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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: New Eye drops “Hydro med Blue” from Dr. Theiss

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Eye drops are constant companions for me – at home and on the road. Always with me. They are at my workplace. I pack them in small disposable vials in every handbag. A common problem for me is red and irritated eyes. They itch, burn. As a pollen and house dust allergy sufferer, I unfortunately struggle with this all too often. Sitting at a computer screen for hours and being overtired after long car rides, for example, dry out the eyes even more. Dr. Theiss has been offering new eye drops with pharmaceutical-grade hyaluron since September 2022. What makes them special is that the liquid is blue. The coloration comes from a water-soluble, medically used dye. The absolute highlight is that it produces an instant visual white effect and makes discolorations in the eye appear softened. Why was a blue dye used in particular? Blue “retouches” the color pigments red and yellow. This visually balances out reddish and yellowish discolorations of the eye. This complementary color effect makes the eyes shine again. Eye drops without preservatives Second plus point: The eye drops contain long-chain (high-molecular) hyaluronic acid. It binds water and acts as a substitute for the missing tear fluid. As a result, the eyes are moistened. In case of dryness, immediate relief occurs and redness disappears. The hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate 0.15%) forms an even, viscoelastic protective film for the cornea without impairing visual performance. Blue „tears” First you have to remove the safety ring of the bottle, then you can pull off the cap, which is also blue, upwards. As usual when applying eye drops, I put my head back, direct my gaze upward and pull the lower eyelid slightly away from the eye. With the other hand, I hold the vial with the dropper opening down to drop a drop into the conjunctival sac. It does not work right away the way I am used to. At the first drip attempt, too much liquid comes out of the bottle. Blue “tears” run down my cheek. I quickly wipe them off with a tissue before they land on my clothes. Then the second eye. Nothing comes out of the eye drop bottle. The special sterile air filter system is a bit tricky. After each removal, you have to wait a few seconds without pressing on the vial. This waiting time is necessary so that enough air can flow back into the closed system.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Correcting Pencil „Stylo Correct“ from Sisley

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The new correcting pencil from Sisley seems to be a real magic pencil. It says, “Stylo Correct is a corrective concealer pencil. It offers a flawless complexion with its high-coverage formula and creamy texture that blends seamlessly. The luminous matte finish instantly conceals imperfections, smooths and reduces the appearance of blemishes, and visually minimizes pigmentation flaws.“ The colour range is huge indeed. It comes in 11 different shades with neutral undertones and five intensity levels from Fair to Deep. You’re sure to find the right color for every skin. And that, after all, is the prerequisite for a perfect complexion in the nude look. The color of the corrector must blend with the skin. Another plus: as the perfect complement to makeup, all correcting pencils match the foundation shades from Sisley. A correcting pencil for a perfect teint Practical at the correction pencil I find already at first glance the double-tip format with a soft, fine and rounded concealer pencil at one end. The fine lead allows a precise application of the texture even on “corners” such as the eye and the wings of the nose. At the other end of the pencil is a foam blending tip that allows the color to blend seamlessly with the skin. The texture itself has high coverage, but is light and creamy. It does not dry out the skin and is super easy to apply. Flawless nude finish The result can be seen or nothing can be seen that something was corrected on the skin. As if by magic, a radiant, matte finish appears that lasts all day. All traces of fatigue are as if wiped from the face. Small imperfections in the complexion such as redness and enlarged pores are smoothed in an instant, skin blemishes disappear visually, but are also improved thanks to benzoic acid and alpha-bisabolol, with which the formula is enriched. Pigment spots also disappear under the correcting pencil. The “Stylo Correct” is not only perfect in the hand during make-up. Its slim shape makes it the ideal companion in every makeup bag and handbag. „Stylo Correct“ from Sisley, 0,06 oz., US$ 75… weiterlesen

Tested for you: “Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream” von Biossance

