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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: „Super C Dark Circle Brightening Eye Serum” from StriVectin

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Even the presentation of the dark circle brightener against Panda bear eyes is refreshingly out of the ordinary compared to the usual white or pastel tubes in which eye creams are usually packaged. The gel serum against dark shadows is in a pink, handy pen-shaped dispenser. It promises to lighten all types of stubborn dark circles. Differences in dark circles under the eyes To do this, you need to know: Not all dark circles are the same. Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most difficult beauty problems to treat. However, they are also the most common. But how do the dark shadows under the eyes actually form? They depend on aging and lifestyle, such as stress and exhaustion, but they can also be genetic. There are several shades of color. Eye circles can look blue-purple, but they can also have a brown tint. Both forms can be counteracted with vitamin C, which not only visibly lightens the skin, but also tightens it. An enlightening idea I use the refreshing gel serum now seht more than two months. You can’t expect quick results with any product, no matter how good and promising it is. In the morning and evening, I apply a pump on the area under the eyes – more is not needed, because the texture is very productive. The gel is not only easy to spread, but leaves a pleasant feeling of freshness on the skin, especially now in summer. Always spread from the inner corner of the eye outwards and do not tug at the skin! I am very satisfied with the result. The dark shadows under the eyes are lightened, so I also need much less concealer than before. I also find that the skin has become firmer especially at the corners of the eyes and the fine lines less. Overall, the look looks more awake when I look in the mirror in the morning. What’s inside? In addition to the stabilized form of vitamin C (aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate), the gel serum contains various active plant substances. Among them guava leaf extract from the Jeju Islands in South Corea. It is combined with antioxidant-containing ferments to make vitamin C even more effective. In addition, a mixture of Arabian jasmine, hawthorn flowers and purifying flavonoids strengthens thin, delicate skin of the lower eye region and visibly brightens it. In addition to the stabilized form of vitamin C (aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate), the gel serum contains various active plant substances.… weiterlesen

Rosacea: When the cheeks unintentionally redden…

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With blush we make up rosy cheeks or use it for contouring. But if the cheeks already look red when no makeup is on, this is rather undesirable. Then the redness of the skin is a freak of nature that cannot be wiped away as easily as makeup. Doctors call it rosacea. If you search for #rosazea on Instagram, 7.3 thousand entries pop up, and under the other spelling #rosacea, there are even 596 thousand. However, that is only a fraction of sufferers, and the bravest at that. Because many women would never flaunt their rosacea in public. They heavily use a covering foundation or BB cream, just so that the rosacea is not visible. You could call it a widespread disease if you look at the official figures: In Germany, about 10 million people suffer from it, worldwide there are about 415 million. The chronic skin disease is almost exclusively limited to the face with emphasis on the nose, cheeks and chin. Typical of rosacea are sudden skin reddenings, so-called flushes, which can also be persistent. In addition, poplars (inflamed nodules) and pustules (pus-filled pimples) may appear. Later, skin thickening may also develop, leading to a bulbous nose, as well as inflamed eyes (ocular rosacea). A developed rosacea could almost be mistaken for acne. “The big difference to acne, however, is that rosacea does not cause blackheads,” explains Munich dermatologist Dr. Timm Golueke. “A very slight rosacea can sometimes already start with couperosis or the mere tendency to turn red. One speaks then of rosacea grade 1, if later papules and pustules are added, it has reached grade 2.“ What differ couperosis from rosacea? Experts are still debating whether couperosis and rosacea are two different skin diseases or whether they have the same causes. However, the majority of researchers refer to couperosis as a precursor or early stage of rosacea and not as a disease in its own right. No matter how you judge it, the symptoms are the same at the beginning: dilated veins on the face, a visible redness of the cheeks. They are most common in lighter skin types with blond or reddish hair (Celtic skin type). More women than men are affected, and then often from the age of 30. But what are the causes? A hereditary predisposition is suspected, combined with a weakness of the connective tissue. Therefore, it is hardly possible to prevent couperose, unless you want to limit your lifestyle as a preventive measure.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Exfoliation „Masque Exfoliant Enzymatique“ from Sisley

