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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.

Why Do We Keep Falling For False Prophets?

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False prophets – we’ve all been taken in by them at one time or another. So have I. We encounter them everywhere in everyday life, in different situations and in every area of life. We fall for them and their promises. And it’s not just the gullible people among us that we listen to them and – even worse – want to believe them. False prophets come in different guises: be it the gum drops that supposedly shed pounds, the innovative miracle cream that erases wrinkles, the wow dress that makes you look five kilos slimmer in no time, or the self-proclaimed happiness coach who is the only one who can lead you down the path of happiness. When talk is golden… Jesus also preached to his followers, but for free. He did not take a penny for it. Today’s preachers of salvation call themselves coaches and take gold for their speeches. Take Anthony Robbins, for example. He is an advisor to former President Bill Clinton, coaches members of two royal families, members of parliament, professional athletes and CEOs of the 500 largest companies in the USA. For a one-hour speech, he charges fees ranging from US$300,000 to US$500,000. If you want to have Robbins all to yourself for a day, you have to dig deep into your pockets and pay around US$1,000,000 for an individual booking. It’s no wonder that his private fortune is estimated at around $600 million. “Discover the Meaning of Your Life” is the headline on Robbins’ website. At the Greator Festival in Cologne, Germany, July 28-29, 2023, attendees who had booked tickets for his talk hung on his lips like disciples. Charisma the guy must have. And he lets himself pay that with such appearances depending upon proximity to him with several green bills per person. Once again so much on top pays the one who would like to take a photo with the master with home. That’s how you pull money out of people’s pockets. False prophets in disguise Another example for false prophets is TikTok star Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon from Detroit/Michigan with 8.3 million followers. His messages like “Two Minutes, 5 Years Younger” skin care routine, which he spreads in a book, go viral among his social media followers. He sells his skin care line of four products on Amazon, list price US$256 for a set. The book to go with it is available for US$30.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: New fragrance “Asabi No 2” Eau de Parfum Intense Spray“

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Time for a new fragrance! As soon as the hot summer days are a thing of the past, I am inevitably drawn to warmer nuances in the fragrance. My favorites are the Orientals. The latest discovery: Asabi No 2. Already the bottle has it to me with its simple, cool shape and the opulent mirror finish: The bottle has a silver reflective surface. Its content is floral-spicy – a modern Oriental just. The secret behind the fragrance Who is behind the Asabi fragrances is not known by name. But Asabi in Arabic means something like “energetic” and “impulsive”. Many myths surround the creation of the collection. Some say the idea was born in a single night in a shisha lounge in Istanbul. Others claim it was during a tea ceremony in Tokyo. Still others swear it happened in a cool place in Paris. Nicely made up, but all false. The truth is that a group of creative minds, avant-gardists and fragrance lovers from different cultures passionately discussed in some metropolis what was the best fragrance in the world. Even more, the best fragrance that ever existed. The fiery discussion was overheard by a perfumer who happened to be present. Together they decided to create fragrances that would embody everything important, that would be neither East nor West, neither women’s nor men’s fragrances. In other words, unisex. Fragrance and fashion designer Fehmi Nouhi was chosen face of the brand. Cupido in Paris My new favorite fragrance Asabi No 2 from the so far five-part collection is called the “scent of an angel”. In this, Cupid, called Eros among the Greeks, the Roman god of love, is the main character. Anyway, the story goes like this: it was on a dark, cold night when Cupid was walking the streets of Paris. Lost in thought, he found himself in a small alley illuminated by moonlight. The cobblestones looked as if they were made of thousands of diamonds. Enchanted by the uniqueness of this phenomenon, Cupid noticed a small front garden with lavender and roses. When he went to take a closer look at the blossoms, he perceived a fragrance that he had never felt before. Guided by this scent, he reached the center of the front garden in search of it. There he noticed a shadow that came closer and closer. What Cupid felt was a pleasant warmth. Guided by one’s voice Blinded by the moonlight, he did not recognize what was coming at him.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Tanning Spray“ from Revitasun

