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Get the Look of the Oscars: Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams wowed the Red Carpet the other night in her dark coral dress. I loved her playful pixie and soft makeup with coral pink lips. What can you use to get her look?

Here are some great natural products I recommend that don't contain harmful chemicals:


*For her flawless complexion, use 100% Pure Healthy Skin Foundation applied with the EcoTools Bamboo Foundation Brush.


*Everyday Minerals blush in a peachy pink called Come What May is the perfect soft blush shade.

*Cargo Plant Love lipstick in Robin McGraw-Ageless is a striking lipstick and comes in a fun tube. I am so happy that it is now palm oil free!!!

*Alima Pure Satin Matte Liner in Espresso is a great definer for the eyes. For neutral shadows, try the Cargo Essential Palette.

*Looking for a great creamy concealer? Christopher Drummond Hydrating Concealer is lovely.

*I mentioned it yesterday & I'll mention it again: I have a favorite new natural mascara! It's Truly Natural Mascara by Honeybee Gardens and it's just $10.99.

*Rock the pixie with Original Moxie Piece-Nik Matte Styling Paste.

*Don't forget to groom the eyebrows. Try the Bare Escentuals Brow Kit, which includes a brush, powder, and brow gel.

Spring Makeup with Makeup Artist Sally Biondo

I'm happy to introduce acclaimed makeup artist Sally Biondo to all of you.  Sally is known all over the globe, as she works between Paris and New York and has worked by the side of makeup gurus such as Bobbi Brown and Trish McEvoy.

Now Sally is stopping by C & G to dish out some fun, organic makeup trends for spring!  So what are the hot trends this season?

1. Healthy Skin- It's all about creating a perfect canvas for your springtime looks. Hydrated skin is made flawless with sheer foundation and spot treated with a concealer.  Dusting a light powder down your t zone works best if you have more of an oily complexion. 

C & G recommends the Everyday Minerals Original Glo Base for a sheer, yet radiant look. If you're more oily, try the Semi Matte Base from Everyday Minerals.

2. White Silver Metallic Eye Shadows- I absolutely love this look! And it's beautiful on any skin type! Use individually, use together, use with or without an eyeliner – the possibilities are endless! 

Sally recommends getting the look: with Eve Organics in Platinum and  Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Ava.

She also recommends two of our favorites at C & G to step it up a notch:  Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara in Black and  Alima Pure Satin Matte Eyeliner in Black.

3. Springtime Pops of Colors- Have fun with your makeup! Play with this season's twinkle in your eye palettes – it's all about soft pops of color.

Sally's top picks: Cosmic Tree Essentials In Bloom Collection and the Honeybee Gardens The Cosmopolitan Eye Shadow Palette.

4. Red Hot Lips- Be bold this season in a head turning red lip color. Pair it up with soft eye make up for a more demure look or turn up the volume with the ever so popular cat eye. 

C & G's top red lipsticks are Au Naturale Meaningful Makeup in Currant and  Silk Naturals in Tango.

5. Modern Smokey Eyes and Neutral Lips- Big night out on the town? Play up those eyes in a big way by going smokey!

Sally recommends  Honeybee Gardens Rock The Smoky Eyeshadow Palette and says that it is the perfect palette to achieve the smokey eye look. 

C & G recommends a great neutral lip shade such as GloMinerals Liquid Lips in Adore from Charleston Naturally.

Thank you so much to Sally for stopping by today! Please do check out her website today.

Get the Look of the Oscars: Jessica Chastain

I have five makeup favorites from last night's Oscars and I've decided to devote one post each day this week to how to achieve the lovely ladies' looks.

My picks for the Best Makeup of the Oscars: Jessica Chastain, Michelle Williams, Octavia Spencer, Angelina Jolie & Emma Stone.

Today, we'll start with Jessica Chastain's look. Let's see how we can get the look.

Alima Pure Satin Matte Blush in Mimosa, which is described as a pale, apricot pink
Au Naturale Creme Concealer in Beige
W3ll People Narcissist Supernatural Foundation
100% Pure Creamy Liquid Eyeliner in Black Tea
Smashbox Long Wearing Lip Gloss in Infinite
Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara (this is a new favorite I'll be reviewing later!)

What are antioxidants?

Hello beautiful ladies,

Tonight I would like to answer a question that was recently posed to me.  A friend said, "I keep hearing about antioxidants in skin care, but I really don't understand what they are."  I told her to please stay tuned and I'd answer here right here:

100% Pure is essentially based around antioxidants, so let's get down to the nitty gritty and see what they actually are and what they do.


Think of the term "antioxidant" as a shield against harmful flying objects. In reality, these "flying objects" are free radicals.  Free radicals are molecules that cause tissue damage and aging.  These could be things such as cigarette smoke, radiation, UV rays, pesticides, various drugs, smog, and other forms of environmental pollution.