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Exfoliation – In my opinion, an indispensable step in the skin care routine. It is known that the epidermis regenerates according to a cell renewal cycle that lasts an average of 28 days. The keratinocytes that reside in the epidermis gradually migrate to the surface of the skin to the horny layer. There they become dead cells, the so-called corneocytes, and give the complexion a sallow and dull appearance. The natural degradation process can be accelerated by exfoliation and clarifies the skin’s appearance. Therefore, once or twice a week should be peeling time after the usual facial cleansing. Now I am not a friend of aggressive rubbing grains. I prefer it soft, but intense. That’s why an enzymatic peeling is just right for me. The skin is freed from dead skin flakes just by the power of the enzymes contained. Exfoliation deluxe The “Masque Exfoliant Enzymatique” is, as the name suggests, something very special. It comes in the form of a fine, lightweight, white powder that turns into a creamy mass only upon contact with water. Its key ingredient is papain, an enzyme that occurs naturally in high concentrations in the still greenish skin and seeds of the fruit papaya, from which it is extracted. It has a natural exfoliating effect on the skin by breaking down the bonds between the dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface. In this way, the dead horny flakes are removed immediately. Added to this are surfactants, also of plant origin, obtained from glycine and coconut. They cause the powder to turn into a foaming, cleansing cream when water is added. In addition, vitamin B3 frees the skin from the unsightly gray haze and makes it visibly radiant. One minute reaction time In a minute to a more radiant complexion – that suites my impatient mind very much. I take a teaspoon-sized amount of the white powder from the round bottle and sprinkle it directly into my palm. Then I add some water and mix it with my fingertips until I get a creamy mask. Don’t use too much water the first time. Rather add more if necessary, because otherwise the texture will be too liquid. Then I apply a thin but closed layer on the face and neck, leaving the eye area free. I use a wide mask brush for this because I like the delicate feel on the skin, but you can work just as well with your fingers.… weiterlesen

Full of charm: Magdalener Hof in South Tyrol

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The Magdalener Hof above Bolzano is a recommendation from the heart. Because with really good hotels it’s like with a new love: You can’t get enough of them, want to tell the whole world about them and would prefer never to say goodbye. The four-star hotel in the midst of the Dolomites is just a ten-minute drive from Bolzano, the center of South Tyrol’s capital. Close enough, then, for extended shopping and sightseeing tours. And yet the Magdalener Hof is far enough out to be able to really switch off from daily routine. View of the mountains, jump into the pool And there are plenty of opportunities and locations to do so: for example, at the freshwater pool, which at 4×12 meters is large enough for you to swim your laps in peace or doze on an air mattress. For additional refreshment, the pool service provides delicious drinks from the hotel bar. Enjoy the view of the vine-covered mountains. You can also relax in the stylish lounge corner with jungle wallpaper in a wonderfully manicured garden. It is especially romantic in the evening with a sundowner in hand. Those who like to relax indoors retreat to one of the new exclusive deluxe rooms and suites in the adjacent annexe with the significant name “More Magdalener”. Its construction marked the beginning of the constant rejuvenation that the Magdalener Hof has undergone in recent years. It all started with the new annex. After its opening, the double rooms in the main house were completely renovated. The former conference room became a cool and modern gym in 2018. Food and beverage at Magdalener Hof The leafy panorama terrace is also a dream for relaxing – and for getting your fill with pleasure. Mediterranean dishes such as homemade pasta and pizza, seafood salad, tartar from South Tyrolean beef and a paella, which also has its fans outside Bolzano, ensure this. The cuisine of Magda, as friends affectionately call the Magdalener Hof, is market fresh, seasonal, mostly regional, very refined. In short: it tastes excellent! The perfect complement to the culinary fireworks comes from the hotel’s own wine cellar, which dates back to the 14th century. Italian and French classics are stored there, along with top wines typical of the country. Tip: For a nightcap, the lounge & bar in the adjacent building, which is designed in the style of the twenties, is a wonderful place!… weiterlesen

My new hip is inside me!

