For the past several months I have been carefully hoarding away an assortment of unique home fragrances to properly lift or match any mood I may have during the year and what an exciting venture it has turned out to be. I stumbled upon quite a few indie shops that had creative takes on atmospherics, unbelievable true to life gourmands and ones that charmed me overall with their aesthetics and presentation. These were the first finds along my journey into the candle melt realm and the beginning of a whole new kind of collection for my home and imagination. Strange Fire & Fumery Existential Dread- (description on site: "You wouldn't believe me if I told you.") *Available in the General Catalogue I'll admit it, I purchased Existential Dread solely based on the cryptic description and I couldn't be more pleased with the unique aroma that greets me that smells of dead flowers with wilted stems and something warm or slightly resembling new spring grass (perhaps heliotrope?). It's oddly comforting and perfectly natural smelling (this is a must if anyone has been looking for an "everything returns to/from the earth" type of fragrance). The throw is wonderful and Existential Dread makes me want to curl up with a good dark mystery novel every time I'm in its presence. This wasn't the first complex fragrant item I have had the pleasure to have in my home from this scentcrafter as I fell hard for the Opium incense and Ether candle I received in my Ave Victoria Box and I've been consistently amazed by this scent artist's way with florals. I can't wait to for the Victorian Brothel-Valentine's Day box I ordered to arrive at my doorstep in the coming weeks (bring me all the rosemary, orange blossom, french vanilla, rosewood and dreamy lavender creations). As for Existential Dread, I would repurchase this melt and also try it in the perfume form. Rook- (Wet leaves, musky black feathers, slow vetiver, a stiff branch, the slow death-creep of Autumn, a fussy Underworld messenger.) *Available in the General Catalogue With a description like that, I had visions of a square of wax containing the darkly captivating aromas that I have found in Welcome to Burkittsville and I Be The Witch of the Wood from Sixteen92 but alas this black-purple melt is more fresh in nature and I can only describe Rook as "witchy laundry" as I get nice smelling clothes tumbling in a dryer but the vetiver does pull the mystery and gloom into the scene which I love but it's not enough. Overall pleasant, an interesting atmospheric you will never find for sale in a commercial setting and completely unexpected but not for me sadly. I think Rook would be a fantastic first candle melt option for someone who loves clean and refreshing scents. Oh well, my search begins again for a realistic creepy forest blend in square form. Willow WaxCraft Liber Arcana- (Leather, Pumpkin, Herbs, Cauldron Smoke) *Available in the General Catalogue My love of bargains and the thought of my home smelling like pumpkin, herbs and cauldron smoke landed this order in my basket and into my warmer less than a week as this shop has lightning-fast shipping. The packaging is just darling to behold as I secretly adore anything to do with swans so this storefront had me from the stamping of the emblem on the envelope then continued to spoil me with the exotic candy tucked in my order and finally took me away to a fancy European styled coffee shop in fall with Liber Arcana. The leather is the most dominant note but the other anticipated accords are there adding to the overall effect but I do wish the pumpkin and smoke were more forward. Not sure I will repurchase this particular melt but that's okay as this shop has a vast catalogue to explore (and I did just that, reviews coming soon). Sleepy Hollow Day- (Petrichor, moss and vines, distant woodsmoke, wet wood, and a damp persistent drizzle) *Available in the General Catalogue -was a free mini tart sample (Thank you Willow WaxCraft!) Hm I'm beginning to think that finding a true to life smelling rainstorm in a candle melt may become a white whale for me as Sleepy Hollow Day is registering as soap just like Rook. Perhaps the general public doesn't want their homes to smell like mud, decaying leaves and damp roots from an ancient fog draped Hollow but this lady sure does and I don't give up easily so I'm fully prepared to track down that elusive distinct aroma that resurrects a beloved scent memory for me in any candle/stick of incense/or melt out there. Sleepy Hollow Day and Rook are more