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Tanning spray is in season again with me. The summer with its super sunny days is over. But I like to have a lightly toned complexion at all times without having to use makeup. A spray tan also helps me prolong my summer tan, which I got despite using SPF 50 every day. Why I prefer a spray over a cream when it comes to self-tanner? When applying a tanning product, there is always the risk that the hands get brown traces. With a spray, the fine mist spreads on the skin as if by itself and does not need to be massaged in. The active ingredient of the tanning spray The fact that a self-tanner makes the skin surface brown is due to a single active ingredient, and it is the same for all products in this category. It is called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It reacts with the proteins and amino acids of the epidermis, also known as the epidermis, to produce a visible tan. The DHA or dihydroxyacetone is of synthetic origin, but can also be obtained from sugar beet or sugar cane. The “tanning spray” from Revitasun caught my attention because it already shows its effect after 30 seconds. In addition, there are practical accessories such as a tanning glove or a Kabuki brush, so that you no longer have to get your hands “dirty” at all when applying. Here we go. My skin is already carefully cleaned and also already dry. The spray is to shake well before use. Done! Then I spray the Braunmacher with even movement on the small black cosmetic glove. Actually, it is not a real glove, because it is just big enough to fit the index and middle finger. But that’s enough. The liquid can be distributed easily and streak-free on the face. Even in the difficult corners such as the nostrils and in the eye area, he does his job easily. The Kabuki Brush works similarly well. It can also be used in other ways, for example to apply bronzing powder or makeup. However, if you want to use the tanning spray on the body, it is better to choose the Tanning Glove. It can be used to tan larger areas such as arms and legs without leaving streaks. The Microfibre Materiel absorbs the tanning spray perfectly and evenly dosed and releases it to the skin during application. If you are in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer to help the spray dry faster.… weiterlesen

Vietnam – To Whom Would You Recommend A Trip?

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Vietnam is a diverse and fascinating country that can be a destination for people with different preferences. The numerous cities and regions offer interested visitors the opportunity to get closer to the history and culture of the country. In Vietnam, nature lovers can explore breathtaking landscapes on foot, by bike or by boat and get to know a species-rich plant and animal world. For epicureans, Vietnamese cuisine has some “delicacies” in store. By the way, the age of the travelers does not play a big role. Also for children Vietnam promises with numerous activities large leisure fun. And if you are looking for relaxation, you are guaranteed to find your inner center during the wellness program in the numerous spas and resorts. What makes a trip to Vietnam so appealing? Breathtaking landscapes like Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta or the mountainous regions in the north. Impressive sights like the old town of Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue or the temples of My Son. The delicious cuisine, which is influenced by different regional and cultural influences and offers a variety of flavors, colors and textures. The friendly people who meet everyone with a smile and are happy to share their culture and traditions. Last but not least, the low prices for accommodation, food and transportation, which allow to see and experience a lot even with a smaller budget. In addition, adult German citizens only need a valid passport to enter the country. For minors under the age of 18, an official declaration of consent from their legal guardians is also required. The metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is a unique experience and attracts many tourists. What are your personal favorite spots? „My birthplace (Saigon) Ho Chi Minh City is indeed a fascinating metropolis,” says Anna Moon. Here she names her very personal hotspots that must not be missed during a visit to Saigon: The War Victims Museum, which shows the history and consequences of the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective. The Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and atmospheric Buddhist temples in the city, decorated with wood carvings, statues and incense sticks. The street food in District 4, where you can try authentic dishes of delicious Vietnamese cuisine, such as Pho, Banh Mi or Banh Xeo. The city’s architecture, which offers an exciting mix of colonial, traditional and modern styles – for example, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office or the Bitexco Financial Tower.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Tahini – new nail trend

