sephora Archives - Peculiar Porter

Clean Reserve’s Citron Fig: an Ethically Made Perfume (Review)

Published on March 8, 2018April 3, 2018 by PeculiarPorter4 Comments

If you saw my post from Tuesday, you know I’m pretty much diving into the world of sustainable, ethical goods blindly. No actually, you could probably put a blindfold over my clueless head and I’d be in the same exact spot. But one thing I do know is that I need to start researching more and more about what and how I’m consuming products.

During the Christmas season, my boyfriend gave me Clean Reserve’s Citron Fig perfume and not only did I fall for the delicious smell but I fell for the company itself. (Props to Rob for really knowing how to give good gifts). The more I researched Clean Reserve and their sustainability practices, the more I started to love the company. They not only use reusable materials, clean energy, eco-friendly oils, but they even pay their workers fairly. Literally, what more could you love about a company?

Citron Fig by Clean Reserve

Fragrance Notes: Ginger, lemon oil, cardamom, mandarin, mint, copaiba, sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk.

What it Smells Like: Having a really good dream and then waking up to the soft glow of the sun on your cheek. It also has the possibility of taking you back in time to the moment where you were first able to ride a bike without training wheels. Hey, I warned you.

The Perfume’s Inspiration: Inspired by a free-spirited confidence that awakens when you realize your true potential.

Perfect for: The up and comer (aka totally me because I’m still trying to figure out the big, bad adult world).

How long does it last: 6-8 hours

Sustainable Ingredients: They procure Cardamom from a local supplier in Guatemala who works directly with native Guatemalan farmers. This allows Clean to guarantee that the local farmers receive a higher profit for the essential oils and a steady income. Working directly with the communities in the Amazon and providing them with technical and financial support ensures the sustainable sourcing of Copaiba Oil and an increase of income for the farmers.

There are so many reasons why I think this is such an incredible company but the main one is that they are actually paying their farmers a living wage. My mom grew up on a dairy farm and from this, I know how hard farmers have to work in order to get the job done. Most of the time farmers are undercut by big corporations even though the farmers are doing all of the hard work. You often see this in any type of farm work from cotton farming to milk production to even essential oils. Companies like Clean Reserve are putting a stop to this unfair practice. I couldn’t be happier to wear their playful scent because of this.

For more information about their sustainable practices including their packaging I decided to pull this super informative picture from their website:

Now that I know more about their company I literally want to try them all… is that bad? If I had to try another one next it would definitely be the Sueded Oud because we all know how I feel about patchouli (if you don’t definitely check out my weirdly obsessive blog post on this candle. But Sueded Oud is apparently for “the boss” so I might have to wait a while until I get to that level!

Have you ever heard or smelled perfumes from Clean Reserve? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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72 Holiday Gifts for Her

Published on December 15, 2016December 15, 2016 by PeculiarPorter9 Comments

Hello darling! Are you at a loss for what you might want to give to that certain someone? I put together photo sets from nine different stores that will hopefully give you a few ideas on what to get that certain girl. I hope this gives you at least some kind of inspiration on what to give to that special someone.

American Eagle.

Anything from American Eagle would be a safe gift for anyone because they sell basics with a unique flair. Not only are their pieces unique but they also last forever. You’ll literally give a gift to someone that lasts forever. For example, I still have the same jeans from freshman year of high school because they’re still in perfect condition. If you know someone who typically wears things that have lace or random elements on them I would try looking at American Eagle.

Current promotion: 40% off and free shipping, jeans buy one get one free, $15 pjs, $20 sweaters.

Francesca’s

Francesca’s is definitely the perfect store for the girly girl hostess. They have such a wide arrange of fun nicknacks such as cheerful pillows, fun accessories to throw in your purse, coloring books, and decorative signs. The store offers adorable lacy clothing that is sure to appeal to the girly girl. If you don’t want to gift clothes, I would definitely recommend looking at their jewelry selection and their home gifts selection.

Current promotion: Home & Gifts buy one get one 50% off and Bogo mixer buy one get one 50% off.

Tobi.

The next two stores are definitely stores for the girls who are trying to try out the newest trends. Tobi has a wide range of interesting clothing so if you see on someone’s wish list something like “off the shoulder shirt” or “unique shirts” I would look at this website. I’m literally obsessed with this velvet blazer and I’m sure your style guru will too.

Current promotion: All new products are always 50% off when added but right now they’re 60%. You also get 50% off your first order.

Forever 21

Just like Tobi, Forever 21 is definitely a store to go to for the trend setter. From overalls to statement necklaces you’re sure to find something for everyone here. Brace yourself if you plan on going its the actual store though. It’s like the gym the day after new years… everyone wants a piece of something. My recommendation? Buy everything online and make sure you get a gift receipt because their sizes tend to be pretty interesting.

Current promotion: $20 off when you spend $100 or more. 70% off winter items.

