The Birdy Blog

Unraveling the mysteries of skin care and life in general

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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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Natural Skincare: Routines and Tips for Oily Complexions

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oily-skin-type-600 If you’ve got oily skin, consider yourself lucky. I know large pores are a pain in the arse to maintain but since your skin naturally creates its own moisture, you’ll look younger for longer. Now doesn’t that change your whole outlook on having an oily skin type? Cleansing

  • Always use a super gentle cleanser.
  • Avoid sulfates (any ingredient ending in “sulfate”). Sulfates are harsh and increase lather production.
  • Look for these ingredients in a gentle cleanser: ones that end in “betaine” or “sulfosuccinate.” Don’t worry about pronouncing it.
  • Wash twice per day but no more.
  • Invest in a gentle toner.
  • Avoid astringents as they can be too harsh and aggravating.
Moisturize
  • It’s ok, you can put oil on your face. It’s a myth that oily complexions should use nothing but oil-free products. All complexions need oil. And all oils will build up in your pores to a certain extent but you can easily keep them clear with by applying good masque weekly and exfoliating.
  • Choose a serum for use during the day and at night.
  • Use a moisturizer for your night routine.
Sunscreen
  • Wear sunscreen everyday. This is non-negotiable.
  • If you wear makeup, try getting your sunscreen with a tinted moisturizer or foundation. BB creams are a multiple use product (Birdy’s a big fan of multiple uses!) A makeup professional at Sephora suggested SmashBox BB cream for oily skin types as it helps control oil production.
Maintain your pores
  • Use a clay masque once a week and exfoliate 2-3 times per week. This is crucial for an oily skin type and to maintain overall skin health.

Skin care routines for oily skin

  Every Day Cleanse, use toner, apply serum and sunscreen. Nightly Cleanse, use toner, apply serum and a light moisturizer. Weekly Use a clay masque. Two to three times weekly Exfoliate in lieu of normal cleansing, use toner, apply serum and moisturizer.

Important tips for managing oily skin

  • I know I’ve already said it but this is key for an oily skin type—find a good gentle clay masque and use it once a week. This and exfoliation are the best ways to minimize your pores.
  • Exfoliate two or three times per week. But, also keep in mind that overdoing this will not benefit your skin in the long run, but instead age your skin faster. Pick two days of the week. I exfoliate on Tuesday and Fridays. Add a third day if you think your skin can handle it, but no more.
  • When you have an oily skin type, it can be tempting to over-cleanse. Treat your face gently and use gentle products. Cleansing too often will strip your face of its natural oils and cause your pores to produce too much oil.
  • Get a facial a few times per year, minimum. Your esthetician will tell you if your routine is working and can help you deep-clean your pores.
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Earth Day 2013 is here! Do you know your Carbon Footprint Score?

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It's Earth Day 2013! Do you know your Carbon Footprint score?Earth Day is on April 22nd and I got to thinking about my carbon footprint. I realized I don’t even know what my carbon footprint is. I googled and found a nifty carbon footprint calculator from the Nature Conservancy. The calculator measures greenhouse gas emissions by estimating how many tons of carbon dioxide my household creates every year according to my habits. I plugged in my info, exerted some “yeahs,” “gasps” “oops!” It was an eyeopener! It included habits I had no idea contributed to greenhouse gases. It’s helped me realize what more I can do to help the environment and reinvigorate my efforts. As I am very concerned about the environment and my impact on it I strive to keep my carbon footprint small. What I do to reduce my greenhouse emissions at work and at home:

  • I use earth-friendly labels that will break down instead of stick around.
  • I use recyclable containers. I eschew any unnecessary packaging.
  • I reuse shipping boxes and recycle shipping peanuts.
  • I never print out anything from the computer unless absolutely necessary.
  • I use my car only when absolutely necessary.
  • I use the power of my feet to do daily and weekly banking etc.
  • I have changed all my lightbulbs to energy efficient light bulbs.
  • I recycle and compost.
  • I reuse and wash all Ziploc bags.
  • I by biodegradable garbage bags.
  • I use only reusable shopping bags for my purchases.
Things I want to do better:
  • Use my car less. I got a bike!
  • I really struggle with the paper towel thing. I don’t have a washer/dryer where I live so it’s tough to deal with reusable rags. If anyone has suggestions on how to change this I would love to hear them!
  • My appliances are getting old and I would like to replace them with more energy efficient ones.
What do you do to reduce your carbon footprint and what can you commit to this year to make it even better?! Birdy loves Earth Day. Being a bird, she is very susceptible to the delicate balance of the environment and likes to celebrate Earth Day like it’s her birthday. So, happy bEARTHday!]]>

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Clueless about Skincare Labels? Hashing out natural oils in your skincare products.

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I know things about stuff. What’s the purpose of natural oils in your skincare and how do your know if they’re working for you? The list is endless..jojoba, sunflower, almond, lions and tigers and bears, OMG! Reading your skincare labels can be intimidating and confusing. It’s not rocket science, but it seems like a person needs multiple chemistry degrees to understand this stuff. Today we’re focusing on some basics to look for in your skincare. Oils soften, soothe and lubricate the skin as well as protect it from the elements. They are excellent at forming a seal and not allowing the natural moisture of the skin to evaporate. Different oils are appropriate for different uses. The skinny on the fat:

  • Plant derived oils penetrate and are absorbed by the skin.
  • They also help to lubricate and retain moisture by forming a seal on the skin preventing the evaporation of your natural moisture.
  • Natural oils are from seeds, nuts and vegetable sources.
  • Oils are a must for every skin type including oily.

