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!
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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.
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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.
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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)

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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. 
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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.
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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
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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.

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-

In Love with Coconut

Lengkuas Island, Belitung Indonesia

Tropical Fruit
Coconut is very common in tropical countries. Growing up in Indonesia, I get used to coconut. Some traditional Indonesian soup use coconut milk as one of the ingredients. Coconut water/juice is common for traditional desserts along with coconut meat. At some restaurants, we can order young coconut for our drinks (with or without extra sugar/ice). It comes with the whole fruit so we can eat its meat as well. I loooove it! The water always feels refreshing especially for hot and tropical weather. One coconut can be used for food/drink/oil, and its fiber (aka cocofiber) can be used at home as door mat/roof, its shell can be used as charcoal and many more.
I think it's amazing that somehow the world is balanced. Tropical and hot weather places are blessed by the existence of this fruit!

The Water
It is believed that drinking coconut water is equal to drinking milk. It has protein, amino acids, antioxidants and anti-toxic agents. Its Vitamin C contents is known for creating bright and clean look on baby's skin when drank during pregnancy. It provides a powerful energy source as if drinking an energy/isotonic drink and of course this also means that coconut water is really good in preventing and treating dehydration. I always look for coconut water whenever I feel tired and weak and when I don't feel good. Its anti-inflammatory property helps me feel better. The sugar content in coconut water is enough to make us feel full for a while which is good for those who are trying to lose weight.
Remember what antioxidant agents do? Yes, they protect us from free radicals. This means that coconut water is good for our body and skin as anti aging source. Yay!

The Meat
Young coconut meat is good for desserts while riped (or "old") coconut is good for grated coconut, coconut milk and coconut oil. Basically what the coconut water offers, the meat will also provide. For example, its fatty acids, antioxidant and anti-toxic agents.

Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is derived from coconut milk by warming and separating the oil from the water used for pressing. So, it is not hard to make coconut oil from a riped whole coconut. Many people use coconut oil for cooking, baking, and skincare. Even I do too.
I use it for baking and cooking. For baking, I substitute some of the vegetable oil or butter with coconut oil. It makes the baked goods smell good.
I use it on my skin when I have itchy dry skin and to soothe my skin from burn.
I use it on my scalp as natural hair treatment. You can find the simple recipe for hair treatment below.
I use it as make up remover.
I use lotion, face oil, and body butter* that has coconut oil as ingredients.

Coconut Oil works impressively. Not only it costs relatively cheap (as skincare) but it provides more benefits than other skincare products. Moreover, it is natural. The worrisome of putting on harsh chemical ingredients could be eliminated.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog. Please leave any comments if you have any experience with coconut in any forms. Keep our natural beauty!

-dora-
*the products mentioned are handmade by Kiki the founder of Qi Qi Naturals.


DIY Hair Treatment
(Great for breakage, frizzy, conditioner, dandruff, hair growth)

1 tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (in liquid form, you can always warm it up by putting the closed jar into warm water)
Juice from 1 lemon.
2 drops of Rosemary or Lavender E.O. (optional)
Mix all ingredients. Start putting on the scalp by giving massage. Work on giving 1-inch space in between. Always massage 2-3mins when applying. If you have extra, cover the hair til hair ends. Leave it on hair for at least 30 mins. You may use cap to avoid dripping. After 30 mins, wash your hair with your shampoo. (Note: try to avoid hair dryer as it dries hair and makes hair dull and frizzy).

If you don't have lemon but you have (raw) honey, you can substitute the lemon juice. Use 1 tbsp honey instead.

If you have sweet almond oil, you can mix both in equal parts and they work well together as hair mask.

If you don't have any of the ingredients except the coconut oil. That's fine. You may need at least 2 tbsp of Coconut Oil. You can simply follow the directions above when applying.

Oil as Anti Aging

What are the oils that can be used as Anti Aging ?

