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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: Perfectly styled lips? My 2 looks!

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There are really only two looks that I like for my lips. My absolute favorite is a matte orange-red color. It’s kind of my trademark. If I feel like wearing nude, which doesn’t suit me as well, but sometimes I just have to, I use a liner together with a lip oil. Here are the two looks and how I apply them: Orange-red mouth with a matte finish For this, I use Locked Kiss Ink 24HR Lipcolour by MAC in the shade Gutsy. I always keep several of these in stock in my drawer so that I never run out. The intense color is highly opaque and really lasts all day long, so I have to remove it in the evening. The waterproof liquid texture features special Pigment Lock technology with double-coated, ultra-refined pigments. They coat the lips with a barely noticeable, flexible, and breathable veil. The formula is so lip-friendly that it doesn’t dry them out. That’s because it’s packed with nourishing ingredients such as passion fruit oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. No bleeding. No fraying. I don’t even need a touch-up during the day. But it’s important to apply it correctly: I apply the liquid lipstick to clean lips and wait a few minutes for the formula to dry. Applying it with the slanted, tapered applicator is so easy and precise that no lip liner is needed. Then I screw the airtight cap onto the pen until I hear a click. This is the only way to protect the formula and keep the liquid lipstick fresh for a long time. Cleanse your lips in the evening To remove Locked Kiss Ink 24HR Lipcolour, I use cleansing oil or eye makeup remover. I put 1–2 pumps of it in my palm and gently spread it over my lips. Remove with a cotton pad or rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Locked Kiss Ink 24HR Lipcolour by MAC, 4 ml, 37 euros
 Nude lips with a glossy finish First, I outline my lips, which I have of course cleaned of any cream or balm residue and patted dry. In the past, you always drew along the natural line, but today you can go slightly above it. For me, the easiest product for overlining is Lip Contour Stain by Huda Beauty. It’s actually an innovative combination of long-lasting lipstick and liner. It’s smudge-proof, kiss-proof, and transfer-proof, and lasts for 12 hours without bleeding.… weiterlesen

Dark Tourism: Exploring The Echoes Of Tragedies

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When sites of historical tragedies become tourist attractions. Dark tourism, characterized by visits to places associated with tragedy, death, and suffering, has evolved significantly in the global travel industry. It intervenes in a complex web of historical contexts marked by lasting legacies of oppression and trauma such as slavery, incarceration, xenophobia, and racially motivated violence. The line between education and exploitation is often a fine one. Dark tourism often takes place in locations that appear harmless and primarily informative at first glance. These include museums and historical sites. However, due to their connection to traumatic events in the past, they can also evoke strong emotions in sensitive individuals.. When history becomes trauma Dark tourism sites are often deliberately developed to elicit strong emotional responses. Their power lies in engaging people through historical significance and the depth of human suffering they represent. Scholars emphasize the psychological impact on visitors, with concerns about secondary traumatization as they absorb the gravity of historical events. Local communities near these sites often have personal connections to the remembered events and are eager to preserve the community’s history. Despite complex emotions, dark tourism can offer cathartic benefits and help communities interpret conflict and come to terms with their history. The appeal of dark tourism Dark tourism fascinates travelers who want to explore the darker abysses of human history and is becoming an academic interest in terms of the motivation behind such travel decisions. It invites people to reflect on the past and its impact on the present and creates a complex interplay of emotional and cognitive experiences. Emotional and cognitive engagement Emotions play a central role in dark tourism, often confronting visitors with themes such as death and suffering. These experiences contribute to personal growth and well-being, with tourists driven by curiosity and a need to understand events. The emotional intensity of dark tourism often leads to reflections on life and death, creating a unique, transformative appeal. Beyond emotions, dark tourism appeals to those seeking cognitive engagement. Learning about tragic events and observing responses to disasters are essential components. The educational aspect offers insights into different cultural and historical narratives and enriches visitors’ understanding of the worl Ethical considerations This sector of tourism offers unique experiences, but it is not without ethical dilemmas, which often revolve around profiting from tragedies and the potential exploitation of sites. Questions arise about the display of human remains and the balance between historical accuracy and visitor experience.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Oxygenation of the skin with “VIP O2” by Biologique Recherche

