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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.

Los Angeles – The Beauty And The Beast

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Los Angeles is one of the cities I have traveled to the most. Mainly because of a very dear, longtime friend who lives in Santa Monica. For this reason, I have been able to observe the transformation of the Californian metropolis from the past to the present more closely. My recent visit to Los Angeles left me feeling quite emotional. Sure, it is still a fascinating city with many beautiful facets. And yet many things have changed for the worse due to the political situation, economic changes and environmental disasters. Los Angeles – The Beauty Los Angeles, the city of angels, is spoiled with endless days of sunshine. It has wonderful, long beaches, great stores, countless restaurants with cuisine from all over the world, green spaces, modern architecture next to beautiful, old buildings, and the people, at least most of them, are friendly, open-minded and helpful. There is a fitness, Pilates or yoga studio on every corner. Sport and looking good have always been top priorities in Los Angels. Angelenos jog on the beach, sweat on Pilates reformers and flock to the workout studio early in the morning in skimpy knickers and crop tops. The water bottle is always tucked under their arm. And then the aha moments that leave me amazed. A foretaste of the future catches up with me here every day in Los Angeles. Cash is hardly needed anymore. Everything is paid for by app or card. On the roads, you come across white cars without drivers several times a day. They are called Waymo. These self-driving cars are a test model that has just been launched by Jaguar in Santa Monica and the surrounding area as far as West Hollywood. Locals claim that Uber is no longer safe after several assaults on passengers, and Jaguar’s driverless cars are supposed to solve the problem. Download the app, order Waymo and enter your destination. And off you go. Another aha moment for me: I am often overtaken by small red or other colored boxes on the sidewalk, depending on the operator. These self-driving “Cocos” or “Briannas” bring orders from restaurants to their customers’ homes. A relief, especially for older people who can neither drive a car nor walk well. Los Angeles – The Beast But there are also the downsides of the 3.9 million metropolis. Everything has become extremely expensive in Los Angeles. Hotel costs of $400 per night are no exception and often don’t even justify the high price.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Skin Barrier Protection Serum “Barrier Solution” by Royal Fern Skincare

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A strong skin barrier is important for healthy skin. The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outer layer of the skin. It consists mainly of lipids (fats) and dead skin cells. Its role is to act as the first line of defense against external influences by storing water and thus protecting the skin from drying out. It also prevents harmful substances and pathogens from penetrating the skin. If the skin barrier is damaged, this can lead to sensitive skin. Strengthen the skin barrier “Barrier Solution” could be described as a kind of high-tech protective suit for the skin. And these days, our skin really needs it. We often put our skin through far too much on a daily basis. This can be due to various factors, such as highly concentrated active ingredients, frequent exfoliation, or too much sun. Some things can overwhelm it. That’s why it needs strengthening and protection. The serum promotes cell turnover and ensures that the moisture supplied can be better stored.  “I developed this innovative serum to boost your skin barrier to its strongest and most radiant level. With a powerful blend of advanced ingredients, the serum delivers exceptional results and transforms your skin’s resilience, hydration, and radiance.” Dr. Timm Golueke, dermatologist & founder of Royal Fern Skincare Advanced serum for the skin barrier The serum consists of an effective blend of state-of-the-art ingredients. It not only provides deep moisture, but also repairs damaged and stressed skin. With regular use, skin looks radiant and becomes more resilient. Dr. Golüke says: “An intact, stable skin barrier is the key to the full development and effectiveness of all beauty products and the first important step in your daily skincare routine.” Key ingredients A 3% ceramide complex strengthens the skin barrier, protects against environmental stressors and influences, and prevents moisture loss to ensure a healthy complexion. Ceramides are essential lipids that help form the outer layer of the skin, retain moisture in the skin, and ward off harmful elements. By increasing ceramide levels, the skin becomes more resistant to external aggressors. des Ceramid-Spiegels wird die Haut widerstandsfähiger gegenüber Aggressoren von außen. NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) provides deep moisture, replenishes the skin’s moisture reserves, and restores the skin’s suppleness and elasticity. The Natural Moisturizing Factor is a mixture of substances that occur naturally in the skin, such as amino acids, lactic acid, urea, and ceramides. Byfida Ferment Lysate is a probiotic obtained through fermentation.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: sun protection from skin expert Chris Farrell

