Chikii Chic- organic skincare beauty blog.

Cornelia Frances joins AOP as its first Ambassador and launches 'Redheads for Redheads'

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:01:00 +0000

We are passionate about sharing the news and raising awareness about the plight of the orangutan. All of our products at Chikii are all palm oil free.
Click here to read more on ways to support Channel 7 actress Cornelia Frances who has joined the Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) as its first Ambassador in an effort to raise awareness about Critically Endangered orangutans.

Plant a billion trees- The Nature Conservancy

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:53:00 +0000

We would like to share with you about "The Nature Conservancy."
Below is a youtube video re. planting trees in the Brazil's Atlanic forest. Kimi Organics pledges to plant a tree everytime you purchase one of their products. To browse their product range click on the following link --- Kimi Organic skincare at our Chikii store.

Research confirms gluten in skincare exacerbates Celiac symptoms.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:18:00 +0000

Interesting article on gluten in skincare products. This article is from the Sophyto Blog.Posted on November 16, 2011 by Elspeth Waters
Finally, research from a credible institution of mainstream academia – George Washington University – has come out in support of what we, and our green scientists, have been saying all along: gluten-contain products really DO exacerbate the symptoms of Celiac Disease and the big cosmetic companies have so far done little or nothing to inform customers as to whether or not they use gluten in the manufacture of their products. click this link to read more.....
To purchase click here- The Sophyto skincare range go to our Chikii store

New Year Beauty Resolutions-commit

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:37:00 +0000

While we are focusing on healthy beauty resolutions we have come across this article,there are a couple of great suggestions here and it is a great read. Enjoy!
Click on this link here - New Year Beauty Resolutions- commit.

Happier, healthy, beauty, New Year Resolutions.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!

I have learnt that the best resolutions are the ones that you make not just for a year, but for a lifetime. This year I am going to resolve to make more time for myself, feeling more beautiful and pampered, pampering myself improves my self confidence and self esteem. Pampering means more massages, more relaxation time in the bath, having facials, styling my hair, and manicures. Feeling much better about myself is taking a little more time to apply protective mineral powder and touching up my face with mascara and a bit of lip gloss. Taking care of my body and soul, and treating my body with love and respect, gives me the feeling of well being and contentment. It is about leading a happier life one healthy choice at a time. Good health is the best treatment of all. The New Year is the best time to resolve in making healthy changes.

Below are some suggestions for healthy beauty resolutions to make for 2012.

Stress reduction – Taking the time to quiet your mind on a regular basis can improve your mental and physical health dramatically. Meditation is a practice that will keep you focused, aligned and centred on what it is that you truly want, it is a practise that keeps the body and mind in a state of balance and bliss, a state where healing takes place. Choose to reduce stress through meditation, yoga, or long quiet walks on the beach or in the countryside, breathing in the healing fresh air.

Living an environmentally friendly lifestyle - Make some eco-resolutions, we all care about the environment and they are safer and healthier for you and your family.

Eat whole organic fresh food - Clean out your cupboard of all your unhealthy food- processed snacks, fast food, alcohol, condiments, and carbonated drinks. Try to stick to a diet of whole foods, including fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, healthy oils and unprocessed ingredients.

Daily Exercise – We all know that doing a lot more exercise can improve your health and reduce stress.

Give up toxic chemical beauty products – Just remember that what you put on your body can be just as important as what you put in your body.

What are your resolutions for 2012? Whatever they may be we would love to hear about them. The New Year is a time to set new intentions for the year and work on the projects and desires that we all want to achieve which gives us a motivating feeling of starting anew.

How do you feel about yourself and your life?

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:49:00 +0000

Wellbeing - Better Health Channel

Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It is a complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional and social health factors. Wellbeing is linked to how you feel about yourself and your life. Click on the link above to read this interesting article.

Scenting your home with Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:50:00 +0000

At our Chikii store we have some beautiful home fragrance products, diffusers,certified organic reed diffusers and certified organic essential oil blends. Enjoy this article from Tarj Mavi, the creator of the La Mav skincare range.
Many of us love to create fragrance within the home using candles, incense, plug-ins, sprays and diffusers, but did you know that you may be negatively affecting your health? Unless you are using pure essential oils to bless your space with delightful aromas, the synthetic ingredients used in conventional products can have harmful effects. I personally cannot tolerate artificial fragrance on a regular basis. The smell is too overpowering. I recently visited a family member who had one of those timer based spray units and was startled with a dousing of spray as I walked past. I truly felt like I’d been targeted like some bug! Studies show that synthetic fragrances can compromise our body’s natural rhythm and negatively affect our endocrine system upsetting our hormone balance. So what are our options? Well just take a walk outside right now, close your eyes and take note of all the amazing perfumes radiating from the blossoms in your garden. Nature provides an amazing array of exquisite perfumes at different times of the year. At the moment my house is surrounded by the heady blossoms of star jasmine which I know from memory is the start to the warmer weather. Essential oils are the extracts from plants, whether it be from the roots, bark, flowers or leaves. These precious oils are extracted using different types of methods and at the end of the process the precious oil is collected ready for use. Essential oils have a therapeutic affect on your mood. They can change the way you feel within three seconds. This is because these powerful oils stimulate the nerve receptors in your nose and access your limbic system. Our emotions, memory and trauma are all stored in the limbic system, when the oils reach our emotions, thoughts and memories are triggered and feel good hormones are released. For instance jasmine always reminds me of balmy summer evenings and as soon as I smell the blossom I am transported to those summer thoughts. Peppermint is another oil I like to burn if I need inspiration or want to boost my mood. I instantly feel revived and alive and ready for what the day may throw at me.