Picture these harmful things flying at you, swirling around.  Antioxidants will help shield you from harm, essentially. Think of them as superheroes! They are special molecules that can help stop those free radicals--they can neutralize their effects.

Antioxidants are found in many different foods, especially fruits:

SUPERFOODS: Blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries are said to be the best sources of antioxidants, according to a study published by The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

*Red wine
*Pomegranates
*Tea (specifically green and white)
*Plums
*Peaches
*Melons
*Mangos
*Tomatoes
*Dark chocolate --at least 70% cacao (this is the reason why I eat this, LOL!)

They are also present in vitamins and minerals:

*Vitamin C
*Vitamin E
*Beta Carotene (from Vitamin A)
*Coenzyme Q-10
*Copper
*Selenium
*Manganese
*Zinc


For your health, antioxidants are believed to help inhibit cell damage and are said to help prevent skin damage from the sun's UV rays (in fact, a recent study showed that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can actually increase your skin's UV protection), lower the risk of heart disease, help prevent Alzheimer's and more.

Antioxidants are also wonderful when used in skin care.  Earlier in this post, I mentioned those nasty little free radicals. All of those things impact your skin, just as they do your health. UV damage, smoke, and all of those other pollutants can wreak havoc on your skin, accelerating the aging process and damaging those cells.

100% Pure is truly an innovator when it comes to antioxidants.  No other line has done what 100% Pure has done with using pure fruit extracts, seeds, pulp, and juices.  While some brands like to jump on the bandwagon of whatever new trend is around, antioxidants are truly proven to help protect your skin from free radicals -- and that is another reason I love 100% Pure.  They simply "get it" when it comes to what causes aging and what ingredients are truly best for your skin--for the present time and for years from now.

While nearly everything from 100% Pure is chock full of antioxidants, I have to recommend the Red Wine Resveratrol and Super Fruits lines.  Both are AWESOME (as are all the lines), but they are packed full of protective antioxidants. My two favorites from these lines: the Red Wine Resveratrol Serum and the Super Fruits Night Balm, both of which I faithfully use:

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

One of my favorite online boutiques, Shabby Apple, is sponsoring our latest giveaway. I've told you about Shabby Apple before. This lovely online boutique offers an incredible selection of women's dresses, skirts, vintage-inspired aprons, and more.

Now Shabby Apple is giving one of our lucky readers a dress! One of you will win the chic and vintage-inspired Spanish Steps dress, which sells for $86.

How to Enter:

1. You must like Shabby Apple on Facebook.

2. Head to Shabby Apple's site and tell me which dress is your personal favorite--let me know this is a comment here to this post. This comment is also a requirement.

3. You must have a US shipping address and be over 18 to enter.

4. Winner will be drawn via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking for an Eye Cream?

My friends and I were chatting about eye creams yesterday. We all have similar concerns--not wanting it to look like we're sleep-deprived or getting any older.

I've talked about great eye creams here before.  My most favorite is 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, but due to all the Dr. Oz press, it's sold out right now.

So what else do I recommend that doesn't have too many chemicals? All eye products below are paraben free.

I also want to say--YES, you do need an eye cream! Some people believe that all you need is your regular facial cream under the eyes.  This is false.  The skin under the eyes is thinner than an eggshell.  It requires extra care.  Think about it--does your under eye area experience the same troubles as your cheeks or forehead? No. The skin is different. Think of smiling, squinting, and all of the other expressions by the eyes. That is one reason the first signs of aging appear near the eyes. You do need an eye cream!

Here are my TOP TEN EYE CREAM PICKS:

1. 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
2. Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate
3. Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Smoothing Eye Cream
4. Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment
5. Lavera Naturkosmetic My Age Eye Cream
6. Origins GinZing Eye Cream
7. Avon Clinical Eye Lift Pro
8. Dr. Hauschka Daily Revitalizing Eye Cream
9. John Masters Organics Firming Eye Gel
10. Avalon Organics Vitamin C Revitalizing Eye Serum

Makeup Talk Monday

I told you not long a go about my recent Silk Naturals order. I never followed up. I thought I'd show you what I've been using, especially those new colors. I am loving the Elegant Brown eye shadow quad. I use Cream and Chic daily. I add the other, deeper shades for an evening look. The Flirt blush is a new favorite, too.

What I like most, though, is the Sleep in a Jar. This is a concealer and I have been using 100% Pure White Peach Concealer for a long time now, but the company has been out of stock for a few months. I cannot go without a concealer because of my lovely dark circles. The Sleep in a Jar is nice. I chose Extra Light Peach, a perfect shade. I use a brush to apply to the inner corners (where the darkness is) and it feels so light and lasts all day. I also LOVE the new eyebrow cream! I was an avid user of their brow powder, but the cream is even better!

