Vegetable Glycerin in Skincare

Hello gorgeous!!

I can't believe it's Spring already!! Although Spring season is barely here in the south of Mississippi, I'm still excited to know that daylight is longer now! I've never liked the winter season because it's always dark at 5 pm (like hello? It's already nighttime?). What about you guys? Also, don't you think it's now time to wear flattering shirts, tanks, skirts and shorts, and sundresses! Oh, I bet some of you will think of beach and relaxing while soaking in the sun (ugh, definitely not me 'cause UV gets me headache and burnt skin!

Today I'd like to discuss about vegetable glycerin or mostly known as glycerin/glycerine/glycerol. 

Glycerin and glycerol has same chemical formula (C3H8O3) although some people say one is by-product of the other or vice versa. But what are they? According to Paula's choice, glycerin "is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or vegetable. It can be derived from natural substances by hydrolysis of fats. It is a skin-identical ingredient, meaning it is a substance found naturally in skin" Most websites describe it as "odorless, syrupy liquid, sweet, humectant." Vegetable glycerin is usually derived from coconut, soy, and other palm types.

Glycerin is also a popular ingredients to make cosmetics/skincare, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste candles, and even food. Its humectant substance keeps the food moist (for example its often used in cakes, pies) while for skin most likely attracts the moisture from the air keeping the skin from drying out.

Interesting facts: it was founded in 1779 by Karl Scheele but not until second world war did it become popular. It has sweet taste but not causes tooth decay. It is soluble in water and alcohol but not oil.

Now that we know about it, would I consider it safe or good for skin? I would say yes it is both safe and good for our skin. Additionally, having the right emollients in the skincare product will make glycerin works its best to keep our skin moistured without tacky feeling or any cloggings. Some botanical and natural oil would enhance its humectant properties and it won't even cause any bad things whatsoever (clogging, tacky, drying from the inside out, scaling). Don't forget that it is also edible.

Ki Ki from Qi Qi Naturals also uses vegetable glycerin as one ingredients in her green products such as mascara, Lavender hand lotion and toothpaste (sorry this product is currently sold only at a local farmers market-not on Etsy).

I found an interesting formula of liquid foaming hand soap which using glycerin, any soap (castille, liquid or melted from regular soap), essential oils, water and foaming pump bottle. Not only it costs a lot cheaper than regular hand soap, it's moisturizing while providing same benefit as any soap. You can be creative by adding Tea Tree Oil as anti-bacterial agent.
So, next time you see vegetable glycerin in your products, you can be confident that it provides its purpose as a good moisturizer for your skin.

Keep our natural beauty! Enjoy the weather, folks!


- dora -

Carmine, the non Vegan yet Natural Colorant used in Cosmetics & Food

Hello everyone,

First I want to apologize for being absent in a very long time. It's a long story. So, how are doing ya'll?

I'd like to talk about carmine today. What is it? and why?

Let 's get started!

Carmine (noun), according to dictionary.com is
1. a crimson or purplish-red color.
2. a crimson pigment obtained from cochineal.

From these two explanations, we get the idea that carmine is crimson or purplish-red color which obtained from cochineal. Wait...what??!

Cochineal? Also known as Dactylopius coccus is "a scale insect that manufactures a deep maroon pigment and stores this pigment in body fluids and tissues. The pigmentation is a bitter, astringent chemical called carminic acid (10% total dry weight), which is extremely effective in repelling potential predators, such as ants; ants find this anthraquinone to be unpalatable."*

These are some pictures I got when I type "cochineal" using search engine.

Honestly, at first when I found out about this colorant, I felt uncomfortable almost disturbed. I bought a lipstick by "TheBalm" a long time ago and this brand claims to use natural ingredients. By all means, I didn't expect the products have to use carmine as their colorant. So, I started to do some research about that out of my curiosity. Not surprisingly, this type of dye has been used since hundreds of years ago even in the fifteenth century. Europeans, Australians, Native Americans had used them for textile industry to gain many recpectable red colors. And ever since, they've also used carminic acid as food and cosmetic colorant.

Interestingly, I found out that carminic acid is used by Starbucks co., one of my favorite coffee shop. I did check FDA regulations about this type of colorant and they approve the usage of cochineal as long as it is mentioned in the list of ingredients as carmine or cochineal extract. Hm, we might never knew we have been "eating some bugs" while drinking our beverage. Many foods are using cochineal extract, ice cream, yogurt, drinks, etc.

