Skip to main content

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.

Sun Protection tested for you: „Face Fluid SPF50“ from Altruist

Sun protection is a must. In addition to the moisture balance, sun exposure is a major factor in wrinkles and skin problems in relation to skin aging. Every child knows that by now. Even with sun protection creams it is not true, the more elegant the design, the better the protection. At „Stiftung Warentest“, a foundation that was established in 1964 by the German federal parliament to provide consumers with informations regularly, some premium brands were once again rated “poor” last year because they fell below the specified protection factor, could not provide the promised moisture or – although they were referred to – were not waterproof. Depending on your height, you need between 30 and 40 milliliters of suncream per day for the body alone. A 175 ml bottle is only enough for five days. If you pay 30 euros for this, that’s six euros a day. And the bill isn’t even right, because you should reapply sun protection every two hours during the day! This sun protection is a real altruist That’s why I examined a new line from Great Britain more closely. It proves that good sun protection at a high level does not have to be expensive. “Altruist” is positively out of the ordinary in every respect. It is a dermatological sun protection with a high-quality, photostable broad-spectrum UV filter for UVA and UVB rays, including the innovative Tinosorb A2B, a chemical-mineral hybrid. It is well absorbed by the skin and does not whitish. Altruist was developed by the English dermatologist and cancer researcher Dr. Andrew Birnie from Canterbury to help prevent skin cancer. The name Altruist is his program. It’s a not-for-profit brand – 10 cents of every bottle sold goes to African charities. He keeps the production costs low, which is noticeable in sales prices. Cream SPF 30 / SPF50 and Fluid SPF 50 start at six euros. The 1 liter bottle costs 10 euros or 20 euros. High quality, low price – it works! „Face Fluid SPF50“ from Altruist 50 ml, 10 Euro… weiterlesen
liquid brow lift-filler-dermafiller-cultureandcream-blogpost

Spectacular! “Liquid Brow Lift” for an Alert Look

With this innovative minimal-invasive method based on hyaluronic acid, sunken or deep-set eyebrows can be raised. Almost painless and without risk. Best reason for the liquid brow lift: Especially in times of video calls and zoom conferences, an alert look and an open appearance suddenly come more into focus. There is even a special expression for it. “Zoom Face” describes your own face, which often appears tired in the web camera. In addition to causes such as stress, lack of sleep or dark circles under the eyes, the eyebrows also play a special role. When the eyebrows press down, the face looks tired. At the right angle and curved slightly upwards, they “open” the view. With the “Liquid Brow Lift”, the eyebrows can be lifted without surgery and the eye shape can be optically aligned upwards. How it works, explains Dr. Nicole David, German neurosurgeon at the „Praxis Contour – Ästhetisch-Plastische Chirurgie“ in Frankfurt and Fulda Raising the eyebrow with fillers, also called “Liquid Brow Lift”, is a new insider tip. What is it all about? A brow lift generally means raising the eyebrow to make the gaze appear more open and alert. We use this treatment if, for example, the eyebrow is felt to be too deep. Until now, this either required an operation or a thread lifting, in which the finest threads are inserted under the skin. Now we have a new, minimally invasive method of lifting the eyebrow: hyaluronic acid-based facial fillers that are placed in the eyebrow area. This is why this treatment is also called “Liquid Brow Lift“. How exactly does the Liquid Brow Lift work? As a result of the natural aging process, fat and muscle tissue are broken down on the face, which means that brows and eyelids can sink and drooping eyelids can also develop. Some patients also naturally have eyebrows that are perceived as too low or too level. With a hyaluronic filler such as Juvéderm, we can create volume very precisely at certain points by placing filler drops at special points in the area of the eyebrow, for example on the temple or in the fat depot of the eyebrow. The doctor uses a special injection technique. By placing the filler, the tissue, i.e. the eyebrows and the outer corners of the eyes, is slightly raised. In this way, the face shape looks like it is pointing upwards, which can give a fresh expression.… weiterlesen
Reisen-Koffer-Wecker-cultureandcream-blogpost