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Tahini is the key to beautiful nails this fall. This design is currently conquering the Internet and magazines worldwide. But what does tahini actually mean? Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, which is often used especially in Arabic, Israeli and Turkish cuisine. For example, it forms the basis for hummus and baba ganoush. “Tahini Nails” sounds a bit crazy, but they look very elegant. The nail polish trend is based on delicate shades of beige, reminiscent of the color of sesame seeds. They perfect nails after manicure with just a touch of color. To bring the texture and color of Tahini to the nails, it takes only a few steps. This is how to find the right color It is important to choose a light beige nail polish, which should be opaque and often worn with a matte-gloss finish. According to the skin type, one decides on a beige tone that has a hint of rosé. This makes it particularly harmonious with a cool skin tone. With a warmer complexion, the tahini lacquer should have a slightly yellowish undertone. And how do you recognize your type? With a cooler skin type, the veins on the hand shimmer slightly bluish to purple, with a warmer rather yellow-green. Personally, I belong to the cooler variety and have therefore chosen “Soul Session 012” from Rimmel. How to make Tahini Nails successful I find Tahini Nails fit to every nail shape. But I particularly like them on short, angular nails. Basic requirement as with any varnish on the nails, however, is that they are well maintained. Therefore: File the nails as usual in shape and push back the cuticles. A layer of base coat ensures an even application of the color. Allow to dry well before starting with the actual polish. Then first apply a thinner layer of this to all nails. Make sure that the varnish is evenly distributed and does not leave any lumps. Once the first coat of varnish is properly dry, apply a second coat to intensify the color and achieve full coverage. Be sure to allow time for drying! Only then apply a layer of top coat to give the nails a shiny and long-lasting effect. If necessary, use a matting top coat if you do not want a shine. In any case, you should not do without a top coat, because it seals the new Tahini nuances and effectively prevents the splitting of the nails.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Face oil “Glow Hydration Oil” by Noble Panacea

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Face Oil? To say it right up front, I’ve never been a big fan of face oil. So far, they haven’t enjoyed a particularly good reputation in skin expert circles either – too oily, lingering on the skin without the benefit of being able to penetrate deeper to really make a difference. Face Oils Generation 2.0 With the new generation of facial oils, things have changed. And since I am a fan of the French noble brand Noble Panacea – already because of their practical, travel-friendly single doses and the stylish but sustainable packaging – , I decided to go there on a renewed “oil search”. The portfolio of the brand with the “clean” formulas has been expanded with two new face oils: from the series The Absolute the “Nourishing Lift Oil” and from The Brilliant the “Glow Hydration Oil”. I chose the latter because my skin can use an extra dose of moisture after the very warm summer days in Italy. A well-rounded thing The small round single of the face oil tin in bright fuchsia is quickly opened. The portion is just enough for the face. To my taste, the dosages in the discs at Noble Panacea are often a bit small. I noticed this especially with the Vitamin C Booster… But back to my new face oil: The “Glow Hydration Oil” is silky and absorbs quickly. I like that already very well, because I can not stand the “greasy” feeling of very rich products on the skin. The ingredients are high quality and focused on moisture and glow: Hyaluronic acid encapsulated in OSMV technology. Squalane tightens the skin with its cushioning effect. Retinol stimulates collagen and elastin production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Sea fennel extract replenishes the lipid barrier and thus compensates for deficiencies, allowing the skin to regain its balance. And last but not least, hazelnut kernel oil ensures a supple radiant complexion.. Application evening or daytime? I use the oil in the evening as a soloist. For an additional firm-and-beautiful effect, I massage the product with a Gua Sha stone when I have a lot of time and leisure (happens often!). The moisturizing facial oil can of course also be used during the day. However, it should then be applied as the last step of the care routine over the previously applied products. But that’s exactly why I still shy away from it during the day, because I would then have to apply the oil over my sunscreen – and then my slightly oily T-zone would shine even more.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Setting Spray „Boost“ from Beautyblender