Compared to other cosmetic colorant which probably contains lead/minion, cadmium, manganese, chromium, carmine is more safe. It's been proven for many years that people have been using it over centuries for food and cosmetics. On the other hand, lead could become toxin when ingested. We (our body) can't even be exposed to lead AT ALL. Imagine putting on as your lipstick/lipgloss? Hell no!

Now these facts lead me to a different perpective. I am not worried too much about having carmine in my lipstick anymore. It's natural, indeed. If I have to choose between any kind of colorant (for example and I made these up: #23 pink petal or #213 red brick) and carmine or carminic acid or cochineal extract, I rather to go with carmine than those nasty unknown colorants. I think bugs are more edible than metals.

So, if you are against this non-Vegan colorant, you should carefully read all the ingredients on the product label information, where usually carmine also written as crimson lake, natural red 4, cochineal extract. FDA requires to put 'carmine' or 'cochineal extract' on the list.

Some of Qi Qi Naturals products use carmine as their colorant: Rose Lipbalm and Shimmer Peach Lipstick. However, owner Ki Ki offers to replace carmine to other ingredient as consideration for vegan customers. Again, I myself don't mind with cochineal extract in my products. It's natural after all which supposedly much less harms than chemical or synthetic colorants.

Keep our natural beauty!

-dora-

source: *http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Cochineal/

NEW !!! Natural Bar Soaps on Qi Qi Naturals' Etsy Store

Hi All,


I hope all of you are doing well ! It's Columbus Day, so some of you are perhaps having an extra day off ! How great!!! Happy Shopping for those who are getting discount stuff!!
First, I apologize for being absent for a while. Really really sorry from the bottom of my heart.
Now it's time to reveal the good news: Qi Qi Naturals now has bar soaps !!!
OMG! Yes, This is so exciting ! There are 4 kinds of them that gotten the names from its scents.

1. Peppermint and Mocha
2. Grapefruit and Calendula
3. Green tea and Silk
4. All-in-One (Body, Hair, Shaving)


Here some pictures I copied from Qi Qi Naturals' Etsy page:
and the link is https://www.etsy.com/listing/204025127/all-natural-handmade-body-soap-4?ref=shop_home_active_7

This the packaging. It is a nice vintage looking packaging, simple yet elegant and informative.

Can't wait to try? If you guys are interested in getting those and if you don't have an Etsy account yet, Kiki provides you a link that gives you a $5 gift card for FIRST ORDER ON ETSY ONLY.
https://www.etsy.com/invites/buy/?iid=ITFL5wA8XJmalFmb66b-xasrxVde2Upnp885u4sxU0w.

Have any of you tried this or does any of you want to try this or have some comments? We'd like to know what your opinions are. Thank you!

Enjoy your day !!! Adios !!!


-dora-

Today's Pick: All Natural Mascara

- with Australian Black Clay

Hi All!

Today's Pick by Qi Qi Naturals is All Natural Mascara. Derived its color from Australian Black Clay and Australian Red Reef Clay, this mascara provides a nice dark brown color on your lashes. It doesn't clump and cause irritation while giving a bold look for your eyes. If you have sensitive eyes (especially from chemical ingredients) then this mascara would be a must-have item for your vanity. Why not? It is made of natural ingredients and the color looks very natural. It's a win-win solution!


Here's the link from the Qi Qi Naturals' Etsy store:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/199989337/all-natural-mascara-with-australian?ref=shop_home_active_6


All Natural Mascara

Because your lashes makes your eyes more beautiful; makes your eyes look more bright and lively; therefore, you need to be as close as All Natural Mascara by Qi Qi Naturals. Currently, featured in Dark Brown which darker on lashes than showed on pictures. It is dark so your lashes will look bold and longer, only with NO clumps. The color is derived from natural clays as I never use chemical colorants. This mascara is not waterproof but it stays on all day and doesn't flake off.
--------------------------------

Key Ingredients:

***Vegetable Glycerin***
It is believed to be skin-identical meaning that easily absorbed and prevents dryness. As for lashes, it softens but prevents them from breakage. It is also known as natural hair growth treatment.

