orange blossom, ginger, patchouli
Woah, this stuff is strong. I'm discovering that I don't really like the strong, unchanging scents- I get sick of them. I really love patchouli, but here I can see why some people are so against it. Something about combining it with ginger is just off-putting for me. As I've said, very strong and sharp scent.
1.5/5
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Great Sword of War
Mandarin, tonka, saffron, black tea, cocoa, tobacco leaf, sanguine red musk and five classical herbs of conflict.
This starts out promising. In the imp, it's mandarin and cocoa with the rest of the notes floating intriguingly in the background.
If only it stayed that way on my skin. Once it dries down, it got a bit of mandarin with saffron and red musk. The make strange partners and turn rather powdery. :(
2/5
This starts out promising. In the imp, it's mandarin and cocoa with the rest of the notes floating intriguingly in the background.
If only it stayed that way on my skin. Once it dries down, it got a bit of mandarin with saffron and red musk. The make strange partners and turn rather powdery. :(
2/5
Tombstone
A rugged, warm blend of vanilla, balsam and sassafras layered over Virginia cedar.
I really like the slightly salty cedar smell, and I think I get a bit of the sassafras in the beginning. As it continues to dry down, the vanilla becomes the dominant note. Since vanilla and I don't get along that well, this isn't for me, but I could see it working for a lot of other people.
In summary: warm, non-foody vanilla scent.
2/5
I really like the slightly salty cedar smell, and I think I get a bit of the sassafras in the beginning. As it continues to dry down, the vanilla becomes the dominant note. Since vanilla and I don't get along that well, this isn't for me, but I could see it working for a lot of other people.
In summary: warm, non-foody vanilla scent.
2/5
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Texcatlipoca
Deep cocoa laced with patchouli, leather armor, ritual incense, and a touch of Xochiquetzal's flowers.
I love this one so much- it's going to be my first bottle purchase. At first, I wasn't even sure I liked it. I was pretty new to BPAL and the scent was difficult for my nose to decipher. After a few times wearing it, though, it really grew on me.
Wet, you can smell the cocoa. Even after it's dry, I get a bit of a cocoa scent, but it's not the least bit sweet or foody, which is great for me. The leather and patchouli blend in well, and don't dominate. The incense is in the background. The flowers are a bit stronger while it's wet, but fade back during dry down. I'm not a huge fan of most florals, but these don't bother me.
Somehow, this combination is just perfect and fierce.
5/5
I love this one so much- it's going to be my first bottle purchase. At first, I wasn't even sure I liked it. I was pretty new to BPAL and the scent was difficult for my nose to decipher. After a few times wearing it, though, it really grew on me.
Wet, you can smell the cocoa. Even after it's dry, I get a bit of a cocoa scent, but it's not the least bit sweet or foody, which is great for me. The leather and patchouli blend in well, and don't dominate. The incense is in the background. The flowers are a bit stronger while it's wet, but fade back during dry down. I'm not a huge fan of most florals, but these don't bother me.
Somehow, this combination is just perfect and fierce.
5/5
Maenad
sweet strawberry and orange blossom distorted by carnation, black poppy and hibiscus.
This is definitely a fruity, girly scent, but doesn't get too sugary or sweet for me. At first, it seems very scratch-and-sniff strawberry, but it gets deeper and fresher during the drydown. It also lasts a surprisingly long time on me. Not a bottle, but I'm keeping the imp for when I'm in the right mood.
4/5
This is definitely a fruity, girly scent, but doesn't get too sugary or sweet for me. At first, it seems very scratch-and-sniff strawberry, but it gets deeper and fresher during the drydown. It also lasts a surprisingly long time on me. Not a bottle, but I'm keeping the imp for when I'm in the right mood.
4/5
Seraphim
calla lily, wisteria, white sandalwood, Damascus rose and frankincense.
This one reminds me of Hymn, but lighter on the incense and heavier on the white florals. I prefer the heavy feeling of Hymn, with the strong rose, frankincense and myrrh, but if you're looking for something a bit lighter, this could be for you.
2.5/5
This one reminds me of Hymn, but lighter on the incense and heavier on the white florals. I prefer the heavy feeling of Hymn, with the strong rose, frankincense and myrrh, but if you're looking for something a bit lighter, this could be for you.
2.5/5
Blood Kiss
Lush, creamy vanilla and the honey of the sweetest kiss smeared with the vital throb of husky clove, swollen red cherries, but darkened with the vampiric sensuality of vetiver, soporific poppy and blood red wine, and a skin-light pulse of feral musk.
Vetiver, vetiver, vetiver. That's all I can smell from the imp. I tried it on anyway, but had the rubbing alcohol ready. I needed it, too. I want to try everything I get from the lab, but I should really just give up on anything with vetiver.
0/5
Vetiver, vetiver, vetiver. That's all I can smell from the imp. I tried it on anyway, but had the rubbing alcohol ready. I needed it, too. I want to try everything I get from the lab, but I should really just give up on anything with vetiver.
0/5
Miskatonic University
The scent of Irish coffee, dusty tomes and polished oakwood halls.
I tried this scent in a soap- the soap was great, the scent not so much. As an oil, I would probably find it too strong. The combination of coffee and wood doesn't appeal to me to begin with, though, so it's not much of a surprise.
1/5
I tried this scent in a soap- the soap was great, the scent not so much. As an oil, I would probably find it too strong. The combination of coffee and wood doesn't appeal to me to begin with, though, so it's not much of a surprise.
1/5
Monday, December 24, 2007
Pumpkin V
Pumpkin with benzoin, bourbon vanilla, lemon peel, neroli, blood orange, and red ginger.
As it turns out, pumpkin is just too buttery for me. I can pick out the ginger, and I like it, but it doesn't redeem the whole scent for me. It does seem a bit lighter than Jack, and has more zing to it.
2/5
As it turns out, pumpkin is just too buttery for me. I can pick out the ginger, and I like it, but it doesn't redeem the whole scent for me. It does seem a bit lighter than Jack, and has more zing to it.
2/5
Ogun
heavy and dark cigar tobacco, gin and juniper, melon, chili pepper and a touch of honey.
