The Gentlemen of Derbyshire Hair Oil by Libertine Bath Haus .1oz glass bottle. (Scent notes: Tobacco leaf, leather, regal clove, and warm oakwood.) Ingredients: Avocado oil, Argan oil, meadow foam seed oil, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel seed oil, grapeseed, fragrance, Vit E We've had the pleasure to get well acquainted with inspired fragrances of the main characters of Pride and Prejudice now let us get to know the scents about the complex love interests of several sisters of Bennet, Bingley and surrounding county households. First up is Libertine Bath Haus's The Gentlemen of Derbyshire and on application, this is a slightly smoky and somehow smooth tobacco and clove dominant blend in my curls with sweet leather lingering in the background. Ah! There is nothing like the rich elegant scent of tobacco in various forms and The Gentlemen of Derbyshire nicely showcases that note. In terms of the longevity of the aroma of fresh tobacco, warm clove and leather, it is sadly short-lived (nearly an hour and a half), however, the shine that follows from a small application of this oil is not. I'm already familiar with this shop's hair care product formula and for me, it can be a touch drying if I use it right after washing my hair with say whipped soap so I save it and only use a few drops at a time when the natural oils begin to build up too much (my hair type is a mixture of dry and oily). It seems to soak up the grease and adds an incredibly healthy shine to my waist-length locks. Another keeper! Truth Universally Acknowledged EDP by Deconstructing Eden. 5ml bottle (Scent notes: Rosewood and mahogany bookshelves, Russian leather chairs, a simple eau de cologne of English lavender, Bergamot, and fougere accord, a glass of cognac, a river of scotch, and tobacco absolute.) It's the infamous opening to Pride and Prejudice: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." and here we have an...how do I put this as ladylike as possible? An extremely seductive interpretation of the above quote and one that materializes a debonair scent character right from the bottle you would never want to leave if you met him in real life. This is a cultured fragrance with a lavender forward opening on me and in the bottle is a rich leather, bergamot and booze heavy blend. I could happily sniff the bottle all day and can't stop spritzing myself to get that burst of herbal spice with the lavender, antique rosewood and the smoky tobacco absolute that appears after a few moments. Curiously after about 10 minutes, Truth Universally Acknowledged sweetens on my skin becoming almost floral (with a backing of leather and tobacco) so if anyone was wondering this perfume is unexpectedly unisex and overall extremely wearable (lavender is so wonderfully versatile). Longevity overall varies for me, about 10 hours on my skin and much longer in my hair and on my clothes. It was no surprise Truth Universally Acknowledged was one of my top picks from the A Winter's Ball (Pride, Prejudice & Perfume) collection; I can't recommend this perfume enough. Sharing Notes of Interest and surrounding mysteries: Another entertaining mystery stemming from the pages of Pride & Prejudice is: Who was the inspiration of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? Every year many theories to names are introduced as suspects, my personal favourite possible personality is an Irish politician and Judge named Thomas Lefroy. It may have been a short-lived flirtation (one of swirling holiday balls and dances in December 1795) between Austen and Lefroy and not exactly as deep a romantic connection such as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy shared in the end but, you know what they say, you never forget your first attraction and there is always truth in everything (and letters do still survive between Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra that mention Lefroy in a puzzling light). So it is quite possible that the complex character we all have come to love through the generations could have very well been based on Thomas Lefroy (I hate speculation but it is sure fun to debate and think about, don't you agree?) *In 2007, a creative adaptation of this theory was brought to the silver screen called Becoming Jane and I fully intend to watch this film as soon as time permits (how did I miss this film?!). There is also a Semi-Biography listed Becoming Jane Austen by Hunter Spence that I wish to pick up for next year's December Austen themed reading in honour of Miss Austen's birthday (December 16th). If perhaps Mr Darcy was based on an Irish politician and Judge, were George Wickham, William Collins or Charles Bingley based on anyone Austen knew? Although some speculate it was Austen's own brother, Henry Thomas Austen, who served as unfortunate inspiration (he was a militia officer and clergyman) and very well possibly was turned into Mr William Collins in the pages; I love the other idea of Shakespeare's Proteus and Valentine from The Two Gentlemen of Verona being used for certain plot points in the story. There are many similarities between the awkward and tumultuous brotherly relationship between the characters and it seems throughout history there are tales of men brought up as brothers then they choose different paths with one later returning bent on destroying the other. Regarding Charles Bingley, there doesn't seem to be any clear figure identified either, he is just the contrast to Darcy with his open friendliness and charm wherein Mr. Darcy, he is a complex personality that in the end you can't help but fall for and proves the adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" plus is a central theme in Pride and Prejudice. In the end, it is known that Austen used many different past