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 -

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: 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)

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.

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-

QiQiNaturals' Shop Announcement (from ETSY)

About
Qi Qi Naturals are handcrafted in small-batches and made to order. Our makeup, skin and haircare products are best used fresh and are sustainably sourced from only the finest ingredients. Our Naturals never contain harsh preservatives, parabens, or dyes, and are not tested on animals. All our ingredients are certified organic and locally sourced or fair trade certified.

All of our products will be packed in recycled papers and bags and most of our package are recyclable, please reuse them or toss them in recycling bin. I also handcraft my own labels using recycled papers. Go Green!

*Qi Qi Naturals is also available at Sea Mist Botanicals store and farmer's market in Brookings, OR. 
If you live close by the area, let me know if I can deliver the order to you to save you some shipping costs.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QiQiNaturals

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/QiQiNaturals
(more products will be listed soon!)

All the products tested on myself, my husband and the lovely friends for over the past year. Never on animals!

Handmade with Love and Passion!

x Kiki

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.

Loving Our Feet

Hey Lovelies !!

Have you ever think of spoiling your feet at home? Like relaxing on a chair and having your feet soaking in warm water? Oh, to top that off, you put on facial mask. I know, right! That feeling of enjoying the very moment!
Well, I think our feet are important so we need to spoil them every time we have the chance. Especially, now that we are entering spring. During summer time, we want to have our feet looking good in our flip-flops, sandals, gladiator and flat shoes and all those sexy looking shoes!

I don't have perfect feet. Either I have to deal with cracking heels or hard skin and ingrown toenails. I know, as a woman I am expected to have beautiful feet. Therefore, I feel the need to pay more attention in caring my feet. I want healthy feet, happy feet. For that reason, I do pedicure for my own feet every 2 weeks at home, an alternate way of going and spending money at a salon.

Here's what I do:
1. use foot file to get rid of cracking heels.
2. clean dirt/fabric that usually are hidden between toenail and skin/nail-bed.
3. soak in warm water with additional of some ACV (optional). This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Then dry them completely with towel.
4. trim toenails when necessary. Usually after shower/soaking, toenails are softer and easier to be trimmed.
5. use nail buffer to smooth and make toenails shiny.
6. massage some cuticle oil that has Vitamin E on toenails and spoil toes by massaging them. (alter cuticle oil with tea tree oil for toenail problems).
7. put some foot gel/cream or body butter for smoothing and soothing. I like peppermint because it feels refreshing.
8. for treating cracking heels and hard skin, I put on socks for extra moisture. Otherwise, I leave them open.

Toenail Problems
For those who have toenail problems (ie. my husband and my friend, some part of toenails are not sticking to their nail-beds; I think this works for foot fungus as well) : put some tea tree oil onto the toenails with problem before going to bed every night and leave it overnight. Since toenails are growing so slowly, the treatment should continue until at least 6 months. A complete toenails could take one whole year to fully regrow.

Picture source: www.feetfirstcardiff.co.uk/commonfootprob.html

Additional Tips :
1. toenail treatment work better if we always let feet dry, so try not to wear socks/slippers while at home.
2. additional foot spray is recommended to soothe our feet, especially if we only wear shoes that don't require socks. Spray will help freshen feet and reduce odor. Choose natural tea tree spray if possible.
3. If you like to put on nail polish on to your toenails, it's fine. As long as you remember to clean it off completely after one or two weeks and leave it breathe for at least 48 hours before applying another color.

Our feet will be healthy happy feet once we do this in regular basis. No more feeling ashamed of having ugly feet, instead, we welcome pretty flip-flops and sexy sandals!
Have fun caring your feet! And always keep our natural beauty!


-dora-

Being in Mid 30s

Hi All,

I promise, this won't be long. Just a quick share, though this year I am 35 years old, I'm always being asked to show my ID card every time I enter a casino even though I don't go for gambling, I just want to eat there. Well, I take that as a compliment in addition that people always thought that I'm still in my early 20s. I wish!

