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.

Success Story: From Hair Designer To Renowned Artist

The success story of an impressive woman. People like to be inspired by remarkable role models, and the talented artist Ursula Gerber is undoubtedly one of them. Her success story is an inspiring life journey. For many years, she ran a thriving business as a hair designer with more than 400 regular customers and was regarded as a sought-after point of contact in her industry. Her remarkable journey from hair salon to renowned artist reveals a fascinating transformation. In April 2020, Ursula felt the need to do a health check on her body for the first time. Despite always being happy with her health and surviving injuries, this month proved to be a turning point. On April 11, 2020, she went for a stress ECG at 4.30 pm with a specialist in Berlin, whose practice was located near Tempelhof Airport – a place for leisure activities and cultural experiences alike. She happily sat down on the grass and jumped because the exercise ECG showed good values. During one of these jumps, she slipped into a hole and injured herself on dirt and stones. Two days later, Ursula went to see her general practitioner and coronavirus specialist, who carried out tests at Charité and was on the coronavirus vaccination committee. While putting on her shoes, she noticed redness on her leg and asked the doctor to take a quick look at it. Success story with a painful beginning The doctor immediately admitted Ursula to the intensive care unit. The route led via the emergency ward, and it took a while to find a room during the corona period. The conditions in the emergency ward were catastrophic and Ursula felt completely isolated. Fortunately, she was given a single room due to her comprehensive insurance. Although the doctors confirmed that she was doing well, her injuries deteriorated rapidly. Ursula’s leg became more and more red, blisters formed, and within a very short time a type of erysipelas developed. The doctors were aware of this unusual case. The only effective treatment was penicillin, which Ursula started immediately. Unfortunately, the penicillin injections were not accepted by her veins and so she was transferred to the intensive care unit. Despite days of effort, the medication had no effect. On the contrary, the situation deteriorated constantly, accompanied by terrible pain, immobility of the leg and numerous therapies. No success story in sight yet! The ordeal lasted several weeks, during which Ursula experienced panic-stricken fears.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Cover Cream “Body Coverage Perfector” from Eelhoe

A cover cream for the body that invisibly covers spider veins, tattoos, scars and anything else you don’t want to show and is also waterproof. At least that’s what the Orgrul brand promised on social media with impressive before-and-after examples. Sounded interesting at first, so I ordered the product. The price was also okay. But… Fooled again! For me, Eelhoe’s cover cream is yet more proof that the World Wide Web is full of lies and manipulation on social media. And it is patient. I wanted to cover a darkly pigmented, larger spot on my left forearm that had developed after a deeper injury. Cover cream for every skin tone I read the following about the cover cream: natural and healthy ingredients. But I can’t find out what these are. It also provides the skin with various moisturizing factors that give the surface a natural glow. The product is waterproof and the coverage lasts all day. The color adapts to the skin and is suitable for all skin tones. I also read the application instructions carefully and followed them religiously: Cleanse the skin. Apply the cover cream to the areas to be covered using your fingers or a larger brush. Then leave the product to dry on the skin for ten minutes. If more coverage is required, a second layer can be applied, which should also be left to dry for 10 minutes. Finally, wipe over the treated area with a paper towel, towel or glove to remove excess Cover Cream – until nothing “rubs off”. Texture much too light So far, so good. The texture of the cream that I squeeze out of the purple tube seems very light to me – too light for my naturally tinted skin. But it is supposed to adapt to every color type. So I apply it with my fingertips to the darkly pigmented area on my forearm. The cover cream forms a very light, almost white patch. I wait the prescribed 10 minutes. Nothing changes. Then I carefully wipe my forearm with a soft guest towel to remove any product residue. And what emerges? The dark spot, clearly visible, is covered by a fine white layer. It hasn’t disappeared, as the manufacturer shows in various photos. The skin must be very white for the color of the cover cream to match. I suspect Photoshop sends its regards in the before and after photos!… weiterlesen

Peach Fuzz – 2024 Is All About “Peach”

