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Tested for you: Primer „Le Privilège Base Traitante“ from Rivoli

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

I usually don’t use foundation because I don’t like the feeling that something is “on” my skin, and that’s why I don’t need a primer. At least that’s what I thought so far. But the “Base Traitante” is a 2-in-1 product – tinting and skin care in one. A polyphenolic molecule activates the natural defense mechanisms to protect against UV radiation. As a hyaluronic acid precursor, it promotes the production of hyaluronic acid molecules that are naturally present in our skin. So I start my test. Is the primer too light or too dark? After cleaning and day care, I apply the primer for the first time in the morning. The tinted texture looks quite dark in the elegant and heavy cylindrical glass bottle. Too dark for me? But when I pump it on my fingertips, my impression changes into the opposite. The primer might be too light for my more Mediterranean skin. Nevertheless, I distribute it evenly on the face. The light, creamy fluid is easy to spread. The amount withdrawn is sufficient. The Rivoli product is quite economical. Already an advantage considering the price. Also applied on my face and well distributed, the result appears to me quite light, as if the layer would remain on top of the skin without merging with it. I’m waiting. But after a short time the primer is absorbed and has adapted perfectly to my natural skin tone. Amazing! There is also no such thing as a heavy make-up feeling. To check the optical result better, I stand by the window with the morning sun with a magnifying mirror in my hand to see what the tint looks like in daylight. Natural and radiant For me this is a particularly important aspect, because that is the face that I want to present to my environment. The skin should look bare and shine. Even if I don’t use a foundation, I still want to flaunt a refined and even complexion. And that is exactly what the primer does. It smooths and immediately gives the complexion a fresher radiance. The skin looks hydrated and comfortably plumped. Bien fait! With regular use, “Le Privilège Base Traitante” should even remove redness and minimize pores. „Le Privilège Base Traitante“ from Rivoli, 50 ml, 205 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Eyebrow Serum „ukbrow“ from UK Skinlabs

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Thin and plucked up, that was once the fashion for the eyebrows. I still suffer from this sin of youth today. The trend then eventually went to a more natural look with thicker brow arches. But the “holes” in mine simply could no longer be closed. I then got my brows tattooed, which didn’t really hide the bald spots. When the eyelash and brow serums came on the market, I also tried all of them. I have tested myself up and down through various brands over the years. Some were based on the tissue hormone prostaglandin, others were purely plant-based. None of them worked for my problem, except that the remaining hairs grew so long that I had to cut them. The English eyebrow wonder Then came the summer vacation. In August of this year I read a colleague’s article online in Vogue. Tish Weinstock fared similarly to me, only she had naturally sparse brows. She, too, had used a lot of products without success, then at some point gave in to the fate of her almost non-existent brows, until a friend recommended the manufacturer of “ukbrow” to her. She decided to give this product, including the uklash eyelash serum, a chance. Weinstock wrote in her story that from week three onwards, her eyebrows began to gradually change. They became darker and thicker, the hairs longer. Even friends noticed and approached them about it. Herbal active ingredients Her report was so convincing and didn’t sound like paid advertising at all that I decided to order the product online from the “Feelunique” website. And it wasn’t expensive at £ 38 either, and shipping to Germany was free. Just a week later, the gold-colored pencil arrived at my home in the form of a mascara. The instructions for use were even available in German. The active ingredients in the serum are vitamins, peptides and plant extracts such as pumpkin seed, ginseng, grape seed and Japanese swamp star. “Ukbrow” is vegan and cruelty-free. I should apply the eyebrow serum once a day for 12 weeks for fuller and more defined brows. Obviously the right product for me, because the Swedish-Iranian company founder of the brand Nima Pourian says: “We have already helped so many women who had their brows plucked in the 90s or who lost them for medical reasons after chemotherapy, for example.” Yep, it grows! I am excited. I start my test that same evening.… weiterlesen

Facial: Skin Care At Its Best!

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Cream.

