ETSY Treasures (UniversalZone): Wearable art that speaks volumes on your unique personality12/30/2017
The winds have begun to howl and the ice is pelting more these days than some can remember and you have your calendar marked for a countdown to spring. Contrary to the songs you try to hide away from but are besieged by from every angle recently, it's not the most wonderful time of the year nor are those marshmallow clouds friendly and you just want to huddle away and watch from the windows until March 20th (80 more days if that helps) but alas the real world calls and you are forced outside into the bone-numbing cold. I hear you my fellow winter grinches, it is not easy but unfortunately we must adapt as we dream of spring. If we must than though wouldn't it be great to step out with a certain flair that is not only unique but practical? And wouldn't it be something to carry your favourite self-confessed "security blanket" known simply as your treasured novel of choice with you? Search no further because UniversalZone (univeralzone.etsy.com) has got us covered and wrapped up this season. From Anna Karenina to Pride and Prejudice (for us secret hopeless romantics out there, come on admit it there's a reason you love spring and can't forget Mr. Darcy) and even violin blankets, this little shop is awaiting your order and every booklover stylish desire. ETSY has provided once again exactly what I have been searching for as these scarves are long (plus large enough to also double as a shawl), luxuriously soft to the touch and completely exceptional. I was concerned what kind of material I would be purchasing and presented with but these scarves (I had to get both as depending on which day you ask me what is your favourite book, I wouldn't be able to answer) have already proven themselves with not only being original to the eye but are amply warm on the neck. Needless to say I have found my ideal winter accessories and I must have a The House of Mirth, A Night to Remember, The Great Gatsby, A Game of Thrones and A Storm of Swords scarf (and that's not all)- this shop takes custom orders and I plan to put them to the test next year as I love standing nice and warm in these wearable art pieces that speak volumes about my personality and have become something I love to show off. Highly Recommended. universalzone.etsy.com *article updated December 25th 2017 to include link to 2018 Resurrection Sale details Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ sixteen92.com/collections/sample-sets Combined Thoughts: I may have just found the holy grail of different autumn scents and history based fragrances for myself by stumbling upon this unique site that is named after the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 (https://sixteen92.com). Much of this site's creative scent potions are based on dark legends, movies, seasonal themes, the supernatural, rock groups, book characters, or historical figures but they also have an impressive range of gourmands and florals including The Art and Olfaction Awards Winner 2017 "Bruise Violet". Depending on what the curious may be looking for, you can easily break down the category search by choosing warm weather scent to cold and atmospheric and even sweet and fruity. Their general sample sizes are extremely generous (2ml) and the packaging is also notable (seriously how can you not fall in love when a company sends you a fabulously creepy postcard with a daguerreotype of a veiled ghost?) Needless to say I'm quite smitten and can't wait to share my additions to my collection and thoughts on each. So please feel free to get comfortable as I have 2 orders to run through (with a planned out third soon to be purchased) and to play into the creative diversity of what this site can offer, I will be randomly picking up, wearing and jotting down my thoughts on the various collections. *for these reviews I have forgone the "Words that come to mind" section as these are personal experiences and a few words are not enough to summarize each vial. One scent at a time: Sarah Good *from the Salem Collection (Listed Notes: Charred maple leaves, black pitch, fresh-baked bread, dried black tea leaves, sweet orange, chimney smoke) What I was hoping for: For my first venture into this exciting looking brand, I was intrigued by everything I saw but with Sarah Good, in general, the bread note with leaves and chimney smoke caught my attention first. I have no idea what to expect so this will be a treat indeed. I can't wait to see how a perfume based on an actual tragic figure of history is interpreted in scent form. In the vial: BREAD and LEAVES with a back PITCH SWEETNESS. This is so unique and I have no idea what this will do with my skin chemistry. Applied: I sorely wish I found this perfume company earlier as this is such a marvellously freaky scent for October into November (as always I'm late to the party). Right away I get the bread note that is like a stone baked loaf with leaves rustling at the door. I also get the orange which surprises me because orange hardly ever shows with my chemistry and as this sits it almost smells like petite madeleines (but that may be from the buttery morphing trick my chemistry sometimes plays and believe me I'm loving this