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Oxygenation of the skin. What exactly does that mean? To understand this, you need to understand the role of oxygen in the skin’s ecosystem. The better the cellular oxygen supply to the epidermis, the more energy is available for the skin’s metabolism, which in turn is essential for its proper functioning. Cellular respiration goes far beyond mere breathing. It enables the conversion of oxygen into energy. This takes place in the mitochondria. In these powerhouses of the cell, oxygen drives oxidative phosphorylation. This produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a valuable source of energy that drives all biological and metabolic functions. The visible consequences of energy loss The skin needs ATP for renewal, protection, and regeneration. Environmental stress, an unbalanced lifestyle, and the aging process reduce oxygen availability. And that slows down the “machine”—the mitochondria. Less energy also means a reduction in cell functions. This can then be seen externally: the complexion loses its radiance, elasticity decreases, and regeneration slows down. The skin not only looks tired. It is tired – at the cellular level. Oxygenation – the next generation Instead of supplying oxygen (chemically O2) only superficially, Biologique Recherche has chosen a different approach. The VIP O2 complex is a concept that helps the skin make better use of the oxygen already present. Mitochondrial respiration is reactivated precisely where it is declining. In the mitochondria, i.e., the place where oxygen is converted into energy and where the metabolic breakdown process begins. ATP production is optimized – without generating additional oxidative stress. Oxygenation – Energy boost for the skin The patented oxygen complex, developed by Biologique Recherche’s own research and development department, was formulated on the basis of melatonin and reinforced by two co-bioactive ingredients that amplify the body’s own signals. Products formulated with the VIP O2 complex target the three key constants of healthy skin: moisture, radiance, and texture. This is because a strengthened skin barrier can better fulfill its protective function while maintaining optimal moisture levels in the epidermis. By improving energetic processes, the skin gains evenness and radiance. These are the visible signs that balance has been restored. All VIP O2 products ensure the oxygenation of the skin: Cleansing milk Lait VIP O2 is the first step in your skincare routine. It is a fresh, light cleansing milk that emulsifies impurities and even waterproof makeup. All dirt particles that impair the skin’s oxygen supply and promote oxidative stress are thoroughly removed.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Airbrush Foundation and Blur Primer from Huda Beauty

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Airbrushing is a very special makeup technique. It involves spraying foundation or other products onto the skin using air pressure from an airbrush gun. The atomization process makes the makeup about seven times finer than when applied normally. The advantage of the sprayed mist of color is a beautiful, even complexion without streaks or irregularities. Now you can achieve exactly that without an airbrush gun and all the hassle that goes with it. Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation by Huda Beauty is a weightless, realistic filter foundation that has an ultra-soft, smoothing effect and creates an easy airbrush finish. Natural finish as if airbrushed Depending on the application, it can be used to achieve medium coverage that can be built up further. What is particularly appealing about Airbrush Foundation is its light, serum-like texture, which contains 1.5 percent skin-smoothing niacinamide and pore-refining silica. From the extensive color palette of 29 shades, you can find exactly the right foundation shade to match your complexion and also the skin undertone. II opted for “Latte 300N with Neutral Undertones.” It blends into my skin as if it were made especially for it and can also be applied perfectly in specific areas where it is really needed on the face. It is a foundation that is easy to apply and blend and can hardly be felt on the skin. 3 tips for an extra even complexion First use the Easy Blur Primer from Huda Beauty as a base for an long-lasting effect. Huda recommends using an amount about the size of two finger lengths for the entire face. Apply Easy Blur Foundation with a brush. This makes it easy to blend into the skin. Set your makeup with Loose Setting & Baking Powder for the ultimate long-lasting airbrush finish. Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation with Niacinamide from Huda Beauty, 1 oz, 39 euros Soft focus effect with the primer Huda Beauty’s Easy Blur Primer is a silicone-free foundation with instant oil control and a soft-focus finish. It has what is known as a blur effect. I’ve explained it several times on my blog, but here’s a reminder: blur means “soft focus effect.” Blur cosmetics work like a kind of Photoshop, visually smoothing the skin and minimizing imperfections such as pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Special ingredients or textures are used for this purpose, which “blur” the skin’s surface and create a flawless, natural finish. The finest, delicately covering powder particles or special polymers provide optical smoothing.… weiterlesen

Which magnesium do you take? The right one!

