Alkemia Perfumes Full Bottles: Yule Alchemy 2018 Pear Alchemy Samples: Gothique Forest Patchouli Kāmavaśya Misdeeds After Midnight NSFW Oudh Arboreal Promises by Candlelight Ambre Extrait Madam X Green Carnation Combined Thoughts: These vials and bottles have been peacefully aging and waiting for the day to be shared. Some are from limited collections, have been discontinued or are on sale now. One Note at a Time: Yule Alchemy 2018 (Listed Notes: Boozy fruitcake, crushed pine needles, biscotti, and spiced amber) *a special seasonal treat I found nestled among my one order, thank you Alkemia, you are the best! In the bottle: CHRISTMAS TABLE DESSERTS and strewn PINE NEEDLES Applied: The rich cake with biscotti notes are the first to get my full attention then a classic calming pine comes forward to captivate my senses and take me away to happier times. It's a gourmand with a trace of earthiness to treasure. As Yule Alchemy 2018 dries down the spiced amber is the dominant note that stays with me for hours and eventually turns to lovely powder with a hint of fruit-laced spice to keep things interesting. I need to wear this oil more often, this is exactly how you celebrate the season. Pear Alchemy (Listed Notes: Spiced Bartlett pears, white amber, green cardamon, and ?) *a surprise bottle with one order, thank you so much Alkemia! In the bottle: Golden PEARS drizzled with CARAMEL and AMBER. It's warm and completely enticing. I could sniff the bottle all day and night. Applied: I want to say this smells like bubbly pear champagne sprinkled with spice but I don't think that exists, it is a whole new kind of exquisite and fancy smelling but alas this oil only lasts so long on my skin (2 to 3 hours tops) which is very rare for me when it comes to Alkemia. I've had better luck brushing Pear Alchemy into my hair as it surrounds me with the most gorgeous halo of regal pear and spiced creamy amber that lasts until the next morning. Gothique (Listed Notes: Somalian frankincense, styrax benzoin, Arabian myrrh, cassia, spikenard, canella, Liquidambar orientalis, labdanum, Atlas cedar, and vetiver) In the vial: SWEET MYRRH, FRANKINCENSE and something akin to GINGER SMOKE, it reminds me of a combination of the opening of Darkness Shining in Brightness and Falling Stars on Winter Solstice. Applied: sigh...my kingdom for a dark woody smoky frankincense in perfume or candle melt form. This was the vial I was anticipating from the Yule release and sadly Gothique isn't THE ONE for me but it is still very close in some ways and exceedingly lovely all the same. I believe the myrrh is what is pulling as sparkly golden or even effervescent on my skin and I'm getting faint traces of smoke from a swinging metal thurible but it's not the scent of nights before and after Holy Supper I remember (I hope it is exactly that for someone else though). My search continues. In regards to this vial, I still plan to keep it as Gothique reminds me quite of bit of Darkness Shining in Brightness which is one of my favourite perfumes and since that particular creation is currently marked to be discontinued Gothique may stand in with its recognizable inspiration and calming resiny sweetness. Forest Patchouli (Listed Notes: Siberian pine, balsam fir, mistletoe, iron distilled patchouli and fire cured spices) In the vial: Soft FIR branches, ORANGE and EARTH. It smells like an expensive living rustic Christmas wreath. Applied: On opening a distinct orange note entwines with a freshly cut pine bough and I'm one happy lady walking around with an aura of citrus and camphorous forest. The spice eventually peeks out along with a familiar metal encrusted dirt accord I recognize from the general catalogue then oddly enough this dries down to what I can only call vintage Old Spice with a drop of citrus. Completely unexpected and I would dearly love to smell this fragrance on a man's collar...still one happy lady but now looking for a fella to pou...I mean dab this on, hehe. I'll be saving this for a special day along with: Salem, Lycanthrope, Warm Leatherette, Foxcroft, Stag Moon and Three Treasures. Kāmavaśya (Private Reserve) (Listed Notes: Leather infused dark amber, botanical pheromones, cumin, nutmeg, ambergris, tobacco, vanilla musk, grains of paradise, and civette (cruelty-free civet)). In the vial: *takes a moment* I do believe we have another fragrance to join the "someday collection". Ahem, take me away now! Applied: In 2017 Alkemia unveiled Darkness Shining in Brightness which for me conjured a story of a distinguished Edwardian tea that ended behind closed boudoir doors, now in 2018 I am taken outside space and time with a seductive leather and mysterious caramel concoction that makes me huff my arm and tempts me to go put on the pink and black garter I received in my Bordello Box from Strange Fire & Fumery. Whew! This is unlike anything in my collection and it sort of scares me how much I like it to be honest, haha! It's feral, dirty, primal and not meant for innocent play. I would never wear Kāmavaśya in the workplace setting but this certainly is a welcome confidence boost. Leave it to Alkemia to release something so untamed and adventurous during the holidays (I can't wait to see what Sharra has in store for 2019). Misdeeds After Midnight (Listed Notes: Coffee liqueur, white rum, creme de bergamot, Black Forest raspberries, salted caramel, Arabian rosewater, vetiver root, vanilla musk and golden amber) In the vial: COFFEE LIQUEUR and SALTED FRUIT, here's another fragrance I don't have anything similar to in my collection. Applied: This yule collection features quite a few curious pairings with caramel and Misdeeds After Midnight continues that theme with a luscious salted caramel note swirled under smooth coffee liqueur, rosewater and tart raspberries (I amp caramel so it's the most prominent note as the oil dries); it smells good enough to drink. It's absolutely dreamy but almost a little too much for me as a tiny dab is all I need of this oil. Misdeeds After Midnight is definitely a delicious and cosy scent potion that keeps my nose down to my arm (and dangerously close to Kāmavaśya) which sweeps me away to a sophisticated cocktail bar long after hours and in front of a lone violinist playing his tortured soul out to an empty room (are there violins at a cocktail bar? I've never been to one but that's what I would imagine there to be, so let's go with it). A definite favourite out of this release and a keeper. NSFW (Described as: "A libidinous yet delicate vintage style musk blend for all genders. Suggestively alluring with a flirtatious wink of naughty".) In the vial: I want to say fluffy SOAP BUBBLES but it's so much more than that. It smells fresh and clean but nothing like laundry. Applied: I never knew I could fall for a crisp "musk" that has intriguing nuances of creamy fresh powder and a hint of underlying spice but I have! Atleast, I think this is musk I'm smelling as I am still training my nose (it sort of smells warm). In any case, true to its description NSFW is also undoubtedly delicate, unobtrusive but somehow magnetic (very similar to Luminae and Enigma in ways but not sweet nor carries that nifty "flickering" candlelit butter effect and impression on my skin like in Luminae but as it dries down it does have a wisp of Enigma's cedar note) and I think I just turned to another chapter for my collection and fragrance preference (especially for the workplace). NSFW is quite impressive overall. Oudh Arboreal (Private Reserve) (Listed Notes: Piñon and Siberian pine needles, heartwood, black oudh, bois de rose, anthoxanthum, smoked orange peel, dark ambergris, Andalusian rock rose, agarwood, cardamon, tolu balsam, tonka and 10 year aged black patchouli.) In the vial: AGARWOOD and MINT. It's not for the meek. Applied: I know this perfume was a runaway smash on ETSY but this vial has not been kind to my head and of course, it lasts almost 2 days on my skin, so there's that. It has a distinct high-end vintage quality that I could see appealing to others but unfortunately, it's not for me although I really wish it would be. I honestly can't identify a single note which proves I'm not ready for this level of master perfumery and will never be welcome in other groups on the web or in certain shops. Perhaps it just needs a long rest and I will brave Oudh Arboreal again next winter. Promises by Candlelight (Listed Notes: Amaretto liqueur, Madagascar vanilla beans, yuzu, quince, Monoi Tiare and white amber) In the vial: A fancy ALMOND DESSERT with tropical FLORAL accents. Think the night island version of The Great British Bake Off. Applied: Mmm...Golden caramel again and it's paired with almond, amber, vanilla and dainty flowers this round. As it dries down the amber appears at the forefront of the other notes and something buttery as well. Unfortunately, Promises by Candlelight doesn't last past a few hours on me but I still love this vial. I also adore the name (I know silly but it's true) and found this is one fantastic oil to wear before going to bed. Sweet decadent pleasant dreams await. Ambre Extrait *100% Natural Perfume Oil (Listed Notes: North African Rock Rose, Cambodian Agarwood, Prussian Amber resin, Madagascar Vanilla, Nepalese Spikenard, Somalian Opopanax, Tunisian Liquidambar, Himalayan Cedar, and Honduran Styrax) In the vial: POLISHED CHURCH PEWS, my great uncle's WOOD SHOP, INTRICATE WOOD SCULPTURES at the autumn festival, unexplored ATTIC/CRAWL spaces and EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS. It's a beautiful ode to all the greatest warm comforting wood scents I have ever experienced. Applied: This oil is definitely a crown jewel find and I would love to own a bottle. On me, there is a sweetness to the wood accords and something akin to aged paper with citrus and butter that catches my full attention and hours later I smell a romantic vanilla with an earthy undertone. For some reason, I want to wear this perfume for Easter. Ambre Extrait would be fascinating to layer with perhaps Smoke & Mirrors or my single note of orange blossom I acquired from LittleBits. This is without a doubt a treasured vial and I will be saving it for special occasions and report back if I discover any nifty combinations. Madam X (Listed Notes: Bergamot, mandarin, dark violet, Italian iris, black orchid, Japanese incense, orris root, sueded musk, white sandalwood, Tahitian vanilla, and pale patchouli) In the vial: VIOLETS and TEA? That must be BERGAMOT I'm detecting. Lovely as its inspiration. Applied: Of course the violets hold sway over all (curse you, skin chemistry) and I can't really identify any other scent, there may be the mandarin and bergamot trying valiantly to come forward if I take my time to concentrate but it's a strong floral amping at the moment. Surprisingly Madam X is not giving me a headache or is an example of how sharp violets can be (shudders when thinks about Hydromancy), no this is soft, pretty and inviting. I also love that Madam X is vintage in a certain way and I'll be wearing this perfume to special historical events. This will go into my Gilded Age or Old New York part of my collection, I could see Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan or my old friend Lily Bart wearing this perfume. Green Carnation (Listed Notes: Carnations, dianthus, absinthe, green patchouli, and bay rum) In the vial: ABSINTHE, RUM and something resembling HAY in summer? Maybe it is just me being homesick but this smells like a horse barn in the best possible way. Applied: The horse barn with sweet fresh hay quality of this oil lingers for a few minutes then Green Carnation morphs to velvety plush carnations and anise or fennel from the absinthe. The green fairy is strong in the Green Carnation and it unexpectedly satisfies my craving for that distinct note. An hour in and the rum is tangling with the patchouli and spicy dianthus, here is another for my collection as Green Carnation is a clear keeper and I'm going to leave a reminder for myself to pick this fragrance up for next St. Patrick's Day to wear. Ultimately, I can easily see why this perfume is so popular, it's a unique unisex blend with interesting florals aspects and a kiss of the green fairy. Alkemia Perfumes Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ Full Bottles: Citrus Alchemy 2018 Halloween Alchemy 2018 Samples: The Lover Tells of the Rose Tranquil Idyll Sorcière Rouge Roll in the Hay Feuillemort Buosni The Center of the Universe Ambre D'Automne Vespertilia Blue Moon Eclipse Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure Dustsceawung Season of the Witch All Hallows Eve October 2018 Blood Moon Eclipse Combined Thoughts: These vials and bottles have been peacefully aging and waiting for the day to be shared. Some are from limited collections, marked to be discontinued or are on sale now. One scent at a time: Citrus Alchemy 2018 (Listed Notes and Description: a sunny blend of lemon and linden blossom, fresh ginger aldehydes, blood orange, grapefruit, chamomile, neroli, freesia, and an uplifting splash of bergamot) *a surprise bottle with one order, thank you so much Alkemia! In the bottle: An overall delightful mosaic of citruses but the intoxicating LEMON and GINGER bubbles are what catch my full attention. It's so lovely and summery. Applied: Oh wow, this is stunning and I get the lemony aldehydes which are refreshing and add to the description: "sunshine in a bottle". There is also a buried note of lemon verbena present that adds a subtle hint of herbal spice to everything (sadly it fades so fast as soon as it is noticed) and I want to go put on a summer dress and walk around with a sun parasol (yes even in the dreary months of December-March). It has aged extraordinarily well (it was a tad soapy when it first arrived- I think I was amping the linden blossom and freesia the most under the citrus) but now it is one of the brightest noted creations in my collection. When it dries down there is more of a sweetness that comes through (not exactly candy but noticeable). I will be reaching for Citrus Alchemy at times throughout winter to remember sunshine and then in spring to remind myself of bubbly warmth. Halloween Alchemy 2018 (Listed Notes and Description: a gourmand blend of autumn spices, Halloween treats, vanilla incense, and a little woodsmoke) *A seasonal treat I found in one order, thank you Alkemia you are the best! In the bottle: A collage of Halloween and autumnal treats. The MAPLE rises to be noticed first then SPICED MARSHMALLOW and WOODSMOKE. Gah, you know how to spoil us Alkemia! Applied: Mmm...give me a minute. This is delicious smelling and I want to pour this oil over my head right now. I don't know where spiced maple pastries were hiding in the bottle but my skin presents them to enjoy and I also get something savoury (it almost smells like pumpkin bread) with the woodsmoke. The spiced vanilla and sticky kiss of marshmallow are the drizzled icing to the whole confection and as it dries down Halloween Alchemy smells similar to Pumpkin Strumpet which is one of my all-time favourite perfumes from any house of fragrance. This could very well be a long lost smokey sweet sister scent and I can't wait to see how this beauty ages. The Lover Tells Of The Rose (Listed Notes: wild roses, a touch of lemon verbena, white pearl tea leaves, delicate white patchouli, and a springtime rebirth of new greens and wet mosses) In the vial: Dew kissed ROSES nestled in a bed of MOSS and LEMON VERBENA. It's another stunning spring to summer blend. Applied: Anyone that knows me is familiar with my love affair with lemon verbena and it remains one of the elusive primary note I have been searching for in an indie fragrance, sadly The Lover Tells Of The Rose is understandably more roses than verbena but it is still pretty and one floral perfume to recommend. On me, the roses are fresh and clean and the moss accord is extremely realistic. I clearly get spring greens and as this oil dries the white tea and patchouli appear more with the roses. It almost smells green and papery floral as the hours pass. I wish the verbena would stay but still, I really like this scent potion and will wear it in spring. Tranquil Idyll (Listed Notes: Asian pear blossom, lychee fruits, flowering freesia, evening moonflower, Beach Naupaka, and sensuous white amber with a gently sedative dusting of nutmeg) *Listed to discontinued soon, be sure to try this perfume if it interests you before it disappears. In the vial: SALTY but breezy FREESIA, LYCHEE and AMBER. It is definitely in the beachy floral realm. Applied: The more this perfume ages the more I'm liking it. My skin pulls the nutmeg forward and the powderiness of the moonflower with amber and pear really makes me smile. This is a very expensive smelling combination. It does somewhat remind me of Carmen-7 but more summer ocean versus sweet expensive indulgences. I don't have many beachy scents so this one is unique and will stay in my summer/warm weather cache or when I want to impress trend-following relatives. Sorcière Rouge (Listed Notes: Tibetan agar-wood, and Dragon's Blood infused with Rock Rose and dark amber) In the vial: Sweet DRAGON'S BLOOD and ROSE. I have been wanting this vial for a long time. Applied: Oh a little patient aging has done this fragrance wonders and I see why it is highly recommended by so many. On me, the dragon's blood is most dominant and to those who never smelled that note before, it almost reminds me of bubbles from a wand and a hint of balsamic sweetness (once you smell it in one vial or bottle you can pick that note out of any creation, it's very distinct). There is also something dusty and salty in this oil that adds to the arcane quality of this perfume. The rose is warmed by the amber and I will be donning red or black velvet when I wear Sorcière Rouge out. It definitely deserves the recommendations and positive reactions. Roll in the Hay (Listed Notes: dried hay, fresh green grass, early summer wildflower honey, vanilla grass, vanilla leaf, and wild poppy) In the vial: HAY and VANILLA. Here is another vial I'm been anticipating for a long time. Applied: Once again the power of ageing continues to astound me because this perfume is finally staying on my skin and I'm in love with the dried hay with the romantic warm vanilla. I'm not getting any distinct honey or wildflowers but I still love this combination and what my chemistry is amplifying. There is a mint-like note that I recognize from Peaches in the Summer Wind and I'll be placing Roll in the Hay next to in the late summer to early fall collection. Another keeper. Early Fall 2018: Can I just say the Early Fall 2018 release from Alkemia Perfumes was one of my favourite packs I have received this year from any seasonal collection. Every one of these vials contain a classy and extremely wearable representation of Autumn (work setting safe). If you love well-blended ambers, aquatics that smell cool and refreshing, elegantly presented spice, a nostalgic but also adult gourmand that pulls your nose down to stay at your skin and have been looking for an intriguing science themed scent phenomenon- grab this collection now and let Alkemia welcome you to Autumn in true style. Feuillemort (Listed Notes: Dying leaves, smoked autumnal spices, dried grasses and fungi, Tibetan incense, cedarwood, rum soaked agarwood, and borneol) In the vial: The release of autumn in all its splendour with DRIED LEAVES, SWEET SPICES and WOODS. I'm in love already. Applied: This is it, this is the professional autumnal fragrance I have been looking for when I'm not draped in Necromancy from Sixteen92. I feel like an Autumnal Queen when I wear this oil and I love walking onto the floor robed in this special perfume. There is a realistic apple cider note entwined with dark amber that is getting stronger as my vial ages and the dying leaves with cedar grounds all the accords only pulling me deeper into the best time of the year. Feuillemort is so aptly named and I need to order a bottle as soon as my vial is empty. This is how you step out and greet a season with true style! Buosni (Listed Notes: Shortbread cookies, orange blossom infused icing, warm caramel, red apples, sugar pumpkins, candied ginger marzipan and cardamon-nutmeg spiced patchouli) In the vial: CARDAMON, APPLE, CARAMEL and an undercurrent of ORANGE ICING. It's such a delectable blend. Applied: Here is another tempting creation that smells so realistic and straight from a bakery counter. On me, the caramel and icing amps the most and I can pick out the ginger and nutmeg. The apple disappears on me immediately but the orange blossom stays and pairs well with the marzipan and cookie accord that begins to appear at 10 minutes. The spiced patchouli comes forward to stay in about 45 minutes and this perfume lasts around 8 to 10 hours on me. There is also an impressive throw with this oil but I'm not sure I would want a full bottle (I still like it and will be saving the vial for next year). The Center Of The Universe (Listed Notes: Raspberries, Rum, Hot Metal, Ozone, Gun Powder, and Charcoal) In the vial: Savoory RASPBERRIES, METAL and OZONE. Applied: Alkemia promised an "out there" fragrance and they delivered as this perfume is full of the unexpected. On me, my chemistry seems to have found a worthy challenge of wonky with this scent interpretation of space as it turns The Center of the Universe from muted tart raspberries with metal and charcoal to a savoury fruit and a curious coldness that seals the notes. The rum also makes an