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With ever-increasing UV exposure and growing awareness of skin health, sun protection has become a daily component of a modern skincare routine. The sun protection factor (SPF) protects against the most harmful UV rays. UVA light penetrates deep into the skin, promoting wrinkles, pigmentation spots, and skin cancer. UVB causes sunburn and can also lead to skin cancer. Who or what is Chris Farrell? The brand, best known for its professional studio cosmetics, has proven itself as a skin care specialist for decades. Developed in Germany in 1969 and based in Rheinmünster near Baden Baden, it continues to produce high-quality cosmetic products for the face and body, a make-up line, and products for professional use in SpaCare treatments. It is a holistic “experiential cosmetics” brand based on Chris Farrell’s physiological concept, which is based on the functioning activity of the skin itself. CFC uses only active ingredients that have been proven to be effective. The products are largely preservative-free and contain neither mineral oils nor waxes. Animal testing has not been and will not be carried out for ethical reasons. New: Sun protection from Chris Farrell Cosmetics Drawing on decades of experience, CFC has now launched a Sun Protect line that not only consists of SPF formulas, but also contains active ingredients that accelerate skin tanning or tan without any sun exposure. Aloe vera and plant-based glycerin play a particularly important role in the nourishing formulations. un Protect SPF 30 for face and body is extremely light, easy to apply, and quickly absorbed. With a combination of innovative UV filters, it not only provides effective protection against the sun’s rays, but its nourishing ingredients also provide the skin with intensive moisture. If you have a very fair complexion or are prone to sunburn, always choose a high protection factor. Ideally, sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Clothing provides additional protection. This is especially true between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. It is also important to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. „Sun Protect SPF 30“ by Chris Farrell, 100 ml, 27.90 euros Tanning faster Sun Tan Booster helps the skin tan faster and more intensely by stimulating the body’s own melanin production. At the same time, the skin receives sufficient moisture to remain supple and ensure an even tan. Apply Sun Tan Booster evenly to the skin before sunbathing.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Food supplement as a spray from “The Core We Care”

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Unlike tablets, food supplements in spray form are not absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract. They enter the bloodstream directly via the mucous membranes, which is why they can take effect more quickly and are absorbed by the body in maximum quantities. When comparing the bioavailability of the different dosage forms, the absorption of the tiny spray particles is 80 percent of the active ingredients. In liposomal form it is only 40 percent. Active ingredients dissolved in oil supply the body with 10 percent, and with solids such as capsules it is just 5 percent. Innovative nutritional supplements from the Netherlands The Core We Care vitamin sprays were developed by physician and former Harvard researcher Dr. Louise Lagendijk. Not only are they an innovative form of nutritional supplement, they also look very stylish. No plain tins or plastic containers. The two sprays come in elegant, refillable cases. Handling is simple: turn the bottom half of the cases and the spray head appears at the top. The two sprays can be distinguished by their color. The sand-colored AM is intended for use during the day and the mud-colored PM for use at night. Application is also uncomplicated: Simply spray three puffs under the tongue in the morning and three in the evening. This allows the active ingredients to be absorbed by the body up to nine times faster. No more swallowing tablets, no need for a glass of water, no stomach problems. The attractive sprays are ideal for on the go, at work or when traveling. AM + PM contain only pure, patented ingredients. AM contains B vitamins, iodine and biotin. PM provides vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and DHA from the oil of a microalgae. That’s why the evening ration tastes a little oily and fishy. Not exactly my taste. But a sip of water quickly washes it away. What you won’t find in the formulations: no sugar, no binding agents, no fillers. The active, vegan vitamins and minerals are produced in the Netherlands. The sprays are among the cleanest food supplements on the market. They are said to have a positive effect on energy, psyche, brain function, immune and nervous system. Do you even need food supplements? A balanced diet is the best source of vitamins and minerals. However, studies show that the recommended amount of fruit, vegetables and healthy fats is often not reached. As a result, a nutrient deficiency occurs, which can affect the person both physically and mentally.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Solid Perfumes from Carthusia