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Welcome to a new eye cream: Under the motto Clean Beauty meets Science, the hyped US skincare brand Biossance has also been on the market in Germany since September 2022. The Californian brand was founded in Emeryville in 2016. From the beginning, the scientists had one goal in mind. They wanted to solve a problem that has long existed in the cosmetics industry: many ingredients are unsustainable and can even harm the earth and the oceans. Just one example of this is the molecule squalene (Latin for shark), which is very popular in skin care products. It occurs naturally in the liver of sharks. Two million of these marine animals were killed for it every year. Squalane from sugar cane Biossance scientists have developed a highly effective ingredient with almost the same sounding, but still completely different squalane, for which no shark has to die anymore. Squalane, on which the entire care series is based, is vegan. It is obtained 100% from plant sugar cane. Squalene is also a natural component of the skin and is produced by the body itself. However, over the years, our own production continues to decline. A substitute is the plant helper squalane, which is bioidentical to the squalene in our skin, and offers the same benefits as squalene: It moisturizes, soothes and protects without clogging the pores. Creamy light eye cream My favorite from the beauty line is the “Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream”. The apricot-colored eye cream is creamy light, non-greasy and absorbs very quickly. Pleasant also that it is odorless. In the morning after toner and in the evening after cleansing, the sensitive eye area is supplied with moisture around the clock. With my ring finger, I take up a small amount at a time and distribute it under and over the eyes up to the brow arches. The moisture plumps up small lines. And best of all, the eye cream is also a perfect base when I apply eyeliner afterwards. It lasts much longer and does not smudge. A tip for all beauty fans: At least as essential as the selection of the products themselves is the correct order in which the products are applied. To ensure that the care reaches its maximum potential and can be absorbed effortlessly, always start with the lightest products and end with the richest care. The only exception is sunscreen – always apply it at the end.… weiterlesen

Mica – The Sad Story Behind

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Ever heard of mica? And you probably have it somewhere in your cosmetics bag. Because mica is the pigment that makes eye shadows, powders and lipsticks shimmer so beautifully. But it’s not just makeup products that are adorned with the precious pearlescent shimmer. Mica is also used for coatings, for example in the automotive industry. The pigment is not the real problem, but how it is obtained. In itself, mica is not evil. It is a naturally occurring mineral. So it is not problematic for the user. But its extraction often takes place under inhumane conditions – through child labor. This must be stopped. The first steps have already been taken. A major step in the right direction is an initiative that was founded in January 2017. At that time, representatives of 20 companies and organizations worldwide got together and founded the “Responsible Mica Initiative” (RMI). Its goal is to eliminate child labor in mica supply chains. All RMI members must commit to buying only raw substances from legal mines. The association is also committed to transparency and the implementation of workplace standards for mine workers. The initiative now has 80 members from all sectors of industry. These include Chanel, Clarins, Coty, Shiseido, L’Oréal, Sephora, H&M, Porsche and the BMW Group. The children’s charity Terre des Hommes is also part of it. The versatile mineral Mica is a term that comes from Latin. It means something like “glitter” or “shine”. The sheen typical of mica depends on the particle size. The smaller the particle size, the more matte the pigments are and the higher the opacity. “The size of the pigment also determines how shiny something is. A soft eyeshadow needs smaller particles to make it look smooth. Smaller particles create shine, while larger particles create a strong glitter effect,” explains makeup developer Rowena Bird from the cosmetic company lush. The silicate mineral is used in various products from blush to make-up pencils, from nail polish to carnival colors. Mica can even be found in children’s products such as shower gel, bath soap and toothpaste. And because it makes powders easier to make, it is often used as a filler in mineral makeup. Mica belongs to the so-called mica group, and is also disparagingly called cat’s silver or fool’s gold. On the INCI list, it can be found under the designation CI 77019 or as Potassium Aluminum Silicate. Combined with titanium oxide To create different colors and various gloss or glitter effects, the mica particles are coated with an oxide – usually titanium oxide.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: “Serum Mascara” and “Eye Make-up Remover” from Typology