Try some of these mood blends to enhance your day:

Morning Energiser- 4 drops Lemon oil,2 drops Peppermint oil and 2 drops Lemongrass oil.

Love is in the Air - 4 drops patchouli oil,4 drops Ylang Ylang oil and 2 drops Sandlewood oil.

Children Chillout Blend - 2 drops Cedarwood oil,2 drops Vetiver oil and 2 drops Lavender oil.

New key active Ingredients for the Synthesis First Love Certified Organic Skin Hydrating Tonic.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:49:00 +0000

We have taken the opportunity to add a number of new actives to the formula with some delicious new benefits for the skin. Here are just a few of them!

Helichrysum-Also known as 'Everlasting' and 'Immortelle', this is a powerful anti-inflammatory, with the ability to stimulate tissue regeneration and detoxify impurities from the skin.

Super Rose Otto Hydrosol-From organic Bulgarian roses. Unlike other hydrosols, this is not a bi-product of distillation, but is produced exclusively for the highly fragrant rose water with exquisite soothing, regenerative benefits for the skin.

Australian Olive Leaf Extract -a powerful antioxidant to boost the immunity and health of our skin.

Australian Certified Organic Kelp extract-A micro-algae with cell regenerating nutrients; amino acids, minerals, enzymes. Supports circulation, making skin supple, smooth and radiant. Contains 23 minerals, including chlorophyll, folic acid, vitamins A, B12, D and iodine.

Of course, all the original benefits of hydration and pigmentation brightening, nutrient quenching and energy imbued radiance boosting are still there!

Organic Perfume - Join the Rich Hippy Love Train.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:39:00 +0000

Enjoy the lush scent Love Train. This organic perfume is like a little sister to some of our other perfumes – it’s light, flirty and fresh – and is perfect for when you need something to lift your spirits and steal the show.

Love Train is a beautiful blend of Madagascan ylang ylang petals, vetiver root and French, Italian and Brazilian citrus, expertly blended to create a perfume that will make sure you get noticed. Walk into any room and watch as heads turn, captivated by this memorable scent.

Whether you have a hot date with the cute guy living opposite, or are planning a night of cocktails with the girls this scent will make sure you feel irresistible. After all, us ladies know that it’s not about the high heels, the red lips or the perfect hair – it’s the perfume you wear that will be burned into the hearts and minds of men everywhere.

And it’s not just for the men that we wear scents. Our olfactory senses can have a profound effect on our wellbeing – when you smell great you feel more confident, uplifted and relaxed. Who’d have thought a perfume would have the power to change your life!

Be one of the first Rich Hippie Fans to try out this scent for only $30.00.

With every order of Rich Hippie we will add a special gift for you for Christmas, also enjoy free delivery right up to Christmas for all customers in Australia. Shop for all Rich Hippy Perfume here.

Beyond organic-biodynamic ingredients

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:43:00 +0000

At Chikii, we will have a category in our shop that showcases products that have biodynamic ingredients in their formulas. The Synthesis shampoo, body wash and conditioner contain biodynamic ingredients. So we are going to give you some information on what is biodynamic farming.Biodynamic farming is one of the most ethical and sustainable forms of agriculture in existence. It excludes the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides and relies on the natural interdependence between all the different components of the farm to create a self-sustaining, balanced and harmonious environment. Today biodynamics is practiced in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Biodynamic farming is founded on a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being and builds on the pioneering research work of Rudolf Steiner, a remarkable visionary and educator in a number of fields including agriculture.
Much about biodynamic farming reflects the principles of organic farming but the biodynamic farmer goes further to create a completely self-sustaining, holistic environment in which the farm is treated as a living (biological) organism capable of producing everything it needs within the dynamics of its own unique elements. These include soil structure, animal and insect populations, tree and plant life, elevation, rainfall, sun exposure, water sources and celestial influences.
At the heart of a biodynamic farm’s success are the essential farm-derived soil preparations and fertilizers which are full of microbial composts that stimulate the soil’s ecosystem and enhance the plants’ abilities to absorb nutrients, fend off pests and prevent the spread of disease. Thus the emphasis is on integrating the needs as well as the contributions of livestock, insects, plants and crops for the generation and recycling of nutrients, improving soil fertility and nurturing the health of all including ultimately the farmer and the consumer. Biodynamic farming also recognises the interplay between earthly and cosmic forces such as the rhythms and cycles of the seasons and the impact of the sun, moon and planets upon the land. These form the basis of an annually produced planting calendar which guides the farmer towards appropriate times for cultivation and sowing for maximum quantity and quality.
Demeter international is the biodynamic certifying organization, which is the oldest traditional organic certification in Europe and is regarded as the highest grade of organic farming in the world. You can find our more at http://www.demeter.org.au

Preservative free certified organic skincare- A look at Mokosh.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:08:00 +0000

Mokosh is one of the few certified organic skin care brands in the world to use no preservatives – natural or synthetic – in any of its skin care range. They are not satisfied with the safety of these additives, and so have formulated their products to be preservative-free. Preservatives are designed to kill bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms require water for growth, and typical creams and cleansers are 50-85% water, hence their need for added preservatives. In contrast, Mokosh products are formulated without water, preventing microorganism growth and enabling them to be preservative-free. When stored below 30°C without water contamination, their products have a shelf life of two years. They consider it inappropriate to apply preservatives to the skin, even those approved for use in certified organic products. In the same way that anti-bacterials taken orally can disrupt the natural flora of the digestive tract, they believe that application of a bactericidal product to the skin has the potential to disrupt the skin’s flora.

