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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.

The König Ludwig: Everything In Balance

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It is a luxury hotel and has all the features that make up this category: detailed, well-designed rooms, suites and chalets, lounge areas, an excellent restaurant, a first-class spa with state-of-the-art fitness and yoga facilities, as well as a huge indoor and outdoor pool area with a view of Hohenschwangau, one of the castles of the Bavarian fairy-tale king Ludwig II. Not to mention the highly trained, friendly staff that is always on hand at the König Ludwig to accommodate even special requests with a smile. But that is by no means all that makes the König Ludwig Hotel in Schwangau stand out from the crowd of upscale hotels. It is the personal. “The motto of owner Florian Lingenfelder, who took over the hotel from his father Werner but first made it into the gem it is today, is “perceive people as individuals and pick up on their themes. He has also taken over his attitude to property. “Creating instead of managing,” hotel manager Florian Lingenfelder. A holistic approach Guests can expect a genuine life-changing concept at the König Ludwig, provided they are prepared to commit to it. This starts with the treatments in the 6,600 m2 spa wellness area and workout instructions and extends to the 5-course dinner in the restaurant. But of course, people are also welcome in the König Ludwig who simply want to spend a few nice relaxing days, alone or in pairs, with a dreamlike mountain backdrop and good food in the “adult only” resort. Let’s start with the three-part Bio-Balance concept developed by König Ludwigs’ spa chef Sven Huckenbeck (among other things, “Global Director of the Year” at the Hall of Well awards). He has incorporated his background in sports science, Myoreflex therapy and acupuncture massage according to Penzel (APM). The idea is to break up muscle tension and imbalances. “The body has to find its own balance again – that’s what I help it with. No more and no less,” says Huckenbeck modestly. “The body speaks, even when it is silent.” Sven Huckenbeck Yet it is much more. I have experienced it in my own body. An artificial hip joint, several sports accidents and my predominantly sedentary job as a journalist have caused my muscles to shorten despite – or perhaps because of – frequent up to daily workouts in the gym. Huckenbeck explains it plausibly: “A normal person sits 10 hours a day.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Eyebrow styling with the “Brow Set” from Fleeky

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So far, I have never managed to keep my eyebrows in shape all day. That’s also because the hairs are long and stubborn with me. And they didn’t want to be styled upwards at all. The upward brushed brows are an ideal eye opener. Eyebrow styling with a 3-piece set Now I have found the perfect solution for me. The 3-piece set from Fleeky. Sure you can buy the products individually. But I wanted to get started right away with the complete kit. It contains once Brow Fix, once Brow Pomade and a Brow Micropen. So everything you need to put the brows in shape, to shade and also to fill small gaps. All three eyebrow products are vegan & animal-free, guarantee a 24h hold and are easy to apply – and stylish-pretty they also look in the light blue. The kit comes in three shades according to brow color: Medium Brown – Medium dark, warm & cool hair type; Light Brown – Light brown, cool hair type; Dark Brown – Darker warm & cool hair type. I use Medium Brown because I don’t want to shade my brows any darker than they already are. It always looks so harsh. Brush against the direction of growth First, I use the Brow Fix. With the spiral brush and the gel-like, colorless fixative, I brush the hairs lengthwise against their direction of growth and then upwards. This gives me the first wow effect: the look is immediately much more open. The texture is smudge-proof and waterproof and actually keeps the brows in “top form” all day. To remove makeup in the evening, you need a makeup remover, so well are the brows fixed. I have had the best experience with a remover oil. Stylo with 2-in-1 design Next, I pick up the Brow Pomade. The Stylo has a compact 2-in-1 design. The pomade is hidden in the lower, unscrewable part, and the integrated applicator is at the other end. With it, the colored pomade is brought to the brows depending on the desired intensity result. With it, I also fill small gaps in the brow arch. Finally, I mogle with the brown micropen a few more hairs at the beginning of the brow, so that the arch looks even more harmonious. The result: finally perfect eyebrows! If the process is still not quite clear or would rather have a visual template, you can find a how-to-do video with the three-part eyebrow kit on fleeky.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Microbiome Supplement „In Shape“ from Within