Sephora

Okay, I don’t know what it is about make up but girls go insane about it! It’s something to do with the pretty colors and getting to look a certain way. Anyway, there are tons and tons of kits and tricks you can get from Sephora. One of my top 10 favorite gifts I’ve ever received (#1 is a blanket) is the scent certificate. Okay, before you skip to the next store hear me out. You get a package of 5 different scents to try out and they you get this certificate where you get to buy a full roll on perfume. Since perfume is definitely something you can’t just get anyone, go for this because that way they in a way get a gift but they also get to pick out their present. Kind of a win win. Trust me its not a cop out like a gift card it’s a really cool present.

Current promotion: Check the sale section because some of these packages are on sale.

Bath and Body Works

If you only knew how insane I become when candles are in the mix. Okay, who doesn’t love candles. Okay, lame question I know. But they make any room warm and smelling like happiness. The best part? With some candles you can even get matching lotion, soap, hand sanitizer, and perfume. That may be going overboard but it is definitely an option! My advice is to not buy this online because you don’t know how it actually smells. If you really don’t want to go in person to buy things, I listed some great candles below.

Current promotion: Candles are half off right now ($12.50). Everything else is buy three get three free.

Urban Outfitters

Know someone who is incredibly difficult to shop for and they won’t tell you what they want? Well welcome to Urban Outfitters were everything hipster is right at your disposal. Things range from mirror trays, to sarcastic books, to random wall decor. Going in this store makes you feel like you’re in some type of universe, but their website is incredibly helpful and all sorted out like a charming charlie (only a few of you will understand that comment). When it doubt wander over to their book selection because thats where I go as soon as I enter an Urban Outfitters. If you’re trying to be productive click on their gift tag and you’re all set. There is even a men’s and a women’s section to be even more helpful.

Current promotion: $20 off 100.

AdoreMe

Through all of their social media presence on accounts like Facebook and Instagram, I’m shocked I haven’t heard of this company earlier. I was pleasantly surprised by the adorable sleepwear and active wear sections. My family always exchanges pjs on Christmas Eve and then opens presents in them the next morning. It’s a little tradition that has carried on year after year. AdoreMe’s pjs are perfect for the Christmas morning and opening up presents. They have a variety of different pants and colors that almost replicate Victoria Secret’s but for a more affordable price. You can see the similarity in the black button-down set. Also, I adore that you’re buying a set when purchasing things. For example, you’re getting both the top and at the bottom of each of the sets in the pictures below. But the real reason I added this website on my epic christmas gift list was their unique activewear selection. They have joggers with mesh pockets and leggings with mesh cutouts. They even have matching tops to go with the bottoms! Their activewear selection would be a great Christmas for everyone who loves to work out and look trendy while doing so.

Current promotion: 1 set $24.95 and free shipping!

J.Crew

Trying to buy something for someone who is the definition of preppy? Head over to J.Crew and feast your eyes on all of the beautiful colors. You really cannot go wrong with anything form J.Crew, but you might want a gift receipt because sometimes the sizing is a little bit different on some items. Regardless, gifting any of their items are a great gift. I mean can you really go wrong with two fat otters on a sweater?

Current promotion: 50%-60% off everything online!

I hope this helped! You’re for sure to find a great present for that certain someone. Let me know if it did! Check back tomorrow to see my post about a gift’s that help the world.

As always,

Sephora Haul

Published on June 11, 2015August 7, 2015 by PeculiarPorter5 Comments

Hello darlings! Attracting a new crowd with this post. Yes, I am into the craze of shopping online. It is a true problem. However, I actually needed stuff this time. I was running out of cover up and foundation so it gave me the excuse of shopping online. I got a plethora of freebie stuff… 6 free things if anyone is counting. This is the overview of everything I received:

When you shop online at Sephora, you get to pick the different samples to receive. I picked these three.

The PORE fessional by Benefit. You can use this product under or over make up. You can put it under the make up to help makeup stay put (like a primer) or you can put it over make upland blend. I tried this today and it seemed fine. I’m not quite sure if I would actually buy this product though.

Burberry Brit. I usually don’t ever get perfume samples because I never know if I’ll like them. I surprisingly love this one. I’m really considering buying it. Since I’m trying to save money for Italy, I won’t be buying it anytime soon. But goodness it smells so good! The notes are Bright Yuzu, Pineapple Leaves, Litchi, Mandarin, Grapes, Pink Peony, Peach Blossom, Nashi, White Musk and Creamy Amyris Woods. If you’re looking for a perfume try this one… or my favorite perfume, Miss Dior, that I’m currently wearing. The notes are Italian Mandarin Essence, Egyptian Jasmine Absolute, and Indonesian Patchouli Essence. I talk about it in this post.

Amande Milk Concentrate. To be honest I really had no idea what this was when I picked this. I really just didn’t want another perfume. However, since I can read… it is a lotion that is supposed to help the body look visibly firmer and smoother. It smells so weird. It kind of smells what I imagine wet or rotten baby powder smells like. I would never purchase this product.

(Excuse my non-painted nails.. I’ll paint them soon I promise).