Why is there no water in Mokosh products? All water-containing creams need to have a preservative added to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. They don’t like using preservatives, even those approved for organic certification, because they may be toxic, and they may upset your skin’s natural bacterial flora. Two additional benefits of no water are (1) nutrients retain their potency for longer, and (2) better value – you’re not paying for a product that is 85% water, which will rapidly evaporate from your skin!

Because Mokosh skin care is formulated without water, this means that their creams are up to 5 times the concentration of standard skin care, which typically contains between 50-85% water. For this reason, you need apply only one fifth the amount you would normally use. When using on the face, apply while the skin is moist to aid the spread of the cream. On your body, massage longer than usual to achieve a thin spread

Chikii Christmas Specials- certified organic natural beauty products.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:48:00 +0000

Shop with us at our Chikii store, generous discounts at our organic beauty store, discount offer available during November until the 20th.December (while stocks last).Here are some of our Christmas specials.
La mav – Skin care packaged in an attractive cosmetic bag.
Anti-ageing pack only $89.95- Bio VA5 Daily Wrinkle Smoothing Crème 50ml, Bio-A7 Firming Eye Lotion 30ml, Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar 15ml with cosmetic bag.
Skin Brightening pack only $89.95- Rumex Advanced Lightening Day Crème 50ml,Vit-C Advanced Nightly Repair Nectar 30ml, Anti Dark-Circle and Ultra-Firm Eye Gel 15ml with cosmetic bag.
Ultra-Hydration pack only $89.95-Hyaluronan Daily Moisture Crème 50ml, Intense Moisture Nightly Repair Nectar 30ml, Bio-A7 Firming Eye Lotion 15ml with cosmetic bag.
Cleanse & Polish Pack – FOR DRY SKIN only $39.95- Hydra Calm Cleansing Creme 100ml,Jojoba-Beads and Argan Oil Exfoliating Scrub 60ml with cosmetic bag.
Cleanse & Polish Pack – FOR OILY SKIN only $39.95-Sweet Orange Foaming Cleanser 100ml,Cranberry Bio Exfoliating Scrub 60ml with cosmetic bag.
Lamari - With all orders of Lamari products, you will receive a FREE Lamari lip balm.
Chikii Mineral Makeup and Colour cosmetics – Purchase two Chikii mineral makeup products and receive a FREE Summer Breeze Mineral Blush.
Mokosh- Purchase a light face cream, a rose geranium and patchouli, shea and cocoa butter soap and a moisturising coconut and apricot kernel lip balm for only $62.50.
Sophyto- Receive a Free Mini Purifying Silken Cleanser when you purchase any two full size products in the Sophyto range (maybe substituted with alternative mini’s while stocks last).
Ochre- Purchase Two Ochre products and purchase the Body oil at $9.90.
Planet Eve- Purchase the body lotion and the hand cream for only $58.00.
Synthesis – Purchase any product of the First Love range of skincare and receive a FREE synthesis organic perfume sample set.
Elly b ORGANIC SKINCARE Christmas Special Starter Kit-Total Value $130.50 …… SPECIAL PRICE $97.50.Each Starter Kit contains the following certified organic products: cream cleanser 100mls, special cleaning cloth x 1, botanical moisturiser 50mls, FREE Rose Hydrating Toner 125mls

Safe cleansing alternatives- bath and shower products.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 01:10:00 +0000

Do you know what is in those products that you are slathering over your body? Have you looked at the ingredient labels of those fragrant hand and shower gels you are splashing over your hands and body? Do you know what is in these products? Do you know if these ingredients are safe?

Here we are going to explore toxic ingredients that are found in soaps and hand/body gels that can have a terrible effect not only on your skin, but your overall health as well. Find out what to avoid and what to look for in safe cleansing alternatives...Look at your bath and shower products.

Shower Water.
The water that you are showering in exposes you to chlorine, chloramines and other harmful water borne toxins and is absorbed through the skin and also by inhalation of the chlorine vapours. Chlorine is universally used to disinfect water, killing bacteria and other microorganisms. Eliminate chlorine and other toxins from your shower water by installing a shower rose filter, and relieve yourself from common ailments caused by over chlorine exposure like chronic sinus congestion and body acne. Relieve dry skin and itchiness, eliminate chlorine caused dandruff, protect dyed hair for lasting colour, improve annoying respiratory problems, and so much more...

What's In Your Bottle of Shower Gel and Liquid Hand Soap?

There are six groups of ingredients to provide effective cleansing, foaming and lathering, and moisturising. These ingredients include:
Water- Typically the main ingredient listed in bath and shower gels. Functions as the liquid solvent for the other ingredients.
Emulsifiers- Act to increase foam and provide thickening for bath gels, giving them their gel-like consistency.
Detergents- Used to clean the skin.
Surfactants- Create a lather or foam when the bath gel or liquid soap is applied to the skin.
Preservatives- Extend the shelf life of bath gels and liquid soaps and prevent microbial contamination.
Fragrance- Most shower gels contain fragrance to cover up the chemical smell of other ingredients and to help make using the shower gel a pleasing experience. Most fragrances used in shower gels are synthetic. Some may be derived from essential oils and natural plant extracts.