right now). As it dries further that orange petite madeleine scent is disappearing (curses) and Oh, I'm detecting some tea leaves with dirt (there must be some patchouli in this). This is quite an interesting perfume as it seems to transform and the bread with leaves and pitch (maybe that's the woodsmoke but it also smells like unswept ashes?) with the slightest hint of orange now remains. This fragrance lasts a good bit and I can even detect it the next day with the final notes of dirt (patchouli) and bread which acts as a personal comfort double surprise that is hard to explain but ultimately I appreciate and absolutely love. I really enjoy this perfume and this is a great start to my introduction to the Salem Collection and Sixteen92 Baba Yaga *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Fiery dragon’s blood incense, sweet woodsmoke, dried herbs, dripping candle wax, forest dirt) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: As I mentioned this brand also likes to dabble in folklore and puts a spin on its interpretations and as I have been fascinated with Slavic folk stories ever since I was tall enough to reach the library shelves or old enough to point at covers, I couldn't pass on this hopefully familiar wicked crone of the forest. I'm still learning about notes, what they do with my personal chemistry and dragon's blood incense has appeared in quite a few perfumes I have been curious about- I've read it can smell like lilacs which would be heaven for me (still on the hunt for that perfect perfume). Hopefully, this also has patchouli for the earthiness and the candle wax doesn't attach to my chemistry too much (as for some reason my chemistry likes to amp). 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. It's actually quite lovely not scary or a sharp scent. I think I may be safe if I wore this to work as they have a very strict fragrance policy (one complaint and you're told to go home and wash- that would be mortifying) but Baba Yaga can fly with me as, despite the name, on me this is a refreshing calming scent and who could complain when you smell not clean but "tidy" with a touch of rose? Now please keep in mind everyone's chemistry is different and I've read so many reviews about varying experiences with this particular perfume, so mine may just be unique with it smelling "rosy and tidy" vs. "sinister" or "conjured from some evil cauldron". I do wish the herbs or smoke appeared on me but I must realize as my oil collection grows it is good to have unexpected ranges of fragrances and I will certainly keep this, I'm always on the hunt for scents that can help me fall asleep in the morning after bracing the long night hours and I think this Bone Mother would bring me pleasant dreams. Telesthesia *from the 2017 Winter Collection (Listed Notes: Black and red tea leaves, nutmeg, sweet woods, forest moss, loam, chilled night air) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: I was fortunate enough to stumble across Sixteen92 right before their huge Black Friday event (with coupon codes) and after enjoying my first parcel of goodies, I decided to have one final hurrah this year with my pocketbook. Telesthesia was a last minute addition to my basket before checking out for the night. The listed nutmeg with forest moss, loam and chilled night air had to come home to me and I'm hoping to find another atmospheric supernormal wonder. In the vial: TEA, STONE and a distant wisp of MINT that adds to the coldness. This is another nifty find. Applied: The nutmeg comes out to charm me first along with the stone and various leaves but as it dries I get a pepper note that I can't stop pressing my nose to as I'm sitting here reading. Hours later I can still detect every seemingly simple note that carries its own depth and I am clearly getting bergamot (bee balm) this morning that is like rubbing your hands over a long stalk and getting that citrusy spice note but there is also some damp earth attached to the roots and that can only come from my old friend patchouli. This will be joining my collection dedicated to reading and relaxing. You'll Shoot Your Eye Out! *from the Holiday 2017 Collection (Listed Notes: Spiced cocoa, firewood, bayberry, warm shortbread, Ovaltine, buttered rum, deep snow) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: There's no denying it the use of an iconic quote from my favorite Christmas movie caught my attention when I saw this perfume released November 24th and I had to put this in my basket. I am a little nervous the spiced cocoa will disappear on me before I even get a chance to enjoy it (my nose adores the note but my chemistry makes it fade so fast). I also had to ask someone what Ovaltine smells like as I'm a little too young to know. In the vial: Nostalgia that is malted chocolate (Nestle Quik mix but is called Ovaltine here; too bad this wasn't available when I was a child this smells tasty), why didn't I get the full bottle? Ohhhh fuuuuuuuudge! This is delicious smelling and I'm so thankful there is no punishing Lifebuoy soap hidden anywhere (yes the amount stupid useless trivia in my head is endless) Applied: I am under some type of spell with Sixteen92 as this is THE first time chocolate is staying with my chemistry! I can't believe it, there must be magic mixed with the vial and I'm so thankful for it as this is just so luscious and my chemistry is amping the buttered cookie note to create a chocolate buttery delight that I don't want to leave the house without. As it dries I faintly get the wood note and a hint of bayberry that deepens this and the creaminess stays true until the next day. I am seriously tempted to get a full bottle AND the hair serum of this (feature post coming soon- it's unbelievable and something I can't stop telling everyone about and getting so many compliments about). 