literary pieces for ideas for her storylines and characters in her novels, so the true identity of George Wickham, William Collins or Charles Bingley are all collective entertaining mysteries and discussion subjects forever attached to the pages of this novel of first impressions and manners. Nothing brings me out of the shadows and into a shop's door more than a cleverly hidden-in-plain-view reference to a special topic of interest and Libertine Bath Haus had one delicious sounding siren call in the form of "Gardens of the Red Keep" which promised "lemon cake". If you aren't familiar with what this is ascribing to, please sit a spell with a tome from A Song of Ice and Fire (skip the show, there I said it). After becoming entranced by that simple description, I found myself continually visiting the extensive scent catalogue over the following days and recognizing other witty references (and applaudable research in regards to a few historical names/places). The notes sounded wonderful for several blends and I have been meaning to try a sugar scrub so I messaged the owner with quite a few questions about skin sensitivity, ingredients availability, fragrance transfer comparisons between items and of course commended her for use of the name of Gardens of the Red Keep (fingers crossed a Cersei creation appears someday in the catalogue) and I must say Libertine's customer service is phenomenal! I placed a small introductory order after that and was over the moon with the extras that unexpectedly appeared in my parcel (complete with a personalized thank you card; it's those little touches to be found in indie boxes that keep me returning). I don't know where to start as I fell hard for so many things, it's another collection in the making. This is a shop to watch and this is a long overdue review! *Please note: Gardens of the Red Keep and Wisteria Lane are no longer available in the General Catalogue and have been discontinued since I ordered in April 2019 Body Polish in Gardens of the Red Keep (Description: "Lemon Cake") So here it is, the jar that started a Lemon Cake Battle Royale in my bathtub and came out the new reigning queen of sweet and tart desserts in my book! This blend is addictive and brings to mind a heavenly marriage of Country Time Lemonade Cake and pretty pale-yellow Petit Fours you see displayed at certain gatherings in summer. It's sweet with just the right amount of tartness and I swear I can smell a squeezing of lime in this. In regards to the scrub formula, this was a first time experience for myself and I must say, I will never be without a jar of scrub again. I feel so pampered and my skin is even more moisturized after using this formula. My elbows and heels are petal-soft (especially after rubbing in the body butter) and I'm thrilled to jot down that the fragrance that so bewitched me lasts an hour on my skin. For those who still have never tried a sugar scrub the longer you leave the fragrance to soak into the sugar- the more you will fall in love in the end. Additional Notes: The try-it size of the jars may fit in your palm but are very generous and I have had several months of use out of the jar(s). A one-half scoop of scrub has been plenty for each bath. Would I repurchase?: Absolutely, yes and I plan to get jars of Persephone and Peppermint Marshmallows at the next release. I'm trying to conserve my precious jar of Gardens of the Red Keep but it's just too good. Body Butter in Gardens of the Red Keep (Description: "Lemon Cake") Up until my parcel from Libertine Bath Haus arrived I was using a collage of various lotions that ranged from thick goat's milk, shiitake mushroom extract with collagen and pure shea butter, these all pale in the results I have received from this body butter. I do believe I have found another holy grail self-care item for myself. Not one breakout to report, my rough hands from constant hand washing from my profession are now always soft, supple (the creases on my knuckles are gone- my hands look younger) and I get constant compliments when I shake hands with doctors (that's one way to get noticed and be remembered, haha). The only negative is the delectable magical fragrance of Gardens of the Red Keep doesn't stay true in this form, it morphs to buttery salty popcorn on my skin within 20 minutes with a light trace of cake in the background (my chemistry always amps butter in everything). I'm curious to see if Peppermint Marshmallows will change. Only one way to find out. Additional Notes: The try-it size of the jars may fit in your palm but are very generously filled and I have had several months of use out of the jar(s). Not very much body butter is needed to get full silky coverage of an area. Would I repurchase?: Yes. Another lifetime repurchase item for myself. The following appeared in my first order (Thank you so much for everything, Libertine Bath Haus!) Hair Glace in Gardens of the Red Keep (Description: "Lemon Cake") It will truly be a sad day when the bottle and jars run out of Gardens of the Red Keep because it has been discontinued. I haven't been able to find anything that compares to this ultra-realistic tart and sweet lemon cake aroma and Gardens of the Red Keep is a scent indulgence for myself. I'm hoping to find another kind of luscious uplifting dessert oil soon so I stop reaching for this gem and also racing off to the tub with the body polish then slathering my legs and arms with the body butter. I don't think any form of this confection is going to last throughout the summer. In regards to the hair glace, it can be a touch drying if I use it right after washing my hair with say soap fluff so I save it and only use a few spritzes at a time when the natural oils begin to build up too much. It seems to soak up the grease and adds