Author: Margit Rüdiger

CultureAndCream Author from Munich To travel during my profession as a beauty journalist was never enough for my. Also my six month on a world trip didn't do it. It always attracts me to other cities, foreign countries, on roadtrips and places I don't know yet. But I am not only interested in "culture" and "cream", I am also fascinated by people who have stories to tell .  Such unique experiences I want to share with you.

Tested for you: Berry Juice „Micronutrient Concentrate“ from hiPURE

A berry juice in a stylish bottle. Finally a dietary supplement that looks beautiful in the red frosted bottle and then also tastes good – delicious fruity berry. The basis for hiPURE is a dark red juice concentrate made from local fruits such as apple, pear, sour cherry, red grape, carrot, black currant, raspberry, apricot, blueberry, elderberry, cranberry, chokeberry, blackberry, rosehip and wild blueberry. Only selected fruits are used, no preservatives, no dyes. The juice is lactose-free, gluten-free and of course vegan. Berry juice from the German alpine region For the development of the „micronutrient concentrate“, in cooperation with scientists from the TUM (Technical University of Munich), special care was taken to use only ingredients from the Alpine region. The secret lies in a specially developed and particularly gentle method of processing the fruits: they are pressed immediately after harvesting and the direct juices thus obtained are processed into the highest quality concentrates. The recipe ensures an above-average content of secondary plant substances such as vitamins, minerals and the particularly valuable polyphenols. In other words, everything with which you can make a valuable contribution to a healthy diet. The two “hi” pillars The berry juice is based on two important “hi” pillars: Once the already mentioned polyphenols. These are secondary plant substances that ensure healthy growth in plants, and also have numerous positive effects for humans: They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure regulating and strengthen the immune system. The second “hi” pillar is antioxidants, which counteract free radicals. They prevent enzyme processes, proteins and cells from being disrupted or even destroyed. High amounts of antioxidants are found mainly in red or purple fruits/vegetables, for example in red grapes and their seeds or in chokeberry berries. Daily 10 milliliters are sufficient According to the manufacturer, 10 milliliters is the daily dose of the berry juice, because it contains exactly the amount of vitamins and minerals that the body needs in conjunction with a varied diet. By the way, for children from 4 – 6 years, 5 ml per day is enough. “The content of 260 mg of polyphenols per 10 ml of concentrate corresponds, for example, to that of three liters of naturally cloudy apple juice” says hiPure. This indeed surprises me. When consuming my hi-health booster, I often alternate: sometimes I drink it pure. I also sometimes add the berry juice to my water bottle, which dilutes the concentrate more. The concentrate is also delicious as a topping on my morning cereal or at lunchtime as an addition to salad dressing.… weiterlesen

Cheeks & Co: The Pro Face Guide

Three zones are crucial for harmonious proportions in the face. Did you know that the cheeks should always come first in filler treatments? Focus on the cheeks. Dr. Nadine Peukert, German drmatologist in Münster and expert in beauty treatments with hyaluronic acid-based fillers, explains why she always starts with the cheeks after visually dividing the face into three sections. She says, “It’s about more than just reducing a few wrinkles, but achieving a harmonious overall look.” The middle face: up with the cheeks “I always recommend looking at the cheek area first,” says Dr. Peukert. This is also made clear by the changing beauty trends: from Kardashian contouring to the “cold girl look” as if fresh from a winter walk – they all have rosy, plump skin and pronounced cheek contours as a highlight on the face.” Why is that? Peukert: “For me, the cheeks are the center of the face, giving it support and structure. In the upper face, they direct the focus to the eye and temple region. In the lower face, they influence the mouth zone as well as the jaw line.” The cheek area can therefore be seen as the basis of a holistic treatment: In the first step, volume is built up or restored in the cheeks with a filler. For this purpose, the dermatologist uses a filler which is created especially for this area (Juvéderm Voluma). The filler has the necessary lifting power and strength. It does not “melt”, but holds the midface in position when the tissue is reduced by the targeted treatment to raise the special points of the zygomatic arch. The result: the face can look more defined, the skin smoother and overall fresher. As a nice side effect, the nasolabial fold also appears less pronounced due to the tightening. „My patients are always pleasantly surprised at how even a first treatment in the midface can lead to a more harmonious overall facial impression,” says Dr. Peukert. The lower face: define the jawline After the cheeks, the doctor’s professional gaze moves to the lower part of the face: “The chin and jaw define the lower end of the face and, in combination with the cheeks, primarily shape its contour,” she explains. She considers a filler treatment in this area to be sensible only if volume is already present in the mid-face or has been built up and the area has been lifted as a result.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Mascara „High Impact“ from Isadora