Wet, I can smell the melon, but once it hits my skin, that note fades into the background. It smells mostly of juniper and honey on me, which I like. It's not to often I come across a scent that's fresh and sweet. The tobacco is there, but doesn't take over. I like this one pretty well- it's masculine, but with some unique twists.
4/5
Wet, I can smell the melon, but once it hits my skin, that note fades into the background. It smells mostly of juniper and honey on me, which I like. It's not to often I come across a scent that's fresh and sweet. The tobacco is there, but doesn't take over. I like this one pretty well- it's masculine, but with some unique twists.
4/5
Monday, November 26, 2007
Lampades
Their scent is the crisp, inviting bittersweet tang of cranberry with smoky dark lilies, heady, sensual musk, a tingle of ginger and a brush of Mediterranean spices.
I can smell the cranberries and the spices, with a touch of lilies. It's a very warm scent, but it doesn't last very long at all. It has medium throw while it lasts. It's good for a quick pick-me-up. I like that I can smell the lilies without my brain screaming "floral".
4/5
I can smell the cranberries and the spices, with a touch of lilies. It's a very warm scent, but it doesn't last very long at all. It has medium throw while it lasts. It's good for a quick pick-me-up. I like that I can smell the lilies without my brain screaming "floral".
4/5
Himerus
juniper, sandalwood, rosewood, red musk, orchid, bergamot and lilac.
This one a a really nice, balanced blend. The lilac lightens the scent but doesn't become cloying. The juniper and bergamot add freshness. The woods and red musk add some depth. I don't like sandalwood that's too strong, but it's not a problem here. Also, if you don't usually get along with red musk, you may find that it has a surprisingly light touch here.
4/5
This one a a really nice, balanced blend. The lilac lightens the scent but doesn't become cloying. The juniper and bergamot add freshness. The woods and red musk add some depth. I don't like sandalwood that's too strong, but it's not a problem here. Also, if you don't usually get along with red musk, you may find that it has a surprisingly light touch here.
4/5
White Rabbit
Strong black tea and milk with white pepper, ginger, honey and vanilla, spilled over the crisp scent of clean linen.
I got this with my first order, so my nose was very new. My perspective might have changed, but I think the honey really overpowered this. The only other scent I could detect was the pepper. So it ended up smelling like funky honey. I don't know where the tea and milk went.
2/5
I got this with my first order, so my nose was very new. My perspective might have changed, but I think the honey really overpowered this. The only other scent I could detect was the pepper. So it ended up smelling like funky honey. I don't know where the tea and milk went.
2/5
Undertow
lotus and juniper with a hint of mint
This one smells a lot like turpentine, esp. when it's wet. It's certainly a strong, fresh scent, but really not me.
1/5
This one smells a lot like turpentine, esp. when it's wet. It's certainly a strong, fresh scent, but really not me.
1/5
Snake Oil
A blend of exotic Indonesian oils sugared with vanilla.
I had to try this one, since it's so popular, but there's just way too much vanilla. Unrelenting oily vanilla. It's not just me, my best friend and mom don't get this one either. I guess we're the lunatic fringe.
1/5
I had to try this one, since it's so popular, but there's just way too much vanilla. Unrelenting oily vanilla. It's not just me, my best friend and mom don't get this one either. I guess we're the lunatic fringe.
1/5
Shub-Niggurath
The lust incense of a corrupted Astarte. A blend of ritual herbs and dark resins, shot through with three gingers and aphrodisiacal spices.
Wet, this smells exactly like gingersnaps. If only it stayed that way! My chemistry turns it into a strange combination of resins with a good whiff of Play-Doh every now and then. It's not awful, but it's too heartbreaking to lose that fresh-from-the-imp smell.
2/5
Wet, this smells exactly like gingersnaps. If only it stayed that way! My chemistry turns it into a strange combination of resins with a good whiff of Play-Doh every now and then. It's not awful, but it's too heartbreaking to lose that fresh-from-the-imp smell.
2/5
Scherezade
Saffron and Middle Eastern spices swirled through sensual red musk.
I hoped for something spicier. I like red musk, but it does have a tendency to make everything smell the same on me. It seems very dusty and eventually dries down to a fairly nice saffron scent. It sort of reminds me of Morocco, expect Morocco really works on my skin.
2/5
I hoped for something spicier. I like red musk, but it does have a tendency to make everything smell the same on me. It seems very dusty and eventually dries down to a fairly nice saffron scent. It sort of reminds me of Morocco, expect Morocco really works on my skin.
2/5
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Exclusive Salon
Alone
Heavenly Love and Earthly Love
Judith and Holofernes
The Masque
The Pit and the Pendulum
The Premature Burial
Prospero
Heavenly Love and Earthly Love
Judith and Holofernes
The Masque
The Pit and the Pendulum
The Premature Burial
Prospero
Hunger
Black narcissus, orange blossoms, and vanilla.
This one has an odd smell to it at first, possibly the black narcissus. After some time, I really did start thinking about orange cake. I don't think I've ever had orange cake, but it was starting to sound like a good idea. I'm not really into foody scents, but at least the vanilla didn't turn to plastic. It has pretty good throw and lasted longer than average.
3.5/5
This one has an odd smell to it at first, possibly the black narcissus. After some time, I really did start thinking about orange cake. I don't think I've ever had orange cake, but it was starting to sound like a good idea. I'm not really into foody scents, but at least the vanilla didn't turn to plastic. It has pretty good throw and lasted longer than average.
3.5/5
Friday, November 23, 2007
Midnight Kiss
red musk, cocoa absolute, Nepalese amber, red sandalwood, aged patchouli, nicotiana, and blood wine.
This one ends up as a bit of a mess on my skin. There's not any particular note that ruins it, it just seems blurry and odd. My skin chemistry also seems to help it smell a bit mossy. With these notes, it ought to be perfect on me, but I guess you never know.
2.5/5
This one ends up as a bit of a mess on my skin. There's not any particular note that ruins it, it just seems blurry and odd. My skin chemistry also seems to help it smell a bit mossy. With these notes, it ought to be perfect on me, but I guess you never know.
2.5/5
Tristran
redwood, tonka bean, white sandalwood, lemon peel, patchouli, rosewood, coriander, and crushed mint.