Some types of oils you may see in your products:

    • These are some you might see higher up on your ingredient list. Sunflower, safflower, olive, almond, apricot and grapeseed oils. These oils are liquid and all have nourishing properties for the skin as well help carry the other ingredients to penetrate the skin.
    • Most of these common plant derived oils have similar qualities and can be used interchangeably.
    • Coconut oil is hard at room temperature but has similar properties as the liquid varieties. It’s also a good substitute for mineral oil.
    • Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax and most like sebum (an oily secretion your skin produces to keep skin moisturized.) Jojoba is always an excellent choice for all skin types and it absorbs readily into the skin without greasiness and does not turn rancid as quickly as some of the other natural oils. But, there is a world-wide shortage of jojoba so prices have increased dramatically over the last couple years.
    • A variety of other oils are added in smaller amounts for their rich benefits like anti-aging, skin cell repair etc. You may see oils listed like avocado, cranberry, primrose, borage seed and carrot.
    • Mineral oil is a petroleum based product. It does not penetrate the skin but covers it and does not permit the skin to lose moisture, therefore “moisturizing” the skin. It is not a “green” product but can be excellent for dry skin as well as skin in need of repair from extreme weather or recovering from exfoliation. Use coconut oil if you prefer to avoid petroleum based ingredients

Oils for different skin types.

Oily skin: Look for rosehip, jojoba, castor or hazelnut for any oil based product like cleansing oil. For lotions and creams you can use any plant derived oils but I would skip the mineral oil. All oils will clog you pores to some extent but you can combat this by investing in a good clay masque and use it once per week. Normal or combination skin: Use any plant derived oil for your skin care and use clay masque on any problem areas for pore maintenance. Dry or chapped skin: Look for avocado, almond, jojoba, coconut or mineral oil. Use liberally. Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin is a gigantic category so always use a patch test with any new product and build up use when first applying to skin. It all depends on what you’re “sensitive” to. Look for Wheatgerm, sesame, apricot kernel, carrot or avocado. You can also use oils from the more common list like sunflower and olive oil. Mature skin: Look for primrose, avocado, jojoba, carrot, coconut, apricot and borage oils. Choices for oils in your skincare from natural sources are plentiful. Oils are chosen for their price, shelf-life, therapeutic value or “sex” appeal on a label. The ones listed above are some of the most common but most of all the naturally derived oils are all good lubricators and carriers for more performance based ingredients and help them to be absorbed into the skin.]]>

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Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Anti-Aging Questions!

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Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Anti-Aging

When, where, why and the skinny on some ingredients and products

There are a of couple questions I get asked over and over again about anti-aging. The subject of wrinkles is stressful enough to give the average person anxiety. The extent some people go to look younger can be downright scary. Besides that, trying out the latest Anti-aging fad can cost you an arm and a leg. Sound familiar?

Here’s what you want to know:

Question: “When do I start using anti-aging products?” Answer: Like, yesterday. It’s about “anti” aging. The goal is to not lose the elasticity and collagen in your skin. It’s easier to prevent lines from settling in then it is to take them away once they appear. With that said, it doesn’t mean you can’t reverse things a little if you already are experiencing signs of maturing skin. You can also improve texture and tone which will make a huge difference on the quality of your skin.
Ingredients like Vitamin C and antioxidants will help fight off effects from the environment and over exposure to the sun. Essential oils can help tone, balance and improve texture of the skin and also reverse fine lines that have set in. Exfoliants remove dead skin cells and allow new ones to grow.
If you’re over 18, you’re old enough to start using anti-aging products. Question: “How do I use them?” Answer: Anti-aging products can be delivered in cleansers, serums and moisturizers.
  • For cleansers, don’t use them more than once a day.
  • If you’re using a Serum, apply it before moisturizer.
  • If you’re anti-ager comes in the form of a moisturizer, this is the last thing you would apply before sunscreen.
Question: “How often do I use them?” Answer: Twice a day- If your using a serum or moisturizer. Apply in the morning and at night before you go to bed.
  • Use the same product for both day and night
  • OR, if you want to get the benefit of different antioxidants in different formulas then you can use one product during the day and a different product at night. BUT!, beware of super-active ingredients like glycolic acid, retionol and Alpha Hydroxy Acids. These are great ingredients but they don’t always mix and too much of a good thing is not always a good thing.
Question: “What’s different about Birdy Botanicals anti-aging products compared to other brands?” Answer: My goal with anti-aging was to deliver important ingredients that improve your skin’s texture and tone while reducing fine lines in the process. I combined serious antioxidants and essential oils into products that can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin. Just because it’s a serious product doesn’t mean it has to hurt. I’ve included one of my favorite ingredients, DMAE.
  • DMAE helps improve skin elasticity.
  • Reduces fine lines and sagging for the day to give a more chiseled appearance.
  • Most importantly, I think of DMAE as botox in a bottle. Because it reduces lines and sagging for the day you are keeping those wrinkles from forming and not allowing them to settle in. It’s a super gentle ingredient with a major “Wow” factor. With continued use you can help stop wrinkles in their tracks!
  • It’s an ingredient you can afford.
In my business wrinkles scare the bejesus out of me. The condition of my skin is the first thing people judge about me considering I have a skin care line. But, I don’t want to look like Joan Rivers when I get to her age either. I think we need a little happy medium and perspective. Unless your willing to deal with syringes and/or go under the knife you can get a lot of mileage and real, true beauty by taking care of yourself and using some really great products. Spinach may not give us biceps like Popeye but it can definitely make us prettier! Remember, sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to anti-aging and preventing the degradation of collagen in your skin. Eat a diverse diet and get plenty of exercise. Basically it’s all that crap they’ve been telling us all these years. ]]>

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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 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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