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 summer in the 1920's but is ultimately a very memorable timeless feminine scent. 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 strangely magnetic and even a little extravagant. Once again Sixteen92 surprises me as this perfume captivates my imagination and works with some unseen power on my chemistry because the orange and honey are staying and not turning waxy. 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. ~*~ Part II Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ sixteen92.com/collections/sample-sets 2017 has brought me a whole new world of discovering perfume oils and as I'm still exploring different houses and what they can offer when it comes to oils and exclusive opportunities, I'm finding out new information every day. For example, SIXTEEN92 holds an annual sale called a Resurrection Sale where they bring back past favorites for a certain amount of days and their menu of aromas is amazing ranging from the downright spooky atmospheric to spring florals and foody experiences somehow conjured into a bottle. With so many notes to research and scent potions to think about, it's a good thing we have time before January 1st to decide (here's hoping those like me who are new to the utterly entrancing realm of perfume oils have some intriguing sounding gems planned on joining their collections and find plenty of inspiration to share later.) One more little tidbit I have to share is the SIXTEEN92's The Circle program which more and more I'm becoming curious about and I may just throw caution to the wind and join next April (a secret parcel of goodies delivered to my door with every change of the season, sign me up now please!) I read an article recently that said this house of perfume is planning some nifty tarot theme perfumes and that is only the beginning as they come up some creative notions for scents every season (I wish I found them last year, they did a famous haunted location theme and I have been trying to hunt down a sample set ever since I read about it). That's all the information I have about this unique house's programs at the moment so without further ado here is part II of my reviews for Sixteen92. As always, thank you for reading, -EGP One scent at a time: Psychokinesis *from the Winter 2017 collection (Listed Notes: Toasted vanilla bean, espresso, sweet myrrh, roasted pecan, honeyed wheat, citrus zest) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: It shouldn't surprise me that just like my personal interests that seem to change every day my choice of personal fragrance also changes daily and this particular night I'm ordering on, I want foody winter gourmands. Psychokinesis seems to catch my attention with not only the name but with the toasted vanilla bean, sweet myrrh, roasted pecan and espresso listed. In the vial: A specialty brew of PECAN ESPRESSO with a hit of VANILLA, it is very concentrated but is perfect for the cold weather outside. Applied: Once again my personal chemistry works against what I want to love as this perfume lasts not even an hour. When first applied though I get the roasted pecan and vanilla and it reminds me of enjoying a pecan tassie with a cup of hot espresso nearby. There is a sweetness that stays mildly which is the myrrh but I have to put my nose right on my wrist to get a wisp of it. Even though Psychokinesis has moved off my skin, I think this perfume would be a fine hopeful to be purchased in the SuperNatural Hair Serum that I can't stop using (luckily finicky perfumes seem to last longer in my hair and I love walking around in a halo of sweet winter delights). Tituba *from the Salem Collection (Hawthorn, gingerbread biscuits, tobacco leaf, burning resins, rye, sweet woods, beeswax candles) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: This was another selection I made based solely on the sweet notes listed with a mixture of woods and resins. As always I'm nervous about the beeswax candles or tobacco dominating everything but my curiosity outweighs my concerns and I will try this. In the vial: RESINS, HONEY and BEESWAX CANDLES, I can also detect tobacco in the background. Applied: There is a wash of honey and resins that is somehow familiar and the tobacco adds a slight smokiness to the mix. As it dries the candle note comes out more but perhaps not all candle notes are created the same because this is actually decent and as time goes by in this the beeswax note reminds me of a special holy supper or a holiday family candle that always graced the table at different times of the year with a fruit placed near the display as well. Add another to the cache