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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.

Vitamin Supplements – The Best Time To Take Them

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Vitamin supplements are now part of many people’s everyday diet. More than two thirds of people in Germany take food supplements every week. But you should know which vitamins or multivitamins are best to take and when, and which substances are incompatible. Vitamin supplements are on everyone’s lips and are being consumed more and more regularly. According to Statista, vitamins (61 percent) and minerals (36 percent) are the most widely used in Germany. They are followed by proteins, which are taken by one in four of the study participants. Only 23% still rely on their food to provide them with the nutrients they need every day. The revenue generated in the Vitamins & Minerals market market worldwide in 2024 amounts to a staggering US$31.93bn. When comparing revenue on a global scale, it is evident that the highest amount is generated in China, reaching US$5,328.00m in 2024. To put this into perspective, in 2024, the per person revenue in the Vitamins & Minerals market stands at US$4.12 worldwide. A stressful lifestyle, genetic variations, age and the current phase of life, such as pregnancy, may make it necessary to take vitamin supplements. However, anyone who does not meet their vitamin and mineral requirements through their normal diet should consult their doctor before taking vitamins or similar supplements. Under no circumstances should vitamin supplements replace a balanced diet. At best, they can supplement missing nutrients. Vitamin supplements – which ones for whom? Pregnant women, for example, need folic acid and iron. An iron supplement may also be necessary during menstruation. Vegetarians and vegans often have a B12 deficiency, older people need calcium and the majority of the population needs vitamin D, especially if they live in areas with little sunlight. Those who have little fruit and vegetables in their diet should also help with vitamin supplements. Multivitamins are very popular. These are food supplements that contain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts and in a dose that is recommended to support general health and to cover deficiencies in the diet. “The body absorbs vitamins and minerals from multivitamins in a similar way to food. The nutrients are broken down in the digestive tract and then absorbed into the bloodstream, where they are transported to different parts of the body to perform their functions,” says Dr. Jennifer Martin-Biggers, HUM Vizepräsidentin in Los Angeles. What should a multivitamin supplement contain? All B-complex vitamins are important. Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron and calcium as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E are also beneficial.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Reformulated hyaluronic acid serum “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5” by The Ordinary

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Hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5 are two important components in anti-ageing skincare. “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5” is one of The Ordinary’s bestsellers. The new formulation makes the serum even more potent. The light, fragrance-free texture moisturizes the skin throughout the day while helping it to retain moisture better. Hyaluronic acid, the natural moisturizer The immediate plumping effect and long-lasting hydration are provided by five different types of hyaluronic acid, which moisturize the skin in several layers. These include low, medium and high molecular weight compounds, an HA cross-polymer and hydrolyzed HA. Hyaluronic acid is not an unknown substance for the body. It is a natural humectant that occurs in various tissues and binds water there. Hyaluronic acid is mainly found in our skin and in the cartilage mass in the joint fluids. In these two skin layers, hyaluronic acid is synthesized by very specific cells, the so-called fibroblasts. They contain very specific proteins (hyaluronic acid synthases) in their cell membrane that are capable of producing hyaluronic acid. As HA is a specific component of the cell membrane, its “production” takes place not only in a specific organ, but throughout the entire body. However, a large number of vitamins, especially vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and phytoestrogens are required for this. This is why it is so important to ensure an optimal supply of nutrients through your diet. Vegan and oil-free The new formulation of the “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5” serum also contains ceramides known as sphingolipids. These are lipids that also occur naturally in the skin to lock in moisture. At the same time, they strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Provitamin B5 in turn supports the formation of important skin barrier components such as ceramides and fatty acids. This also helps to retain moisture and thus provide the skin with long-term hydration. My test has shown: First of all, the moisturizing, vegan formula with ultra-pure hyaluronic acid is pleasant to spread on the skin. A few drops in the morning and evening are completely sufficient. As there is no oil in the formula, my skin starts to tighten a few minutes after application. For a pleasant feeling, you should definitely use your usual skincare cream afterwards. I was surprised that my skin immediately felt softer and smoother. It is so well moisturized throughout the day that dryness lines no longer stand a chance and all signs of dehydration disappear. My skin’s elasticity has also improved significantly after several weeks of regular use.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Fresh musk fragrance “Vegan Musk” by Urban Scents