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Boost 4-in-1 Firming Peptide Setting Spray sounds promising, but what is it exactly? It is a multitasking spray that sets makeup for up to 18 hours. In the process, it is supposed to plump up the skin, make pores disappear and reduce an unsightly shine. Micro-powders are at work as pore refiners and against shine. Peptides and mimosa flower extract are said to make the skin appear firmer in the long term. Caffeine helps the complexion feel more invigorated and soft. Setting spray with peptides And what about the peptides, which are already promised in the product name. These tiny molecules are particularly powerful and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, as well as loss of firmness. According to the chemical definition, peptides are smaller proteins. Their building blocks are several amino acids linked by peptide bonds. This is where the name comes from. Peptides have numerous functions in nature – some act as messengers in plants, others are hormones in the human body. In the skin, peptides can strengthen the cells by ensuring that the proteins can better develop their effect. At the same time, UV rays, pollutants and bacteria are kept away. Because peptides stimulate the production of collagen, the skin looks firmer and younger over time. My spray test The spray from the pink bottle does not need to be shaken, but is already ready for use. I close the eyelids so that nothing gets into the eyes when spraying. If so, wash out immediately with clean water! The setting spray smells delicately of mimosa and lays weightlessly on my skin. In fact, I think I feel an immediate slightly tightening surface effect as soon as the evaporation of the liquid begins. The skin feels plump and supple. The makeup or whatever color you wear on your skin stays in place all day long. I also use Boost over my tinted sunscreen, which otherwise likes to shine a bit. Nothing at all smudges with the Setting Spray, as the texture is moisture resistant and waterproof. In addition, vegan, free of animal testing, oil- and gluten-free. „Boost“ from Beautyblender, 100 ml, 40 Euro… weiterlesen

Soap – Washing Pieces Made By Hand

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Soap creations from the “Münchner Waschkultur” are something very special. Each piece is handmade from high-quality raw materials, is delicately foaming and fragrant. “We make soap an aesthetic piece of washing culture,” says founding couple Sophia and Daniel Wagner. When the two founded “Münchner Waschkultur” in 2019, their goal was to “create beauty” and turn customers into friends. And they’ve succeeded with new incredibly creative ideas time and time again. The brand has long since become a love brand among soap lovers. From felt to soap Sophia Wagner discovered the old traditional craft for herself at the beginning of 2010. Creativity is her passion and runs like a thread through her professional career: After studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Nuremberg and then working as a graphic designer for several years, she discovered her enthusiasm for the material felt in 2003 and founded her design workshop “ARTZULEBEN by Sophia Wagner” in 2006. In 2009 her blog werkstoff-filz.de went online. For her blog, Sophia then also dealt with soap for the first time and found her true calling. Today, she lives out her creativity in Wagner’s soap and natural cosmetics manufactory in Ismaning. Her employees are all women who are just as product-loving as the founding couple. Sophia is always turning new ideas into soaps for the shower, for hair, for the kitchen, the hands, for shaving, for travelling, practical soap flakes and accessories. Everything but nothing boring can be found here. Each bar is unique and hand-finished with great attention to detail – with a small heart or a golden crown, some little birds. It’s hard to believe, but the “Münchner Waschkultur” range even includes a Munich Weißwurst soap with parsley and sweet mustard. The request came from Sophia Wagner’s husband Daniel, a true Bavarian. For the northerners, the counterpart is the “Moin Moin Friesenseife” with seaweed and sea salt. As a small goodie, it is sent with a small ship hand-folded by Sophia. Esthetic and sustainable The soaps are always well matured and leave the laboratory in Munich-Ismaning aesthetically and specially packaged. “Soap needs at least six weeks to mature – you don’t produce it quickly from one day to the next,” explains Wagner. If your favorite piece is sold out, there is no immediate replenishment and you have to be patient. The sensual washing pieces always come in sustainable packaging. Everything happens by hand – from the production to shipping.… weiterlesen
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Tested for you: 20 “Very Valentino” concealers from Valentino Beauty

