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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.

Generation Y – Is Their Self-Confidence Healthy Or Narcissistic?

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Generation Y ist die als erste Generation, die mit digitalen Medien aufgewachsen ist. Man bezeichnet sie deshalb auch als „Digital Natives“. Sind die sozialen Medien für sie ein Fluch oder ein Segen in puncto Selbstbewusstsein. Dr. Yana Fehse, Psychologin und Mindset-Coach, gibt Antworten in diesem Interview. Typisch Generation Y. Schnell ein Selfie geknipst, mit einem Filter verschönert und zack – online. Formen soziale Medien Selbstdarsteller, die es kaum erwarten können, die eigene Nase in die Kamera zu halten? Oder sind Plattformen wie Instagram, Facebook und Co. lediglich die angemessene Bühne für das wahre Talent der Generation Y? Dr. Yana Fehse: Tatsächlich beides! Das ist wie bei einer Medaille, bei der es immer zwei Seiten gibt – und das ist hier nicht anders. Einerseits gibt es die Selbstdarsteller der Generation Y, die ein starkes Bedürfnis haben, ihre Erfolge, ihr Aussehen oder ihre Abenteuer der Welt mitzuteilen, um so möglichst viele positive Reaktionen und Bestätigungen von anderen zu erhalten. Bei diesen kann es so sein, dass sie übermäßig viel Zeit und Aufmerksamkeit in die Erstellung des perfekten Selfies oder die Inszenierung des eigenen Lebens investieren. Andererseits bieten soziale Medien eine Plattform für kreativen Ausdruck, Inspiration und das Teilen von Talenten. Viele Künstler, Fotografen, Autoren und andere kreative Menschen nutzen diese Plattformen, um ihre Arbeiten einem breiten Publikum zugänglich zu machen und sich mit Gleichgesinnten zu vernetzen. Auch für die Generation Y, die als erste Generation mit digitalen Medien aufgewachsen ist, können soziale Medien eine sehr gute Möglichkeit sein, ihre kreativen Fähigkeiten und Interessen zu präsentieren. Mit dem ständigen Drang, uns und unsere Erlebnisse online zu präsentieren, könnten wir uns ja fast selbst zum Mittelpunkt des Universums erklären. Aber ist das wirklich ein Phänomen der jüngeren Generationen? Und ist es nicht eigentlich nur menschlich, unser Leben und unsere Erfahrungen zu feiern und uns dabei auch mal in Szene zu setzen? Dr. Yana Fehse: Der Drang, sich selbst und das eigene Leben online zu präsentieren, betrifft nicht ausschließlich jüngere Generationen, sondern kann in allen Altersgruppen beobachtet werden. Außerdem ist dieses Verhalten nichts Neues. Menschen haben zu allen Zeiten mitunter den Wunsch gehabt, sich ihren Zeitgenossen zu präsentieren und so auch der Nachwelt in Erinnerung zu bleiben, wobei stets alle zur Verfügung stehenden Möglichkeiten genutzt wurden. Es liegt eben in unserer menschlichen Natur, etwas Besonderes zu sein und von anderen als bedeutend wahrgenommen zu werden. Natürlich war und ist dieses Bedürfnis bei Menschen unterschiedlich ausgeprägt. Früher wurden Bilder „geschönt“ gemalt und der Inhalt von Büchern „frisiert“.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Dry Shampoo “Root Refresh Stick” by Leon Miguel

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A dry shampoo not for spraying, but for pouring with an integrated powder pad – that’s something new. Leon Miguel founder Marc Barthel invented it. The German actor from Berlin, also known as singer Jesse D’Lane, works on innovative hair problem solutions with his company. From him also comes the bulk hair Fiber in different hair colors. It has an instant filling effect for receding hairline, hair loss and thinning hair. Born out of self-interest Why is hair particularly close to Marc Barthel‘s heart? He himself suffered from the visual consequences of hereditary hair loss in his early twenties, which didn’t exactly help his self-confidence or his career as an actor. Barthel scoured the hair products market for high-quality solutions, but was unable to find what he was looking for. From this situation, the Leon Miguel brand was born under the motto: There’s always better. In the meantime, however, the Hair Fiber inventor has undergone a hair transplant – as the more permanent solution. But that is only in passing. Back to the “Root Refresh Stick“. Dry shampoo in pocket size The Leon Miguel “Root Refresh Stick” consists of a handy, round can at the end of which sits a white powder pad. By pressing it on the hair roots or parting, greasy roots are quickly matted and the hair is to get fresh volume for 24 hours. Apply, massage, brush out and style as usual – says the company’s advertisement. Easy or not? If only your roots are greasy, you can refresh them well with the stick. But volume for the rest of the hair? The powder can not keep up with the usual dry shampoos in spray form. With the cushion, the powder simply can not be distributed so generously, it acts rather selectively. And the application also takes longer than a spray puff. However, the fine powder particles of the “Root Refresh Stick” can be combed out without residue and do not stick to the hair. Conclusion: Well suited if you only want to loosen greasy roots and thus delay a hair wash. Those who want to achieve more volume throughout the hair will not be happy with the product. Positive about the dry shampoo is its handy pocket format – practical even when traveling. And like all Leon Miguel articles, this product is vegan and cruelty-free. “Root Refresh Stick“ from Leon Miguel, 0.3 oz, 14,95 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: 8-Day Cure “OliPhenolia C” with oranges from Fattoria La Vialla

