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Author: Margit Rüdiger

CultureAndCream Author from Munich To travel during my profession as a beauty journalist was never enough for my. Also my six month on a world trip didn't do it. It always attracts me to other cities, foreign countries, on roadtrips and places I don't know yet. But I am not only interested in "culture" and "cream", I am also fascinated by people who have stories to tell .  Such unique experiences I want to share with you.

Tested for you: Eye Care “Nutrient C” plus Tool “Micro-Firming Wand” by Kat Burki

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Eye care with vitamin C has a brightening and decongestant effect. Vitamin C is primarily responsible for lightening dark circles and pigmentation under the eyes. “Nutrient C” contains eight percent of the encapsulated vitamin, which is also known as a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E, caffeine extracted from green tea, and minerals from the sea have a visible decongestant effect and also possess antioxidant power. Extracts from the reishi mushroom, an Asian medicinal plant also known as the “divine mushroom” in Japan, and neem oil fight inflammation and swelling. Neem oil, also known as Nie oil, a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the stone fruit of the Indian Nie tree, is an important fatty acid for the skin that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and aid in collagen formation. Eye Care „Nutrient C“ The delicate fluid comes out of the dispenser lightly barked (vitamin C!). One drop for each side is enough. I apply it after cleansing in the morning and evening around the eyes, including the upper lids, and gently pat it in with my finger. It melts into the skin immediately. Nothing creeps into the eye, because the texture of the clean beauty product is free of petroleum jelly and mineral oil. Of course, there are also no parabens, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances or gluten sulfate. The eye care of the American brand Kat Burki is a true multitasker: It refreshes and makes the eye area awake, especially in the morning. After four weeks of use, I notice in the mirror that the skin under the eyes has also become brighter and firmer. “Nutrient C Eye Cream” by Kat Burki, 15 ml, US$ 90 Micro-Firming Wand The latter success in my test, i.e. the firming of the thin skin under the eyes, can certainly also be partly attributed to Kat Burki’s handy micro-tightening device. „Wand” is the English word for “magic wand”. Indeed, there is something magical about the lightweight and travel-friendly tool. It is a transdermal system of iontophoresis and micro-vibrations. They increase the absorption of the applied care product and allow anti-aging active ingredients to penetrate 30 percent deeper into the skin. Application: I apply a drop of the eye care product to the applicator tip of the micro-tightening device. The device starts automatically when the massage head comes into contact with the care product and the skin. With circular movements I go around the eyes until the product is completely absorbed.… weiterlesen
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Tested for You: 3 Retinol Products for Face

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Retinol has long been considered state-of-the-art in anti-aging skin care. There is hardly a skincare series today that does not include a retinol product. Why? Because it is a substance that has been well researched due to its decades-long use in acne therapy, and exerts many positive effects on the skin: Reduces the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. Retinol helps reduce skin blemishes, resulting in clear, smooth and even skin. It also optimizes the skin microbiome by blocking unwanted bacteria. Acne scars and hyperpigmentation lose their conspicuousness. Last but not least, retinol also improves moisture balance, making the complexion plumper and more radiant. In the meantime, however, there are so many new retinol products on the market that it is hard to know which one to choose. It is not only a question of quality, but also of the wallet. Therefore, I decided to test three products from different price categories: Luxury: „The Retinol Serum with TFC8“ from Augustinus Bader Professor Augustinus Bader now has a whole range of products on the market. The latest addition is a retinol serum into which the research physician has again incorporated his patented TFC8 complex. To this he combines pure, therapeutic retinol – which is known to gently but effectively accelerate cell renewal. The redness that otherwise so often occurs is absent here. The formula is complemented by a microbiome mix that supports a healthy skin microbiome, and Marine Ectoine acts as a deep moisturizer. A zinc complex helps regulate sebum production, while Japanese knotweed extract tracks skin enzyme activity for cleaner, smoother skin as well. “Together, the formula optimizes the body’s natural ability to repair itself for skin that is measurably refined and renewed, without discomfort or redness,” says Professor Bader. The formulation of the light serum is so gentle that you can use the product in the morning and evening. Always apply naturally on cleansed skin and also spread on neck and décolleté. The milky yellowish color is not a defect in the product, but typical of vitamin A. Vitamin A, by the way, is the generic term for a group of fat-soluble substances to which retinol also belongs. The dispenser in the typical Bader blue-bronze design is not only visually appealing and very high quality. The serum is also very economical, which may somewhat compensate for the high price. „The Retinol Serum with TFC8“ from Augustinus Bader, 30ml, US$ 350 Mid-priced: “Red” by Doctor Mi!… weiterlesen