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The microbiome is essentially responsible for our well-being. A healthy intestine is supported by about 500 different species of bacteria. In total, there are about 100 trillion bacteria that settle in it. Many of them have not even been researched according to the current state of science. Microbiome with multiple tasks What is proven, however, that listlessness, mood swings, impure skin, poor sleep and many other complaints often have their origin in the intestine? The totality of our intestinal bacteria, the microbiome, is responsible for many important processes in the body such as digestion, metabolism or the immune system. If the microbiome is out of balance, the entire body suffers. Brings the body in „Shape Of course you can support your intestinal flora with the right diet and sufficient exercise. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work in everyday life – not for me either. That’s why I tried the „In Shape” capsules from Within. Why „In Shape” and not one of the three other products in the line – “Skin Glow”, “Sleep Well”, “Inner Strength”? Because I wanted to do something not only for my gut, but also for my figure. As we know, the human microbiome also plays an important role in controlling body weight. “With its millions of bacteria, its very individual microbiome, our intestine has immense importance. It is responsible for our physical and mental balance – and thus also for our appearance! Each individual can influence it himself: with the right diet, the right exercise and, if necessary, the right support – for a good and healthy gut feeling,” says Dr. Maren Kemper, biochemist and founder of „Within”. One capsule – 10 billion microorganisms The vegan „In Shape” capsules are a power combination of high-dose probiotics, biotin, zinc and green tea extract. Each ingredient has an important function to perform: Probiotics strengthen the microbiome and maintain optimal intestinal function, green tea extract additionally stimulates fat burning, biotin helps maintain normal mucous membranes as well as intestinal lining, and zinc promotes fatty acid metabolism. Each Within capsule contains 14 scientifically tested bacterial strains with 10 billion viable microorganisms that ensure an intact, balanced microbiome. The stomach-resistant capsules ensure that all the ingredients arrive where they are needed, namely in the intestines, and are not attacked by the aggressive stomach acid beforehand. They are so well protected that they do not need to be stored in the fridge. Dampens the feeling of hunger For the past four weeks I have been taking a „In Shape” capsule every day half an hour before lunch.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Sun Care „Crema Solare“ from Carthusia

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Finally, a sun care product that is fun. Why no manufacturer has yet come up with the idea of making sun care a little more cheerful and appealing? This gap has now been closed by the world-renowned traditional fragrance house from Capri. Carthusia! The label from the Italian dream island, sung about in many songs, is famous for its fine perfumes and care products in beautiful packaging. Now the house of Carthusia has succeeded with the sun care a “Best of Three”: the perfect sun protection with SPF 30 or SPF 50, in an exceptionally beautiful, sustainable packaging with the unmistakable “Profumo di Capri”. I am so what excited as rarely with a UV protection product. Sun care: ecological & sustainable The 100 ml bags for the two filter variants of the sun care and a “Dopo Sole” (After Sun) are a small work of art in themselves – printed with fish, shells, corals and all sorts of other sea creatures. The bags are resealable and take up hardly any space in beach luggage. All products can be used for face and body. “The packaging saves 50 percent of plastic compared to other 100 ml packaging,” the press release says. What’s more, the lotions were developed according to the protocol of the “Ocean & Reef Care” program without oxybenzone and octinoxate, so as not to harm coral reefs. A scent of summer, sun, Capri But the greatest thing about Carthusia sun care for me is the irresistible fragrance that delicately unfolds on the skin. It smells of summer vacation, wonderful freshness and the wild clove of Capri. And then when the red sun sinks into the sea, only “Dopo Sole” comes into play for me. Who now still says he does not like to cream in the sun and afterwards, it’s his own fault! And a word about Carthusia According to legend, the story of Carthusia began back in 1830 . At that time, the prior of the Carthusian monastery had a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers of the island prepared for the visit of the Queen of Naples, Joan 1st of Anjou. The water in the vase began to give off a wonderful fragrance after a few days. The monastic alchemist consulted about this led him to the wild Caprese carnation, Garofilum selvestre Caprese. Thus was born the first perfume of the island. But it was not until 1948 that the old formula was rediscovered and given to a chemist from Piedmont.… weiterlesen