Aging is Inevitable
As I have written in the previous blog called "Oil and Our Skin," I believe that some oils do give more benefits to our skin as natural skincare compared to manufactured skincare. We all know that dryness could cause aging, wrinkles, itch, flakiness. We are aware that sunlight could cause aging with its free radicals and leave us dark spots or skin discoloration, not to mention having sunburn after being exposed in the sun for a long time. We also notice that being old may cause having sagging skin because of losing collagen and elastin. Yes, we all know that all those could happen to anyone of us. Sunlight is something inevitable if we like to go outside for a walk, hiking, tanning, playing at the beach, etc. Age is unavoidable as I am writing this blog, I'm aging by seconds, minutes, or maybe an hour or two!

What to do now? We always count on some skincare. But, the only question is are they really dependable to prevent me from aging? I mean, I understand they have dermatologist's approval; they also have some people to try and test their products before launching which is great. The thing is that sometimes some skincare contain harsh chemical ingredients. Every time I looked at the ingredient list on an item, I would frowned and stunned because I'm like "I don't understand what in the world is this, this, this..."
This situation has led me to be more aware of choosing a skincare product. Honestly, I would love to make my own skincare. But, sometimes when I read the recipes, it takes at least ten to twenty ingredients to get a well-balanced and effective skincare. For that reason, I give up. The best thing is that Qi Qi Naturals is owned by my best friend, Kiki. With her passion, she makes wonderful skincare from natural ingredients. Even better that most of them are organics. So, thanks to her, I don't have to make my own skincare, yay!

Oil Checklist
As we know that choosing the right skincare is crucial because we want to have the maximum benefits of each product we use. We want to make sure that we prevent ourselves from sign of aging prematurely. Yes, we, ladies, want to look youthful and radiant no matter how old we are.
A good natural skincare product will always include at least one of the oils below.

I believe many many more can be added to the list. However, for example, knowing that your product contains Jojoba Oil and Almond Oil at the same time might be such a relief. I hope this helps you to find out which products are good for you. So, really. Oil does work as anti aging and it gives you more benefits than a manufactured skincare could give at some point.

Keep our natural beauty! Ciao!
-dora-

Here's the list:

Vitamin E Oil
It helps treating skin from sunburn, scars, acne, and wrinkles by speeding up skin cells regeneration. Vitamin E is also known for its antioxidant properties.

Coconut Oil
If you like to have simple skincare and your skin is not so sensitive, you may consider to use Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as your face oil. In fact, according to my research, a lot of people have been using EVCO alone as night moisturizer. Coconut Oil contains antioxidant agents that help prevent aging and fight free radicals. It's believed to help with wrinkles and flakiness.

Olive Oil 
It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and highly effective in neutralizing damaging free radicals. It also helps balance your skin's moisture without clogging pores.

Castor Oil
As antioxidant, it nourishes our skin and fights aging signs. In addition, it also has antiviral properties.

Camelina Oil
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it improves skin elasticity. It also has Vitamin E that works as an antioxidant to protect our skin from free radicals.

(Sweet) Almond Oil
This oil helps nourish the skin making it smooth, delay aging, lighten dark complexion, eradicate irritation, inflammation and skin rashes, soothing itchiness and moisturizing. It makes skin supple to touch, glow and look healthy.

Jojoba Oil 
It absorbs easily to our skin without feeling greasy, clogging pores or blackheads or promoting acne. It rejuvenates cell growth and helps dry and damaged skin by improving skin elasticity and suppleness because of its vitamin E content.

Rosehip Seed Oil
Full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, reduce scars and fine lines. It rejuvenates the skin and leaves the skin glowing.

Kukui Nut Oil
It could penetrate the skin easily and leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth without greasy feeling in addition to its antioxidant agent that protects the skin from free radicals.

Avocado Oil
It contains vitamin A and antioxidant, nourishes, moisturizes, cleans skin, eliminates wrinkles, condition hair and protect against harsh environment.

Grapeseed Oil 
It helps regulate our natural oil production, assists with skin repair while it has mildly astringent, antioxidant and antiseptic properties packed with skin-brightening vitamin C.

Butter
Kokum Butter
It contains of fatty acids and antioxidant agents which reduce degeneration of the skin cells and restore elasticity of the skin.

Cocoa Butter
It also has antioxidant agents to slow the signs of aging.

