Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ Vials: Act I: Der Hölle Rache Act II: E Lucevan le Stelle Act III: Habanera Act IV: Il Dolce Suono Act V: Mein Herr Marquis One Scent at a Time: Act I : Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (Hell's Vengeance Boils In My Heart / The Queen Of The Night aria) Die Zauberflöte (W.A. Mozart, 1791) (Listed Notes: Black vanilla pod, fire, hot metal, night queen tulip, blood orange rind, opium) In the vial: ORANGE, METAL/ASH, VANILLA and a swirl of CARAMEL. This is such a dark enticing fragrance that is projecting an evil queen's plans beautifully. Applied: Der Hölle Rache opens with a sweetness of orange slashed by a glint of hot metal and my skin chemistry and nose both approve. Here is another perfume that is a unique wonder as it smells truly hot (for those who bake, think a perfectly heated oven, the mixture of heat and metal that awaits your carefully prepared pan, dish or sheet) on me, the metal note and vanilla with a tempered zest of orange are amping the most and I'm loving every second. Perhaps on others, this fragrance is completely gourmand with no bite but I'm applauding the atmosphere coming through as this oil dries (I find it simply fascinating how much scent and imagination work together to create a compelling story). Hours later the twirls of opium smoke and caramel arrive along with the compliments. The final call goes to the realistic metal note as it stays throughout the shifting of eerie sweetness and hot fire and lasts on me until the next day (with perhaps some patchouli thrown in for good measure?) I can see myself reaching for Der Hölle Rache on those days and nights when I want to feel empowered and not be crossed or questioned. Act II : E Lucevan Le Stelle (And The Stars Were Shining) Tosca (Giacomo Puccini, 1900) (Listed Notes: Dark earth, night gardenia, starlit cobblestone, ambergris, galbanum, tree moss) ***THIS FRAGRANCE IS TO BE Featured in a special edition article coming soon Act III : Habanera / L’amour est un Oiseau Rebelle (Love Is A Rebellious Bird) Carmen (Georges Bizet, 1875) (Listed Notes: Aldehydes, guava, bergamot flower, water hyacinth, sparkling jasmine, wild clover) In the vial: Sparkling BERGAMOT, FRUIT and SUNSHINE! Just joking, no sun do shine but this is a burst of headiness I can't pull my nose away from and I must try this on now...well maybe after a couple more quick sniffs. It is so good in the vial alone. Applied: Excuse me as I do some embarrassing chair dancing and hair whipping while typing this rambling summary as Habanera is such a happy flirtatious fragrance that I know I will be wearing out as much as possible, oh how my other bottles and vials will grow so jealous and feel neglected. I said before I didn't want to compare other house of fragrances' creations with one another but I must say that Habanera ranks right up there with Echoed Ecstasy by Alkemia Perfumes as my favourite inspired celebration scenes somehow captured in a vial/bottle. While Echoed Ecstasy is ginger ale or champagne (depending on the day and company) with realistic strawberry and a swaying of floral in the background, Habanera is equally refreshing bringing to mind perrier or la croix sparkling mineral water with an energized sashay of bright bergamot/citrus and puff of powder on the dry-down. Both perfumes awaken my senses and allow me to sing out of key without a care in the world! Act IV : Il Dolce Suono (The Sweet Sound / Lucia's Mad Scene aria) Lucia di Lammermoor (Gaetano Donizetti, 1835) (Listed Notes: Dried petals, cathedral incense, polished wood, ambroxan, white narcissus) In the vial: INCENSE and WOOD. This is a true somber combination that is also peaceful but with an edge hiding just in the shadows. Applied: After going a little silly over Habanera I feel the need to settle down or go to a quiet place and Il Dolce Suono sends me right back to sitting in the church of my youth. Sixteen92 continues to astound me as they bottled the presence of holy walls of confession and reflection incredibly well with this perfume. I can detect the incense-infused smoke from a swinging thurible, the polished wood as you kneel and are surrounded by blessed icons. It is so realistic that I can easily imagine the scene Il Dolce Suono is set and clearly remember some special memories and voices that help me through some cold days of doubt. Act V : Mein Herr Marquis (My Lord Marquis / Adele's Laughing Song) Die Fledermaus (Johann Strauss II, 1874) (Listed Notes: Violet macarons, silk tulle, pearlescent powder, orris root, heliotrope) In the vial: Delicate MACARONS, LIPSTICK/POWDER (Violets). Right now Mein Herr Marquis is a less brash quieter sister scent of Bruise Violet. I'm getting more demure bakery than scandalous old Hollywood which makes me think of day and night versions of the popular award-winning perfume. Applied: Here is another graceful but playful atmospheric so let my vivid imagination in collaboration of this delightful creation