I like this one, especially the fresh scent of the redwood. The lemon peel adds an interesting twist and the mint makes it fairly sweet. It ends up being a little to light and sweet compared to some of my favorites. I much prefer Bow and Crown of Conquest. Still, if those types seem a little heavy to you, this makes a good alternative.
3.5/5
I like this one, especially the fresh scent of the redwood. The lemon peel adds an interesting twist and the mint makes it fairly sweet. It ends up being a little to light and sweet compared to some of my favorites. I much prefer Bow and Crown of Conquest. Still, if those types seem a little heavy to you, this makes a good alternative.
3.5/5
Tenochtitlan
Amber, hyssop, coriander, epazote, Mexican sage, prickly pear and Mexican tulip poppy.
Well, this one's hard for me to describe, since I don't know what any of the notes smell like. I really should remember, thought, that amber+fruit= cleaner, at least on me. That's all I can pick out for sure, is the amber and the pear. It's not a scent that lasts very long. It just didn't do much for me.
3/5
Well, this one's hard for me to describe, since I don't know what any of the notes smell like. I really should remember, thought, that amber+fruit= cleaner, at least on me. That's all I can pick out for sure, is the amber and the pear. It's not a scent that lasts very long. It just didn't do much for me.
3/5
Blood
Essence of dragon's blood resin, thickened with myrrh and cherry, with a trickle of clove.
The cherry is a short lived note. It disappears almost instantly upon hitting my skin. This does smell almost exactly like dragon's blood incense. I can't quite decide how often I will have this need.
3/5
The cherry is a short lived note. It disappears almost instantly upon hitting my skin. This does smell almost exactly like dragon's blood incense. I can't quite decide how often I will have this need.
3/5
El Dia De Reyes
Hot cocoa with cinnamon, coffee, and brown sugar.
This one is foody enough that I'd only want my imp, but there's something about it that I like. Mostly, it smells exactly like hot cocoa powder. Maybe a bit like coffee. The cinnamon is very light. I could use for certain moods.
3.5/5
This one is foody enough that I'd only want my imp, but there's something about it that I like. Mostly, it smells exactly like hot cocoa powder. Maybe a bit like coffee. The cinnamon is very light. I could use for certain moods.
3.5/5
Gingerbread Poppet
Warm, cozy gingerbread spiced with nutmeg, clove and cinnamon.
This one really didn't turned out like I'd hoped. And I had pretty high hopes, since Shub turned to Play-do on me. This has a strong maple syrup smell for the first 3 hours or so. Then it smells like smoky maple syrup. I should really learn to leave the foody scents alone.
1.5/5
This one really didn't turned out like I'd hoped. And I had pretty high hopes, since Shub turned to Play-do on me. This has a strong maple syrup smell for the first 3 hours or so. Then it smells like smoky maple syrup. I should really learn to leave the foody scents alone.
1.5/5
Krampus
Sinister red musk, black leather, dusty rags, and wooden switches.
Woah, this stuff is strong. The dusty rags aspect doesn't worry me as much as I thought it might. Once it settles in, I really do enjoy the wood blending in with the other notes. I liked this a lot better until I did a side-by-side comparison to Loviatar. If the amber in Loviatar is too cloying for you, though, then this scent could be the way to go.
3.5/5
Woah, this stuff is strong. The dusty rags aspect doesn't worry me as much as I thought it might. Once it settles in, I really do enjoy the wood blending in with the other notes. I liked this a lot better until I did a side-by-side comparison to Loviatar. If the amber in Loviatar is too cloying for you, though, then this scent could be the way to go.
3.5/5
Midwinter's Eve
The perfume of sugared plums over a breeze of winter flowers.
The surprise hit! I love the plum in Bathsheba, but I was almost sure sugar and white florals would make this too cloying. Fortunately, I was wrong. When wet, it does smell like bubblegum, but as it dries, the plums add a depth and a sharpness that makes this scent really beautiful. It also has a goodish amount of throw and lasts just about all day. It's the first LE I'm going to purchase.
5/5
The surprise hit! I love the plum in Bathsheba, but I was almost sure sugar and white florals would make this too cloying. Fortunately, I was wrong. When wet, it does smell like bubblegum, but as it dries, the plums add a depth and a sharpness that makes this scent really beautiful. It also has a goodish amount of throw and lasts just about all day. It's the first LE I'm going to purchase.
5/5
The Shivering Boy
The scent of frozen, dormant vineyards, bitter sleet, and piercing ozone, hurled through labdanum, benzoin, and olibanum.
This was one I highly anticipated because it sounded so unique. And unique it is- I get a bit of grape, but not nearly as sweet as a typical grape scent. The part about bitter sleet is very true. As it dries, the ozone gets a bit stronger, as do the resins. I'm not sure, but I think I'd like the scent better without the ozone. It's never a strong scent, or a long-laster. I do like it well enough to keep the imp. It's so different, it's hard to know what to make of it.
3.5/5
This was one I highly anticipated because it sounded so unique. And unique it is- I get a bit of grape, but not nearly as sweet as a typical grape scent. The part about bitter sleet is very true. As it dries, the ozone gets a bit stronger, as do the resins. I'm not sure, but I think I'd like the scent better without the ozone. It's never a strong scent, or a long-laster. I do like it well enough to keep the imp. It's so different, it's hard to know what to make of it.
3.5/5
Snow White
flurries of virgin snow, crisp winter wind and the faintest breath of night-blooming flowers.
Really, I should have known better, but this one is so well-loved I had to try it. Wet, it smells a bit like Play-Dough, though that does fade as it dries. I get fairly strong coconut and almond, some white florals, and a hint of mint. It's very strong and lasts quite some time. It's just too cloying for me and I'm not a fan of coconut, almond, or mint.
2/5
Really, I should have known better, but this one is so well-loved I had to try it. Wet, it smells a bit like Play-Dough, though that does fade as it dries. I get fairly strong coconut and almond, some white florals, and a hint of mint. It's very strong and lasts quite some time. It's just too cloying for me and I'm not a fan of coconut, almond, or mint.