pleasant conceptual or artistic renderings (pretty paintings of a scene) which may be exactly what someone else may desire for their own idea of relaxation. Oh well, onward we go. Yule Log- (Woodsmoke and marshmallow, hot buttered rum, sweet maple toddy, and creamy spiced eggnog) *LIMITED EDITION/DISCONTINUED Oh yum! I'm so grateful the owner sent this in my mystery pack. It's divine in every way and makes my bedroom smell like a coffeehouse/bakery at Christmas time. The smoke and sweet marshmallow are undernotes to the buttered rum and spices and this was my second favorite melt in the bag. Sadly, I believe this blend has been discontinued as I looked for it over the holidays and it did not return in any listing- so here's one cup of aromatic wax I'll be saving to use. Harvest Hayride- (Leaves, crisp apple cider, pumpkin, and salty-sweet kettle corn) *LIMITED EDITION This cornflower blue cut of wax is an autumn mosaic of delicious apple cider (with just the right amount of spice), something resembling hay and buttery seasonal treats that surround me in a perfect fall atmosphere I sorely missed last year. Harvest Hayride is so relaxing and I was crushed to learn this was another limited edition scent mashup I now need to carefully hoard away. I honestly wish I tried this shop earlier and grabbed larger sized options of 3 out of the 4 cups (or shots as they are referred to at Willow WaxCraft) I received in my first order. Anarchy’s Child- (Nougat-y trick or treat candy, smashed pumpkins, and fall leaves) *LIMITED SEASONAL EDITION This blend just wasn't for me but it definitely creates a story with the scents of overly sweet candy and a gust of crunchy fall leaves. It's sweet mischief and misrule on All Hallows' Eve. I'm not sure why I get hints of leather when this blend turns to a burgundy sparkly liquid but it can give me a headache. Anarchy's Child and Ulalume’s Tomb (and I think Harvest Hayride) are the only 2 (or 3) resurrected fragrances and can be seen in the Halloween collection. Ulalume’s Tomb- (Vanilla, black tea, white pepper, cold stone, dust, and lily) *LIMITED SEASONAL EDITION This aromatic item was my choice pick out of the mystery pack and I immediately ordered another after falling under this blend's spell for the first time. If anyone out there is a Poe devotee Willow WaxCraft presented one amazing ode to such a beautiful tragic poem (complete with a silver shaped star on top of the pale white wax) with Ulalume's Tomb. It carries a lovely melancholic element and served as the ideal blend to read certain gothic novels by (most notably mirroring the crypt scenes between Lucy Westenra and Arthur Holmwood in Dracula and the sense of haunting loss and abandonment in The Lost History of Dreams perfectly). In sense of notes, the pepper lends to the idea of grit you could imagine coming from the floors of a forgotten tomb and yes there is dustiness on wilted sweetly decaying lilies (I am an official hunter of lily perfumes and candles now). There is also a striking vanilla accord that swirls around creating the impression of cold moonlight. Quite impressive overall and I need to order a larger size clamshell next fall. Bonjour Wax Co. Autumn In Paris- (Spiced Pumpkin Souffle & warmed toasted Baguettes) *LIMITED SEASONAL RELEASE This blend is just incredible and gladdens my spirit while making me so hungry whenever I melt it. It's extremely realistic smelling (BEST baked bread note I have found yet in perfume or candle form) and the cut up tart pieces throws a delectable aroma from my bedroom to the downstairs. The scent doesn't last as long as the other melts I have tested though which is disheartening but while it lasts, Autumn in Paris is easily one of my top 3 favorites from all the candle shops I've visited. I just wish it lasted longer (still plan to get a wax "loaf" of Autumn in Paris next fall and in the meantime sneaking sniffs of the uncapped sparkly contents). Familiar Spirit- (Pear, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom, Coffee, Sweet Licorice, Resinous Cedarwood and Cashmere Wood) *LIMITED EDITION Holy cats this one packs a punch! There is nothing subtle or tame about Familiar Spirit and I want to love it but honestly, it's not for me. In the cup, it's a stunning collage of woods, sweet floral and pepper (I would love to find that combination in a perfume oil) but when it's unleashed in the melter the cashmere and cedar woods wreck havoc on my head and it smells extremely masculine in nature. This is incredible scent