10 seconds High Impact Lift & Curl in an intense black – that’s what the new mascara from Isadora promises. Sounds good to me. But with the many mascaras I’ve tried over the years as a beauty journalist, I’ve had to wipe plenty of failures from my lashes. Either they clumped the hairs instead of separating them, or during the day the color crumbled onto my cheeks. The mascara brush, an essential tool That the Isadora mascara is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, ophthalmologist-tested and contains no perfume, I am already positive. I am anxious to see what my test yields. First, I take a closer look at the brush, because that is an important factor for perfectly mascaraed lashes. This brush has a straight shape and is also not too thick. With it, the lashes can be separated beautifully and effectively. The second plus point is the light, creamy texture. Now I am ready to go. Zigzag, zigzag I put the brush close to the edge of the eyelid on the lash line and apply the color with small zigzag movements from the root to the tip. The eyelashes can be perfectly separated with it and get a curl already with the first application, as I usually achieve it only with the eyelash curler. The eyes look immediately more open. With the second application I achieve maximum length and volume. I also experience no negative surprises during the day. The mascara is water repellent and lasts extra long. Nothing smudges from the black color, nothing crumbles. The brush, by the way, is also narrow enough that you could also mascara the lashes on the lower lid edge without patching. I do not like it because I find that the eyes look so doll-like when upper and lower lashes were painted. Key ingredients And now about the ingredients and equipment of the eyelash brush. Plant fibers with castor oil – the bristles are made of natural nylon material – make the lashes longer. Due to natural polymers, the texture of the mascara is soft and easy to apply. Castor oil is also in the formulation of the color, because it has a moisturizing effect and keeps the lashes elastic. For volume and that the lashes separate well from each other and do not clump together provide various waxes. „10 Sec High Impact Lift & Curl Mascara“ from Isadora, 17,99 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: New Fragrance „Angel Elixir“ from Mugler

Fragrance love. It was exactly 30 years ago. It was my first great perfume love. I still remember exactly the press event when Thierry Mugler presented his perfume “Angel” in Munich’s Bavaria Studios and I was allowed to interview him. A fantastic personality, a great designer. Some of his jackets with accentuated shoulders and narrow waist, with which he staged the figure of a woman like no other, I still have in my closet. And then the color, the unmistakable Mugler blue. Already at the first careful sniff I fell in love with “Angel”. It was a novelty in the world of perfumes like “Chanel No. 5” used to be – in terms of its ingredients as well as its appearance. The fragrance in the unmistakable glamorous bottle of an irregular, light blue star shape was the first gourmand composition. It smelled devilishly seductive of praline and patchouli. When the news came last January 23 that Thierry Mugler had passed away in Vincennes, France, I was heartbroken – and wore my black Mugler leather jacket cut like a sculpture that day in his honor. An iconic fragrance reinvents itself I was all the more thrilled to hear the news that a new perfume will be launched in March 2023 that catapults the legendary fragrance signature of “Angel” into a whole new dimension: “Angel Elixir”. The most explosive star of the Angel galaxy is a transformative, woody-floral perfume that exudes a new, more intense and ultra-modern femininity. Again, ingredients are involved that are addictive: an unprecedented, precious woody gourmand accord. The woody notes are wrapped in a hint of vanilla. Underneath, spicy-milky florals are hidden. It’s like a game of light and shade … “With Angel Elixir, we wanted to express intense, addictive contrasts, just like the Angel woman herself: seductive, captivating and fearless.” Anne Flipo & Domitille Michalon-Bertier, the perfumers Fragrance with a night black aura Spectacular shapes have always been Mugler’s trademark. In “Angel Elixir”, the light blue inside the distinctive Angel glass bottle shimmers in deep blue. Like a dark star with a light heart. The faceted, five-pointed star is refillable, in keeping with the brand’s environmentally conscious understanding of sustainability. “Angel” was ines of the first perfumes with refill stations in perfumeries. Hunter Schafer, US model and actress (e.g. “Euphoria”) is the new star in the Mugler sky. The 24-year-old from North Carolina impresses in the unique campaign of “Angel Elixir” with a fascinating aura that encourages women to rise above themselves and set out into a new era.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „EGF Frischzellen Creme“ from Dr. M. Beauty

