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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.

Tested for you: PLY Skin from Sweden

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PLY Skin is a new brand from Scandinavia that is now also available on the Swedish online platform Lyko. The brand was officially launched there in December last year. The creative duo behind the brand includes Jone Fjellstad and Christopher Waldekrantz. Norwegian model and YouTuber Emma Ellingsen is the face of the campaign. “I am proud that we can actively participate in the realization of such a distinctive brand as PLY. It has been an honor to tap into all of Lyko’s expertise – from product development to manufacturing and distribution to our customers. We are convinced that PLY has the potential to become one of the most important brands of the future,” says Richard Lyko, CEO at Lyko. PLY launches with three products PLY Skin has set its sights high: skincare that promotes the personal progress of its users rather than following the guidelines of others. The skincare products are suitable for all skin types and aim to restore natural radiance and boost self-confidence. To date, the portfolio comprises three products. The cleanser “Clean Slate”, the deep-acting “Care Cream” and the “Beam Drops”. All products are fragrance-free and have their own special composition. . Gentle exfoliating cleansing “Clean Slate” offers gentle but effective cleansing, as lactic acid ensures gentle exfoliation. The cleanser is also enriched with vitamin C and niacinamide. The skin is also pampered with moisturizing glycerin. The product is applied to moistened skin and gently massaged in until a delicate lather forms. Then rinse off thoroughly. Deep-acting care cream Hydrate and Restore are the tasks of “Care Cream”. The fast-absorbing and deep-acting cream strengthens the skin barrier with valuable ceramides and restores its balance. A combination of vitamin E, niacinamide and panthenol gives the skin a natural glow all day long. It is an everyday care product for all skin types that can be used day and night and ensures a well-groomed, fresh complexion. The cream is applied to the face and neck after cleansing. Beam Drops with light-reflecting pigments The “Beam Drops” contain vitamin E, vitamin B 3 (niacin) and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin barrier. Light-reflecting pigments give the complexion a natural glow. You can mix a few drops under the “Care Cream” or your usual day cream, but they are also perfect for giving the whole face a glow or for setting specific accents individually. The “Beam Drops” can also be applied directly to the face for a quick glow PLY Produkte: “Clean Slate”, 200ml, 17.90 euros, “Care Cream”, 50 ml, 33.50 euros, “Beam Drops”, 50 ml, 30.90 euros… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Curél – Ceramide Care System from Japan

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Ceramides and Japan are the two factors that speak in favor of Curél per se. Ceramides are natural lipids, the very building blocks that form the skin’s protective barrier. If there is a lack of these natural moisturizing substances, the skin becomes dry and sensitive. The second important argument in favor of the new system care is its country of origin, Japan. Especially when it comes to cleansing and moisturizing the skin, Nippon, the “Land of the Rising Sun”, is a pioneer. For centuries, double cleansing and double moisturizing have been the most important elements of Japanese skincare, as they thoroughly cleanse the skin and provide it with multi-layered moisture. These tried and tested rituals support healthy, even skin and improve the effectiveness of other skincare products. Ceramides play the leading role Over 40 years ago, Japanese scientists discovered the key to optimal skin health: ceramides. Curél laboratories developed an innovative biomimetic ceramide technology that mimics the skin’s own natural ceramides to effectively replenish the moisture barrier and leave the complexion looking healthy and radiant. It delivers the ceramides exactly where they are needed in the skin. The ceramide care system takes a threefold approach: protecting ceramides during cleansing replenishing ceramides during care stimulating the natural ceramides for more moisture and to strengthen the skin barrier Double cleansing For the two-step routine, an oil or emulsion-based make-up remover is used first. This is followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any remaining make-up and impurities. The range of Curél cleansing products includes a gel, a milk and a foam. They are all fragrance and colorant free, pH neutral and dermatologically tested. They can be used as part of the double moisturizing ritual, but also on their own. I particularly like the Make-up Cleansing Milk, which gently and thoroughly removes all make-up with its soothing formula. At the same time, it provides intensive moisture and replenishes the natural ceramides. The milk is applied to a cotton pad until it is well saturated. Gently wipe over the face, including the lips and eyes. Unlike the other two cleansing options, I really like the fact that I don’t need to rinse it off. Too much water on the skin is not to my taste. Incidentally, according to the manufacturer, using the milk increases the skin’s moisture content by 45 percent. Double moisturizing A two-step procedure is also preferred here. First, the essence is used, unique to the Japanese skin care routine.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Rich cream “Vital Regenera I Rich” from Valmont

