The Birdy Blog

Unraveling the mysteries of skin care and life in general

Ingredient highlights

DIY Dry Shampoo Gets you out of a Jam in a Jiffy!

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DIY dry shampoo is one of the easiest recipes you can make at home with the best results. There are times in life that you are on the go and you need some quick fixes. DIY dry shampoo is an unsung hero in the get-ready-quick category. And the brilliant thing about it is there’s lots of ingredients to choose from that will do a sufficient job. Some also say it’s better for the environment. The damage shampoo creates starts when it washes down the drain. I much prefer my handmade version over the store bought varieties that leave my hair feeling dirtier and the gunk left on my comb is a pain to wash off. Fun sucker! If you want to skip a trip to the store you probably have ingredients you can work with in your cupboard. All of these ingredients are going to work great for you but you can tweak your recipe as you get to know it and make it in a larger batch to have around. DIY dry shampoo can get you out of a jam or work into your routine. It’s great if…

Recipe suggestions using my favorite ingredients For light hair and blondes

  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoon arrowroot

For dark hair

  • 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon arrowroot

Substitutions Before substituting from the list below consider your environment and cleanup. For instance, cornmeal will give you a great shine but most of this will come out of your hair and where does it go? Does it leave a mess behind to clean up? If cornstarch and arrowroot aren’t available to you try substituting the following:

  • Baking soda
  • Rice flour
  • Cornmeal
  • Oatmeal

Containers

  • Use an old powder container and apply by shaking it
  • Use an old jar and apply with makeup brush or fingers

Skip the talcum powder I will admit, using baby powder for my DIY dry shampoo in my teenage years was a lifesaver. But these days the dangers of using talcum powder are worth considering as it’s widely known as a carcinogen. A lot of these “rumors” are often unsubstantiated by pure research but the American Cancer Society breaks it down in this report. After reading this article, in my opinion, I’d say skip it. There are lots of great substitutes out there and no reason to take the risk. How to use your dry shampoo

  • Shake onto hair or add little bits with your fingertips and tousle hair lightly with fingers to spread it around the scalp.
  • Start with small amounts and add more to repeat if needed.
  • Lift sections of hair if needed and shake more on at root of hair.
  • Let it sit for a minute and then shake it vigorously with fingers and turn your head upside-down if you need to.
  • Brush or comb out and style. If it leaves white behind keep brushing and tousling at root to pull ingredients of your scalp.

If the ingredients aren’t on your shelf you can find them all at the grocery store. For the best price per pound check out your local natural food store—they may have it in bulk. Have fun experimenting with your DIY dry shampoo recipe. If you have any ingredients you love then please let me know. I’ll always give you the credit! ]]>

 

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New Lotion Recipe! More Hydrating, Great Absorption

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“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” I took a product I’m really proud of and that has a following and tinkered with it. Why you ask? “Why mess with a good thing?” I thought it was a great recipe. But I thought it could be better. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Sometimes you just have to take a leap and trust your instincts. I’m glad I did…. Birdy Botanicals would like to introduce our new 3-in-1 Antioxidant Lotion! Exciting changes to recipe:

  • New recipe qualifies for the Whole foods premium grade ingredients list.
  • Same great absorbtion. No greasy ickiness.
  • New light formula spreads faster and easier meaning you use less and spend less time applying to face and body.
  • Includes humectants (meaning retains more moisture to the skin) like glycerine and powerful glycosaminoglycans that maintain and support collagen and elastin.
  • Now contains phosopholipids that improve plumpness, hydration and smoothness of the skin.
  • Pomegranate Sterols that hold more then double their weight in water meaning more hydration. This amazing pomegranate ingredient has the same properties as lanolin and petrolatum but without using an highly allergenic animal product or a synthetic ingredient that can clog pores.

Still has amazing ingredients like:

  • Jojoba – best oil available for moisturizing without clogging pores.
  • Avocado– high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Great for all skin types including sun damaged and mature.
  • Sunflower oils– Contains high amount of Vitamin A that helps hyper- pigmentation and make skin less sensitive to the sun.)Not to be confused with Retin-A – a form of Vitamin A that can be drying and make you more sensitive to the sun.
  • Vitamin C ester– Oil based Vitamin C that penetrates better than water based Vitamin C’s that dissipate before absorbing into skin. Vitamin C is known to boost the immune system of the skin and is a major antioxidant helping reduce the effects of free radicals
  • Plant extracts like pomegranate and ginger– serious antioxidants extracts that help fight free radicals from environmental and sun exposure.
  • Licorice helps even appearance of skin tone and lighten skin helping with hyper pigmentation (dark spots) and is gentle on sensitive skin.