Here is what I have been using for my "everyday" makeup look:

Silk Naturals Sleep in a Jar (Extra Light Peach) applied with EcoTools Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush

Silk Naturals Amplifying Lip Glaze in Captivate

Silk Naturals Eye Shadow Quad (Elegant Brown) -- I used Cream all over and Chic in the crease. Brushes used: Everyday Minerals

Silk Naturals Blush in Flirt (Neutral Plum) applied with EcoTools Bamboo Blush Brush

Silk Naturals Brow Cream in Medium Ash applied with Bare Escentuals Brow Brush

100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer in White Peach applied with EcoTools Bamboo Foundation Brush

100% Pure Healthy Skin Powder Foundation in White Peach over it tinted moisturizer to set with the EcoTools Bamboo Finishing Brush

Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara in Black

Original Moxie Shape Shifter Re-forming Creme -- makes my hair have waves and bounce.  Original Moxie Sweet Poof will also give lift at the roots and make your hair have movement instead of hanging flat, as mine has the tendency to do! It is a fantabulous volumizing spray!

Before I forget, I have to mention that before my tinted moisturizer goes on, I pat in a bit of 100% Pure Luminous Primer with Vitamins & Antioxidants.

She did it! Cupcake Wars Champ!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to local cupcake baker Heather Saffer! Heather won "Cupcake Wars" and $10,000 on the Food Network last night! Way to go. Ever since I tasted my first cupcake by Heather two years ago, I have been hooked. She truly deserves this--she's shown how hard work, dedication, and perseverance truly pay off!

A Must Watch Cupcake Wars!

Two years ago, I had a feature on the blog called "Rochester's Best Cupcake." I reviewed several cupcakes and crowned Heather Saffer's Bananas Foster cupcakes from The Cupcake Dreamery the very best in town. Heather opened her new cupcake bar, Dollop, in the summer of 2011 and will be on this Sunday's "Cupcake Wars" on the Food Network.

I have known Heather now for nearly 2 years and am really happy that my blog's cupcake contest allowed me to also make a friend. I'm so excited to go to Heather's viewing party Sunday night.

The episode airs at 8pm EST on Food Network.  Heather will be one of 4 bakers competing for the $10,000 prize that the winner of "Cupcake Wars" will take home. Please watch Sunday night!

Guest Post: Patricia Hall on Flowers

Hello, my lovely readers.  I have a special guest today who will be sharing her knowledge of flowers.  Thank you to Patricia Hall for this post.

Flowers for a Rich and Sustainable Environment

How do flowers fit into the life of an environmentally aware individual? Sustainable agricultural practices and social responsibility are the basis for these standards. Buy flowers from local organic growers to enhance their positive environmental impact.

Locally Grown

Seeking out locally grown flowers from reputable florists will help to eliminate many of the problems associated with those supermarket posies. When flowers are grown locally, they obviously are not shipped for long distances. They don't require chemical preservatives, since they will be much fresher at the point of sale. Refrigeration for long periods of time is not required to keep these beauties looking their best.



Supporting the local economy is another boost for the environment. When good jobs are available in the vicinity, workers do not need to commute for long distances. They can stay closer to home, participating in a vibrant community and avoiding the lines at the gas station. A thriving community that encourages the population to gather at a locally sustained market is excellent support for a healthy environment.

Sustainably Raised

Sustainable agriculture improves the soil instead of depleting it. Flowers, since they are usually not eaten, can be used to help clear toxins from contaminated soils. Instead of contributing to the load of environmentally detrimental chemicals, they help to remove contaminants from urban ground.

The few flowers that are destined for the plate should be labeled as such, and grown in healthy soil with no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Most of the flowers at an organic farmers’ market could be used in this way. It is always a good idea to ask the farmer directly whether the flowers are suitable for human consumption.



Grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, flowers help to sustain the beneficial insects that pollinate food crops. Both wild and farmed bees need a continual supply of suitable nectar in order to keep a hive robust for the job of sustaining food production. With an abundance of choices available, the insects needed for this vital service will have an appropriate food supply between food crops.

Sustainably grown flowers also help to protect biodiversity of both plants and the insects that depend on them. Hummingbirds, too, depend on certain flowers for their food and water needs. Naturally available nectars provide a wide range of micronutrients for these small creatures.

Flowers can play an important role in crop rotation. Organic farmers often rotate crops according to the part of the plant that is eaten; the root, the leaf, the flower or seed, and the fruit. Between the root and leaf crops, they will plant a “green manure” crop that is returned to the soil to keep it sweeter and more fertile.

Green manure crops may be either legumes or grains and grasses. A combination of these is often used to provide complete soil nutrition. Hairy vetch is a nitrogen-fixing crop that sports lovely purple flowers that bees particularly enjoy. Another flower that is great for the soil and attracts beneficial insects is red clover. The flowers also make a tasty snack for the farmer.