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Solid perfumes are perfumes in solid form. Compared to traditional eau de parfums, they do not have a liquid form, but come as a solid balm or wax instead of alcohol, which gives them their solid consistency. As the formula contains no or very little alcohol, Solid Perfumes are suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, which are often prone to allergies. Incidentally, these types of fragrances have a very long history. In ancient Egypt, they were used in religious rituals and beyond. In our country, they are an insider tip. But once you know them, you won’t want to do without them. Solid Perfumes: clean and discrete I particularly like to use solid perfume when traveling. No bottle in my luggage that can leak. They are small, practical and easy to take anywhere. They are also discreet. Solid perfumes are very “polite”. They can be applied quickly and “cleanly”. And at any time of the day, without the typical spray of a liquid fragrance disturbing people in the immediate vicinity. Only one thing is important. You have to protect your scented balm from excessive heat. Because it doesn’t like it! I also find it wonderful that the fragrance often lasts much longer on the skin than is the case with liquid perfumes. The fact that solid perfumes are less volatile than alcohol-based perfumes is due to their waxy base. They are applied with the fingers or an applicator. Wash your hands thoroughly beforehand to avoid contaminating the product. Then warm a small amount of scented balm between your fingertips. As soon as it is soft, you can start applying it to the desired areas. To increase the intensity of the fragrance, it is best to apply the product to areas where the skin is well moisturized. The pulse points where the fragrance warms up naturally are ideal, for example on the inside of the wrists. Or apply to areas of the body that give off the most heat. These include the inside of the knees, the elbow crease, the neck and hairline and the décolleté. If you want the fragrance experience to be more subtle, choose the classic areas for applying fragrances. These are the neck and collarbone. Gently massage in the Solid Perfume until it is completely absorbed. The Solid Perfumes from Carthusia The Solid Perfumes from Carthusia are particularly beautiful and high-quality – if only because of their design.… weiterlesen

Living in big cities: this is how much you have to spend!

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Living in big cities can be quite expensive if you look at the cost of living across Europe. Due to rising food prices, fluctuating energy costs and pressure on the housing market, they will continue to rise. This report highlights the most and least affordable European capitals. They have been assessed according to the cost of living based on local monthly income. Affordable living? To uncover which capitals offer the most comfortable standard of living with the least financial strain relative to monthly income, the team at Tradingpedia compared data from 37 European capitals, taking into account everyday expenses and average monthly salaries. The report provides a comprehensive breakdown of essential expenses, including housing, food, transportation, personal care, and entertainment, to offer a clear picture of affordability across the continent. The complete dataset behind the report is also available on Google Drive via this Link. Affordable living, where else is it possible? According to the price and income comparison, Luxembourg, Bern, and Brussels are Europe’s most affordable capitals, where expenses account for less than 50% of the average monthly income. In contrast, residents of Warsaw and Tirana face the greatest financial burden, with living expenses exceeding average monthly earnings by more than 20%. Here are some key takeaways from the report Luxembourg ranks as the most affordable European capital. A single person spends about €2,237 per month on essentials like rent, food, and transportation, which accounts for just 40.2% of the city’s median wage of €5,590. That leaves residents with €3,353 each month to save or spend. Although Bern is among Europe’s most expensive capitals, it ranks second in terms of affordability. Monthly living costs average €2,540, but this represents only 40.6% of Bern’s median salary, which is also the highest among European capitals at €6,262. Brussels ranks third with costs amounting to just 49.6% of the average monthly wage. A single person spends around €1,376 per month, while the median income stands at €2,773. Warsaw ranks as the least affordable European capital. The average resident earns €1,701, but faces monthly expenses of €2,167, a shortfall of €466. High costs for housing, food, and entertainment strain household budgets. Tirana faces a similar issue to the capital of Poland. Monthly living expenses average €818, while the city’s median wage is only €673. That leaves workers €145 short each month, making it one of the most financially challenging capitals in Europe. When one looks solely at prices, the most expensive European capitals are Reykjavik, London, and Amsterdam with expenses over €2,500, while the least pricey cities are Minsk, Sarajevo, and Moldova’s capital Chişinău where people need between €500 and €650 to cover their expenses.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Sunprotection Stick „L53 Stick Solaire Invisible SPF 50“ from Typology