The term vampire lifting I find honestly quite worn out and in the case of the “EGF Frischzellen Creme” also not applicable – if you disregard my bloody thumb, which I got when opening the ampoules. But of that later… Neither does the cream have anything to common with the autologous blood therapy – called vampire lifting – for skin rejuvenation, which Kim Kardashian was the first celebrity to profess in 2013. Nor is the “fresh cell cream” at all associated with blood. The only thing the two methods have in common is EGF (epidermal growth factor). In the case of autologous blood therapy, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is injected from the blood plasma, which contains the Epidermal Growth Factor. Fresh cell cream is different. Here, the so-called phytoplasma comes from plants. Therefore, the cream is also vegan. EGF stimulates the cell growth And this is what Dr. Bernd Kuhs, co-founder of Dr. M. Beauty, has to say about the effect of PRP and EGF: “The EGF contained in PRP is one of the fundamental factors for the effectiveness of autologous blood therapy. EGF stimulates cell growth of connective tissue cells, promotes collagen production and ensures the formation of new vessels. “Clinically, PRP or EGF shows very positive effects on the texture, radiance, hydration, thickness and elasticity of the skin and can achieve slight volume effects.” Further, Kuhs explains, “The special signaling substance EGF from blood can also be produced by and extracted from plants.” No blood needs to be taken and processed. This is also the great advantage of phytoplasma. Therefore, the EGF fresh cell cream can be used at home, but also as a therapy in cosmetic studios and cosmetic practices that are not licensed to take blood samples. Dr. M. Phytoplasma “EGF Frischzellen Creme” is created under high pressure, entirely without emulsifiers. The components are added one by one to the dispenser, which is then sealed and shaken. This means the cream is freshly prepared directly by the user. “Since the fresh cell cream has a skin-like membrane structure, which is freshly formed from plant cell material and encloses the EGF active ingredient within it, the components can overcome the natural skin protection barrier and penetrate into deeper layers of the skin,” says the manufacturer. I am doing the EGF test The tester set I receive in the mail consists of several components: 40 ml of plasma fluid (liquid membrane structure milk) in a brown bottle, a small 5 ml vial with the EGF serum (concentrate), and in the same size the plant activator that transforms the milk into a cream.… weiterlesen

There Are No Trends For A (Woman’s) Body!

Body in focus. When the New York Post announced on its Twitter account last year that “the heroin chic is back,” it really creeped me out. Firstly, that an otherwise serious press organ would even stoop to such a level, even if the post was about the obvious slimming of the Kardashian sisters Kim and Kloé under the motto “curvy is out, thin is back in”. Secondly, that at all the figure of women, famous or not, is constantly commented. The body is not a fashion item A body shape is not a fashion item like an it-bag that can be discarded when it goes out of fashion and quickly replaced by something more trendy. And besides, no curvy body with a large buttocks and breasts and a narrow waist can mutate into super slim within one season without being helped along. In Kim Kardashian’s case, the minimization is said to have been done by removing her breast implants and her artificial butt, called Brazilian Butt. In addition, she is said to have swallowed a prescription diabetes drug that is praised on TikTok slimmers. But this is all speculation. Adele on the weight bench Recently at the Grammys 2023, Adele’s weight was once again the focus of attention, as it has been so often since she slimmed down. The fact that the powerful-voiced singer received seven awards was less of a topic in the media than her weight loss. Questioned was: What is her secret with which she has lost 50 kilos? Have they become even more in the meantime? The very unashamed posted that she could give her table neighbor, the US rapper Lizzo, weight loss tips. US actress Selena Gomez is also familiar with hurtful body-shaming comments. When she was just photographed in a bikini during her New Year’s vacation in Mexico, she was showered with gloating. She was called “fat” or “chubby” and was advised to “lose weight”. The body positivity message obviously hasn’t reached us after all. What gives us the right to comment on the figure or weight of others. Do we ourselves feel more beautiful, slimmer, more attractive when we hear or read such comments about fellow sex workers? When we come off better in comparison? And yet it would be desirable to feel good in one’s own body without having to belittle others. Self-love is the keyword. Men are mostly left out Sardonic body comments mostly affect women, whether it’s celebrities or taking place among us normies.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Peeling “Restorative Dual Acid Peel” by Kat Burki

