie and COOP for around CHF 99.00.

Advent Calendar 2017 by Jo Malone
This colourful advent calendar (with it’s sweet Georgian townhouse design), filled with miniature fragrances, shower gel and small candles, is set to be a sell-out; act fast to get your hands on one.
Available in Switzerland at Jelmoli in Zurich for CHF 490.00.

Advent Calendar 2017 by Molton Brown
Trimmed with opulent silver foil, this unisex advent calendar houses the brand’s iconic fragrances and body products. Unlock each door to reveal where a captivatingly scented luxury is hidden. A great gift for a real gentleman.
Available at Jelmoli for CHF 199.00.

Advent Calendar by Amorana
My favorite! For the naughty ones and those who are madly in love, this advent calendar comes with all sorts of toys to bring a little excitement to your bedroom before Christmas.
Available at Swiss online shop Amorana in two versions, classic for CHF 149.90 and premium for CHF 299.90.

Enjoy your advent time!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Moda Operandi