2/5
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Serpent's Kiss
Dragon's blood, vetiver and spice.
I got this one to see if dragon's blood and vetiver work on me. Dragon's blood can: vetiver does not. I hated it so much in this scent that I've avoided everything else with it. Otherwise, I think the dragon's blood and spice would have been nice. The spice seems to be primarily cinnamon.
1/5
I got this one to see if dragon's blood and vetiver work on me. Dragon's blood can: vetiver does not. I hated it so much in this scent that I've avoided everything else with it. Otherwise, I think the dragon's blood and spice would have been nice. The spice seems to be primarily cinnamon.
1/5
Priala
Three deep, dark myrrhs, smoke, and cinnamon bark.
This one is very strong and unchanging. It's exactly what it sounds like, strong myrrh and cinnamon. I like it for a while, but it's so unyielding on me that I end up a bit sick of it after 6 or 7 hours. I am saving the imp of it for extremely cold weather. The one time I really loved wearing it was a cold morning. Then when the scent wafted around me, it seemed warm and comforting.
3/5
This one is very strong and unchanging. It's exactly what it sounds like, strong myrrh and cinnamon. I like it for a while, but it's so unyielding on me that I end up a bit sick of it after 6 or 7 hours. I am saving the imp of it for extremely cold weather. The one time I really loved wearing it was a cold morning. Then when the scent wafted around me, it seemed warm and comforting.
3/5
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Peitho
Lusty myrtle and jasmine with red sandalwood, stargazer lily, and clove over an opulent, rich bed of warm musk and bourbon vanilla.
This is a very rich scent. The jasmine stands out at first, but begins to blend in really well with everything else. I have a hard time picking out specific notes. The sandalwood is certainly subdued. I like it, but for some reason really want to use it in a bath salt. That may just be my association with jasmine, since I use Lush's Godiva solid shampoo. I'd guess that jasmine, lily and vanilla are the notes that stand out the most.
3.5/5
This is a very rich scent. The jasmine stands out at first, but begins to blend in really well with everything else. I have a hard time picking out specific notes. The sandalwood is certainly subdued. I like it, but for some reason really want to use it in a bath salt. That may just be my association with jasmine, since I use Lush's Godiva solid shampoo. I'd guess that jasmine, lily and vanilla are the notes that stand out the most.
3.5/5
Old Scratch
A lavender fougere with tonka, amber, rosewood and a whiff of diabolical patchouli.
Wet, it smells exactly like "unscented" OFF bug spray. As it dries, it really is perfect for awhile. I can detect the lavender and tonka, which blend together nicely. It doesn't last long though, and as it begins to fade, it takes on a sour smell.
I have lavender scents I like without the awkward stages, so this one's not a keeper. It was a close call for awhile- I think different chemistry would make this fantastic.
3.5/5
Wet, it smells exactly like "unscented" OFF bug spray. As it dries, it really is perfect for awhile. I can detect the lavender and tonka, which blend together nicely. It doesn't last long though, and as it begins to fade, it takes on a sour smell.
I have lavender scents I like without the awkward stages, so this one's not a keeper. It was a close call for awhile- I think different chemistry would make this fantastic.
3.5/5
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Mouse's Sad and Long Tail
Vanilla, two ambers, sweet pea and white sandalwood.
This is very, very pink and sweet. I might give it to my twelve-year old niece, since I think it would suit a young girl. I think sweet pea amps a bit on me, and that combined with amber and vanilla just spins the sweetness out of control. The sandalwood just can't fight it. If you really love sweet scents, this is the one to get.
2/5
This is very, very pink and sweet. I might give it to my twelve-year old niece, since I think it would suit a young girl. I think sweet pea amps a bit on me, and that combined with amber and vanilla just spins the sweetness out of control. The sandalwood just can't fight it. If you really love sweet scents, this is the one to get.
2/5
Masabakes
Thick black currant with the darkest, deepest myrrh, a drop of bitter mimosa and the slightest touch of mandrake dust.
This one is tough. Do I love it or hate it? It's very unusual, that's for sure. It's very thick and somewhat bitter. It's got smooth berries, but with no freshness, somehow. It's very dry. Sometimes I smell my wrist and love it, but other times it just seems too odd. Not a bottle, but I feel too conflicted to swap the imp, yet.
3/5
This one is tough. Do I love it or hate it? It's very unusual, that's for sure. It's very thick and somewhat bitter. It's got smooth berries, but with no freshness, somehow. It's very dry. Sometimes I smell my wrist and love it, but other times it just seems too odd. Not a bottle, but I feel too conflicted to swap the imp, yet.
3/5
Mania
Screeching white musk collides with a howl of red musk, with sharp white grapefruit and pale strawberry leaf.
I liked this one okay, but it didn't last very long at all. I just get strawberry and red musk, then the strawberry fades away and just leaves the musk. Which I don't mind, but I like Maenad better as a strawberry scent.
3/5
I liked this one okay, but it didn't last very long at all. I just get strawberry and red musk, then the strawberry fades away and just leaves the musk. Which I don't mind, but I like Maenad better as a strawberry scent.
3/5
Mad Hatter
A gentlemen's lavender-citron cologne unhinged by the feral pungence of black musk and a paroxysm of pennyroyal.
Frimp from the lab! I had no idea what pennyroyal was before, but now I know it's SuperMint. It makes Altoids seem wimpy. It also wipes out all of the other notes, at least on my skin. I'm just not quite this fond of mint.
1.5/5
Frimp from the lab! I had no idea what pennyroyal was before, but now I know it's SuperMint. It makes Altoids seem wimpy. It also wipes out all of the other notes, at least on my skin. I'm just not quite this fond of mint.
1.5/5
Machu Picchu
Sweet tropical fruits burst through deep, wet rainforest boughs, enormous steamy blossoms, over thin mountaintop breezes, mingled with the soft, rich golden scent of Peruvian amber.
This scent definitely has a wet, tropical airiness. The fruits are lightly citrus, nowhere near cleaner level. The florals are more prominent while the scent is wet, but become really blended in. The amber is also very soft. It's a very pretty scent, with the interesting effect of sweet, damp breeze. NOt a bottle, but I'm keeping the imp.