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The fragrance “Vegan Musk” is the latest creation in the Urban Scents collection by Marie Urban-Le Febvre. To say it right away, I love her fragrances and candles in their simple but elegant blue look and their reduced opulence. Urban Scents is not about mass production, but selective purity of ingredients and handcrafted attention to detail. From the raw materials to the bottle, all the ingredients come from independent manufacturers. In this way alone, Urban Scents sets a clear signal for sustainability in the supply chain. The new fresh, green musk fragrance is 100% vegan. Marie says: “A perfume is like an invisible tattoo. A fragrance that plays with our primal instincts.” In Vegan Musk, an almond milk accord alternates with a fruity-green effervescence and warm, beguiling musk. In addition to the almond milk accord, the top note consists of blackcurrant and angelica oil. The heart is dominated by jasmine absolute, rose, neroli and cedarwood oil. The base features ambrette absolute & oil, white musk and styrax oil. The vegan ambrette musk Anyone who still believes that musk notes are always of animal origin is mistaken. They can also be obtained from plants without losing the gentle feeling of sensuality and intimacy that we know from animal musk. For the new fragrance the perfumer uses an ambrette oil, also known as vegetable musk. It is obtained from the seeds of “Hibiscus Abelmoschus L”, a plant native to Asia that belongs to the mallow family. It lends perfumes a green, woody and warm musky note. Listen to your nose “Trust your instinct. And listen to your nose, since scents never lie.“ This is the motto of Marie Urban-Le Febvre, who founded the Urban Scents manufactory in Berlin in 2014 together with her husband Alexander Urban, both experts in the field of fragrances. Marie: “The scent of a fragrance can conjure up long-forgotten memories, can evoke unrecognized feelings, and sometimes it can even carry us away into hidden worlds.“ She is one of those people who have an extraordinary sense of smell and a special empathy. From an early age, her goal was to become a perfumer. After completing her chemistry studies in Paris, the Frenchwoman attended the renowned ISPICA perfumery school in Versailles. This was followed by positions in several large perfume houses, where she worked on projects for international clients. Working with master perfumers there, she had the opportunity to perfect the fine art of fragrance creation until she opened her own manufactory in Berlin in 2014.… weiterlesen

Soccer: Daniel Kliem’s Vision Of Promoting Young Talents

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Soccer is undoubtedly more than just a game – it is a universal language that brings people from different cultures and countries together. Daniel Kliem has been passionate about this fascinating sport since his early childhood. As an active player, he not only learned the basics of the game, but also the values of teamwork, discipline and passion. These experiences laid the foundation for his later career as an entrepreneur in soccer management. Soccer is Daniel Kliems passion: the founding of the DK8 agency marked a turning point in the manager’s life. With a deep understanding of the sport and a passionate dedication to soccer, he has made it his goal to discover and promote young talents who have the potential to conquer the world of professional soccer. But DK8 is much more than just a talent agency. It is a platform that enables young players to realize their dreams while promoting their personal and professional development. Global connection of clubs, coaches, talents At the heart of DK8 is a network that Daniel Kliem has built up over the years. This network spans all continents and includes clubs, coaches, scouts and other key players in the soccer business. Through strategic partnerships and targeted talent development, DK8 is able to discover talented players and provide them with the support they need to play at the highest level. Mission to promote life skills DK8 takes a holistic approach that goes beyond pure sporting success. In addition to training on the pitch, players are also taught soft skills to help them succeed in the world of professional soccer. These include communication skills, self-confidence and the ability to perform under pressure. Through individual coaching and mentoring programs, players are helped to reach their full potential and develop both as athletes and as people. A particular challenge for DK8 is to bring together and integrate players from different cultural backgrounds. In a globalized world, this is crucial to building a successful team that harmonizes on and off the pitch. Daniel Kliem is therefore actively promoting intercultural exchange and cooperation to ensure that players feel comfortable in their new environment and can develop their full potential. European Soccer Championship: the importance of winning at home For young talents, winning the European Championship in their own country means a host of opportunities and possibilities. First of all, such success acts as a powerful incentive for up-and-coming talent. The players on the field become living legends, role models for the next generation of players.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Pillow spray „Good Night“ from Farfalla