***Australian Red Reef Clay***
It’s high iron content and essential minerals help to replenish and regenerate the epidermis of the skin to create soft and healthy glowing skin. The rich color from the Australian Reef Red Clay can also be used in organic hair coloring, giving a natural red color that is impermanent.

***Australian Black Clay***
It contains great iron and oxygen properties. It is a non-toxic mineral with cleansing and conditioning agents, which make it particularly for nourishing the skin.
---------------------------------

In a 8ml Mascara tube.

To use: Apply 1 coat for a natural look or use eye lash curler and 2 coats for dramatic eyes! This mascara can be taken off by warm water or any face cleanser.

Ingredients: Purified Oregon Rainwater, Australian Black Clay, Red Reef Clay, Guar Gum, Vegetable Glycerin & Optiphen Plus (Paraben-Free preservative)

For International customers, please contact me for the shipping fee!

Shelf life is 6-9 months
---------------------------------

Today's Pick: Coral Lipstick

- With Organic Raw Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter

Hi All!

Today's Pick by Qi Qi Naturals is Coral Lipstick, a beautiful coral color lipstick infused with raw Shea butter and Cocoa butter, meaning the lipstick makes lips feel soft and moist along with its benefit of antioxidant and Vitamin A. However, the most important is that it's made of all natural ingredients so that if you accidentally eat it when you eat/drink, there is no chemical ingredients that go into your digest system.
The color is derived from natural clay and is very pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Available on Etsy for $6.

The look on my lips: (my skin tone is light to medium). I applied less than one swatch, using my ring finger to distribute the whole lips area.

Here's the link :

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189878780/coral-lipstick-with-organic-raw-shea?ref=shop_home_active_8

The product's description as from Etsy:

Coral Lipstick

Mineral Lipstick in pretty Coral colour. Zero worriness to harsh chemical ingredients.
Benefits: Vitamin A and C, antioxidants, rehydrating and soften dry lips. 

For limited time only, I am offering shipping and handling fee at $1 for all lip products.
----------------------------

Ingredients: (*Organic)
*Beeswax
Beeswax contains vitamin A and helps rehydrating dry and rough skin. 

*Shea butter
Well-known to assist cutaneous dryness. It soothes our skin by re-oxygenation. It contains vitamin A.

*Cocoa butter
Known as moisturizer and skin softener. It helps repairing damaged skin and as scar treatment. It contains antioxidants to protect our skin. 

Peppermint essential oil
Contains Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and C. It nourishes dull skin.

Other Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium dioxide & Mica
---------------------------------

Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Don't put it in a car, it melts under the sun. 

Each tube is .15 oz

Today's Pick: Cleansing Grains

- 100% Natural Soap Free Face Wash

Hi All!

Today's Pick by Qi Qi Naturals is Cleansing Grains, an all natural soap-free facial cleanser which contains organic herbs, oats, almond meal, clays. It cleans thoroughly the pores, removes toxins, dead skin cells like any other scrubs but BETTER because it has Bentonite clay and Green French clay which known to deep cleanse and fight skin problems (eczema, acne) while rejuvenating skin, Almond meal that refreshes skin, Oats which moisturizes and softens the skin, Lavender powder which known for its soothing formula, Rose and Kelp powder. A 100% natural works best!

A lady that has tried a sample says "it's so great, and I even used it as facial mask because it has clay and lavender powder, I LOVE IT. My skin feels smooth. Thank you for letting me know about this brand!"


Available in 2oz and 4oz.

Here's the link for sample size:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/187634978/cleansing-grains-100-natural-soap-free?ref=shop_home_active_18

The product's description as from Etsy:

Cleansing Grains

This cleanser is formulated with 100% natural ingredients. Cleansing Grains’ combination of Clay, Oats, Almond Meal and organic herbs clean thoroughly, removes dead cells while also tightens the skin and unclogs pores, leaving the skin feel fresh, clean and soft.

Instruction: Combine 1-2 tsp. of cleansing grains with water and make into a paste. Massage onto the face and rinse off with warm water. If using as a face mask, leave on 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
---------------------------------

Key Ingredients:
(*Organic)

Green French Clay
It draws toxins and impurities out of the skin. It is a miraculous product for oily problem skin because it has a purifying, deep cleansing and drying action.

Bentonite Clay
It is well-known for fighting acne, eczema, psoriasis, wound and rejuvenating skin.