Swiss Artist “Kalchie”: Star Of The Art Scene At 85 Years Old

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International success came overnight, at the age of 85. The artist had been working towards this night for over 40 years. Today Kalchie is an internationally renowned artist whose works were successfully presented to an international audience at the Hong Art Museum in China last year on the occasion of a European-Chinese cultural exchange. The artist was left to her own at an early age, where she developed an affinity for artistic expression. Years later, she devoted herself to painting. The artist was born Gisela Schiel in Germany, shortly before the outbreak of World War II. She first came into contact with the art scene at the age of 12. At that time, she made a few appearances at the Koblenz Municipal Theater. She danced and acted and got her first leading role at the age of 13. She finally left her parental home at the age of 20 and moved to Switzerland. Since her 40s, she has devoted herself intensively to painting. Art as a way of overcoming grief In the early days, art was a means of coping with grief for Kalchie, which helped her get over the early death of her husband Paul during difficult times and eventually restored her joy in life. This is also reflected in her older works. Initially, blue predominated, without her realizing that this color symbolized mourning. However, she soon broke out of this mood and painted the first red in one of her paintings, which paved the way for a broader color palette. Since then, her works are characterized by unique and vivid compositions inspired by strong emotions such as joy, love and hope, as well as tremendous strength and energy. Art that goes into depth Kalchie demonstrates with her artworks that age does not matter and that creative potential is unlimited: with boundless creativity and talent, she creates dreamlike sequences of images in spectacular shades of color that encourage the viewer to contemplate both creation and his own inner life. Her works are characterized by bright colors and bold patterns that create energy, movement and longing. These are especially noticed by young people who appreciate the artist’s wealth of experience. Not only does art connect people of different backgrounds and cultures, it also brings together different age groups in a harmonious environment. The courage with which Kalchie overcomes her age and follows her passion is remarkable and significantly inspires other artists.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Home Microdermabrasion “Personal Microderm Pro Elite” by pmd

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Microdermabrasion at the dermatologist or at the beautician is known. However, it is always time-consuming and time-consuming. The good news is that you can now perform such a treatment at home on your own. However, you should not set your expectations too high and expect the same intensity as a face professional. What are the benefits of microdermabrasion? With microdermabrasion, the top layer of skin is abraded. So a kind of more intensive peeling – only without any chemical agents. The process sounds brutal, but you hardly feel it. However, the effect is immediately visible: the skin has a strong blood circulation. Impurities and dead skin cells are removed. Enlarged pores appear finer over time. Use conveniently at home The handy at-home “Personal Microderm Pro Elite” microdermabrasion device I tried works in three stages: Exfoliation, Vacuum Suction and Absorption. The variable vacuum suction and different abrasive heads allow you to customize the treatment specifically to your skin type – from very soft to super intense. The delivery package comes with green, gray and blue attachment discs, which are equipped with abrasive particles of different strengths. In addition, there are more extensive attachments for the body. I choose the gentlest “eraser” for the face to get used to the microdermabrasion and to test the reaction of my skin. It is important to cleanse and degrease it thoroughly beforehand. Only then do I start the actual treatment. Using the middle of three speeds, I work my way from the forehead to the chin with the grinding attachment in long, gentle and even movements. Work always with the same pressure While the microdermabrasion I stretch the skin lightly with my fingers and try to always maintain the same pressure and not to treat one spot several times. After all, I don’t want to over-exfoliate or irritate my skin. I spare the eye area and the lips. The abrasive heads give a kind of sandpaper feel. But neither the peeling nor the vacuum suction effect feel unpleasant. The entire treatment takes no longer than five minutes. Afterwards, the skin is slightly red in some places, but this soon evens out. Maybe I’ve gone there for the beginning but a little too aggressive? But generally it feels clean and soft. After the treatment, I use a gentle cleansing foam. Because a slight feeling of dryness is noticeable, I then use a highly concentrated hyaluronic acid serum and a sunscreen over it, because after such a peeling the skin can react more sensitively to UV rays.… weiterlesen