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It annoys me a little when I hear people who have already had an artificial hip tell me how easy it all was. They always say in unison: “I was able to walk again immediately afterwards” and “If I had known, I would have had it done much earlier. But in reality, joint replacement is not at all as simple as it is often made out to be. By the way, endoprosthesis is the technical term. I experienced this on my own leg. But probably this forgetting is a similar phenomenon as after a birth. As soon as the mother holds her baby in her arms, all the pain and strain are a thing of the past. In truth, implanting an artificial hip joint is anything but a walk in the park. It is a long journey. And I don’t mean the four hours of paralyzing waiting time. Since the early morning, I had been sitting in a waiting room in front of the television in a sterilized surgical shirt, bathrobe and blue overalls on my bare feet, freezing together with several fellow sufferers. Each of us had to wait until a nurse rolled us in a wheelchair to the operation. I am not talking about the operation as such. The endoprosthesis was hammered into my previously milled out thigh bone in 40 minutes, the only 6cm long wound on the outside closed again – sewn inside in several layers, stapled on the outside. New hip: I could not lift my leg Much worse was what came afterwards. When I woke up three hours after the anesthesia in a very nice single room, I first probed my body and tried to lift the leg with the operated hip. I couldn’t. It was as if all the muscles that I had trained myself for years through sports had suddenly disappeared from the entire leg. I couldn’t even put my foot up in bed. The previous arthritis pain in my hip was gone, but I had severe soreness and muscle pain. Every few hours I was given appropriate medication, and in between – especially at night – a painkilling injection. So for the first few days after the procedure, I lay on my back in my hospital bed like a stranded bug, unable to turn to either side. To get up I needed the help of a nurse. I could stand on the operated leg only with my yellow crutches for support.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „3 Minutes Mask Agave“ from Urtekram

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3 Minuten – So ungeduldig wie ich bin, ist das genau die richtige Zeit, die eine Maske bei mir brauchen darf. Die 3 minutes – As impatient as I am, this is exactly the right amount of time that a mask may take with me. The Agave Face Mask by Urtekram promises a moisture boost for the complexion in this record time on. The mask like all products of the Nordic Beauty brand show five good reasons for natural cosmetics lovers to like it. Urtekram products are: vegan, made in Denmark, certified by Ecocert Cosmos Organic, 99-100% natural origin, bottled in plant-based packaging and of course not tested on animals. What Nordic Beauty does not put in the tube: silicones, parabens, microplastics and synthetic preservatives. Pioneering spirit and commitment What does Urtekram actually mean? In Danish, Urte stands for herbs. These are the herbs and plant-based ingredients used in the biodegradable products. Kram means embrace, because the brand sees itself as a loving, warm embrace of nature. This also applies to packaging: over 85 percent of organic products are filled in plant-based packaging made from sugar cane waste. This means less use of conventional plastic made from petroleum and more care for our environment. Recyclable bioplastic is a more sustainable alternative that provides hygienic and safe packaging protection, especially for liquid products, without decomposing in the shower. In the yellow bag it is clearly recognized as plastic and easily recycled. 3 minutes – transparent face mask „Agave” If you expect a mask of the same color because of the sky blue tube, you will be disappointed. The texture is transparent and thick like a gel. I apply it with my fingers on the cleansed face, but you can also use a flat, wide brush. On the skin, the mask develops a pleasant coolness. It smells fresh and of alcohol, but it soon dissipates. Thanks to agave and aloe vera, it is an absolute moisture booster. The tissue seems to really soak it up. In the shower, I wash off the mask after three minutes. Not so easy. The texture has become a bit sticky. I use a disposable glove to help me, which makes it easier to remove. But the result is impressive: The skin is intensely refreshed, feels supple and glows. Once or twice a week is worth three minutes to me. „3 Minutes Moisturizing Face Mask Agave“ by Urtekram, 75 ml, ca.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Phytoceutix Neck- & Décolleté Cream“ from Doctor Duve