*Oats
Oatmeal Powder provides natural remedies for skin, works as moisturizers, protects the skin from impurities and makes the skin feel soft, smooth, healthy and radiant.

*Almond Meal
Almond Meal removes dead cells and fights acne and dryness, makes face look younger, fresh, radiant and supple.

*Lavender Powder
It is believed to be able to soothe irritated skin, often used in facial mask formulas to provide fragrant relaxation and soothing of skin.

*Rose Powder
It could cure skin infections, inflammation, swelling and prickly heat because it rejuvenates and tones the skin and leaves the skin soft, smooth and glowing.

*Kelp Powder
It rejuvenates, nourishes, moisturizes, revitalizes and firms the skin while removes surface impurities and toxins.
------------------------------------

Store in a cool, dark and dry place.

In a 2 oz amber glass bottle or in a 4 oz reusable Tin. Please choose what size you need!

Ingredients: Green French Clay, Bentonite Clay, *Oats, *Almond meal, *Lavender Powder, *Rose Powder & *Kelp Powder
(*Organic)

Today's Pick: Rose Face Cream

- Handcrafted Organic face moisturizer with pure Rose Essential Oil

Hi All!

Today's Pick by Qi Qi Naturals is Rose Face Cream, a face moisturizer that has pure Rose Essential oil as key ingredient.
The moisturizer is a hit and one of the best sellers because of its soft texture and lovely rose scent which comes from natural source, Rose E.O. This face moisturizer will spoil your facial skin, help reducing fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone and leave the skin youthful.
Available in sample size (5 gram) and full size (1 oz).
Here's the link for sample size:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/186985681/rose-face-cream-handcrafted-organic-face?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_ref=search_shop_redirect&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

The product's description as from Etsy:

Rose Face Cream

It instantly goes to work with potent Rose Hydrosol, Rosehip seed oil, Olive squalane and Rose essential oil repairing cellular damage and helping diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fade hyper-pigmentation for even skin tone, and improve overall texture for a visibly lifted, firmer, more youthful complexion.

It smells so wonderful and my customers come back for this cream!
----------------------

Direction: Daily. Apply to clean face and neck.

Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

in a 1 oz frosted glass cream jar. It will last for at least 5-6 months.
-----------------------

Key Ingredients:
(*Organic)

*Rose Hydrosol
has been used for millennium for skin care, emotional & spiritual healing, even religious ceremonies. Historically, it was also offered as a courtesy for guests due to its multi-useful nature. It is great for all types of skin including acne prone, dry, oily and sensitive because rose controls and balances sebum production. It also has anti-bacterial, astringent, purifying, and cicatrisant properties, making it helpful for healing a wide variety of skin conditions.

Olive Squalane:
is so fine that absorbs deep into the skin-leaving no oily film-with amazing quickness. This smooth, deep penetration assists in the acceleration of new cell growth. It also helps to discourage the growth of bacteria that can block normal cell development.

Rose essential oil:
Containing a complex array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, rose essential oil has excellent emollient properties for moisturizing dry skin; it also offers antiseptic and astringent properties to treat acneic skin, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help treat redness and inflammation.

Ingredients: *Purified Water *Rose hydrosol, Vegetable glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, *Kukui nut oil, *Rosehip seed oil, Meadowfoam seed oil, Olive squalane, Vitamin E, Bulgarian Rose essential oil and Leucidal SF (a natural preservative) (*Organic)

Today's Pick: Vegan Deodorant

- Aluminum Free Deodorant with Organic Butters and Kaolin Clay

Hi all,

Today's pick by Qi Qi Naturals is "Vegan Deodorant". 

Introducing non-toxic (aluminum free) deodorant that works to eliminate odor. This deodorant smells wonderful: a pleasant herb-like scent but it also smells so refreshing and clean from it's Peppermint Essential Oil. It lasts long. The texture is similar with regular deodorant. Qi Qi Naturals is being considerate to you who are interested to natural or green beauty by having a small sample size for only $2. 

Here's the link:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/187744620/vegan-deodorant-aluminum-free-deodorant?ref=shop_home_active_5

And here's the information from Etsy.com

Vegan Deodorant

Vegan Deodorant is available on Etsy.com in two sizes: $2 sample size and $8 of 2oz size.