Beauty Puzzle: Which Brand Belongs To Which Group?

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Sie kaufen Ihre Beauty-Produkte in Parfümerie bzw. Drogerie oder bestellen Sie gar online. Aber wissen Sie eigentlich, welcher Konzern hinter den verschiedenen Brands steckt. Nur wenige Big Player teilen sich den Markt der Beauty-Linien. Beispielsweise kommen die teuren Yves Saint Laurent-Produkte aus demselben „Topf“ wie L’Oreal Paris. Beide Brands und weitere 33 gehören zu L’Oréal, ein Gigant in diesem Segment. Der französische Konzern ist mit 32,3 Milliarden Euro Umsatz (2021) Marktführer in Europa, wenn es um Schönheit geht. Im Beauty-Puzzle ist L’Oréal seit Jahren der Gewinner. Die vielen Marken unter einem Dach steigern nicht nur den Gewinn und halten die Konkurrenz in Schach. Sie schaffen auch Synergie-Effekte. Beispielsweisen können die hohen Investitionskosten für die Entwicklung eines neuen Wirkstoffs, die sich meist über Jahre hinzieht und oft Millionen verschlingt, auf mehrere „Schultern“ verteilt werden. Sprich der kostspielige Anti-Aging-Komplex, der für Lancôme kreiert wurde, wird im Jahr darauf in die Tiegel von L’Oréal Paris gepackt, der sehr erfolgreichen, hauseigenen Linie aus der Consumer Products-Sparte. Der operative Gewinn Mit sogenannten „Consumer Products“, sprich Massmarket, erzielt L’Orèal tatsächlich den größten Umsatz. Wo findet man die Produkte? In jedem gut sortierten Supermarkt, bei dm und Rossmannt. Namentlich sind das die fünf Marken Essie, Garnier, L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, NYX Professional Makeup. Der operative Gewinn, das ist die Summe, die ein Unternehmen an dem laufenden Geschäft verdient, beträgt etwa 20 Prozent. In Zahlen: Bei einem Shampoo, das im Laden 2,50 Euro kostet, bleiben 50 Cent bei L’Oréal. Etwas anders sieht die Rechnung bei den Luxusprodukten aus. Mit 16 Marken (Biotherm, Cacharel, Clarisonic, Diesel, Giorgio Armani, Guy Laroche, Helena Rubinstein, House 99, IT Cosmetics, Kiehl’s, Lancôme, Maison Margiela, Proenza Schouler, Urban Decay, Viktor&Rolf, Yves Saint Laurent) erzielt der Multi-Konzern etwas mehr als ein Drittel seines Umsatzes. Die Produkte sind teurer als die Massenmarken (aber nicht unbedingt besser!), also lässt sich auch mehr damit verdienen. Fast ein Viertel des Verkaufspreises bleiben als operativer Gewinn hängen. Zahlt man 19 Euro für eine Creme, kommen 4,45 Euro bei L’Oréal an. Lukratives Geschäft in der Apotheke Apotheken-Kosmetik lässt die Kasse klingeln. Neben professionellen Produkten für den Friseurbedarf an von Carita bis Kérastase und Shu Uemura Art of Hair (damit verdient der Konzern knapp unter 20 Prozent), gibt es noch die sogenannte Apotheken-Kosmetik. Diese Marken wie Vichy, La Roche-Posay und SkinCeuticals fasst das Unternehmen unter dem Label „Active Cosmetics“ zusammen. Man findet sie in Spas, Kosmetik-Kabinen und beim Hautarzt. Obwohl weniger als zehn Prozent des Umsatzes auf diese Produkte entfallen, ist dieser Bereich am profitabelsten für L’Oréal.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Coral Look “Bronzing Collection” from Artdeco