Horsetail Butter
It's believed to treat cutaneous dryness, rebuild and regenerate damaged skin cells from rashes, wrinkles, acne, burns because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant actions.

Raw Shea Butter
It's believed to help improve skin, hair, beauty and health because it renews, repairs and protects the skin against aging/wrinkles and harsh climate.

Essential Oils
Rose stimulates the skin and helps from dry and aging skin.

Sweet Orange (aka Orange Oil) slows down aging process and leaves the skin look radiant and glowing.

Vanilla works as antioxidant and anti-inflammation. It also promotes repairing damaged skin.

Immortelle (Helichrysum) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to help skin with acne, allergies, sunburn, ezcema and aging signs.

Sandalwood relieves rashes and itches, eczema and psoriasis, soothes acne and slows skin aging.



Note:
All those ingredients above are used by Qi Qi Naturals.
I didn't write about them in details. The list are genuinely by me, but the contents are from the internet, collected bits and pieces when I did some research. I may have rephrased it with my own words. Thanks.

Essential Oils

What are they? What are their benefits?

Hello Ladies!!

Now that we know that OIL is essential for our skin and that it can be used as substitute for moisturizers only without harsh chemicals, we might be curious about what are essential oils? What make them different with other oils?

I personally am not a scientist or an expert in herbs; however, I do like green thingy and looking for alternatives: anything for a better health and life. Like other people, I also have some problems with my skin: dryness that causes flaky skin sometimes, allergies, rashes, dull-looking skin, etc. This condition motivates me to keep learning about skincare and the ingredients that are used.

What is Essential Oil? It is a concentrated aromatic liquid that typically 100% pure which means no other ingredients in it. Sources (Online Herbs Suppliers) say that 100% pure EO doesn't contain carrier oils, diluents and any other ingredients. That means EO is not oil! It is a super concentrated hydrophobic from plants/herbs which processed by either distilled steaming or cold pressing. Because it's highly concentrated, using EO by itself (without dilution or carrier oil) may cause irritation or breakout. Ouch!

Despite it may cause irritation when being used alone, EO is believed to have many benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal agents, stress reliever, skin soother, and moreover it has variety of good aromas. Not only known as aromatherapy agent, EOs are commonly used in lotions, soap, air fresher spray (the easiest way to use it, just dilute few drops into some water in a spray bottle), getting rid of fleas, 2-3 drops on pillow may help you to relax and sleep for insomnia problem.

Please note, that some EOs are good only for oily skin, some are for all types of skin. Since I have dry skin, I really have to pay attention of this too. I had breakout a long time ago because back then I didn't know that the concentrated oil needs to be diluted. Therefore, you should learn before buying.
Here's some tips:
1. the most common EOs people buying as starter are: lavender, tea tree, peppermint (cmiiw).
2. make sure you have carrier oil or other substance to mix with your EO; olive/coconut oil are easy to be absorbed by our skin without clogging pores.
3. some EOs can be used for spray either for fresher air or getting rid of fleas/bacteria/bugs, such as: eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree.
4. however, note to no.3, some EOs also maybe good and helpful for dogs but not for cats. They may be very toxic for cats. For me, since I have cats, I limited the usage of EOs to reduce the risk being exposed to them.
5. make sure to buy EOs with "100% pure" label as they should be all natural. If you can find Organic, that's even better.
6. I would recommend if you're pregnant or about getting pregnant to not put on your skin/body, as I read most of the labels say not for used if you're pregnant.
7. If you are not sure of buying or using EO, I encourage you to get natural skincare such as: face oil, eye serum, lotion that have EOs in their ingredients. I use skincare from Qi Qi Naturals and she uses EO in most of her products.

Last but not least, I hope this could help anyone. I personally love and use EOs, I like the aroma and I believe they are such a good remedy to prevent stress, bug bites, helping to relax, and they can also be put into our skincare as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial or anti-viral agent. Keep healthy ladies! And keep natural :)

xo,
Dora

My Simple Toner and Conditioner Recipe:
1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tbsp distilled water
1 or 2 drop of Lavender EO (or Chamomile if you like)