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A study by the University of Bristol recently proved that, contrary to all prejudices, men spend a lot of time studying the eyes of their female counterparts. Women, on the other hand, tend to look at men’s noses. That honestly surprised me. All the more worthwhile to grow long, silky eyelashes, which make the eyes eye-catching with a dense wreath. Serum Mascara serum with pea peptides Practical I therefore find da new Serum Mascara. It offers mascara and serum in one. Enriched with 1% pea peptides, castor oil and vegetable keratin, it lengthens the lashes, nourishes and strengthens them in the long term. Pea peptides are a sequence of lysine-rich amino acids that are believed to have densifying properties. They stimulate the cells of the eyelashes and help keep them healthy. The ingredients in the Serum Mascara are 95% of natural origin. There are neither silicones nor mineral oil. The brush is made of a 100% bio-based polymer derived from castor oil. The mascara serum is a hybrid formula between care and make-up. The lashes are not only strengthened by the combination of active ingredients, but at the same time coated with color like a regular mascara. Lightweight application I apply the Serum Mascara every morning religiously. It feels light on the lashes and leaves a natural finish. After about four weeks, I can see an extension of the hairs, but no densification. Maybe that still comes. For make-up removal, Typology has simultaneously launched a two-phase eye make-up remover, which also contains 1% pea peptides and castor oil. Thanks to this concentration of active ingredients, it is also intended to strengthen and thicken the eyelashes. In addition, it is enriched with chamomile extract, which is known to soothe and decongest the eye area. Shake well I use the eye make-up remover. So that the two phases, the oily and the watery mix to a whitish emulsion, you have to shake it vigorously. Even waterproof products clean off well with it. What I also notice that the eyelashes are strengthened and fewer hairs fall out when removing makeup. Unfortunately, the oil phase always leaves a light film in the eye, which disappears only after some time. Serum Mascara and Eye Make-up Remover are offered by Typology as a duo for £ 35.20. This does not quite make sense to me, because it does not mean any savings. The Serum Mascara (9 ml) costs £18.80 and the make-up remover £16.40 if you buy it separately.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Lavender Hand Wash“ from March

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I love lavender. Its scent has something so calming and comforting. It brings back memories of childhood. Grandma’s homemade lavender sachets, the purple bar of soap in my parents’ house. When my dog is restless, I spray some lavender on his pillow. I treat sleep problems with lavender in capsule form. And of course I have planted lots of lavender in my garden. Lavare – Lavendel By the way, the name lavender comes from lavare, the Latin word for wash). The Romans of antiquity used the plant as an additive for their washing and bathing water, as it kills germs, bacteria, fungi and even viruses. Which brings us to the topic at hand, March’s Lavender Hand Wash. Behind the lavender brand from Austria, which has only been around since 2020, are the two siblings Julia and Matthias from Weiz. They wanted to create something sustainable at home and at the same time bring their farm in Styria, which was built in 1914, back to life. That’s how they came up with lavender, a medicinal plant that has always been appreciated and loved for its versatile applications. In the month of March, hence the company name March, they started planting the first field of lavender. 6000 plants have been planted in the meantime. The small seedlings have now grown into half-sized plants. “Until we can distill our own lavender oil, we purchase organic lavender oil from other farms,” Julia explains. High-quality and sustainable Incidentally, in the same year of the creation of the new organic brand, lavender was awarded the title of “Medicinal Plant 2020”. Julia: “Because of its calming and balancing effect, we chose lavender. Admittedly, also because of its wonderful scent and purple splendor.” Meanwhile, “March” includes lavender products for hands, body and rooms, as well as wonderful hand-sewn scented sachets.. In addition to the organic lavender oil, natural Tyrolean mountain spring water is used for the certified March natural cosmetics. All products are vegan, 100% free of animal testing and are produced climate neutrally in Austria. The topic of sustainability is also an important building block in the concept. Plastic is completely dispensed with in the shipping packaging. Paper and cardboard come from recycled materials. Pump it! The „Lavender Hand Wash“ liquid soap comes in a high quality brown glass bottle with pumper, either as 250ml and 500ml size. Its wonderful fragrance coats the skin with a hint of lavender.… weiterlesen

Stubborn Fat Deposits – Get Rid Of Them!