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A new concealer from my favorite of the Italian fashion and now beauty brands. I love the fashion – especially the shoes – of Valentino Garavani, who founded Maison Valentino in Rome in 1960. Even if the brilliantly beautiful pieces are often beyond my purse capacity, I always like to look at them and wait impatiently for the new collections. No question, until today Maison Valentino is one of the most elegant and glamorous couture houses in the world. Pierpaolo Piccioli, Creative Director of Valentino since 2008, founded the Valentino Beauty brand with a completely new beauty concept. With the three iconic codes – Color, Cool and Couture – he breaks with the old make-up rules and the previously conventional make-up stereotypes. In this way, everyone can highlight their own individuality. For every moment and every mood, he finds the appropriate color. Concealer with three ways of application This concept is also followed by the new concealer “Very Valentino” with 20 perfectly graduated shades from the three color families pink, neutral, amber and the exclusive Roma-Light Complex, which is designed to make facial features shine. Depending on the color choice, the extensive color palette offers three different application options – for brightening, concealing and contouring. And it does so for 24 hours and 100 percent reliably, the description says. I’ll have to try that out. I pull the spring applicator out of the container. It’s wider than you’d expect and flexible. It has a flat side for application and an ultra-fine tip that’s good for reaching every corner of the eyes. Shadows are usually darkest at the inner corners of the eyes. The tip releases just the right amount of color. The flexibility of the applicator ensures that the color can be spread thinly but precisely. Lightweight and nourishing The texture of the concealer is so light that you can hardly feel it on your skin. This is especially important to me because I can’t stand the feeling of being covered up. The creamy formula also has a nourishing effect thanks to glycerin, caffeine and vitamin E. The skin can breathe despite full coverage and never dries out, so that more wrinkles can not form as is the case with too dry products. Let’s face it: covering shadows under the eyes and brightening the bridge of the nose and the cupid’s bow above the upper lip work perfectly. But what about contouring?… weiterlesen
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About Baby-Botox And Skinbooster

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Minimally invasive treatments like Botox and skinbooster help reduce wrinkles and create improved contours on the face. But what are the differences and where is the trend heading? Prof. Dr. med. Thilo Schenck, specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery from Munich, answers all questions in this interview. Treatment with botulinum toxin (colloquially Botox) works against wrinkles and promises a young and fresh appearance. But what exactly does Botox do? Prof. Dr. Thilo Schenck about Botox. Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring molecule that inhibits the signals between nerve and muscle. It is often referred to as “poison,” but that is what it is only at very different, much higher concentrations. Incidentally, the discoverers of Botox came across its effect as a positive side effect in the treatment of muscle spasms. Since then, Botox has conquered the world of beauty medicine for men and women alike, although the dosage and injection points differ for both sexes. The trend is towards “baby Botox” and “skin boosters”. What is meant by this? Prof. Dr. Thilo Schenck: Simply put, “Baby Botox” uses a lower dose of Botox compared to the conventional treatment technique. With this, lines and wrinkles can be smoothed without looking “frozen” and the skin quality, for example pore size, becomes much better. Very suitable are especially patients who are treated with Botox for the first time. The result is very natural and the micro-doses used make lowering of the eyebrows unlikely when treating the forehead. Skinboosters is a hyaluronic treatment that brings large-scale improvement in skin quality and a more youthful appearance. While traditional hyaluronic treatments are aimed at adding volume to specific areas of the face, a skinbooster treatment is a two-dimensional treatment of the skin. The body’s own regeneration and collagen formation is stimulated and the skin is provided with long-lasting moisture. What other trends are there? Prof. Dr. Thilo Schenck: The trend is toward specialized fillers for special applications such as the tear trough or the Jaw Line. When treating the Jaw Line, i.e. the area between the chin and the ear, hyaluronic acid and biostimulants are used to tighten and contour the area, giving the jawline a more prominent and youthful shape. The effect of the so-called Jawline Contouring is immediately visible, which makes this injection a very popular treatment method for a more prominent face. What else can you treat with Botox? Prof. Dr. Thilo Schenck: n addition to the three standard regions, forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet, Botox treatments in the neck area to eliminate vertical neck bands are strongly on the rise as an option.… weiterlesen