How do I maintain the look? Honestly, I don't really know. However, I'd like to share what I think could be the reasons:
1. being born as Asian. People always say that Asians tend to age really well. I think I'm lucky because I'm from Indonesia where it's super hot and humid all year long so my skin won't easily get dry. (Dryness causes aging). If this could be a reason, then I put as #1 because you can't choose to be born here or there. However, I think it's more likely gene factor. My mom is 60 but looks like she's 45.
2. trying to live in balance. I like to eat protein and carbohydrate (any meat and rice/pasta); therefore, I also eat veggies/fruits to balance it. I eat broccoli everyday. I do some housework and most of times sitting on the sofa writing blog or reading articles, therefore I balance it with a bit physical activities like walking/jogging/playing tennis once or twice a week minimum. (This doesn't  mean I can't eat junk food once a while. I call it a break from my routine and I think that's nice to have such a treat).
3. trying to have enough sleep (at least seven hours a day).
4. trying to ditch harsh chemical products. I opt for natural products. I wear some cosmetics of course, but I try to check ingredients before buying.
5. every now and then I take a teaspoon of ACV or gummy vitamins; every other day I take 2 tablespoons of honey.
6. drink water regularly. I also drink a cup of coffee latte every morning (I admit this is not a good habit, someday I will switch into tea).
7. always maintain cleanliness. I brush teeth at least twice a day and take shower at least once a day. During summer time, I could take shower up to three times a day. Our family do laundry every week; bed cover and pillow cases are important to be kept clean as to avoid dirt/allergies/any skin problems.
8. never forget to put face moisturizer/oil for day time (and sunscreen!) and night time. I have dry combination skin and that could be a problem if I neglect my skin.
9. say yes to body oil/butter/lotion.  Don't let the cold of winter makes your skin dry.
10.last but not least, always trying to let go stress by smiling. I know, it's easy to say, hard to be done. Everyone has his/her own problems. Today has its own problem. Once you start to smile, it will lift up your mood a little bit and reduce your worries. Remember wrinkle is stress' best friend! Smile and good laugh will help you through another day.

Well, I think that's all. I hope you enjoy your life no matter where you are, what you do and how old you are. Simply love yourself. Keep natural !


-dora-

DO and DON'Ts Part 4: Eye Makeup

Hi Lovelies!

Eye Makeup 

It's almost Spring! Sure thing we want to look fresh in Spring time when it's no longer so cold but not hot like Summer time. So, what colors are wonderful in Spring time? Any colors like flowers (nice bright color) such as pink, violet, light blue, mint, orange, gold and white will give us fresh look especially to be put on eye area. Yay!

Is Eye Makeup that important? Personally, I do believe 'eyes express one's beauty' because eyes can show people who the person is. So, yes, eye makeup is important as to emphasize a woman's beauty by giving a straight and bright look through her eyes. It sure does make a difference. Hence, let's talk about DO and DON'Ts for Eye Makeup!
(Please note that I'm not a Makeup Artist nor an expert, everything I do I learn by own experience or any tutorials/articles, so you might have a better way)

Eyebrow Filler (It could be eyebrow pencil/cake/powder)
Do
1. Choose natural color that looks like your eye brows'.
2. I usually use the cake type filler or powder on light brown/grey/taupe. Grey match with my skin since my skin is medium n yellowy.
3. I like powder that comes with brushes and wax. Usually one brush is for sort of combing my brow to make it neat in one direction and organized shape while the other one is for applying the wax and powder. The reason I don't like pencil is because my brows are wide but thin; it's hard to fill and shape my brows using pencil.
4. I haven't tried the eyebrow shaping kit and look forward to try it; however, in shaping my eyebrows, I only work on slightly giving extra color on where the hair is. I like to keep their natural shape. I don't work over or expand my eyebrows.
5. Check and choose products that are using natural ingredients if possible.
6. Eyebrow brush/comb is really recommended to fix eyebrow hair and stimulate growth.
Don't
1. Work over on your eyebrows, eyebrows that are too thick look ridiculous and people end up looking at your eyebrows, not to your eyes! Eyebrows that are too big/oversize (for example almost touching each other at the nose) make you look angry or scary. Err... yeah, really.
2. Forget to clean your brushes. When I'm lazy, acne will happily show up on my eyebrows!
3. Forget to clean your makeup when you're home.
4. Use if you have any skin problems.