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The new bronzing collection celebrates beauty. And that is also exactly what we want. Because makeup products should not only be good and effective, but also look good in the bathroom or in the beauty bag. And that’s exactly what the “Dive into the ocean of beauty” line does when the bright red-orange of coral meets intense turquoise on the high-quality packaging of the “All Seasons Bronzing Powder,” the “Bronzing Blush” and the “Glow Bronzer.” They are as aesthetically beautiful as fine jewelry boxes. Bronzing collection for each and every season I’ve tried all three, and each has its specific purpose and function, which it serves perfectly. The limited edition “All Seasons Bronzing Powder” is a multicolored color stone with a three-dimensional relief that allows me to conjure up a natural, sun-kissed look on my face in an instant. The tanning powder is composed of three different shades that work individually or together. Due to the delicate pearl pigments that reflect the incident light, the complexion immediately gets a subtle glow. What’s also great about the bronzing powder is its velvety, long-lasting texture. It can be applied very easily and very evenly and then blended with a large brush. There is no darkening as so often with such products. This is prevented by special pigments. Bronzing blush „ocean of beauty“ This powder is also limited and vegan and like the other two products mineral oil, paraben, fragrance, silicone and talc free. The blusher consists of two soft colors with a slight shimmer. I use the terracotta-colored and the bronzy-earthy phase together. To do this, I use a short, thick Kabuki brush to spread the Bronzing Blush from the cheeks to the temples in circular motions. And I do this until a classy finish highlights my cheekbones. And with its orange-red coral pattern on the turquoise square blush tin, I always have an attractive piece of jewelry in my handbag. Glow Bronzer as a 2 in 1 And then there is also the “Glow Bronzer” – also in packaging with coral pattern and three-dimensional relief. It is a bronzing powder and highlighter in one. Its delicate, slightly creamy consistency is long-lasting and blends perfectly with the skin. Not only can it be used to achieve a delicately tanned, radiant complexion. It can also be applied, without anything smudging, over normal powder to set highlights on the face. I prefer to dab it on with my fingers and blend it without any additional tools.… weiterlesen