Traveling in the times of Covid

The title came to mind based on one of my favorite books by Gabriel García Márquez (“Love in the Times of Cholera“). As a journalist, my professional life so far has been shaped by traveling. I spent more time at domestic and international airports and in the air than in my editorial office. In one year Lufthansa counted 36 flights on my Miles & More account. Traveling has also always been my passion in my private life. With the exception of Antarctica, I have traveled to all seven continents many times. In February of last year I was on three Maldives islands for story research. And then came the insidious new virus – and from one day to the next everything was different. No more trips, no more press appointments. Home office instead of traveling. On days when I’m a little depressed about the current situation, I click through my photos of the most beautiful trips on the computer and travel in my head. In moments like this, it makes me especially grateful that I have already seen so much of the world. At least a little consolation. Traveling is different now When you travel so much, packing your suitcase becomes a routine. Every move is perfect. You have everything in your head that you need for the different destinations and weather conditions. Not once have I forgotten something important at home. Today is my first trip after the countless lockdowns. I’m going to visit my sister in Berlin for three days. Actually nothing earth-shattering such a six-hour drive, but I’m as excited as I used to be when I was traveling to Rajasthan for a perfume presentation just for three days, for example. I say to myself „don’t forget anything“. It feels like I’m packing a travel bag for the first time. I have to laugh at myself. Clothes in, clothes out, because I realize that I don’t need much for this trip after all. Going out and strolling is not allowed in Berlin either. So you pack very differently than before. No high heels, no fashion items. Only leisure wear, so cozy like at home. The famous quote from Karl Lagerfeld, “Anyone who wears sweatpants has lost control of their life”, he would certainly revise today and create trendy joggers. Because he was very business-minded, good Karl. The new trend is called Athflow. No slack look, but comfortable and chic at the same time.… weiterlesen
Fatigue-Müdigkeit-Augenringe-Schlaf-cultureandcream-blogpost

Tested for you: „Regard Glow“ Tinted Stick from Payot

The “Regard Glow” tinted stick is touted as an indispensable beauty secret weapon against dark circles, puffiness and signs of fatigue. Raised a lot, my dear. I want to know more. At first glance: the tinted stick in a salmon-colored garment is handy and small and can even be put in a small clutch. Plus point. And: It consists of 99 percent ingredients of natural origin, so there are no skin irritations or other undesirable side effects of the sensitive area under the eyes to be feared. Another point! One tinted stick for all The inside of the stick is presented in a skin-colored universal shade that suits every complexion. When applied, it releases an ultra-fresh, delicately melting texture. The first “coat” goes wrong. However, it’s my own fault because I pressed too hard when I applied the tinted stick. I get too much “material” and am punished with light-colored circles under my eyes, which cannot be easily blended. Next attempt: I just spread a thin layer of the balancing pigments under both eyes and spread it evenly. In fact, the 3-in-1 tinting stick masters its three tasks in an exemplary manner: dark circles and puffiness are concealed, and every trace of tiredness has disappeared. The glow is back! The little helper is already firmly established in my cosmetic bag. Well tested over four weeks However, I am not alone with my positive judgment. The manufacturer of the tinted stick carried out a satisfaction test on 21 people under dermatological control. Not exactly a mega-study, but at least a first impression. When used daily over a period of four weeks, 85 percent each judged “the view is fresher” and “the view is more alert”. In 80 percent each, “dark circles under the eyes and bags under the eyes were concealed” and “traces of tiredness were reduced”, while again 85 percent confirmed “the color tone adapts to the skin color“. „Regard Glow“ from Payot, Stick with 4.5 g, app. 32 Euro… weiterlesen
Garten-Pflanzen-Gartenarbeit-Grüner-Daumen-cultureandcream-blogpost

Gardening: My Green Thumb

I love gardening. For me it has something meditative about it. I love blooming and see the green grow. I like to look at gardens. My place of longing when it comes to garden culture is the Royal Garden Academy in Berlin-Dahlem. I love garden centers, and I am especially drawn to beautiful, real terracotta pots. I can ignore it even less than a hip bootie or a cool handbag – another of my passions. Ciao, Italia Usually at this time of year I organize my garden in Italy, make everything nice and enjoy it on the terrace with a glass of Aperol Spritz in hand after the work is done. Unfortunately, Corona thwarted my plans again this year – I personally take that particularly badly with the damned virus. Terrace instead of garden As a substitute, I went to my terrace at home on the Lake Ammersee when the first warmer temperatures hit. Not as much space to let off steam as on our Italian terrain. Most plants have to be content with pots here. But some of them like ginkgo, bitter orange and box have grown out of their previous vessels and need a bigger home. The kaffir lime, which I bought last year, does not really want to develop, although its few leaves already give off the pleasant citrus scent. But different fertilizers for the different plants are already available for gardening. Also 80 liters of earth, I still have some larger pots in stock. Fortunately! My favourite book when I started gardening In “Gardening Basics For Dummies“* I have found everything what I needed to know about flowers, beds, borders, trees, shrubs, and lawns to create my own green paradise. Paperback 22,80 Euro Online instead of local This year I have to improvise a lot again because the gardening centers in our district have closed again. They are open in the neighboring region, but you need a documented corona test. That’s too much of an effort for me for a bit of green and a few pots. It’s a shame, because “support your local dealer” is no longer possible for me either. Not a wise decision by our rulers, I think. Because now everything, even the vines, is ordered online. The planting season is not based on Corona. I only feel sorry for the small nurseries when they have been raised in vain. Gardener for love So while I pour earth into the vessels with my bare hands to repot and repot the plants, I like its coolness and purity, I listen to music through my EarPods.… weiterlesen
skincare-men-cultureandcream-blogpost