Eyeliner (pencil/liquid/gel)
Do
1. Choose the form of eyeliner you're comfortable with. So far, I like the liquid eyeliner the most because it gives a bold look and it's easier to make cat eye. (I don't like smudgy look from pencil.)
2. Choose Waterproof type if you like to line your waterline.
3. When it comes to choosing color, I definitely like dark color such as black, dark brown, purple and dark jade. Since I'm Asian, I have single eyelid therefore dark eyeliner really helps to bigger my eyes.
4. I usually apply from inner corner to outer corner on my top lash line. As for bottom lash line, I apply by mood how do I want to look like on that day (sometimes I put all the way sometimes outer half while I use shimmery cream color eyeshadow for inner half or sometimes I use the shimmery cream color eyeshadow only. It depends).
5. Some products use natural ingredients to get their color from cocoa powder or charcoal. 
6. Clean your eye makeup with makeup cleaner once you're home. This is the most important to avoid red eye. 
Don't
1. Don't touch your eyes area too much while wearing eye makeup, either you mess up the makeup or you may get red eye.
2. Forget to clean especially if you're using waterproof eye makeup.
3. Don't use liquid eyeliner over three months to avoid irritation from the brush. (But honestly, I break this rule since I don't wear makeup everyday).

Eyeshadow
Do
1. It's nothing to worry about wearing eyeshadow. If you're a beginner like me, you are looking for natural colors, enough to make your eyes look brighter. Natural/nude/neutral colors are good for everyday look. 
2. Get a palette that has at least 3 colors. 3 is good number because we need bright color for inner corner and brow bone, medium for crease and lid and dark for lash line or as eyeliner. However, I'd rather to get a palette that has more colors in it. More is better! Why? Because you can mix and match to get a different look and create new colors. 
3. Read the ingredients. Since we are aware of makeup products may contain chemical ingredients that are harsh for our skin, go natural!
4. Learn and practice for application. It's fun, really! You can find a lot of tutorials over internet, on youtube, magazines. So, I don't need to teach you anything. Just spend some time at home to try! Experiment.. Experiment...!!
5. Use eyeshadow primer/eye balm before applying to make the color pop and optimizing the eyeshadow by avoiding using too much or wasting it. 
Don't
1. Overwork or use the whole colors in your palette if your palette has 6 colors or more.
2. Forget to clean your brushes. 
3. Forget to clean your makeup when you're home.
4. Use if you have any skin problems.

Eyeshadow Primer
Do
1. A good eyeshadow base usually have transparent/nude like color. Choose nude color or similar with your skin color or foundation that you use. If you like a hint of shimmer, some brands have those in shimmer.
2. Apply from inner corner, eyelids, all the way to brow bone (under eyebrows) and outer corner. I usually only need a tiny dot on each eye.

Don't
Generally it's same as Foundation and other eye makeups.

Mascara
(I'm not a mascara type girl and I don't like mascara because it makes my eyes feel heavy, but... here we go!)
Do
1. Choose the color like. Black and Dark Brown are my favorites.
2. You want to use just a little bit and get the excess tint out first before applying to avoid clumps or stickiness and moreover ruining your makeup!
3. Well, if it's too late and it ruined a bit of your makeup, grab a Q-tip and clean it. Put concealer when needed. Use face/powder brush to smear it. Blend it.
4. Choose the waterproof kind because eyes are sensitive and without you know it, tears come out!
5. You may use the eyelash curler first. When applying, try to push it to the top a little bit, it will help curling your eye lashes.
6. You may use paper to avoid ruining your eyeshadow. It saves time than ruining the makeup and dealing with it.