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I’ve always given rich creams a wide berth. Too greasy, too oily, too heavy on the skin – and all the arguments I used against them. But now I’ve been proved wrong, not least by Valmont. I appreciate the Swiss skincare brand’s anti-ageing expertise. Valmont, founded in the rejuvenation clinic of the same name in the heart of the Swiss Riviera, has stood for cell cosmetics expertise for 40 years. Powerful ingredients, state-of-the-art formulas and sophisticated textures are what make the holistic skincare products so effective. Loss of strength of the skin cells My skin is now at an age where it needs more than just a serum and a moisturizing product. But how do you actually notice that the skin cells are losing their strength? There are various signs. Some you can see, others you can feel or sense. What you can see are the external changes to the complexion: dull, sallow, uneven. The skin can no longer reflect light as well as it did when you were younger. Enlarged pores and fine lines appear. What you feel is roughness and a loss of elasticity. The skin also becomes thinner and creased. And last but not least, you can feel that it seems to become increasingly sensitive. If your face shows three or more of these signs, it’s time to revitalize your skin with a vitality boost. What does that mean? Stimulating the regeneration of the epidermis with ingredients that supply the cells with new energy. Valmont has developed the Vitality skincare line for this purpose. It contains active ingredients that stimulate the epidermis and cell renewal, because cells are the building blocks of the skin. To this end, Valmont has developed a new ingredient from two families of molecules with proven efficacy: DNA and silanols. The DNA of Valmont DNA has been the most important ingredient in all Valmont formulas since 1985. In the purest form of Swiss cell cosmetics, it is produced through a complex extraction process from the germ cells of wild salmon. It offers the skin a wealth of regenerative benefits. Incidentally, this active ingredient is used in aesthetic and regenerative medicine as an injection treatment (known as polynucleotides, PN or PDRN). But it is also extremely effective when applied topically due to its unparalleled moisturizing potential and antioxidant effects. Over the last four decades, Valmont has continuously developed the shaping, perfecting, encapsulation and blending of its DNA.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: “Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturizer” by Clarins

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Nowadays, a tinted moisturizer has to do more than just add color to the skin. Less color than a foundation, but enough to make the complexion look radiant and more even. But Clarins, known for its skin expertise, is by no means satisfied with that. Tinted moisturizer of the new generation The innovative Tinted Moisturizer, made in France, features Skin Fit Technology. This allows the cream to adapt to every facial expression and movement while still allowing the skin to breathe. It looks radiant all day long and appears firmer. Pores and wrinkles become less visible day after day. The formula harnesses the power of organic oat sugars to form a three-dimensional plant-based film that moves with the skin and keeps make-up in place for eight hours. Maximum radiance, optimum protection The texture of the Tinted Moisturizer with natural coverage is pleasantly light and airy. It is barely noticeable on the skin and yet the complexion immediately looks dewy and even because it discreetly reflects the light. At the same time, SPF 25 protects against UV radiation, while the anti-pollution complex protects against blue light and environmental pollution. Like all Clarins products, the formula of the tinted cream is characterized by a high content of active ingredients. First and foremost is the organic kiwi extract. It helps to nourish the cells and regenerate the skin. Native to Asia, the kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) is a fruit with an unmistakably pungent taste. It takes its name from the emblematic bird of New Zealand. The kiwi is very rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamins A, B, E and minerals, which explains its reputation as an anti-fatigue fruit. In cosmetics, organic kiwi extract helps to restore the skin’s radiance. Tinted moisturizer with booster ingredients Also contains an organic strawberry fruit extract. In ancient times, the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) was associated with immortality, while in more recent times it is often referred to as the “miracle tree”. Although the appearance of the bushy shrub from the Mediterranean region is rather unspectacular, its botanical properties are unique The strawberry tree is not only able to ripen its fruit in winter, but is also able to recolonize areas devastated by fire and even fight serious infections. Another special feature are the small, round berries with the tiny, cone-shaped bumps known as strawberry tree fruit. In cosmetics, it ensures that the skin does not shine. Another star ingredient is chicory (Cichorium intybus).… weiterlesen

What Really Helps Against Cellulite – And What Is A Waste Of Time?