known as Mein Herr Marquis take us away. On opening, I get an application of classic beauty products and near at hand on a side table we have a specially arranged display of macarons for the rouged lady but ah ah ah! She must keep up appearances and fool those around her so as a distraction she inches closer to the table while gently fluffing her tulle skirt but at the same time grabs a fancy macaron. A snap of a fan with one gloved hand hides her little secret as she discreetly chews and another swirl of ladies dusting powder is released with each new flutter of the fan along with a stray crumb of almond sweetness lingering in the air. It is just at this point in time when you may be enjoying the previous scenes but also thinking the experience is over, Mein Herr Marquis begins to unexpectedly resemble a familiar favourite which is Mercy Lewis with heliotrope coming more forward (even adding a drop of honey to tempt those further) to finish out the night and keep you coming back for another visit to this out of time and place fragrance. Combined Thoughts: Each one of these vials was a performance that deserves a round of applause as every perfume captured a scene and produced a mood (even E Lucevan Le Stelle tells a commanding scent story albeit one that had a note my nose just can't find love for). As for encores, I will have to start putting a little something away in my pocketbook for Habanera. While Der Hölle Rache I may wait for (Resurrection 2019) and I would like to see how Mein Herr Marquis ages. A couple scents lasted longer on me than others (Il Dolce Suono versus Habanera) so for those oils the extremely generously sized vials are all I need at the moment and the others which didn't last on my skin until the next day may work better in different products (perhaps even perform better in my curls). Overall, this collection inspired by Opera Arias took the excitement and anticipation levels to the stars and I eagerly await my first package from The Circle. sixteen92.com Sixteen92
sixteen92.com/ Full Bottles: Telepathy Baba Yaga Vials: Mercy Lewis La Llorona Blood & Honey Combined Thoughts: These strangely beautiful fragrances may not seem to fit a single category to anyone else and you are right they each have different note profiles from floral to a little gourmand with an edge but they all have a mysterious depth about them and changed my mind about exploring different combinations of components and inspirations taken from nature, legends and history that all can be somehow placed in a vial or bottle by independent fragrance mistresses and masters. Absolutely every one of these perfumes are too good not to share and deserve a treasured/featured label. Brava Sixteen92! One scent at a time: Telepathy *from the Winter 2017 collection (Listed Notes: Winter narcissus, tonka bean, immortelle flower, sleet, ozone, white amber) In the vial/bottle: Crystallized MINT with a hidden green note underneath. This is a combination that is allowing my mind to clear and fits the concept and name perfectly as a "distant feeling". Applied: *This is truly a unique perfume and I had to hurry to jot down each time something morphed and surprised me with Telepathy. This exceptional fragrance starts out a clear frozen green (resembling mint) with a slight peppery note underneath that was completely hidden in the vial and the overall impression this perfume gives is marked as: "icy and like glass" (think standing in a secret Victorian winter garden that is blanketed with snow but there is life underneath the white and glass). I've reached for this vial and bottle throughout this never-ending winter/pseudo spring and each time I can detect the ozone adding to the seasonal mood and I don't know how these mistresses and masters of olfactory magic do it but you can smell the actual frost on the petals in this secret garden. The heat from my skin seems to make this scent potion come alive and it reveals so many new facets. Hours later the white amber, tonka course through and get my full attention once again as I'm working and this goes from a frigid graceful snow queen quality to another refined stately essence and stays until the next morning with a faint warmed honey note I don't want to pull my nose away from (I simply adore Sixteen92's honey notes and want to purchase every perfume they have that has that component hidden or is freely displayed on the note list). Absolutely a haunting floral composition that transitions from winter to the wick of spring. Mercy Lewis *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Heliotrope, honeyed tea, rosehips, sugared almond, creamy sandalwood, milky vanilla) *this was a bonus sample that appeared in my second order with this amazing house of fragrance (thank you so much Claire!) In the vial: Sweet ALMONDS, VANILLA, TEA and SANDALWOOD. It's so hard to concentrate as each time I open a vial or bottle from any favoured house of fragrance my imagination races and I forget my intentions of training my nose