Don't
- refer to other eye makeups


Tips for All Makeup
# If it's hard to find natural ones, try to find some products that claim to not using certain chemical ingredients (for example: paraben free, sulfates free, phthalates free, GMOs free, fragrance free, etc). 
# The application should be 1. eyeshadow primer. 2. eyeshadow. 3. eyeliner. 4. mascara.
# If you like to use pencil eyeliner/eyebrow, use the good sharp eye pencil sharpener to sharpen it a little bit but not too sharp. As long as it's evenly sharpened. 

Personally, I don't wear makeup when I'm home. I don't have to. When I'm being lazy or don't feel like it, I would only put on my moisturizer/face oil, suncreen, BB cream, eyebrow filler (ergh, my weakness, super thin eyebrows) and sometimes just eyeliner. I try to avoid using too much chemical ingredients when possible and to choose natural skincare and makeup.


Have fun !! See ya'll on my next blog!!
Keep your natural beauty, love your body !! :-) 


-dora- 
 

DIY Natural Gel Eyeliner in Brown
Mix well: 1 part Aloe Vera Gel (upto 2 parts, optional), 1 part Coconut Oil, 1/4 upto 1/2 part Cocoa powder. 
As simple as that! Remember to use clean brush when applying and store in cool dark place.  

DO and DON'Ts Part 3: Face Makeup

Hi Everyone!!

I hope you enjoyed reading my last Do and Don't Lists and it's always great if you like to write me comments and share some additional tips I might not know. You can also suggest me something you'd like me to write about! That would be my pleasure!
Alright, next I want to list more Do and Don't by me about Face Makeup. Here we go:

Blush or Cheek Stain
Do
1. I like to put this after my makeup powder.
2. Usually I apply slightly on cheek bone (or apple on cheek) using blush brush.
3. Choose the color that matches with your makeup and skin color. For example I want to apply coral lipstick, a bit orangey/peachy color blush/stain would be better than pink to make my face look brighter.
4. Make sure you clean your brush on regular basis. Since I don't wear makeup on daily basis, I clean my brushes every 2 months. If you wear makeup everyday, maybe it's better to clean your brushes once every week or two weeks.
5. If possible, get natural ones that using natural coloring such fruit powder.
6. If you put a bit too much, you can apply more makeup powder to smear and hide it or simply just use your brush to blend more.
Don't
1. Put if you find any skin problems. It's either the product is not good for you or you need to clean your brush.
2. Forget to clean your makeup after you're home. Use makeup remover or DIY makeup remover (cotton, distilled water enough to damp the cotton, and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil).

Bronzer
Do
1. Basically almost same like blush, the only difference is that I apply bronzer under my cheek stain. At the deeper area when I suck-in my cheek. Sometimes I apply at chin, a bit on both sides of the forehead and also both sides of my nose to give an elevated look. I'm still learning to contour my face in a better way :)
2. I use the same brush to apply my blush.
3. Using natural ingredients are preferable. The coloring could be from cocoa.
Don't
1. Get bronzer that's too dark. We just want the bronzer to emphasize our blush on the cheek not to looked like bony.
2. Use if you get skin problems.

Highlighter
Do
1. It is also basically like blush, the only difference is that I apply highlighter under eyes or upper my cheek stain to make the blush more pop, my nose, and slightly between nose and upper lip every now and then.
2. I can use either the same brush for the blush/bronzer or maybe a smaller one, fluffy blending brush could be an ideal one.
3. Choose a slightly brighter color than your powder/foundation to give a natural look. Matte color is always good even though sometimes giving a little bit of shimmer makes a more glamour look. (I like it!)
4. Always clean the makeup after you're home. Your face need to breathe too.