Peach fuzz, or more precisely Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, is the official color of the year 2024. It is a velvety-soft peach shade that we will encounter again and again this year in many areas, in fashion, accessories, graphics and various design areas. But where does the trend come from? Peach Fuzz was named color of the year by Pantone, which is why you will be seeing “peach” more often this year, and not just in the form of juicy fruit. The fashion and accessories sector in particular likes to take its cue from the annual “it” colors. But who or what is Pantone to dictate a color to us so easily? Pantone is an American company that was founded in New York in 1962. It has developed a color system that is used worldwide. It helps to considerably simplify communication about color matching, particularly in the production of printed matter and textiles. The standardized colors each have a number and designation and can therefore be assigned at any time. Incidentally, Pantone is an artificial word made up of pan (Greek πᾶν, “all-encompassing”) and tone (English color tone). The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is based on 18 basic colors that are mixed together in various proportions to produce all the other colors in the system. It now comprises thousands of shades. The colors are presented in fan form (the Pantone Formula Guides) and in ring binder form (Pantone Solid Chips Books). Enjoy warmth with Peach Fuzz For 23 years, the Color Institute has selected a new color for each year. In 2023, for example, it was “Viva Magenta”. This year it is “Peach Fuzz”, a shade between pink and orange that conveys warmth. A color with a vintage atmosphere that reflects the past on the one hand, but also has a contemporary appeal in a modern interpretation. Peach Fuzz represents our desire to take care of ourselves and others. “In developing a shade that reflects our inherent longing for closeness and connection, we chose a color that radiates warmth and modern elegance. This shade radiates compassion, is like a tangible embrace and effortlessly bridges the gap between youthfulness and timelessness,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Institute, explains why Peach Fuzz was chosen as Pantone Color of the Year 2024: “At a time when so many areas of our lives are characterized by unrest and turmoil, our need for care, empathy and compassion is becoming ever stronger – as are our ideas of a more peaceful future.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Model skin for everyone with “The Model Mask” from MGM Models

„Model skin for Everyone“ is the motto of the new skincare range from Germany’s largest model agency MGM Models. With 1,500 models, it is also one of Europe’s leading agencies in the industry. Well-known top models such as Kate Upton and Chrissy Teigen started their careers here. Last fall, the luxury skincare brand MGM Cosmetics launched a total of three skincare lines. The twelve Modelskin products are divided into different age groups: Everyday 16-25 years, Advanced 25-40 years and Supreme 35- 60 years. This covers the different skin needs of all ages – from extremely young skin, which requires a lower lipid content, to more mature skin with anti-ageing requirements. “The topic of skin health has been with me my entire career as a model agent, because models can’t have bad skin. I was always on the lookout for good skincare and ultimately developed it myself. Our high professional standards for healthy and beautiful skin are fulfilled in this particularly effective skincare range,” says Marco Sinervo, CEO von MGM Models. Medical expertise But where does the head of a modeling agency get the expertise for skin care? Of course, the products were developed after many years of research in a renowned German laboratory. But more importantly, the medical expert behind MGM Cosmetics is the renowned Hamburg dermatologist Dr. Anna Brandenburg. She confirms: “MGM Cosmetics is a very effective and well-founded skincare concept with highly effective ingredients of the purest quality. The different needs of the skin can be optimally taken into account by the different series and bring the maximum effect for the user. The product range is clear and easy to use and contains everything you need for healthy skin. The topic of SPF is also well solved by the UV protection.” Model skin with “The Model Mask“ It is the highlight of the Skincare line. It was originally developed for models as a beauty booster before photo shoots and fashion shows. It has a pore-refining effect and reduces redness, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, the mask immediately ensures visibly smoother and firmer skin and a youthful, vital and fresh complexion. What’s inside? Aloe vera, zinc oxide, vitamin E, multimolecular hyaluronic acid, Spilanthes paracress extract, vitamin C, Syn-Ake, amino acids (proline, arginine, alanine), argan oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, rutin. Syn-Ake is often referred to as a natural Botox alternative. The synthetic active ingredient was developed by Swiss researchers and won the Swiss Technology Award in 2006.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Lip plumper „Chili & Ginger“ from Hipi Faible

