The Birdy Blog

Unraveling the mysteries of skin care and life in general

Sally Waters

Is dry winter skin making you crazy?

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Some solutions and fast fixes to keep your skin hydrated and happy! 9 fast fixes for dry winter skin Now that Spring has sprung, Winter decided to join the program. While the seasons are confused, so is your skin. Can’t we all just get along? If your normal products are suddenly leaving your skin too dry it can be a good time to re-adjust your routine and some of your products. 9 Fast Fixes to dry winter skin!

  • Don’t forget the sunscreen. Harmful sun rays still affect your skin in winter.
  • Concentrate on hydration and moisturizing- both your face and body. Use thicker lotions, creams and balms.
  • Skip long hot showers and baths. They suck your skin dry of all its moisture. Stick to warm water and get in and out fast.
  • When outdoors use waxed-base products to help keep the moisture in. Products with petroleum can keep moisture in but don’t penetrate or moisturize your skin. Wax products are better for you and just as effective.
  • Add anti-aging products to your routine. Winter is an evil ager. Big Jerk.
  • Indoor heaters dry out the air indoors. Add a pot of water on top of your wood stove or get a humidifier.
  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Exfoliate 1-2 times a week. Taking the old cells away allows new ones to grow.
  • Use a very gentle cleanser. Some of you may need to switch your lathering cleanser to a soap-free mild cleanser.
Remember, alligator skin only looks good on alligators. Here are our most popular moisturizing products that can help restore your sanity and save your skin:
  • 3-in-1 Cream Cleanser – a soap-free mild cleanser.
  • Butter Balm -an intense solid lotion made with organic shea butter and beeswax. It’ll moisturize and help retain the moisture you already have.
  • 3-in-1 Antioxidant Lotion – Great for face, body and hands.
  • Anti-aging Eye Cream – great day or night and has a bit of jojoba oil in it for extra added moisture. Use it around eyes, lips or all over your face and neck.
  • Anti-aging Face Serum– it’s a bit lighter than the eye cream but super hydrating. Add it to your routine if you’re not already using one and apply it under a face moisturizer.
  • Renewal Face Lotion– I use this on my face in the winter when I need extra moisture on my face. Soaks in and leaves it soft without clogging my pores.
Don’t let dry winter skin make you crazy. It’s not good for your complexion or your relationships. I just can’t have that on my conscience.]]>

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Three Easy Steps to Great Skin

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3 Easy Steps to Great Skin I know things about stuff. I know that taking better care of your skin was at the top of your New Year’s resolution list. Right? Right? If your NYR enthusiasm is waning, get back on track with 3 easy steps to great skin. It doesn’t have to be hard. This is a “1, 2, 3, done” kind of moment. The Three Easy Steps The most important ritual for great skin is wash your face at night to remove all impurities. Starting your daily routine here you can adjust the rest of your routine according to your grooming habits and daily shower schedule. Step 1 Night: Cleanse. Serum. Moisturize. The routine is the same if you shower or not. Step 2 Morning shower, yes?: Gentle masque. Serum. Sunscreen Showered last night?: Toner. Serum. Sunscreen Step 3 Once a week: Blue Clay Masque. (15-20 minutes) Fundamental details

  • The perfect time to moisturize your body is after a shower. Use moisturizer on your face as needed and according to your skin type.
  • In the shower apply gentle masque first thing as you enter, rinse off before you exit.
  • Clay masques aren’t just for oily skin. My Blue Clay Masque has honey, MSM and blue-green algae and works for every skin type—even dry and irritated skin.
Let Birdy Botanicals do all the work! With our multiple uses you can get better results and save money by buying less product. And then you can check that “Save money” NYR off your list at the same time. Damn you’re smart! Snap.]]>

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Essential oil for skin care: It's all about fringe benefits

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Birdy Botanicals-The Grapefruit & Lemongrass Collection

Birdy always looks for fringe benefits when it comes to organic skin care products.

Our 100% Natural scent combinations not only smell great but provide your skin with additional advantages because of powerful essential oils. Grapefruit and Lemongrass are powerful examples. Essential Oils for Skin Care: The Benefits of Grapefruit & Lemongrass

Grapefruit essential oil benefits:

  • Brightens skin tone
  • It’s an antioxidant
  • Reduces pores
  • Stimulates lymphatic system
  • Improves skin elasticity

Lemongrass essential oil benefits:

  • Energizes
  • Tightens pores and wrinkles giving better skin tone
  • Helps body eliminate toxins
I’ve combined these two amazing scents in one great smelling combination. Check out our Grapefruit and Lemongrass kit. It’s kind of a big deal. Here at Birdy Botanicals, we eat blue lollipops because they turn our tongues blue. Fringe Benefit. That’s just how we roll….]]>

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The DIY pumpkin honey face mask—you can put it in a pie and wear it on your face!