3.5/5
This scent definitely has a wet, tropical airiness. The fruits are lightly citrus, nowhere near cleaner level. The florals are more prominent while the scent is wet, but become really blended in. The amber is also very soft. It's a very pretty scent, with the interesting effect of sweet, damp breeze. NOt a bottle, but I'm keeping the imp.
3.5/5
The Lurid LIbrary
The incense-tinged scent of forbidden tomes and the musk-laden remnants of infernal servants.
Wet, this is all parchment. As it dries, the parchment scent loses its sharpness and gains more muskiness. I don't detect much incense. My mom likes this one a lot, since Dee is too heavy for her. However, I love Dee so much that this one falls short of my expectations. That parchment note is to sharp for me and I really was hoping for more incense. But if you're looking for a lighter type of "book" scent, this is a good one for you.
2/5
Wet, this is all parchment. As it dries, the parchment scent loses its sharpness and gains more muskiness. I don't detect much incense. My mom likes this one a lot, since Dee is too heavy for her. However, I love Dee so much that this one falls short of my expectations. That parchment note is to sharp for me and I really was hoping for more incense. But if you're looking for a lighter type of "book" scent, this is a good one for you.
2/5
Libertine
rosewood and chamomile with bergamot, violet, red sandalwood, primrose and Arabian musk.
I was surprised by how floral this was on me. I thought two woods, an herb and some citrus would be enough to break it up. I'm not sure if it's violet or primrose. I've recently discovered that some rose notes work on me, but I didn't care for Faustus at all. So I'm leaning towards blaming the violet, but most people don't mind violet. Even my mother, who hates florals, says that violet's okay. I guess I'll have to experiment further with other scents.
As for this one, I was hoping for more of a balance between the florals and the other notes, but they really take over.
2/5
I was surprised by how floral this was on me. I thought two woods, an herb and some citrus would be enough to break it up. I'm not sure if it's violet or primrose. I've recently discovered that some rose notes work on me, but I didn't care for Faustus at all. So I'm leaning towards blaming the violet, but most people don't mind violet. Even my mother, who hates florals, says that violet's okay. I guess I'll have to experiment further with other scents.
As for this one, I was hoping for more of a balance between the florals and the other notes, but they really take over.
2/5
Kuang Shi
Mandarin orange, white musk, mango, and white sandalwood.
This one just didn't click with me. It was okay, but very light. It reminded me of Pez candy with its light sweetness. It seems more citrus than mango and the white sandalwood seems very light. I like my scents a little stronger, I think.
3/5
This one just didn't click with me. It was okay, but very light. It reminded me of Pez candy with its light sweetness. It seems more citrus than mango and the white sandalwood seems very light. I like my scents a little stronger, I think.
3/5
Jolly Roger
Sea spray with an undercurrent of leather, Bay Rum, and salty, dry woods.
At first, this is all salty wood, which worries me. However, the salt begins to back off. As it dries further, the woods are mellowed by the leather and the whole scent is sweetened a bit by the rum. I'm fond of it, even though I can't imagine using more than an imp.
3.5/5
At first, this is all salty wood, which worries me. However, the salt begins to back off. As it dries further, the woods are mellowed by the leather and the whole scent is sweetened a bit by the rum. I'm fond of it, even though I can't imagine using more than an imp.
3.5/5
Jack
true Halloween pumpkin, spiced with nutmeg, glowing peach and murky clove.
Way too buttery for me. It calms down a bit as it dries, but then the peach comes out. I really don't care for peach scents. I was hoping for more spices, but it stays sort of peachy and buttery. I think pumpkin's just not my thing.
2/5
Way too buttery for me. It calms down a bit as it dries, but then the peach comes out. I really don't care for peach scents. I was hoping for more spices, but it stays sort of peachy and buttery. I think pumpkin's just not my thing.
2/5
Monday, November 5, 2007
Hymn to Proserpine
The darkening amber of faith's sunset, deepened by the dark fruits of Proserpine.
This just smells sort of like cleaner on me, and it's really strong and long lasting. I managed to get some on my pajamas and had a migraine in the morning. Now I can't stand the smell of pomegranate at all. Probably one of the stranger notes to have a strong aversion to.
0/5
This just smells sort of like cleaner on me, and it's really strong and long lasting. I managed to get some on my pajamas and had a migraine in the morning. Now I can't stand the smell of pomegranate at all. Probably one of the stranger notes to have a strong aversion to.
0/5
Hamadryad
Seven dry woods with mossy lichen and a gentle breeze of forest flowers.
I got this before I realized how much I amp moss. This was really all moss on me and some woods. I've never really wanted more florals to come out before, but that would have helped balance this scent.
1.5/5
I got this before I realized how much I amp moss. This was really all moss on me and some woods. I've never really wanted more florals to come out before, but that would have helped balance this scent.
1.5/5
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Golden Priapus
vanilla and amber with juniper, rosewood and white pine.
There's too much vanilla in this one to smell right on my skin. I seem to amp vanilla and cause the scent to lose its complexity. All I get is a vanilla-pine combo, which is okay, but not anything special. The amber is either really faint or blends seamlessly with the vanilla and the juniper doesn't seem to add the bite that it usually does.
2.5/5
There's too much vanilla in this one to smell right on my skin. I seem to amp vanilla and cause the scent to lose its complexity. All I get is a vanilla-pine combo, which is okay, but not anything special. The amber is either really faint or blends seamlessly with the vanilla and the juniper doesn't seem to add the bite that it usually does.
2.5/5
The Forbidding Foyer
The faint scent of brimstone, ghostly breath laced with cognac, neglected mahogany panels, and rot.
This one is a lot of fun, although I'm not sure I'd wear it out as a perfume. It really does smell like damp stone and mildew. For some reason, I find this incredibly entertaining and a good way to tease my family. Before it fades away, it does briefly turn into something really lovely. I think it's the combination of cognac and mahogany. Now I have to find more cognac scents.
3/5
This one is a lot of fun, although I'm not sure I'd wear it out as a perfume. It really does smell like damp stone and mildew. For some reason, I find this incredibly entertaining and a good way to tease my family. Before it fades away, it does briefly turn into something really lovely. I think it's the combination of cognac and mahogany. Now I have to find more cognac scents.