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A pillow spray is supposed to help improve my sleep. Well, good night! But I’ve tried so many things to help me fall asleep and stay asleep. All with varying degrees of success, except for sleeping pills, of course. But who wants to keep taking them? That’s why I literally grasp at any straw. This one presented itself to me in the form of a pillow spray at a “sleep workshop” in the new Farfalla store in Munich. It’s the first one outside of Switzerland, by the way. The Swiss family business can look back on 40 years of experience in aromatherapy. The wild mountain lavender for my pillow spray comes from the Cevennes in the south of France. The collaboration there with the “femmes des Cevennes” is Farfalla’s oldest aromatic plant project. The founders fell in love with the natural charm of this region over 40 years ago and with the people for whom “organic” is simply “logical”. From the lavender field to the pillow spray Early in the morning, the pickers swarm out to the high altitudes where the wild, rather inconspicuous mountain lavender grows and fill their huge cloths with lavender until they are full to bursting. The loads of cloth often have to be carried on the pickers’ heads for miles to where the small truck can drive. Harvesting mountain lavender is therefore arduous and extremely physically demanding. Back to my pillow spray “Good night – sleep well” contains a natural aroma blend of 100 percent pure natural essential oils such as – in addition to mountain lavender – vanilla extract, bergamot, orange and tonka bean, to name just the most important ones.“Let go of your thoughts, let go of the day and wrap yourself in the soothing arms of well-deserved relaxation,” says Farfalla. The aromatherapy with lavender oil is said to improve sleep and sleep quality like no other fragrance. Just right for me, who has trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Prof. Dr. Reinhard Saller, University of Zurich, says: “Individually significant advantages of aromatherapy are that patients can subjectively choose from a wider range of essential oils according to their experiences and preferences and thus find an appropriate essential oil for better sleep.” I chose the lavender scent for my pillow spray in the Farfalla store. Subjectively, I didn’t like the pure Swiss stone pine oil straight away – I can’t even explain why – although I actually like woody, spicy notes.… weiterlesen

Tanned Skin – A Status Symbol?

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Is tanned skin still a trend? According to a survey by the German IKW – Association for Body Care and Detergent Industry – 42 percent of consumers prefer their skin to be lightly tanned. 19 percent want a slightly more intense tan and – fortunately – only four percent find their skin most beautiful when deeply tanned. And you can achieve this without damaging UV rays. Tanned skin – where does this preference come from? 45 percent of the study participants stated that they felt more attractive with it. Women in particular said that it made their summer outfits stand out better. The latter was particularly important to 18 to 29-year-olds. For men, a summer tan seems to be more of a status symbol: Almost 25 percent admitted to using it to show others that they can afford to spend a lot of time in the sun on various vacations – usually far away. Tanned skin – once a blemish Seeing a tanned skin as something positive is one of the achievements of our modern world. Until 100 years ago, paleness was the order of the day for people who thought highly of themselves. A tan was considered a flaw. It marked farmers, slaves and sailors, while the upper classes covered every square inch of their bodies to avoid getting a tan. People even went to the beach in full costume so that not a single ray of sunlight hit their bare skin. Quite different today. People are really working on their “summer glow”. Preferably by sunbathing (50% of respondents). Those who can’t manage that resort to self-tanning (11%). And eight percent still use a sunbed, arguing that it “prepares the skin for the sun“. However, this is utter nonsense, because just because the skin is more tanned, this does not extend its own protection time in the sun. This can only be achieved with a sun cream (preferably LF 50) that is applied generously and several times throughout the day. In contrast, a single visit to a solarium is equivalent to damaging the skin in the same way as ten sunbathing sessions under natural conditions. Finding the right self-tanner Opinions are divided when it comes to self-tanners for tanned skin. Some people use theirs almost obsessively, while others are still looking for “Mr. Right”. I’m one of the latter. Either I don’t like the texture because the tanner is sticky, or it gets streaky on the skin or the smell is unsympathetic to me.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Sun protection stick “Solaire Stick Très Haute Protection SPF 50+” from Payot