Boutique Hotel Villa Vie: A Jewel on the Moselle River

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Klein, aber fein. Diese Beschreibung passt haargenau auf das 12-Zimmer kleine Villa Boutique-Hotel an der Mosel. Die inhabergeführte, gemütlich-stylishe Gründerzeitvilla ist das wohl schönste Hotel von Cochem und schon allein eine Reise wert. Und das nicht nur wegen seiner traumhaften Lage… Villa Vie wir kommen. Ich habe online nach einer Bleibe gesucht, wo wir auf unserer langen Autofahrt von Amsterdam nach Bayern einen Stopp einlegen und entspannen konnten. Bei meinen Recherchen ist mir die Villa Vie sofort angenehm aufgefallen. Und dann war es soweit. Schon unsere Ankunft war ein Vergnügen – einfach und unkompliziert. Wir und unser Hund Byron wurden mit ehrlicher Freude von dem Hausherrn (er hat selbst einen Hund!) in Empfang genommen und auf unser Zimmer mit Upgrade auf ein Premium-Doppelzimmer geführt. Wir waren so neugierig auf die repräsentative Gründerzeit-Villa, sodass wir uns noch vor dem Auspacken unserer Koffer auf einen Rundgang durch die Villa Vie begaben. Dabei blieben wir gleich mals auf der Terrasse hängen, um uns einen Willkommens-Drink von der Bar zu gönnen. Man bedient sich aus der Bar und zahlt beim Auschecken. Der phantastische Blick auf die Reichsburg, die Stadt Cochem sowie die Weinberge entlang des Flusses, der uns von dort geboten wurde, ist unvergleichlich. Villa Vie – Ambiente zum Wohlfühlen Die Villa Vie umfasst zu den 12 Zimmern und Suiten eine großzügige Lounge und einen modernen Restaurantbereich, und durch einen super modernen Glasanbau ist sie mit der traditionsreichen ehemaligen Schnapsbrennerei verbunden. Dem Gast wird überall ein wunderschönes Ambiente zum Wohlfühlen und Geniessen geboten. Jedes der großzügigen Zimmer, ob Premium Doppelzimmer, Superior Einzelzimmer oder die größere Junior-Suite, ist anders eingerichtet – hochwertig und mit sehr viel Liebe zum Detail: wertvolle Möbel, edle Antiquitäten, luxuriöse Betten, großzügige Bäder. Flatscreen TV und gratis Highspeed Internet verstehen sich von selbst. Heiraten im alten Gewölbekeller Das Frühstück nimmt man in einem lichtdurchfluteten Frühstücksraum ein – auch hier mit einem Traumblick auf die Mosel, die Weinberge oder die Reichsburg. Tolle Weine von der Mosel, Snacks und Süßigkeiten stehen dem Gast jederzeit in der Bar zur Verfügung – von den hochwertigen Destillaten in der alten Brennerei ganz zu schweigen. Auch Hochzeiten finden in der Villa Vie in einer ganz besonderen Atmosphäre statt – in einem stimmungsvollen Gewölbekeller von 1881. Er wurde im Jahr 2022 vollständig renoviert. Dieser vereint nun die Moderne mit der Historie: Sichtbeton kombiniert mit altem Gemäuer. Hier finden Gesellschaften mit bis zu 70 Personen Platz. Wer will, kann sich seine Hochzeit sogar individuell vom Hotelbesitzer planen lassen.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: After Sun & Post Laser from Ultrasun

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Lasers have come to be regarded as a medical miracle weapon for eliminating all those unloved facial appearances such as wrinkles, red veins, pigmentation spots and scars. In principle, such treatments are low-risk and usually do not involve any downtime, but some precautions are still unavoidable. As a top priority, one will have the following imposed by the doctor after any laser application: High sun protection is an absolute must. Lasers make you sensitive to light Why is this so? Because the skin surface suffers small mechanical injuries after the treatment (the same applies to chemical peeling substances, by the way) and is thus much more sensitive to light. As a result, the risk of sunburn increases. Pigment spots can also develop more easily because freshly lasered skin tends to tan more. Direct sunlight and, of course, solarium should therefore be avoided at all costs after treatment. For this reason, doctors advise against this therapy in the summer and directly before or after a vacation. Much better suited for such a treatment are sunless, cold seasons. So if you are still planning a treatment with the laser on your face, you have to hurry. During the day, consistent application of the highest possible protection factor is advisable afterwards. In the evening, wash off the UV protection and then apply a gel with potent skin-soothing ingredients that cool and calm the skin. Not greasy and not sticky Ultrasun’s “After Sun & Post Laser Gel” is specially formulated for this purpose. The Swiss brand, based in Zurich, has been known for 30 years as “dermatological sun protection without compromise.” The non-greasy texture of the special Gel contains Portulaca Oleracea extract, a highly effective soothing and antioxidant ingredient ideal for sensitized skin. The product is fragrance-free and leaves the skin feeling pleasantly watery and light. Apply generously to the face after each laser treatment. The gel is also ideally suited as after sun care for a sun irritated, sensitive or acne prone skin. Also ideal for sun allergie „After Sun & Post Laser Gel“ from Ultrasun, 75 ml 21 Euro (in pharmacies)… weiterlesen