for reading and relaxing. The Castle on the Hill *a limited edition fragrance that was available during the 2017 Black Friday Event but is scheduled to appear on the Resurrection Sale fragrance menu coming January 1st 2018 (Listed Notes: Frost-blanketed vines, worn stone, cold fog, dark shadows, petrichor, weathered attic wood, grey musk) What I was hoping for and what called to me: When I first started looking into Sixteen92 this was one of the initial perfumes that pulled me out of the shadows and had me planning ahead for November 24th. I have no idea what to expect but this fragrance sounds so interesting with the listed notes and I can't think of a better first bottle choice from this brand to join my vanity. In the bottle: STONE, EARTH, COLDNESS absolutely bizarre and excellent in every way. This really smells like you walked into a cold ancient castle on a forgotten hill. Applied: I really don't like to compare other houses of fragrances with one another but if Gaea by Alkemia Perfumes is the early awakening spring showers in my book than The Castle on the Hill by Sixteen92 is the autumn storm mash that I can feel such mood and electric atmosphere from. Two of my favourite seasons and weather types in two different packages. With The Castle on the Hill, right away I get the cold stone element and then I get a shiver when the "fog note" comes out with the earthiness that is the base at the moment. This is what I would imagine the abandoned castles, stone manors or abbey ruins in the UK smell like during a frigid rain storm. Right now my mind is wandering into the Glastonbury Tor and then walking the fog-draped moors to Haworth. I will be using this gem sparingly and alternating it with Gaea by Alkemia Perfumes for pure atmospheric reading immersion experiences. I have found the ideal oils to use when I have a gothic or a certain era mystery novel in my hands. *SuperNatural Hair Serum-Winter & Holiday Collection (Frosted Gingerbread)- soon to be a feature post, it's absolutely divine and so aptly named as this magical hair elixir brings the otherworldly shine, scent and softness to my tresses. sixteen92.com sixteen92.com/collections/sample-sets Full Bottles: Falling Stars at Winter Solstice Yuletide Blessing 2017 Combined Thoughts: Sometimes we hold on to and treasure simple things that allow good memories into our dreams and follow us when we are awake with softly whispered tidings of encouragement and love. These are the fragrances that provide me with just that whenever I wear them and bring me back to: once happy holidays, smiling faces, dancing to polka music, festoons of sparkly poinsettias and rooms filled with warmth and traditions. One scent at a time: -This first fragrance is a holiday snapshot in a bottle for me as this makes me think of standing next to the fireplace and hanging ornaments (with such care and childish innocent but terrible decoration sense) on the freshly standing tree with snow melting on the floor and autumn leaves still stuck in the branches from being dragged in through the field. It's incredibly atmospheric and I don't want to open my eyes to realize those days are long gone. It's so strange how memory can be attached to a scent and Falling Stars at Winter Solstice acts like a balm for me this time of year and I don't ever want to be without this fragrance as it is one I love to read with and fall asleep wearing. Absolutely this is too good to not share and deserves a special TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava and thank you Alkemia! Falling Stars at Winter Solstice (Listed Notes: Balsam Pine, Dark myrrh, Somalian Frankincense, Snow, Woodsmoke) What I'm hoping for: I have quite the perfume oil collection now that spans from spring to fall and I need something "wintery". The pine with myrrh, frankincense and woodsmoke seem to be a safe exploration plus the lovely name caught my full attention. In the vial/bottle: WOODSMOKE and PINE, just like the name it's gorgeous. I can't help but think of sled riding, decorating the perfect tree and once happy holidays. Applied: Oh Falling Stars at Winter Solstice is magical, the woodsmoke is my favourite but the pine with teasing myrrh and frankincense are all beautiful accompanying notes and this in no way resembles a cheap candle, it's more complex and so much deeper than I was expecting. This is without a doubt one of the most comforting scents that has joined my collection. I wish I could wear the fragrance every day in winter to work but I currently sit by someone who is highly allergic to pine scents and I must be respectful of that. I will keep this jewel at home to fall asleep with as I can only have the sweetest dreams and relaxing hours cuddled up with a good book when wearing Falling Stars at Winter Solstice. Words that come to mind: windswept snowy hills, twinkling stars, childish wonder, joyous reunions One scent at a time: -Finally, I must share this chance gem that holds past, present and future lost memories and is like a soothing melody from another place and time. It's everything bright you want to hold close especially into the new year. I don't know if there is already a name for the fragrant essence of hope or spirit of Christmas but it should be Yuletide Blessing 