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There are zones on the body where small fat deposits are particularly resistant. They just don’t want to disappear despite strict and regular workouts and a healthy diet. Philipp Triemer, MD, specialist in Aesthetic Cosmetic Medicine, explains which areas are particularly affected and how to get rid of excess fat. Small fat deposits can be extremely frustrating. “Even though it is often suggested, sport and a healthy diet are often not enough to shape the body in a targeted way,” explains Philipp Triemer. “We can work on our overall weight. In addition, sport can make certain areas look more muscular and thus more toned and defined. Both are definitely useful. But exactly where our organism breaks down the fat is something we unfortunately have little influence over.” Such stubborn deposits can be treated with cryolipolysis, i.e. with cold – without any surgical intervention. There is also a new, time-saving method. Whereas previously each body zone had to be treated individually, the new generation of CoolSculpting devices does it more effectively and in half the time. This is because “Elite” has two independent treatment arms, each of which now has flatter and C-shaped applications that conform even more closely to the body’s natural contours. This means even better tissue contact. The tissue is sucked in more evenly, which means that comparatively more fat cells can be treated. Example: fat pads on the back Sleeveless dresses with back cleavage not only put the arms in the light of the viewer, but also any rolls on the back. “Many women are already bothered by tight tops when the back fat shows as unsightly rolls. The effect is intensified by the bra, which cuts into the fat pads,” says Philipp Triemer. It’s no wonder that back fat removal is a sought-after treatment: “CoolSculpting can be used to target the area of lateral back fat and achieve a defined silhouette.” The treated fat cells are gradually broken down by the body without leaving any residue. Initial results can be seen after about six weeks, and final results then finally after about three months. Thanks to the two treatment arms at “Elite”, both sides, right and left of the back, can now be treated simultaneously. This saves the patient time and money. Example: inner thighs Fat pads on the inner thighs are often not only a visual problem, but also extremely annoying when the insides rub against each other.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Vegan Vitamin D3“ from Foondiert

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Dietary supplements like Vitamin D3 are currently flooding the market. But which ones do you need, and which ones don’t you need? And what is the bioavailability of the individual products, can the body utilize them at all? These are questions that no one can answer conclusively for most dietary supplements. That always leaves me a bit frustrated. Vitamin D3, the sun vitamin The situation is different with vitamin D3, the so-called sun vitamin. Around 80 to 90 percent of the daily requirement is formed through the skin under the influence of sunlight. The rest must be supplied – via food, but only a few contain vitamin D (e.g. egg yolk, mushrooms, cheese), or via NEMs. Therefore, this supplement makes perfect sense. Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin for our body. By promoting the absorption of calcium in the intestine, it contributes to the maintenance of strong bones and healthy teeth. It also has an influence on muscle function and the immune system. There is now even evidence that low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of acute respiratory infections. Vitamin D is measured in micrograms (µg) or international units (IU). 1 µg corresponds to 40 IU. Preparations with a daily dose of more than 10 to 25 μg ( 400 to 1000 IU) require a pharmacy prescription, and more than 25 μg (1000 IU) require a prescription. High bioavailability Back to bioavailability. This is taken very seriously with Foondiert products. By the way, the name Foondiert is phonetically derived from the German word „fundiert“ (pronounced foon-diert), what means well-founded and informed. This principle stands for all formulations, expertise and also the thoughtful packaging. Founder and Managing Directo Dr. Natalie Validi, MRPHarmS, has worked as a licensed pharmacist for 25 years in research-based pharmaceutical companies. She says, “We place special emphasis on the high bioavailability of our ingredients because the health benefits of a nutrient are limited by its bioavailability in the body. We use nutrients in their biologically active form, which can be directly absorbed and utilized by the body without conversion losses.” Spray instead of pills What I particularly like about the vitamin D3 spray from Foondiert: I do not have to swallow tablets (I hate!). The direct spray is absorbed through the oral mucosa and is quickly available for the organism.daily one spray is enough. It contains 1000 IU, so I am well supplied for the month.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Face Roller „Resculpting Flash Roller“ from Clarins