to pick up different individual notes and only want to slather myself with these types of perfumes. This one, in particular, is a sweet indulgent inviting vial that I can't wait to try. Applied: Marking another fragrance down to get a full bottle of as soon as possible. Right away Mercy Lewis turns to almond vanilla buttercream on my skin but it's strangely not all gourmand (or too young smelling) and it feels just "right" on me. This is a wonderful example of inspired olfactory art that captures home comforts (served on a tray) and has a power of persuasion all its own just like the unassuming figure from history whose false accusations sent several innocents to their tragic deaths, but then again who wouldn't believe a well-mannered smiling servant girl when asked for the truth? Getting back to this superb scent experience, the vanilla along with honeyed tea and grounding sandalwood are blended so expertly and here is another oil that is very work appropriate (the compliments keep on coming whenever I wear this out), a seasonal transitioning wonder and has changed my mind on a note (almonds) that I always thought as a death note on me (thanks to a certain Bath and Body shop or all the years of alcohol drenched lies I have endured from commercial products). Believe it or not, almonds don't smell like rancid things that give you stomach turning headaches, in the right patient hands almonds can actually smell like the perfect garnish to a dessert or unexpected featured perfumes. La Llorona *from the General Catalogue at the time of purchase but has been discontinued and will only be found on the Resurrection sales listing coming January 2019 according to a recent announcement (Listed Notes: Bulgarian and Egyptian rose absolute, pink and white pepper, pink grapefruit, wisteria, cashmere wood, pale amber) In the vial: GRAPEFRUIT and PEPPER (peppery lemonade anyone?) What a great way to wake up the senses heralding something is coming and forget the horrible weather outside (I swear 20 minutes ago I saw green on the ground and my lilacs trying to bud). Applied: Hello spring I finally found you today! Oh I love La Llorona and am saddened this gorgeous creation has been discontinued. I mentioned peppery lemonade when I first opened the vial but the rose that appears after a few minutes blending with pepper and grapefruit is hands down the best true to life "kissed by morning dew roses on the bush" scents I have ever had the pleasure to find. THIS is how a rose perfume should smell (once again the big stores lied and made us accept what they presented in plastic bottles)! It's invigorating but at the same time also touches brilliantly on its inspiration about a legend of a forlorn ghost with a distinct delicate but mysterious quality as the cashmere wood and pale amber slowly surfaces. This is a fragrance that is approachable but also carries a secret when someone gets close...As much as I adore La Llorona, I must admit that it does sadly fade faster than other perfumes in my collection and needs an application of fixative (Alkemia's Perfume Fixative aids nicely) to delight me more than a few hours. That one unfortunate negative aside, I still had to have a full bottle and was lucky enough to purchase one from Sixteen92's site before it was moved to the limited edition vault but I am also hoping that I can get La Llorona in the hair detangler soon (or can figure out how to add it in a bottle of unscented detangler) but if need be I can apply this oil to my locks alone and happily walk around in a halo of pepper, amber and magnificently executed floral. Blood & Honey *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Blood orange, wildflower honey (vegan), pale amber, honeysuckle) *this was a bonus sample that appeared in my first order (thank you so much Claire) and is inspired by the Jazz Age. In the vial: Three classic beauties: HONEYSUCKLE, ORANGE and HONEY. It matches perfectly to spring/summer in the 1920's but is ultimately a very memorable timeless feminine scent combination. Applied: This is such a channelling fragrance as the first name that came to mind when I put this on was Zelda Fitzgerald and in turn, I must mention Daisy Fay Buchanan (the character Zelda is strongly believed to have inspired in The Great Gatsby), it's dazzling, fascinating and even a little extravagant. Once again Sixteen92 surprises me as Blood & Honey captivates my imagination and works with some unseen power on my chemistry because the orange and honey are staying and not turning waxy (I must note that this perfume lasts 12+ hours on me). The honeysuckle is just lovely, the amber light but romantic and I would love to own the supernatural hair serum in this fragrance for summer because I would be a beautiful little fool whenever I wore it. Baba Yaga *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Fiery dragon’s blood incense, sweet woodsmoke, dried herbs, dripping candle wax, forest dirt) In the vial: I'm not sure what I'm smelling it's a collection