2017 by Alkemia Perfumes. Brava Alkemia! Yuletide Blessing 2017 (Listed Notes: Pears, Apples, Cinnamon, Clove, Black Currant, Gingerbread, Oakwood, Balsam Pine and Woodsmoke) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: When I saw the Yuletide collection show up on December 1st this was one of the first perfumes I placed in my basket because all the listed notes called out to me and I was completely charmed by the descriptions of the unique meanings of each note, it sounds like an ancient potion of good luck and prosperity for the new year (all things I can never turn down and the special pricing sweetens the pot). I would love to find a perfume that perhaps smells like a pomander but would be happy with smoke and pine with a fruitiness. In the bottle: There must be some kind of luck or magic infused in this bottle as Yuletide Blessing 2017 is the Holiday/Christmas perfume I have been searching for. It's FRUIT, SPICE, RESIN and is absolutely magnificent! This is everything I was hoping to find. I can't stop smelling this oil, each time I slowly move the uncapped bottle there is something else that surfaces and I can't help but close my eyes and enjoy every second. I could seriously just sit here and smell the bottle all day long. Applied: Yuletide Blessing 2017 is stunning, the spiced pear with pine greets me first and I'm in love with everything this perfume has to offer. It also makes me shed a tear but a happy one as I know someone very special who I miss everyday would have absolutely loved this oil and found such joy reading about the different meanings of each note and I can think of only good memories right now. Yuletide Blessing 2017 continues to change from light to deep and it's almost like a nearly forgotten melody is playing around me that I can't place. As this perfume dries I get the gingerbread with the smallest hint of woodsmoke but then my chemistry brings back the pine with apple and currant which is the last to leave me the next day. I can't write enough how much I'm enjoying this perfume and yes I'm getting looks at work as I can't stop smelling myself but I don't care (curiously the person who I mentioned earlier who is highly allergic to pine scents hasn't sneezed or complained but still I wear only the smallest dabs when I know he is in the room). Share the wealth as I tell everyone about this lovely wonder and I will be purchasing a backup bottle of this year's formula before it's all gone. Words that come to mind: comfort and joy, highest star, essence of the season, Victorian Christmas Ball alkemia.etsy.com *article updated December 28th 2017, to add one perfume sample that finished aging and everyone needs to know about! Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com Vials & a Bottle: Hygge Yule Alchemy 2017 Winter Torchsong Gifts of the Magi A Darkness Shining in Brightness Vixen Combined Thoughts: Times have certainly changed but some things still seem to stay the same when it comes to me because instead of tiptoeing downstairs at home in the magical early hours of December 25th as an excited child just waiting for the moment when expectation and temptation would be released in a shower of different surprises, I was sneaking away from my desk at work as an adult on December 1st to catch the first glimpse of Alkemia's Yuletide Collection with wonder and ultimately fighting my spotty phone connection to order the perfumes that called out to me and dashing to my frozen over mailbox for my parcel of goodies a few days later. In the end, I must say I wasn't disappointed as these scents capture in various ways past, present and future hopes and seasonal warmth (thank you Auntie Alkemia!). One scent at a time: Hygge (Listed Notes: Oven-warm Gingerbread, Cardamon Rolls, Iced Sugar Cookies, Spiced Vanilla) What I'm hoping for: Joining the perfume oil party late it seems my list of "missed out on" fragrances continue to grow and Yuletide Temptress is one I have been trying to track down ever since I read about it shortly after joining ETSY and finding Alkemia. So I'm hoping Hygge is something like that and is a revival of another vanilla gourmand fragrance that had divinity candy listed that I thought too long on and went back later for and it was all claimed. Hopefully, this new release is a fine substitute for those elusive perfumes plus how can I resist anything with gingerbread and sugar cookies listed? Keeping in mind my luck and how much I love and treasure All Hallow's Eve 2017 (*I wish I got back in time to purchase the rollerball version) and Book of Shadows, Hygge will be another "no sample first" purchase. In the bottle: Alkemia you have delivered once again all you promise as this is like holding a bowl of freshly mixed gingerbread cookie dough. It's divine and exactly what I was hoping to find under the shiny gold cap. Applied: Sometimes I really hate my skin chemistry as this starts out like heavenly baked goodness that I can't stop smelling on my wrists and makes me want to snuggle up with a long book but after a short time it disappears completely and there is an unexpected beeswax note remaining that reminds me of my experience with Honeycakes for Harvest Moon. To be honest, Hygge reminds me of a spicier version of Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and also like that seasonal treat I think I will have to use this perfume solely in my hair or on my scarves which works out perfect for this time of year but I still wish this would have worked for my skin. In my hair: Much deeper and longer lasting, there is also a hint of smokey warmth hidden that comes out and in my hair my chemistry seems to apologize for earlier and morphs this with a slightly buttery honey spice. I love this! If you have already fallen for Honeycakes for Harvest Moon grab a bottle of Hygge for your vanity. Words that come to mind: Winter spiced comfort, bakery strands, fading memories Yule Alchemy 2017 (Listed Notes: Rich Butterscotch Toffee, slightly burnt Sugar Cookies, and Fresh Honeycake) *this is an exclusive thank you gift from Alkemia (you're the best Alkemia!) if you spend over $45 on one order, while supplies last if there ever was a time to get some gifts for others (or yourself) it is now. In the bottle: Delectable BUTTERSCOTCH with HONEY it doesn't even smell like "perfume" it smells like something you could drink or bake with (please don't try that). This reminds me of Bonfire Toffees and Woodsmoked Oud but is sweeter without the smoke note (that can be remedied with a little Smoke & Mirrors depending on my mood) or sharpness (which may work great for me as the Bonfire Toffees and Woodsmoked Oud sadly didn't play well with my chemistry when solely applied and had to be tampered with another fall classic). In my hair: *I'm finding more and more this time of year I love to wear sweet fragrances in my hair and I'm familiar what "honey" does on my skin so I carefully dampened my curls and ran some Yule Alchemy through before going out the door for the night. A halo of butterscotch follows me and the warm vanilla comes out with the creamy toffee, this is a wonderful winter treat and would blend delightfully well with so many different gourmand scents or quiet florals combinations I have waiting to experiment with. Words that come to mind: buttery delight, sweet halo, fall to winter dulcet delight, so many possibilities Winter Torchsong (Listed Notes: Rose de Noel, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Cinnamon Aldehyde, Plum Wine, Honeycomb, Balsam Pine, Amber) What I'm hoping: Once again I waited too long and missed out on a fragrance that has intrigued me that being this time Yule Rose (sometimes too much research can go against me, I should have just jumped at the bottle and ignored the poor amount reviews I found) hopefully Winter Torchsong along with its gorgeous name is a remake of what "could have been" with Yule Rose for me, as I love delicate rose fragrances with amber and pine is a must in my book for this time of year. In the vial: ROSE and CINNAMON SOAP, I wasn't expecting that but that was my fault as I missed the "aldehyde" note listed. I know others love "clean or soap notes" but my chemistry usually amps those to almost headache inducing levels but still I'm willing to try this as this reminds me of Amour Conjure which makes me feel a vintage femme fatale whenever I wear it. Winter Torchsong seems (and is hopefully) a slightly aquatic reverse just missing the earthy patchouli and polish of copper. Applied: This is pretty and smells upscale but on me, the soap note overwhelms all the underlying florals and this starts very strong (even with a tiny dab). The beautiful soft rose with pine and a little tartness from I'm guessing the Plum Wine makes this tolerable and I'm glad I kept this on as after a few hours the aldehydes loosened their talons on me (happy to jot down surprisingly not one headache to report though) and gave way to rose, amber and a touch of evergreen that is just timeless and welcoming. If I could have those last few hours experience from the first application this would be a certain full bottle purchase but as the aldehydes takes over for far too long, I think this will be a "test now and maybe once more" before seeing if someone I know who loves "clean florals" would like this. This perfume just may not be for me but it has convinced me I need to hunt down a bottle of Yule Rose as I have a strong feeling that it is the magical floral winter collaboration I have been searching for. (**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). Gifts of the Magi (Listed Notes: Aged Golden Amber, Ethiopian Frankincense, Kenyan Opopanax cured with aromatic herbs - Salam Bay Leaves, Pink Peppercorns, Spicebush, Thyme, Coriander, Tonka Beans, and Deerstongue Fern. Assam Oud, Andalusian Labdanum, Cedar of Lebanon infused with Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla; Dokha Tobacco infused with rare Criollo Cacao Beans, and Tolu Balsam.) What I'm hoping for: Just looking at the extensive note list, this is one perfume I need to try as this sounds like something I would love with the amber, frankincense and herbs with vanilla and pine. In the vial: Like opening an ancient wooden box, it's not one note but a dazzling collage of precious resins and curious herbs. Absolutely magnificent. Applied: On this vial I have attached a clear message to "use sparingly" as this was a costly sample but I don't think Gifts of the Magi is going to last long and I may end up