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A sun protection stick in my handbag is an absolute must for me in summer. But it’s difficult to find one that offers sufficient UV protection for the face and doesn’t leave any visible traces after application. Therefore the new sun protection stick from Payot landed on my desk just in time and was highly welcomed. It has a very high protection factor SPF 50+ (UVB + UVA + long UVA) and comes in a handy travel size so it fits in every of my bags. “Traceless” sun protection stick But what I like best about the sun protection stick is its texture, which is made from a melting, solid oil. It creates an invisible finish on the face. I apply it to my cheeks so that the UV rays cannot attack the red veins. It reliably protects my lips and nose. I can even use it on the sensitive eye contour because the formula is fragrance-free. The sun protection stick is enriched with organic buriti oil. The waterproof formula with an invisible finish gives me a radiant complexion and prolongs my tan naturally. Ocean-friendly sun care line Of course, the little stick also has “big brothers”, as Payot has launched Solaire, a complete sun care line with five products that meet all requirements. They all have clean formulas that protect the marine ecosystem. To this end, the Payot laboratories have developed an ocean-friendly filter complex consisting of organic filters and red algae. This extraordinary red algae Porphyra Umbilicalis from Korea, the leading country in algae aquaculture, has adapted to its hostile and ever-changing environment for thousands of years. This combination has made it possible to develop the first waterproof film of natural origin that prevents sunscreens from entering the oceans when swimming. The new packaging of the products without cardboard is also environmentally friendly. The tubes are made from at least 42 percent recycled plastic, one bottle is made from 50 percent recycled plastic and the stick is also recyclable. Commitment to the world’s oceans The Coral Planters is a non-profit organization that campaigns against the destruction of coral reefs. It creates artificial reefs to preserve marine biodiversity. Together with The Coral Planters, Payot is committed to preserving the oceans and is funding the planting of several coral reefs off the Maldives. I think that deserves our support. „Solaire Stick Très Haute Protection SPF 50+“ by Payot, 15 g, 25 euros… weiterlesen

Skin Creams: How Much Does It Cost To Make Them?

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Skin creams are available in every price range – from cheap in the drugstore to sinfully expensive in the perfumery. You have probably already asked yourself what the difference is in production and whether the expensive product can really do so much more that it justifies the high price. Manufacturers of skin creams usually keep the production of their products a big secret. In particular, when it comes to the true cost of a skincare product, they are reluctant to show their cards. How much do the ingredients actually cost and is it really worth spending a lot of money on them? Let’s just take a moisturizer as an example. In short, it consists of water, fat, emulsifiers, preservatives and thickeners as well as fragrances and colorants. When it comes to texture, it is of course important to ensure that it feels good on the skin. The color should be cosmetically appealing. It is not for nothing that most skin creams have baby colors such as pink, soft blue or even white. In general, we speak of either a water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. The difference is that in an oil-in-water emulsion, the outer phase consists of water and the oil droplets are finely dispersed. As a good moisturizer, this type of cream is suitable for normal to slightly oily skin. Conversely, the water-in-oil emulsion works as a rather rich cream. In such skin creams, the outer phase consists of oil, which provides the skin with plenty of lipids and reduces the skin’s own water loss. Large purchase quantity, lower basic price But what is the “true” price of such skin creams? It is said behind closed doors that manufacturers can trim the base price for 50 ml below two euros. Of course, this only refers to the ingredients. Then there are additional costs such as research, product development, patenting, safety tests, packaging and finally transportation and marketing expenses. Studies and research into a new product or the ingredients also add to the costs.gen. Studien und Recherchen zu einem neuen Produkt oder den Inhaltsstoffen verteuern zusätzlich. Larger companies can of course operate much more cost-effectively because they can purchase larger quantities of raw materials and packaging and transfer research costs to other care lines in their portfolio. They are then also able to keep the additional costs described above at a level of plus/minus six euros. What adds to the cost of a cream formulation are the expensive ingredients that are added.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: 2 new mascaras from Artdeco’s “The new generation refillable mascaras”