"To Avoid" list

Certain chemical ingredients can potentially cause problems for your skin when applied as a liquid or bar soap and are best avoided.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) - Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, detergent and emulsifier used in thousands of cosmetic products, as well as in industrial cleaners. Present in nearly all shampoos, toothpastes, body washes and cleansers, liquid hand soaps, laundry detergents and bath oils and bath salts. Although SLS originates from coconuts, the manufacturing process results in SLES/SLS being contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product. SLS is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfate, and is rated by the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database as a "moderate hazard." SLS breaks down the skin's moisture barrier, easily penetrates the skin, and allows other chemicals to penetrate by increasing skin permeability by approximately 100-fold. Combined with other chemicals, SLS becomes a "nitrosamine", a potent class of carcinogen. Research studies have linked SLS to skin and eye irritation, organ toxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, cellular changes, possible mutations and cancer.
Dioxane- Common in a wide range of products as part of PEG, Polysorbates, Laureth, and ethoxylated alcohols. These compounds are usually contaminated with high concentrations of highly volatile 1, 4-dioxane which is easily absorbed through the skin. This "probable carcinogen to humans" substance has received a "high hazard" rating from EWG's Skin Deep and is especially toxic to your brain, central nervous system, kidneys and liver. A synthetic derivative of coconut, watch for misleading language on labels, stating "comes from coconut". Avoid any product with indications of ethoxylation, which include: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol," in ingredient names.
Parabens- Widely used as preservatives in cosmetic and skin care products; parabens have been connected with breast cancer in studies. They have hormone-disrupting qualities, mimicking estrogen, and interfere with the body's endocrine system. Studies have shown that parabens can affect your body much like estrogens, which can lead to diminished muscle mass, extra fat storage, and male breast growth.
Propylene glycol- A common ingredient in personal care products, it's been shown to cause dermatitis, kidney or liver abnormalities, and may inhibit skin cell growth or cause skin irritation. Also found in engine coolants, antifreeze, rubber cleaners, adhesives, and paints and varnishes.
Diethanolamine or DEA- DEA readily reacts with nitrite preservatives and contaminants to create nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), a known and potent carcinogen. DEA also appears to block absorption of the nutrient choline, vital to brain development.
Fragrance- Toluene, made from petroleum or coal tar, is found in most synthetic fragrances. Chronic exposure is linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage, and may affect a developing fetus. Synthetic fragrances can also be drying and irritating to your skin.
Triclosan- The antibacterial agent added to many liquid hand soaps to help kill germs.

Tips for buying Safe and Healthy Alternatives.

Always look for a product that is certified organic with the logo on the label, and/or select products whose ingredients you recognize and that they are certified organic ingredients.

Use certified organic oils, therapeutic pure essential oils and extracts.

Made without petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients.

Free from artificial colours, fragrances, and chemical preservatives

Made without animal products or animal testing.

Food for healthier skin.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:19:00 +0000

Your skin's health is an indicator of your internal health. Here are a short list of foods that help you looking and feeling great.
1. Drink lots of pure filtered clean alkaline water. At least 2 liters per day.
2 Healthy omega-3 fats,which are found in oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel,help keep skin soft and supple. Increasing your omega-3 intake helps anyone with dry or inflamed skin. Vegetarian sources include nuts,chia seeds and flax seed oil. A quality supplement of krill oil is am excellent choice of omega - 3's.
3. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant, and eating foods with vitamin E are beneficial for your skin,good sources are avocados,olive oil,nuts and seeds.
4. Boost your intake of berries,citrus fruits,broccoli and parsley, which are excellent sources of vitamin C. Vitamin c is an important nutrient that helps skin's collagen production. Berries are also rich in antioxidants which help protect against the free radical damage that causes wrinkles.
5. Increase your intake of selenium,selenium is needed to keep the skin elastic and also a potent anti-oxidant. Good sources of selenium include brazil nuts,salmon,eggs and garlic.
6 Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A helps to promote skin repair and maintenance. A deficiency in vitamin A usually results in dry skin. Carrots are packed with Beta-carotene, other foods that are high in vitamin A are liver,spinach,chilli,sweet potatoes and apricots.
7 The mineral silica is essential for healthy skin, the body uses it to make collagen. Food sources are bananas,kelp,whole oats,brown rice,green leafy veggies and alfalfa.
8.Snack on pumpkin seeds as they supply your body with Zinc,which is needed for healthy wound healing and also to balance oil production in the skin. It is also useful for treating many skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Sunflower seeds,eggs,nuts,rolled oats are also rich in zinc.

Savi organic reed diffusers

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:42:00 +0000

At Chikii we now have Savi organic Reed diffusers.These work when the oil travels up the reed and releases the fragrance into the air. This is brilliant as you can use any essential oils you like and create endless amounts of fragrances. It is much safer than candles and you don’t have to worry about plugging it in and wasting electricity.

To use your reed diffuser…..