of ancient mystery, it's not smokey and it's not floral or spicy it has a scent category all its own. Applied: Right away there is a sharpness or medicinal quality but that quickly is swept away and becomes something completely unexpected which is powdery bubbles with a hint of candle wax and maybe rose? Perhaps this perfume taps into and conforms to your secret comforts and yes powder or any rose and pretty rainbow shifting bubbles from a wand are three of my secret forgotten comforts (judge as you will but you could have entertained me for days as a child if you gave me a bottle of bubbles to blow into the winds and the powder and rose reminds me of a missed loved one), the candle wax is just an unfortunate thing my chemistry always latches onto but is not overly noticeable at the moment and is not that bad. Hours later I am finally getting the earthiness and something is definitely reminding me of a soft rose (finally realized after wearing this perfume and comparing it to others it must be the dragon's blood). It's actually quite lovely not scary or a sharp scent. I'm always on the hunt for scents that can help me fall asleep in the morning after bracing the long night hours and this Bone Mother has been a surprising giver of pleasant vivid dreams. This and The Wild Atlantic Way by Alkemia Perfumes are the two bottles I have been wearing the most after chaotic work nights and whether I feel sentimental when I finally get in the door or desire a complete romantic escape, I know which perfect oil in my slowly growing collection to reach for. sixteen92.com Alkemia Perfumes
alkemia.esty.com Bottles and Sample: Queen of Hearts The Wild Atlantic Way Apsara Temptation Combined Thoughts: Looking outside it's no wonder the poor robins and early spring florals are confused and reluctant to show themselves completely, one day it's all sunshine and a burst of green everywhere the next ice, snow and wild winds. Ah, but inside my home sitting in front of my antique vanity it is truly one of my favourite seasons all in different forms (gourmands, atmospheric, florals and powders) and I love walking around and falling asleep with these fragrances that help melt away any remaining winter blues and allow my imagination to race to dream destinations or locales. One scent at a time: Queen of Hearts (Listed Notes: Brandied Black Cherries and Praline Tart) *this delectable fragrance has been sadly discontinued but it may reappear different times of the year Thoughts: -Queen of Hearts is pure dreamy nostalgia in a bottle that needed to join my collection. This is such a close your eyes and let the winter blues melt away type of fragrance that is sure to gather admirers. I absolutely adore this and recommend it to those who need a smile and getting in the mood for new beginnings. Absolutely too good to not share. Brava Alkemia! In the vial/bottle: Where has this fragrance been all my life? It may be only two listed notes but Queen of Hearts is blended so expertly and I'm in love with the combination of CHERRIES and PRALINES. I seriously can't stop smelling this and smiling, it's wonderfully dreamy and exactly what I needed. Applied: This has to be one of the most nostalgic and comforting perfumes that has joined my collection and it took me a couple times wearing Queen of Hearts to realize why- it smells exactly like cherry fruit snacks I loved as a child. It's such a realistic fruit fragrance (that in no way resembles anything medicinal, like so many other cherry noted fragrances can turn into) but at the same time, there is an undernote that appears (dark wood with vanilla) that pulls Queen of Hearts into a toothsome adult realm and it can be a little surprisingly alluring. Absolute fantastic magic for the winter blues but I can easily see myself wearing this perfume all year around. Alkemia does it again! The Wild Atlantic Way (Listed Notes: Yellow Gorse, Faerie Hawthorn, Broom, Bog Myrtle, Peat Moss, and Oceanic Ambergris) Thoughts: -Here is a love letter to dream destinations and the romantic imagination. On me, I can only describe The Wild Atlantic Way as beautiful dirty butter with an enveloping earthy-coconut to late spring essence that I want to seriously bathe in. I also get a slight smokey moss note in this and distinct wisps of natural aquatics as it dries. I have been wearing this curious scent potion to relax with after long chaotic work nights and I drift off to sleep thinking of romantic forest, glen and vale scenes from cinematic favourites. Just absolutely phenomenal and deserves a TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! In the vial/bottle: Pulled up MOSS and COCONUT. I want to roll around in this, it's so hard to describe why I love this fragrance (and it may sound strange but honestly I don't care). The bottle contains just an incredibly romantic and soothing medley that makes me want to hop a plane right now or learn a new language. Applied: Absolutely I want to bathe in this and see the inspiration for this