Tested for you: Hand cream stick “Intense Hand Balm” from Queen of Green

A hand cream in stick form is something different. But can it also deliver what “Queen of Green” promises? It is supposed to provide intensive care, smooth the skin and even reduce pigmentation spots. It is undisputed that the hand cream and all other products in the “green” collection are plastic-free and vegan.

All sticks are packaged in cardboard sleeves instead of plastic. “Plastic used to be a very innovative, great material – in the 1970s. However, in terms of climate protection and climate change, we now need more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives,” says ‘Queen of Green’ founder Julia Schauer.

Stick made from certified cardboard

The sturdy sleeves in their collection are therefore made from FSC-certified cardboard, which is not only 100% plastic-free, but also 100% biodegradable. This means that the cardboard completely decomposes in compost after around six weeks. The outside of the sticks are printed in a modern floral design using environmentally friendly soy ink. The surface has a silky-matt feel thanks to the fine layer of corn starch with which it is coated.

“If you already love my shell, my inner values will really blow you away.” Queen of Green

Hand cream in a practical stick

It does feel a little strange at first to run a stick over the back of your hand instead of squeezing cream out of a tube. But the contents are really convincing. The texture is pleasantly creamy and spreads easily. It also exudes a naturally delicate fragrance. It covers the skin like a protective glove and nourishes it with jojoba oil and calendula. Brown algae extract smoothes the skin and has an antioxidant effect, while hyaluronic acid visually plumps up the skin. Tropical pracaxi oil is also said to reduce pigmentation spots.

Hand cream stick „Ageless Alice Intensiver Handbalsam“ from Queen of Green, 40 grams, 19.95 euros

The names are the program

The products in the “Queen of Green” collection all have promising names. The hand cream stick, for example, is called “Ageless Alice”. “Helpfull Helena” is a stick for rough areas of the body, while the lip balms are called ‘Rosy Rosalie’ (tinted balm) and ‘Caring Caroline’ (intense lip balm). For the night, there is “Sleepy Sophie”. Anyone wondering what a lip night cream is good for? It provides particularly intensive care and regenerates. Small wrinkles are visually plumped up with natural hyaluronic acid and – incidentally – “Sleepy Sophie” also has a pleasantly soothing lavender scent.

Lip balms von Queen of Green, 9 grams, from 12.95 euros

Who is the Queen of Green?

The website reads: “The face behind the brand is not a queen – not even a princess, but a woman who takes royal pleasure in developing cosmetics.” Her name is Julia Schauer, she is a trained photographer and an experienced beauty journalist. She founded her label Queen of Green in 2021 because she felt that “sustainable skincare should be given a new look”.

Julia came into contact with exciting cream formulations and the healing power of marigold at an early age in her father’s pharmacy. Her fascination for ointments and skin care was awakened. However, it took a few detours (including a photography degree in London and jobs as a translator and photo assistant) before the Austrian found her true calling.

Her job as a journalist in the beauty departments of several Austrian magazines was helpful. There she had the opportunity to test many new products that came onto the market. She was particularly critical of lip care products because she always struggled with dry, chapped lips herself. No wonder that after two years of development together with an experienced microbiologist, her first Queen of Green products were dedicated to lip care.