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Cellulite is currently a frequent topic on social media. Coffee grounds on the skin, detox teas in the morning, colorful tapes on the legs. TikTok is teeming with alleged anti-cellulite miracle cures. But what actually works? And what remains social media hype without effect? Cellulite affects up to 90 percent of all women worldwide. Regardless of age, weight or lifestyle – the infamous dimples are particularly noticeable on the thighs and bottom, but also on the arms. They are caused by fat cells in the subcutaneous tissue, which press against the overlying connective tissue and cause the characteristic dimples. The cause is the unstable structure of the connective tissue, which becomes weaker and weaker with increasing age. The hormone oestrogen also plays a major role in the development of cellulite. Body weight, on the other hand, is irrelevant, meaning that even slim women can be affected. Depending on its severity, cellulite is divided into three stages: mild, moderate and severe. Although the unsightly dimples, also known as orange peel skin due to their appearance, are harmless, they have a considerable impact on the self-confidence of many women. No wonder millions of sufferers are looking for solutions. TikTok trend or genuine innovation? “Many of these trends that are currently popping up on TikTok and are supposed to help against cellulite offer short-term effects at best – but no lasting skin change,” says Ilia Kalinski, expert at the Impulse medical aesthetics institute in Nuremberg. “If you really want visible results, you need more than just coffee scrubs and tape.” The TikTok trends in the fact check Ilia Kalinski, Head of the Ästhetik Institut Impulse explains: Coffee peeling
 – stimulates blood circulation – smoother skin in the short term. Unfortunately, it is unsuitable for lasting results. Taping
 – tapes are supposed to promote lymph flow. The effect is visual, not structural: “Well-intentioned, but not sustainable,” says Kalinski. Anti-Cellulite creams
 – A nice marketing gimmick. But hardly effective without targeted treatment. Kalinski recommends: “Only use products with proven active ingredients such as caffeine or retinol – and don’t have unrealistic expectations.” Cupping & massages
 – They are good because they stimulate the metabolism. However, the effect quickly fizzles out if the method is not used regularly. Scientifically based cellulite treatment The Endospheres® massage is a real innovation. It starts where social media leaves off: in the long-term transformation of the skin’s appearance using modern, non-invasive technology.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Nail Strips “Quick & Easy” from Anny

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Nail strips are the latest highlight in the Anny collection. I have to say it very clearly. Since its beginnings in 2011, the brand has been one of my absolute favorites when it comes to beautiful nails. The range of color polishes, which is always based on the hottest trends from international creative hotspots such as Miami, Los Angeles and New York, is unbeatable. The quality of the polishes is fabulous, as are the products for a perfect manicure. And now the nail strips… Nail strips in 15 attractive colors Don’t feel like applying polish and waiting a long time for it to finally dry? Then the “Quick & Easy Gel Nail Strips” are just the thing. They give you stylish nails just like those from the nail salon. And they are also long-lasting. Up to 21 days without splitting or flaking. One set consists of 20 strips, enough for two applications. There is also a nail file, a manicure stick and two alcohol wipes. What you need to fix the nail strips on your nails is a UV lamp. If you don’t have one at home, get one. The little things for home use are not expensive either. The NÉONAIL LED Lampe , for example, costs 29.95 euros at dm. The 15 colors – I’m sure more will be added over time – range from classic nude styles “White Candy”, “Prima Ballerina”, “French Nude”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Say Yes” to pink shades such as “Bubble Gum” or “Disco Fever”. The red and orange shades have names such as “Funky Monkey”, “Bloody Orange” or “Hot & Spicy”. There is also a deep black as a statement – “Back to Black”. My current favorite, however, is “Mocha”, a slightly more intense nude shade that flatters my skin. Here’s how it works… Choose the right size for each nail from the ten different sizes of vegan gel nail strips. Gently push back the cuticles with the enclosed manicure stick and clean the nails with the alcohol wipe. Then stick the individual size onto each nail. Cut off the excess foil from the strips and cure for approx. 60 seconds under a UV lamp. Finally, shape the nails with the enclosed file. Done! The UV nail strips are scratch-resistant and hard-wearing. What you should know: Avoid direct sunlight during the manicure, as UV rays can harden the strips prematurely. Fancy a new look? Removing the nail strips is a little more time-consuming than applying them.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Perfect complexion with Trinny London