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It is a mineral that performs vital functions in the human body and is involved in over 300 metabolic reactions. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot produce it themselves. For this reason, we must ensure that we get our daily requirement through food or take it as a dietary supplement. But not all magnesium is the same. Magnesium is available in capsules, tablets, powder, liquids, and effervescent tablets. Many of us already take supplements like these. The range on offer is huge. However, it is important to choose the right mineral compound, as this determines how well the body can absorb the magnesium. Organic and inorganic compounds Since magnesium never occurs in its pure form in nature, it needs a chemical compound in which the mineral is bound to other elements or molecules. This compound influences its bioavailability, i.e., how well the body can utilize it. A distinction is usually made between organic (e.g., magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate) and inorganic forms (e.g., magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate). Organic compounds consist of magnesium and an organic molecule. This is often an amino acid or an organic acid. Examples include magnesium citrate (with citrate), magnesium glycinate (with glycine), and magnesium taurate (with taurine). Organic compounds are generally very well absorbed by the body. Not only are they easier to absorb, they are also better tolerated. Inorganic compounds, on the other hand, can provide a very high magnesium content, but often have poorer bioavailability and are sometimes more difficult to digest. Here, the magnesium has an inorganic partner, e.g., magnesium oxide or magnesium carbonate. Many products therefore combine different magnesium compounds to take advantage of their respective benefits. DaFab, for example, uses a 7-fold magnesium complex. Biogena also combines seven different magnesium compounds in “Siebensalz® Magnesium.” Natural Elements has incorporated five high-quality forms into its magnesium capsules. It is therefore essential to take a closer look at the ingredients before purchasing a magnesium product. Brief explanation: 7 compounds – 7 advantages Magnesium bisglycinate: Well tolerated and highly bioavailable. By binding to the amino acid glycine, it supports muscle and nerve function and is particularly suitable for regeneration and restful sleep. Magnesium citrate: Rapidly absorbed and particularly effective for energy metabolism. Magnesium malate: Contributes to energy metabolism, as malate is part of the citric acid cycle. Particularly suitable for people suffering from fatigue and exhaustion. Magnesium taurinate: Combines magnesium with the amino acid taurine. Used primarily in connection with muscle relaxation and cardiovascular function, it can also have an antispasmodic effect.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Cracked Lips? 3 natural products for the winter

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The cold winter weather outdoors and dry heated air indoors are extremely challenging for the lips. Unlike the rest of the skin on the face, the lips do not have sebaceous glands to protect them from external influences. The skin on the lips cannot form its own protective layer of oil, so it relies on external care. In addition, moisture from saliva or drinks can further dry out the lips. This results in dry and sometimes cracked lips. This can be quite painful, as the skin here is particularly sensitive to irritation due to numerous nerve endings. Simply applying lipstick to cover up the problem is not an ideal solution either. After all, what color looks good on cracked skin? None!!! Revitalizing sugar & coconut Lippen-Peeling from The Today Project A lip scrub—used regularly—helps to “heal” dryness and cracks and prevents them from occurring in the first place. Sugar crystals, coconut oil, and glycerin make the delicate skin smooth, soft, and nourished by removing impurities and dead cells. Xylitol (also known as birch sugar or xylitol) is responsible for removing dead skin cells. It tastes similar to sugar but has fewer calories. Xylitol preserves and moisturizes the lips. Fractionated coconut oil is a light, moisturizing oil that softens the lips without leaving an unpleasant greasy feeling. The moisturizer glycerin provides the skin with intensive moisture. It’s easy to use: apply daily or as needed. I use it all day long because it leaves my lips feeling smoother and more nourished, and my favorite red lipstick always looks perfect. Simply massage a small amount of the product gently into your lips using circular movements. Remove any excess with a cotton pad. Then apply lip balm or lipstick. The glass container of the lip scrub, like all other containers from The Today Project, is reusable and can be returned to the point of sale. Revitalizing sugar & coconut Lippen-Peeling by The Today Project, 15 ml, 27 Euro Anti-Aging Lip Care from That’s Me Organic The lip balm is particularly beneficial in dry heated air or cold weather. Various plant substances help to protect the lips from external influences. The combination of shea butter, candelilla wax, and beeswax forms a nourishing protective film on the lips. In addition, hyaluronic acid ensures plump, supple lips, while aloe vera soothes and regenerates. Organic shea butter, plant oils, and natural waxes protect against dehydration and environmental influences.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: New! Suprême Absolu line from Payot