3/5
Fenris Wolf
Rosewood, amber, red musk and a dribble of red sandalwood.
This is one I've worn several times and can't get much of an impression out of it. The sandalwood isn't too strong, which can be a problem on me sometimes. It seems like a warm, red, fuzzy scent, but I'm beginning to find that I like scents to be a little more distinct.
3/5
This is one I've worn several times and can't get much of an impression out of it. The sandalwood isn't too strong, which can be a problem on me sometimes. It seems like a warm, red, fuzzy scent, but I'm beginning to find that I like scents to be a little more distinct.
3/5
Embalming Fluid
A light, pure scent: white musk, green tea, aloe and lemon.
When I first got this one, it was mostly lemon with a hint of tea. It was okay, but I put it aside and didn't really think about it again.
Then, I rediscovered it months later and dabbed some on. My mom immediately wanted to know which one I was putting on that smells like tea. She smelled the tea instantly and didn't even need a hint, like she usually does. Now I love this one. It's a perfect tea scent with a hint of lemon. I'm not one to keep a bunch of oils around waiting for them to age, but this one would be worth it.
4.5/5
When I first got this one, it was mostly lemon with a hint of tea. It was okay, but I put it aside and didn't really think about it again.
Then, I rediscovered it months later and dabbed some on. My mom immediately wanted to know which one I was putting on that smells like tea. She smelled the tea instantly and didn't even need a hint, like she usually does. Now I love this one. It's a perfect tea scent with a hint of lemon. I'm not one to keep a bunch of oils around waiting for them to age, but this one would be worth it.
4.5/5
Dragon's Musk
Dragon’s blood and five deep musks.
I really thought I'd like this one. I love musk and I thought I loved dragon's blood. The dragon's blood I fell in love with, though, was in Tintagel, blended with fruit and spices. I think that kept it from becoming to floral. By itself with the heavy musk, it really becomes an old lady perfume. Not for me at all.
1/5
I really thought I'd like this one. I love musk and I thought I loved dragon's blood. The dragon's blood I fell in love with, though, was in Tintagel, blended with fruit and spices. I think that kept it from becoming to floral. By itself with the heavy musk, it really becomes an old lady perfume. Not for me at all.
1/5
Djinn
The scent of black smoke, of crackling flames, and smoldering ashes.
The only thing I got out of this was sort of a strange fruity potpourri. I really didn't get smoke or ashes out of it, but maybe that's the strangeness I couldn't interpret. I was surprised by how sweet it was. Overall, it just doesn't sit right on me.
1.5/5
The only thing I got out of this was sort of a strange fruity potpourri. I really didn't get smoke or ashes out of it, but maybe that's the strangeness I couldn't interpret. I was surprised by how sweet it was. Overall, it just doesn't sit right on me.
1.5/5
Delight
Frangipani, with rose, tuberose, and jasmine.
I've never liked florals much, so I'm surprised I liked this one as much as I did. I'm horrible at detecting separate floral notes, but I liked the overall warmth I got from this blend. I'd guess that the frangipani and jasmine are coming out the most on my skin. The only problem is that it's sort of soapy when it's wet and then soapy again in its later stages. It smells nice in between, but not enough for me to keep it.
3/5
I've never liked florals much, so I'm surprised I liked this one as much as I did. I'm horrible at detecting separate floral notes, but I liked the overall warmth I got from this blend. I'd guess that the frangipani and jasmine are coming out the most on my skin. The only problem is that it's sort of soapy when it's wet and then soapy again in its later stages. It smells nice in between, but not enough for me to keep it.
3/5
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Death Cap
A warm, soft, ruddy scent, earthy and mild
I didn't get anything earthy out of this. On my skin, it smelled like sandalwood, vanilla, coconut and white florals. None of those things appeals to me, so this doesn't do a lot for me. Strangely, this is one of the few I've been spontaneously complimented on. Why doesn't anyone ever notice my favorites?
Overall, a lighter and inoffensive scent.
3/5
I didn't get anything earthy out of this. On my skin, it smelled like sandalwood, vanilla, coconut and white florals. None of those things appeals to me, so this doesn't do a lot for me. Strangely, this is one of the few I've been spontaneously complimented on. Why doesn't anyone ever notice my favorites?
Overall, a lighter and inoffensive scent.
3/5
Cthulhu
A creeping, wet, slithering scent, dripping with seaweed, oceanic plants and dark, unfathomable waters.
I liked this one at first. It reminds me of how my skin smells after I use my dad's Adidas bodywash. So it's fairly masculine, but that didn't bother me. The problem ended up being the throw- it's too sharp and too much for me. If it smelled at a distance like it smelled against my skin, I would have kept it.
2.5/5
I liked this one at first. It reminds me of how my skin smells after I use my dad's Adidas bodywash. So it's fairly masculine, but that didn't bother me. The problem ended up being the throw- it's too sharp and too much for me. If it smelled at a distance like it smelled against my skin, I would have kept it.
2.5/5
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Hymn
perfect rose absolute and Palestinian Lily of the Valley with olibanum, labdanum, frankincense and myrrh
This was a frimp that I never would have ordered. I don't like rose, hate lily of the valley, and am iffy about frankincense. But- I really like this! It starts out very rosey, but dries down into a floral incense that's very pretty and unique. I can't make out the lily of the valley at all, and the frankincense and myrrh blend together lightly. It'll be great for fall and winter. It has average wear length and throw for me.
I don't even know anymore. Next thing you know, I'll be wanting to wear peonies and up will be down.
4.5/5
This was a frimp that I never would have ordered. I don't like rose, hate lily of the valley, and am iffy about frankincense. But- I really like this! It starts out very rosey, but dries down into a floral incense that's very pretty and unique. I can't make out the lily of the valley at all, and the frankincense and myrrh blend together lightly. It'll be great for fall and winter. It has average wear length and throw for me.
I don't even know anymore. Next thing you know, I'll be wanting to wear peonies and up will be down.