Pour the premixed diffuser oil into the diffuser and set the reeds into the oil.
After 15-20 minutes take them out and invert them end for end.
The oil may cause the reeds to stick together, so separate them.
Flip them at the very least once a week to continue scenting the room.
Essential oils have therapeutic and relaxation benefits so will uplift your wellbeing while calming your mind, body & soul. Aromatherapy with reed diffusers is a safe way to create wonderful fragrances in every room of your home. Reed diffusers scent any room continuously without the fire risk from burning candles; they add beauty and a touch of luxury to your home decor and make great centerpieces. Reed diffusers also add a relaxing "feel" to every room. They are easy to maintain and can last as long as several months.
In order to understand the benefits we first need to look at the purity of the essential oil used in the Reed Diffuser. Essential oil should be grown organically, harvested at the right time, distilled immediately and not distilled from old stock or dried herbs, and should be distilled using low temperatures for longer times without the use of solvents. SAVI diffuser essential oils are Australian Certified Organic, therapeutic-grade, AFNOR / ISO rated, so are guaranteed beneficial essential oil. The benefit of reed diffusers over essential oil burners is when you expose essential oils to heat, like the flame of a candle, what will happen is the molecules of the essential oil will fracture meaning there is little, if any, real therapeutic benefit. It will still smell nice but the benefits just won’t be there.
Most 'non essential oil' diffusers have a base oil that is a potentially harmful, toxic petro chemical, which is no doubt used because it’s cheap and because it won’t turn rancid like a plant based fatty oil. Not only are the petrochemical versions toxic in your home, when the diffuser oil is spent of scent and emptied, the petro-based oil is going to end up in the environment, either down the drain or in a landfill.

Mascara- a list of chemicals that may surprise you

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:37:00 +0000

Enjoy our blog article below on Mascara, Our Chikii mineral cosmetics contain no synthetic ingredients, are cruelty free and natural.

Mascara has an ingredient list that includes a range of chemicals: Petroleum distillates, shellac, acrylates (strong irritants), phenylmercuric acetate (preservative made from benzenes and mercury that can cause blisters, skin irritation and allergic reactions), parabens (hormone disrupters, allergens), quaternium-22 (preservative, allergen), quaternium-15 (eye irritant) and pentaerythrityl (resin additive made from formaldehyde).
Lash-extending products can contain plasticizers, such as polyurethane, that cause cancer in animals, and polystyrene sulfonate which can irritate eyes and may be a hormone disruptor.
Frightening, isn’t it? I can’t recall ever bothering to read a mascara label – most of the time the packaging goes straight into the bin and the ingredient information is gone forever.
It is wise to use mascara products sparingly. There are a few ‘natural’ mascaras on the market which may be worth tracking down. For many women, this is a product that is used without a second thought – a ‘staple’ in the world of cosmetics. This also means that it is worth taking a second look at the product label the next time you are buying.
If you found this article valuable, you can download the Chemical Maze App to your iPhone now. Have easy-to-use information on thousands of potentially harmful ingredients at your fingertips.
Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world. She lives in the Yarra Valley with her partner and two young children.

Random acts of kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:02:00 +0000

we love this video.

Mokosh achieves NASAA organic certification

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:24:00 +0000

Mokosh recently recieved organic certification from NASAA. All their skincare and body products,except the bath bombs, are approved at between 95-100% certified with organic ingredients. The products are preservative free,fairtrade and palm oil free.
About Mokosh.
Mokosh offers a luxurious natural skincare range with a difference. Because we formulate our products differently, we are able to leave out potentially harmful synthetic ingredients like preservatives and synthetic additives. Further, our products are not diluted with water, allowing them to deliver potent, active nutrients directly to your skin.
Our products are made with a minimum 95% certified organic ingredients - most are at the 100% level - and some of our ingredients are also certified Fair Trade. Each ingredient is used in its raw, unrefined state, thereby maximising the levels of natural vitamins, anti-oxidants and other phyto-nutrients that your skin will readily absorb and utilise.
We have drawn on the Ayurvedic system of holistic health in our approach to skincare. This philosophy advocates the use of gentle, soothing skin treatments tailored to the individual, avoiding harsh invasive chemicals and procedures, and optimising nutrition both internally and externally. This approach taps into the body’s innate healing abilities, correcting imbalances and promoting health.

"Giving Back" - 2012 Project Borneo Calendar.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 05:23:00 +0000

At Chikii we support www.withcompassion.com.au and www.saveorganutans.org.au

We now have the 2012 Project Borneo Calendar for you to purchase, and proceeds go to The Centre of Orangutan protection and The Orangutan Land Trust.

An A3 sized calendar, printed on carbon neutral paper by a carbon neutral printer.

About this calendar - The Rainforests of Asia hide some deadly secrets- Palm Oil & Paper Pulp Production as well as Illegal Logging is destroying them. Most people are unaware of the rapid & deadly destruction of the Rainforests, the Orangutans and the 3,000 other species of Flora & Fauna only found in these Rainforests. Most people are unaware that they are contributing to this destruction by purchasing products which contain palm oil, using virgin rainforest timber and by not using recycled paper products. The purpose of this calender was to raise awareness about these issues and to raise funds to give to The Centre of Orangutan Protection & The Orangutan Land Trust. Rainforests are important to the global ecosystem as they provide a home to many plants and animals, help stabilize the world's climate, protect against flood, drought, and erosion, area source for medicines and foods and support tribal people.

All photos were taken by Glenn Alderson on his recent trip to Borneo arranged by With Compassion & Soul.