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Refillable mascaras – once again a very good idea from Artdeco and its Green Couture collection from an ecological and economic point of view. Because almost every woman has a great need for mascaras. According to Statista, a survey conducted in 2021 revealed that around 9.58 million women in the German-speaking population aged 14 and over use mascara every day. That’s a whole lot of plastic waste when the mascara is used up and needs to be disposed of. Refillable mascaras for volume or lengthening The new refillable “green” mascaras from Artdeco are available in two versions: Once as “Multi Lash Volume Mascara” and once as “Endless Lashes Mascara”. Both contain at least 80 percent ingredients of natural origin (excluding water). The vegan textures consist of natural waxes such as sunflower, rice and carnauba wax, which gives them a creamy consistency. Special polysaccharides give the lashes a boost and ensure optimum durability. For a glossy finish, almond oil and an olive oil-based emollient lipid are included. This means that the two mascaras are pretty much identical in their formulation. The brushes make the difference I could immediately see the difference between the two mascaras when I tried them out. With the thicker brush of the volume mascara, my lashes are thicker and fuller from the very first application. The result can be increased by applying several coats without clumping. The narrower brush of the “Endless Lashes Mascara” in the dark green bottle also reaches the smaller lashes and coats them for perfect definition. The texture dries quickly and adds length to the hairs. It creates an instant effect that visually opens up the eye. I personally get on better with the narrow brush. Not only can I avoid “black” stains on the skin around my eyes, but I can also apply mascara to my lower lashes “without a trace” if I feel like it. Another plus point: my sensitive eyes tolerate the mascaras well. The products are also suitable for contact lens wearers. Both variants are free from mineral oil, parabens, perfume, silicone and talc. They also contain no GMOs (genetically modified organism), PEGs/derivatives or nanomaterials. Simply refill – this is how it works The refillable mascara units are made from 50 percent recycled plastic and can be refilled with the corresponding refill. It’s very simple: open the mascara and pull the empty container out of the bottle. Remove the cap of the refill and click it into the bottle.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Peeling „Overnight Chronobiology Peel” by Noble Panacea

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I find a peeling that works overnight exciting. Because I’m a real fan of “quick” skincare with just a few steps. No superfluous steps, no elaborate rituals. I don’t have the time for that and – I have to admit it – I don’t have the patience. I therefore prefer to leave most of the “extra work” with my skin beyond the routine to my beautician. What also made me curious about the overnight peeling is Noble Panacea’s statement: “Inspired by sleep. Driven by science.” The new product from “The Exceptional” line is programmed and calibrated using OSMV technology so that it works with the skin’s nocturnal biorhythm and supports it in its renewal process. Peeling according to the biorhythm We know that the skin, like the body, follows a predetermined biorhythm. This is called chronobiology. This means that skin cell renewal reaches its peak between 11pm and 4am. During this time window, OSMV technology releases a micro-dosed, gradual and precisely calibrated release of active ingredients. It is a complex of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). In this way, the surface is gently exfoliated and dead cells are removed. The skin is deeply detoxified while cell renewal is promoted. AHAs and BHA have long been used in cosmetics. They are real fountains of youth, as they improve and refine the skin structure and even out the skin tone. At the same time, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed, pores are tightened and pigmentation and age spots are lightened. The second stage of chronobiological peeling begins at four o’clock in the morning. This is because the skin undergoes a subtle change due to a slight rise in temperature. Above all, it causes the skin to become more permeable, allowing it to absorb nutrients and moisture better. Soothing and calming ingredients such as the main plant-based active ingredient Gotu Kola work during this phase. The extract from the Indian pennywort, also known as tiger grass (Centella asiatica), relaxes and soothes the skin, which in turn reduces redness and sensitivity. Smart application with the Octabrush Noble Panacea has another clever surprise in store for the application of the “Overnight Peel”. It is the octagonal “Octabrush”. A brush, a brush – I don’t know. Whatever you call it, it’s a hygienic silicone applicator that adapts perfectly to the contours of the face and ensures even application of the transparent, liquid exfoliating texture.… weiterlesen