Still available in 3 amazing scents!

So, “Out with the old in with the new!”]]>

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DIY for Dry Winter Skin — Hands and Feet

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Whether you’re on the East coast experiencing horrendous snow (sorry!) or in California dealing with the drought, winter skin creeps up on us regardless of what the weather is doing. If your not battling snow you’re constantly washing your hands trying to keep healthy while everyone around you has picked up the latest bug. Dehydrated, dry skin is no bueno. First, a couple of key tips:

  • Make sure to keep hydrated. Drinking lots of water is key to combat the drying heaters and cold, moisture-sucking weather.
  • Keep your showers short. I know, it’s not easy this time of year, but if you’re in California we should be conserving water anyway. Do your skin and the environment a favor and keep your shower short and to the point. Hot water will dehydrate and take moisture from your skin and hair.
  • Arm yourself with a couple of key products to help retain the moisture in your skin.

Sally’s Quick, DIY Super-Moisturizing Trick for Hands and Feet:

  • Rub a layer of Birdy Botanicals Butter Balm all over your hands and rub them together to evenly distribute the moisture.
  • Next, use a dime-size amount or less of 3-in-1 Antioxidant Lotion and rub into hands. This will absorb very quickly if you don’t use too much.
  • For a more intensive treatment use a super thick layer of Butter Balm and put socks on your hands for 5-10 minutes or overnight to let soak in.

Repeat as often as necessary throughout the season and go about your business. (Though, it]s not easi tiping wi@th socks on yoour hamds.)]]>

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Fast Fix For Ghoulish Scary Morning Face

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Make it all better with one simple step. Seriously. I’m sure you’ve been there. I know I have. You wake up, stumble to the mirror and “Gah!” How do you make the scary face go away?! What to do with the puffy eyes and the dry, dehydrated pallor? 3-in-1 Hydrating Lotion Jelly to the rescue! Apply Lotion Jelly as a masque in a thick layer and let it set. Leave on for 5 minutes or as long as you’d like. Go about your business and when you hop in the shower, rinse. Yup. It’s that simple. Lotion Jelly will hydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and de-puff the unsightly eye bags that gives away all indiscretions from the night before. It can undo a multitude of sins. Made with aloe vera, cucumber and a touch of cranberry oil, it’s jelly-like consistency makes for a simple, easy to apply masque. It’s a life saver! 3-in-1 Hydrating Lotion Jelly is a major “Work horse”:

  • Use it as a masque for your every morning routine if you cleanse your face at night.
  • Perfect for extra sensitive skin.
  • No synthetic fragrance.
  • It’s also a light face, body and hand moisturizer.
  • Soothes skin after too much sun, wind or after shaving.
  • Keep it in the fridge and apply cold for extra de-puffing.
  • Use immediately before any event to look your best.
  • Best seller for men and women alike.

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Natural vs. Synthetic Scents- Some Facts for Heath and Skin Care

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Do you know the difference between natural and synthetic scents? Is one better for you then the other? The debate between natural and synthetic scents is never going to be over and way too big for this one little blog post, but I can help you decide which one you prefer to use. Natural and synthetic scents are like comparing apples to an apple-scented car deodorizer. While apples are good for your body, the synthetic scent has no therapeutic value. Let’s discuss…. Some definitions: “Natural” means it came from nature, made of natural chemicals and we call these “Essential oils.” “Synthetic” means it’s composed of synthetic man-made chemicals. Essential oil facts:

  • “The chemistry of essential oils is very complex: each one may consist of hundreds of different and unique chemical compounds.” [1] They are highly concentrated substances. Some of the naturally occurring chemicals in essential oils are so minute that man cannot copy them.
  • Essential oils contain therapeutic value.
  • Essential oils are very powerful, natural ingredients but just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Think poisoned berries. They’re natural but they’ll kill ya.
  • That said if a skin care company is using essential oils properly the therapeutic use of essential oils on the skin can be profound.
  • Essential oils can have adverse affects on a small percentage of people, manifesting as headaches, dizziness, nausea and migraine headaches.