artistry displayed that creates a story and matches the name but sorry no, I don't care for the melted fragrance at all and sadly Familiar Spirit will be leaving my house never to return. I guess I need to watch out for those notes in any future order especially the base ones. Foolish Mortals- (Hazelnut Coffee, Marshmallow Fireside and French Baguettes) *LIMITED EDITION Bonjour Wax Co. excels at bread and marshmallow notes and Foolish Mortals is another choice pick I would repurchase. The marshmallow is the strongest scent I notice and the coffee along with the realistic bread note are more of underlying accords to the whole scent confection. It's sweet, decadent and makes me smile plus makes me hungry for a heavy breakfast. The throw and scent last a bit longer than Autumn in Paris and Fluffernutter. Now I need a hazelnut coffee perfume with marshmallow and bread Mmmm! Fluffernutter- (Creamy Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Fluff on Toasted Bread) *LIMITED SEASONAL EDITION As I get older I want to surround myself in special kinds of comforts and nostalgia and that is especially true for scents in my home. Fluffernutter matches all the above desires and I have found a real gem stumbling upon this wax company and melt. Who knew it was possible to scent my sanctuary away from the mad world in the unmistakable aroma of toasted peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches! Another future repurchase item and one I love to sneak sniffs of. *Since Laurel Country Herbs is in the process of revamping their website all orders are currently taken through the owner's main social media page and over the phone 412-327-7147 As far back I can remember I felt I was in a never-ending edition of Goldilocks when it came to soap bars and my overly sensitive skin. It was always "too gooey and messy" and "too drying and tight feeling...Ack! Another painful breakout!" but that all changed with one gift from an out of state family friend who sent me a bar of Oatmeal & Honey from Laurel Country Herbs. Yes, I found the just right natural combination of skin magic and it is five years later since that new chapter began and I'm in awe over the softness, smoothness I see in the mirror now and the scents I've collected are truly heavenly but never overpowering. These are the only bars I will use on my face every day and the only shop I trust to save me from itchy dry skin and remove stubborn makeup after a 12-hour shift. Oatmeal & Honey- Unscented The one that started it all and the mysterious skin potion locked in this bar soothes my wind-chapped skin in winter and adds the right amount of moisture in the sweltering summer months. It's really ideal for anytime during the year. When it comes to the scent, Oatmeal & Honey is marked unscented but if I take my time the combined notes create a slight sweetness with a hint of shea which I love so, later on, I can slather my treasured perfume oils and only enjoy the complex depths they have to offer versus soap on my skin. Finally, the size of the soap is impressive for the price and I'm still using the original from 5 years ago. These bars last and outperform the high-end luxury cleansing bars I've tried (which just melt so fast even with even light usage and leave my skin tight and uncomfortable requiring massive amounts of lotion afterwards). Understated simplicity and back to nature are best in my book. Cranberry Spice- Contains dried cranberry, rose clay & cosmetic-grade fragrance oil. (*only available October-December) Cranberry Spice is the bar I use on my back as this red and pale cream marbled self-care item contains rose clay and it soaks up any excess oil (and yet still leaves my skin touchable). I love the scent of Cranberry Spice as it a little tart and has a very faint trace of spice which is perfect for the colder months (but again I use it year round). The bar I currently own is going on 4 years and still carries a faint scent of Christmas Past to it. Pumpkin Patch- Contains pumpkin, milk, spices & essential oils. (*only available September-December) Ah, my love. Pumpkin Patch combines all my favorite things to sniff in the morning and holds extra benefits of removing my stubborn oily makeup and stopping any possible near future skin blemishes that were started from my commercial makeup products the night before (I'm currently on the hunt for indie makeup to replace those cakey powders I use). This is the bar I can't recommend enough especially if you adore the scent of pumpkin with