For me, skin care with the right products is essential. It’s part of my daily rituals like brushing my teeth. But as consistently and lovingly as you take care of your skin at home, the beautician can achieve even more. This has just been shown to me again visibly and noticeably with a very special facial. According to a survey done by Statista only 11 percent of German women see regularly once a month a beautician, 52 percent never. American women are a bit better. 23 percent have a facial on a regular base. The “refusers” do not even know what they are missing. I experience it first hand every month. Although I use the same „Doctor Mi!“ products at home that the beautician uses at Dr. Miriam Rehbein, it makes a hell of a difference. My skin is even and has the desired glow. Beautician Marietta is also very happy with what she sees. “Your skin is beautiful,” she says. When I asked skeptical whether something could be improved at all, she replied that something could always be achieved. To anticipate the result: Marietta was right. My skin has a very special glow after the 1.5 hour facial, the contours are tighter, even the corners of the mouth are slightly raised. And the positive effect intensifies in the days after. But one after another. Cherry stone peel and supersonic speed My facial starts with cleaning. There’s not much to get off because I never wear make-up, then the peeling with the crushed cherry stone peel follows. I do this regularly at home because it gives a lot of glow. After that she eliminates blackheads, but there’s not much to find either. „Tone.S“ is used for disinfection, because the two percent salicylic acid, an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid, wipes the last of the fat particles from the skin and improves the absorption of active ingredients. This is followed by the Obagi glow peel. Beverly Hills doc Zein Obagi became known for his azure blue peel, which combines three acids. The glow or radiance peel with salicylic acid is visually less spectacular than the blue texture, but it tingles on the skin. It also works in depth, forms new collagen and repairs, minimizes pores. The JetPeel that comes after that sends a chill down my spine every time. A water-gas mixture hits the skin from small nozzles with supersonic speed and over 700 kilometers per hour.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Lip Color „Air Matte“ from Nars

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

A well-known international make-up artist once told me during an interview that matt tones make the lips look dead. “Doesn’t work at all,” he waved off, although I was sitting in front of him with my mouth painted in a matt lip color. Not very charming, man. But shiny days on my lips had long since come to an end after the matt tones had conquered the beauty market. I love matt colors. For my taste they are subtle and elegant, less intrusive than a vinyl glossy layer on the mouth. Just silk matt could sometimes be another option. Airy, light lip color Because of my fascination with matting colors, “Powermatte Lip Pigment” from Nars has already found a big fan in me. The texture dries quickly and is smudge-proof. The perfect partner in times of mouth and nose coverage. “Air Matte Lip Color” is even lighter on the lips. Weightless perfection that couldn’t be better. Silky polymers and micropowders form a long-lasting formula that is extremely comfortable to wear. Perfectly even How can “Air matte” be applied? With the applicator, which is bevelled on one side and can therefore be individually adapted, the color can be easily spread into corners and contours to the mouth. Soft pigments are as light as a feather on the lips. A kind of soft focus effect. They also have a slightly plump effect. Or is it because of the orange-red color “Mad Rush” that my lips seem fuller? In any case, they are perfectly styled. The color is long-lasting, even if it is not as smudge-proof as with “Powermatte”. Re-Applying the lip make-up, even without a mirror, is not a problem because the texture is so nice and creamy. There are ten colors to choose from. “Lips are all about fun. Virtually every color can work on everyone, ”says Francois Nars, Founder & Creative Director of the brand. Which one will I try next? The dark “Pin up” or the nudy “All Yours”? In any case, I have to hurry because “Air Matte Lip Color” is a limited edition. „Air Matte Lip Color“ from Nars, 7,5 ml, US$ 26… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Sunless Tanning Gel“ from Reviderm

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

A gently tanned skin simply puts you in a better mood. And dark types like me just don’t look good pale either. But what do you do when summer is around the corner? I prefer to use a tanning gel, also because I don’t like using make-up. I have to admit I always try out products that come onto the market with enthusiasm. Moisturizing tanning gel The new tanning gel from Reviderm for face and body promises a non-greasy texture with moisturizing active ingredients. I think that’s important because many of these products leave the skin feeling uncomfortable dry. I wear the “Sunless Tanning Gel” in the morning after cleansing my face with my “Tone S” from Doctor Mi! on. S stands for salicylic acid, and this beta hydroxy acid removes dead skin cells and whatever else has to come off the skin. Similar to a peeling, the surface is now smooth and ready for the self-tanner. First of all, I have to pump about 30 times until the sun-yellow gel comes out of the dispenser. For my taste it is a bit too runny on the fingers, but it is easy to apply. I spread it right up to the eyes, the hairline and around the neck so that there are no edges. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards, I remember myself, otherwise ugly brown marks will remain there. Natural tan after three hours Initially the gel feels a little sticky on the face. A gel property that is not uncommon. But this impression quickly disappears as soon as the self-tanner has been absorbed. Applying the UV protection on top of it also works without any problems. Then I go first to my Saturday shopping round. Let’s see when the tanning result is achieved. After about three hours, a gentle tan covers my face – sun-kissed as it always is said in advertising. In addition, the skin feels well hydrated. No feeling of tension, no greasy sheen. My otherwise slightly oily T-zone is still nice and matte in the afternoon. The very natural tone of my skin is enough tan for me, but if you want it more intensely, you can repeat the application. The result lasts for four days in spite of my usual care routine, which I of course keep. Another tip: For very light skin, mix the gel with your day care and apply it. “Sunless Tanning Gel“ from Reviderm, 30 ml, 35 Euro… weiterlesen

What are the Benefits of a Face Mist?