Fresh by Sugar. I’ve had this product before which is why I picked it as a freebie. I love this product. It smells like lemons which is one of my favorite smells, protects you lips from the sun (SPF 15), and if free of Paragons, Sulfates, and Phthalates. The only downsize is that the real one (not the sample size one) is $22.50. Expensive for a chapstick but, honestly, it might be worth it. If you want to try different colors without buying the full size you can get five mini ones for $36! Also I got this product FREE with the code FRESHLIPS

Tarteguard 30 by Tarte. I got this product for 100 Sephora points. It’s supposed to product your skin from the sum without a bunch of chemicals. It is free of Paragons and Phthalates. It is very lightweights and it feels like you’re not even wearing it. It’s also recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation so thats pretty awesome. The best thing I like about it is that it is dermatologist-tested which means that it won’t clog your pours. Sephora says it smells like “fresh, ocean’s lily” but really it just smells like normal sunscreen. I probably would buy this but that $32 price tag is like eh. The Neutrogena sunscreen I use is always the bomb.com for way less than $32.

Hypnos Drama by Lancome. For another 100 Sephora points I received this mascara. I’ve never had a mascara that has a S wand liked this one. It’s hard to get used to but I really like it. I typically am a strict waterproof mascara only, but I guess I let this be the exception.

Cover FX mineral foundation in P30 and Cover FX concealer in P light. The reason I went shopping! Cover fx is by far my favorite product for make up because it matches my skin tone perfectly. They have three different types of shades based on your pigment. I have pale to medium skin tone depending on the season. Therefore, I usually switch from P light or P medium concealer. The P stands for Pink because I am a pink undertone. Cover FX also offers pink, neutral, and gold undertones. The video on the Sephora explains this perfectly if you want to watch the video. Basically, if you figure out your undertone the make up will match better. I can’t wear a neutral or a gold make up because it won’t blend in properly.

I usually get Sephora powder foundation (which I talk about here), but since I am in love with Cover FX’s concealer so much I wanted to try the foundation. To be honest I really don’t see a drastic difference between the Sephora foundation and the Cover FX foundation. Might just be me though… I’m not a huge make up guru so if you think differently let me know in the comments!

I wanted to get a smaller palette to take with me to Italy. I typically use the Naked Palette 3. This palette is just the right size. I think this palette is really cool because it is split up in three different looks. My favorite colors are Silk Teddy, Push-Up, and Honey Pot. I’ll probably be wearing them a lot.

Day is for every day wear. You would wear Heaven as as an eyelid color, Cashmere Bunny as a crease, and Sexspresso as a lashline color.

Classic you would wear Silk Teddy as an under eye brow color, Push-Up as a lid color, and Erotica as a crease color.

Fashion you would wear Nudie as an under eye brow color, Honey Pot as a lid color, and Chocolate martini as a crease color.

While I was taking pictures for this post, Daisy was having fun playing fetch. Usually I post more pictures of Butch, but there is another dog! Both adorable.

Join the discussion: What do you think about these products? Do you love Cover Fx too? Do you have the Too Face Natural Eyes Palette?

As always,

Normal and Natural

Published on January 21, 2015August 7, 2015 by PeculiarPorter4 Comments

So I think every girl has an every day face routine. My routine is one of the most generic things in the history of ever so I figured I might as well share it with some of the people who casually jump onto my blog.

These four are my most used products. I’d be very stressed if I didn’t have these four products in my life. Before I do anything to my face I wash it to make sure it’s a completely clean canvas.

The first product I put on is the green Garnier Eye Roller. I roll it under my eyes because I tend to get very dark eye circles. I found that this product has shown a drastic difference in my dark eye circles. It’s kind of expensive for a drug store product ($12.99), but if you suffer from really dark eye circles, like myself, I would highly recommend this product.
The next product I use is the white Clearasil Daily Clear Acne Treatment Cream. I put it on my forehead and my cheeks. My forehead typically gets really shinny after I clean my face… think bald man’s scalp. So when I put this on it gets rid of that random shine and becomes a little more matte. It also helps keep away acne. I’ve been using this product since I was fourteen and swear by it.
For concealer I use Cover Fx in Pink light or Pink medium depending on the season. This is the most expensive product on my list at $27, but the concealer is a thicker liquid that really helps make it stay on longer. I’ve been using this brand of concealer for a little over a year now and still love it.
For those extra long nights where I didn’t get enough sleep I also use Maybelline Fit Me Concealer on top of that lightly. It’s a lot less thicker than the Cover Fx but helps cover my very dark bags a lot more.

I then make sure my face is all the same color by patting on Sephora’s Collection 8 Hr Mattifying Compact Foundation. Pretty expensive as well but nothing matches my skin tone as well as this foundation.

For eye shadow I typically use a mix of the Naked Palette 2 and Sephora’s Moonshadow Baked Palette- In The Nude. I usually go for gold’s and browns because of my green eyes. I then put on mascara but since I typically change up my mascara’s between 12 different brands I’m not going to list one brand. I really am trying to find the perfect mascara so if anyone loves a particular mascara please let me know!

If I’m feeling good I typically put on Maybelline’s Ultra Linner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. I addicted to this liner. It stays on perfectly on my eyes no matter how long it’s been. When I take it off at the end of the night, it comes off without pulling super hard on it. If you really want a perfect waterproof liquid eyeliner I HIGHLY recommend this product.

As always,