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Suprême Absolu—the name alone conveys a touch of luxury. And the dark purple packaging also looks very elegant. “A symbol of serene, self-confident femininity,” says Payot. Indeed, it is a color that radiates calm and serenity. No less exquisite is the content of the five skincare products in the new anti-aging line, which I had the opportunity to test. The aim is to reactivate the skin’s radiance, strengthen its natural defenses, and visibly and sustainably rejuvenate the complexion. Suprême Absolu a sensory experience The first thing I notice is the silky textures that seem to melt delicately on the skin. Behind this lies the expertise of the Payot laboratories with their scientific precision. Their ambition is to constantly develop innovative formulas that deliver visible results after just a short time. Incidentally, the brand was founded in 1920 by Dr. Nadia Payot, a Parisian dermatologist. The “DNA” of the Suprême Absolu line is an innovative integral magnolia complex, a rare and potent plant ingredient. It supports the essential functionsof the skin. In addition, each of the five products contains plant collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. Suprême Absolu Crème Jeunesse for day and night The anti-aging cream can be used during the day and/or at night. I apply it to my face and neck. The comfortable texture is rich in fatty acids. Beeswax stores water in the epidermis. At the same time, the skin’s hydrolipid film is strengthened, protecting it from external influences. With regular use, I believe my skin is visibly more radiant. Suprême Absolu Crème Jeunesse, 50 ml, 120 euros Suprême Absolu Crème Riche Jeunesse for dry skin You want a little more richness from your day/night care? Then Suprême Absolu Crème Riche Jeunesse is the right choice. It has been specially developed for dry skin. Its nutrient cocktail is a combination of beeswax, shea butter, and elderberry seed oil. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients and provides intense comfort. If you’re wondering what beeswax does, it forms a protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture and prevents it from evaporating. Although beeswax has water-repellent properties, it can attract water molecules from the air and release them onto the skin. This ensures long-lasting hydration without clogging the pores. Suprême Absolu Crème Riche Jeunesse, 50 ml, 120 euros Suprême Absolu Crème Yeux Jeunesse cares for her eyes and lashes This delicate cream, specially formulated for the sensitive eye area, helps to visibly reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark circles and eliminate traces of fatigue.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Remodeling Trio by Eisenberg Paris

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Remodeling in anti-aging care means visibly lifting, tightening, and regenerating. This requires highly effective formulas and the interaction of ingredients. That’s why it makes sense to choose the products you want to use from a single series. This is called synergy effects. That’s why I tested all three of Eisenberg’s remodeling products. These are: The Eye Serum, Crème Raffermissante Remodelante, and Masque Tenseur Remodelant. Together, they are designed to combat the eight most important signs of skin aging and fatigue, reduce loss of firmness and elasticity, and revitalize the skin. The effect: the skin feels firmer, is more supple, intensely moisturized, and gains radiance. Eye contour remodeling The Eye Serum is a fresh, water-based serum. Highly concentrated in biospheres, it adapts to the eye contour and provides comfort throughout the day. Its anti-aging effect for the eye area: the serum moisturizes, smooths drooping eyelids and wrinkles, and improves microcirculation and elasticity. At the same time, it has a decongestant and brightening effect to reduce the depth and dark coloration of dark circles under the eyes. The serum’s highly concentrated, multifunctional formula consists of vitamins, plant extracts, and peptides. These include green tea, which has powerful antioxidant properties thanks to its high content of polyphenols, particularly catechins. By protecting collagen and elastin fibers, it helps to maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Rice peptides and albizia extracts are used to stimulate collagen production, which also strengthens the skin barrier and can even combat sagging of the upper eyelid. Grape seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C. The light, quickly absorbed oil provides the skin with plenty of moisture and helps prevent it from drying out. Last but not least, euphrasia extract soothes irritation and redness, reduces swelling, and shrinks pores thanks to its astringent effect. I also like how easy it is to use. The bottle with a dropper allows for precise and hygienic application and protects the texture throughout use. I apply one pump to the cleansed eye area and upper eyelid in the morning and evening. Then I follow up with Crème Raffermissante Remodelante, as it is my multitasking skincare product for the face, neck, and eye contour. The multitasking skincare cream Crème Raffermissante Remodelante combats tired, dull, and devitalized skin with its highly active vitamin formula. It remodels facial volume, plumps, firms, and lifts.… weiterlesen

Do You Sleep Poorly? Do You Have Neck Pain?

