If anyone could give life advice on keeping it together, running a business, and raising two children amidst a little life heartache, it would be Elizabeth Chambers. The 40-year-old founder of BIRD Bakery and on-air host and judge recently chatted with us to share how she stays centered and the beauty treatments she’s loving in her new home of the Cayman Islands.
What is the number-one best piece of beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Growing up, I had two very different types of grandmothers. My mother’s mother was very much a trailblazing, no-nonsense culinary entrepreneur. She was an extraordinarily talented self-taught baker, chef and business person, and she inspired me to create BIRD Bakery. My dad’s mother was more into beauty and fashion and spoke extensively with me at a young age about both topics. One of my very distinct memories involves her telling me that I should wash and dry my face more gently, “always pat lightly, never rub” she would tell me. Emmie, (her name was Emma, but we called her Emmie) would not have been proud of my 20’s self. I over-exfoliated, over-lasered, and frankly, stripped my skin. I was anchoring and hosting several shows at the time and HD TV had just been introduced. I became highly aware of every blemish—there were many in my 20s!—and my approach to skin care became very much reactionary instead of nourishing. All of that to say, that now, many many years later, my approach to skin care is focused on nourishing, barrier building, and always researching, discovering and experimenting with the most advanced treatments and technologies.
What are some of your all-time favorite beauty products?
I’m always exploring and finding new favorites. My current cleanser is a combination of Dr. Strum’s foaming and enzyme cleanser DR. Barbara Strum cleanser ($22) and the DR. Barbara Strum Enzyme cleanser ($75). I love all things DNA (vitamin C crystals and cleansing pads are my favorites), Osea, Argentum and Carasoin’s Cold Fusion cream ($120) is heaven in a jar. Lena, the founder of Carasoin is my skin guru/mad scientist best friend…whatever she’s discovering and recommending, I’m using!
Are there any treatments you love?
When I moved to the Cayman Islands, I scaled back on my treatments significantly—not by choice, to be clear. It was definitely out of necessity! The lifting, PRP, deep-cleansing facial treatments I love in LA aren’t available in Cayman, but I did discover something phenomenal that’s not yet available in the states, as it hasn’t yet been approved by the FDA. Profhilo has been a game-changer for me. It’s pure hyaluronic acid, which is injected into designated sites on your face and neck. It doesn’t add volume as filler would, but hydrates the skin from the inside out and really improves the texture. I love it and it has really been my main treatment over the past couple of years.
What was the last beauty-related thing you did for the first time?
It was probably the Profhilo treatment. My skin is very dry and I appreciate that it adds a level of hydration without downtime or adding volume.
You’re into cooking and baking. What kinds of foods do you eat for skin health?
When I really need to prepare for something and feel like being on point, I’ll do my morning beverage song and dance. This consists of 8 ounces of hot water with lemon first thing in the morning, then waiting 30 minutes and drinking 9 ounces of organic celery juice, which I consider to be the ultimate forgiver of all sins. Then I wait another 30 minutes and drink kombucha. No matter what, I drink kombucha each and every morning. Some people require coffee, I’ve always required kombucha.
How do you balance eating healthy while still indulging in your favorite bakery treats?
Honestly, I eat what I love. I love sugar and mayonnaise and I love butter and all of it. I have to say that pasta and bread aren’t my favorite unless done very well. I’m a firm believer in doing what works for you, so balance with food is going to be different for everyone.
I take great pride in the fact that everything we serve at BIRD Bakery is made with whole ingredients that are the finest ingredients we can source. It has been important to me to maintain that quality each and every day and I genuinely believe that as long as you’re eating real, whole, quality ingredients, you can treat yourself while treating yourself well.
With multiple businesses, two children, and a frequent travel schedule, what advice can you give people to stay grounded with so much going on at one time?
Be self-aware of what works for you personally and what you need from moment to moment. I really like to go on what I call ‘urban hikes.’ I will take a walk to have some time to myself. I also write everything down in my planner, if it’s on my phone I will forget to do it but If I write it down, I’ll stay organized, and my schedule feels manageable. I think it’s important for everyone to figure out what works for them, whether it is a bath or a walk, prioritizing yourself is the number one thing to help you stay grounded.