Tested for you: “Mumbai” from the Les Destinations fragrance concept

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Mumbai (formerly Bombay), the capital of the state of Maharashtra, is one of my favorite cities in India. I love the densely populated multicultural metropolis on India’s west coast. The city is lively, in some parts also loud and hectic some might say. But on every trip this fascinating place on earth I discovered something new when I strolled through the aromatically vibrating alleys with their tea stalls and cookshops. Not to forget the famous andmarks like the stone archway of the Gateway of India. The grandiose monument was built in 1924 by the British colonial government at the port of Mumbai. Or the ancient Elephanta cave temples offshore on the island of the same name, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. And last but not least, Mumbai is the center of the Indian Bollywood film industry. There is always “action” there. Mumbai love No wonder that I have chosen from the six new fragrance creations of Les Destinations not Isparta, Madagascar, La Réunion, Sumatra or Al-`Uta, an Oriental oasis located on the Incense Road, but Mumbai. All fragrances bear the coordination of the respective destination. For Mumbai, they are 19°4′N 72°52′E. The fragrance creation Mumbai is inspired by the alleys of the vibrant city with the aroma of the typical “Tea Stalls”, mixed with notes of steaming basmati of the small rice kitchens. When I smell the fragrance, not only my nose goes on a journey, but my head cinema turns on as well. How the perfumers describe the unisex fragrance? Tangy, floral, distinctive. Vibrant diversity full of contrasts Mumbai as a fragrance beguiles the senses with tangy bergamot and the lush green fields of matcha tea leaves and rice. These top notes are followed by the heart of the fragrance, which consists of a floral bouquet of roses and violets blended with powdery tonka bean. The base is formed by striking cedarwood and musk nuances and a sweet vanilla-like seduction in the base. Responsible for the now eleven creations of the Les Destinations collection are French experts of Haute Parfumerie, who process only the highest quality perfume oils. But the fragrances themselves are “Made in Germany“. „19°4′N 72°52′E Mumbai“ from Les Destinations, 50 ml, 120 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Professional hair dryer “SilkyAir Pro” from Silk’n

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A new professional hair dryer. Dyson was previously considered the king of hair dryers, which are not only good to the hair, but also look ultra-stylish. But since January this year, the king has had competition – and from the Netherlands. Smart hair dryer The SilkyAir Pro is a hair dryer that not only looks good, but also has a lot to offer. First and foremost, it works with a premium water ion technology that deeply moisturizes the hair to prevent hair breakage. It creates more shine and less frizz, improves hair quality. How this innovative technology works? It extracts water from the air and converts it into charged microparticles, which in turn penetrate the cuticle of the hair to maintain moisture balance. To prevent heat damage during blow drying, the SilkyAir Pro measures the air temperature 50 times per second. If the temperature rises too high, then it automatically regulates it down. I do the test Hair dryers have to perform quite well with my hair. I not only have a lot of hair, but also strong hair. The SilkyAir Pro feels good in the hand, and its three-meter cable gives me more than enough freedom of movement. At 75.7 dB, the hair dryer has a pleasant noise level, is not too loud. The brushless motor reaches a speed of up to 110,000 rpm. This means that the concentrated airflow blows through my hair at an air speed of 76 km/h. This actually makes them dry ultra-fast at low temperatures. On the LED display, I can easily check which settings I have selected. Displayed are: three speed settings; six temperatures (39°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C, 85°C, 98°C); the cold air and the lock function. Magnetic attachments For different hair styling, the equipment of the hair dryer includes two magnetic attachments. Once the concentrator for precise styling through a faster and more concentrated air flow. In addition, there is also a diffuser, which uses long knobs to allow the air to penetrate more controlled and deeper into the hair over a larger area. It is ideal for defining curls. Of course, the practical storage case, in which I store my SilkyAir Pro when I’m on the road, should not be missing. Because when I travel, my new hair dryer is always with me. With its size (254 x 124 x 124 mm) and its light weight of 628 grams, it has room in any luggage.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Powder Bronzer “365 Bronzer” by Kess Berlin