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in living.

Now, after the summer, one often has the feeling that the skin is drier than usual. Simply spray moisture on, that sounds very tempting. But can these face mists really do anything? The small spray bottles containing face mist are touted by the beauty industry as the perfect freshness kick and stimulant for every occasion. Regardless of whether you need a second wake-up call in the morning after getting up or whether your skin is down at noon. “A face mist is used to refresh the skin quickly,” Loretta Miraglia, Senior Vice President Product Development at La Mer, once explained to me at a summer lunch while she was pulling a bottle out of her pocket. “It invigorates, revitalizes, soothes and relaxes the skin. At the same time, it irons out small wrinkles caused by dryness.“ Pure water instead of face mist? Doesn’t water serve the same purpose? The answer is “no”, it doesn’t work with normal water. It is usually much too chalky and dries out the skin even more. However, it does matter which facial spray you use. Sure, they all provide moisture. That is undisputed. But it really depends on the ingredients. Which active substances are contained and in which concentration – that is the prerequisite for them to actually work for the skin. Compared to the past, the new facial sprays are a kind of sprayable serum. They no longer only contain flower or thermal water, but often active substances such as those found in a serum. These can do a lot more than soothe and moisturize. The power formulas in the sprays include, for example, vitamins, niacinamide, probiotics, aloe vera, resveratrol or cannabidiol, magnesium salts and hyaluron, also bleaching substances are also used. Check out your face mist When buying, first pay attention to the basic substances that the spray contains humectants. Glycerin or hyaluronic acid should be in there. Then you already have the right basis. It helps to lock the moisture in the skin and moisturize the surface. Second, you should take a close look at the active ingredients so that they are adapted to the current needs of your skin. Only with the right formulation are they more than a refreshing spray, they have the power to make a difference. In the appropriate composition, they can fight acne, provide a dry complexion with lasting moisture and also optimize the absorption of the subsequent skin care products.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Mascara „Supra Lift & Curl“ from Clarins

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

In other countries the innovation from Clarins will be available in autumn, but in the USA it is already on the market. I am very happy that I was allowed to test it in advance. Hurray! Mascara is one of the few make-up devices that I use every day. „Supra Lift & Curl“ is a 2-in-1 mascara that is supposed to visibly lift, curl, lengthen and thicken the eyelashes and thus create an open, wide-eyed look. Mascara in the test First of all, the texture: It is light, water-resistent (not waterproof). It neither smudges nor clumps – it stays perfectly in place even on hot summer days. The job: The curved brush, with unique fibers, curls the hair perfectly and delivers a controlled dose with each application to define every single lash. The effect: thanks to a boosting complex with panthenol and sphingosine (amino alcohol), it makes the lashes look thicker and longer. A lifting complex with natural polymers from Linseed and Chia seed creates the right curl of the lashes. Indeed, I’ve been using the innovative product for 28 days now. My eyelashes look longer and thicker even when I don’t wear mascara. And I no longer need my eyelash curler – the unloved tool. It seems like I have got a professional lash-lift effect. „Supra Lift & Curl Mascara“ from Clarins, 29 US$… weiterlesen

Skinimalism: Less is the new more!

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Cream.

Minimalism is no longer exclusively understood as an art movement from the 1960s. Concentrating on the essentials has developed into a lifestyle concept that encompasses many areas of life. In the meantime, skin care is also part of it. A trend that is to be welcomed because it is good for your skin and your wallet. The term Skinimalism was announced as a trend for 2021 by the social media platform Pinterest at the beginning of the year. The trigger for this was that the search queries for topics such as “natural make-up” and “radiant skin in a natural way” appeared more and more frequently. The search term “natural skin” alone has risen by an incredible 400 percent recently, and hashtags such as #skinimalism, “skinpositivity” and “bodypositivity” have caught on on Instagram. Skinimalism for more natural skin The idea of skinimalism includes not only focusing on fewer but effective care and make-up products, but also showing your skin as it really looks – not falsified by layers of primer, foundation, contouring powder and blush or through social media filters that cheat away even the smallest pore. Real skin has irregularities, spots and pimples. And you can stand up to it. Everyone knows by now that the perfect skin is a big lie. It just don’t exist, even if filters, Photoshop, photo-editing apps, and airbrushed beauty brand campaigns would have us believe. Alicia Keys “naked” face It was 2016 that famous American soul and R&B singer Alicia Keys decided to go without makeup. Also on stage. She confessed that she was addicted to make-up. She became the protagonist of the no-makeup and skinimalism movement. To this day, the artist appears in public without make-up. She only uses mascara and kohl at most during her appearances. And yet she is no less successful and is no less loved by her fans. She, too, has probably determined that you shouldn’t put on make-up to conform to a beauty standard, but only when you really feel like it. The corona pandemic has changed a lot, including makeup behavior. According to an international survey by the Statista Global Consumer Survey from June 2021, 41 percent of German women now do without make-up. More than 8,000 women in Germany, Brazil, China, France, Russia, South Korea, Great Britain and the USA were surveyed. In China and South Korea, only 20 percent refuse to apply make-up. When it comes to interest in beauty, on the other hand, Germans bring up the rear with nine percent.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: The genius concealer „Nudefix“ from Nudestix