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A special neck and décolleté cream is a hotly debated topic in cosmetics. Do you need it or not? Can’t you just use your face cream for the neck as well? You can, but you have to. Munich dermatologist Dr. Stefan Duve also knows that this is often not the case. He says: “My experience of more than 20 years shows that the neck and décolleté often get a raw deal when it comes to care and protection – yet damage here is much more difficult to repair than on the face. That’s why good sun protection and careful care are so important!“ Using the face cream also on the neck and décolleté is better than nothing. But if you want to go one step further, get a special product. That’s why Dr. Duve, in collaboration with a renowned Swiss laboratory, has expanded its Medical Skin Care line to include targeted neck and décolleté care. With its special blend of active ingredients, it provides even more intensive care for smooth and supple skin in these two often neglected zones. It contains an efficient active ingredient combination of peptides and valuable plant ingredients. Anti aging super stars First of all, there are peptides. Simply explained, they are small protein building blocks that are composed of short chains of amino acids. They are considered the new superstars in anti-aging skin care. Why? Peptides activate collagen and elastin production and thus reduce the external signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and sagging. In addition, the cream contains a secret weapon from Ayurvedic medicine: Indian frankincense (Boswellia). Due to the acid it contains, frankincense has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and provides relief from numerous skin infections. Other active plant substances, such as Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract obtained from the Tara tree, regenerate the skin and at the same time protect it intensively against harmful environmental influences. The tissue structure is strengthened, the complexion looks firmer and younger. Neck cream has paid off Since I have been intensively involved with beauty from a professional point of view, I have been using special care for my neck and décolleté. Firstly, because my not exactly inexpensive face cream then lasts longer and secondly, because a product that is precisely tailored to the needs of these sensitive zones works more effectively. When I look in the mirror, I know that it was worth it: no wrinkles, no bumps, and no creases.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Hyaluronic acid concentrate „ha densimatrix“ from mesoestetic

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Hyaluronic acid (HA) in the field of skin care is not exactly a novelty. However, it is exciting when a brand like Mesoestetic launches a hyaluronic acid concentrate on the market. After all, the brand is the world market leader when it comes to medical cosmetics and cosmetic medicine. Mesoestetic belongs to Grupo Body esthetic Laboratories from Barcelona. The pharmaceutical company has been producing cosmeceuticals and cosmetic therapy devices of the highest quality for three decades. Mesoestetic founder and CEO Joan Carles Font said: “The excellence of our work, the efforts in research and innovation, and the proven efficacy of our products alone have brought us this far.” Hyaluronic acid concentrate with cushioning effect Therefore, I was particularly curious to see what is in the azure blue 30ml pipette bottle. Already the name “ha densimatrix” is program: densification of the matrix. In skin, matrix is the part of the tissue that lies between the cells and surrounds them like a mesh. The moisturizing and plumping anti-aging concentrate is intended to be active on several levels at once and provide long-lasting deep-acting hydration. Responsible for this is the Densimatrix complex, which combines hyaluronic acids of different densities (cross-linked, high, medium and low). An anti-hyaluronidase complex protects against HA degradation and blocks the effects of harmful external influences. Last but not least, the anti-aging pro-complex prevents loss of elasticity by promoting collagen and elastin synthesis. The task of the hyaluronic acid concentrate is therefore: correction of age-related skin problems such as wrinkles, expression lines, loss of elasticity and tone. Well moisturized First, I test the hyaluronic acid concentrate on the back of my hand: The texture drips ultra-light and not a bit tough from the pipette. It is also absorbed immediately and does not leave this sticky feeling as is often the case with HA serums. For me, nothing speaks against applying the product on the face. I clean my skin and dry it carefully. Then I put three drops – enough casually for face and neck – on my fingertips. On the skin I massage the product until it is completely absorbed. Goes quickly. You can hardly feel it on the skin, except that it feels well moisturized in no time. After that, I apply my cream with high UV protection as usual. But the concentrate can of course also be used under any other care product. After six weeks of daily use in the morning and evening, my skin is actually already significantly plumper.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Face Mist „Radiant Protection Mist“ from Royal Fern