Synthetic Fragrance facts:

  • Synthetic fragrances are, contrary to popular belief, regulated by the FDA.
  • Synthetic fragrances have zero therapeutic value.
  • No matter how many aroma chemicals or preservatives are included in a recipe, they only need to be listed as “Fragrance” on the label. These fragrance chemicals do not need to be revealed on the label due to proprietary laws that allow companies to keep their formulas hidden from competitors.
  • Synthetic fragrances can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea and migraines.
  • If you are not privy to the chemicals you are applying to your skin, then you can’t know if they’re dangerous or make an educated decision as to their safety.

How to educate yourself
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has demonized synthetic fragrances along with a number of other skin care ingredients for years, claiming dubious sources, hype, assumptions and misinformation. Their findings are not based on science.

When researching ingredients I never use EWG but turn to websites like Personal Care Truth which rely on science based information. Their mission is to educate rather than scare and they don’t generally hold to the credo that natural = good and synthetic = bad, unless scientific findings warrant it.

About allergens and endocrine disruptors in natural and synthetic scents:
Both natural and synthetic scents contain allergens and hormone disruptors but I can’t find any articles from reputable sources (the kind based on science, not hype) that discuss the relative safety of natural vs. synthetic with regard to allergies and endocrine disruptors. The general takeaway form my research is that reactions from synthetic fragrance chemicals seem to be more severe then with natural ingredients but I encourage everyone to do their own research.

What is in your product?
The easiest way to see what’s in your product is looking at the ingredients label.

  • Essential oils will usually be listed as “Essential Oils” or a list of each type of oil separately like “Orange essential oil, rosemary essential oil.” The list of individually marked essential oils is the best resource for identifying which ingredient may be causing a bad reaction. Birdy Botanicals is working to have all labels list essential oils individually instead of using “essential oil blend.”
  • A synthetic fragrance is usually listed as perfume, Parfum or “fragrance.” Whether is had 10 synthetic chemicals or 100, a fragrance recipe is not required to give you more information then this.

So which do you choose?
Birdy Botanicals prefers using natural essential oils because:
– Synthetic fragrance oils are, in general, stronger and longer lasting than their natural essential oil counterparts. I don’t often see this as a good thing.
– Synthetic scents can desensitize our sense of smell so we tend to use more and more until we are overwhelming the people and environments we come in contact with.
– Natural scents neutralize odors rather then mask them. So while they may not stick around long they fix the problem rather then cover it up.
– Natural scents are a more intimate experience for those that are close to us or come in close contact with us. It’s a more sensual, personal experience.
– After using essential oils for years, when I come in contact with synthetic fragrances I feel my throat, nose and head react instantly in a negative way. Not only do I not feel good but the smell I am reacting to can become repulsive.

Regarding sensitivity:

Sensitive skin is an enormous umbrella under which all reactive skin issues live. There are no black and white rules about what an individual will react to.

There is no such thing as a truly hypo-allergenic ingredient. Someone out there will react to it.

Some of you with sensitive skin may be able to handle some synthetic fragrance and essential oils. It all depends on what specifically you react to.

But, if you do have sensitive skin, the wiser choice is to go with essential oils unless you’ve shown prior issues with them. This may take some trial and error.

Always use a patch test before ever using a new skin care ingredient. If you react cease using immediately.

If you are still reacting try using unscented products. (Beware, a lot of unscented products out there are really scented. For example I bought an unscented Mitchum deodorant and was blown over by it’s “unscent.” Blech!)

Birdy luuurves essential oils but understands they too have limitations. Essential oils can be so healing and solve a huge number of skin care issues but we realize they are not for everyone.

1- Essential Science Publishing- (2009) “Essential Oils Desk Reference”- Fourth Edition. Pg.1]]>

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Think Face Toner's a Skin Care Mystery? 7 Reasons Why You Should Use It

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What is it? What’s it for? How do I use it? People want to know, is it a necessary part of the Skin Care Routine? For certain skin types it’s a must. Let’s deMISTify face toner (pun intended) to see if you can benefit from it in your skin care regimen. First, what is Face Toner?

  • They are liquid topicals generally made with gentle ingredients like aloe, distillates, extracts, essential oils and exfoliates.

Who needs it?