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A stick sunscreen is practical and handy. Practical because it can be applied quickly anytime and anywhere without getting your hands “dirty”. It also leaves no white residue on the skin. And: a stick is handier than a tube because it cannot leak and fits in even the smallest of pockets. The practical stick can be applied to the face in one easy step. However, it can also be used for all sensitive areas that require special protection, such as scars, tattoos or moles. The texture with high SPF/LSF 50 remains waterproof on the skin for up to 80 minutes. If you spend longer in the sun, you should refresh the UV protection every two hours. Careful application is also important. Studies show that too little product is often used without regular reapplication, which drastically increases the risk of sunburn and a weakened skin barrier. A stick for all occasions The practical stick can be applied to the face in one easy step. However, it can also be used for all sensitive areas that require special protection, such as scars, tattoos or moles. The texture with high SPF/LSF 50 remains waterproof on the skin for up to 80 minutes. If you spend longer in the sun, you should refresh the UV protection every two hours. Careful application is also important. “This practical sunscreen stick offers a high level of sun protection that is easy to use and simple to apply. The carefully selected organic filters provide SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays without leaving any white residue. At the same time, the active ingredients contained in the formulation, such as astaxanthin and karanja oil, protect the skin from oxidative stress,” explains Mélanie Klein, Biological Engineer and Product Manager at Typology. 80 percent natural The formulation of the stick consists of 80 percent natural ingredients. The selected ingredients include: Astaxanthin is found in some micro-algae. It is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties. Thanks to its chemical structure with hydroxyl groups (OH) and ketones (C=O), it helps to neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation. This protects the skin cells from oxidative stress. This in turn helps to prevent skin ageing caused by UV radiation and at the same time promotes skin regeneration after sunbathing. Karanja oil is rich in pongamol and karanjin. Both belong to the group of flavonoids, which absorb part of the UV radiation. Karanja oil is known for its photoprotective properties and complements the effect of organic sun protection filters.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Miracle Blur“ from Trinny London

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Miracle Blur is a true miracle weapon for filling small wrinkles and lips. What woman wouldn’t want this when her skin shows small signs of fatigue. The cream visually smoothes the skin by filling and covering all imperfections as well as enlarged pores and minor acne scars. As it has a translucent formula, i.e. has no color of its own, it blends seamlessly with the skin’s natural tone. Also ideal for on the go. What does blur actually mean? A blur means something like “soft-focus effect”. These products work like a kind of Photoshop. In cosmetics, this refers to products, usually blur creams or blur primers, which visually smooth the skin and minimize imperfections such as pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Special ingredients or textures are used to “blur” the skin’s surface and create a flawless, natural finish. The finest, delicately covering powder particles or special polymers are used for optical smoothing. They reflect the light so that lines and wrinkles are less visible. The mattifying effect is achieved by substances that absorb excess sebum and create a shine-free complexion. How to use Miracle Blur Take a pea-sized amount of Miracle Blur and warm the product between your fingers or, if you prefer, on the back of your hand. You can apply the creamy texture before or after foundation. Before applying make-up, work it into the skin until the pores have been blurred and an even complexion has been created. Also suitable for the lip area to prevent color from settling in the lip lines. When applying over make-up, gently sweep Miracle Blur over the foundation to smooth out fine lines.„Miracle Blur” from Trinny London, 4 g, 34 Euro “Face finish” for mattifying Miracle Blur is not the only miracle weapon from the Trinny London collection. Face Finish is a mattifying balm that instantly creates a flawless complexion without the unsightly residue of powder. The balm mattifies and conceals fine lines and imperfections at the same time. What makes Face Finish different from Miracle Blur? Miracle Blur visually softens and conceals wrinkles, fine lines, large pores and acne scars, while Face Finish reduces oily shine and provides a matte finish. Pores and wrinkles are concealed thanks to transparent microspheres. Skin-improving silicones are included for the mattifying effect How to apply Face Finish Face Finish can be applied to the skin like a primer before using make-up. Alternatively, you can use it over make-up to give your complexion a mattifying finish.… weiterlesen