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

I’m always looking for the perfect concealer for my naturally dark skin. Several have worked to cover small bumps on the face, but not under the eyes. The color was either too light or too dark. I’m tired of mixing different shades – too impatient. Sometimes I would like to pull a bag over my head, as in the photo. Now, I’ve finally hit the right note.“Nudefix” by Nudestix sounds funny – kind of like Idefix, Asterix’s watchdog. But the Canadian company is a really serious, responsible one. All their make-up products are parabens-free, clean, cruelty free, and eco-friendly. Founder Jenny Frankel gained over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry in product development and process engineering until she launched her own brand. She brought her two daughters Ally and Taylor also on the beauty boat. So much for the background. Concealer in the black box I already find the packaging of the concealer very appealing. It is delivered in a simple, black metal box. The texture that I carefully squeeze out of the tube is a flexible powder gel. This means that it remains flexible on the skin, does not dry out and makes the complexion look as if it was not made up. The concealer glides directly onto the skin, its texture is so light. In doing so, it visually smoothes small wrinkles, reduces dark circles and creates a long-lasting polymer-free film.Natural ingredients like sweet berry reduce redness, irritation and inflammation. Natural gentle AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) evens out skin tone. Burdock root extract balances the skin microbiome that keeps the skin healthy by protecting it from harmful bacteria. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin, plumps it up and acts as an antioxidant. Apply concealer correctly The manufacturer recommends applying “Nudefix” with the accompanying applicator, fingers or a brush. I do it like this: With the applicator I dab three to four points from the inner corner of the eye along the teardrop line. Then I blend the cover cream outwards with a special concealer brush. It is compact and rounded at the front. If necessary, I can intensify the opacity with another layer. Sometimes – especially during pollen season – I have a small, reddened, dark spot on the outer corner of my eyes. Then I also apply some concealer there with the brush and blend the color upwards towards the eyebrow. This not only conceals, but looks like a little lifting, and you immediately look younger and more alert.… weiterlesen

Six Beauty Questions about Skin that Affect many Women

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Cream.

As a research doctor in cosmetic dermatology with a Skincare Center in Rotterdam and her own skin care line, Dr. Jetske Ultee has the right answer to every beauty question. Her background: studied medicine at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Then assistant doctor and researcher in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with a doctorate in 2010. Here, Dr. Ultee insightful answers to beauty questions that interest a lot of women: Beauty question: Can lemon juice really help to lighten pigment spots? Dr. Ultee: You should be careful with self-treatment tips such as citric acid bleaching. This dries out the skin quickly. Citrus extracts can also cause unsightly stains in combination with sunlight. You can even get blisters or burns. So I advise against it. Here’s what you can do to reduce pigment spots:CREAM UV PROTECTION AND WEAR A HATFew of us have pigment spots on our buttocks. After all, it doesn’t get that much sun. If you want to prevent pigment spots, you need to protect yourself from the sun. Put some good sunscreen on, stay in the shade, and wear a hat on hot days. And it’s really never too late to start using sun protection. Treating the pigment spots, however, makes little sense if nothing is done at the same time to prevent them from worsening.CHECK THE CONTENTS OF YOUR MAKE-UP CASE AND MEDICINE CABINETIf you are affected by pigment spots, take a critical look at the ingredients of your cosmetic products. In particular, fragrances and plant extracts or oils such as citrus, orange, bergamot, mandarin, grapefruit, lavender and rosemary can promote the development of pigment spots. It is also essential to take a look in the medicine cabinet, because medicines can also cause unsightly stains in combination with sunlight. Taking these tips to heart is important for everyone, whether you have pigment spots or not. Beauty question: What types of pigment spots are there and can they be treated to disapear? It is important to find out what kind of stains the person actually has. We doctors differentiate:Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – This type of pigmentation is caused by small injuries to the skin. These can be insect bites, abrasions and acne, for example. In people who are susceptible to this, it can also be caused by irritation after peelings, wax treatments or aggressive cosmetic products. These unsightly pigment spots usually fade by themselves. This process can, however, be supported with soothing substances and antioxidants such as liquorice root, niacinamide, vitamin C or azelaic acid.… weiterlesen