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The “OliPhenolia Bitter” from Fattoria La Vialla has become a regular ritual for me. 3-4 times a year I do a 16-day cure with the liquid dietary supplement. My skin thanks me as well as my immune system. In the meantime, I have gotten used to the bitter taste of the brown liquid. Now OliPhenolia has got competition from In house and in yellow with a big “C”. OliPhenolia with Vitamin C The basis for “OliPhenolia C” is still the olive water extract, which is produced during olive pressing. The supposed waste product is particularly rich in polyphenols, including hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleocanthal. These three phenols, for example, are said to be highly active and demonstrably enhance the healing effect of fibroblasts. These are the cells that play a critical role in repairing damaged skin from injury. “We found that fibroblasts migrate when exposed to the phenolic compounds. This means that they move to close the gap caused by the wound, which favors their healing action,” confirms Lucía Melguizo-Rodríguez, a scientist at the University of Granada. Oranges from Sicily The “C” owes the new Oliphenolia Sicilian oranges (70%). They are a natural source of potassium for a healthy nervous system and normal muscle function. Especially rich in vitamin C, they strengthen the immune system. But vitamin C has many other positive effects on our organism: it promotes collagen formation, which is important for the functioning of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth, and increases the absorption of iron. In addition, it reduces symptoms of fatigue. First stir, then eat However, the yellow concentrate takes a little getting used to. In the small jar is only a little liquid with a semi-solid core from the whole oranges (Citrus sinensis), because the peel of the orange contains three times as much vitamin C as the pulp and juice and four times as much fiber. Those who like to eat “marmalade”, that is the typical English orange marmalade, will be pleased. Tastes so similar. Before you can consume the “OliPhenolia C”, you have to stir it up with a small spoon, but carefully so that none of the liquid spills out. Then you can eat it spoon by spoon. Personally, I’ve never liked orange marmalade, and when I first tried “OliPhenolia C” I immediately made a face accordingly. But the benefits of vitamin C motivated me to stick with it. And what can I say: In the meantime, I have become accustomed to the taste and the small jar is emptied quickly.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Room fragrances from Ousia Essence

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I love room fragrances because they refresh the environment in an instant and invigorate your senses. Not only since the Corona pandemic, I always have some variants on hand. However, I am quite picky about it – the room scent must not be too penetrating and must not have a heavy “head fog” note. Synthetic fragrances do not come into my apartment, because they often contain chemical additives and solvents, which can cause me as an allergy sufferer very quickly breathing problems. Room fragrances made in Germany All room fragrances of Ousia Essence are 100% natural and vegan is already a plus on my list. By the way, the name Ousia is located in Greek, which is not exactly indicative of the Made-in-Germany brand. Ousía (Greek οὐσία) is – as it can be read at AnthroWiki – a term of metaphysics and ontology. It is most accurately translated as true being, entity, essence, substance. Anyway, the cool, young lifestyle brand has launched three wellness sprays that have everything that makes a high-quality room fragrance. They are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives, contain natural essential oils and denatured organic alcohol. The sprays, as well as their sustainable outer packaging, are produced near the Ousia Essence headquarters in Stuttgart. A mood booster for moment of life Depending on your mood and needs, you can choose one of the three scents. “Lemongrass Mint Coriander dancing” has an invigorating effect with exotic coriander, sparkling mint and tart lemongrass. “Thyme Lavender Orange dreaming” is a more harmonizing mood booster. It smells of lavender, orange and aromatic thyme. “Salvia Bergamot Pine relaxing” has a balancing effect. I opted for the latter. I like the woody scent of a rare Swiss stone pine of South Tyrol that grows on the slopes of South Tyrol, combined with notes of sage and fresh bergamot. I enjoy its balancing effect and like to spray it in between times in the home office or in the living room in the evening, when I feel like it or the day was particularly stressful. The 50ml room spray also fits nicely in a purse or computer bag. Before use, shake the bottle well and distribute 3-4 sprays generously in the room. Better with fresh air “The basis for the application of essential oils should always be fresh air,” says Maria Kettenring. The German aroma expert has written several books on the use and healing powers of essential oils.… weiterlesen