Don't
Choose a color that's too bright or same like powder that doesn't emphasize or give any effect. And don't use if you experience any skin problems.

Anyway, I hope this is really helping. I'm still working on Eye Makeup for my next blog. I hope to post it tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
See you later! Always keep our natural beauty :)

To Be Continued....

-dora-

DO and DON'Ts Part 2: Cosmetics

Hi Beauties !!

Have you read my recent blog? What do you think? I hope it could be somewhat useful to encourage you living better and healthier! I think it's important to take care of our skin, not only caring of our diet or doing some physical activities.

Now that I listed Do and Don't for Skincare products, how about for cosmetics products or I would like to call it makeup. Again, all of these work for me, hopefully they work for you.

Any of AA, BB, CC, DD Cream Makeup
What are they?
Briefly, they mostly stand for: Anti Aging, Beauty Balm, Color Correction, Dynamic Do-All tinted moisturizers depend on the brands and each has different purposes from tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, brighten skin and even out complexion and so forth. However, they are less heavy than any makeup foundation (some of them may opaque-like). I think it's sort of all-in-one solution for everyday or fast makeup. The alphabet goes to meaning an improved formula from the previous ones. So, CC cream should be better than BB cream. BUT, keep in mind, due to all ingredients are combined in one product, the sunscreen may also be lighter and thus we need to put real sunblock to protect our skin.

Do
1. Read thoroughly all ingredients the product claims to have before buying. Make sure to get all benefits your skin really needs.
2. I recommend to get the one with sunscreen in the case you want all-in-one make up, otherwise, put a thin layer of sunscreen before you apply it for UV protection.
3. Choose the color that slightly darker than your skin color like one or two tone lighter because when you apply, it eventually will blend and look the same as your skin color.
4. Put a thin layer of your daily moisturizer after you clean your face. Leave it at least 5 minutes to absorb. (Apply thinly your sunscreen on sunny day, again allow 5-10mins to absorb). Apply evenly your BB/CC cream.
Don't
1. Apply when you have breakouts or any problems.
2. Get the color that is lighter than your skin tone, as you may end up looking like a ghost!
3. Forget to clean your make up once you're home from outside.

Makeup Foundation/Primer
- refer to Alphabetical Cream Makeup 
You can wear them separately, Face Primer usually opaque-like or nude color and use the Foundation that suits your skin color.

Makeup Powder (Foundation, Compact/Loose, Finishing, etc)
Do
1. Get mineral powder that is formulated for your skin type. They usually say whether good for oily/normal/dry skin.
2. Put a thin layer after your foundation/BB cream.
3. Use powder brush or sponge to apply evenly. Slightly dab/press the brush/sponge onto your skin to make the powder stay. If you swipe it back and forth you will end up wasting your powder.
4. If you want to skip foundation/BB cream, put sunscreen first before applying powder and also choose powder that contains SPF.
5. Choosing the color is almost the same as choosing foundation. Pick a slight darker color than your skin tone or the transparent one. They will blend perfectly with your natural skin color.
6. If you have dry-combination skin (like me), you can skip the whole face and only on T-zone or oily area only.
Don't
1. Use if the texture are not smooth or hard to apply. Texture is important when applying makeup powder to get a flawless look.
2. Apply the powder by swiping back and forth, you will waste your powder.
3. Use if you find any breakouts/pimples/dryness. Listen to whatever your skin says.

Lipstick
Do
1. Get the ones that claim have natural ingredients. Why? As we may accidentally eat some lipstick with our diet. Avoiding unwanted chemical ingredients into your body won't hurt, right?
2. Choose the colors that suit your skin. For example I'm Asian so Coral colors suit better while pink makes me look dull, if you're white, pink and red are good ones though mostly all colors fit you.
3. Put a thin layer of your lip balm before applying to avoid dryness.
4. To get a fully look lips, you can use lip liner before applying lipstick.
Don't
1. Use if it makes your lips dry and chapped.
2. Forget to remove make up when you're home. (I'd rather to put lip balm at home).