mouthwatering spice. The color of Pumpkin Patch is a russet gold and I can see pieces of pumpkin puree embedded in the soap. For those concerned the spice may overwhelm and burn sensitive skin, I haven't had one issue (but as always use the utmost caution if you are allergic to any spice, your experience may differ from mine). For me, it's like a kiss of pumpkin pie in the morning before I head off into the dark to sleep the day away and waking up to petal soft skin. Rosemary- Rosemary essential oil & finely ground rosemary leaves. Anyone that knows me would have probably rolled their eyes and stifled a chuckle if they had seen me dancing around when this bar of embedded herbs arrived, as I am over the moon for rosemary in any form and this soap bar immediately headed for the tub for a midday soak. I honestly don't have an explanation why rosemary calms my senses and I must collect everything with that accord but Laurel Country Herbs created one stunning self-care item with this bar. I get the resin and familiar intoxicating sharpness of the herb and I couldn't be happier. As with all the soap creations from this shop, my skin responds positively and it was fantastic to use this past autumn and winter. Extra Samples (thank you so much Laurel Country Herbs!) Eucalyptus & Spearmint- Eucalyptus and Spearmint essential oils. Lavender, Bergamot & Honey- Lavender, Bergamot essential oils. GingerMint & Honey- Ginger and Spearmint essential oils. Every one of these samples I could inhale all day long and for purchasing larger sizes in the future, I need a bar of Lavender, Bergamot & Honey to grace my bathroom. The note combination sweeps me away to the local Herb Fair in merry month of June with old-fashioned lavender you can't resist rubbing your hands together with and indulge in with your eyes closed while the honey adds to the scent memory of bees buzzing around all the garden flowers and herbs on display and finally the bergamot adds a touch of hidden spice that comes more forward when lather is created. Eucalyptus & Spearmint is a must have if you love medicinal calming fragrances around you and this was another I loved to reach for in the colder months (fantastic for sore stiff muscles). GingerMint & Honey was lovely in the warmer months with a bite of ginger present and a sweetness of honey that swirled over my skin and senses. Each one of the samples carried my favorite types of oils in them and ultimately made it very hard to leave my water filled sanctuary. Lip Balm (Cappuccino)- Shea oil, coconut oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, castor oil & flavor oils In truth, I'm used to a much different kind of balm but I really like this as the formula melts into my lips when applied and I have this tube tucked away in my purse. The taste isn't super realistic but I do get cappuccino with jojoba and shea oil, it's still pleasant and I'm thrilled it doesn't break out the skin around my lips (that can sometimes happen for me with different soft textured balms). It passed the winter wind test this past year with flying colors and I would repurchase this in pumpkin of course. So there you have it, my shop of choice that holds various wonderful benefits for my super sensitive skin and it all started with a gift from a family friend. This Goldilocks is ready to close the book on skin issues now and forever and I can't resist exploring more at Laurel Country Herbs as they carry so many additional items that come from nature and showcase fascinating old practices/traditions (I really want to get the Elderberry Syrup and the Kitchen Koffee Soap perhaps those will be stories for another day).
*Since Laurel Country Herbs is in the process of revamping their website all orders are currently taken through the owner's main social media page and over the phone 412-327-7147 |
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28th of January 2023) NOTES/COMBINATIONS and Stones CURRENTLY ON THE HUNT FOR: Naughty Licorice/Star Anise Cardamom Cardamom Cake with Roses Smoky Honey & Leather Leather and Florals Pomegranate Colder Tuberose scents Smoked Florals with Cinnamon and Honey Graham Cracker and Incense Double strand of Rose Quartz or Moonstones or Black Tourmaline Chainmaille Jewellery Houses of Fragrance and Interest on the Horizon (shops that contain such temptations): LurkerAndStrange Good Spirit Wolf Rapt In Maille ToadStoolSoaps DSH Perfume Baphomet&Co Harvest Moon Haven Granny Hootenanny's Shop
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