beautiful atmospheric perfume. On me, a dirty butter note greets me first that keeps my nose down to my wrist and has me close my eyes, I also get a smoky moss note that mixes with a splash of salt that makes me think of a breathtaking natural landscape of vale with seaside just over the horizon. After multiple times of wearing The Wild Atlantic Way, I decided to use this superb oil to fall asleep in the morning. The note combination has been such a success that I guess I trained my mind to believe it is time for bed anytime I wear this anymore. Overall, I can't get enough of this perfume and wish I could live in the bottle. Apsara (Listed Notes: Darjeeling Tea and Purple Hyacinths) Thoughts: -Apsara is the type of fragrance I love to show off as I can walk in a crowded room and know no other woman present will be wearing my perfume (or theirs will ever smell the same as mine, thanks to complex skin chemistries). It moves into the empire of avant-garde with a delicate dance between spring air and water which is a different change for me but at the same time it is elegant and memorable. Too good not to share and deserves a TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! In the bottle: Finally gorgeous HYACINTHS I have found you! I don't know why this isn't a popular note in any perfume, it's amazing and deserves the highest praise. Getting back to the whole presented scent potion, this bottle is ethereal spring in my book with a dose of TEA. What an interesting note blending. Applied: Apsara is the type of fragrance I love to show off as I can walk in a crowded room and know no other woman present will be wearing my perfume (or theirs will ever smell the same as mine, thanks to complex skin chemistries). It moves into the empire of avant-garde which is a different change for me but at the same time it is elegant and memorable. A new unique jewel for my collection. On me, the tea is more pronounced which slightly makes me sad as I have been searching everywhere for a true hyacinth perfume to call my own but still oddly I love Apsara as it brings to mind having exotic tea on a veranda bordered by hyacinths after a spring rain shower. A true keeper, perfect for spring and a classy way to stand out from the mundane. Temptation (Listed Notes: Crème de Violet Macarons, White Chocolate, Candied Parma Violets) Thoughts: -This final perfume I wish to share may be already familiar to readers as it was visited once last year when I first found Alkemia's fabulous shop. I wasn't too sure about the vial but time has worked some astonishing magic and Temptation is now a true favourite. It's hard to explain what makes this fragrance so special but I can't wear this without shedding a tear. This is warm hugs, kisses with bright red lipstick and an empty chair no one will ever fill. Thank you Alkemia for creating such a masterpiece that seems heaven-sent. In the vial: Gourmand BABY POWDER and WHITE CHOCOLATE with LIPSTICK (Violets). It's familiar and instantly comforting. A perfect combination of home baking and classic beauty items. Applied: I know ordinary days and personal milestones or celebrations will never be the same or mean what they could have been but this perfume is almost like someone very special is near me and I can hear "put your thinking cap on" as I'm leaving for work. Temptation is very soothing and all this vial is missing is a hint of peppermint to be complete in my book. It captures the essence of innocence, kindness and I must have a full bottle when the vial is empty. alkemia.etsy.com Sixteen92
sixteen92.com/ Full Bottles: Borley Rectory The Primrose Path Vials: Nereids The Grass Harp Paper Moon One scent at a time: Borley Rectory *from the Resurrection 2018 sale (Listed Notes: Italian bergamot, cocao pod, smoked black tea, decayed woods, faded parchment, shadowy musk) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Let me go down memory lane for a minute. Years ago I used to frequent a coffee and pastry shop that had an eclectic theme of baroque, classical music, funky designed furniture and I couldn't wait to take my limited lunch break and lose myself in that combined theme that ran with gold angels perched in corners to big comfy chairs that welcomed you and charmed all. It was a hidden jewel and the place to be. Needless to say, I never wanted to leave but I reluctantly made myself go back somehow to the toxic soul-draining establishment up the street that held my paycheck (it's sad the only thing I miss from that terrible job was the coffee house down the street). It was only when there was one specialty treat (available only at the cusp of spring that was presented on a silver salver) in the form of a small dark chocolate molded rabbit with granules of earl grey tea sprinkled on top (one of the owners was a talented European pastry chef) that I risked being late and a dramatic write up (it was well worth it though). It was heaven and I still remember the delectable taste and that incredible scent of tempered