Lift up your confidence by eliminating odor with all natural Vegan Deodorant. It is non-toxic and cruelty-free. It cleanses and moisturizes the skin at the same time. It is rich in Vitamin A and C, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial agents. Ooh la la, it works and smells wonderful !

Direction:
Apply a pea size amount to start. Massage into underarm area until absorbed thoroughly. A little goes a long way. 

Note: This deodorant helps hinder excess moisture but it will not stop it. It was created to effectively control odor all day long. My husband and I use Vegan Deodorant every day and we are happy with the results. 

Key Ingredients: (*Organic) 

*Virgin Coconut Oil
It hydrates the skin in deep, conditions and moisturizes. It clears away dirt and dead skin cells and also kills harmful bacteria. It heals or helps skin rashes, flaking skin, wrinkles, and protects against sun damage. 

*Cocoa Butter
It is an excellent emollient as moisturizer and skin softener. It helps repairing damaged skin and as scar treatment. It contains antioxidants to protect our skin. It prevents strech marks when applied daily.

Peppermint essential oil
It contains Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and C. It nourishes dull skin, cleanses and leaves the skin feel fresh.
-----------------------------

Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

In a 2 oz or 0.5 oz (sample/travel size) reuseable Tin. Comes with a wooden stick.

Why do i use a Tin container for this deodorant?
Because Glass or Tin containers can protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the essential oils. Whereas plastic can be ruined by essential oils over a short period of time. 

Larger size is available on request.

Ingredients: *Cocoa butter, *Shea Butter, *Virgin coconut oil, Kaolin clay, Baking soda, *Arrowroot powder, Essential oils of Lavender, Bergamot, Patchouli & Peppermint
(*Organic)

-------------------------------

This product contains no preservatives, no parabens, no dyes, no animal products or testing (we test everything personally), no added water. Our ingredients are all certified and are locally sourced or fair trade certified.

NEW! Qi Qi Naturals' Acne Spot Treatment "Clear Me Up"

- with Organic Jojoba Oil and therapeutic grade essential oils

Hi there!!

I have a good news for you with acne problems! Qi Qi Naturals just launched a new product! It's a treatment for acne and blemishes called "Clear Me Up". It comes in a rollerball bottle which make it easy to apply. Moreover, it's made with all natural ingredients to keep your natural beauty.

Here's the link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/189216807/acne-spot-treatment-clear-me-up-with?ref=shop_home_active_1

Some information I copied from Etsy page:

Acne Spot Treatment "Clear Me Up" from Qi Qi Naturals - $6 (USD)

If you're anything like me, the initial reaction to a pimple is to lob as many harsh chemicals at it as possible, hoping it will disappear instantly—or at least overnight. This spot treatment serum will battle it out with your blemishes. Formulated with Tea tree, Lemongrass and Lavender essential oils. "Clear Me Up" helps calm and reduce redness while Organic Jojoba Oil promotes healthy skin. Each roll-on bottle is 5 ml. 

I use therapeutic grade essential oils and I am not stingy about my essential oils. I put enough amount of essential oils in order to get the best benefits from the essential oils. 

Direction: Apply to face in the morning and evening after cleansing. Or as needed. 
---------------------------------

Key Ingredients:
(*Organic)

*Jojoba Oil
nutrient-rich oil moisturizes for soft, supple skin.

Lavender Oil
acts as an antiseptic and cleanser, while balancing, soothes and heals.

Tea Tree Oil
It has been found to cut deep into the skin oils thus unblocking the pores on the skin. This ensures that any other acne causing-bacteria which are still deeper in the skin are eradicated to prevent any other future infections. This means that tea tree oil for acne is a very powerful natural remedy for acne in that it removes all the bacteria that may cause future infections! 

Lemongrass
It contains antibacterial and antimicrobial components. This combination of astringent and antibacterial qualities makes it an excellent choice for acne prone skin.
--------------------------------

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

In a 5 ml roll-on glass bottle. It is good for traveling and putting in your purse. 

Larger size is available on request.

Ingredients: *Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Essential oils of Tea Tree, Lemongrass & Lavender
---------------------------------

This product contains no preservatives, no parabens, no dyes, no animal products or testing (we test everything personally), no added water. Our ingredients are all certified organic, vegan and are locally sourced or fair trade certified.

NEW!! Qi Qi Naturals' Clay Eyeliner

Vegan Mineral Eyeliner with Natural Clay

Hi there!!