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Powder bronzer belong with me very high on the hit list of my most important makeup products. Since I do not use foundation and blush only in extremely rare pale moments, I am a total fan of powder bronzer. Because they have an advantage that can’t be topped by anything: You achieve the coveted sunkissed complexion quickly and easily, without looking made up and unnatural. 365 days powder bronzer I use powder bronzer all year round. For example, if the winter was too long and my skin looks pale. In summer, I use it to prolong the vacation glow, and after a too-short night, it conjures up freshness on my face. What more can you ask from a beauty product than a 365 day sunkissed look. “365 Days of Sunkissed Glow” is also the motto of the new powder bronzer collection from Berlin-based beauty brand Kess. The I wanted to try of course necessarily and have taken one of the three powsder bronzers in the palette of my daily essentials. Out of the three shades, I chose Light to medium. It’s a neutral medium brown shade with warm undertones that is suitable for fair to medium skin tones, making it a good match for me because I want a very natural look. There is also Fair to light, a light neutral shade with rosy-peachy, nude-brown undertones that is meant for very fair and light skin. This shade is cool enough for contouring, but at the same time warm enough as a bronzer. The third in the bunch, Tan to deep, is a rich, deep bronze shade with soft terracotta undertones that is suitable for tanned to dark skin tones. Already almost gel-like What I like about the “365 Bronzer” is the texture of the powder bronzer. It is very light, silky, almost gel-like and is super easy to blend. I use a thick handle brush or a short Kabuki for this, which is ideal especially for travel, because it is so small and handy. Hard edges, which would destroy the natural summer look, you do not have to fear with the powder due to its texture. This is made with an innovative technology. Unlike many other powder textures that are pressed together from dry components, this one is based on a liquid, gel-like cream formula that then slowly dries to a solid powder. This retains moisture and freshness in the product, and the powder feels very creamy and light as air. … weiterlesen

Beauty Timing For Face, Neck and Dekolleté

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Beauty treatments are her profession. As a dermatologist, Dr. Tatiana von Bayern is an expert in the field of aesthetic medicine with laser and radiofrequency therapies. But also operative dermatology, phlebology as well as skin cancer prevention belong to her main areas of expertise. Here, the Munich doctor explains which beauty treatments are best scheduled and undertaken at which time of year. For beauty treatments timing is everything. What applies to surprises, business planning and vacation trips is also useful for dermatological treatments. In minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments to improve and optimize the face, neck and décolleté, the perfectly chosen timing can influence the effect of the procedure and the regeneration afterwards. In this way, the seasons can become a supportive beauty helper. Period May till September In spring and summer, I do not advise beauty treatments that involve crusting, peeling or reddening of the skin. This is because, despite adequate sun protection, there is a risk of pigmentary shifts forming, especially hyperpigmentation, due to the increased UV rays at this time of year. Therefore, for the warmer months, I recommend injection treatments such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, PRP and mesotherapy. I like to combine these with more non-invasive treatments like Hydrafacial or Jetpeel for a radiant glow and pore-deep clean skin. My extra tip: Botulinum toxin is a very effective combination with which we achieve very good results. I use it against all mimic wrinkles and wrinkles of the upper third of the face including crow’s feet in combination with hyaluronic acid fillers in case of volume loss or existing wrinkles. For a particularly natural effect, I recommend injections with poly-L-lactic acid for already wrinkled and sagging skin. This promotes elasticity and tightens the skin on the face, neck, décolleté, but also on the upper arms, abdomen, buttocks and legs. Period January to April and October to December The cold and dark months of autumn and winter are the ideal time to promote skin regeneration and new collagen formation. At Schlosspalais Dermatology, I and my team enjoy working with fractional laser and radiofrequency therapy, microneedling, and fruit acid and/or retinol treatments for this purpose. This time of year is also particularly suitable for the treatment of pigmentary shifts, sun spots and dilated vessels using lasers or IPL (flash lamps). The prevailing, lower UV content reduces the risk for pigmentary shifts in the skin, especially for permanent hyperpigmentation.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Super Anti-Brass Mask „30_Sek Anti Gelbstich“ from Guhl