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I use a facial spray all year round because it’s a good moisture booster and settles makeup. But especially in summer, I’m especially grateful to have a small bottle handy in my handbag. At the moment, I like to reach for “Radiant Protection Mist” by Royal Fern. It promises not only more glow, but also protection against environmental pollution and the Blue Light from computer and smartphone. A face mist for all occasions I have been using the new spray for quite some time in the morning over my day care, on hot days in between, on the plane or before a Zoom meeting when the complexion needs an update. It is a facemist that not only promises glow, protection and moisture for the skin, but also keeps its promise. And this is what Dr. Timm Golueke, founder of Royal Fern Anti-Aging Skincare, says. „”You can also still incorporate the face mist into your skincare routine: Used between your different skincare steps, the spray maximizes the effectiveness of your skincare products. Especially if you use products with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, they can penetrate better into the skin.“ Like the Munich dermatologist’s entire herbal skin care line, the face mist contains Royal Fern Complex. It has an antioxidant effect, reduces inflammation and contributes to overall healthy skin. Other potent active ingredients include Centella Asiatica, a powerful antioxidant and a rich source of amino acids. For protection against Blue Light provides butterfly ginger and hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin and visually reduces fine lines and wrinkles. As an additional moisturizer, polyglutamic acid lays on the upper layer of the skin, replenishes and locks in cell moisture. The skin texture appears smoother and more even. „Radiant Protection Mist“ from Royal Fern, 30 ml, 54 $ lead photo by blackday @shutterstock… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Self Tanning Drops“ from Biodroga

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I find lightly tanned skin more beautiful than distinguished paleness – at least on me. But I just don’t like to go out in the sun with my face. That’s why I use a self-tanner in summer and winter for a delicate tint. It is part of my daily skin care routine. I find tanning drops like those from Biodroga particularly practical, because they are uncomplicated to use and can be dosed perfectly. You can apply them pure or mix them into your day care. To make sure I get an even result, I always do a gentle enzyme peel before the first application, which removes the dead skin cells from the surface. In the days that follow, I refrain from all exfoliating activities and do not use toners or creams with exfoliating agents such as salicylic, glycolic acid or retinol. After 3-4 days I peel again and reapply tanning drops. Self Tanning drops – works quite simply If I want a more intense tint for the face, I apply 2-3 the tanning drops pure to cleansed skin in the morning. Distribute evenly, allow to absorb briefly and then apply the usual care. For a rather light tint, I mix 2 to 4 drops in the morning under my care product. To do this, I put the drops on the palm of my hand, add the right amount of my day care product. I mix both with a small spatula, which I clean thoroughly each time afterwards, and distribute the mixture evenly on the cleansed skin. Smart ingredients Orange discolored skin, discolored clothing or a patchy tan – this used to happen frequently with self-tanners. You no longer have to worry about that with the new generation. The “Self Tanning Drops” contain the active ingredients erythrulose (a self-tanning agent of natural origin) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The two substances combine with the amino acids of the uppermost layers of the skin, which then turns brown. In addition, aloe vera moisturizes the skin, has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. It also contains numerous vital substances. Panthenol helps to soothe the skin. Especially for sensitive skin, it has a soothing, regenerating and moisturizing effect. „Self Tanning Drops“ from Biodroga, 15ml, 24,50€… weiterlesen