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A massage roller for the face is quite a sensible investment for the daily beauty routine. I have already reported about my positive experiences with the Gua Sha stone made of rose quartz. Now there is a massage roller from the house of Clarins, marked by the Clarins Spa expertise. With it, you can get at least some of the wonderful treatments at the institute for a facial at home. The roller has two good sides, so it’s a two-in-one device that activates lymphatic flow and relieves facial tension, just like lymphatic drainage. At one end of the handily shaped white tool sit two red, movable rollers. Its mechanical principle of action boosts radiance, revitalizes and invigorates. The opposite end has the curved edges of a Gua Sha stone, which perfectly fit the contours of the face and exert a lifting and decongestant effect on the tissue through precise pressure and massage. A massage roller for relaxing moments As described in the instructions, I use the roller in the morning and evening on bare, cleansed skin, while using the curved sides of the Gua Sha along with my usual skincare routine. First I massage the cheek area with the rollers: I place one roller at the root of the nose, the other at the corner of the mouth. Then I stroke it upward toward the ear – back and forth seven times. I make the same movement on the opposite side. Continue to the jawline: To do this, I massage with light pressure along the jawline from the chin to the ear and back. Again, seven times on both sides. For the eye area, I position the roller under the inner corner of the eye and gently roll to the temple. Five repetitions on each eye. At the forehead, I place the rollers parallel to the temple and use them to move to the other side and back again. The same from the other side. Again, five times. Finally, it’s the neck’s turn: To do this, I place the rollers on the chin and move them toward the base of the neck and back again from one side of the neck to the other. Five times. 83%* of women think their facial features are refined* And now with cream… Next, I apply my usual skin care. Now I place the curved part of the Gua Sha form at the tip of the chin and gently push the edge towards the ear with light pressure.… weiterlesen

A Plea for More Humility

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This night I could not sleep well. I tossed and turned in bed, waking up again and again. Perhaps it was the alcoholic drinks, unfamiliar to me, at the wedding of two dear people to which we were invited in The Hague. Maybe it was the romantic ceremony on the beach that made me sentimental. Anyway, I was wide awake in my cozy hotel bed next to my favorite person sleeping peacefully. My life partner, husband, friend and confidant for more than 20 years, 12 of them as a married couple. I listened to his deep, steady breaths. But the dream gate remained closed to me. So many thoughts went through my mind that night. I decided to write them down. Even as a young journalist, I got into the habit of always having a paper or dictaphone handy on my nightstand. Now the cell phone serves that purpose. I am a night worker. In the dark, the best ideas visit my mind. Sleepless in Den Haag But back to sleepless in The Hague. The most important thought besieging my brain cells was how grateful I must be for this life. To whom ever my gratitude is due – to the universe, to a higher power, because faithful in the sense of the Catholic Church, from which my parents had me baptized, I have not been for a long time. The church is for me only an institution with mostly deficient “ground staff”, to which I would not like to give even mental allegiance. But certainly there is something which directs our destiny. Let’s call it the universe. I feel blessed by it, richly endowed. This became clear to me once again during these night hours. I am grateful for my extremely harmonious and enriching partnership, which gives each of us the necessary freedom and is based on love and mutual respect. I am thankful for my two unique sisters, my family that always stays together. I am thankful for my over talented and often doubting daughter who finally found her way and life partner in Thailand. I am thankful for the people in my small but close circle of friends, on whom I can rely in good and bad days – and they on me, of course. Humility in the heart Even though times have become more difficult for all of us in recent years – I too have had ups and downs – due to the pandemic, the Ukraine war and much more.… weiterlesen