4.5/5
Monday, October 22, 2007
Black Lotus
Black lotus flower, amber, myrrh and sandalwood
I smell bubblegum out of the imp. Once it's on my skin, it's still pretty sweet and a little funky. Once it dries down, it's a very fuzzy, hazy sort of scent. I have a hard time discerning anything about it. I don't dislike any of these notes, but I tend to view them all as supporting notes. All together, nothing pops out and it seems murky. Meh.
3/5
I smell bubblegum out of the imp. Once it's on my skin, it's still pretty sweet and a little funky. Once it dries down, it's a very fuzzy, hazy sort of scent. I have a hard time discerning anything about it. I don't dislike any of these notes, but I tend to view them all as supporting notes. All together, nothing pops out and it seems murky. Meh.
3/5
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Centzon Totochtin
Bittersweet Mexican cocoa with rum, red wine, and a scent redolent of sacrificial blood.
I was hoping for more cocoa out of this one. I think maybe the rum and blood combo turns into something sweet and chewy. And also a little creepy. The cocoa and wine never really come into their own, and those are the two notes that would have sold me. That blood scent is really off-putting for me.
2/5
I was hoping for more cocoa out of this one. I think maybe the rum and blood combo turns into something sweet and chewy. And also a little creepy. The cocoa and wine never really come into their own, and those are the two notes that would have sold me. That blood scent is really off-putting for me.
2/5
Scale
1- really can't stand it
2- might like it on someone else
3- doesn't really make an impression
4- I'll use what I have
5- wish I could bathe in it
2- might like it on someone else
3- doesn't really make an impression
4- I'll use what I have
5- wish I could bathe in it
Cathode
Ambergris, Spanish Moss, oakmoss and three electric mints.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, since I'd never tried any of the notes before. Overall, I just didn't care for it. I don't think mint is really what I'm looking for in a scent, and the moss amps like, whoa. It ended up smelling like a cleaner to me. At least I know to avoid moss, now.
1.5/5
I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, since I'd never tried any of the notes before. Overall, I just didn't care for it. I don't think mint is really what I'm looking for in a scent, and the moss amps like, whoa. It ended up smelling like a cleaner to me. At least I know to avoid moss, now.
1.5/5
Monday, October 8, 2007
Hunter Moon
Dry leaves, autumn bonfires, blood red wine, feral, animalistic notes and the chill of approaching winter.
Well, this is a bit different than I expected, but I'm still pretty fond of it. The notes that really drew me in were the musk and and wine, and those are the two notes I can detect. It goes on as and remains a faintly sweet musk with a bit of berries. I love musk, so this is good. What is neat is that I wore it into the woods one day and it really came to life. The smell of the woods and dried leaves around me complemented this scent perfectly. I now have a scent for hiking!
4/5
Eat Me
Three white cakes, vanilla, and red and black currants.
This one is the exact smell of cake. I was surprised by how dead-on this was. I'm not generally a foody person, but when I'm in the right mood, I enjoy wearing this one. The vanilla doesn't get out of control and the currants add a tiny bit of zing. It's good for cooler days when I want a comfort scent. It doesn't really change on my skin. It remains true cake the entire time.
4/5
Dracul
Black musk, tobacco, fir, balsam of peru, cumin, bitter clove, crushed mint, and orange blossom.
It really does start out smelling like an Andes mint. As it dries, it seems like a furry, woodsy mint. It never has much throw, but it lasts for awhile. I really do like the way the mint sticks around the entire time. I expected it to fade away or get drowned out by the other notes. This is a really unique way to wear mint. I haven't cared for any other mint scents, particularly, but this one has an interesting and lingering softness that makes it appealing.
Also, even though I keep talking about soft mint, this is fairly masculine. The woods and musk definitely show up. The imp is a keeper, but I don't think I'll get a bottle.
3.5/5
Monday, September 24, 2007
Aeaea
A dark ocean breeze, electric with adrenaline, magic, and fear, clashing with the thick scent of poisoned berries and spiny aloe, against a backdrop of snowdrop, cedar, and cypress
In the imp, it's very aquatic, which makes me a bit nervous. Once it starts drying down, though, it really softens and I can smell the sweetness of the berries. It is a soft, clean scent. It's pleasant, but I don't need more than a decant. What happened to the darkness and the woods?
3/5
In the imp, it's very aquatic, which makes me a bit nervous. Once it starts drying down, though, it really softens and I can smell the sweetness of the berries. It is a soft, clean scent. It's pleasant, but I don't need more than a decant. What happened to the darkness and the woods?
3/5
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Dorian
A Victorian fougere with three pale musks and dark, sugared vanilla tea
I don't get any tea scent out of this. Just sugary vanilla musk. Actually, whenever I wear this, I imagine a vanilla-musk daiquiri with a sugared rim. I like it, but it's a little sweet to be one of my absolute favorites.
4/5
I don't get any tea scent out of this. Just sugary vanilla musk. Actually, whenever I wear this, I imagine a vanilla-musk daiquiri with a sugared rim. I like it, but it's a little sweet to be one of my absolute favorites.
4/5
Sin
amber, sandalwood, black patchouli and cinnamon
All I can get out of this is a bit of amber and tons of sandalwood. Sandalwood, it turns out, is not my favorite note. It's just too overpowering here. I was hoping for a lot more patchouli and cinnamon. As it is, this just smells like slightly sweetened sandalwood to me. My mom, on the other hand, loves it. The more sandalwood, the better, for her. At least it gets a good home.
1.5/5
All I can get out of this is a bit of amber and tons of sandalwood. Sandalwood, it turns out, is not my favorite note. It's just too overpowering here. I was hoping for a lot more patchouli and cinnamon. As it is, this just smells like slightly sweetened sandalwood to me. My mom, on the other hand, loves it. The more sandalwood, the better, for her. At least it gets a good home.
1.5/5
Magdalene
A bouquet of white roses, labdanum, and wild orchid
I got this as a frimp from the lab. Thanks!
I was surprised that this worked at all on me, for any amount of time. I don't like roses at all. When it's wet, I had to hold my arms as far away from my nose as possible and not move them so I wouldn't get any throw. Evil killer roses!