Lip plumper – that’s the promise of beautifully full lips without the need for a beauty doctor to pull out a syringe. The volume booster from Hipi Faible promises natural plumping with “Chilli & Ginger”. Incidentally, Hipi Faible is the start-up of Dr. Julia and Peter Adams from Koblenz, who use their expertise in skincare to focus exclusively on lip care. That’s very appealing. And then the entire collection of this organic lip care is “Made in Germany” and is the only label in the world to contain certified organic wool wax (sustainable, animal-friendly extraction). World first: certified organic wool wax The skin on the lips is sensitive and thin. Especially in winter, when it is extremely stressed by the cold outside and the dry heating air in closed rooms, it needs rich care. Otherwise it dries out and becomes brittle. This is where organic wool wax (lanolin) comes into play, with a content of over 80 percent in all Hipi Faible products. Thanks to its similar structure to skin oil, it has the ability to significantly reduce skin roughness within an hour. It has a moisturizing and skin-caring effect. The lanolin works semi-occlusively, so to speak. This means that it is absorbed slowly and enables the skin to better absorb other care ingredients. It also forms an effective protective layer on the skin of the lips, protecting it from the loss of oil and moisture as well as warding off harmful environmental stimuli. The organic wool wax is supported by other high-quality care ingredients such as organic shea butter and organic jojoba oil. The brand completely dispenses with mineral oil extracts – as often found in conventional lip care – as well as parabens, PEGs, silicones, phthalates, microplastics and synthetic fragrances. It also contains neither synthetic preservatives nor unnecessary fillers. The hot chili lip plumper The “Chili & Ginger” lip plumper balm from Hipi Faible is a really spicy piece. With its two fiery oils from the organic chili pepper and ginger tuber, it stimulates blood circulation in the skin of the lips. Due to the content of 1 % ginger extract and 1 % chili extract, the plumper has a total content of capsaicinoids of 0.03 %. Capsaicinoids are the substances responsible for the hot, burning taste of certain spices. If you are sensitive, you should first slowly check out the distinct sharpness. First test the lip plumper with a small amount on a spot on the lips to see what you can tolerate.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Tinted Primer “VB x Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden“

Two professionals have come together for the tinted primer. One is Victoria Beckham, a style icon when it comes to looks. The other, Professor Augustinus Bader, a world-renowned biomedical scientist and one of the leading experts in the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. He has provided the substantive know-how with his power ingredient TCF8, on which his own Augustinus Bader skincare line is also based. Primer for a sunkissed look The result of the collaboration between the two is a moisturizing primer that improves the appearance of pores and small imperfections in the skin while also providing an instant bronze glow. The product is always sold out on Victoria Beckham’s online portal. That’s why I was lucky enough to be able to get hold of at least a 15 ml vial for testing. Because the 30 ml and 50 ml versions were already sold out again. “In collaboration with Victoria Beckham and her team, we have developed this amazing new serum that applies the physiology of healthy skin and protects the skin’s barrier function. All the know-how is based on the science of what our skin cells really need to function optimally.” Prof. Augustinus Bader The gold-colored primer is actually a little miracle cure. At first I was worried that it might make my complexion too shiny, which I don’t like at all. Not at all. Just a few drops of the golden texture make it smooth and radiant. The pores appear smaller, wrinkles and lines minimized. As the saying goes – and by now somewhat overused – the skin gets the coveted sunkissed glow. Multitasker for You can apply the primer to bare skin for a natural glow or under make-up as a warm, illuminating primer. It can also be mixed with foundation and body cream for an all-over glow from head to toe. „For an extra luminous glow, use an additional pump of Golden Priming Moisturizer over make up on the high points of the face including the cheekbones, along the nose, and above the Cupid’s bow.“ Victoria Beckham Prof. Bader’s primer formula is based on his TFC8 technology and a blend of highly effective, sustainably sourced botanicals and vitamins for long-lasting skin radiance. All Bader products contain clean, biotechnologically produced active ingredients to reduce the environmental impact as much as possible. They do not contain any harmful ingredients. The skin care is 100 percent free of parabens, fragrances, SLS, SLES, DEA, heavy metals, talc and petrolatum/paraffin/mineral oil.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Needle-free skin rejuvenation “Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Mask” by La Prairie