  • Toner is great for acenic, oily, combination, normal and mature skin types
  • Dry skin should opt for a gentle hydrating mist
  • Sensitive skin should always use a patch test first

What’s it for? 7 uses for face toner

  1. Shrinks your pores
  2. Removes any excess oil and cleanser residue
  3. Restores your face to proper ph
  4. A gentle toner can be a hydrator
  5. If you’re on the go and need a quick fix, use a gentle toner instead of your regular cleansing routine. Toner, serum, sunscreen, GO!
  6. Evens out your skin tone
  7. And my favorite….Improves penetration of other skin applications. Moist skin absorbs active topicals better than a dry ones, thus improving the performance of your other skin care products.

When do I use it?

Toner vs astringents. What’s the dif?

  • Toners should not be mistaken for astringents.
  • Astringents generally have harsher ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and oil stripping alcohols.
  • Even if you have a lot of oil production, astringents have super harsh ingredients that strip the natural oils from your face necessary for skin balance and force your pores to overproduce oil.

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Gift Collections- Tips on Picking the Proper Kit for Your Loved One

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Birdy Botanical’s Gift Collections are a great way to introduce simple yet luxurious skin care to the people you love. Giving the gift of great skin with easy to use, organic products is always a go to solution. But first, why pick Birdy Botanicals for the perfect gift? How we set ourselves apart from other skin care lines:

  • Multiple uses.
  • Natural scents that smell amazing but don’t overpower or expose you to chemical allergens.
  • Moisturizers absorb quickly and cleansers clean gently without stripping or drying. They work.
  • Premium organic ingredients.
  • Anti-aging ingredients you don’t normally find in basic skin care like Vitamin C ester and DMAE.
  • Large units are an outstanding value.

Why pick a Kit?

  • Buying multiple items gives you an automatic discount.
  • Packaged in an attractive and handy reusable gift bag with gift tag, it’s a grab and go solution.

So, which Kit do you pick? Scent inspired Lavender and White Tea Kit Lavender is a very popular scent that suits men and women. But despite it’s amazing popularity lavender is well known enough that people have formed a definite opinion about it. If you’ve heard them shout to the world “I love lavender” this is a natch! Grapefruit and Lemongrass Kit Grapefruit and lemongrass is a very light citrus scent with a lemongrass undertones. If you are unsure of your person’s scent preference I would recommend this. Created for the variety of our skin’s moisture needs Complete Moisture Kit This Gift Kit was inspired by helping with all moisture needs from head to toe. From light to intense this is a selection to suit any person and everyone on your list. The Essential Moisture Kit This gift kit contains the basics for moisture needs. It’s a great choice for accomplishing one stop shopping for multiple people all for the price of a nice bottle of wine. Something every person can use Room Perfume Kit Made with Essential oils, Birdy Botanicals Room Perfume’s neutralize odors rather then covering them or making them worse like synthetic fragrance oils. There are 3 scents included. It’s a coveted and easy hostess gift and a go-to solution for anyone that if you’re unsure of their skin care preferences. Your giftee can use one in the bathroom, one in the kitchen and one in the room of their choice. Selections to suit a routine or for pampering The Gym Kit Inspired by products that are easily portable and with multiple uses that were handy at the gym. This is a basic but comprehensive kit that has 3 product that would work towards a basic skin care routine. The Day Spa Kit- NEW! Inspired by the day spa experience, this collection enables you or your loved one a day-spa experience over and over all for less then 1 visit to an actual day spa. This kit is not online yet so email me if you’d like to order it. Includes*: – 3-in-1 Gel Cleanser lavender and white tea – Detoxifying Toner – Blue Clay Masque – Anti-aging Face Serum *Customizable but may affect cost $69 ($82 value) ]]>

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New Product! Introducing Enzyme Face Scrub With Milk and Papaya

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#1 question, “Do you have a scrub?” Now I can say, “Yes, I do!” Whoo Hoo! Exfoliation is a major step in the anti-aging process. You’ve must remove dead skin cells to allow new ones to form in their place. I created a product that was for most skin types with exfoliating ingredients at gentle but effective levels. IntroducingBirdy’s new Enzyme Face Scrub with milk and papaya. Ingredient highlights

  • Papaya and Pineapple enzymes– soften and smooth skin while dissolving dead skin cells.
  • Low levels of Anti-aging exfoliating fruit acids (AHAs- Alpha Hydroxy Acids)– with natural occurring malic, tartaric, glycolic, lactic and oxalic acids to gently strip away dead skin cells, minimize pores and even out your skin tone.
  • Exfoliating Jojoba beads– gently support the other exfoliating ingredients safely without scratching or wounding the sensitive skin on your face.
  • Milk, aloe, chammomile, lavender and green tea– soothe and calm your skin.