Belgian dark chocolate and refined tea. I have yet to find a dessert so wonderful since but hopefully, I can stumble across that magical arrangement of notes again. Borley Rectory is calling to me with not only that possibility but is also inspired by haunted history (fingers crossed for a moody morphing scent for those days I just want to enjoy my own company but with a twist of gourmand), so this will be my first Resurrection choice from a unique house of fragrance that I absolutely can't get enough of. First Impression: Oh I can see cocoa collected on the sides and at the bottom of the bottle, visually this is surprisingly delightful as the cocoa settles in spots and adds a nice dingy touch (intentional or not) that creatively plays into the whole haunted and ghost theme and I will love displaying this bottle. In the bottle: HONEY, CHOCOLATE and MUSK. It reminds me of Blood & Honey but with chocolate and heavy musk. I'm not getting any hint of tea at the moment but I'm still liking this perfume but at the same time also concerned this may not be what I was initially looking for. Applied: Borley Rectory is a first for me, never have I yelled at my wrist "be creepy, not happy!" (thankfully no one was around to question my sanity and a warning to those who are thinking they are only exploring the world of perfume oils- you will do and say some crazy sounding things as you slide more down the hole- it can be quite the ride though so hold on and learn to laugh). I was hoping for underlying sinister but right now all I keep receiving is an aged house with spilt honey on the floor that may or not be haunted on a sunny day with an empty teacup displayed on the table. It's too happy and bright smelling if that makes sense. Oddly I still like it in other ways (it somehow goes into the spring realm of my collection but still fades quickly away from my skin for some reason) and as this ages, the shadowy musk is becoming slightly more apparent on application along with a toothsome sweetness and even though I was hoping for a bottle of memory lane with chocolate and earl grey, I will keep this and continue looking for that elusive combination in other bottles and vials. The Primrose Path *from the Resurrection 2018 sale (Listed Notes: Soaked earth, lichen, ancient oak roots, grass, water lily, heavy stone, a tangled garland of faded spring blooms) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Shakespeare my longtime love let me mix Browning to count and find different ways to announce to the world I read far too much, need to get out more and will never fit into this era. A bottle inspired by a tragic character from my favourite play you say Sixteen92? Please send it my way. I could never resist a perfume dedicated to Ophelia and the more I'm reading what other beyond satisfied perfume enthusiasts think about this work of scent art, I must have a bottle. In the vial: WET STONE, IVY, EARTH and faint florals (gardenia?) Applied: The more The Primrose Path is aging the more I'm falling under its ethereal spell. When the bottle first arrived there was something unexpectedly sweet coming through that made me sad but now it's more of a murky brook with a drifting garland of floral (no rosemary sadly, nor columbine, fennel, pansies, violets or rue but perhaps the stems of daisies are present?) during a spring shower. This is a haunting fragrance that is incredibly atmospheric and I can only think of the famous painting by Sir John Everett Millais ("Ophelia" that featured the stunner Elizabeth Siddal as the gorgeous model) while wearing this scent. I do wish there was a touch more earth present (and that odd sweetness would completely blend away as it seems to resurface the more this perfume dries) but overall this bottle was well worth the wait and deserves to be loved and praised. Nereids *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Surf & shoreline, driftwood, dried coconut shell, pistachio, sweet sea grasses, salt) *this was a bonus sample that appeared in my Spring Collection 2018 order (thank you so much Claire) In the vial: SALT, VANILLA, COCONUT and PISTACHIO. I have to admit, I would have never tried this alone and am extremely impressed by this vial and thankful for the opportunity to have this sample. Applied: That's it, I'm signing up for The Circle this year. Nereids is a perfect scent melded example of the exceptional talent from this house of fragrance and I need to stop being afraid to explore unfamiliar notes. This is such an approachable fragrance that would fit in with the workplace. Reading this perfume is inspired by Greek Mythology: "the fifty sea nymphs - goddesses of the sea, sand, rocks, waves and currents, and protectors of sailors and fishermen" and Sixteen92 captured and harnessed that concept and inspiration so brilliantly here. On me, Nereids turns to salt and coconut and vanilla ice cream. It's a peaceful scent that I think would garner a smile and a compliment or five. As it dries the salt actually amps