spending the most I ever have for a full bottle of perfume. Again it's not one note but a patchwork that makes this oil a classic and a must-have as it brings together reminders of the reason for the season and future promises for the new year. The longer Gifts of the Magi sits and dries the ancient box opens further to reveal so much that is exotic but somehow familiar. Perhaps this is not your typical everyday perfume but something to bring out for those special occasions or to fall asleep with. If I had to find one negative it is again with my chemistry that unexpectedly amps the tobacco and turns this slightly masculine which keeps me from taking this mysterious perfume out for the night (I love it but others I work with I don't think would appreciate it). I will try to be good (as I have spent so much this year alone on oils) and make this sample last until next year and then maybe buy a full bottle to keep at home. Words that come to mind: exotic box of resins, gifts from afar, winter dreams A Darkness Shining in Brightness (Listed Notes: Golden Amber, Dark Aged Labdanum, Spiced Black Tea) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: For some unknown reason I've been skipping overly caffeinated drinks and instead partaking in a small cup of hot tea at night to keep myself awake and in the early hours of one recent past-midnight shift I thought- I want to smell like refined tea. Just like that I was on the hunt for another curious idea of what I wanted to smell on myself. Luckily Alkemia just released a tea fragrance (with an another catchy name inspired by a famous book) for their Yuletide Collection and the amber with labdanum sounded like something that would fit my wishes. In the vial: TEA, AMBER and RESIN. Alkemia never disappoints with what they promise on their listed notes, they mean what they say and never try to hide a single note. That's what I have come to love about this house of fragrance and of course the way the fragrances tell their own stories to the wearer and I have a feeling this perfume has quite the story to share. Applied: Absolutely this one has a story waiting for me. A Darkness Shining in Brightness opens with a promised spiced tea note that has a minor creaminess behind it and blame it on the literature I'm reading at the moment but I can't help but imagine a genteel lady of leisure in the Edwardian era who is tipping her cup slowly and glancing across the rim to her handsome visitor who sits a respectful and proper distance away. Everything in this scene is proper and a pleasant afternoon of cultivated conversation follows but then the creaminess detected turns sensuous and powdery as this perfume dries and the wintery-evening shadows lengthen and those exchanged glances turn hot and urgent with that the same upright lady excuses herself and her gentleman caller follows her away from the parlor to a partially open door and woah this perfume is naughty. It goes from tea gown to boudoir trimmed lacy fittings and the first night I was just innocently testing this I caught myself all of sudden the night before Christmas Eve driving into work thinking: this is not a Christmas perfume! No it certainly is not and I believe I am falling in love with this scent all the more because of that. On me I could swear there is a hint of lemon but then star anise making up the "spice" in this and when the completely unexpected powder (with a drop of vanilla) hits (ah that powder note from Alkemia I can't get enough of) I am bewitched in the best way and I do believe this will be a full bottle purchase once I use every last drop from the vial. Just like the quote this perfume is named from: there is something obscure about it that is hard to forget. Words that come to mind: Not another word, king's mistress, refined seduction, tea gown to lacy underthings Vixen (Listed Notes: White Amber, luminous late summer night blooming florals, autumnal spice, Golden Musk, Apple Peel, Sugar Pumpkin, Jasmine Tea, Moss) What I'm hoping for: I don't know how but this fragrance keeps falling off my lists of "I need to try this" when I can choose a generous free sample. Not this time, the autumn spice, amber and sugar pumpkin are coming home to me. The name and use of pumpkin are very clever. Plus how could I resist a perfume based on a legend about forest shapeshifting fox spirits? In the vial: This was well worth the wait as this is graceful with APPLE, AMBER and hints of FLORAL, SPICE along with PUMPKIN hovering just out of reach. Ultimately unique and something I can't wait to try on. Applied: Just like the shapeshifting legends of old this perfume is based on, Vixen morphs to reveal unexpected powder with apple, spice and sweet pumpkin. Absolutely inspiring, Alkemia you've done it again! It's perfectly ethereal but elusive and like an old ballad or scent from a love story. That powder note is my passage to another time and this is sure to be a full bottle purchase soon (perhaps in spring so it can age properly for its late summer to fall debut). Words that come to mind: Masquerade Soirée, haunting scent ballad, late summer into fall, powdery vision alkemia.etsy.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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