The peeling that I currently use comes from an American natural cosmetics line, which is still little known in our country. Among insiders, however, Kat Burki is already considered a high-flyer. The nutritionist, who worked in the healthcare sector after completing her studies, has acquired a complex knowledge of nutrition and health over many years. From this background, Burki founded her own cosmetics brand in 2013, bringing the latest research findings to the development of her innovative beauty products. In the meantime, celebs such as Emily Blunt, Naomi Watts and Emma Willis – to name a few – are among the avowed Burki users. Nutrient complex replaces water What makes Kat Burki’s skincare so special is that it does not use the fillers commonly found in cosmetic formulas, such as water, silicone or alcohol. Instead, each of her products is enriched with a synergistic super-nutrient complex. Instead of water, Burki uses a proprietary KB5 complex that supports skin elasticity and collagen production. It also stimulates microcirculation and strengthens the walls of small capillaries. Burki chooses each active ingredient very consciously. All of them are highly active ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins – especially vitamin C and B vitamins – plant stem cells, silk amino acids, neuropeptides, etc.. In the various combinations, they reinforce each other’s power. In this way, “super active ingredients” with immediate effect and long-lasting anti-aging effect are created. All ingredients are free of animal testing and genetic engineering, come from organic cultivation and wild collection. “Cold process” for more product effectiveness It is also interesting that Kat Burki has introduced the first certified “cold process” in the cosmetics world. This means that all products are manufactured at low temperature. This ensures that the maximum effectiveness of all ingredients is preserved, because high temperatures reduce the quality and effect of vitamins, oils and antioxidants. Therefore, the cold-pressed oils contained in the rich formulas are extremely potent. Deep glycolic peeling The “Restorative Dual Acid Peel” is a retexturizing anti-aging treatment with dual benefits: It regenerates and soothes the skin at the same time. The glycolic acid in the peeling reduces sun damage. Plant-derived hyaluronic acid from the seeds of the Alexandrine senna refines skin texture and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles. Avocado oil, again obtained in a cold process, vitalizes the skin cells. Works better with a brush Meanwhile, I use the glycolic peeling for a month once or twice a week.… weiterlesen

JetBoots Test: In „7-League Boots” To Greater Lightness

In mythology, the „7-league boots” have magical power. They give the “little thumb” the ability to cover long distances in a short time. The RecoveryAir JetBoots from Therabody also have a kind of magic power. You can’t run with them – too high, too clunky – but blood circulation is boosted, muscle soreness is reduced and swelling disappears. In short: healthier and therefore more beautiful legs. Sounded so great that I wanted to try it for myself. The JetBoots system is a mechanical massage that mimics the action of lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage, which most of us have enjoyed after injury or surgery, is a manual therapy that requires special training. The therapist performs superficial circular twisting, pumping and scooping movements with little pressure. The goal is to stimulate the lymphatic vessels’ own contractions and thus get the lymph flow going and decongest the tissue. Big on the leg, nevertheless cool With the compression boots, integrated pumps in the – as already mentioned – somewhat clunky foot parts replace the therapist’s hands. The package of the JetBoots consists of the two black, long boots made of a strong, coated fabric like the ones used for medical products, plus a two-piece travel bag. There is also a 36W charger with a dual charging cable that allows both boots to charge at the same time. No hoses, no external pump. I think that’s a good thing. The run time is four hours. You can use the two boots together, but also separately – which makes no sense to me. My test starts on a Tuesday, right after I received the package. My JetBoots are size M, but they also come in L (for tall men and very tall women) and S, which affects the length and girth of the boots. The system is easy to understand, the instructions are plausible. Therefore, I also save myself from downloading the app. It annoys me that nowadays you need an app for every poop and clutter up your phone. Fortunately, it is not a must-have here. That’s because an integrated control panel with four self-explanatory buttons is located at the top of each JetBoots. I put them on while lying on the bed or sofa. Entry is via the elongated zippers that reach all the way to the foot section. With one push of each button on the control panel, you can set the four time intervals (20 min, 40 min, 60 min and continuous) and the 4 pressure settings (25, 50, 75, 100 mmHg).… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Rosacea Cream „Redness Relief with Micreobalance“ from Gladskin