A Strokes Could Often Be Avoided

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Stroke is a widespread disease that affects many people in Germany. Every day, more than 550 people suffer a stroke and one in five of those affected die in the first few weeks as a result. Many strokes could be avoided with appropriate prevention. A stroke changes a person’s life from one moment to the next – and that of their loved ones too! Even those who survive such an attack often have to contend with severe limitations such as paralysis on one side, speech or sensory disorders or a significant reduction in overall performance. One year after a stroke, 60 percent of those affected are still dependent on support, therapy, aids or care. Arteriosclerosis is the silent architect of stroke Dr. Josef Haus, neurologist in the orthopaedics department at the Marianowicz Center – Time for Health, is certain that the number of more than 63,000 people who die every year as a result of a stroke could be significantly reduced by early medical countermeasures. A medical analysis of the individual risk of arteriosclerosis, for example as part of a neurological check-up, could prevent a great deal of suffering. “Arteriosclerosis is the silent architect of stroke. It develops unnoticed and can cause considerable damage. Targeted preventive measures can better protect the blood vessels and intervene before they become blocked,” explains Dr. Josef Haus, MD. It is fatal that changes in the blood vessels are often noticed too late or not at all by those affected. Deposits in the blood vessels As a result, deposits in blood vessels can increase unnoticed, turning the lives of those affected into a silent dance on a powder keg. This is because there is a possibility that a deposit will come loose and block a blood vessel in the brain, or that an existing constriction will narrow further and eventually close completely. In the event of a stroke, this can lead to the irreversible death of nerve cells due to insufficient blood supply. Anyone who has ever tried to suck up a scoop of ice cream in a milkshake with a straw can imagine what a blocked artery does: nothing can get through! Dr. Haus explains that age is not the only factor influencing the elasticity of the arteries. There are also individual lifestyle risks such as smoking or obesity. If the family history shows that blood relatives have already had a stroke or heart attack, caution is also advised.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Active medical ingredient cosmetics from Von Lupin

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Active medical ingredient cosmetics are not new territory for me. I have been using products from Doktor-Brands for years. What made me curious about the Von Lupin skincare system was the beauty code, which assigns the perfect skincare combination to every skin need. Because the credo of the two founders Susann Klein und Stephanie von Lupin, both experts in cosmetics and active ingredients respectively, is: “Every skin is as unique as a fingerprint.” Active ingredient cosmetics with a smart number system The two beauty experts have therefore developed a code that can be used to put together a personal care system. How does it work? Each product has a combination of numbers and letters and is marked with one of six colors. The numbers stand for the sequence of care steps in which the products are to be used, the letters mark the individual products within a care step. The colors in turn stand for the care category. This makes it easy to identify products that belong together. This not only makes the daily beauty routine easier, but also makes it easier to reorder products. At the heart of the active medical ingredient cosmetics is the deep-acting Basic Care, which can be individually enriched with various concentrates. The special feature of the two basic care products is their multi-layered liposomes, which help to channel active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin. At the same time, they increase the skin’s ability to absorb subsequent care products. You can choose from Basic Care Ceramid, which supports the skin barrier with liposomes and ceramides. The Basic High Active anti-ageing basic care contains micropeptides to support collagen and hyaluronic acid production. A total of eleven concentrates are available to combine with the basic care. With such an overabundance of active ingredient compositions and the countless possible combinations, it’s clear that users (the products are unisex) will struggle to find their way around on their own. There is a personal code for this active medical ingredient cosmetics . It is generated based on the individual skin type and condition. It is generated by one of the Von Lupin beauticians in the more than 401 institutes in Germany. The products are also available from the specialist beautician and via the associated online store. My beauty schedule My personal beauty code for these active medical ingredient cosmetics was also determined using a questionnaire. It asked about the condition of my skin, for example how my complexion looks immediately after cleansing.… weiterlesen