Organic beauty treatment serums,

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:12:00 +0000

Serums are used as part of a facial treatment when you go to a Beauty Therapist or to a spa. A serum contains highly concentrated ingredients, delivering vital nutrients and vitamins to help rejuvenate and heal and to treat skin ailments. They absorb into the skin quickly and more deeply for a more intensive effect. Formulas vary, but most serums are designed to smooth, soften, reduce the appearance of dark spots, hydrate, brighten and help to combat sun damage.
How to use a beauty Serum – Apply a drop of serum to your fingertips and massage it gently into your freshly- cleaned skin in the morning and at night, then follow with your usual moisturiser. You don’t need to use more than a drop or two to cover your whole face and neck. You will likely feel an immediate change in your skin the first time you use a serum – it may feel softer,smoother and perhaps a little tighter. But most formulas promise a visual change in four weeks, especially if you have fine lines and wrinkles,redness or large pores.
Should I use a serum in addition to a moisturizer, or do they take the place of a moisturizer? Moisturizers act to protect your skin, where serums may be less protective, but more therapeutic. You can use a serum under your moisturizer for additional skin benefits. However a serum can be applied on its own at night, if you have oily skin (instead of a moisturizer); or during weather conditions when you want to forgo a heavy moisturizer.
Can serums be used on my neck area? – This region often gets missed and is typically the first area of your body to show the signs of aging. Serums are perfect for delivering potent nutrients to the décolleté area. Follow with your moisturizer on your neck as well.
How long does a serum last? – Many people apply too much – a little goes a long way. So a bottle should last longer than the same size daily moisturizer because you should be using less. We find serums generally last the longest of any product in a skin care routine because 1-2 pumps is all you need. If your skin feels sticky, you’ve used too much.
At our Chikii store we have a couple of ranges that provide organic serum treatments. Oliveen has four to choose from for each skin type. beautiful nourishing formulas, Lamari also has three treatment serums and the L’Effect is a perfect serums for young, oily skin and it contains echinacea infused camelia oil and Argan oil. The potent synthesis 345 first love organic regenerative elixir has pomegranate,Agonis fragrans and passionfruit seed oil. Also look at the extensive beauty treatment La Mav serum product range, also with Vitamin C and skin brightening formulas.

Krill oil the new fish oil.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:44:00 +0000

Have a look at the recent news report from A current affair, krill oil the new fish oil, on the latest benefits of taking a krill oil supplement.
Below is some more interesting information on Krill oil, we have sourced this information from Dr.Mercola’s health and wellness site, it also talks about the harvesting of krill and answers questions with concerns that whales are being threatened by krill oil harvesting.
“Why Antarctic Krill Oil?” by Dr. Mercola.
Freshly harvested from pristine and toxin-free Antarctic waters, Antarctic krill oil easily surpasses fish oil because of its rich omega-3 and antioxidant content. It’s purer, more bioavailable, and comes from the most plentiful biomass on earth!
Big things often come in small packages. In this case, big nutrition comes from the smallest of sources. Antarctic krill (scientific name Euphasia superba) are among the 85 known species of krill, a group of semi-transparent shrimp-like marine crustaceans. At first glance, you wouldn’t think that Antarctic krill, with their large black eyes and pinkish tinge, are anything special. But these tiny creatures, which are just a little bigger than a small paper clip, are essentially the fuel that powers the engine of the Antarctic ecosystem. Scientists estimate Antarctic krill numbers to range between 170 million to 7 billion tons. The total weight of all the krill in Antarctica is heavier than the total weight of the entire human population. This makes Antarctic krill one of the most abundant and successful animal species on Earth. Antarctic krill numbers are so massive that they can feed hundreds of different animals, from fish, to penguins, seals, and great blue whales. The world’s largest and longest living fish and mammals also feed on phytoplankton, including blue whales and many other whale species. These whales can live between 80 and 150 years old, maintaining their great strength and endurance throughout their lifespan.
Antarctic krill feed mostly on nutrient-dense phytoplankton. These microscopic organisms consist of a wide variety of natural plant-based nutrients found in the ocean. Phytoplankton form the very foundation of the marine food chain. The coastal ocean current of at the Antarctic brings great amounts of dissolved nutrients that fertilize phytoplankton. The 24-hour intense sunlight of the summer months also allow phytoplankton to produce more chlorophyll. Phytoplankton have the unique ability to transform inorganic minerals, water, natural warmth, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into bioavailable amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Antarctic krill directly absorb these nutrients from minute phytoplankton cells. Antarctic krill have an amazing longevity of up to 10 years, because they hide in the depths of the ocean during the day to avoid predators, and feeds on phytoplankton at night. Having a nutritious food source in phytoplankton is one of the main reasons why Antarctic krill is a source of optimal nutrition for humans. The largest fish, the whale shark, feeds on phytoplankton. It lives for over 150 years, grows up to 12 meters long, weighs up to 15 tons, and is sexually active until it dies. Antarctic krill oil represents the richest, purest, and most powerful source of essential omega-3 fats.
I believe that Antarctic krill oil is your best option when it comes to getting high-quality; animal-based omega-3 fats because:
1. Antarctic krill oil is harvested from the pristine waters of Antarctica and is free from mercury, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxins. Fish stocks around the world have become so widely and thoroughly polluted to the point that it’s no longer safe to consume fish products, – perhaps not even fish oil, a good source of omega-3 fats. About 40 tons of mercury is released annually in the United States alone due to burning coal to produce electricity. Other common contaminants found in fish include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), radioactive substances like strontium, and toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, chromium, and arsenic. Farmed fish is not a healthier alternative. Studies show that even the least contaminated farmed salmon had higher contaminant levels – specifically dioxin and PCBs – than those caught in the wild. Conditions at fish farms are like conditions at factory farms everywhere: overcrowded, sickly, infected animals are being fed whatever it takes for them to grow as large as possible in as short a time as possible – and that includes faeces of chicken, duck, and pigs. Fish farming techniques are causing disease to be spread to wild fish, like infecting wild baby salmon with sea lice.
2.Antarctic krill oil synergistically combines antioxidants and omega-3 fats.Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid-type of antioxidant found in Antarctic krill that is believed to be 300 times more powerful than vitamins A and E, 47 times more powerful than lutein, and 34 times more powerful than CoQ10.* Antarctic krill contains a newly-discovered flavonoid with a novel molecular structure. Antarctic krill contains omega-3s in the form of phospholipids–liposomes or little packages that bring the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA fatty acids directly to your cells.* Fish oil and inferior krill oil do not contain this phospholipid complex. The predominant phospholipid in pure Antarctic krill oil is phosphatidyl choline, which is partially composed of choline, an essential nutrient important for brain development, learning, and memory.* Choline is the precursor for acetylcholine, which sends nerve signals to the brain, and for trimethylglycine, which helps protect your liver.*
3. Antarctic krill oil is better absorbed by your body than fish oil. Phospholipids form your cell membranes and are composed essentially of a fatty acid, a phosphate group, and an organic molecule. Both phospholipids and triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, act as omega-3 carriers. However, studies show that omega-3 fatty acids bound to phospholipids have greatly enhanced the bioavailability and stability of the omega-3s than fatty acids on triglyceride carriers. This makes omega-3 fats from Antarctic krill oil more readily available to important areas of your body, such as your brain.* You’ll also need far less Antarctic krill oil to experience the benefits of omega-3s when compared to fish oil, giving you more bang for your buck in the long run. Antarctic krill oil is more stable and more resistant to rancidity than fish oil. It does not need refrigeration and can last for two years at room temperature. And unlike fish oil, it won’t give you a fishy aftertaste or cause reflux/belching of fish flavours.
4. Antarctic krill oil is a renewable source of omega-3 fats. Krill harvesting is one of the most ecologically-friendly on the planet. Antarctic krill has now been harvested for 47 years, starting in 1961, with a historical peak harvest of just under 529,000 tons for the 1981/82 season. The mean annual catch rate from 2002 to 2007 was less than 120,000 tons a year. However, there have been a number of unfounded scare tactics stating that krill is an endangered species, and whales are being threatened by krill harvesting. These have come from sites that sell other sources of omega-3s. California was the first state to ban krill harvesting, but this has nothing to do with the global krill population. Commercial fisheries in California are using krill to feed their unhealthy salmon fish farms in Oregon and Washington, not for human consumption. Nearly all of human krill harvesting is done in the Antarctic. The Antarctic krill biomass is under the management of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which is comprised of 25 countries. The CCAMLR is the ONLY official and reliable international organism involved in the management of sustainable krill fishery and the monitoring of krill stock. NO krill shortage has ever been forecasted by CCAMLR. Many studies show the biomass of Antarctic krill range from 170 million to 740 million tons, averaging around 420 million tons; a standing stock with an annual reproduction rate of several hundred million tons. This means that there is more than enough krill to continue supporting the marine ecosystem and human consumption.