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See, you can have it all! Pumpkin isn’t just for pies anymore.

Pumpkin is a dynamic and effective ingredient to use in your next DIY facial. Since you’re already cracking a can of pumpkin for your holiday fare, and you’re a multi-tasking dynamo, this is a amazing face mask to put on while you’re cooking, baking or preparing for guests. Pumpkin benefits for skin: Naturally high in Vitamin A and C, pumpkin will reduce the effects of environmental toxins and regenerate skin cells and collagen. In the skin business, vitamin C is used to help the skin readily absorb more vitamins and nutrients. Also, natural pumpkin enzymes lightly exfoliate dead skin cells leaving your skin hydrated and rejuvenated. Use cool or cold puréed pulp of pumpkin. If it’s canned, make sure pumpkin is the only ingredient. I used Trader Joe’s organic canned pumpkin. You should get great results regardless if you choose canned or plan to roast your own.
DIY Pumpkin Honey Face Mask Recipe Eyeball it: 2 T. cooled & puréed pumpkin pulp 1 tsp. honey
And if you just can’t stop there, you can try loads of different ingredients. Add one or all from the list if you desire, or just stick with the basic recipe above: For dry skin add:
  • Yogurt
  • Egg yolk
  • Milk
  • Avocado
  • Banana
For sensitive skin add:
  • Yogurt
  • Oats
  • Aloe vera
  • Cucumber
For oily skin add:
  • Yogurt
  • Egg whites
  • Lemon or lime juice
Mix chosen ingredients in a bowl. Make sure it’s not too thin so it won’t drip off your face. Add more pumpkin to thicken. Apply on skin and leave for 5-15 minutes. Rinse, tone and moisturize. * Apply patch test first if you have sensitive skin. * Mask may tingle but should never burn. DIY Pumpkin Face Mask from birdybotanicals.com]]>

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The 3 scariest things you put on your face

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The 3 Scariest Things You Put on Your Face There’s a never-ending list of chemical ingredients to avoid in your products. This is a list of 3 ingredients I personally will NEVER allow to touch my skin—if I can help it. Before we begin it’s important to give you some background on me and my experience. Fact: I am not a chemist or any kind of scientist and I have a hard time with the periodical table of elements. Fact: What I can tell you is that I have really sensitive skin and I research lots and lots of ingredients on a regular basis. Fact: I created my line of products for myself so ultimately my goal is to keep myself healthy and well. Sorry, but honestly, it’s all about “yours truly.” What ingredients I steer clear of in my skincare and cosmetics for myself and why: Parabens: What it looks like on the label: Most commonly listed as Methyparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben or Propylparaben. From my research at the American Cancer society, and Personal care: Truth or Scare, The scare about the effects of parabens started when a scientist found paraben chemicals in breast cancer tissue samples. There is NO substantial evidence that parabens cause cancer or mimic hormones but an important fact is that they are the most widely used ingredient besides water in skin care products. Because they are so prevalent in our products then maybe we should just lay off for awhile. Especially since there are other safe preservative alternatives. Phthalates: What is looks like on the label:

  • DBP (dibutyl phthalate): found in nail polish, personal care products
  • DEP (diethyl phthalate): found in perfume, deodorant, cologne and aftershave
  • Fragrance: Phthalates are often hidden in this super vague ingredient listing
Phthalates are a plasticizing chemical used to prolong fragrance on the skin. They’re used in the automotive, construction, household, cosmetic and packaging industries. They’re associated with that “new car smell.” Phthalates have been known to cause reproductive and development toxicity. Synthetic Fragrances: What is looks like on the label: “Fragrance” Anticlimactic, you say? Don’t let that little 9 letter word fool you. Fragrances may be labeled “Fragrance” on your label but they are made up of dozens of hidden chemicals that include allergens, asthma triggers and hormone-disrupters. Kathleen Doheny, a health and wellness journalist for WebMD points out that…
“The fragrance industry has 3,100 stock chemical ingredients to choose from.” Because of the FDA and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, according to Doheny they are allowed to “lump together all fragrance chemicals as “Fragrances.””
And FYI, if you see “Fragrance” on a label, there’s a good chance it contains Phthalates. Where do I get my information? After extensive research I have found a few places that I trust, mostly because they don’t try to sell me anything and they give information about their experts and resources. So now what do we do? Don’t worry. Use common sense and read your ingredient labels.]]>

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Birdy's Blue Clay Masque: Spa treatment or a Avatar Halloween costume?