Carbon: The Black Hollywood Peeling Makes you Beautiful

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Das Carbon Peeling ist allerschönste Schwarzmalerei á la Hollywood. Viele Celebrities wie Jennifer Aniston und Angelina Jolie schwören darauf. Inzwischen ist das Treatment unter der Bezeichnung Hollywood Peel auch bei deutschen Ärzten in der ästhetischen Dermatologie angekommen. Dass es einen echten Hingucker bewirkt liegt nicht nur an der kohlrabenschwarzen Farbe, die man für das einstündige Treatment im Gesicht trägt. Maßgebend für das Carbon Peeling ist eine schwarze Kohlenstoff-Nanopartikel-Masse, die als Maske auf das Gesicht gepinselt wird. Anschließend wird sie mit dem Carbon-Laser, die exakte Bezeichnung lautet Q-switched Nd: Yag-Laser, Zentimeter für Zentimeter wieder abgetragen. Ursprünglich entwickelt wurde dieser Lasertyp zur Behandlung von Pigmentstörungen, denn seine Wellenlänge zielt nur auf dunkle Farben ab. Das ist der Grund, warum die Farbe der Peeling Maske schwarz ist. Sie überlistet sozusagen den Laser, wirkt wie eine künstliche Pigmentierung. Carbon bindet Talg und Fett Carbon ist Kohlenstoff. „Erstmal bindet der Kohlenstoff Talg und Fett bis in die Poren rein, dann schießt der Laser ihn weg und somit auch die Verunreinigungen, Talg etc. Ganz wenig wird damit auch die Hornschicht abgetragen“, sagt Dermatologe Dr. Timm Golüke, der das Carbon Peeling in seiner Münchener Praxis anbietet. Den Effekt beschreibt er so: Das Hautbild wird verfeinert und egalisiert, oberflächliche Pigmentflecken werden aufgehellt, Unreinheiten beseitigt. Auch Fältchen und Linien werden minimiert und die Kollagen- und Elastin-Neubildung sowie die körpereigene Hyaluronbildung angeregt. Bei öliger Haut kommt die Talgproduktion wieder ins Gleichgewicht. Logisch, dass die „Verjüngung“ nicht von heute auf morgen eintritt. Um sichtbare Resultate zu erreichen, braucht es manchmal sogar bis zu fünf bis acht Behandlungen im Abstand von zwei Wochen je nach Zustand und Ausgangsbefund der Haut. So weit so gut. Aber was man nicht selbst ausprobiert hat, kann man schlecht beurteilen. Deshalb mache ich einen Termin bei der medizinischen Fachkosmetikerin Nathalie Plattl in der Praxis von Dr. Timm Golüke. Schwarzmalerei Los geht’s. Die Haut wird zuerst gereinigt und dann die schwarze Kohlenstoffpaste mit einem Pinsel auf das ganze Gesicht aufgetragen. „Die Schicht darf nicht zu dick sein, weil der Laser sonst nicht durchdringt“, erklärt sie mir. Nur Augen und Mundpartie bleiben frei. Die schwarze Maske fühlt sich angenehm kühl an. Dann werden mir Augenpads aufgelegt und darüber eine dunkle Brille zum Schutz vor den Laserstrahlen aufgesetzt. Die Behandlerin trägt übrigens die gleiche. Nathalie beginnt an meiner Stirn mit dem Lasern. Der gelbliche Laserstrahl von etwa einem Zentimeter Durchmesser blitzt auf und zersprengt dabei die schwarzen Kohlenpartikel. Darunter kommt meine natürliche Hautfarbe in hellem Kontrast zum noch schwarzen Rest wieder zum Vorschein.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Help! Spider Veins „Besenreiser Pflegebalsam“ from Allgäuer Latschenkiefer