Aloe Vera - A miracle plant.

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 05:58:00 +0000

We all know the many benefits of Aloe Vera, great first aid plant (cuts, scrapes, bug bits) and also for our animals. We all know how brilliant it is for pain and inflammation relief of sunburn. Most of us have an Aloe Vera plant in our back yards and using the Aloe gel, straight from the plant is convenient, cutting off a leaf, washing the aloin off the top and applying it directly to the skin. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a cactus-like plant growing in the warmer climates of the world and are described as succulents. It contains almost 20 amino acids, minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium in sufficient quantities, enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides, nitrogen and other components that make it a miracle beauty herb.
Most of the natural organic skincare brands have Aloe Vera has their main ingredient instead of having water; this ingredient is highly beneficial for all skin types, brilliant ingredient to see on the list. Aloe is also used in many skin care products because of its ability to stimulate healthy cell growth and repair damaged tissues.
The calming and healing effects of Aloe Vera is helpful for frostbite, burns, insect bites, blisters and allergic reactions, - all are soothed immediately when gently rubbed with Aloe Vera gel.
Aloe Vera is beneficial for the skin, great for treating various skin conditions such as eczema, burns, psoriasis, inflammation, acne, pimples, they all respond quite well to Aloe’s soothing and healing benefits. It is an excellent skin moisturizer Aloe Vera is useful for preventing the aging of the skin. It nourishes the skin and tissues with body-loving nutrients such as vitamin E and C. Aloe Vera is also known as a skin brightening agent, it lightens dark spot on the face and reduces the intensity of pigmentation.

What is Organic?

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:45:00 +0000

Want to know what organic really means? Learn the difference between conventional and organic farming plus what certifier's logos to look out for regardless of whether you are buying food, clothing or cosmetic products.