Qi Qi Naturals just launched a new product! It's an all natural Clay Eyeliner. The color comes in Maroon (dark red) with a bit shimmer of gold. The product is available on Etsy. Here's the link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/189010283/clay-eyeliner-vegan-mineral-eyeliner?ref=shop_home_active_2

I've tried this and the color is not reddish. Though the eyeliner is made from red clay as main colorant, the result is not an overwhelming red. In fact, it's close to brown color. The application is relatively easy, just dip your angle/liner brush into water and tap the excess water and get the powder (I usually put onto the lid first a little amount of it). It will be creamy and then just glide on the desired area (lid liner).

-dora-

Some information I copied from Etsy page:

Vegan Mineral Eyeliner with Natural Clay from Qi Qi Naturals

Clay Eyeliner is a gorgeous dark red color with a tad bit gold shimmer. The red color is rich and lustrous which is from Australian Reef Red Clay. It is long lasting and easy to apply!

Color: Deep Red (brownish) with Gold shimmer.

Direction: Simply put a little eyeliner powder in the cap and wet an angled brush with a little water; then dip into the powder and line eyes. Taking caution not to get powder into the eyes.
-------------------------- 

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

In a 5g plastic container.

Larger size is available on request.
--------------------------

Ingredients: Australian Red Reef Clay, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Guar Gum, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Jojoba Oil & Purified Water

Qi Qi Naturals' "Try Me" Sample Pack

$15 on Etsy.com

Hi Everyone,

I'm so excited to let you know that if you are wondering that Qi Qi Naturals' products may work on you, a simple way to give a shot is getting the "Try Me" sample pack.

Here's the information I got from the Etsy page including what you will get and the ingredients:

(source: http://www.etsy.com/listing/185360576/try-me-sample-pack-handcrafted-organic?ref=shop_home_active_12)

“Try me” sample pack:
It has 5 different handcrafted organic skincare samples. It is a great way to try the samples before you buy the full size.

1 Eye serum-----------------------------------------1 ml
1 Face oil--------------------------------------------1 Dram
1 Rose Face Toner---------------------------------3 ml
1 Herbal Face Cream Or Rose Face Cream----5g
1 Herbal Mud Mask----------------------------------10 g
---------------------

Note: The Herbal Face Cream can be switched to Rose Face Cream. 

Comes with an unbleached cotton muslin bag. (you can recycle the bag, use as tea bag, bath bag and more!)

--------------------
Eye Serum:

Ingredients: *Jojoba oil, *Rosehip seed oil, Grapeseed oil, Carrot seed &
Rose essential oil

(*Organic)

Face oil:

Ingredients: *Jojoba oil, Coconut oil, E.O. *Lavender, *Sweet Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose & Ylang Ylang essential oil

(*Organic)

Rose Face Toner:

Ingredients: *Rose water, *Witch hazel, *Aloe vera gel, Glycerin, E.O.*Lavender, Chamomile & Jasmine

(*Organic)

Herbal Face Cream:

Ingredients: *Shea butter, *Olive butter, *Kokum butter, *Coconut oil, *Olive oil infused with *Rose,*Lavender, *Chamomile, *Calendula flowers, *Echinacea, *Dandelion leaf, *Comfrey leaf, Arrowroot powder, Vitamin E & Lavender essential oil 

(*Organic) 

Herbal Mud Mask:

Ingredients: Rhassoul Clay, *Oats, Milk powder, *Lavender flowers, *Chamomile flowers, *Comfrey leaf, *Rose petals, *Calendula flowers & *Sweet orange essential oil 

Note: Please test this products on a small area if you have sensitive skin to be sure it will work well for you. If you have irritation please discontinue using the mask. 

Qi Qi Naturals' Grand Opening at Etsy: 10% OFF !!

Hi everyone!

Yay!! I'm so excited to let you know that Qi Qi Naturals is now available at Etsy.com.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/QiQiNaturals

From Kiki's Instagram:

"I am so thrilled and honored today to announce the official launch of my new All-Natural handcrafted skincare brand, Qi Qi Naturals!  It is available on Etsy.com and at local herb store. The past year has been full of challenges and trials. I couldn't be happier than to have my own skincare brand (I have worked in the beauty industry for about 12 years). And it is like a dream comes true!"