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Sleep disturbances caused by neck pain are a common problem. Approximately 25 percent of adults suffer from sleep disturbances. For half of them, it is neck pain that prevents them from falling asleep or wakes them up several times during the night. Not to mention the morning after… Very few people know what role the pillow plays in this. Pain in the neck occurs when the muscular balance is disturbed. This can have various causes. A typical example of tension building up can be sitting for long periods with your head tilted forward—such as sitting in front of a computer screen at a non-ergonomic workstation or looking at your cell phone for long periods of time. Poor posture while driving also increases the strain on the neck. Lack of exercise and stress do the rest. Such tension can extend to the shoulder area or the back of the head and trigger headaches. Waking up in the morning with a headache could be an indication of nighttime tension. Sleep affects our health If your head and neck are not properly supported at night, your muscles remain tense, causing pain in the morning. That’s why it’s worth investing in a good mattress and a suitable pillow to ensure that your head is in the correct ergonomic position. The right pillow compensates for the height between the mattress and your head. The spine should be as straight as possible when sleeping, so the mattress should allow the shoulders and pelvis to sink in sufficiently and yield at specific points. A mattress that is too hard, too soft, or worn out can lead to poor posture and contribute to tension in the neck muscles during sleep. What type of sleeper are you? Not all pillows are the same, because it depends on your individual sleeping position. Different requirements need to be taken into account for back, side, and stomach sleepers: Side sleepers They need a firm pillow that provides good support and compensates for the distance between the head and shoulder. The cervical spine should be in a straight line with the pelvis. If the pillow is too thin or too soft, it will cause the head to sink too far down. On the other hand, a pillow that is too thick will tilt the head upward, which can also cause neck pain. The back sleeper For people who sleep on their backs, it is important not to bend the neck too far forward.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Polynucleotides in Royal Fern’s “PN Booster Serum”

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Polynucleotides, or PN for short, represent the new generation of skin regeneration at the cellular level. In dermatological practice, they are already a proven treatment for restoring skin vitality and repairing cellular damage.  What exactly are polynucleotides? Polynucleotides are naturally occurring molecules found in our cells. These long polymers, consisting of many interconnected nucleotides, are the building blocks of DNA/RNA, i.e., the carriers of genetic information. They play a crucial role in cellular repair and regeneration processes. For use in aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides are obtained from processed natural sources such as fish DNA. They stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and can be used to treat scars and improve skin structure. Biostimulating skin care Munich-based dermatologist Dr. Timm Golueke has incorporated this renewal principle into a serum for his Royal Fern skincare line. He was inspired to do so by the positive experiences he has had with polynucleotide treatments in his practice. This innovative facial serum is based on specialized polynucleotides and effective bio-stimulators that revitalize the skin and strengthen it from within. When used regularly, the serum improves skin elasticity, restores tissue firmness, and refines the skin’s structure over time. A blend of antioxidants, including the patented Royal Fern Complex, protects againstfree radicals, while carefully selected enzymes strengthen the skin’s barrier function. “PN Boosting Serum marks a new era in proactive skin rejuvenation,” says Dr. Timm Golueke, dermatologist and founder of Royal Fern. “With its unique combination of polynucleotides and biostimulating ingredients, this formula not only addresses the visible signs of aging, but also strengthens the skin so that it can regenerate from within.” Lightweight and intensely nourishing The serum is transparent and light, and comes in a salmon-colored dispenser. Nevertheless, it provides intensive care. I was able to integrate it into my usual skincare routine without any problems. It absorbs quickly, is non-greasy, and is economical to use. And who wouldn’t want to benefit from the new polynucleotide science when the result is visibly smoother, firmer, and more resilient skin? „PN Booster Serum“ from Royal Fern, 30 ml,180 Euro… weiterlesen