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A perfect complexion starts with skincare. That is true. But you usually need a little more to optimize your complexion. And if the make-up formulas also contain active skincare ingredients, the perfect complexion is effortless. I have found such skincare-make-up hybrids in the “Fantastic Four” from Trinny London. Four clever all-rounders that offer make-up and skincare in one – from calming the complexion to lifting and firming the under-eye area. The products contain active ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which help to combat skin problems such as excessive shine and moisture loss. A perfect complexion can be achieved in just a few steps, and those who wish can also achieve excellent coverage. “The development of our skincare-make-up hybrids always starts with the selection of active ingredients with nourishing properties. Then we add color pigments for the necessary coverage,” emphasizes Trinny Woodall, founder and CEO of Trinny London. Perfect complexion with “The Fantastic Four” My absolute favorite is the “BFF Cream SPF 30”. This skin perfector can be used alone or under a foundation or even under “BFF Serum De-Stress”. It always provides the ultimate base for radiant skin. Thanks to its micro-encapsulated pigments, it adapts to the respective skin tone and reduces redness for a healthy glow. The light, creamy texture blends seamlessly for a flawless finish. I like to use the Skin Perfector as a solo product because it gives me everything I need for a perfect complexion. And best of all: I can use it 365 days a year thanks to the built-in SPF 30 sun protection factor. And thanks to the practical pump bottle, it is hygienically packaged like all its competitors. “BFF Cream SPF 30” by Trinny London, 30 ml, $52.00 A hybrid for the eyes The second item in my make-up bundle that I can’t live without is the “BFF Serum Eye Concealer”. It is the ultimate blend of nourishing eye serum and corrective concealer. It can be used to perfectly blend annoying dark circles and the dark corners on the inner corners of the eyes with the rest of the complexion. Once applied, this formulation is practically indistinguishable from the skin. A duo peptide complex visually firms and plumps the delicate under-eye area. In addition, the applicator tip made from a cooling zamak alloy has a decongestant effect during application. “BFF Serum Eye Concealer” by Trinny London, 6 ml, $38.00 Tinted serum with hyaluronic acid “BFF Serum De-Stress” evens out the skin with a light to medium coverage all day long, without any unattractive greasiness.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Sportsman UV protection “Fusion Water Magic by Alcaraz” from Isdin

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A sportsman has special requirements when it comes to sun protection. Especially during sporting activities, it is important that the texture of the product is waterproof and sweat-resistant without irritating the eyes. Isdin has tailored the new formulation of “Fusion Water Magic by Alcaraz” precisely to these needs. The ultra-light consistency with a water-based outer phase melts into the skin without leaving a greasy film. A profi sportsman is the face The protagonist for the new sportsman UV protection is, how could it be otherwise, a sportsman – namely the Spanish tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz. He has already caused a stir in the tennis world with his US Open triumph in 2022. At 19 years and four months (born May 5, 2003 in El Palmar, Murcia, Spain), he was the third youngest US Open winner in history and the youngest player to win a Grand Slam tournament since Rafael Nadal in 2005. Alcaraz embodies a new generation of tennis players. His game is characterized by explosive power, impressive speed and exceptional athleticism. With his aggressive baseline play and strong forehand, he dictates the pace and puts his opponents under constant pressure. Climate change increases skin ageing Recent research has looked at the effects of climate change on skin health. Scientists from theIUF – Leibniz-Instituts für umweltmedizinische Forschung in Düsseldorf, Germany, together with colleagues from the Environmental Science and Engineering Department of the „Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT)“ in Mumbai, India, investigated the relationship between temperature and humidity and skin ageing in an epidemiological study. To this end, 1,510 Indian women from three different cities with different heat indices were measured for signs of skin ageing such as pigmentation spots and wrinkles using a scoring system (SCINEXA). It was found that the pigmentation on the forehead and coarse wrinkles such as crow’s feet and wrinkles under the eyes also increased significantly as the heat index rose. These associations were independent of the age of the subjects and other environmental factors such as solar UV radiation, smoking status and air pollution. “This is the first epidemiological study to show that climate change can increase the aging of human skin,” comments Prof. Jean Krutmann, Director of the IUF, on this study, which he led. “In current investigations, we are analyzing the mechanisms responsible for this with the aim of developing protective strategies for the skin.” The new buzzword in sun care is thermal aging.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Lifting serum “Skin Caviar Liquid Lift” by La Prairie