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Need a Halloween costume and a facial at the same time…check!

Put all the other wannabe Avatars to shame with my Blue Clay Masque with Spirulina and Honey. Talk about multiple uses. Birdy is a problem solver, as we know, with her 3-in-1 multiple use products but this takes the cake as far as killing 2 birds with 1 stone. (Eeww…not a fan of that expression.)

My Blue Clay masque with spirulina and honey is the perfect solution for your Halloween blues, get it, “blues”?

  • Spirulina has the highest level of chlorophyll, protein, minerals, enzymes and amino acids in any growing organism known to man. It help skin retain moisture and improve texture and elasticity.
  • MSM regenerates collagen while relieving stressed skin, irritation and inflammation.
  • Honey will hydrate and plump your skin.
  • Just add water or any liquid to the masque and apply. There are hundreds of variations you could do!
  • It’s 100% natural with no preservatives.
  • Apply a thin translucent layer to your face. Leave on for 5-30 minutes.
For all you budding Avatars, I can’t help you with the 9-foot body, the funny ears or the tail but if you want to talk like the Na’vi go here so you can say “I apologize for this moron” or “My nose is full of his alien smell.” You’ll be the blue belle of the Halloween ball. You can thank me later.]]>

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Wait…it's a Room Spray AND a Zombie Repellant?

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There I was in my kitchen, minding my own business… trying to neutralize the smell of the fish tacos my husband cooked the night before. I grabbed my trusty bottle of Birdy Botanicals Nest Room Perfume with Orange, Clove and Cedar and exactly at that moment heard loud grunting and gnashing of teeth and the arhythmic, thumping cadence of someone (or some thing) climbing my back stairs, all announced by the acrid marriage of rotting meat, mildewed laundry and a hint of spearmint. What can I say—I develop beauty products. Then it appeared. A foul, malignant visage, trembling and screeching, with a face that looked like it had been removed, pulsed a few times in a Cuisinart and re-applied with a spatula. Eeew. And it was at my back door and obviously was not a Jehovah’s Witness… …at least any longer.

The essential oils repelled the rotting corpse, leaving freshness behind

The only weapon I had at my disposal was a Bialetti 2-cup espresso maker at arm’s length on the stove and the Nest Room Perfume spray bottle I still clutched in my right hand. Knowing I still might want a second Americano before beginning my day in earnest, I opted to use the Nest spray. I threw the door open and in one seamless action reflexively spritzed a generous cloud of Nest in what was formerly his face. Fully expecting to be devoured in the next moments, I prepared for my impending doom by closing my eyes and assuming a fetal position on my kitchen floor. The eery silence was accompanied by the lingering aroma of Clove, Orange and Cedar. Reminiscent of a fall morning in Vermont after a gentle rain—with zombies. When I opened my eyes a few seconds later, the unwelcome pestilent visitor had vanished. I peered out the window in time to catch a glimpse of it heading into an alley rubbing it’s one, working eye and screaming like a 3rd grade girl.

Who knew we’d be using natural products to solve supernatural problems

That’s when I realized—this product I created to inject a little autumn ambience into the rooms of slightly hip, 20-55 year-old females  in the mid-to-upper demographic, could do double duty as a zombie repellant—and Zom-B-Gone was born. A Birdy post-apocalyptic original, the spicy aromas of Birdy’s Zom-B-Gone are reminiscent of cool, crisp October mornings before the global plague or your Mom’s kitchen before she became one of the legions of walking dead. Zom-B-Gone will clear the air, might save your ass but will definitely leave you humming a happy tune. Because you’re alive. Now it can be yours for only $12 a bottle. We calculate that one bottle will successfully repel anywhere from 1,500-2,000 walking dead, depending on size, degree of putrification, prevailing winds and aim.

WARNINGS!!

As I was describing to my husband how I thwarted the zombie in my kitchen, I got caught up in the moment and accidentally squirted the poor man in the face with Zom-B-Gone. The good news is now I can say it’s been tested on humans, the bad news is…well just don’t use it on humans. Trust me on this one. The ingredients are all natural but the reaction you get will sound anything but. Also, keep out of reach of children, living or undead.]]>

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Birdy's new Anti-aging Eye Cream: It's Anti-aging 2.0!