incredible shine and lasting fragrance to my locks (if I left it I can still smell it for a half a week). Would I purchase a full bottle?: Yes to the Hair Glace. Come Black Friday bottles of Peppermint Marshmallows and The Ascension are coming home to me (and if my friend loves the jar of Nannerbean I'm getting her soon then she will be receiving a bottle in her stocking). Hair Glace in Wisteria Lane (Description and Notes: (heavily flowering wisteria trees, intermingled with soft, almost indistinguishable rose petals, and spicy jasmine) With all the above successes, there are always those creations that end up unfortunate cases to report and I'm very sad to say Wisteria Lane hit all the wrong notes with my nose and Jasmine has officially joined the list of notes to watch for myself as my chemistry turned this lovely sounding blend into something very unpleasant and triggered my head. [Sigh] I know that happens but I was very excited about Wisteria Lane joining my vanity (curse you skin chemistry). Hair Glace in The Ascension (Description and Notes: Bergamot and sparkling orange, lilac and primrose, violet petals and snowdrops, perched atop three musks and small bundles of twigs.) This fragrance is an enigma that I'm gladly still trying to decipher as the notes are so well blended creating an airy, ethereal but yet earthy floral quality that has fully caught my attention and found a place on my list of "must haves" before the end of this year. My nose isn't as trained as I thought as The Ascension is unlike anything in my extensive collection and I can't single out a single note (when I think I'm smelling orange blossom it switches to apple skin and garden fresh roses). Even though it's a hair glace, I admit I have been spraying it all over, haha. Would I purchase a full bottle?: Yes and in as many different formats as I can get (I never tried a linen spray but this and Peppermint Marshmallows would be divine for my house). Soap Bar in Salty Betch (Scent Description: This black soap is scented with a santal Shea blend, that comes across as a soft coconut milk with almonds and vanilla) I know it sounds strange but Salty Betch smells like Typhoon Lagoon Water Park at Disney World. I don't even remember that much about that trip but this bar resurfaced that salty coconut and water scent that stayed on my skin when I flew home. I like it but sadly my skin doesn't exactly embrace the formula as it dries out fast on my arms and legs. I guess I can only use this bar on my feet. Would I purchase a full sized bar?: Unfortunately no, as my skin is too sensitive for this soap blend. It smells lovely though. Soap Bar in Fresh Strawberry and Poppyseeds As it says on the tin, this bar contains actual strawberries and poppyseeds that adds a light gentle exfoliation to a delicate fruit fragrance. The soap bar formula has been wonderful on my sensitive skin and indeed smells like sugar dusted strawberries and a kiss of coconut and shea. Would I purchase a full bar?: Yes, not only does it lather nicely and rinse away with no residue but it also works on my face and removed my mascara. Lip Scrub in Huckleberry Buttercreme So here's another first for me as I can't believe I have gone this long in my life without any kind of sugar scrub for my body before. This one goes on my lips and yes there is a level of learning how to apply but I find using over a sink works best or in the bath tub as the wet sugar crystals get everywhere. I do admit I have taken a more than proper taste of the berry scented scrub and it is indeed yummy. As for the results my lips (that have taken a hit since I started using lip stains) they are more smooth feeling, moisturized and I haven't broken out once with this scrub around my mouth. One final thing to admit, I have used this as an experimental mini body scrub and yes it works wonderfully (is there anything sugar can't do?) Would I purchase a jar?: Yes and no surprise it would be pumpkin or peppermint Silky Body Spritz in Blueberry Spritzer (Description and Notes: Fresh blueberries, sprigs of rosemary and thyme, and a sparkling cocktail) I was expecting a dark herbal fruit laced fragrance but have been surprised by this charming shop once again as this is playful and effervescent with a clear refreshing thyme note, a hint of rosemary (along with seltzer water) and the blueberry smells more like sugar-dusted berries ready for jam or pie. It's lovely for the hot summer months and the scent lasts until the next day on my legs (I use this as an after shaving moisturizing spray). I have also been using the silky body spritz on my hair ends. Would I purchase a full bottle?: Not at this time, I'm content with the extremely generous sized sample bottle. Silky Body Spritz in Peppermint Marshmallows (Description and Notes: Squishy and sweet, with a bright punch of peppermint and creamy mallowy puffs) Peppermint Marshmallows is more than a gourmand, it's soothing, creamy and awakening all at the same time. Simply put, this is sweet peppermint aromatherapy for me and I want this fragrance in everything. The peppermint is strong but not overwhelming and isn't like candy or exactly a true peppermint extract scent either- it somehow finds a divine balance and gets even better when the realistic powdery marshmallow and underlying vanilla appears about an hour later. I love this. Must note about the impressive performance of the spray that adds a lovely light layer of moisture and this fragrance lasts 10 hours on my skin and into the next night in my hair. Would I purchase a full bottle?: Yes, here's my pocketbook. Send it all. Libertine Bath Haus |
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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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