appearance with the gun powder but it never turns masculine nor overly feminine. As my vial is aging the charcoal seems to attach more to the savoury fruit amping the most and this perfume lasts well into the next day. This is such a unique berry fragrance. I know others were concerned this oil may have been a little too avant-garde but there isn't a tremendous throw with The Center of the Universe and it is more like your own private morphing scent show to the heavens above. I will be getting a full bottle once my vial runs out. Ambre D'Automne (Listed Notes: Woodsmoked amber infused for thirteen lunar cycles with tobacco leaf, cinnamon vine, green bayberries, chaga, birch tar, maple sap) In the vial: CINNAMON, MAPLE and TOBACCO, here is another I think I'm already falling for. Applied: Oh my, Alkemia is just taking my senses away with their fall fragrances this year. Ambre D'Autumne is amazing as I smell like smoked mint-honey (the bayberry is there in the backdrop as well as the spicy cinnamon and a smear of tar overall adding the woodsy aspect of this creation). It's rich but very work appropriate and I never knew I loved ambers until I opened a vial from Alkemia. I'm going to say it, they are the best house of fragrance for ambers. They know what they are doing and showcase that art and knowledge beautifully in perfumes such as Amber D'Automne. Another clear winner in my book and I need a bottle. Vespertilia (Listed Notes: Tart quince, Asian pear, and wild apple infused with black and jasmine teas in an autumnal unfolding of marigolds, Golden Ray lilies, palo santo, oakmoss, bamboo, and golden amberwood) In the vial: APPLE, JASMINE, LILLY and PEAR. It is so expensive smelling, fingers crossed my chemistry plays nice. Applied: I love the fragrance in the vial but sadly my chemistry attaches to the jasmine and I smell like expensive high-end hair conditioner. I'm hoping a long rest will subdue the jasmine (I've had tremendous luck with other vials that star a jasmine note so I believe this vial needs some extra patience, there is still something so magnetic and classic about this perfume) and more fruit will appear next year. I will revisit this oil another day. If you love jasmine Vespertilia needs to be on your vanity. Blue Moon Eclipse (Listed Notes/Description: the coolness of ferns and delicate irises beside tumbling woodland streams scattered with mossy rocks, water lilies, flowering rushes, black willow, ginger musk, and a whispering breeze of lemon verbena infused aldehydes gathered into a tarnished antique silver pitcher filled with early autumn chrysanthemums) *A limited edition fragrance In the vial: One of the best aquatic scents I have yet to come across. It's tart, dark green and strangely beautiful. Not one note stands out, this is an oil that tells a comprehensive story you can't wait to lean in to hear. Applied: Blue Moon Eclipse starts out a watery bubbly verbena over silver that shifts to white florals and dries down to unfortunate soap or hair product. How I wish my chemistry would make the first 20 minutes experience stay as I adore that green herbaceous with silver metal scent combination. I still love to wear this perfume to work and I have high hopes it will age or deepen in the coming months. You have no idea how much I want a full bottle. Perhaps this is one oil I could use in a scent locket or wear solely in my hair. Interesting ideas, I must experiment another day. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Listed Notes: Rare Japanese boudoir incenses, luxurious caramel pralines, vanilla orchids, bergamot, orris root, candied lemon peel, and a splash of champagne) In the vial: BERGAMOT, ORRIS, LEMON and a silky creamy CARAMEL that I know is going to love my skin. This is a very aptly named fragrance. Applied: Oh! Now, this is a combination I could wear out with a secret little smirk. It's sultry and but sweetly refined and it reminds me of Ghost Fire and Luminae. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure is a gorgeous balance between those two familiar fragrances with a trace of bergamot and captivating boudoir odds and bits. On me, as expected the delicious dreamy caramel amps (this is one oil with an impressive throw and a tiny dab goes a long way) and melds so wonderfully with the delicate citrus tinted powder. As it dries, the scent warms becoming a seductive caramel amber and this perfume lasts well into the next day for me. Another keeper and on the list for when the vial runs out. I can see Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure being a fan classic ranking right up there with Luminae and Ghost Fire once the word gets out. It's one of those scents that will be oh so good to you. Dustsceawung (Listed Notes/Description: The scent of forbidden explorations and an olfactory meditation on dust... attic air, the inside of old trunks, abandoned haylofts, library stacks, and abandoned buildings) In the vial: PEANUT DUST and WOOD, it's salty and sweet. I believe I had the same reaction to Stag Moon. Let's hope my chemistry turns this into a seductive little number to hoard for another day. Applied: I really must learn to not go solely by what the vial wand holds because my skin has unleashed one flipping impressive atmospheric that immediately makes me think of walking into an old abandoned dusty crawl space, you know something is there in the dark just beyond the flickering light you carry and it's the only thing giving you hope and reassurance you are safe. The wood note smells like an cobwebbed covered wooden shelf that holds jars filled with the macabre and strange (blame the time of the year or my love of horror movies but think the scene in Silence of the Lambs when Agent Starling is exploring the shelves of secrets in the abandoned warehouse). Dustsceawung is a pretty awesome fragrance especially if you love mystery, dusty wood, a trace of resin sweetness and desire a real feast for the fiendish imagination. My dark little heart is very pleased right now. Season Of The Witch (Listed Notes: Black pine pitch, dark myrrh, aged black amber, and ritual Samhain incense blended with Black Cavendish and Perique tobaccos, protective tsuga, divinatory bay leaves, and intuition enhancing black cardamon) In the vial: SWEET PINE, MYRRH and CARDAMON. What an exquisite marriage of dark accords. Applied: I must admit I was expecting a black spicy resinous midnight collaboration with the listed notes but on me the myrrh amps and creates an unexpected sweetness with the black pine pitch and I can detect the bay, a tobacco that is mild but deep and smokey and there is also the incense that is smouldering in the background perhaps adding to the mild smokiness of the tobacco. Must also jot down, this is another powerful scent potion where a tiny dab goes far. Oddly, Season Of The Witch reminds me of a long lost darker ((but strangely sweeter) sister scent of Falling Stars At Winter Solstice (or Falling Stars On Winter Solstice depending on the year you purchased it in)). I'm interested to see how this complex blending will age further and if other notes will appear in the coming months (I would love to use this oil on my gloomy themed scarves). *Intermission: For the next vial, I wanted to do a comparison between 2018's version of one of my favourite fragrance recipes to reach for and 2017's. All Hallows Eve October 2018 (Listed Notes: Warm Toasted Marshmallows, Drifting Woodsmoke, Black Licorice, Star Anise, Cardamon Pods, Sugared Amber, Tonka Beans, and Patchouli Infused Bourbon Vanilla) AND All Hallows Eve 2017 (Listed Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Cardamon Pods, Star Anise, Candied Fennel Seeds, Roasted Marshmallows, and Smoked Amber) I know this review is late but here were my thoughts: Okay it is officially the season of phantasmagorical images, dark luring promises, wisps of mystery and surprises from all corners that make me want more because I have my All Hallows Eve release from Alkemia and wow what a night and day difference between last year's recipe to this year's. 2018's version is proving to be more of a morphing smokey sweet enigma and I know it's not listed but I swear I can smell orange (it opens very similar to Trick or Treat with the mandarin orange peel and licorice) and the sugared amber is really taking to my chemistry amping the most with the toasted marshmallow and dash of anise. 2018's mixture is definitely more sweet and grounded with pretty vanilla. My bottle from 2017's release has been aging a complete year but I compared my notes from shortly after it arrived last October to today and there isn't much a noticeable difference, it's still a suggestively wicked medley (that star anise and woodsmoke are my ultimate weaknesses). On me, there is an unabashed flexing display of crushed cardamon in 2017's recipe that is missing in the 2018 version, a sticky touch of smoked melted marshmallow and a teasing kiss of spice to keep me coming back. It's more gourmand to my nose (darker and sorry my favorite of the two but I still plan to eventually hunt down a bottle of 2018's as it's akin to a bright orange and dusk purple streaked sky versus the mischievous winds on a moonlit night where anything can happen; they are that different and both deserve praise). I guess when it comes down to deciding which is the right bottle and recipe of All Hallows Eve for someone, they must answer that fun question of are you a good witch or a bad witch tonight? Blood Moon Eclipse (Listed Notes: Blood Tarnished Silver and Strange Dry Musks) *Limited Edition, no longer available in the catalogue In the vial: I don't even know how to explain this fragrance, it's positively eerie and dark. I love it. Applied: Holy Cats this is unlike any perfume in my collection and the more it ages the more I'm loving it. Alkemia completely caught me off guard with this mysterious vial and on me, the musks dominant and I can detect a clear metal accord. This is one fascinating fragrance that lasts for hours and seriously unnerves those around me (hehe). Blood Moon Eclipse is not for everyday wear but calls for some spooky celebration or event. I regret not wearing this oil more this year (when it first arrived my chemistry turned this perfume into a mad coconut science experiment but aging as always triumphs in the end). I will be carefully tucking this vial away and saving it for next October or a horror reading or movie marathon. Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ Alkemia Perfumes
alkemia.etsy.com Thoughts: -You would be forgiven for thinking this marvellous creation is solely gourmand as the first sniff is luscious dark cacao and fresh lavender blooms with a hint of cardamon you can't seem to put down but Fleurs Historiques et Cacao is so much more and is full of surprises once it hits the skin. Right away a stately presence emerges from this blending stimulating the senses further along with your imagination sweeping you back to a courtly era others only dream they could present in a bottle then this crafted beauty fondly bids you farewell hours later with a soft floral-powdery wave akin to from a delicate lace handkerchief. Overall, absolutely inspiring and lovely for summer. Brava Alkemia! One scent at a time: Fleurs Historiques et Cacao *ULTIME version (Listed Notes: Dark Cacao, French Lavender Flowers, Black Cardamon Pods, Tea with Lemon Peel, Grapefruit Blossom and Vanilla Musk. In the bottle: FRENCH LAVENDER BLOOMS and ground dark CACOA with a hint of CARDAMON waiting in the background, it's sophisticated and a little heady. I can easily tell how this scent mixture would ensnare a king (it's simply memorable and beautifully addictive--Madame de Pompadour knew exactly what she was doing with this historic fragrance recipe). I must don lace and gold tonight, Fleurs Historiques et Cacao definitely demands my best! Applied: What we are presented with is an unapologetic feminine fragrance that commands your attention and sweeps you away to another time and place when it hits the skin. I immediately get the decadent cacao with the floral of the lavender blooms and these two play amazingly well with one another creating visions of a gilded French boudoir back in the 18th century with an open large window directly facing a summer parterre. There is something very airy even delicate about Fleurs Historiques et Cacao but at the same time, confident and I'm astonished the cacao is lasting on my skin (I must remember to purchase the ULTIME again if cacao is a listed note). I must also stop as I am getting looks from my coworkers as I obsessively sniff my wrists and move my hair so the blended poetry of the notes (now accompanied by a warm cardamon and noticeable bright citrus) takes me away each time my curls move. You know what, let them look, I don't care; this is a special night and I desired a fragrance that said "I have arrived in life" and Fleurs Historiques et Cacao is exactly what I wanted and will mean something whenever I wear it. Later long into the night, the floral and slight sweetness (that never resembles the scent of a bakery) takes on a wisp of romantic vanilla musk and then this perfume slowly fades with a glorious powdery finish that follows me out the door and into the light of dawn. Absolutely this is a special bottle for my collection and I can tell it will only get better with age (doesn't everything?) alkemia.etsy.com One Note at a Time: Pheromone Alchemy C24 by Alkemia Perfumes (An Introvert's Little Secret Helper)5/17/2018
Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com Combined Thoughts: Pheromone Alchemy C24 by Alkemia Perfumes is an absolute wonder as it continues to fascinate me how a vial of modern mad science (that must be mixed with a touch of hidden magic) can positively affect someone's self-confidence. It has become the invisible encouragement this wallflower needed to seat instead of bolting for the door and continues to surprise me as I wish to practice more on perfecting my social skills (especially in the workplace). I really shouldn't share this little secret gem but it's honestly too good to not share! Brava Alkemia and thank you for creating such a unique and useful item. In the bottle: It's nearly odourless but there is a faint trace of rubbing alcohol and an even more diluted scent (a wisp of Enigma) but you nearly have to touch the applicator to your nose and concentrate to get anything. Applied: When the contents from the distinctive bottle are first applied there is indeed an extremely light scent that soon fades and absorbs quickly into your skin (the classy velvet pouch comes with a card of instructions that are very clear only ONE drop is needed from the small bottle pipette). A final perfume selection is all that is required after that (I have been wearing Echoed Ecstasy) and then C24 turns into an introvert's little secret helper. *It should also be noted that the perfume you place on top only seems to intensify then soon deepen and you may even pick up on hidden notes in your favourite bottles and vials you never noticed before (the florals in Echoed Ecstasy really stand out with the strawberry creating an elegant pink champagne that tickles my nose and lasts well into the next day; usually it was sweet melon with delicate ginger ale-like bubbles). Now for the sake of argument perhaps it's all psychological, that when you apply C24 you want it to perform so you dress a little more carefully and hold your head up more. You also seem to sit straighter and you even try to smile more (making yourself seem more approachable) but believe what you want because all I know is this stuff works! I have been approached (even with my back turned) by complete strangers and getting compliments left and right. I admit it is still a tad overwhelming as I usually sit quietly and rush from events or large groups as soon as possible but when I finally leave wearing C24 I feel different than I usually would. It's a strange and wonderful feeling to be honest and I have been experimenting with this social rescue remedy elixir (as well with the botanical pheromones in certain vials) at the workplace. All signs point to YES something unseen and incredible is present and works favourably with my chemistry. Who knows what this could mean as I practice more on basic social skills and let myself shine, perhaps this is the year for great things to happen and others to follow! Curious? 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 Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com Samples and Bottle: Club des Hashischins Peaches in the Summer Wind Scandal at the Savoy The Mist Becoming Rain The Spice Tree Come to Me Conjure Perfume Oil Imramma Rites of Spring Combined Thoughts: These vials have been peacefully aging and waiting for the day to be shared. Some are from limited collections, marked to be discontinued and are on sale now. One scent at a time:
Club des Hashischins (Listed Notes: African Bronze Honey, Caramelized Black Oud, Blackberry Pipe Tobacco, Labdanum, Hashish Coffee and Dawamesk *straight from the conjurers at Alkemia: "Contains no active cannabinoids", Orange Peel, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamon, Nutmeg, Musk, and Kola Nuts) What I was hoping for and what called to me: After falling hard for my ultimate gateway scent potion known as Caveau des Innocents, I went on the hunt for any and all labdanum noted fragrances in Alkemia's amazing library of perfumes. Turns out I started exploring just at the perfect moment as the early Autumnal releases blew right into my line of curiosity and Club des Hashischins called out to me with inspiring history involved in the creation of this fragrance but also the cinnamon, clove, nutmeg appealed to my love of fall spices and finally oddly the blackberry pipe tobacco as I have been secretly hoping to stumble across a perfume with that note combination; even one my skin chemistry would hopefully amp (I'm still learning what notes bloom and wither on me). Intermission: *Being completely honest, this vial had to rest for several months as it was extremely sharp coffee and blackberry based. It was just so intense, overwhelming and I quietly placed it away thinking I possibly made a mistake. Ah but if only I would learn better patience because today of all days, I remembered this vial sat still waiting and I thought it couldn't hurt to try it one more time... In the vial: What a shame I had such a poor introduction to this vial because if only I would have waited it mellowed to CARAMEL, COFFEE and SWEET SPICE. It is such a transporting combination and you can imagine the stories that await from 1844 where some famous writers sat around indeed being masters of their universe. All positives in Club des Hashischins aside though this still makes me anxious to try on my finicky skin but I can't resist to atleast stay awhile in any realm of bitter, creative and sweet indulgences. Applied: A blast of bitter pungent coffee opens that makes me jerk my head away and think perhaps I was indeed mistaken about everything I thought good and I can't handle this perfume but then my usually difficult chemistry welcomes forward the caramel note and tempts me to stay just a little bit longer. Going about my day, the caramelized coffee (that has calmed down and smells gourmand) is still present but pleasant on this pseudo-spring day so I keep wearing it, that turns out to be an excellent decision because a distinct blackberry pipe smoke note twists my head and calls for attention as I am doing mundane housework and I notice how much it wants to impress and then softly fades to and stays with cinnamon and nutmeg mixed pipe smoke. Overall a scent experience I can see returning to again gladly. Granted I have only the tiniest dab on right now but Club des Hashischins is quite the different scene that I believe would work best on special occasions or when stepping out on those days when a little-inspired culture and creativity with scent is needed especially in the colder months. Peaches in the Summer Wind (Listed Notes: Peaches, Peach Leaves, Fresh Hay and Ash-Splint Wood Orchard Baskets.) Soon to be discontinued, try it if you are interested before it's all gone (https://www.etsy.com/listing/470878499/peaches-in-the-summer-wind-perfume-oil?ref=shop_home_active_3) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Being on the lookout for peach noted fragrances to allow my mind to wander to spring and approaching sunshine, I noticed Peaches in the Summer Wind is to be discontinued and thought I better not wait to try it. Not only did the peaches call to me but the notion this is a transitional fragrance from summer to fall. In the vial: HAY and PEACHES, it's incredibly realistic to a hay lined basket filled with dew kissed peaches. There is also an almost BUTTER note I'm picking up at times. Applied: At first, the morning misted peaches are replaced with something like mint and hay which is completely unexpected but smelling the vial again there is a very faint trace of mint lingering in the back I didn't initially notice. As it dries the peaches try valiantly to come forward but is no match for my stubborn chemistry that is amping the wood and mysterious mint note. Perhaps the peaches will prevail in the end after a long rest and be ready for the end of summer, I will wait to pass final judgement then. Scandal at the Savoy (Listed Notes: Sweet Opium Pralines, Mandarin Peel, Guaiac Wood, Tobacco, Cedar, and Oak) What called to me: This was another sample I had myself determined to try as it was listed next to recommendations based on Caveau des Innocents. The opium listed had me concerned however and I contacted the fabulous Ms Sharra at Alkemia and she explained the components were nothing to fear (no question is ever considered silly which I truly appreciate and answered in such an easy to understand manner that makes her customer service one of the best in (and outside) the world of indie perfume oils)). I can't wait to try this perfume. *Being completely honest, when this generous sample arrived last year it was absolute magic in the vial when it came to the sweeter listed and wood notes but when applied the tobacco was so overpowering (like an old ashtray) and I worried this was an embarrassing mistake. Just like Club des Hashischins it was then placed quietly away and waited patiently for one final visit... In the vial: Elegantly presented PRALINES with VANILLA TOBACCO. This is such a sophisticated gourmand fragrance. Please, of please let my skin behave and continue with all that is right with this vial. Applied: After carefully dabbing, closing my eyes and holding my breath, I slowly inched my head forward and ah bliss! It is indeed a miracle as this is now a sweet confection with refined tobacco and wood that I could seriously sniff all day with no regrets. This is another fragrance that stresses the importance and reward of patience as this is one more transporting perfume to a forgotten time and place. Even as it dries it gets better and this turns to caramel drizzled bundt cake with a sprinkling of tobacco. I apologize to all those devotees of this delicious and somehow piquant collaboration, you were right and I will wear this perfume in the colder months with no fear. The Mist Becoming Rain (Listed Notes: Rainwater, Hazel Wood, Meadow Grasses, Sage Blooms, Orris Root, Ozone, Grey Amber.) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This time I was browsing for orris root noted perfumes as I was completely entranced by my ode to everything black as black known to others as The Raven (orris root is listed among those notes). That perfume makes me feel like a dangerous seductive queen and I'm hoping The Mist Becoming Rain is an atmospheric moody regal scent for those days and nights when I keep to myself. In the vial: COLOGNE and SOAP. Perhaps this is more of a conceptual fragrance. Everyone's take on nature is different but this is not what I was hoping for. Applied: When The Mist Becoming Rain first hits my skin the ozone heralds an unexpected smile and brings to mind that calming building presence of a late summer shower that can either be muggy one moment then cooling another. This is definitely in the summer realm of fragrances as after the ozone enters an almost sassafras note (reading that has to be the sage) slowly appears. I can even smell something like split bark and earth, I can't believe I feared this...wait what? NO! Aldéhydes move in and turns this into a masculine cologne and everything that had me smiling several minutes ago is now gone. It's too clean smelling, give me back the earthy element and once again my chemistry ruins a perfectly lovely moment. With great sadness, I will have to pass The Mist Becoming Rain to a friend who loves aldéhydes and continue my search for a dark atmospheric rainstorm in a bottle to call my own. (**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). The Spice Tree (Listed Notes: Cardamon, Nutmeg, Rosewood, Spice Tree, Grains of Paradise, Black Mountain Cherrywood, Mossy Cypress) What I was hoping for and what called to me: The country hollows and mountains in the distance were beginning to put on one spectacular show and I had to have something woody and spice noted for my scarves. The Spice Tree called to me especially with the nutmeg listed (I can never have enough of those types of noted perfumes in my collection). *You guessed it, this was another vial that had something magnificently go wrong when I first tried it and I had to admit defeat at the moment and tuck it away. Interestingly enough I wasn't going to attempt it again but with having such unbelievable success with two other vials today, I decided The Spice Tree deserved a chance. In the vial: CINNAMON and GRAINS OF PARADISE. It isn't the vials themselves (this one, in particular, is beautifully spice noted with sweet and woody finishes) it's when they hit my skin something unfortunate happens. Alone The Spice Tree is amazing and I would love this in an oil warmer. Applied: Time absolutely helped The Spice Tree become something to recommend, it's warm variations of cinnamon and wood that does have a slight aldéhyde (soapy) quality but right before that may really disappoint me the nutmeg thankfully makes an appearance and yes I will keep this vial and wear it when the leaves change. Come to Me (Listed Notes: Candied Rose Petals, Star Jasmine, Peach Blossom, Cardamon Infused Figs, Pink Pepper, Orris Root, Mexican Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Cashmeran, White Amber, Sugar Musk, White Patchouli infused with Botanical Pheromones, lodestone, Jezebel Root, and Other Speciality Ingredients) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Watching my screens like a hawk, I dropped everything to get the early spring collection ordered from Alkemia once the new listings appeared. This particular sample calls to me not only with the mystic influence (and secret hope) but every listed note needs to come home to me. In the vial: STAR JASMINE, PEACH and CARDAMON. It's exactly what it says on the tin "a sweet and sultry perfume". With the star jasmine there is a slightly soapy quality but becoming more and more familiar with the benefits star jasmine can have in store for me (i.e. out of this time and place powder), this will be something else once it ages for a few months but I can't wait that long and must try it on. Applied: ...Come to Me reminds me of another masterwork from Alkemia and it took me a few careful sniffs to recall one of my first sample vials from this house of fragrance and I think those who have been scrambling or searching for Lettre d'Amour better quickly get acquainted with Come to Me because this is sure to impress and who knows if it will last the season. Instead of parchment, ink and neroli orange the familiar star jasmine, roses and white amber are warmed in this scent potion by cardamon, orris root, pink pepper and vanilla ultimately becoming an exotic sister fragrance that turns heads. Where Lettre d'Amour was innocent and youthful in ways, Come to Me weaves an entirely different spell that is still soft, feminine but with a wanton secret waiting to be shared. The more I wear this vial, the more I'm thinking I need this conjure oil in my perfume arsenal but time will tell as I'm trying to be good with my pocketbook right now...then again...I'll wait to fully decide when that star jasmine turns to gorgeous powder on me which should be by early June. Imramma (Salt Water, French Lavender, Bayberry, Ambrette Seed, Cedar Tips, Wild Beachgrass, Alder, Pink Yarrow, Juniper, and Irish Moss Seaweed) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Anyone that knows me wouldn't be surprised I gave whoop of delight when I saw Imramma listed because if given the chance I would hop a plane right now to travel to Europe (and probably never come back) and Ireland is definitely on my list to see. Given the inspiration, for this perfume and the lavender and bayberry listed, I must bring home Imramma. In the vial: Ever wish you could seriously just step into a vial or bottle and fully experience the concept, as you can easily imagine the sounds and sights of a presented theme? No? Then you need to get a sample of Imramma because this will change your thinking of how perfume oils involve your senses and imagination. This is like standing on a grassy cliff with the ancient salty sea all around you or what I would think from all the pictures I have seen of oceans and cliff tops. Once again, I need to just leave and travel (someday). Applied: I must say that Imramma plays perfectly into its inspiration, it's a salty aquatic that has a tome of stories of notes to share not just with women but men also as this could be worn by anyone. On me, the lavender, juniper and saltwater stand out the most (with something like lime also) and it's not as romantic to my nose as The Wild Atlantic Way (full thoughts on that relaxing love letter to the senses coming in April) that has a rainy vale and ancient forest impression but Imramma nonetheless grabs my attention and allows me to daydream of bracing moonlit walks along the beach and adventure and exploration. Just lovely and I will keep this vial for when I read about different seafaring topics or legends and place it on my list to seriously consider getting a full bottle of later. Rites of Spring (Listed Notes: Daffodils, Crocus, Forsythia, Snow Drops, Hyacinths, and Linden Blossoms) What I was hoping for and what called to me: The fragrance was my first attempt to capture memories in a perfume oil (Eastertime at my beloved grandparents' house) and I thought I better not pass this opportunity up as Rites of Spring was being discontinued. The hyacinth, crocus, forsythia and daffodil list notes called to me and promised so much. Intermission: *When Rites of Spring first arrived it smelled like hair products and with a heavy heart, I placed it away believing the nostalgic scent collage I desperately desired only existed in my memories. It has been almost a year since I purchased this bottle and I'm anxious to see if magic happened and aging benefited this fragrance and my opinion. In the bottle/Applied: *I have bloomed hyacinths currently on my kitchen table and compared the greenness and floral aspects. I also have really come to appreciate roller ball bottles on my perfume oils as I cannot master the art of applying drop style bottles without making a big mess. Aging definitely helped tone down the sharp conditioner and hairspray scent that leapt out at me almost a year ago from Rites of Spring. It's still not what I wanted sadly but this is a very fresh note mosaic that is undoubtedly the season of spring through and through. Comparing a real hyacinth to the bottle, it seems that note is hidden. I want to say something more citrus like in the bottle is currently rising above anything else along with an unlisted aquatic note. **Meant to apply one tiny drop and ended up with a huge drop that is dribbling down: I'm really trying to be optimistic and allowing my mind to wander...I'm getting freshly opened daffodils swaying after a gentle late March to April shower. It is actually very pretty and I know tulips aren't listed but I swear this smells like damp tulips alongside daffodils. It is at this point as I'm beginning to like this perfume that an unknown note lurking underneath takes over making this expensive laundry soap/dryer sheets to my nose and it doesn't change as Rites of Spring slowly dries. Believe it or not, this was a good scent experiment as I can definitely vouch for the power of aging these oils and I have come to the realization that without a doubt I prefer the atmospheric realm of fragrances versus conceptual when it comes to nature. Finally, I also think I will begin saving up for a custom blend and have my childhood Easter memories captured. I know it can be done. As for Rites of Spring, it is destined to go to a friend who has fallen in love with it and I'm always happy to introduce someone new to the fascinatingly addictive (and sometimes slightly heartbreaking) world of perfume oils. (**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). alkemia.etsy.com Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ Full Bottles: Yule Rose *Queen of Hearts Samples: Salomé Crown of Success The Golden Bough Ghost Fire Paradise Beauty Like the Night Enigma Vamp Elixir of Aphrodite Luminae Blue Ridge Skyline Dark Angels Lunar New Year (The Year of the Dog 2018) *scent preview simply titled at the moment "Gorse" *scent preview simply titled at the moment "Hyacinth" Combined Thoughts: These vials and bottles have been peacefully aging and waiting for the day to be shared. Some are from limited collections, marked to be discontinued, soon to be released or are on sale now. One scent at a time: Yule Rose (Listed Notes: Roses, Balsam Fir, Frankincense, and Myrrh) What I was hoping for and what called to me: So those following my simple (and sometimes obsessive thoughts) about books and the world of perfume oils will recognize Yule Rose as THE perfume I had to find last year. All the notes called to me and after falling in love with the about 4 hour plus mark on Winter Torchsong (that beautifully displayed the timeless romance of rose, balsam and amber), I absolutely needed to add Yule Rose to my collection. After making up my mind and finally getting a couple minutes to browse Alkemia's soon-to-be discontinued shelf, all the bottles were claimed. I also found it listed a few days later on The Soap Box Company and of course real life called me away just long enough for those bottles to disappear off the screen as well. Finding that option closed, I thought just maybe one bottle still existed waiting in the back room of Alkemia's magical scent workshop so I contacted the fabulous Ms Sharra at Alkemia and enquired if one bottle remained. Turns out it doesn't hurt to ask because yes there was and she sent me this and a few surprises (Thank you so much Sharra!). In the bottle: Romantic ROSES and BALSAM, exactly what I have been anticipating and envisioning for so long that just harkens back to forgotten traditions and is a scent to remember. Applied: Almost smoky rose with balsam entwined so expertly in the accompanying notes. The myrrh lends a faint sweetness to everything and as this dries the resins appear more turning the roses slightly powdery. I didn't realise how much roses love my chemistry and because of that, as this dries further it morphs with more floral reigning over the bottle. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my favourites after a long rest. I can't wait to show this fragrance off (now if only I had somewhere deserving to go, something to work on for 2018). *Queen of Hearts (Listed Notes: Brandied Black Cherry and Praline Tarts) *To be a multiple-feature article in the near future for spring (such a close your eyes and let the winter blues melt away type of fragrance that is sure to gather admirers.) Salomé (Listed Notes: Magnolia, Queen of the Night, Black Grapes, Dark Plums, Skin Musk, Cognac, Bitter Orange, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Mysore Sandalwood, Vetiver, Cedar, Red Oud and Botanical Pheromones.) *this was a surprise vial that I received along with Yule Rose- thank you so much Alkemia! In the vial: This is such a unique scent collage, I get GRASS, MINERAL, sweet FRUIT and even a dusting of ladies POWDER. What an intriguing fragrance. Applied: I have worn this several times since I received this generous sample and each time I find something more I like about it and this is going on the list to purchase a full-sized bottle of as soon as the vial is empty. I won't deny it, I feel like such an alluring exotic charmer when I wear this. It lasts long into the next day and I'm finding more and more my chemistry amps plum notes and that seems to give Salomé some innocence but there is also a deep seductive quality that keeps me coming back with the sandalwood, vanilla and those pheromones. First Haunted & Bewitched now Salomé (there is something to these pheromones I need to explore as I do get unexpected positive reactions and comments when wearing these types of fragrances). That's it, I'm purchasing that C24 and going to have the time of life this year. Crown of Success (Listed Notes: Bay, Frankincense, Cinnamon, other spices and ancient secrets) *this "scent preview" vial was an incredibly generous surprise that appeared in my one order- Alkemia you are the best! In the vial: Delicious though mysterious spices that smell warm but there is also something cold noted in this. What a great blend. Applied: This is a little delectable and a promising perfume. Right away I get the spices but there is that "coldness" I noticed before that swirls with a herbal background. As this dries my chemistry turns this into buttery cinnamon oatmeal that is both comforting and seems to be a crowd-pleaser as I was asked several times if I had cookies on our side of the wall at work. This would be my ideal perfume for fall and be heaven mixed with Pumpkin Strumpet or a single note of rose....and all the bottles are gone (I really need to hit the BUY NOW button when I find something I like, hopefully, this comes back in stock in July). The Golden Bough (Listed Notes: Golden Saffron, Aged Cashmere Wood, Honeybush, Smoked Ambrette Seed, and 5 year aged Lebanese "Cedar of the Gods) What I was hoping for and what called to me: So all these notes are new to me and since I'm having such unbelievable luck with scents out of my comfort range, I need to try this. Saffron is said to be an exotic seductive scent all its own and I have no idea how this going to smell on me. The only note I'm concerned about is the cedar that can turn wet pocket pet bedding on me but I'm willing to explore. In the vial: Exposed WOOD, HONEY and Sweet PEPPER. Applied: *I'm sorry I had every intention to fully review this seasonal release (as this vial started out so pleasing reminding me of a sweeter version of Gifts of the Magi which I absolutely love) but I don't think saffron or "cedar of the gods" is for me. For some reason the cedar amps to headache-inducing levels and there is something so incredibly sweet in this, my nose and head can't cope. Perhaps this vial needs more aging. (**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). Ghost Fire (Listed Notes: Ambre Blanc) What I was hoping to find and what called to me: Ghost Fire has been on my list to try for quite some time as this is a starred recommendation I keep noticing from other perfume oil enthusiasts. I have fallen in love with Alkemia's various ambers so I can't wait for this to join my collection. In the vial: VANILLA and sugary crusted AMBER. Very lovely and I can see why this is so popular. Applied: I'm sometimes worried my fragrances lean toward certain dreaded realms and are doomed to be enjoyed solely by myself in my home (the modern world just doesn't appreciate or understand some of my treasures) but Ghost Fire borders the middle thankfully. It's sweet almost coconut noted and there is a drop of something aquatic that pushes this more in the summer cache of gourmands. It's a safe scent that I think would be nice for the workplace or a leisurely sunny outing. This could also layer nicely with some type of floral. The more this is aging I like this and a little dab goes a long way on me. Paradise (Listed Notes: Young Coconut, Madagascar Vanilla with Monoi Tiare) *This vial was actually a part of a friend's order who I finally got to join the perfume oil party. When this arrived I couldn't resist testing this to you know make sure it travelled well. In the vial: Sweet COCONUT but it also reminds me of BANANA with VANILLA swirled over. Yes, I think my friend is going to love this. Applied (by splash or "tap the perfume wand method"): Creamy shea butter makes an entrance then this turns to luscious vanilla buttercream icing on me. Oh wow, I'm almost tempted to keep this. Hopefully, she lets me borrow this sometime. I have a few preferred notes that amp and am elated vanilla is one of them. This is such a wonderful warm weather fragrance that would be great for layering. Beauty Like the Night (Listed Notes: Pear, Orange, Grapefruit Blossoms, Red Rooibos Tea, Dianthus, Saffron, Spicebush and White Amber.) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I think I'm officially hooked when I see a new fragrance collection on my screen and my pulse begins to race and I vow to skip late night food runs but also remind those around me that they were "meaning to try a certain house of fragrance". That may sound silly but so it goes with this next order. When I saw the early February collection released from Alkemia I dropped everything to get this purchased. The pear and white amber listed in Beauty Like the Night is calling to me and reading dianthus is supposedly peppery scented. All things I can't wait to try. In the vial: CITRUS with AMBER very pretty. Hopefully, the orange sticks around and the pear comes out more *fingers crossed* Applied: This is such a romantic conceptual scent. It opens with the citrus and amber then changes softly with a powdery expensive vintage quality that I love having a part of my growing collection. The description has this as "Specially blended to morph like the soft transition of twilight into night" absolutely I get this the citrus being a fading sunset and the powdery finish as a star-dusted sky. This one is going on the list for later bottle purchase, undoubtedly lovely and unique. Enigma (description: Iso Super E Aroma Molecule - Anti-Perfume) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Enigma sounds so out of the box I must try this. I have no idea what to expect but I know I'm in good hands with Alkemia. In the vial: CEDAR and AMBER, I'm not going to lie this smells a tad masculine and I am nervous but excited. I did some extra research on Anti-Perfumes but still have no idea what this will do on my skin. The puzzling mystery awaits! Applied: At first Enigma really has no scent but I can detect a dry amber and if I press my nose to my wrist I can pick up vanilla. How bizarre. Letting this dry and asking a work colleague what they think, I'm told I smell like expensive sachets. I guess this scent is subjective because I smell dried wood, warmed skin and vanilla. A little goes a long way. I would be very interested to smell this on a man as the notes lean toward masculine but still have a hidden side. Vamp (Listed Notes: Opium Incense, Labdanum, Tonka, Balsam, Sueded Leather * animal-friendly, and Black Musk) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This was another completely out of my comfort range experiment. I'm slowly realizing how much I lean toward vintage blends and Vamp is said to be an ode to the scandalous 1920's and the infamous flapper. Perhaps some gin strapped to silk stockings? Or a unexpected bubble of champagne or two will be found in this vial? In the vial: POWDER, BALSAM and AMBER, this smells so familiar like something from my childhood... that's it! My beloved Baba had a tiny glass etched bottle that smelled like this that she would only wear for the most elegant occasions (she still allowed me to play with that bottle though, she was a one of a kind lady). Applied: At first this is a bit overwhelming but as this dries my goodness this is gorgeous and oh what it would have been like to live in this glamorous era Vamp captures! That powder note (I didn't realize how many "powder themed" perfume vials I have now and I must have more) is just out of this time and the balsam with tonka and something is lending extra mystery (the musk?) I love how Alkemia's perfume oils tell a story and Vamp belongs in an art deco themed painting I know very well that exhibits a classy party set in the 1920's complete with a piano player entertaining the bedecked dancers. I will keep this and hope for a chance to show it off. I must remember to wear my long pearls and don red when I go out for a night on the town with this seductive number. Elixir of Aphrodite (Listed Notes: Persian Apricots, Orange Blossom Honey, Peach and Plum Blossoms, Mimosa, White Star Jasmine, Ambrette, Guaiac Wood and Vanilla Musk) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I don't know about anyone else but I was ready for winter to go away after the first week and am plain sick of seeing snow and dangerous ice. I need to immerse myself in heavy drenched fruit fragrances that remind me of brighter days and coming spring. Browsing for vials to bring home, Elixir of Aphrodite is calling to me with the apricots, honey, peach, mimosa, jasmine and vanilla. It sounds just perfect to lift my current mood. In the vial: PEACH, APRICOTS and VANILLA very nice and uplifting. It almost smells like peach rings candy but there is something that is elevating it to unexpected levels. I need to wear this now. Applied: Apricots and honey open the clouds at first and the peach with plum and jasmine turns this into a sweet smile-worthy fragrance. As this dries this fades to stay like an alluring secret close to my skin. When I'm running around on the floor though, I get decadent wisps of this bright enamouring scent and love the positive effect it has on me. This was exactly what I was looking for as I think: only so much more time of cold blustery winter to endure (12 more days!) Luminae (description: "is designed to work in alchemy with feminine skin chemistry to create a luminescently sensual glow") What called to me: With a description like that I MUST TRY THIS. In the vial: VANILLA, lightly sugared AMBER and even a hint of BUTTER. It reminds me of Ghost Fire (*had to grab the other vial and compare: YES similar but Luminae is less sugar noted and the pat of butter I detect makes me think this is going to morph better than Ghost Fire with my chemistry. To be honest, in the vials I prefer Luminae right now) Applied: ...Oh my this is lovely, Alkemia has done it again. This opens with slightly sweet vanilla butter that is somehow not foody then as it dries the pale warm sweetness pulses and "flickers", I can't explain how nifty this scent is. It is such a fascinating feminine fragrance that would be ideal for the workplace but also going out. All I can think of right now is "candlelight butter" and getting a bottle when the vial runs out (hope this becomes a permanent item in Alkemia's catalogue). Blue Ridge Skyline (Listed Notes: Paperwhite Narcissus, Purple Hyacinth, Bluebells, Spring Daffodils, Tulips, Tea Roses, Lemon Blossom, Sweet Pepperbush, Fresh Greens, Hay, Earth, White Patchouli and Green Tea) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Certain florals hold a special place in my heart as they can be placed among cherished memories and I have the current opportunity to go on the hunt for a perfume that captures all my favourites in anticipation for spring. It may sound simple but finding exactly what I'm searching for is not easy as my chemistry seems to amp the back notes I barely detect in the vials or bottles. Here's to hoping Blue Ridge Skyline is an unexpected winner as it is only missing lilacs and English lavender to contain an ideal dream list of notes. In the vial: Aquatic GREENS and MINT TEA. Not exactly what I was thinking but it is definitely in the spring realm. Applied: This starts out so promising as I immediately get my wished-for hyacinth and sun-touched florals that has a unique twist coming from the light lemon draped green tea, which may be coming out a little more than I would want but I'm liking this right now. As this dries the green tea sans the lemon is overtaking the gorgeous hyacinth and the other spring florals turning this to an almost aldehyde combination (which is odd that this also has patchouli listed and I can't detect it at all) that is disappointing. I still have my hopes so keeping Blue Ridge Skyline on as it's changing again giving off a distinct tea rose fragrance but again what I begin to enjoy the green tea invades and ...sometimes I really despise my skin chemistry. I don't know if I would wear this often but perhaps the florals will come out more and strengthen as this ages. **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). Dark Angels (Listed Notes: Musk Melon, Berries, Vanilla Heliotrope, Caramelized Black Fig, Black Opium, Black Vanilla and Leather *animal-friendly). What I was hoping for and what called to me: I noticed Dark Angels is marked to be discontinued and for some reason I was thinking this may be a darker winter version of Echoed Ecstasy (which I can't get enough of and will never be without, if you haven't tried that Gatsbyesque bubbly wonder yet please do!) Everything in Dark Angels is calling to me. *I know it is off topic but can I please divert everyone's attention to the marvellous aesthetic labelling that Alkemia places on their sample vials (and bottles) that heralds what you are about to experience. Dark Angels's is particularly appropriate to my tastes and if I can go by the style on the vial then this is a little gothic but ancient in its creation and scent design. Okay side note over let's carefully open this sample. In the vial: MELON, CARAMEL and VANILLA. It's a surprising gourmand selection that could be placed in between Summer and Fall. Applied: This begins with a bewitching ripe melon that is not like the effervescent quality found in Echoed Ecstasy but is more "earthy" (perhaps a drop of patchouli lurks in this or maybe that's the black notes?) As it dries that caramelized fig begins to show with the leather and this perfume is so appropriately named as this goes from pure and radiant to beautifully provocatively dark. The more I'm sitting here, the more Dark Angels is tempting me to purchase a full bottle but there are one or two things holding me back. The first is: testing this vial several times since receiving it I get a cucumber note that accompanies the melon (perhaps it's only my imagination I detect it but sorry a certain bath and body shop ruined that note for me forever and it has joined my disappointing (though thankfully short list) of death notes that I can't stand on or around me (I can't even be in the same room with the real thing when it is being sliced)). The second is I must be honest with myself and although this perfume is different it isn't what I was looking for and I need to just be happy with having the vial. Lunar New Year (Year of the Dog 2018) (Listed Notes: Fortune Cookies, Candied Ginger, Lotus Seeds, Mandarin Oranges, and Tea Leaves) *this was a surprise vial that I received along with my bottle of Queen of Hearts- thank you so much Alkemia for including vials of exciting temptation in our orders! In the vial: LEMONY FORTUNE COOKIE, ORANGE and GINGER. I don't know how they do this but it smells like a genuine CRISP fortune cookie fresh from the wrapper with grated ginger nearby. Applied: If you are familiar with Madame Pearl you will love Lunar New Year (Year of the Dog 2018), this limited edition perfume has the fortune cookie unwrapped and in front of the tea leaves that is illuminated by the mandarin oranges and the ginger adds a "bite" to this fragrance. As this dries the ginger and tea comes out more and turns Lunar New Year into an exotic gourmand scent to talk about. As a tiny drop goes a long way on me, I will be saving this vial and seriously thinking about getting a bottle. ~*~
*And now we have come to the part of this series of long reviews that many have been patiently waiting for. I apologize for the severe delay but I don't think you will be disappointed and I hope you will join me (possibly as early as next week) in obsessively refreshing your screens on Alkemia's main page until these love letters for the senses and imagination appear. I was going to hold back these two special reviews until I had the full bottles displayed proudly on my vanity and feature them for spring but that would be cruel. **I don't have the notes listed or am completely sure these are only parts of a whole perfume combination but I will share my honest thoughts on each and will carry these reviews over to the feature articles I have planned and of course update everything when the true notes are unveiled (I can't wait to see what artwork and names will be placed on these treasures). "Hyacinth" Thoughts: For those that dream of spring here is an exquisite smoky floral that makes you want to fling open the curtains, start gathering the Easter baskets and dusting off the large church hats. This is such a gorgeous fragrance that I can only describe as nostalgic spring at dusk with damp dew gathering on the petals of bloomed hyacinths in your garden and you can't help but close your eyes as you lie back to hear the mourning doves cooing in the distance. Ah, I love this! "Gorse" Thoughts: Here is a love letter to dream destinations and I will purchase this (and "Hyacinth") in any mixture it is placed. On me, I can only describe "Gorse" as a beautiful dirty butter with an enveloping earthy-coconut late spring essence that I don't want to take off and want to seriously bathe in. I also get a slight smokey note in this, maybe a wisp of aquatic that makes me think of fishing at the lakeside when I was a child and even a drop of vanilla but that may just be my imagination (I have been using this curious vial in rotation with another vial to fall asleep after long chaotic work nights and I don't know what is truly in this and why this helps me relax but I fall right to sleep thinking of romantic forest, glen and vale scenes from cinematic favourites.) Just absolutely phenomenal! Brava Alkemia and a huge thanks for allowing me to sample these atmospheric masterworks. alkemia.etsy.com If you are like me you joined the perfume oil party late and you have a frustrating list of indie releases you missed out on by a length of days, a few months, one single misclick of the mouse or even one year and you constantly refer or think back to that "one perfume you lost the opportunity to experience" after you find "I really love this one note and only wish I joined or looked here sooner...". Sound familiar? Don't give up my fellow perfume oil seekers because there is always one more door to look to before admitting defeat and there is something to learn new about the world of handcrafted fragrance every day it seems. Today let me introduce those discouraged and determined explorers of scent to The Soap Box Company (http://thesoapboxco.com/) because all thanks to them I can finally mark one elusive bottle off my personal list and this is only the beginning. Leave it to a place called North Pole (Alaska) to harbour such a stellar secret collection of hard to find indie scents from an extensive list of different houses of fragrances but this site also carries other brands and products that range from handmade soaps, nail polish, bath scrubs and so much more (and they add to that inventory all the time). They also display state pride by supporting their local shops of interest in the bath, body and perfume realm. When I stumbled across this excellent site I bit my lip and out of curiosity typed in Alkemia in the search feature and I was greeted by a vast listing that had me racing for a pencil and paper to jot down the limited edition bottles that have been marked "sold out" on ETSY (and from everywhere else), from Bealtaine, Faerie Queene, Yule Rose, Tryst of Grey, Hexennacht, Sea Goddess and Le Fruit Défendu they were all listed and I couldn't believe my luck. There were also many names I didn't recognize between the familiar and that led to an afternoon of exploration to find what notes certain releases contained. I admit that one afternoon of curiosity turned easily into a 2-week research project (between work and play) to decide what perfume or perfumes needed to come home to me and in the end, a perfectly timed 20% off discount on Bealtaine decided it all. Before I completed my cart transaction though I also added the "Bloggers' Sampler" (because who doesn't love a little random mystery?) Overall, I was very pleased with my first purchasing experience (and extra surprises thank you so much Jo!) from The Soap Box Company and highly recommend anyone to have a look and see if they can finally cross off that limited edition from your favourite house of olfactory art you have been driving yourself mad over. Or find a little something extra to look forward to and some future temptations for a bargain. Hard to find Alkemia bottles Bealtaine (Listed Notes: Wild Quince Fruits, Wild Pears, Apple Blossoms, Heliotrope, Hawthorn Accord, Rowan Berries, Gorse Flowers, Vanilla Musk, and White Amber) What called to me and what I was looking for: Somewhere in my many pages of reading, I saw that someone compared this limited edition to Les Courtisanes and as it is one of my all-time favourite perfumes from Alkemia (and I have been craving something bright, but amber noted and green for spring) this needed to be found (I still can't believe my luck of finding this at a discount). All the notes call to me and I'm hoping for the ultimate spring treasure that I don't want to take off (like Les Courtisanes for the end of summer into early winter). When this arrived: *First off this is NOT a knockoff as from the label, the familiar base note- this IS a genuine Alkemia brand/bottle of perfume and an absolutely lucky find. The bottle travelled a great distance and kudos to The Soap Box Company for getting this shipped out to me in such a timely manner (one of the fastest times I have encountered in fact when ordering online and it even arrived pristine through a wicked storm). It did arrive nearly frozen (yes these oils can freeze and that was my fault as being on night shift I don't usually look at the upcoming weather reports and maybe I should have waited another couple weeks but I didn't want to lose out on the discount) so I did have to age this one a little longer than I usually would before testing but this one is well worth it. In the bottle: APPLES, PEARS with a back creaminess I have come to associate with Alkemia's gorgeous VANILLA note. I can't wait to try this on. Applied: The apple and pear greet my nose first and it is like someone has sliced a pile of fruit and placed it in front of me. The amber with vanilla are there as well but faded at the moment. Perhaps the sweet apple amps a tad too much on me (as I was hoping for more verdant notes to shine through the fruit) but I really like this and am looking forward to wearing this more in the coming months. It definitely is a light spring-like perfume but sorry it is not like Les Courtisanes right now. *BONUS GIFT: Lis Noir (Face, Shampoo & Body Bar) APPLE PIE *this was a generous bonus sample that was added to my order (I could choose one of 5 different choices ranging from soap to perfume samples to my order and I picked this as I can always use soap to wash the night away in the morning) *I also researched the companies that were included in my box and also emailed to ask if they were cruelty-free (Lis Noir definitely is and proud of it, the others are far as I could tell and read from their FAQ sections are as well) Lis Noir Thoughts: The sample may look small in the picture but this bar lasts and smells delightful and has just enough spice and apple that gives me a little wake up in the morning. It has fared well with the sub-zero temperatures outside and adds a decent amount of moisture back into my skin (I still put some extra special lotion on top because my face is chapped from the wind in places). The bar hasn't cracked yet either or dried out which is a good sign this will last awhile. I do have very sensitive skin and so far so good (I have been using this soap for over a week) and no breakouts, itchiness or redness to report (the cinnamon acts as a light abrasive which works for me but I still watch around my eyes). It says it can also be used in the hair but I haven't tried that as mine is extremely long and I'm sure I would use the whole bar in one go to get every strand. Overall, yes I would purchase from Lis Noir (that Citrus and Basil or Lavender and Amber soap bars looks like something I would like). Bloggers' Sampler: *5 different products: Villainess Soaps (Whipped! Body Creme) PINK TEA Villainess Soaps (1ml perfume extrait) FIRST FROST Meadow Creek Boutique (Body Lotion) POMEGRANATE ORANGE Epically Epic Soap Co. (Hydrating Mist For Hair & Body) BLOOD ORANGE DREAMSICLE Haus Of Gloi (perfume oil sample) THREE TREASURES Villainess Soaps (Whipped! Body Creme) PINK TEA (Listed Notes: Crisp green tea infused with raspberry, peach, and blueberry, sweetened with tonka and a light breath of neroli. A seasonal offering, created especially for The Soap Box Company to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness.) Villainess Soaps Thoughts: I admit I let out a joyful sound and did a little dance when I saw Villainess was included in my blogger's sampler as I have been reading quite a bit about that uniquely branded company for months. It shouldn't matter and forgive me but the packaging is so impressive and I love all the tiny hidden details that scream Old West poster cathouse with twisted Victorian glam. In regards to the body creme, first of all, it survived the trip and the unbelievable cold outside. The consistency is just as its name implies "whipped" almost mimicking marshmallow fluff or meringue and when applied it stays "peaked" until rubbed into the skin. The scent is delicate summer fruits with a hint of tea and yes this did a decent job combating the hand chapping from sub-zero wind chills. Even with my sensitive skin this ended up light and absorbing quickly leaving a silky feeling but unfortunately, it didn't last past a few hours (perhaps it will work better in summer when it's not so cold and incredibly damaging with the winds on unprotected hands). Still, I may try another Whipped! from Villainess Soaps and am very thankful for the opportunity to sample this creme. Villainess Soaps (1ml perfume extrait) FIRST FROST (Listed Notes: The last blooms of summer, sweet gardenia and vanilla, arrested by an icy touch of eucalyptus and peppermint.) In the vial: EUCALYPTUS and has a distinct medicinal quality to it but I like this. Applied: The eucalyptus, peppermint and vanilla greet and stay with me. I wish the floral would come out a bit but I don't hate this, it is a nice cool transitioning scent to cozy noted perfumes for the season. I see myself using this in November after the haunted themed fragrances and right before the evergreen noted bottles I have stored and aging at the moment. I can't say I have anything that smells like First Frost and yes I like the oil as it isn't drying and lasts for a good bit, so I may look further into this brand (especially their perfume oils and I believe Miss Edith would make a fine addition to my collection with the lavender, tea, dust and rose notes.) Meadow Creek Boutique (Body Lotion) POMEGRANATE ORANGE Meadow Creek Boutique Thoughts: I don't want to compare as each product is different with ingredients but this lotion leaves my skin nicely hydrated when applied and has more of a buttery texture. The scent is strong of generic citrus and I still like this but at the same time, it also doesn't seem to last past a few hours (I think it's just the weather, so ignore that last part). In regards to my skin type, no redness and my hands don't feel tight. Overall, yes I would try another lotion from Meadow Creek Boutique (the foaming sugar scrub also sounds interesting) Epically Epic Soap Co. (Hydrating Mist For Hair & Body) BLOOD ORANGE