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The day I was imagining my new fierce Anti-aging Eye Cream I was channeling Emeril. I was daydreaming about a product that was like my Anti-aging serum but “BAM!” turned up a notch…like anti-aging 2.0!

It has all the benefits of the Anti-aging Serum plus a couple extra bonuses:

  • DMAE for instance gratification and reduction of fine lines and sagging. With repeated use you keep fine lines from setting in.
  • Blue Green Algae to strengthen skin fibers and help regeneration of skin cells.
  • Hyalouronic acid for a major boost of elasticity and hydration.
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid is a very powerful antioxidant repairing damage from the environment.
  • Carrot, blue chamomile and fennel brighten skin tone and reduce swelling.
*For skin types: dry, mature, normal, oily and combination. It can be used as an eye cream and around the upper and lower lips or as an all-over face serum. It’s gigantic 1 oz unit is an excellent value and full of effective ingredients for your skin! A little bit goes a long way. *Birdy Disclaimer: – Our Anti-aging Eye Cream contains a small amount of an exfoliant called “Malic Acid.” If you’ve got sensitive skin ask for a sample with your next order. – Birdy’s not a huge Emeril fan so if you’re annoyed we don’t blame you.]]>

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Beauty from the Cupboard Tip: Got under-eye bags? Topical caffeine to the rescue!

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Tea Bag

What do you do when a case of puffy eyes attack?!

I was getting ready for an event last night and I took one look at myself in the mirror and freaked out! I didn’t know who’s eyes were starring at me but they couldn’t possibly belong to me! Holy Frog-eyes Batman.It was ATTACK OF THE SWIM GOGGLES! My workout gear got the best of me. I had gigantic, dark, bulging, god-awful bags under my peepers. Oh noooo! I can’t look like this. Ack! I shoved a toothbrush in my mouth and ran into the kitchen. I had to have a cucumber around here somewhere. I rounded the corner from the hall to the kitchen and there was my tea bag from my morning cup sitting on the counter. Yessss!

Topical caffiene is perfect in this situation. Natch!

As I brushed teeth with one hand I stuck the tea bag under one eye and grumbled about how long this would take…I’m running late of course. Results you ask? In the time it took me to take care of my teeth, my eyes looked back to normal. It really worked that fast. TIPS:
  • Go for the black or green teas. Caffeine is a key player to helping reduce swelling and lightening dark circles.
  • Use a COLD tea bag. This will also help the swelling. Whatever you do grasshopper, don’t use a hot tea bag on your eyes.
I finished up by using a Toner. I then applied some Anti-aging Face Serum and finished with Antioxidant Lotion. You could also use the Hydrating Lotion Jelly as an under eye jelly if you have some on hand. Whew! Tragedy narrowly averted.]]>

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Tips for Seeing a Skin care Professional – It's the Ultimate Gift for You!

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Tips on Getting a Facial- the Ultimate Skin Care Gift for You!- Birdy Botancials

Getting a facial from a skin care expert can gives a boost to your regimen.

As the holiday season is rapidly approaching we all want to look our best. During the flurry this time of year we forget to concentrate on number one. Do something nice for yourself. You might want to treat yourself to a real facial from a professional esthetician. Professional facials are a great way to improve your skin and get an expert opinion about whether your skin care routine is working for you. Here are a few tips if you decide to go for it.
  • Do your research. Make sure you are seeing a licensed esthetician.
  • If you book a specific facial be prepared that your skin care expert may suggest a different treatment after talking with you and looking at your skin.
  • Always tell them about allergies or sensitivities. Mention any oral or topical medications you are taking for your skin. Also, tell them if you use any AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids.) A good esthetician will ask you questions before they begin.
  • Don’t book a facial within a week of an important event. You don’t know how your skin will react to a treatment.
  • They may ask about your routine. You’ll get the best results if you’re honest with them. Don’t be shy.
  • Ask questions and to discuss what sort of results to expect.
Relax and enjoy because you deserve it! It’s important to do nice things for yourself. And Dudes! Facials aren’t just for the ladies….. Here are some estheticians I’ve had personal experience with and had excellent experiences with each one. London Elise at Soothe, San Francisco Ellen Olson at Skin and Tonic, Oakland Laura Semrau, Essential Skin Care and Reflexology, Chester, CA (Lake Almanor)(530)258-2585 Do yourself a favor and let a skin care professional pamper you and give you the gift of great skin all at the same time.]]>

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