Overnight skin rejuvenation without needles at the beauty doc. What woman over the age of a teenager wouldn’t want that? But boah – the price of the new anti-ageing mask for the night makes me gasp – well over 1000 euros. But…isn’t it Christmas again already!!! I try to mentally justify the high price for the new rejuvenation concept to myself. After all, when you buy it you get two-in-one, so to speak, two products from La Prairie’s exquisite Platinum Rare line: 12 vials with a highly effective concentrate and a rich, pink-colored mask in a jar that is applied like a night cream, without the hassle of washing it off or washing it off again. In a nutshell: the “Haute-Rejuvenation Mask” is the ultimate in luxury, containing a wealth of the latest high-tech beauty know-how. The design of the brand new member of the Platinum Rare family is ultra-stylish and cool. Even the unboxing of the typical silver-colored La Prairie box is an event in itself: two layers, each with six of the precious grey vials, embedded in a matching case with a ribbon for easy removal. The lower part of the box reveals a cream jar with a silver-colored lid, and the iconic diamond-shaped insert for the cream shimmers in light purple. There is also a small, compact silver spoon for removing the texture. Finally, a small, black-bound booklet explains how to use the needle-free skin rejuvenation treatment. Anti-ageing without needles Proven aesthetic medical treatments were the inspiration for the two-stage rejuvenation skin care, which makes it possible to completely avoid invasive treatment of the skin. It is based on the innovative Macro-Infusion technology. It is a special coating process that allows large molecules such as hyaluronic acid and collagen to pass through the skin barrier. Until now, this was only possible with the help of aesthetic procedures. In addition, there are key active ingredients that La Prairie has spent a long time researching, such as Platinum Multi-Peptides and the exclusive Cellular Complex. The aim of haute rejuvenation science is to achieve a rejuvenated appearance of the skin in the long term. Skin rejuvenation in two steps My skin is cleansed and so ready for a needle-free rejuvenation. A lengthy general anesthetic that I have just undergone has not only taken its toll on my body, but also on my complexion. It looks restless, tired, exhausted and dehydrated. The first step is called recharge: I unscrew the small cap of the gray vial and press the plunger on the other end to activate it.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: “Royal Fern Retinol Solution” by Dr. Timm Golüke

Retinol – as often as I have already written about this active ingredient, I thought to myself that there simply couldn’t be anything new about it. It is one of the most proven and scientifically recognized substances in medicine and also in skin care. New products are coming onto the market all the time, but they are as similar as two peas in a pod. Hardly any skincare line today does not have a retinol product in its portfolio. Sometimes they contain a little more or a little less of the proven anti-ageing substance or they are based on different derivatives of vitamin A acid. Retinol in a different way Munich dermatologist Dr. Timm Golüke takes a different approach with his new “Retinol Solution”. It is also designed to smooth and firm the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. The serum minimizes fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation spots, making the complexion appear more even. To achieve this, Golüke uses various substances and technologies. “Retinol Solution” could be described as a multitasking anti-ageing serum. Its main ingredients are vegan. It combines firming retinol with brightening glycolic acid. The main active ingredient itself is an encapsulated complex with time-release technology. This means that the concentrated vitamin A embedded in liposomes is transported deep into the skin before releasing its effect there continuously over 12 hours. In addition, there is an innovative mushroom extract that plumps up the skin from the inside. It counteracts irritation and makes the retinol serum compatible with most skin types. Probiotics for the skin’s microbiome Another particularly innovative aspect of the anti-ageing serum are the probiotics, which strengthen the barrier function, increase the moisture content and reduce inflammation. If the skin is irritated, it is soothed as a result. But what exactly are probiotics? Probiotics are living microorganisms, i.e. good bacteria. Probiotic ingredients in a skincare product therefore have a positive effect on the skin’s microbiome and can bring it back into balance. “I am delighted to introduce our most powerful serum yet. The Retinol Solution combines effective ingredients in a unique way, and your skin will look better than ever before.” Dr.Timm Golüke Red and yellow The appearance alone sets “Retinol Solution” apart from its competitors. Instead of being packaged in a dull, brown pharmacy bottle, the serum shines in a red frosted glass bottle. The texture, which comes out of the pipette in precise droplets, is bright yellow (the natural color of vitamin A!).… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Innovative moisture for the hair “Hydrating Drops” from La Biosthetique