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Spider veins – what are they actually? And do they mean more than just a visual problem? These are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to spider veins. They are fine, dilated blood vessels on the legs that lie directly under the surface of the skin and shimmer through reddish to blue-violet. Usually only a few centimeters long, they can appear in the area of the upper and lower legs and also on the ankles. They owe their name to the typical ramifications, which are reminiscent of a the web of a spider. What causes spider veins is a more or less pronounced weakness of the vein walls. This means that the blood in the veins loses flow velocity due to a functional weakness of the venous valves. As a result, it backs up in the leg veins, which wear out due to the constantly increased pressure. There are many causes for this defect: genetic predisposition, excessive sunbathing, obesity and lack of exercise. Standing or sitting for hours on end at work and hormonal fluctuations such as those that occur during pregnancy, puberty or menopause also favor the development of spider veins. Spider veins – mostly affecting women Spider veins are not dangerous and do not require treatment as long as they do not cause tingling, pain or tightness. They just look unattractive and are a nuisance, especially in summer, when the legs are more in the spotlight in terms of clothing. Unfortunately, women are affected more often than men. Experts assume that 80 percent of the population has to deal with it. Who knows the problem in its family, should prevent in time with much movement, a balanced nutrition. Compression stockings/tights can also help and, if necessary, slow down progression. Also helpful are abrupt changes in temperature such as alternating showers, cold showers and treading water or Kneipp cures. This is because heat causes the vessels to dilate, while cold causes them to contract, which improves their elasticity and blood circulation. Spider vein care Of course, there are also plenty of skincare substances that are known to stimulate circulation in the legs, which in turn improves the visibility of those troublesome veins. These include horse chestnut and vine leaf extract, camphor, mountain pine oil, caffeine, menthol and collagen. They are contained in concentrated form in the new “Spider Vein Balm”, which I massage into my lower legs twice a day.… weiterlesen

What Do Fragrances And Men Have In Common – Often Volatile!

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When I think about how my taste in fragrances and in men has changed over the years, I recognize certain parallels. When I look back at the perfumes that have accompanied me through the various stages of my life, I wonder about some of them: How could I! It is similar with the exes. On the other hand, in a certain situation I felt exactly well with it/with him. In fact, my love for fragrance began very early. Plundering mother’s rose garden I was just four years young when I discovered a passion for perfuming. To do so, I raided my mother’s rose garden and soaked the red and pink petals in water. However, out of pure love for me, my mother was also the only one who used my “fragrance waters” – or at least she pretended to. When I was eight, I was deeply in love with my handsome father. I attributed the fact that I thought he loved my mother more than me to a little square magic bottle she kept secret in her dressing table. One evening, my parents had just left the house in big ball gowns, I sneaked into their bedroom and opened the drawer where the supposed treasure was kept. I perfumed myself lavishly in front of the big mirror with Chanel No. 5 – with the result that my nanny then put me in the bathtub and scrubbed me down rudely. My first own fragrance As the years went by, the infatuation for my father diminished and that for an older boy from the neighboring high school increased. I was 13 and ready for my first own perfume – I was convinced of that. I smelled “Jil Sander Sun” on my best friend, who was really cool, a bit older and already had a steady boyfriend. My godmother gave it to me for my name day after I didn’t let up. I felt totally grown up with it, and yet its sweetish soft note was something that connected me with my childhood, which was not yet completely stripped. At 17, I met my first great love. It was meant to be forever and ever. What fragrance would have fit better than “Eternity” by Calvin Klein. But my eternity only lasted a good year. With this guy, everything else that reminded me of him disappeared from my bathroom. Off to the trash with “Eternity”.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: 3 vegan lip liner “Read My Lip Liner” by Dashl

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Lip liners can make the beauty life difficult. It’s not so easy to find a really good contour pencil. Many are so hard that they scratch unpleasantly on the delicate skin of the lips. Others don’t have the necessary color intensity or you can’t find the right color for your lipstick at all. And, and, and… Lip liner are a must have Lip liners are an indispensable tool for a perfectly made-up mouth. They ensure that the color of the lipstick does not “run out” and settle in the small wrinkles – if they are there – above the upper lip. They also perfect the contours and are ideal accomplices for little cheats, if the lips are too narrow or uneven. Dashl has just launched a vegan lip liner that contours, while at the same time having a bit of a firming effect and plumping up the lips. It comes in three colors that actually always fit: Toffeelicious, Spice It Up and Ruby Forever. For more defined and fuller lips II opted for “Toffeelicious”, an intense dark pink that actually reminds me a little of the wrapping of a Toffifee. The richly pigmented lip liner can be used to precisely define the contours around the mouth. The tip of the pencil glides gently over the skin. You can immediately feel that the texture is enriched with natural silicone. Does this actually make my lips look a little fuller, or am I mistaken? The formula is also so moisturizing thanks to jojoba oil that I use it to color my entire mouth and use the lip liner instead of a lipstick. It leaves a velvety matte finish and lasts for many hours without running, smudging or smearing. However, you can just as easily apply it as a primer before lipstick to make it last longer. For a 3D effect, Dashl recommends combining it with a lip oil. Personally, however, this is too much prominence for the lips. Into the fridge! Overall, a great product, with only one small downer. Dashl could still optimize this. Since the lead of the lip liner is quite soft, it often breaks off when sharpening, which can be a problem especially at higher outdoor temperatures. My tip: Put the pencil in the freezer a few hours before use! Incidentally, the Dashl brand was founded in 2016 by two female entrepreneurs, Arbilina Nissan and Nina Akbari, in Stockholm, Sweden.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: “Salome” fragrance by Francis Kurkdjian