After it dries down, it much more tolerable. It eventually becomes a soft, powdery floral, which is a relief. I think the orchid and labdanum must really tone it down. It's not a scent I'll ever reach for, but for people who like roses and/or soft florals, this is very lovely.
2/5
I got this as a frimp from the lab. Thanks!
I was surprised that this worked at all on me, for any amount of time. I don't like roses at all. When it's wet, I had to hold my arms as far away from my nose as possible and not move them so I wouldn't get any throw. Evil killer roses!
After it dries down, it much more tolerable. It eventually becomes a soft, powdery floral, which is a relief. I think the orchid and labdanum must really tone it down. It's not a scent I'll ever reach for, but for people who like roses and/or soft florals, this is very lovely.
2/5
Faustus
frankincense and cinnamon, darkened by violet
This one threatened to give me a headache. I know cinnamon's not the problem. I'm not sure whether frankincense or violet is to blame, since I end up avoiding those notes now. Really, I suspect neither one is to my tastes. The cinnamon, alas, gets swallowed up by the frankincense. After that happens, I think the violets come out and sweeten it up. Overall, it's a rather sweet and very dense scent. It doesn't smell bad, just a bit odd to me. I can see it as a room scent, maybe, if it wasn't headache inducing.
1.5/5
This one threatened to give me a headache. I know cinnamon's not the problem. I'm not sure whether frankincense or violet is to blame, since I end up avoiding those notes now. Really, I suspect neither one is to my tastes. The cinnamon, alas, gets swallowed up by the frankincense. After that happens, I think the violets come out and sweeten it up. Overall, it's a rather sweet and very dense scent. It doesn't smell bad, just a bit odd to me. I can see it as a room scent, maybe, if it wasn't headache inducing.
1.5/5
Dirty
A fresh, crisp white linen scent: perfectly clean, perfectly breezy
This one just isn't my type of scent. Too much of a white floral- plumeria, according to more knowledgeable reviewers. I got this in my first order, before I knew which kinds of scents I preferred. This is a light and clean scent- I just like darker, muskier scents.
2/5
This one just isn't my type of scent. Too much of a white floral- plumeria, according to more knowledgeable reviewers. I got this in my first order, before I knew which kinds of scents I preferred. This is a light and clean scent- I just like darker, muskier scents.
2/5
De Sade
the raw scent of leather
Well, it's pretty much as advertised. It's really strong and sharp at first, to the point that it smells like there's freshly shaved cedar in it. After about half an hour, I start to think that maybe it's soft enough to layer with something. After an hour, I almost think I could wear it by itself, but not quite.
I really like BPAL's leather note, too. My top five scents all have some leather in them. I could always keep it and use it for layering- what isn't better with a bit leather?
2/5
Well, it's pretty much as advertised. It's really strong and sharp at first, to the point that it smells like there's freshly shaved cedar in it. After about half an hour, I start to think that maybe it's soft enough to layer with something. After an hour, I almost think I could wear it by itself, but not quite.
I really like BPAL's leather note, too. My top five scents all have some leather in them. I could always keep it and use it for layering- what isn't better with a bit leather?
2/5
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Tintagel
Spicy mulled wine flowing through the musky heat, warm leather and bright clash of armor, the damp branches of Cornish hawthorn, blackthorn, juniper, English elm and bayberry, and the magical tingle of dragon's blood resin
This is another one I just love. I wish it stuck around longer, though, and didn't dry down quite so quickly.
Wet, it's just delicious. The spicy fruit combines with the dragon's blood and is just incredible. It loses the fruitiness after a couple of hours, however. It becomes a woodier scent and the leather is just a bit stronger. Since I like woods and leather, there's nothing wrong with this- I just don't love it quite as much as the initial stages.
Still, it's a lot of fun and I wear it quite often.
5/5
This is another one I just love. I wish it stuck around longer, though, and didn't dry down quite so quickly.
Wet, it's just delicious. The spicy fruit combines with the dragon's blood and is just incredible. It loses the fruitiness after a couple of hours, however. It becomes a woodier scent and the leather is just a bit stronger. Since I like woods and leather, there's nothing wrong with this- I just don't love it quite as much as the initial stages.
Still, it's a lot of fun and I wear it quite often.
5/5
Morocco
Arabian spices wind through a blend of warm musk, carnation, red sandalwood and cassia.
Well, this is popular for a very good reason- it's almost perfect. The only problem is its staying power, which seems to be a couple hours, four tops.
The Arabian spices definitely include vanilla, and also saffron, I think. I'm not a huge sandalwood fan, but it smells wonderful in this. I pick up a bit of spice from the carnations and cassia, but it's really subdued. It's such a pretty, soft scent that I wish my skin just naturally smelled this way. My next best option would be to become rich enough to bathe in it.
5/5
Well, this is popular for a very good reason- it's almost perfect. The only problem is its staying power, which seems to be a couple hours, four tops.
The Arabian spices definitely include vanilla, and also saffron, I think. I'm not a huge sandalwood fan, but it smells wonderful in this. I pick up a bit of spice from the carnations and cassia, but it's really subdued. It's such a pretty, soft scent that I wish my skin just naturally smelled this way. My next best option would be to become rich enough to bathe in it.
5/5
Uruk
Thick bitter almond and heady night-blooming jasmine with saffron, cinnamon leaf, red patchouli, river lilies, bergamot, fig leaf and the sacred incense of Inanna.
I wasn't at all sure about some of the notes in this one, particularly the florals and almond. Wet, I pick out the jasmine easily, but the background seems muddled.
Once it dries down, it becomes a light, incensy and slightly fruity floral. I can pick out the jasmine and the incense, but the rest is really blended in. The almond never does come out, which is alright by me. It's very pretty, but a little light in throw and staying power. Different from what I usually like, but I think I'll hang on to the imp.
3.5/5
I wasn't at all sure about some of the notes in this one, particularly the florals and almond. Wet, I pick out the jasmine easily, but the background seems muddled.
Once it dries down, it becomes a light, incensy and slightly fruity floral. I can pick out the jasmine and the incense, but the rest is really blended in. The almond never does come out, which is alright by me. It's very pretty, but a little light in throw and staying power. Different from what I usually like, but I think I'll hang on to the imp.
3.5/5
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