Important Note for Buying Healthy Lipstick:
Coloring ingredients. Usually regular brands use dyes or chemical coloring. We are trying to avoid that. So get the ones with coloring like beets powder, alkanet root powder, reef clay, or any fruits powder as they are natural ingredients.

Foundation/Powder and Lipstick are the most common must have items that every woman has in her purse. However, more items are also important for makeup junkies: eye shadows, blush, bronzer, mascara and more. I will continue to work on writing about them soon!

to be continued........

-dora-

DO and DON'Ts Part 1: Skincare

DOs and DON'Ts by me


Facial Cleanser
Do
1. I clean my face twice a day. Tips: in the morning if I stay home whole day, I rinsed my face with cold water only. I know friends who have been doing this since teenagers and their face never have any problems. In the morning, we have good face oil that is useful for our face, our natural oil.
2. Whenever I have make up on, I use DIY eye make up remover (recipe in the bottom of page) before I use my cleanser.
3. Use cleanser with scrubs/grains/beads as they clean pores thoroughly.
Don't
1. Don't be lazy to clean our face. In my own experience, when I was busy and skipped morning rinsing once, acne started to come out. Uh-oh.
2. I read somewhere, since I have dry skin, to avoid foam type cleanser.
3. Don't let your makeup stay for too long, especially when you plan to stay home.

Face Moisturizers
Do
1. Make sure to clean the face before applying.
2. Thin layer should be enough for the whole face. Applying too much will probably make your skin overwhelmed.
3. Make sure you're comfortable with the product; your skin should feel supple, smooth, better. I love my Face Oil since the ingredients are all natural. Thanks to Qi Qi Naturals, my face feels improved.
4. Choose the one with SPF/Suncreen for daytime (preferably SPF 30) and more antioxidant agents for night time.
Don't
1. Don't apply before cleaning your face! Why? because, we never know if the moisturizers will trap bacteria/dirt onto your skin and guess what? pimples start coming out. Oh no!
2. Don't use products that give you breakout, rashes or any problems. I tried ROC Retinol and hey, it's not cheap! $23 or so. Well, I had breakout, either I put too much or what, I don't understand. I tried to rotate with my other face cream, well, my face started to get used to, but, not too long after using it, dry skin. So, I stopped. Really, believe what your skin says.
3. Don't be lazy to apply moisturizers especially if you have dry skin. Moisturizer should help you from dryness and flakiness.

Additional Tips for Facial Skincare:
1. Toner. I believe it helps skin to adapt the application of moisturizer. I use Apple Cider Vinegar as toner after I clean my face. I leave it on for up to 2 hours before rinsing and putting on moisturizer.
2. Facial Brush. If you have Electric Facial Brush (Clarisonic/Olay/Conair), I encourage you to use it maybe at least every week. It helps cleaning and relaxing your face. I usually use my facial scrub while using my brush. Remember, pimples are scared of cleanliness.

Eye Cream/Gel/Serum
Do
1. Make sure you have removed all eye makeup before applying.
2. Apply every night before going to bed. Especially if you are lack of sleep or very tired. A little bit is enough to prevent dark circles, puffiness and hopefully from aging/wrinkles :)
Don't
1. Just like moisturizers, don't apply it if you're not comfortable or the product causes any skin reactions.

Body Lotion, Hand Cream, Foot Cream
- refer to Face Moisturizers

Shower Gel/Soap or Body Wash
- refer to Facial Cleanser

Lip Balm/Gloss
Do
1. Apply as often as possible when you have dry or chapped lips.
2. Find Natural products as lip balm may also be eaten involuntarily.  Nothing could be worse than having unclear chemical ingredients into your body.
3. Apply overnight each day for supple lips.
Don't
1. Don't use a product that's too greasy. My experience,  a good lip balm doesn't need to be greasy. They just don't work on me.
2. Don't be lazy to apply on your lips especially if you have dry lips like me.
3. Stop using the product when you don't see any improvement in few days to a week. I usually see the result within 4 days. But it depends on how often you apply it.