DREAMSICLE (Listed Notes: Vanilla ice cream, orange sherbet, and a drop of Dragon’s Blood) Epically Epic Soap Co. Thoughts: Where has Hair Mist/Serum been all my life? I mean really who knew your hair could smell so amazing and it can come from a small bottle and not cost an arm and leg to find the best. This hydrating mist for hair and body is particularly delicious smelling and leaves the ends of my hair quenched but not sticky (it seemed to bind to the one split end I singled out and sealed it very well). I accidentally sprayed myself on my upper neck but it turned out to not that bad of a mistake, the vanilla notes amped and the orange creamsicle scent lasted half a day. Overall, I'm happy to add this mist to my collection and will be reaching for this in summer or when I get a craving for something sweet and nostalgic. I will be looking more into Epically Epic Soap Co. as they have many gourmand noted creations that are calling out to me. Haus Of Gloi (perfume oil sample) THREE TREASURES (Listed Notes and mini description: Sacred gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. Smoldering with warmth and brightened with a touch of mandarin rind. A Soap Box Company exclusive. Yule 2017 limited edition Haus Of Gloi In the vial: RESINS and CITRUS. I'm excited about this one as I heard nothing but good things about Haus Of Gloi. Applied: Perhaps it's just me but this perfume is extremely masculine smelling but I won't lie if I smelled this on a man, I would find a reason to stay awhile longer and learn anything I could about him. Oh who am kidding, I would be discreetly looking for a ring on his hand. This is one for the books as this is charming, expressive and unique. It also has a vintage quality to it that commands attention and is hard to forget. Not at all what I was thinking was in the vial but I will definitely be looking more into Haus Of Gloi and trying other scents and their infamous Pumpkin Butter. thesoapboxco.com/ 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 Full Bottles and one sample *soon to be a full bottle purchase December 2017 La Belle Époque Les Courtisanes The Raven Combined Thoughts: These three gems all share something exceptional about them: they are all transporting and are mettle in a bottle (or vial) and can unlock your secret self (or reveal the unknown). Each also tells their own unique story to the wearer with a diversity of: warmth, coolness, floral, spice and amber. They might not be for everyone but I invite anyone to just see where these three beauties will lead you in memory, emotion, style and exploration into unfamiliar history (or legend). You may be surprised by the end of the day (or night) what you learn. One scent at a time: -This perfume I wish to formally introduce to the modern audience is one I can't stop reaching for (the full-size bottle is peacefully aging at the moment but the sample only has a few drops left) as it is floral sophistication at its finest. This is no childhood romp in the garden but a perfect scent passage to another time and place. One of my absolute favourites that is poise, romance and refinement gorgeously captured in a bottle (you can't help but hold your head high when you walk into a room with this powdery vision because ladies and gentlemen this is La Belle Époque by Alkemia Perfumes). Brava Alkemia! La Belle Époque: (Listed Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose, Iris, Rose, and Lily of the Valley blended with Plum, Apricot, Tahitian Vanilla, Blonde Amber, Bitter Almond, Oakmoss and Powdery Musk) What I'm hoping for: To experience a glimmer of the Gilded Age which this fragrance is said to be an ode to. I love how Alkemia describes perfumes in their catalogue, you're sure to find a time, a place or emotion that you want desperately to visit or become a part of your personal style. In the vial/bottle: FLORAL POWDER and RESIN that just harkens back to a splendid time of courtliness, swishing gowns, tipped hats and frivolous ventures. Applied: Class and distinction with the FLORAL, it is what you wished your skin smelled naturally like. Definitely a mature fragrance and is by no means a childhood romp in the garden, this is romantic and earthy with the RESIN which my skin seems to respond positively to. I'm faintly getting a fruit (APRICOT is my guess as it seems to really amp on my skin). I'm still "training my nose" but I'm getting a hint of VANILLA as well. This is not your everyday scent and it demands your best attire and adornments but also rewards you with confidence that lasts long after that final wisp of something special leaves you the next day. Words that come to mind: THE Mrs Astor's ball, classic romantic elegance, extravagant powdery floral, First Four Hundred, Ormolu One scent at a time: -This next fragrance loves to accompany me to work and is beautiful confidence in a bottle. Like all my favourites it does require some patient aging but this particular perfume has garnered the most compliments out of any in my oil collection and I must say it is well worth the wait to reveal something beyond irresistible and memorable. Too good to not share and deserves a special TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! Les Courtisanes (Listed Notes: Pear, Peach Blossom, Apricot, Lychees, Nutmeg, White Amber, White Florals, and sweet Woods.) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This was another curious wandering around Alkemia's shelves of popular recommendations. My chemistry seems to warm toward gourmands so this also may work in my favor plus because of Alkemia I no longer fear amber and can put those horrible memories of sharp headaches from certain commercial spray nightmares behind me forever (never will I step foot in an over-marketed bath and scent store again). I'm ready to try anything but I must say I'm really excited about the nutmeg note listed (I can never have too many of those in my autumn cache.) In the vial/bottle: PEAR, AMBER, SWEETNESS but with WARMTH and a hit of SPICE- oh this is exquisite. There is a surprising empowering quality to it with a secret behind closed doors essence but something tells me it will need some aging which is okay I can wait (I think...well maybe after a couple more sniffs). Applied: *a few weeks later I took it out to the public and to one important work-related travel venture: This is a perfect scent for the end of summer into the colder snap of fall, I love this. The fruit pairs splendidly with the amber and I get that flourish of nutmeg that makes this a great autumn fragrance (summer warmth meets approaching golden harvest). I also get a warm vanilla note but it is not listed among the ones on the page (maybe oleander? I know I can smell vanilla and I was even asked one night if I had vanilla on.) This perfume pulses warmth on me as well and it smells so expensive but wears well with anything. A sure full bottle purchase and future article (more people need to try this). Words that come to mind: confidence in a bottle, keyhole secrets, empowering warmth, late summer into winter One scent at a time: -Last but certainly not least is one fragrance that is an entrancing beautifully wicked ode to everything black as black. It brings to mind lost traditions and that certain myths and legends could be true (albeit only slightly exaggerated to bring you closer to the fire and a travelling bard). The collection of spice, floral, leather and ink also skips into the mists of time and could be the haunting scent associated with favoured ghost stories and the ominous feeling of waiting nightly shadows and the unknown. If there ever was a perfect perfume for a real or imagined villainess this would be it. Too good to not share and deserves a special TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! The Raven (Listed Notes: Ebony Heartwood, Black Amber, Piper Nigrum, Blackseed (habbatul barakah), Black Bengal Cardamon, Black Ink, Nigella (Black Coriander), Black Iris, Violet Leaves, and Leather (*animal-friendly)) What I was hoping for and what called to me: After losing all reason with Book of Shadows and All Hallow's Eve (October 2017), I found I really enjoy certain notes (or finally found perfumes that work with the particular notes that never agreed with me) and I went searching for something possibly similar in Alkemia's extensive library. The peppercorn, ink and various notes in The Raven seemed worth a try and suitable for this time of year. In the vial/bottle: I have no idea what I'm smelling but I love it! It's not one note but a collage of murkiness that conjures visions of dark haunted forests and forgotten practices. It's somehow GREEN-BLACK, I don't know how to explain it. Alkemia what majick have you unleashed? Applied: This is it, this is the scent I have been waiting for! It's the essence of every real and imagined villainess in history and legends. It's beauty, cunning, power and dangerous seduction. Oddly I still can't identify one note but I really get that GREEN-BLACK impression again with images of legendary Avalon then shifts to a mist swirled surrounded tower and then a lone piano playing but no one is in the room. This perfume certainly contains a labyrinth of secrets, stories and will definitely be a full bottle purchase. Words that come to mind: Midnight Vamp, late summer to spring, Villainess, black swan, she-wolf, Dark Queen alkemia.etsy.com Full Bottles: Smoke & Mirrors Book of Shadows All Hallow's Eve (October 2017) One scent at a time: -Like a classic strand of pearls, Smoke & Mirrors compliments all it touches with coolness to the skin that then warms to become an embodiment of your personal style and is a reminder of days gone by. It is a phenomenal fragrance that is beautifully simple but powerfully evoking and comforting that can be worn alone but blends with and adds some mystique or delicious depth to practically any perfume. I'm smitten and this is a staple scent I don't ever want to run out of. Too good to not share and deserves a special TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! Smoke & Mirrors (Listed Notes: Woodsmoke and Vanilla) What I was hoping for: Certain scents allow me to go to a happy memory and woodsmoke is one aroma that takes me to childhood camping trips, special cookouts and late night talks beside the fireside. It may not sound like much but I just want a real woodsmoke scent with rustling leaves and bright moonlight coming to mind as soon as I get a familiar wisp. In the bottle: Absolute bliss! Better than I expected as this takes me to late summer to fall country cookouts with hot savoury food, music, dancing by the firelight and losing yourself in staring at the night skies. The WOODSMOKE is dead on. Simple but beautiful. Applied: I get that glorious woodsmoke as the front welcoming note and that's all I need but I do faintly get a fleeting whisper of vanilla that adds a sweetness to this peaceful blend. I read that this perfume is meant to layer with others and I can't wait to see what perfumes perform well together with this wonder. Words that come to mind: smoky bliss, tranquil starry nights, years of wonder, classic staple Curious Discoveries (what perfumes performs well with another): Pumpkin Strumpet and Smoke & Mirrors (add a little mystery to your spicy pumpkin) Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and Smoke & Mirrors (gourmand meets smokey depth) Au Lait and Smoke & Mirrors (really captures home baked goodness) Bonefire Toffees and Woodsmoked Oud and Smoke & Mirrors (boosts that hidden wisp of smoke) Cidre D' Automne and Smoke & Mirrors (creates an apple orchard bonfire at dusk) Gaea and Smoke & Mirrors (spring meets the best scent of autumn, creates verdant with memories of wind and the night) Black Magic Woman and Smoke & Mirrors (plum, smoke and roses- entrancing in the best way) Trick or Treat and Smoke & Mirrors (smokey orange licorice- yum!) Patchouli Cacao and Smoke & Mirrors (creates a baking gourmand fragrance- smoke, caramel, chocolate and earth- amazing!) Book of Shadows and Smoke & Mirrors (a candlelit room filled with escapes to other times and worlds and a mysterious dark stranger waiting in the shadows) The Raven and Smoke & Mirrors (together its black as black that transports you to an ancient empowering ceremony deep in the forest) -This next perfume I would like to introduce is one I love to wear when the evening clouds begin to bank and I can feel a snap of cold in the wind with the encroaching night. It's utterly transporting to your most ultimate room of desires filled with mystery, adventure and is a strangely beautiful ode to our swoon-worthy affairs with others' stories. Like your favourite type of novel, you won't be able to put it down. Too good not to share and deserves a special FEATURED/TREASURED label. Brava Alkemia! Book of Shadows- (Listed Notes: Parchment Paper, Antique ink, Leather bindings (*animal-friendly), and Rare Incenses) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I have been looking everywhere for a convincing "old book smell" and when I saw the late season (Autumn/Halloween collection) was released I knew I had to try this. Alkemia has already captured my childhood (and admittedly a few of my secret desires) in different surprising bottles so let's see if they can give me a treat and not a trick. In the vial/bottle: Fellow written/printed word fanciers (okay book lovers aka: we proud novel sniffers) rejoice and get a bottle of Book of Shadows now because this is our beautifully strange sanctuary that we have been waiting for! Absolutely as promised, it magnificent. It's like turning an aged book and fanning the pages as fast as you can. It's crumbly, it's dusty and loved! Applied: This has to be the most complex perfume that has joined my collection. I get every note but it transforms and shifts creating images of different types of genres of literature. There's bitter almond from your classic murder mystery (how about some cyanide with your tea?), violets from a tragic gothic romance, some type of sweet fruit (grape?) from your cookbook shelf and so many other unfamiliar notes that I have yet to explore in the shadows. Interestingly, the leather is pronounced on me and this is one of the strongest throwing fragrances I have, it loves to twirl and snag at other bottles so I will have to remember that or I will have quiet florals with leather (interesting concept...but not at this time). A tiny dab is all I need. Words that come to mind: Pagemistress, dark library in a bottle, grimoire of strange beauty -All Hallow's Eve (October 2017) is everything I love in a bottle: a dark luring promise, wisps of mystery and a release of images that surprise and make me want more. This may be my first bottle of the hugely popular recipe to capture the season and nostalgia but it certainly will not be my last. Too good not to share and deserves a special FEATURED/TREASURED label. Brava Alkemia! All Hallow's Eve (October 2017) (Listed Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Cardamon Pods, Star Anise, Candied Fennel Seeds, Roasted Marshmallows, and Smoked Amber) What I was hoping for and what called to me: More and more I am falling deeply into the addictive properties of perfume oils (especially from Alkemia) and I think I lost all reason when I saw the late season (Autumn/Halloween) collection because before I knew it I was almost breaking my mouse hitting BUY IT NOW and a few days later running to the mailbox and ripping open my large package with childlike excitement (seriously Alkemia, you have me acting like a naughty spoiled child when I know I'm getting an order from you. Thank you for that.) This particular perfume was a "never tried before" purchase that called to me in all the right ways: roasted marshmallow, smoked amber, vanilla and my weakness- star anise). How could I resist? In the bottle/Applied: I'm still learning how to properly apply perfume oils and without a dropper or rollerball (too late did I see they were available all along, I just hit the BUY IT NOW without reading that option on the page) getting the right amount out of the bottle is not easy (I think I may have spilled a little too much on my wrist and tried rubbing the excess in my hair). Ah but as the old saying goes "some mistakes are worth making" because wow this is an ancient incantation in a bottle that might be innocent playful seasonal scent entertainment on someone else but on me this another suggestively wicked medley (that star anise and woodsmoke are my ultimate weaknesses) and I'm pretty sure if you've fallen already for Caveau Des Innocents you will swoon over All Hallow's Eve (October 2017). If the run soaked pears and deepening properties of coffee in Caveau Des Innocents didn't work the smokey and sweet qualities of All Hallow's Eve (October 2017) may be more for you. On me there is an unabashed flexing display of crushed cardamon, a sticky touch of smoked melted marshmallow and a teasing kiss of spice to keep me coming back and believe me I will be back next year for the next batch of this devious mix and purchasing another bottle of this seasonal treat very soon (ultime version with a rollerball). Words that come to mind: phantasmagorical, rites of the ancients, smokey spiced visit of All Hallow's Eves past, mischievous winds alkemia.etsy.com Full Bottles: Alkemia Perfume Oil Fixative - Increases Perfume Longevity Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud Perfume Oil Samples: Haunted & Bewitched Midnight Garden As Dark Things Are Meant to be Loved Le Chant des Sirènes Invitation to the Moon Antares Absinthe And Laudanum in the Afternoon Stag Moon Ýdalir *The Raven Black Magic Woman Carmen -7- Combined Thoughts: Curious wanderings away from my usual "down to earth" and "special gourmand lists" of fragrances that I have been meaning to decipher if I favor or not. One scent at a time: Alkemia Perfume Oil Fixative - Increases Perfume Longevity oil fixative What I was hoping for and what called to me: Having acquired quite the collection of scents and still learning what notes will be faithful to my expectations and skin, there are always those fragrances that have turned my head but refuse to stay the night. Those thankfully few perfumes need a little encouragement or they are doomed to be cast into the room oil warmer never to accompany me to outside world. I'm hoping this perfume oil fixative is the key I need. In the bottle: MINT and a slight POWDERY VANILLA. This alone I would wear out plus the gold cap on the bottle is my preferred presentation (it adds class and distinction- I wonder if I could get those every time or it is just seasonal packaging?). Applied: The mint greets my nose first with promises "this will work", the vanilla also amps which adds to the cooling essence of this fixative. Letting it dry completely before even attempting to place those finicky perfumes on (reading it says you can apply after a minute but being cautious I let it dry for 5 minutes). The mint, vanilla and still noticeable powder are hopefully locked in my skin ready to work their majick. *The important three perfumes that I retried: Pumpkin Strumpet, Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and Patchouli Cacao Final Impression: Out of the three Patchouli Cacao worked the best with the fixative followed by Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and my spicy trickster Pumpkin Strumpet. The perfumes DID last longer and the opening notes stayed true, they also threw all the exhibited notes into the night but something went a tad strange with Pumpkin Strumpet (BUT that may have had to do with having worn just one tiny drop left in the sample vial and the balance might have been thrown off?). Maybe pumpkin notes are not meant to be on me but overall the fixative is a must and I've already placed this item in my "repurchase basket" when I run out or just to have the cooling mint-vanilla scent. Highly recommended. UPDATE: I contacted the amazing creator about Pumpkin Strumpet to get the best out of this fragrance and she made some excellent suggestions (trying wearing this scent in my hair and for a punch of additional spice purchasing or brewing up some cinnamon and clove oil FOR MY ROOM OIL WARMER ONLY/ NOT TO BE WORN) that has me beaming and finally purchasing this popular perfume (Thank you, Sharra!) Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud (Listed Notes: Golden Treacle, Toffees, and Bonfire-cured Oud Wood) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I admit I have been coveting this sweet and smokey fragrance ever since I joined ETSY in May and I missed my chance to own this earlier when the huge sale happened in July (note to self: MARK CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR!). I almost broke my mouse button when I saw this perfume back for the seasonal collection and hit BUY IT NOW so this was my first "no sampling before hand" purchase. In the bottle: So here it is and even before I open the cap I can smell SWEETNESS and WARMTH. It has a medicinal quality I wasn't expecting but that may work in my favor as I usually like that kind of sharpness. Applied & Curious Findings: *this one even though highly anticipated on may need some more aging, it is bold and masculine on my skin (not sure if that is the oud?) After letting this one age a couple weeks and experimenting with different combinations I found my preferred layering: BONFIRE TOFFEES & WOODSMOKED OUD & CIDRE D' AUTOMNE. The creamy apple (it morphs from cider to buttery apple pie on me) and slight spices pairs remarkably well with the warmth and sharp sweetness of the Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud. It's like a smokey candied (toffee) apple but the blending lends more to vintage version of the popular recipe. The masculine quality of the Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud is perfectly tempered with the welcoming mother nature harvest aspect of the Cidre D' Automne and my nose (and head) appreciate it. (**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). Haunted & Bewitched (Listed Notes: Egyptian White Amber, Star Jasmine, Ambrette Seed, Rosewater Turkish Delight, Pink Pepper, Madagascar Vanilla, Bourbon Caramels, Aged Patchouli infused with botanical pheromones) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: After seeing the seasonal collection and falling under the spell of BOOK OF SHADOWS (feature post coming soon) and NEPHILIM I wanted to try this floral ode to ancient autumnal changes and reflection. I'm still warming up to jasmine and amber but if thrown with the right notes I know I will be demanding a full bottle and there is my old comforting companion patchouli to look forward to plus botanical pheromones intrigue me all the more to sample this. In the vial: AMBER, SWEETNESS and FLORAL. Completely not what I was expecting, it's pretty not gloomy and debauched. It does have a noticeable sharp note if I smell it too fast but if I take my time it does have a promising creaminess. It almost reminds me of Lettre d'Amour. Applied: Thankfully no soap smacks me in my nose on first application (I was concerned that would happen with the jasmine which tends to go overly soapy at times on me). I get the floral but the caramel and amber rein in the florals and the longer it sits on my skin that buttery morphing trick my chemistry likes to play elevates this sample to a possible full bottle purchase when the generous vial runs out. It's not your typical fall fragrance and in all likelihood, I would wear this toward the end of summer. I do wish though the pink pepper and patchouli would appear, both are sadly absent and my nose misses those notes. That aside, oddly enough I noticed certain persons are more pleasant and friendly around me when I wear this perfume (a little goes a long way on me). Perhaps I should read more about pheromones and click the buy it now button for C24 and then later P28 (should make an entertaining weekend to see the effects, if anything it would be an interesting future article(s)) from Alkemia's listing. Words that come to mind: late summer, suggestive floral majick, ancient delicacy, botanic delight Midnight Garden (Listed Notes: Tuberose, Lily, Honeysuckle, Gardenia and Moonflower) What I'm hoping for: This perfume was listed along side my perfect scent passage to another time known simply as La Belle Époque, I'm still discovering what fragrance genres or notes I prefer (or work with my chemistry) and I'm hoping this is another transporting journey to ornate gentility. In the vial: HONEYSUCKLE and GREENNESS but there is also an unexpected overly concentrated background medley that is giving me a pinching headache. I don't think this one is going to work. Applied: *I had every intention to continue this review but I'm sorry this one is too overpowering (even with a tiny dab) and this turned to sickly scented hairspray on me. Unfortunately, this perfume will be joining the (thankfully) small collection of discarded curious scent explorations. **please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note may not happen to someone else (a friend tried this and she loved it). 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). As Dark Things Are Meant to be Loved (Listed Notes: Lapsang Souchong Tea, Russian Leather (*animal friendly), Aloeswood, Smoked Black Amber, Aged Dark Patchouli, Tonka, Amazonian Breuzinho, Moroccan Bhakoor, Labdanum, Temple Incense, Caramelized Opium, Black Coffee, Black Coconut, and Tabac Leaf.) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: I like millions of others grabbed creative eye protection and beheld the cosmic sensation that was the August 2017 Solar Eclipse and since this fragrance is a special edition version (said blended in the darkness of the moon and sun/also said to bring good luck) of the hugely popular perfume, I wanted to try this (fingers crossed for finding the dark depths of the unfamiliar). I admit I had to research practically all the unfamiliar notes but that makes me all the more excited to sample this perfume. In the vial: COCONUT and a VANILLA-LIKE creaminess with a blurring of LEATHER, completely unexpected. It's very gourmand but hopefully when applied more notes appear as I've never developed an appreciation for solely coconut concoctions. Applied: Add coconut to another note my chemistry unexpectedly amps as this is turning to high-end suntanning lotion on me. I was hoping with the extensive list of different scents something else would appear but alas, it is coconut with hints of vanilla and caramel. I can see why this is so popular though, as there are so many people who love the sunny beach and with the creaminess; this fragrance mixture is a prime choice for those who love destination scents and reminders of exotic desserts. As it sits longer, it's not that bad (admittedly one of the first coconut infused perfumes I can tolerate in fact). It's more summer or warm weather like than I was hoping (I do appreciate the vanilla and caramel both push more forward as it dries though replacing a strictly lotion aroma but it's just not what I was anticipating). I don't think I will be purchasing a full bottle BUT I do know someone who would love this. Words that come to mind: destination-themed scent locket, Summer, luscious beach cocktail melting in your hand Le Chant des Sirènes (Listed Notes: Beachgrass, Oceanic Ozone, White Musk, Rock Roses, White Patchouli, Sea Salt, and Magnolia Blossoms) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I didn't realise that I was caught into a small pattern with choosing seaside scents until my carefully prepared package from Alkemia arrived, I find that funny because believe it not: I've never been to a beach and all I know about the oceans are from books, movies and songs (yes I need to get out more). In any case, this perfume called to me specifically because of the notes (rose and patchouli) with the clever name (and displayed poem), this is a fragrance that is labeled to be discontinued and because I never know when I might find something I love when exploring in Alkemia's library of fragrances. This will be my first "aquatic" perfume to sample. In the vial: ROSE, MUSK, WATER and almost something like HONEYSUCKLE (but reading that must be the MAGNOLIA). It's also oddly "bubbly" in a way not soapy mind you but overall lovely. This perfume is so aptly named. Applied: This is such a curious fragrance, right away I get the salt, rose and my favorite patchouli that adds an earthiness to the water aspect and beckons me to stay. It almost has a riche vintage quality also and for some reason I keep envisioning a lone mermaid staring somewhat sadly toward shore where a recently renovated Gilded Age mansion stands while a record of violin music is playing against the sound of the waves. Wow, Alkemia you got my imagination whirling again (you are truly rulers of allowing your blended notes tell their own unique commanding stories). This is definitely a pure summer fragrance and a possible full bottle purchase (as a little goes a long way on me). Words that come to mind: Oceanic Romance, salty floral, rose bubbles, vintage melody Invitation to the Moon (Listed Notes: Lemon, Neroli, and Pear Blossoms, White Tree Peony, Night Blooming Water Lilies, Riceflower, Jasmine Sambac, Night Gladiolus, Flowering Coriander, Grey Amber, and White Patchouli) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Another surprising theme with this package were bold and quiet floral fragrances to be found within and this perfume was actually a generous bonus sample Alkemia added with one order. Reading the notes, this one sounds like something I may like BUT I have learned from my experience with Jasmine Sambac before and decided to allow this one to age after briefly sniffing it when it arrived (the more that note ages the more gorgeously powdery it gets on me when applied). In the vial: *a few weeks later: CITRUS and collage of FLORAL with POWDER just peeking out from the background. It may need a little more time to age as there is a soapy aspect also still noticeable but I'm eager to try it on. Applied: Yes I think I couple months will do this one wonders as the citrus-like soap is very dominant on me but there is that powder I love promising to come out eventually. It would work for spring to summer so maybe I'll revisit this perfume again then. Antares (Listed Notes: Queen of the Night, Dried Wild Roses, Mandarin, Nicotania, Oakmosses, Cactus, Juniper, Acacia buds, Fir Resin, Clary Sage, Cedar Needles, Labdanum, Guaiac Wood, Germander, and White Patchouli lightly bathed in dewy Water Musk.) What I was hoping for and what called to me: When I made my huge All Hallow's Eve themed purchase I didn't know what other samples to try at that time (honestly I was just bouncing around anticipating the Late Fall collection joining my vanity) so I added a quick note to my order to "surprise me". This was a generous vial sent in reply to that innocent message. Reading the notes and inspiration of the perfume, this sounds like one of those good ol' "down to earth" scents I love to find. Hoping for something deep and night like. In the vial: Glorious GREENNESS and EARTH and WATER, it sort of reminds me of MOSS MAIDEN (and a little of GAEA) because as soon as I smell it I get summer and spring. Applied: This one definitely is similar to MOSS MAIDEN but if that one is the sun-dappled day version (with a breeze of lemon), ANTARES is the night version of summer fields and woods. This one also has a slight spice to it and as it dries I imagine cooling wet meadows with fireflies rising to meet the night sky above. There is a very calming effect with this perfume and this may be a full bottle purchase (I have so many on that growing list but it's worth it). Words that come to mind: evening picnic, greenness of night, dancing fireflies Absinthe And Laudanum in the Afternoon (Listed Notes: Galbanum, Laudanum Accord, Tonka Bean, Vetivert Root, Wormwood, Opium Poppy, Poet's Jasmine, and French Lavender) *Directly from Alkemia's page: *A Note from the Alchemistresses: This is a blend of legal fragrant essences. It is NOT a psychoactive drug. It will not get you 'high.' Like all perfume oils, it is designed for topical use. Do not eat, drink, or smoke this or any other perfume. Perfumes are for wearing. =) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Having read a far-reaching library of different titles centered in history, I am always confronted with the words "absinthe" and "laudanum" in my favorite types of stories (mystery and tragic romances) so this was a curious exploration in something I have been interested to learn about for a long time (in scent version that is). Hopefully, I am inspired and bit by la fée verte" (the green fairy) and laudanum. In the vial: LAVENDER, MINT and LICORICE (reading that is the WORMWOOD), it's a promising cocktail of lushly imagined delirium. Applied: This smells so expensive and reminds me of those little glass bottles on my Baba's vanity that she would only wear on very special occasions. Completely wasn't expecting this to smell so classic (I was thinking for some reason this would be more of a playful scent mix). As this dries I get more lavender, spiked mint then the powder comes out and this becomes something to talk about. It almost reminds me of Nephilim (if you haven't tried it please do). Words that come to mind: evening wear, misrule classic, addicting herbal Stag Moon (Listed Notes: Staghorn Fern, Rum Infused Hardwoods, Oak Moss, Autumn Musk, Deerhide (*animal-friendly only botanic synthesized), Woodsmoke) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Silly me I didn't realise this oil was geared toward the fellas until later. Oh well, the lure of woodsmoke and woods called to me (this sample will just have to be for entertainment purposes.) In the vial: Being completely honest, I smell PEANUT BRITTLE with a hint of WOODS. Really wasn't expecting that but maybe it will work and smell like sweet smoke on me. Applied: There is no sweetness to be found because when this hits the skin this is untamed masculinity but with a strand of sophistication. This oil definitely morphs and is full of surprises. I would imagine on a man this is both bold and strong. The more it dries and I walk around (mind you I only tried a tiny dab) I keep getting a distinct vintage Old Spice cologne aroma that transforms into the forest floor with musk and wow this is pretty seductive (ahem note to self: this will be a full bottle purchase someday). Words that come to mind: TWO WORDS: WARRIOR POET! Ýdalir (Listed Notes: Fossilized Amber, Oakmoss Absolute, Siberian Black Pine, Smoked Juniper Tar, Balsam Pine - 100% Natural) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This was another "surprise me" response from Alkemia (thank you so much Alkemia!) and I was very excited before I read the notes as I could clearly smell this in the package before even opening it. In the vial: This makes my mouth water as this is pure country cooking on the heathenpit (a huge enclosed steel smoker you burn wood directly under the meat), it's savory, smokey and oh so good! It's also an ancient inspiring scent and very comforting. Absolutely amazing. Applied: *as this is a 100% natural oil with tar it really never dries and I would advise those to NOT wear anything you value as this would stain anything it touches. It's so deep and warm with all the wood notes and smells exactly like autumn down in the hollow. Finally be careful when removing as this oil attaches to bare skin but with a little rubbing it comes right off. I think I will be using this in the scent locket versus on my skin. Words that come to mind: savory scent locket, November down in the hollow, ancient home reminders *The Raven (Listed Notes: Ebony Heartwood, Black Amber, Piper Nigrum, Blackseed (habbatul barakah), Black Bengal Cardamon, Black Ink, Nigella (Black Coriander), Black Iris, Violet Leaves, and Leather (*animal friendly)) *To be a full bottle purchase and will be a triple-feature article in the near future (An entrancing beautifully wicked ode to everything black as black) Black Magic Woman (Listed Notes: Devil's Foodcake accord, Dark Caramel, Blackberry Brandy, Black Plum Incense, Dark Amber, Labdanum and Black Rose) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This was one of my first curious wanderings around Alkemia's shelves of different types of notes and what drew me was the devil's foodcake with roses. I believe I was sent this at the beginning of summer and I was hoping this would get me in the creepily wonderful mood for the colder weather to come. In the vial: *when this first arrived the sickly sweet plum and amber was too much for me and I had the most horrible headache BUT something I could detect was waiting underneath and I knew I should hold on to this sample and try again later. UPDATE: Months later and I'm so glad I held onto this vial as this perfume is so complex and different. It does have a very boozy quality and I don't think I would wear this to work (well maybe in very small dabs here and there) but to only special nights out. Applied: There is an almost over-enveloping wash of boozy plum that is so sweet and powerful but it soon calms down (surprising no headaches this time around). The rose comes out with the amber and maybe a bit of caramel as well that turns buttery on me. I don't detect any chocolate or light resins but I still like this perfume and I think I will be wearing it out more than I thought (this may be one of those "if they ever plan on discontinuing this fragrance, I will be sure to purchase a full bottle before then" but I will use what is in the generous vial until that day). Words that come to mind: the importance of aging, boozy rose, sultry séance, late summer into winter Carmen -7- (Listed Notes: Spiced Pear, Lychees, French Pralines, Bourbon Vanilla, Almond Blossoms Gardenia, Star Jasmine, Magnolia and Amber.) What I was for and what called to me: This was another "surprise me" gift in scent form (you're the best Alkemia!) that arrived with another order (yes my pocketbook hates and fears me but it's so worth it). After a quick look at the notes I'm hoping this reminds me of Les Courtisanes (*can't wait to share my thoughts in a future triple-feature article about that gem). Perhaps Carmen -7- will be sweeter with the french pralines, looking forward to trying this one. In the vial: SPICED FRUIT and AMBER with a hint of FLORAL in the background. It smells similar to Les Courtisanes but there is something more "modern" or "trendy" about it (it also seems to be the summer version of the familiar) but just like Les Courtisanes it smells expensive as well. Applied: If I had to choose Les Courtisanes is my choice when it comes to these similar noted perfumes but I still like Carmen -7- as this is more floral and the pralines strike up lovely visions of creamy vanilla caramel desserts in a summer garden. It does seem it needs a touch more aging so I will try this again in summer and decide if it will be accompanying it's spiced sister on my vanity. Words that come to mind: summer demand, posh floral alkemia.etsy.com Samples *2 full sets and extra favourites worth mentioning: HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON AMOUR CONJURE SMOKE & MIRRORS PATCHOULI CACAO AUTUMNALIS TRICK OR TREAT GAEA BOOK OF SHADOWS LILACS ALONG THE WINDING DRIVE FALLING STARS ON WINTER SOLSTICE .LES MYSTERES A DARKNESS BURNING MOSS MAIDEN NEPHILIM Combined Thoughts: From the epitome(s) of walks in nature to delicious smoky comforting ventures and a couple other absolutely fantastic late seasonal surprises; these were sample sets to remember and I highly recommend the “Build Your Own Custom 5 Piece Alkemia Perfume Sample Set” to anyone (trust Alkemia they know what they are doing and do it oh so well). One scent at a time: HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON (Listed Notes: Honeycakes, Beeswax, Ripe Grains, Harvest Fruits, Nutmeg, Ginger and Cloves) What I was hoping for and what called to me: When I saw this year's late seasonal collection front and stage on Alkemia's main catalogue page, I knew I had to try this. Being late to the party as always I missed out on another autumn selection (OFFERING) that I had seen others comment on and became very interested about but since I only found ETSY and Alkemia Perfumes this year (May) all the bottles/samples were claimed. HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON seemed like the revival of OFFERING plus the honeycakes with nutmeg, ginger and clove sounded too good to pass up. In the vial: Being completely honest and I know it is more complex than what I can detect (so please forgive me I'm still learning) but first impression- this smells like delicious homemade HONEY GRAHAM CRACKERS Applied: Scrumptious honey graham crackers with faint hints of fruit, cereal and spice. Giving it time to dry I get the beeswax and unfortunately that note amps on my skin and overtakes the delectable honeycakes scent becoming like a sweet spicy candle. A shame that this delightful fall medley doesn't last long on me but this may be another I need to get a fixative oil for or just purchase a full-size dropper styled bottle to put in my room oil warmer as I need this scent combination in my life, it's like a welcome stroll at the local autumn festival. *PURCHASED FIXATIVE OIL The important three perfumes that I retried: Pumpkin Strumpet, *Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and Patchouli Cacao Final Impression: Out of the three Patchouli Cacao worked the best with the fixative followed by Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and my spicy trickster Pumpkin Strumpet. The perfumes DID last longer and the opening notes stayed true, they also threw all the exhibited notes into the night but something went a tad strange with Pumpkin Strumpet (BUT that may have had to do with having worn just one tiny drop left in the sample vial and the balance might have been thrown off?). Maybe pumpkin notes are not meant to be on me but overall the fixative is a must and I've already placed this item in my "repurchase basket" when I run out or just to have the cooling mint-vanilla scent. Highly recommended. Curious Discoveries (what perfumes performs well with another): HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON & PUMPKIN STRUMPET-try it, they were made for one another *CIDRE D' AUTOMNE & HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON- another match made in gourmand autumnal heaven *AU LAIT & HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON- a sweet buttery combination Words that come to mind: Autumn Festivities, scrumptious homemade comfort, spicy sweet candle AMOUR CONJURE (Listed Notes: Dark Amber, Copper Distilled Patchouli, Bulgarian Rose, Ceylon Cinnamon, and Vetivert What I'm hoping for: After reading about a historic Romanian perfume recipe someplace, I was determined to find a cinnamon rose perfume as I can't resist cinnamon, a slightly floral or anything