and the wood comes more forward, so it is like you are sitting on a piece of driftwood as the water laps around you while enjoying the last of vanilla ice cream. I will be keeping this for summer and telling a friend who loves coconut and vanilla scents she needs to get a bottle and of course will be signing up for The Circle (the mysteries and inspirations of what may be waiting in those parcels are just too tempting to pass up). The Grass Harp *This fragrance has been discontinued and will only be available during the Resurrection sale (Listed Notes: Orange blossom, clover, hyacinth, ruby red grapefruit, sweet basil) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I saw an announcement that certain perfumes were soon to be removed from the General Catalogue and The Grass Harp has been on my list to sample for a few months now. With spring somewhere out there, the notes of hyacinth, orange blossom and sweet basil all sound so inviting and I must try this. In the vial: Freshly mowed CLOVER and a hint of GRAPEFRUIT waiting underneath. Another unexpected atmospheric that takes me right back this time to attempting cartwheels in the freshly mowed grass and looking for ladybugs in the dandelions. It's a very serene innocent fragrance. Applied: *The clover is incredibly realistic, so out of respect for my one colleague who is severely allergic to grass, I wore this when he wasn't in the building but that decision also worked out perfectly as that night fell on St. Patrick's Day and this scent was ideal for the occasion. On me, The Grass Harp opens with the clover but the basil also makes an appearance to add a slightly not quite minty or peppery mixing but it only deepens the clover making this even green smelling. You can't help but smile when wearing this perfume (I mean if you aren't sensitive to grass scents). All I can think as this dries is childish laughter as dozy bumblebees slowly buzz around and the summer sky is blue as can be overhead... Unfortunately, as time goes on though, the merriment stops because a soapy note comes forward the more The Grass Harp dries and it amps on my skin making me think of a specific dog shampoo. Let me be clear: it's NOT an unpleasant fragrance by any means and is undeniably a summer collaboration but I was really hoping for a continuation of nature with the hyacinth atleast making a cameo appearance or the orange blossom emerging eventually. Oh well, I think I would like The Grass Harp in an oil warmer or perhaps it will surprise me by summer. I will revisit this vial then but I must remember not to wear this around seasonal allergy sufferers. (**please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note may not happen on someone else. That's the unique beauty of perfume oils, they react with everyone differently- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). Paper Moon *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Soft vanilla musk, benzoin, oakmoss, trailing ivy, peach blossom, rose ) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Paper Moon was another attempt to make myself believe spring was coming (or was here somewhere waiting atleast). The peach, vanilla and rose notes also called to me and I love Paper Moon was inspired by the 1920's so hopefully, this is another extravagant celebratory perfume for my collection. In the vial: PEACH, VANILLA and ROSE. Very feminine but also youthful. Perhaps a little more commercial but I can see why others recommend it as their choice picks. There is also something vintage about Paper Moon that keeps me smelling the vial so I am anxious to try this and hopefully we have another morphing wonder. Applied: Oh dear there is that odd note that keeps sticking out of The Primrose Path is it the trailing ivy that keeps attaching to my chemistry? (comparing the notes) Perhaps it is a hidden gardenia note? Ack, there's that sweetness amping again but I'm still optimistic and will keep wearing Paper Moon. In a few minutes time, this perfume thankfully settles and even warms up releasing a distinct peach and rose scent that is actually pretty. As I go about my day the sweetness returns bringing almost sickly sugariness in its wake which I was hoping would be eventually tempered by anything listed. I'm really not sure I like this vial, the roses and vanilla peek through but retreat as soon as I begin enjoying the experience leaving me sad. I think Paper Moon captures the bright young things of the 1920's with youthful frivolity and even flirtation but I'm an even older soul it seems who desires more and will have to sit this one out. (**please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note may not happen on someone else. That's the unique beauty of perfume oils, they react with everyone differently- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). sixteen92.com |
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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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