Naturally Beneficial

Because they take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, those showy additions to the landscape help in their own small way to rebalance the atmospheric gases. Either indoors or outdoors, flowers help to boost oxygen levels and decrease carbon dioxide in the air.

Recycling flower plants by adding them to the compost pile will further increase their beneficial impact on the environment. The seeds can be recycled to grow new crops of these beautiful plants.



Flowers are wonderful additions to the landscape that add color and grace to the human environment. They are simply good for the soul. In the garden or in a vase, flowers create pleasure and a gentle reminder that life is good.

Giving flowers on special occasions or to cheer a loved friend who is going through a difficult time strengthens the bonds between human beings. This is a boon for the social environment and another way in which these graceful plants contribute to the overall health of the planet.

So indulge the impulse to buy or grow flowers. They are a joy to see and touch. They fill the air with fragrance and the heart with pleasure. When locally and sustainably grown, flowers are one of the supreme messengers of love and good cheer. What could be a better boost to the environment?

About the Author

Patricia Hall works part-time for a florist focussing on floral delivery but loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna.

''To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers - it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways - unity of all mankind!''

Gift Giving Audrey Style

Chic & Green's newest contributing writer, Elizabeth, is a huge Audrey Hepburn fan. Hepburn was the epitome of chic and I thought I'd share some finds from around the web:

Everything Audrey by chicandgreen featuring retro jewelry

Retro jewelry
$16 - celebritysilver.com

Audrey Hepburn Poster - Breakfast at Tiffany's i... : Target
$20 - target.com

Audrey Hepburn Mug: Breakfast At Tiffany's
$7.95 - giftapolis.com

Audrey Hepburn Retro Bicycle Dog Large Tote Bag Purse - Handbags &...
bonanza.com

From Loubird on Etsy
loubirdhandmade.com

birthday cards - audrey hepburn - dl01-07 by cavania |...
notonthehighstreet.com

Paper Dolls: Audrey Hepburn Funny Face Paper Doll
ermillerdesigns.com

My Favorite Things

Chic & Green™'s Favorite Things by chicandgreen

Makeup Star of the Grammys: Adele

I thought the Grammy Awards were fantabulous last night. With the exception of Bruno Mars (sorry, not a fan) and the Nicki Manaj spectacle, I thought that this was the best of this awards show in years. It wouldn't be like me to not talk about my favorite Grammy makeup, though.

The winner is an easy one for me--Adele, the winner of 6 Grammys last night.  Love her voice.  Love her personality.  Love the fact that she hasn't succumbed to the "I need to be a size 0 to be beautiful" or "I need to act strangely or dress like a hoochie because I am a star" mentality seen from others on the red carpet.

It was so nice to see someone with class on the Red Carpet.

Adele walked the Red Carpet with beauty and grace and looked timeless and elegant with her black gown and red lipstick:

Photo credit: Glamour

Adele changed into a different dress and lip color for her "Rolling in the Deep" performance:

Photo credit: Celebuzz



How to recreate Adele's first makeup look:

Photo credit

Adele went retro glam with the first look--dramatic eyes, matte makeup, perfectly groomed brows, and the classic red lip.  You can use natural makeup to achieve Adele's look.


For her matte face, begin with a natural primer such as 100% Pure Luminous Primer  with 100% Pure Healthy Skin Foundation and using a pressed powder such as 100% Pure Healthy Skin Powder.

To have long lasting, groomed brows like Adele's, I recommend the newest brow product from Silk Naturals.  I am loving this. It is the new Brow Cream (I use the Medium Ash) and sells for just $6.50. It's made with stellar ingredients such as coconut oil and castor oil.

For Adele's eyes, sweep a soft creamy colored shadow all over.  I recommend Cream from Silk Naturals.


For a strong black lined eye like Adele's, I recommend a natural liquid eyeliner such as 100% Pure Creamy Liquid Eye Liner in Black Tea, a rich true black.

Don't forget the lashes! Curl them with an eyelash curler and apply a natural mascara. The best? Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara in Ultra Black.

A true red lip without nasty chemicals can be found. My recommendation for Adele's look would be Silk Naturals Bombshell Red Vegan Lipstick.

Whitney

When I was younger, I had a pink stereo system, complete with mint green and lavender accents. It had a dual tape deck and a turntable. Above are three of the 45's most played on this girly girl stereo.  I remember going to the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center with my Mia, my grandmother, to see Whitney Houston perform when I was younger. What a performance it was.  I also remember my grandmother asking me if I really wanted to see the whole concert because it was getting late and she wanted to beat traffic. Surely I did want to see the entire concert. Her performance was incredible.

Houston's voice was strong and it was beautiful. May she rest in peace.