Delightful Lavender. Anti-stress, refreshing, uplifting

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:39:00 +0000

We love this oil and it smells great, Lavender essential oil has a sweet, floral scent.The benefits of lavender oil are wonderful, it balances the body and it is capable of many important jobs and is a delight to use. Every home should have a bottle of lavender; it is like having a medicine chest in a bottle. Lavender essential oil is made by steam distillation using only the flowers of the lavender plant. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and are also used for making potpourris. Lavender essential oil has also been traditionally used in making perfumes. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations are made using lavender oil. Lavender essential oil is also used in various forms including aromatherapy oil, bath gels, infusion, lotion, and soaps. Lavender essential oil has soothing, calming, and restorative properties. The essential oil is antiseptic, cooling and mild.
Considered the universal oil, lavender can be used neat, or undiluted, and combines well with almost all other oils for a wide variety of benefits. But as with most essential oils you can also use it with a carrier oil (almond, olive, jojoba oil).Always know the safety of essential oils before you use. Lavender oil blends well with many other essential oils including cedarwood, pine, clary sage and geranium. Lavender can stimulate, strengthen and complement the effects of other oils because of its highly complex nature.
For PMS or mood swings try combining lavender with ylang ylang or clary sage essential oils. For respiratory support combine with eucalyptus or rosemary essential oils. For depression symptoms use lavender with orange, bergamot or sandalwood essential oils. For insomnia use chamomile (Roman) with lavender for a soothing essential oil blend. For Insect bites and stings try mixing lavender with tea tree or geranium essential oil.
Lavender Essential Oil benefits.
Skin care/hair care – Especially dry or acne prone skin.The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema. Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair care as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits. It has stimulating and moisturizing effects which help with hair shine and a dry scalp.

Nervous system- it balances the emotions, it’s calming and uplifting. It just makes you feel better. Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity. It even helps with pre menstrual tension. Rub a drop or two on the temples for tension migraine relief.

Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. A regular massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.

Insect Repellent/Bites and Stings – Repel bugs and takes the sting away from bites. It is also effective against insect bites. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.

Blood Pressure and Heart – It is also used to lower blood pressure, because of anti-stress properties. Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation in the body

Congestion/Asthma – Anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects make lavender good for respiratory support. Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapour or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

Precautions for Using Lavender: with the use of lavender essential oil, always purchase the highest quality, pure, therapeutic, certified organic essential oil. All essential oils are highly concentrated, but very few are suitable for undiluted (neat) use on the skin. Dilute essential oils in carrier oils, put a few drops in a cup of Epsom salts and dissolve in a bath tub of water or use drops in a diffuser, vaporizer or humidifier. Essential oils should be taken with care, Please consult your health care professional with any questions or concerns.
As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people with sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting, and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.There are no known scientific reports of interactions between lavender and conventional medications. However, because lavender promotes relaxation, it may make the effects of central nervous depressants stronger. These drugs include narcotics such as morphine or oxycodone (OxyContin) for pain, and sedative and anti-anxiety agents such as lorazepam (Ativan), and diazepam (Valium). Ask your doctor before using lavender with these and other sedatives.

About Eco-Tan.Beauty inside & out. ‘Certified Organic by the Organic Food Chain’

noreply@blogger.com (Chikii Chics) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 05:22:00 +0000

At last at Chikii we have a tanning product at our shop that does not contain all the nasties. Being a registered nurse who works in the field of plastic surgery and assisting my boss with removing skin cancers and melanomas, I am very aware of the dangers of the sun to our skin and the importance of protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. My mother had a melanoma removed when she was young, but two years ago she was diagnosed with Melanoma and I lost her six months later. Sonya Driver has a beautiful safe range of spray tan and tanning products that are certified organic by the Organic food Chain with natural ingredients. Here is her story.
It all started about 2 years ago. I remember the moment too well. My gentle spirited 30 year old sister was diagnosed with a melanoma. I believe through the power of prayer and early diagnoses she caught it in time. Still wanting a tan but without the potential risk from UV we sought the next best thing and started having spray tans. I then became concerned about the ingredients we were constantly covering ourselves with. I began to research the ingredients from many different brands regardless of their “claims”. It only took me a few minutes to decide not to use their products anymore.
After thousands of hours researching and formulating I put together a solution that I believe is not only beautiful it is also safe and free from all things nasty and artificial. My colours do not contain synthetic food colouring and are made from organic pigments, herbs, flower extract, fruit extract and chamomile from Mother Earth. I use certified organics and naturals in all of my formulas. I will not compromise quality or safety for the mighty dollar. I feel like I have now finally arrived through strength not of my own when on March 2011, my company made Australian history by becoming the first and only Organic tan to be certified by the Organic food Chain. The OFC is an Australian organic government approved certifier. Not only are we totally natural we have over 70% certified organics in our tans. Ecotan where possible, uses veggie ink and recycled paper that are friendly to our environment. It is our aim to bring you a range of products that not only will you love but also have as little impact on Mother Nature as possible. In the wise words of my 8 year old daughter Charlotte.

“God took something bad, mixed it with something good, to make something beautiful” out of the mouth of babes!

Our products have been approved by an Australian Government Organic certifying body as a 100% natural product, containing more 70% Certified Organic ingredients. It is processed in an approved certified organic facility that is regularly audited .Eco Tan is made with certified organic ingredients and natural colours not synthetic food colouring, which can cause irritation to sensitive skin. It also tends to be orange or green based. We use Cacao (chocolate) as our colouring as well as fruits, flowers and herbs packed with anti oxidants and B6. We use Eco Cert DHA, the finest available. No Synthetics are used in our solutions. We don't make colour, Mother Nature does that for us.
‘Our skin is our largest organ.A lot of what we put on it, absorbs into our blood stream’.Ingredients we choose to use: Chamomile Flower Extract Avocado Oil Honeysuckle Flower extract, Rosewood Oil Rose Geranium Oil Grapeskin Extract Cacao Fruit Aloe Vera Glycerine Bergamot. Ingredients we choose not to use; Phenoxyethanol, PropleneGlycol, Pegs, Paraben, Animal derivatives, SD Alcohol, Silicone, Food Colouring, Petrochemicals, Harmful Chemicals.