How to Find the Best Skincare for Men

Gentlemen. There is more to a skincare routine than your morning shave. If your facial care routine consists of a razor and some random shaving cream – listen up. Men’s skincare is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Everything from cleansers, moisturizers to sunscreen should be part of your skincare regimen. You cannot hide behind that beard or scruff forever Many men prefer beards to shaving so they don’t have to deal with irritation and skin issues that many experience. Well, skin issues may be rooted in your lifestyle, genetics or how you’re treating your skin, so don’t blame your razor. However, if shaving is the sum of your grooming practice, this can contribute to a build up of dirt, sebum and dead skin cells leading to clogged pores, blackheads, blemishes and ingrown hairs that will further cause that irritation that you’re trying to avoid. Admit it. You spend more time caring for car or your smart phone than your skin. Getting rid of that “5 o’clock shadow” or trimming your beard should be part of your routine, not your only routine. Just like your car, skin needs maintenance, too. The most important skincare step of the day – and night Cleansing your face in the morning, and at night, should be as routine as brushing your teeth. The best start to your skincare routine is to open up those pores in a warm shower. The steam will help as well as loosen up dirt and impurities on the skin surface. If you have a fuller beard, soak in that steam for a few extra minutes. Once those pores have had a chance to open up, wash your face, and your neck, with a daily facial cleanser best suited to your skin. Choose men’s skincare products (don’t bother with your wife’s or girlfriend’s brand) as they are specifically formulated for men’s thicker facial skin and larger pores. Using a face scrub or exfoliator could prove helpful to your overall skin health, removing, excess oil, stubborn dry skin or dead skin cells. What type of skin do you have? Greasy nose and forehead, blackheads? Probably oily skin. A balancing cleanser will remove impurities and help control oil without drying skin. Bar soap is good, but specially-formulated facial cleansers are better. Lather up. Itchy cheeks, redness? Sounds like dry skin. A gentle exfoliating cleanser, with natural ingredients, will whisk away dirt and dead skin, leaving it feeling nourished and comfortable.… weiterlesen
dual-palette-schminken-makeup-asien-cultureandcream-blogpost

Tested for you: „Paradise Dual Palette“ from Dear Dahlia

Never heard of the Dual Palette and Dear Dahlia? It is a vegan luxury cosmetic line from Asia. There the dahlia is a symbol of timeless beauty. But not only that. Each product contains the Dahlia Variabilis flower extract in addition to many other certified organic ingredients. This makes the products rich in antioxidants and ensures the skin is supplied with moisture. And it is easy to recognize on the OTC shelves, because Dear Dahlia stands out from all other products with its octagonal packaging in a marble design, which, by the way, stands for the dahlia in its full bloom.  Multifunctional dual palette I love products with multiple uses, especially when you are on the go and – hopefully soon again – travel a lot. The “Paradise Dual Palette” is exactly my case, and the color duo “Fortbildden Fig” was made for me. The duo consists of a darker, rosewood-colored balm and a lighter powder in dusky pink for the eyes, cheeks and lips. The two perfectly coordinated color nuances can be combined in many ways to create new looks. I also like to layer them both. If the cheeks should be less accentuated, I apply the balm first and put a touch of the lighter powder over it. Only on the lips I dab a little powder in the middle of the lower lip to highlight them. Spread it all over, the lips would become too dry. The double-sided mirror in the middle of the box is ideal for a touch-up on the go. At home, however, it is better to use a larger copy of make-up. “Paradise Dual Palette” by Dear Dahlia, 9 color nuances, 32 US$ each… weiterlesen
knitting-margit-ruediger-cultureandcream-blogpost

Knitting is Fun. How I got there.