Rosacea is known to be one of the most widespread skin problems. It is also called couperosis or copper rose or copper fin. It usually appears after the age of 30, more frequently in women than in men. The skin disease manifests itself differently in men than in women, often with a thickening of the connective tissue and the sebaceous glands, mostly around the nose area. Rosacea – typical signs I am one of the majority of women who have to struggle with rosacea – although I am still lucky. In my case, only the cheeks are affected, the left more than the right, and the rosacea is not particularly severe overall. It manifests itself in redness and dilated veins. This is typical for mild rosacea. The only problem is that once rosacea is present, it stays. In severe cases, vesicles can even form, and the redness and inflammatory pustules (see picture below) can sometimes extend to the eyelids. Fortunately, I have been spared from this so far. However, in winter when it is cold and the blood circulation is boosted by alcohol consumption, for example, which hardly ever happens with me anyway, the redness becomes more visible. I therefore no longer go to the sauna anyway, only to the steam bath. Unclear causes for the redness Where does rosacea come from? Experts are still arguing about this today. A combination of hereditary and environmental factors is discussed. But none of this has been scientifically proven. Bacteria and the composition of the skin’s microbiome most likely play a significant role in the development of rosacea. This can lead to inflammatory reactions such as redness, itching, pain and swelling. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is regarded as the primary culprit. Staphylococci are spherical bacteria that in themselves belong to the normal flora of skin and mucous membranes in humans. However, Staphylococcus aureus is the species with the highest virulence, responsible for inflammation and more. Dermatologists treat rosacea with antibiotics, among others. The only drawback is, antibiotics lead to antimicrobial resistance when taken for a long time and Staphylococcus aureus no longer responds to them. Help for my microbiome Swallowing antibiotics to get my rosacea under control is out of the question for me. And I really don’t suffer that much that I would put my body through that. That’s why I decided to test an over-the-counter product containing the active ingredient StaphefektTM, which kills only Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Eyebrow Wax “Brow Freeze” by Anastasia Beverly Hills

My eyebrows are difficult to tame. The hairs are long and above all unruly, reluctant to be laid in a beautiful arch. And if it succeeds then times, they do not remain long in this form. That’s why I always admire this so-called “laminated brow look” of stars like Hailey Bieber. How do they do it? Eyebrow wax from Hollywood’s Brow Queen Now I know the secret and of course I want to try it myself. A new tool for this is the “Brow Freeze” from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Anastasia Soare, as her real name is, is considered THE brow queen of Hollywood since she opened her eyebrow showroom in Beverly Hills in 1997. Since then, she has continued to surprise the beauty world with smart products and eyeshadow palettes with artistically inspired colors. Her latest hype is “Brow Freeze,” which makes it easy to style the signature #AnastasiaBrows look at home. The eyebrow wax comes in a flat, round tin and is so transparent that it is almost invisible in the little pot. For application, I use the “Brow Freeze Applicator”, which has a spatula on one side and a brush on the other. You have to buy it separately, but it’s worth the expense. With spatula and brush The spatula makes it very easy to get the product out of the jar. You also need only a little of it. Actually, you should warm the product on the lid with the brush and then comb into the brows, so it says at least in the instructions. But since my brow hairs are so stubborn, I leave the mini portion of wax on the spatula and use it to press the hairs flat along the entire brow. Then I brush them into shape until the wax dries. The eyebrows get a wonderful shine and stay all day the way I brushed and fixed them in the morning. However, I don’t feel any of it, and that’s a good thing! The wax coats the eyebrows without weighing them down. TIP FROM ANASTASIA: After the eyebrows have been combed into the right place with the brush, go over the brows again with the spatula – this will keep the brows bombproof all day. Eyebrow correction with color Some days I like to add extra emphasis to my brows or make them look fuller, then I use an eyebrow pencil or powder before waxing.… weiterlesen

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