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An intensive anti-brass mask that only needs 30 seconds to unfold its effect – that has always been my dream. Because: Yes, my hair has silver strands that tend to yellow tint if not intensively cared for. And another yes, I am impatient. What could be better for me than an intensive treatment that creates results quickly. No more long waits in the bathroom with damp hair and a product on your head that has to work for many minutes until you finally get to rinse it out. Anti-brass mask The anti-brass mask „30_sek Intensiv Kur Anti-Gelbstich“ promises to be as intense as a treatment, yet as fast as a rinse for a cool, radiant blonde for my silver strands. What it contains: The highly concentrated conditioning formula is 97 percent natural ingredients. HC Blue No. 12 is the active ingredient that helps neutralize the yellow tint. Among other ingredients, panthenol, with its soothing and moisturizing properties, keeps hair supple. What is not included in the vegan formulation are silicones, parabens, microplastics, alcohol, ammonia, and sulfate. So far so good! Efficient and simple I do the test: First I wash my hair as usual – already with a purple anti-brass shampoo – by the way, I also have one from Guhl in my collection. It’s called „Silberglanz & Pflege“. Then I dry the hair lightly in the towel, so that afterwards the cure does not run out of my wet hair. I then distribute the intensive treatment in the hair, taking special care to completely cover the silver strands. After 30 seconds of exposure time – I count with – I rinse the product with lukewarm water again. The result: My silver strands shine in a cool, radiant tone. No trace of yellow cast anymore! The hair looks healthy and shiny and is easy to comb through. The anti-brass treatment „30_sek Intensiv Kur Anti-Gelbstich“ has convinced me. Also in terms of sustainability. The highly concentrated care formula consists of ingredients that are 99 percent biodegradable and 97 percent natural in origin. Last but not least, the price of not even three euros for 100 ml of product is unbeatable! …and even more intensive treatments By the way, there are more of the 30 seconds intensive treatments: „30_sek Intensiv Kur Reparatur“ with pear extract and oil for damaged and stressed hair. If the hair is dry and dull, the „30_sek Intensiv Kur Feuchtigkeit“ with sea buckthorn oil provides noticeably more suppleness.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Tinted Sunscreen „FusionWater COLOR SPF 50“ from Isdin

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My sunscreen? Recently, the beauty editor of “Modepilot” asked me for a statement about my favorite sun protection product. I didn’t have to think long about it. “Fusion Water” by Isdin – and specifically the tinted version with SPF 50. Tinted sunscreen for everyday What I find so great about it? “Fusion Water Color” is a tinted sunscreen for the face. It has an ultra-light formula that protects the skin from UVB and UVA rays with SPF 50. I use the medium tone out of the three available shades Light, Medium and Bronze. And that summer and winter. As a no-makeup woman, some days when my skin isn’t quite at peace with itself, I’m grateful for the product’s natural coverage, which conceals imperfections and evens out skin tone. The lightweight fluid gives the complexion a silky matte finish and a delicate fresh feeling. It absorbs instantly without leaving a greasy sheen or unpleasant residue. It gives the complexion a natural glow. Important for someone like me who has sensitive eyes: The sunscreen does not irritate the eyes. By the way, if the coverage is not enough, you can also use “Fusion Water Color” as a base for your foundation. In town and on the beach “Fusion Water Color” is my constant UV protection in everyday life, but also when it comes to swimming at the lake or beach. I apply it generously to dry skin half an hour before sun exposure. Generously, because reducing the amount also means reducing the protection factor. By the way, the product also works on damp skin. Practical, because every two hours, as well as after swimming, when you sweat or dried with a towel, the protection should be renewed in the summer. Dose sunscreen correctly How to dose the tinted sunscreen? The right amount for the face is achieved by spreading two lines of the product on two fingers. This is then applied evenly to the face, neck, nape of the neck and ears. The formulations of Isdin sunscreen products, tested in compliance with international guidelines, are also Sea Friendly. This means that they do not affect microalgae in the sea. After all, these are a fundamental part of a healthy ecosystem in the oceans. Isdin collaborates with CSIC, the Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas). Specifically, they support the Colplai project led by Dr. Cristina Romera. The marine scientist says, “Together with Isdin, we are making progress in research on the degradation of plastics in the oceans.“… weiterlesen