The corona pandemic and especially the long lockdown are already blooming. I started knitting. After all my closets had been cleaned out, clothes reduced and the apartment painted, I had to look for another field of activity. I wanted something that you can do with your hands, because my head is more in demand in everyday work. But what to do? Back to my soapstone sculptures? Makes too much dirt in the apartment and the utensils have to be put away all the time. To batik? The same problem. The Instagram account knittingisfun_ of a dear colleague and her many wonderful knitted pieces (I own a dream scarf from her!) gave me the idea of knitting. Not that I dare ever compete with Irene. She is far too professional for that. But after all, you need role models. The internet makes knitting possible for me Speaking of role models. Like Irene, simply knitting without a template is of course out of the question for me. I need precise instructions. I praise the Internet for not having to go to the kiosk like in the past to just buy an old-fashioned booklet with boring knitting and crochet instructions. I quickly found what I was looking for online. Modern, trendy suggestions for knitting, which are sent to the house with the appropriate wool and, if desired, with needles. My order arrived two days later. As a beginner – not that I haven’t been knitting before, but that was 20 years ago – I start with a simple piece: a warming loop with a cable pattern in a classy pigeon blue. One right, one left I can just manage right, left and edge stitches. It gets more difficult with the braid. But a YouTube video enables me to look closely at the hands or needles of a talented knitter. The round scarf is ready quickly. I am satisfied with my first work. Well, you can’t go wrong with just a loop either. Next, I’m trying my hand at a sweater. Baby pink with matching different colored fringes on the front. But soon I reach the limits of my art of knitting. The instruction is far too complicated. I have to keep counting the knitting stitches that I don’t make a mistake, and I can hardly see a progress of my work. Watching TV on the side doesn’t work at all! After a good 20 centimeters I lose interest and I separate everything again.… weiterlesen
cold-feet-lamskin-cultureandcream-blogpost

My new Column – today: Why does Men never feel any Cold?

I keep hearing from you guys that I should post more personal things about myself on my blog. That’s why I decided to introduce this section, where I regularly share news from my life – what’s happening, what touches, annoys, and pleases me. The little things from a completely normal everyday life. For example, I wonder why men and women feel so differently about cold. My husband finds a room temperature of 18 degrees pleasantly warm, and I get chilblains. I can’t put on so many layers that I feel comfortable at such a room temperature. We have now agreed on 21 degrees in the living areas. In the bedroom it stays at 16 degrees. In this case he is stubborn. For this he gave me a sheepskin for Easter. It should replace my admittedly not exactly erotic, but cozy electric blanket, which he finds absolutely impossible. But I can’t necessarily recognize sheep’s fleece in eroticism. But I show goodwill and try to make friends with this new party in our bed. I feel always cold Obviously, I am not alone with my “it’s-too-warm-in-here-again” problem with the men when I ask around in my surroundings. My sister tells me that her husband sleeps best with the window open, even when it’s freezing. My friend’s boyfriend flaunts his – unfortunately untidy – feet in Birkenstocks, not only in summer without socks. Our neighbor is already sitting on the terrace in shorts and a T-shirt in the first, still cool spring days, so that the chill runs down my back at the sight, even though it is well wrapped up under a sweater and fur vest. Of course, men with an average of 40 percent muscles have a clear advantage when it comes to the “body’s own heating.” Muscles burn energy and generate heat. Women, on the other hand, have to get by with only 25 percent muscle, but the “insulating” fat percentage is higher. The slimmer, the less there is. So too thin is not good either, I always say that. And yet again and again I have noticed geographical differences. With English women, for example. How often have I been astonished when they went to their club in London at night in the dead of winter – with bare legs in high heels. So there are probably different sensations of cold among women. Or are the Londoners just hippier and more capable of suffering when it comes to their style?… weiterlesen
Kollagen-Kapseln-Glow25-cultureandcream-blogpost

Tested for you: Collagen Capsules and Powder from Glow25

It is always said that true beauty comes from within. And when it comes to smooth skin and firm connective tissue, collagen plays an important role. After all, it is the most abundant protein in the human body. The amino acids not only give it elasticity, stability and resilience, but also bind moisture.This in turn makes the skin appear plump and smooth. Last but not least, collagen ensures full hair and strong nails. Unfortunately, the body’s own production decreases from the age of 25. But can capsules and powders really catch that? Stir and swallow I ordered both from Glow25. I should add 1-2 tablespoons of the collagen hydrolyzate (from controlled cattle farming) to shakes, smoothies or soups every day. Some also stir it into their coffee. But I don’t want to spoil the taste. Better my green smoothie is now enriched with the powder every day in the morning, because you can hardly taste it. In addition, I take two capsules at noon and in the evening and drink a large glass of water with them. The capsules are enriched with hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract and vitamin C. Studies show that the body needs enough vitamin C so that it can use the collagen it supplies. It is a so-called cofactor to incorporate the individual collagen building blocks into the complex structures. More power with yoga Nothing happens for the first few weeks. But after four weeks I notice that my skin on the face and body looks smoother and, above all, dry areas have disappeared. The nails are also much stronger. What strikes me especially after another two weeks of taking collagen is that I am more flexible when doing yoga. I can easily manage the “crow” now. Even after a long, strenuous tour on foot or by bike, my muscles and joints recover much faster. Nothing cracks anymore. Collagen Power (460 Gramm) und Collagen Capsule (180 Stück) from Glow25, each 29.99 Euro… weiterlesen