And for the Grand Opening event, Qi Qi Naturals offers 10% off for everyone for a minimum purchase of $10 until Jun 30.
Use the code ENJOY10OFF when check out.

Let's stop by, shop, and spoil your skin with all natural skincare products from Qi Qi Naturals. They work wonderful on my skin because "Nature makes the best skincare".

See you in the next blog/event !
Keep our natural beauty!

-dora-

Sunscreen... for Dummies !

Hi Everyone !

How ya'll doin' ?

Summer is around the corner! Or at the place I live, I would call it is already Summer for it's been few days the temperature is around 80F (27C) in addition to humidity, making it feel like almost 90F ! Gosh, I'm not looking forward for being in 90s degree plus humidity. Imagine about 100F roughly. Yeah..
Anyway, let's talk about sunscreen because it will be our most necessary item in our bag! Well, to me IT CERTAINLY IS! Here we go....
(I collect the materials from many pages, mostly from FDA website).

Why do I need it?
First of all, to avoid sunburn. Sunburn could be really painful or annoying to some people. Secondly, to avoid other skin problems caused by ultraviolet radiation such as aging, wrinkles, dark spots. Lastly, to prevent skin cancer which also caused by UV radiation.

What is sunscreen? What is sunblock?
Shortly, sunscreen is non-colored chemical protection, meaning the ingredients absorb and penetrate the skin as work as a filter to reduce the radiation mostly only UVB although nowadays some have UVA protection. A sunblock is a white-colored physical protection meaning blocking the radiation against UVA and UVB.
Afterall, nowadays many sunscreen lotions offer protection against UVA and UVB, so basically the SPF number is more important. Let's move on!

What is SPF?
It stands for Sun Protection Factor. Usually the range is within 15 to 100.
What's the meaning of SPF number?
Yeah, roughly it's about the period of protection you will get: multiply the number with 'how long you are able to stay in the sunlight until you get sunburn.' If you get sunburn after 15minutes being exposed to the sun, then applying SPF 30 roughly will get you keep protected for 450minutes [30x15minutes].
Now, this could mislead anyone, please keep in mind that it doesn't always work that way! Some notes you need to know:
1. how much of the application. If you only apply sunscreen half of the instruction mentioned, you only have about 1/3 or 1/4 of protection. [using same example above, about 112-150minutes]
2. sunlight intensity. During the day, especially by noon [10am-2pm], the sunlight intensity is the highest while early morning and late afternoon are less intense. Therefore, you need to re-apply you sunscreen most likely during the day at noon.
3. water/sweat factor. If you swim, sunscreen will be washed off. And if you sweat a lot, the sunscreen will be washed off. Therefore, the protection is no longer reliable. For example if you sweat a lot and wash off the sunscreen in 60minutes, you will get sunburn shortly after, although you expect the SPF30 will protect you for 450minutes! Again, keep in  mind that you always have to keep re-applying every 2-hour to be safe.

Which should I get, a sunscreen with lower or higher SPF number?
Higher. Because you will get more protection. I recommend get the SPF 30 instead of SPF 15, even though the protection is not double, but kind of. Keep in mind the SPF 50 only slightly different with SPF 30 or SPF 15. For example the protection from SPF 15 is 93%, SPF 30 is 96-97% and SPF 50 is 98%.
The higher the better, especially if you happen to put only half amount of lotion as in the instruction. If you have SPF 30 and only apply half of the instruction, then you are most likely still having SPF 10 on you.


Why do I need to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside?
to give your skin some time to absorb the lotion into deeper skin layers thus it works longer and effectively.

Well, I think that's all I want to share with you. So, don't forget to put on your sunscreen lotion before going outside, and also put on some lipbalm with at least SPF 15 to protect your lips. It's okay to be tanned but it's not okay to get sunburn!
Keep your natural beauty! :)

xoxo,
-dora-

PS: makeup, lotion, body butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, our natural skin oil, and some ingredients offer a little amount of SPF sunscreen. So, in the case you ran out of sunscreen, grab a little bit of coconut oil and use it as your natural sunscreen!
I might going to write about it later, but it won't be my next blog.

NOTE: I bought all of the above items using my own money, I don't get any benefits from them and I just happen to have them at the moment. I don't intentionally try to promote any of those brands. Please understand, thank you!