The Hague Need Not Hide Behind Amsterdam

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The Hague was for a long time on my wishlist. When I told a small group of my people about my upcoming city trip to The Hague, a Dutch friend vehemently advised me against it. “You’ll be bored to death,” he said. “The Hague is small and stuffy.” He’s from Amsterdam, of course. How good that I didn’t listen to him. The Hague I am coming! Admittedly, the journey didn’t exactly put me in a cheerful mood. Flight delay with Lufthansa already from Munich. In Amsterdam, the trains were on strike, so I had to take a cab from Schiphol to The Hague. 140 euros. What a crap! View to the king’s workplace The location of my hotel Royal Indigo already compensated for this. Royal because it is located directly opposite the Royal Palace in the lively and cozy pedestrian street Noordeinde in the middle of the city center of The Hague. The 16th century Paleis Noordeinde has been the permanent seat of government for the Royal Family since 1831. The Royal Indigo opened its doors in 1883, has been renovated several times. The color indigo runs like a red or rather blue thread through the modernly furnished four-star hotel. Be it the shutters on the building, bed frames, doors, furniture or the old bank safes, behind which the minibar, coffee machine and safe are hidden. A reminiscence of the Dutch National Bank that used to reside in the building. The Gold Bar in the basement used to be the vault. Today, delicious drinks are served there. Lush floral wallpaper, exquisite decor wherever you look. Yet nothing is overloaded in the Royal Indigo. It is a place of pure comfort with a harmonious, cheerful color concept. And time and again, you encounter the look of the Dutch Queen Beatrix – as Warhol pop art, as a photo, as a wall plate. Strolling in the pedestrian zone When you leave the house, you are immediately in the pedestrian zone. It stretches to the right and left with pretty little stores, restaurants of all nationalities, cafes, galleries. In front of many stores you can sit and relax on sofas. Without any obligation to buy. On the square in front of the Royal Palace, chess is played with full concentration. I was particularly taken with The Bookstor with its reading corners, workstations, and a small garden surrounded by greenery, where chess is also played – seems to be a national sport here.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Eye Mask „Excellence Gold Ultralift Mask“ from Eisenberg

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Gold. What is the first thing that comes to mind? As a woman, it’s certainly beautiful jewelry. Men probably think more of investing in gold bullion. But the precious metal has also been used in cosmetics for many years. In the teachings of Paracelsus or in traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered healing because of its anti-inflammatory effect. Modern skin care products use colloidal gold (also called gold water) in masks, serums and creams – especially as an effective protection against oxidative stress. This is because gold stimulates the production of radical scavengers such as superoxide dismutase and gluthation. This is how the precious metal works in the skin Dissolved in distilled water, the gold particles repel each other due to their charge, which keeps them in a constant state of suspension. The repair systems in our cells depend on an undisturbed flow of electrons. Colloidal gold helps them do this by increasing the conductivity of each cell’s DNA. This results in improved energy supply and less cell damage. It also inhibits natural glycation processes, making the skin firmer and tighter. Sounds more complicated than it is. In a nutshell, gold has outstanding anti-aging properties. Golden eyes Eisenberg’s “Excellence Gold Ultralift Mask”” also makes use of these properties to regenerate and tighten the naturally thinner and collagen-poor skin in the eye region. We’re all familiar with this: this area of the face is where the natural aging process, as well as external factors such as lack of sleep, dehydration or pollution, first make themselves unpleasantly felt. This means that the skin becomes sallow and dry over time – and the first visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles are already there. And because the counterpart falls first on the eye area, every woman wants to keep this zone young as long as possible. But the eye mask with lifting effect contains other care “goodies” besides gold, such as collagen booster peptides that activate collagen synthesis. The Trio-Molecular® formula regenerates, energizes and oxygenates the skin. And last but not least, high-molecular hyaluronic acid intensively moisturizes the skin surface. My new gold standard Right from the first squeeze – after the usual pre-pumping for a new product – the silver-colored dispenser releases a gold-colored gel-cream. After cleaning the skin, I apply the mask under the eye – where you would also put a pad. I also spread some of the “gold” over the eye.… weiterlesen