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Fragrance is his profession. The French master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian is at least as well known as the Richard Strauss opera “Salome”. It was reissued earlier this year after more than 50 years of standard performances at the Vienna State Opera. Director Cyril Teste, also French, who is known in his home country for his extraordinary work, is responsible for the production. “Salome” is his first independent production outside France. “A traumatized child“ Fragrance as an olfactory element. “My Salome is a traumatized child,” says Teste. His trademark is the use of live cameras and video projections to make the protagonists even more intense for the audience. He always seeks a collective approach for his works: the French director has been working with a team of artists for many years, especially in the areas of video and light, which are so important for his work. This time he used another element: perfume in the auditorium to deepen the experience of opera by appealing to another sense. A veil of perfume in the auditorium And this is where the visionary fragrance creator Francis Kurkdjian comes into play. He has created an exclusive fragrance accord for the “new” Salome at the Vienna Opera. This was first sprayed in the auditorium at the premiere on February 02, 2023, in the opera’s key scene – the “Dance of the Seven Veils.” An unexpected olfactory dimension for the visitors. Kurkdijan has been working with artists for more than 20 years, has developed fragrances for many leading fashion houses such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani and Elie Saab, and founded his Maison Francis Kurkdjian in 2009. He developed his “Salome” fragrance, named “724,” in close collaboration with director Cyril Teste. “Cyril and I share the same vision. We tell stories in our own respective ways, each in our own language. He is my eye, I am his nose. I also like how he brings creative people together and organizes the ecosystem that results,” says the perfumer. Growth for “724 Unfortunately, the “Salome” fragrance is not available for purchase. Nor does Francis Kurkdjian want to reveal the exact composition of the exclusive fragrance creation for the opera. Only this much: “A musky note between openness and sensuality, sexuality. Something deep, attractive, innocent and numbing.” For this, the EdP of “724”, which was released last September, has grown. The luminous, citrus-fresh composition with an urban character is also available as a roll-on elixir and a travel set since this spring.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Body cream “Magic Body” from Charlotte Tilbury

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She is just magic! Anyone who has ever seen Charlotte Tilbury live will confirm it: The red-haired Englishwoman is a true bundle of energy, a whirlwind. Wherever she appears, she owns the stage and the attention of everyone present. Charlotte Tilbury is a name to know in the beauty world. She has worked as a makeup artist for all the major magazines and has done makeup on numerous famous faces – from Kate Moss to Kim Kardashian. Charlotte’s own make-up and skincare line is now just as well-known. She likes to call her interviewees Darling. Unsurprisingly, that’s also the way she addresses customers in her online store. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty’s signature product and best-selling item is “Charlotte’s Magic Cream” for the face, which Charlotte says works like “magic on the skin” – and this instantly. It has taken ten years for her to now work with skincare experts and leading laboratories to launch a rich body cream with the same moisturizing and radiance-enhancing properties like the “Magic Cream”. “DARLINGS, THIS IS MAGIC SKIN FOR EVERY BODY!” -Charlotte Tilbury “Magic Body” is said to be a body care innovation of eight ingredients designed to firm as well as define the body so that the skin appears visibly and noticeably smoother and firmer. Tilbury explains her matrix of eight “magic” active ingredients, which are also contained in the “Magic Cream”, as follows: It is a research-based compilation of highly effective skin care substances such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, aloe vera, frangipani extracts, camellia oil, rosehip oil and shea butter. Added to this is the innovative Algaktiv Uplift technology with the power of plant-based active ingredients, which is clinically proven to visibly and noticeably tighten, define and firm the skin. A well-known ingredient in skin and especially body care is caffeine. The energizing booster ingredient helps to vitalize the skin and is also said to reduce the signs of cellulite. My test of the “Magic Body Cream“ “Charlotte’s Magic Body Cream” comes out of the tube white and rich. It is strongly perfumed, so not for purists. I like the scent and also the consistency of the cream. It absorbs well and gives the skin a nice glow without being greasy. In fact, the skin looks well nourished and moisturized, which lasts all day and gives a pleasant feeling – not least thanks to plant oils and shea butter. I use the cream for the entire body, massaging it into the problem areas particularly intensively, as Charlotte also recommends.… weiterlesen