history related. I'm hoping I can wear this out not just on special occasions but on those days when I want to feel a little more brazen. In the vial: My new friend PATCHOULI with a SPICED ROSE and a quick polish of METAL, it's divine and somehow reminds me of LETTRE D'AMOUR but more mature. Applied: Hello Femme Fatale! This is indeed a powerful mix that boosts your confidence and has a primal vintage quality all its own. The rose is more dominant with the patchouli on me but I do get the cinnamon. It may not be as spicy as I was expecting but it is certainly enough and well balanced. As it dries I get more of the patchouli with metal (reading that must be the copper distilled) and that seems to be the final note with faint whispers of rose as this perfume lasts on me all through a 12-hour shift. I will be purchasing this (among several others once the generous vials are empty) Words that come to mind: Vintage Femme Fatale, earthy spicy rose, memorable, Here I am SMOKE & MIRRORS (Listed Notes: Woodsmoke and Vanilla) What I was hoping for: Certain scents allow me to go to a happy memory and woodsmoke is one aroma that takes me to childhood camping trips, special cookouts and late night talks beside the fireside. It may not sound like much but I just want a real woodsmoke scent with rustling leaves and bright moonlight coming to mind as soon as I get a familiar wisp. In the vial: Absolute bliss! Better than I expected as this takes me to late summer to fall country cookouts with hot savoury food, music, dancing by the firelight and losing yourself in staring at the night skies. The WOODSMOKE is dead on. Simple but beautiful. Applied: Oh Alkemia take my paycheck now as this is sure to be another full bottle purchase (I have so many on my future lists but it is worth it). I get that glorious woodsmoke as the front welcoming note and that's all I need but I do faintly get a fleeting whisper of vanilla that adds a sweetness to this peaceful blend. I read that this perfume is meant to layer with others and I can't wait to see what perfumes perform well together with this wonder. Words that come to mind: smoky bliss, tranquil starry nights, years of wonder PATCHOULI CACAO (Listed Notes: Dark Cocoa, Bourbon Vanilla, and Blonde Patchouli) What I was hoping for: The dark cocoa and patchouli are calling to me and I'm hoping for a sweet but earthy treat In the vial: I know it is more complex but I'm honestly getting CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES and fresh-gardened EARTH, it's marvelous! Please send me a full sized bottle now. Applied: Don't leave me, please stay scent of my dreams! We were meant to be... Oh bother here is another perfume I will need to get a fixative for as the amazing chocolate fades off first after several minutes (and the peanut butter-like scent is not as strong but a lovely caramel takes the chocolate's place). The patchouli is still there like a consoling friend but I wish the bitter chocolate would have stayed alot longer. I'm finding out more and more certain notes either clash horribly with or disappear completely with my skin chemistry (disappearing: chocolate, pumpkin, honey, orange). Words that come to mind: sweet dark stranger, warm decadence, fall to winter hushed promises *PURCHASED FIXATIVE OIL The important three perfumes that I retried: Pumpkin Strumpet, Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and *Patchouli Cacao Final Impression: Out of the three Patchouli Cacao worked the best with the fixative followed by Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and my spicy trickster Pumpkin Strumpet. The perfumes DID last longer and the opening notes stayed true, they also threw all the exhibited notes into the night but something went a tad strange with Pumpkin Strumpet (BUT that may have had to do with having worn just one tiny drop left in the sample vial and the balance might have been thrown off?). Maybe pumpkin notes are not meant to be on me but overall the fixative is a must and I've already placed this item in my "repurchase basket" when I run out or just to have the cooling mint-vanilla scent. Highly recommended. AUTUMNALIS (Listed Notes: Dry amber, Fallen Leaves, Maple Wood, Saffron Crocus, Soapy Wood Musk, Vetiver, and Oakmoss) What I'm hoping for: After reading so many comments saying this perfume "was like walking in the woods in October" I had to try this. I'm hoping for a transporting woodsy venture that I don't want to take off. In the vial: *Unfortunately the soapy wood musk was a tab overwhelming and er... robust (soap musk/ anything considered or described "clean" is another note that clashes or smells very masculine on me and I have to scrub off quickly) and this perfume needs to age (be placed in a cool dark box so the promised notes can combine) I've been sneaking sniffs of it since I received it (and one or two drops have fallen on my hand) and I don't think AUTUMNALIS will get along with my skin (or my nose) but we shall see (**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). TRICK OR TREAT (Listed Notes: Licorice, Orange Peel, Brown Sugar, Candied Ginger, Bourbon Vanilla, Tonka, Blonde Patchouli, Cedar, Oakmoss and Sandalwood) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: Being the ideal time of the year to explore the candied memories of our youths and still hoping for an adult twist to the familiar, I was initially curious why this one was so popular plus after falling hard for the mysterious broody drawing power of star anise (licorice-like aroma) in my sinful pleasure known as CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS, this became another "crossed fingered" exploration into Alkemia's unique library of scents. In the vial: ORANGE SLICES JELLY CANDY with a hint of CEDAR, nice and mellow Applied: Warm and sweet at the same time, there is that sweeping bow of licorice and in relation to CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS it amps on my skin (at first), maybe not as irresistible or reliable as star anise (licorice is sort of like the other's shy brother around me). I'm willing to give this another chance and maybe wait a couple weeks and retry this perfume as the licorice and orange fade on me quickly but the vanilla and ginger is hardy as always and I really like it. Words that come to mind: candied reflections, autumn time treat, playful, a hint of mischievous GAEA (Listed Notes: Forest loam, Ferns, Decaying leaves, Lichens, Wet stones) What I'm hoping for: I think by now readers following my simple thoughts have realised I prefer the unique and the personally noteworthy (perhaps better explained as arcs away from what everyone considers traditional but still familiar) and Alkemia beautifully caters to those needs (seriously there is a perfume for everyone within their catalogue that transports you to another time, emotion or season) and I'm hoping to find another to add to my collection- the ultimate waltz in the early spring forest would be ideal. In the vial: "Out Like a Lion" late March to April rain showers, I get the melted snow and the vegetation peeking above and waiting for the first full day of bright spring sunshine. It's unbelievable. Applied: I have been looking everywhere for something like this, it's incredible. Rain showers smell like wet earth and stone to me, not soap or "clean"; it's clouded over rain puddles and decayed leaves. Believe me, there is no soap in this otherworldly perfume. I can't stop closing my eyes and smiling as I also get flashbacks of still explored melting snow tunnels and there is that "cold" smell you had of the compacted ice with earth pressed into the walls. Oh, Alkemia is there anything you can't perfectly capture in scent form? I need a bottle of this. Words that come to mind: "Out Like a Lion" rain showers, spring goddess, transporting and freeing *BOOK OF SHADOWS (Listed Notes: Parchment paper, Antique ink, Leather bindings (*cruelty-free), and Rare Incenses) *To be a full bottle purchase and will be a featured article in the near future (Fellow written/printed word fanciers (okay book lovers aka: we proud novel sniffers) rejoice and get a bottle now, you won't regret it or be able to put it down!)) LILACS ALONG THE WINDING DRIVE (Listed Notes: Lilacs, Spring Violets, Rainwater, River Stone and Rust) What I'm hoping for: There is nothing like the calming and nostalgic scent of lilacs and I have been searching for a perfume that captures my childhood memories of sitting on the porch with my beloved grandparents watching the rain. Alkemia you have my trust and complete hopes to have what I'm looking for. You have surprised and had me shed a tear before, please let this be it. In the vial: Curses it's VIOLETS and light soap, where is the lilac? Okay now I'm worried. Applied: It's pretty but not me or what I have been looking for. The violets are very dominant on my skin (strange I liked TEMPTATION that has violet macarons but this is too much for me) and overtakes any lilac (I really think it's my skin chemistry so just ignore my thoughts). I don't think this will work but I'm willing to let it hopefully settle down and try again maybe around spring next year (the longer they sit the better) (**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). FALLING STARS AT WINTER SOLSTICE (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 gorgeous name caught my full attention. In the vial: WOODSMOKE and PINE, just like the name it's gorgeous. I can't help but think of sled riding and once happy holidays. Applied: Oh this is magical, the woodsmoke is my favourite but the pine with teasing myrrh and frankincense are all beautiful accompanying notes. I want a bottle of this, it's so comforting and in no way resembles a cheap candle it's more complex and so much deeper than you would think. Words that come to mind: windswept snowy hills, twinkling stars, joyous reunions LES MYSTERES (Listed Notes: Black Fig, Frankincense, Dark Amber, Labdanum, Musk and Russian Tea) What I'm hoping for: I'm leery about the fig listed (thanks to years of being bombarded by mall shops with fig and brown sugar and the headaches that always followed when someone sprayed it around me) but the frankincense, labdanum and tea beckon me to try this. In the vial: Extremely trendy expensive-smelling with sweet FIG and SOAP, this is certainly different from the down to earth scents I tend to collect. Applied: Believe it or not, I like this the tea and fig with the identified scent of soap (reading that must be the sensual musks) somehow work. It is definitely a feminine fragrance that smells very expensive, I wish the frankincense would appear more but I can faintly detect it. Letting it dry, this perfume lasts as hours later I finally received the full effect and it is so aptly named as I get the sharp dark tea note and the sweet fig blends into the background (happy to jot down not one headache with this mysterious mix). I like this perfume but I think I will decide if I need a full sized bottle after I use what is in the generous vial. It's really not me but some part of me would like it to be. Words that come to mind: popular demand, expensive medley, warm and pleasant A DARKNESS BURNING (Listed Notes: Spiced Incense, Cinnamon, Clove, Bourbon Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Charred Oak, Ginger Musk) What I'm hoping for: This one was a curious exploration in the fall collection listing, every one of the notes calls to me and I'm hoping to find maybe a gingerbread incense perfume that can transition from autumn to winter. In the vial: I know it's more complex and I wish I knew more proper terms but this honestly smells like SMOKEY ROOT BEER Applied: I was hoping that first impression would have changed but this really amps on my skin (and it's just personal taste but I never developed a love for root beer), I know scent is subjective so it shouldn't surprise me that others said they liked this on me and didn't get smokey root beer at all. So take this short review as you will, this perfume is not for me (and who knows it may need more ageing) but someone else will surely love it. (**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). MOSS MAIDEN (Listed Notes: Ferns, Calamus Bark, Lichen, Crushed Autumnal Greens, Cedar, Balsam Pine, Galbanum and Moss) What I'm hoping for: The short story behind the name caught my full attention (who doesn't love a good forest legend?) and the listed notes call to me. I'm hoping for something green but hauntingly alluring In the vial: LEMON it's unexpectedly more summer-like than you would think. Almost cheerful and very reminiscent of LEMON VERBENA or CYMBOPOGON (LEMONGRASS) Applied: Adding this to the summer cache as this is very bright and somehow shaded. I like it, the lemon scent (I'm not sure what is doing that) amps on my skin and I'm getting more of a woodland summer fairy dancing amongst the dandelions rather than a seductive moss maiden. Still it's quite unique and I will happily use what is in the vial. Words that come to mind: summer sprite, sun-dappled frolic, cheerful but guarded NEPHILIM (Listed Notes: Aged Iron Distilled Patchouli, Black Oud, and Mineralistic Accord of Gypsum Flower and Brimstone) *this was a surprise "Scent Preview Coming Soon" vial that I received along with one of my sample packs- thank you so much Alkemia! In the vial: MINT, EARTH, a quick polish of METAL AND STONE, it's splendidly moody and gothic. Applied: This is completely unique with shadowed and pitch black qualities. The mint moves the patchouli, oud and brimstone to an almost light murky aquatic level but then it changes to a stormy charged quality that is perfect for this time of year and overactive imaginations. I will be using this with impish glee and then purchasing a full bottle in the future, it's a classic black and white horror film in a vial. Words that come to mind: Gothic Rain, Lair of All Hallow's Eve, desolate escape alkemia.etsy.com Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ -This next fragrance has quickly found a special place in my secret dark little heart as this perfume is just a sinful patchwork that pulls me into depths of shadowy niches of imagination and doesn't let me go. It is no surprise that this was the one fragrance I finished the entire sample vial (thank you so much Alkemia for allowing samples) in only a few days and even with a full sized bottle this will probably also be the first perfume I will need to reorder shortly because even as I am typing this review I'm just slathering myself with it (oh excuse me I'm not slathering, I'm using the justification in my head that "I'm testing it properly"). I have been continually reaching for this as the weather outside my windows mirrors my favorite type of novel. It's positively wicked, complex, transporting and too good to not share and deserves a special TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS- Listed Notes: (Labdanum, Vanilla Incense, Tobacco, Coffee, Rum Soaked Pears, Caramel) Combined Thoughts: I’m still experimenting with what I think I like and this I LOVE and want to live in the bottle! CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS is a sinful transporting delight that I want to return to again and again. It beckons with a clever aroma patchwork that I didn’t even know existed (or thought would work together) and calls to my side that loves gloom and alluring mystery but also unexpectedly reaches out and drags me down to unfamiliar levels of imagination with a fiendish seductive quality that I can’t (or want) to escape. The pear and yet almost salty caramel with vanilla are very dominant on me and the intoxicating coffee that comes out with the anise, tabac and incense make this fragrance wicked and just marvelous. I feel truly unique when I wear this and this is my ideal fragrance for the end of summer well into the colder months. What I was hoping for: This was another curious browsing within Alkemia's diverse library of perfumes (there is a fragrance for everyone to be found there). Reading the notes the Vanilla and Coffee along with soaked Pears and Caramel call out to me the most, hoping this is something I could wear for fall (never can have enough different scents for my favorite season). The description is also too much to ignore as well- a debauched underground club in 1905 Paris; here I come. In the vial: This is so complex and unlike anything I have ever encountered, this is an evilly brilliant masterpiece! *many minutes later of me just smelling the vial and saying YES! as well as fighting the urge to dump it on my head or buying 50 no a 105 full sized bottles or demanding a clawfoot tub of it made so I could bathe in it, I came back to my senses and tried to focus on the individual notes* I get the CARAMEL and a pressing of soaked PEARS and a spilling of the best dark COFFEE I have ever smelled. There is also a sweeping bow of STAR ANISE that I'm falling for in first time of my life. I should have tried this sooner! Applied: Welcome to CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS! If this was what the underground hub of elicit desires and wicked intentions smelled like: I WOULDN'T EVER WANT TO LEAVE OR SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY AGAIN! *fighting the urge again to bathe in this* The caramel and coffee with pear really stand out on me and the anise pulls me deeper into this gloom filled amazing place. This is perfect for the end of summer well into fall and winter. As it dries the coffee and anise with warm caramel dipped pears comes out the most and I even smell the uncleaned spattered wood that is listed in the description. This is the ultimate transporting scent and completely unique. Exactly what I have been searching for. Words that come to mind: enrapturing gloom, unique mystery, end of summer to spring, wickedly marvelous and fiendish in every perfect way alkemia.etsy.com Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ -This summer treat was first sampled and quickly purchased in full size (and I was also gifted 2 more samples with the order- thank you so much Alkemia for allowing little vials of future temptation with every order) right after I received a honest and prompt answer about one of the notes listed (White Poppy) from the amazing owner. No question is considered silly and she was very helpful in regards to my final decision to sample and purchase this fragrance and another I had been wondering about (and those two have become treasured favorites). Always appreciate to find excellent customer service and Alkemia has one of the best. Too good not to share and deserves a special FEATURED/TREASURED label. Brava Alkemia! ECHOED ECTASY- Listed Notes: (Wild Strawberry, Ginger Flower, Artemisia, Melon and White Poppy) Combined Thoughts: I’m officially addicted to Alkemia Perfumes as I am among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars with ECHOED ECSTASY. This is what I imagine the lazy summer afternoon rendezvous between Gatsby and Daisy would have smelled like, pure carefree indulgent decadence and a splash of romantic expectation. Just perfect for this beautiful little fool. What I was hoping for: I was initially tempted by what others were saying about this summer fragrance release and decided to sample it first. I'm was hoping for a perfect summer blend for the sweltering summer weather we were experiencing, something light and refreshing would be great to find. In the vial: SPARKLING GINGER ALE with CITRUS and MELON. It has a decadent quality of a care-free celebration or rendezvous under a weeping willow on a breezy summer day. I have a feeling I'm going to love this. Applied: This is such a bright and uplifting fragrance, the bubbly ginger ale turns to light strawberry adorned champagne and swaying floral in the background. I absolutely love this and it reminds me of one of my favorite scenes in a cherished book. Words that come to mind: bright, playful, decadent, dreamlike, care-free, sparkling summer alkemia.etsy.com Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ -This fragrance I am about to introduce has become something I find myself seeking out if I want to be pampered and perhaps escape reality for a time (joining the elite pantheon with CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS and LA BELLE ÉPOQUE- two other entrancing master works by Alkemia). The notes that combine in this heady perfume are ones that I honestly could just lose myself in the transporting quality of. It's aptly named as it is so intoxicating, (no, there is no actual alcohol content in the notes) it is just olfactory ambrosia that acts as a balm for stormy moods and I have become a devotee to this. Too good to not share and deserves a special label of FEATURED/TREASURED. Brava Alkemia! BACCHANTE- Listed Notes: (Blueberries, Oakmoss, Wild Ivy, Lavender, Tonka, and Forest Fungi) Combined Thoughts: BACCHANTE by Alkemia Perfumes is an olfactory masterpiece! It’s a perfect mysterious summer blend that surprises how much it can tickle the senses conjuring a lush jovial scene leaving you feeling regal but benevolent and finally above all has you begging to come back for more. True magic on my skin and I absolutely love everything about this heady perfume and won’t be found without it on my vanity dresser. Ladies if any description of scents or something happens to catch your eye in Alkemia’s extensive library of fragrances try it with a sample. Don’t be afraid to explore unfamiliar notes or fight the temptation to learn something about yourself. We all deserve a little something special and Alkemia knows exactly how to treat you right. What I was hoping for: When I picked this sample, I was looking for a scent for summer and the lavender note listed caught my full attention but I was still weary after years of the commercial scene with perfumes that I tended to shy away from notes that I thought would smell one way and disappoint (blueberry was one such note that never smelled real to me within any mass marketed selection). This was one of my first experiments with scent that I'm ashamed to say I didn't expect much from. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: In the vial: FRESH PICKED BLUEBERRIES and EARTH, you can't help but inhale. It's sublime! The effect is like smelling a bunch of hyacinths or lilacs for the first time (I even double checked to see if hyacinths were listed because it's almost floral) Applied: This is otherworldly and transports you to an indulgent level of realisation. It's amazing and something I never want to be without. I can't believe something like this exists...(*many minutes later of just closing my eyes and waxing poetic, I came back) I don't get the individual notes exactly it's just a harmonious union of season, emotion and imagination. Words that come to mind: transporting, heady, Woodland Goddess, lush, late spring to early fall, treasure *I purchased a full size of this and was surprised the effect was amplified within the bottle and it only got better within the months I forced myself to let allow it to age. Months later and it's still exquisite in every way as the notes come together and with my chemistry the earth element is slightly more detectable now (the other night I caught the underlying forest vegetation and I must comment that this unexpected favorite lasts on me for 12+ hours). The lavender that initially beckoned me to this perfume is there but blends beautifully with the blueberry. Please Alkemia never stop making this! alkemia.etsy.com Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ Samples: PUMPKIN STRUMPET BACCHANTE TEMPTATION AU LAIT LA BELLE ÉPOQUE LES COURTISANES Combined Thoughts: After being impressed by the fast shipping, lovely packaging and falling completely under the unique spell of perfume oils (still trying to decide what to buy a full bottle of first), I couldn’t help myself to order more from this amazing shop and I sampled: Pumpkin Strumpet, Bacchante, Temptation, Les Courtisanes, Au Lait and La Belle Époque. I know I’m to let these oils rest (believe me they deserve it and will only get better with age) but right out of the vial they were magical in some way and one even brought tears to my eyes with comforting nostalgia and memories of a dearly missed loved one. That was a special surprise that I truly appreciate. I recommend those nervous about trying perfume oils to give the sample piece set a wave of the wrist, I don’t think you will be disappointed. One scent at a time: PUMPKIN STRUMPET (Listed Notes: Sugar, Pumpkins, Madagascar Vanilla, Cinnamon, Ginger & Clove) What I was hoping for: I'll admit the catchy name caught my attention at first (seriously who doesn't want to go around and secretly hope someone asks "what are your wearing?") and after I stopped giggling, I prepared myself for a familiar favorite with a naughty spicy twist. In the vial: *this one needed a little more aging (placed in a cool dark box to combine all of the notes) as this strumpet was surprisingly shy and needed time, I tested the vial once in May and July and got only the PUMPKIN, SUGAR and VANILLA with the faintest wisp of my precious fall SPICES. It is true what they say about these oils getting better as they sit and last week in September I decided it was long enough and took her out for the night. Applied: Again this one surprised me as I needed to dab quite a bit on and as I was getting ready to go out the door, I almost couldn't detect it and added more thinking it was just something that needed done. It is a delicious confection that seems to melt on my skin but it also called to mind a more subdued russet lady rather than a spicy lady of the evening which somewhat disappointed me as I could faintly detect it throughout the night. Not what I was expecting but apparently this strumpet still likes to plays tricks as it dried and the notes morphed from one dessert to another on me and I could swear I smelled pumpkin cheesecake after a few hours and it did depart with the loveliest vanilla as the final note. Very odd how chemistry affects the combined notes and this fragrance might be the one I need a "fixative" oil (that prolongs the longevity of the scent layered on top). I wish Alkemia had this scent in an ULTIME version (one that lasts longer on those whose chemistry "gobbles" up scent which seems to happens with me for pumpkin fragrances) because I would purchase a full bottle (who doesn't want to smell pumpkin cheesecake this time of year?) UPDATE: 17th-18th of September- It seems this autumn bawd heard me speaking ill of her and decided to put on the ultimate metamorphosing dessert scent show that night to dispel any past disappointment as I could clearly detect every promised note and the confections changed from slices of pumpkin cheesecake to spice dusted pumpkin roll and that next morning to amazing pumpkin gobs filled with creamy vanilla icing. No faint wisps this time but only like sitting next to a fall party dessert tray all night. That stunt proved to me the importance of aging and patience with perfume oils (it took almost 4 months) and I'm now convinced (and in love) in the power of this sassy pumpkin scent potion. I will be purchasing a full bottle before winter (and storing it away properly) with all apologies to those who have fallen already for this perfume. You were right! Curious Discovery (what perfume performs well with another): HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON (*another future full bottle purchase and review) & PUMPKIN STRUMPET-try it, they were made for one another *AU LAIT & PUMPKIN STRUMPET *another match made in gourmand heaven Words that come to mind: sweet fall confections, spicy trickster, holiday, heavenly temptations *BACCHANTE: (Listed Notes: Blueberries, Oakmoss, Wild Ivy, Lavender, Tonka and Forest Fungi -PERFUME DESERVES TO BE SHOWCASED AND PURCHASED IN FULL AMOUNT/BOTTLE Feature Review to follow, it' a masterpiece!- TEMPTATION: Listed Notes: (Crème de Violet Macarons with White Chocolate Ganash) What I'm hoping for: I'm still working through different unfamiliar scent combinations and VIOLET is one I hope I love because of the fascinating history associated with the scent: Queen Anne Boleyn and Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna (Romanov) were both said to have strongly favored this note above all others. The white chocolate is just a bonus as well as the macarons. In the vial: sweet but edible BABY POWDER (reading that must be the VIOLETS) and it's very comforting and familiar. Applied: the VIOLET is dominant on me but I can still detect the CHOCOLATE. This is an innocent feminine scent that has a beautiful ethereal vintage quality to it. I like this, not sure I would want a full bottle but I definitely use this vial on special dates. Words that come to mind: vintage, winter, cusp of spring, kindness, innocence AU LAIT: Listed Notes: (Warm Creamy Milk, Lait Sucre, and a Drop of Honey) What I'm hoping for: I wanted to sample this fragrance as I read that it can be layered with PUMPKIN STRUMPET to create a more sophisticated scent that is a sure winner for the season and company. Going strictly by reviews plus maybe this could be used for sleep (if it indeed smells like warm milk) In the vial: WARM TOAST or BUTTERED FROM SCRATCH FRESH BAKED BREAD, very cozy and familiar. Wow had did they capture that scent? Applied: This is such a comforting humble scent, I can see why others are saying it would go great with PUMPKIN STRUMPET (one deserves the other). Letting it dry, it becomes straight MELTED BUTTER on me which I love but I think this and PUMPKIN STRUMPET would work best for me in an oil warmer for a room (that place I wouldn't want to leave ever) versus on my skin. Words that come to mind: home, warmth, snowflakes, warm hugs, butter, empty chair LA BELLE ÉPOQUE: Listed Notes: (Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose, Iris, Rose, and Lily of the Valley blended with Plum, Apricot, Tahitian Vanilla, Blonde Amber, Bitter Almond, Oakmoss and Powdery Musk) What I'm hoping for: To experience a glimmer of the Gilded Age which this fragrance is said to be an ode to. I love how Alkemia describes perfumes in their catalogue, you're sure to find a time, a place or emotion that you want desperately to visit or become a part of your personal style. In the vial: FLORAL POWDER and RESIN that just harkens back to a splendid time of refinement, swishing gowns, tipped hats and frivolous ventures. Applied: Class and distinction with the FLORAL, it is what you wished your skin smelled naturally like. Definitely a mature fragrance and is by no means a childhood romp in the garden, this is romantic and earthy with the RESIN which my skin seems to respond positively to. I'm faintly getting a fruit (APRICOT is my guess as it seems to really amp on my skin). I'm still "training my nose" but I'm getting a hint of VANILLA as well. This is not your everyday scent, modern times wouldn't understand it or appreciate the complex beauty. I would wear this one to historical events or special night entertainments (I will be purchasing a full bottle in the future, a tiny dab goes a long way on me so I will happily use what is in the vial first). Words that come to mind: classic, refinement, mature, extravagant powdery floral, Ormolu *LES COURTISANES: Listed Notes: (Sugared Pears, Apricots, and Lychees; Spiced White Amber; White Florals and Nutmeg) (was a generous bonus sample Alkemia tossed in) With their shop you get an extra vial with the sample set of 5 (*a few restrictions on your choices but you can read about that on their page) and 2 extra samples if you purchase the 5ml bottles and all with amazing customer service! -TO BE A FULL BOTTLE PURCHASE and a future Feature Review/Post as soon as the last drop is used from the vial (which shouldn't be long). It's the perfect end of summer into the snap of colder fall weather scent. Just fabulous. alkemia.etsy.com Usually when someone asks me where I have been, I jokingly say "distracted by something shiny or something that smells good" and that is exactly why my book reviews have been very sporadic but in truth 2017 hasn't been the most ideal time for new releases for me sadly and being completely honest: I have been losing inspiration to write anything worth mentioning since the end of April (don't worry I will always have something to say and share about the RMS TITANIC (just ask my coworkers)). But I'm happy to say, I'm back and my imagination and mind is afire with thoughts on my new obsession? hobby? (can smelling things and sitting in front of 150 year old vanity breathing in the past be considered a pastime? I think it can). Introducing my inspiration and muse to write: perfume oils! (and ETSY.com) But first I need to say goodbye to an old friend. Saying goodbye to an old friend and the beginning of a new venture: I have been addicted to commercial perfumes for as long as I could reach my Baba's perfume shelf. I remember the beautiful bottles and glittering caps (I was even a magpie then) and I even kept a lone etched glass bottle and hoarded it like treasure for years (it reminded me of my Pap) until it disappeared one day. That little scent exploration then led to my early years of seeking out the sales tables at commercial retail locations and spending so much on a bunch of body splashes, eau de parfum and spritzes that I'm ashamed to say I grabbed as many as I could and hid for many years because they smelled what I thought at the time as unique and mature. Well those are being given away because in June of this year I stumbled onto ETSY and innocently searched for lilac, gingerbread and vanilla perfumes and my world has not been the same. I fully admit before I purchased anything I researched for a week on what perfume oils were and what was so special about them. I was immediately taken that perfume oils have such a complex and interesting history and the way you apply them just harkens back to a simpler forgotten era and you honestly feel so pampered and glamorous as you dab the fragrances on your wrists and pulse points (but I didn't know that at the moment when I stumbled onto these mood elixirs). What also thrilled me was there were so many different combinations and notes to explore. I still wasn't sure for some reason and reading the reviews I was overwhelmed but intrigued by all of the definitions (throw, sillage, aging, wet, dry etc.) it seemed something unreal and "puffed up" plus I worried what something would smell like. I mean I know what vanilla or hyacinths smell like right? I would imagine once you caught a whiff of a buttery rich but somehow nutty noted carved pumpkin the fragrance is pretty straight forward albeit a bit faded and altered in the eau de parfum but still recognizable (baby you haven't smelled nothing yet). I kept having all of these negative thoughts about trying oil in a vial versus a gold caped painted bottle. The price was too good to be true also, I just spent a pretty penny on a fruit rose perfume that unfortunately didn't resemble roses in the garden or summer berries at all and here I find a listing of the same amount 5ml for $12 or 11.95 (with slightly different variations but essentially the same notes). Impossible I thought, why the difference of cost? Ah the sneaky devils at the popular perfume companies have been hiding a big secret it would seem (or I never noticed the back of the bottle or cared to think past coating myself in formulations that I thought smelled nice) because after more research I found that alcohol is the primary ingredient in my pretty labeled commercial perfume bottles and the smaller vials of oil last longer even though some are smaller than 5mls (a tiny amount is needed versus just putting yourself in a cloud of chemicals) plus they are only comprised of natural pressings, mashing, remaining or what have you of real fruit or herbs. You are almost given a gift of a dying art with the perfume oils versus the showy retail alcohol and watered down faux fruits and factory processed swill. Pricing was certainly a factor to consider (and revealing the real truth on the back or under the bottle) but what about smelling like everyone else, I thought my precious chemical comprised mixtures made me different even though I was surprised three ladies on my floor at work were wearing something very close to my favorite spring perfume only weeks before. Again research came to my rescue and handed me the deciding card when I found that perfume oils react with your skin chemistry and change on one person to another. Fascinating! Still cautious but very excited at that point I wanted to sample these oils and found a small listing of highly recommended shops on ETSY and decided to purchase from a few. Below is my first experience with the alluring world of perfume oils (I made sure to first read the charming descriptions and go with what I thought I would like in the notes.) *Even though this was my initial purchase these were not the deciding scent(s) that had me say goodbye to faux over hyped plasticy perfume, that first honor went to SABRINA by SIBERIE PERFUMES but I will save that review for another day. Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com Samples: EARL GREY TEA VANILLE AMOUR MADAME PEARL LETTRE D'AMOUR MEMORIAM CIDRE D'AUTOMNE Combined Thoughts: As always I'm late to the party but I can't believe my luck and reaction with being very pleased with my first introduction to the absolute unique personal experiences these oils can offer. I admit I was hesitant at first (purchasing something untried or just believing all of the positive reviews) but this 5 piece Perfume Sample Set was perfect for a cautious shopper like me and I can't decide what to buy a full bottle of first or ignore the temptation to try more. For this initial dipping of the toe into the world of perfume oil I sampled: Earl Grey Tea, Vanille Amour, Madame Pearl, Lettre d'Amour, Memoriam and a beautiful autumn selection that I hope comes back in stock. I loved how each of these prepared oils smelled different from the tiny vial to my skin and I'm told they will only get better with age (doesn't everything) One scent at a time: EARL GREY TEA (Listed Notes: Bergamot, Citrus and Black Tea) What I was hoping for: I love the smell of Earl Grey Tea and I was hoping to find that refined comforting tang and zest you get from a piping cup. Also I would like this for fall or late summer and for it to very herbal (like rubbing your hands over a long stalk of bergamot and getting that gorgeous faint spice back from it). If I could wear this to work that would be a plus. In the vial: I get LEMON and TEA, there is a burst of citrus and subdued herbal back note. Applied: That burst of citrus comes out but the herbal spice slowly makes an appearance, exactly what I have been searching for. Still it's more summer or spring-like than I was hoping. I really like it though...Giving it more time to blossom and dry on my skin the comforting scent I loved is very faint now after 10 minutes. I think it is my skin chemistry. Very disappointed but will let it age (hide away in a dark cool box for awhile so all the notes combine). Words that come to mind: refined, summer, muted VANILLE AMOUR (Listed Notes: Madagascar and Tahitian vanillas, Tonka, Cardamon, Ginger, and Grains of Paradise) What I'm hoping for: Reading all the positive reviews I'm hoping for chai and vanilla, something with a suggestion of warm drinks and cold weather In the vial: SPICE and APPLE but there is a creaminess. It's very nice and soothing Applied: Apple (reading that must be the Grains of Paradise) but not the typical powerful fruit burst, it's not tart but somewhat sweet and that spice is wonderful and I faintly detect resin. I don't get any strong vanilla oddly it's like a sophisticated spiced apple cookie. I need a bottle of this! Words that come to mind: fall, comforting, dusting, delicate spice MADAME PEARL (Listed Notes: White Tea Leaves, Bone China, Vanilla Pods, White Pepper) What I'm hoping for: Again going by reviews but I would hope for vanilla tea and some pepper. Maybe even a little alluring mystery mixed in. In the vial: LEMON, TEA and PEPPER there is a elegant vanilla powder in the background Applied: the powdery lemon is center stage but is very pleasant with the elegant tea note. The pepper really comes out on my skin and I get another kind of warm note with the vanilla. I love this! Words that come to mind: hot summer nights, flickering gaslight, different LETTRE D'AMOUR (Listed Notes: Star Jasmine, Neroli, White Roses, Sweet White Amber, Perfumed Ink) What I'm hoping for: I can't honestly say I know what jasmine smells like and I'm somewhat leery of amber (thanks to years of being bombarded with "amber" sprays/concoctions from local mall shops, you know the one) but the perfumed ink sounds like something I need to know about. In the vial: SOAP and POWDER and there is a sweetness *Applied: the soap note was extremely dominant and I decided to let this one age for two weeks as they suggested. Coming back much better, the soap is there (reading that must be the jasmine) but the lovely powder and light sweetness and the ink I can detect. It really is a complex but pretty scent (perhaps a touch too youthful for me), not sure I would buy a full bottle but it something I will use for special occasions. Words that come to mind: romantic, pretty, vintage, spring, powdery soap MEMORIAM (Listed Notes: Dark Red Roses, Smoke and Ashes) What I'm hoping to find: something floral but deep In the vial: WOOD ASH and CANDLE SMOKE there are the roses and it twines beautifully with the ash Applied: I don't know how it is possible but this is beautifully strange in the best way, it's just a deep solemn scent that would be impossible to find in the mainstream. As it dries, it's like lighting a prayer votive in the church and there are roses around you as you place them down for someone special. I will be saving this vial for only certain days of remembrance and reflection Words that come to mind: respectful, winter, fall, November, January, beloved special *CIDRE D'AUTOMNE (Listed Notes: Fall Apples and Autumnal Spices) (*was a generous bonus sample Alkemia tossed in) With their shop you get an extra vial of your choice (one of two restrictions though but you can see those on the main page) with the sample set of 5 and 2 extra samples if you purchase the 5ml bottles and all with amazing customer service! What I am hoping for: fresh pressed and stirred apple cider In the vial: Exactly as promised. Home brewed goodness! Applied: This one surprised it starts out spice and crisp ripe apples then goes buttery on me. It goes from apple cider to flaky pie. Hopefully this one comes back into their fall catalogue, it's marvelous. Words that come to mind: country, home, spice, fall, golden alkemia.etsy.com More reviews to follow, I have so many notes to share |
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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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