My hair could do with some moisture, as my silver strands have to be bleached regularly. The texture of the hair suffers noticeably and it feels dry. But frequent heat styling – which I avoid as much as possible for the sake of my hair – or environmental influences also cause it to dry out and become brittle. Moisture drop by drop The “Hydrating Drops” from La Biosthetique are the ideal solution for me. Drop by drop, they quench the thirst of my dehydrated hair. They consist of a combination of long and short-chain hyaluronic acids with red seaweed. It is supposed to moisturize the hair structure from the inside and repair the cuticle. In this way, the moisture remains trapped inside. As a result, the hair gains elasticity and vitality. Pure or mixed I use the drops depending on the situation. In an SOS situation when my hair needs a lot of moisture or when I have to do something quickly, I use them as a leave-in moisturizer for my daily routine. I don’t have to rinse it out and can start the day straight away. Or I apply it to towel-dried hair after washing, again without rinsing. You can also use the “Hydrating Drops” as a care booster to intensify your hair care. They are then added to the hair mask or conditioner in a mixing ratio of 3:10. Mix both well, leave to work in as usual and then rinse out. In any case, thanks to the “good droplets”, my hair is optimally moisturized, feels soft and nourished, but retains its grip. Neutral in color and odor I also like the consistency of the innovative drops. It is a colorless-transparent liquid, but not too liquid. I test it on the back of my hand: it comes out of the dispenser drop by drop without “blurring” on the skin. The drops are odorless and can be optimally distributed in the hair. And importantly, they are not unpleasantly sticky on the hands. Moisturizing drops “Structure Repair Hydrating Drops” by La Biosthetique , 30 ml, 38 euros… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Make-up palette “Here You Glow” by Loni Baur

Make-up palettes are not really my thing. Half of the colors and products I’ve bought so far have mostly remained unused. The green was too glittery for me, the mascara brush too thick and greasy, the eyebrow pencil far too hard. As a result, many a palette ended up in the bin at some point. Anything but economical and environmentally friendly. That’s right! That’s why I haven’t bought a palette for a long time. Make-up palette by Loni Baur Why I have now broken my resolution is down to Loni Baur. As a beauty journalist, I have experienced her live as a make-up artist on many occasions. I admire her know-how, creativity and expertise. She is one of the most successful German make-up artists for good reason. Loni has been creating looks for Fashion Weeks for 25 years, has done make-up for stars such as Charlène of Monaco, Gigi Hadid and Lenny Kravitz and has worked with well-known designers and renowned magazines. In April 2022, she launched her own make-up line LONI BAUR. She is a make-up artist with a huge amount of experience in make-up and looks. That’s why I was so excited about her own beauty products and simply had to make an exception for her palette. Loni on her collection: “I have set myself the goal of making all my experience and knowledge of what makes a look special and how to achieve it accessible to everyone. The individual steps are super easy to recreate and require no prior professional knowledge.“ Two palettes, endless looks Loni Baur actually has two palettes in her make-up line: “The Face Edition 01 – Here You Glow”, which I chose, and “The Face Edition 02 – Get Reddy”. The latter contains everything for a modern statement look with red lips and midnight blue eyeliner – cool for daytime as well as for a glamorous evening look. Both palettes contain everything you need for a complete professional look. Incidentally, I didn’t imagine them to be so large – they are more of a “make-up table” than a simple make-up palette as you would normally expect. I want “Glow” My “Here You Glow” palette with its soft peach tones is perfect for a natural glowy look with soft peach tones that I can use for every day, but also for special occasions. It contains 12 brilliant products in great, all-day-all-night colors: powder bronzer, blush and highlighter, blush stick, three powder eyeshadows, brow pencil duo, eye pencil duo, mascara, nude couture lipstick and a transparent brow gel.… weiterlesen

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