Additional Tips:
1. Butter/Oil. Use Body Butter/Oil for dry skin or during winter time. And most lotions use fragrance which sometimes could cause allergic reaction. Therefore, applying butter/oil is a better way for dry skin. Choose products that contain Vitamin E or Cocoa Butter/Coconut Oil/Olive Oil.
2. Sulfur. It's believed to fight acne. Get facial bar soap that has sulfur in it.
3. Natural. I recommend to use (if possible 100%) natural products. The reason is simply to not putting too much unnecessary chemical ingredients onto our skin. Our skin will always absorb anything we apply, so it's like feeding our skin with the skincare.

DIY My Makeup Remover
1. Cotton
2. Water
3. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Damp cotton with just enough water (not too wet), put a little bit of melted EVCO.
Tadaaaa. It's ready to go!!

See you in my next blog!
Keep healthy. Be natural :)


xoxo
-dora-

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)

Oil and Our Skin

to keep our skin moisture, oil plays an important role

I heard about Tea Tree Oil about ten years ago and bought it since I heard about it's anti-acne role. I have dry-to-normal skin type and TTO was too strong to be applied without any dilution that my skin ended up cracking. I also had Rosehip Seeds Oil two years ago that ended up being used twice which caused my skin dry. But, seriously, I didn't know how to make use of them. I mean, what would I do with those oils. I was ignorant. Well, that was me until a year ago.
Okay, so what with these oils? Thanks to the booming of Body Oil, Face Oil, Skin Oil. Yes. O-I-L. But why? how?

As I get older, I started to use skincare products. I need to take care of my diet and skin! I want to have healthy and glowing skin. I began using moisturizers and night cream on my face, eye gel/cream on my eye lids and around, body lotion all over. However, deep down I realized that those regular skincare might have side effects. We know lotion contains fragrance to make them smell so damn good! Also lotion mostly contains water. Water is used to moisture our skin but it dries quickly so we apply more lotion. I think fragrance is toxic and water dries our skin. So, I began to research for a better solution. The answer is oil. In fact, some people have oily skin, while others are lack of skin oil. Why are we lack of oil? Well many reasons, I would say 5 reasons: aging, stress, life-style (alcoholic or smokers), sunlight radiation, and gene factor.

Anyway, I started with my body due to bad experience with my face. I use Cocoa Butter Body Oil as lotion. It smells wonderful and it works really good on my skin, especially during winter time to fight my cracking skin. I put Cuticle Oil that contains Vitamin E Oil on my nails. I use Virgin Coconut Oil as hair mask. It smells good and makes my hair smooth. As for Tea Tree Oil, I have the one that already diluted and I use it on my itchy skin. I think it works better now. It's a bit greasy but it helps with my skin problem. As for my face, I try to give a second chance with Qi Qi Naturals Face Oil. OMG! It works wonderfully, quickly absorbed without greasy feeling. It makes my skin feel smooth and improved; it helps me fighting flaky skin on the face.

Well, I have done some research about different types of oil: pure oils (olive, coconut), essential oils (lavender, chamomile), seeds oil (grape, hemp), TTO, etc. I believe that we could make use of oil in any ways as our natural skincare, however, you must do a little research what oils are good for you and whatnot. Google it before you get it, make sure that your skin type are not prone to the oil you want to use. In fact, some oil works for oily skin but not for dry skin, for instance TTO. Some oil contain sebum that similar to human skin's sebum which means could blend well with our natural skin oil and absorbed quickly. Some oils contain anti-oxidant agent that fights UV radiation or free radicals.

So, Oil? Yes. Why not?

-dora-