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A lifting serum. What does this mean? It is clear that no cosmetic product comes close to a surgical facelift. But that’s not its job either. After all, cosmetics are cosmetics with a limited penetration depth into the skin. And a scalpel is a scalpel that gets to the root of the “evil”, i.e. the defect, in the depth of the skin. That’s already clear. Nevertheless, a high-quality lifting serum can make the skin firmer and tighter in the long term if used continuously. And “Skin Caviar Liquid Lift” from La Prairie plays another joker – namely a visible tightening effect in 15 minutes. This lifting serum has long been a beauty icon. Users of skincare from the Swiss luxury house will know this. However, the product has only just been reinterpreted. Transformative lifting serum Its two-phase formulation is enriched with a unique blend of La Prairie’s proven caviar extracts – Caviar Premier and Caviar Absolute – and the exclusive Cellular Complex. Golden caviar pearls can be seen in the window of the blue dispenser. By pressing the activator, these micro-nutrients melt into the emulsion and transform it into a silky-soft facial serum that is perfectly absorbed into the skin. When used daily, it reduces wrinkles and fine lines, firms the skin and improves facial contours, especially around the jawline. Exactly where sagging areas first appear. The ingredients The exclusive Cellular Complex pushes the cells to more energy to stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration processes and correct damage caused by skin ageing. Caviar Premier harnesses the potential of natural caviar and combines La Prairie’s own caviar extract with lipids, proteins and marine DNA. Together they promote the firming and tightening of the skin. Caviar Absolute is a highly concentrated form of caviar consisting of nutrient-rich caviar oils and restructuring caviar proteins. They plump up the skin and contribute to its firmness. The newly added Caviar Micro-Nutrients are a rich source of over 300 different natural nutrients. These stimulate the essential cellular energy pathways in the skin and its metabolism exactly where this kick is needed. Furthermore, the formulation is supplemented with peptides that stimulate collagen production. And hyaluronic acid locks moisture into the skin and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. The application Important! Only press the activator on the top ring of the bottle when applying for the first time. This is how you release the formulation. The caviar pearls and the emulsion mix to form a silky-smooth serum.… weiterlesen

Product Placement In The Film Industry – How Even Small Companies Can Advertise In Feature Films

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The film industry has long been considered the exclusive domain of large corporations and global brands. Companies such as Coca-Cola, Mercedes and Rolex rely on expensive product placement to place their products in successful films. However, smaller and medium-sized companies can also become part of the movie’s world – not only through advertising, but also through direct participation in their projects. In the late 1990s, FIMA was the first film financing model to connect business and the movie industry in a new way: Companies invest in film productions and in return receive not only opportunities for returns, but also advertising placement opportunities, behind-the-scenes insights or even guest roles in the film itself. In addition to financial benefits, this creates networks and innovative opportunities for brand positioning. This is exactly where FIMA comes in again and makes the decisive difference. “With us, an investment is not a one-way street where the money simply disappears after placement – like a TV ad that is broadcast once and then fizzles out. Instead, FIMA not only guarantees 100% tax deductibility of the full investment, but also a share of the total sales of the rights to a film project. This turns an investment into a real opportunity for sustainable success. Movies as an economic catalyst Cooperation between companies and the film industry goes beyond traditional advertising. Participation in their productions opens up opportunities that go far beyond mere visibility. Companies gain access to one of the most creative industries in the world and can present themselves as modern, culturally engaged brands – an advantage that is becoming increasingly important in times of storytelling and authentic communication. A family-run fashion company from southern Germany, for example, invested in a national cinema production. In addition to the financial investment, the company name was mentioned in passing in the movie. The company was also allowed to visit the set with customers and employees and use exclusive material for its own marketing purposes. The benefits were manifold: a subtle but effective presence, a strengthened network in the film industry and creative collaboration for image building. Why film is a convincing business platform Current figures prove the economic attractiveness of the film industry: According to the Motion Picture Association, the global film and streaming industry generated revenues of over 328 billion US dollars in 2023 – with further growth in sight. Streaming platforms in particular are driving demand for new content and thus creating new opportunities for companies to position themselves in a culturally relevant environment.… weiterlesen