A couple things about using AHA’s

  • Professionals often recommend using AHA products at levels of 3% or higher. At these levels, products are extremely active and not for everyone.
  • My Enzyme scrub uses AHA’s and enzymes together at a level of between 1%-2% and has the addition of gentle jojoba beads to support the exfoliating efforts. This creates a gentle but effective scrub that will get the job done effectively for all skin types.

Directions For all skin types. Sensitive skin use patch test first.

  • Use 2-3 times per week instead of or in addition to cleanser (depending on your skin type).
  • Gently massage onto your face for 1-2 minutes. Don’t scrub too hard! Let the ingredients do their thing. Don’t ignore your neck and decolletage. And don’t forget them when you sunscreen too!
  • Always use sunscreen when using exfoliating products

*Sunburn Alert: This product contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. But since you’re already wearing sunscreen I didn’t need to tell you that, right? 🙂 ]]>

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7 Things You Can do With 3-in-1 Lotion- It's a Skin Care Workhorse

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My 3-in-1 Antioxidant Lotion was my flagship product for a reason. In skin care, if you can’t make a decent lotion then you should “Get the heck outta Dodge.” Right? The moisturizer I wanted to create:

  • A simple anti-aging moisturizer for the face.
  • To be light and moisturizing, NOT greasy or heavy.
  • To absorb quickly into my skin- To do it’s job and then let me get back to work.
  • Something simple, effective and organic without sacrificing texture, scent or user experience.

And I wanted to include a couple serious anti-aging ingredients that your basic lotion doesn’t include. This is where our 3-in-1 Antioxidant Lotion makes the competition pale by comparison. Ingredient highlights:

  • Jojoba, sunflower oil, shea butter and avocado oil penetrate and moisturize without being greasy.
  • Vitamin C ester– A powerful and stable oil-based antioxidant that allows your skin to absorb more than it’s water based counterparts. Vitamin C ester fights free radicals from sun and environmental exposure. It readies your skin to absorbs key nutrients from other ingredients. And, it promotes collagen production that evens your skin tone leaving it smooth and glowing.
  • White tea– The most effective antioxidant in the green tea family with the highest level of polyphenols. Polyphenols protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation and also enhances cell growth.
  • Pomegranate and ginger– Classified as “super” ingredients with major anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties.

I soon discovered my moisturizer was as effective with my hands and body as it was with my face. Voila! My 3-in-1 product was born. But why stop at 3 uses? It’s works for face, body and hands so let’s take this puppy for a ride and see what else it can do. It’s a workhorse. 7 things you can do with 3-in-1 lotion:

  • Face moisturizer– non greasy and absorbant.
  • Hands moisturizer– moisturizes but absorbs quickly so you can have your hands back to work in a jiffy.
  • Body lotion– Gives you anti-aging benefits from head to toe
  • Gentle shave cream for men and women– even for sensitive skin and areas.
  • Foot cream– Absorbs quickly but penetrates deeply.
  • Controls frizz in hair- start with a pea size amount and massage through your hair. Add more if desired.
  • Remove makeup– Massage on a generous amount for 1-2 minutes on a dry face like a cold cream and wipe off with soft washcloth.

The current trend in skin care is multi-functional products. Birdy’s been doing this for 6 years now and everyone’s finally catching on. Why buy three (or more) products when you can by one? Let me rephrase that. You don’t want to buy more then 1 product but the skin care companies do. That’s why Birdy’s got your back. And now it’s a nice, soft, well moisturized back. 3-in-1 Antioxidant Lotion comes in 4 scents:

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Follow Birdy Botanicals on Bloglovin for Skin Care Tips, Tricks, Information and Sass

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Bloglovin is a great site to organize the blogs you like to follow. They alert you with new posts and give you a daily update in 1 email of all your favorites. Check them out and follow Birdy Botanicals to get tips and tricks, DIY beauty, ingredient information etc. We’ve got lots of tricks up our sleeves and we love to share! Follow my blog with Bloglovin Also, if you’d like to sign up for Birdy Botanicals email newsletter for access to blog info, current events and most of all DISCOUNTS! You’ll receive 25% off your first order. Can’t beat dat. See you round the block!]]>

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