Thank you so much PULP Fragrance for the chance to indulge in all these body and bath self-pampering treats. *The following is a combined review between Press Samples and Purchased Orders. Moisture Mist A satiny smooth spritz with fabulous fragrance options. The Mist can be used on your skin or in your hair. In terms of a light hair detangler, the formula adds amazing shine and smoothness to my curls, I do have to take care not to get carried away as the scents are quite addictive however my hair can get overly saturated and get weighed down with one extra spritz (but I'm not mad, haha). The size of the bottle is wonderful as there is enough product for a dozen relaxing sessions of brushing out your manes (well over a dozen sessions for anyone not with waist-length hair). Finally, let's talk about the fragrances themselves... Scents- Drunken Jack (Oak barrels, spiced whiskey, pumpkin, and vanilla sugar.) A smoky boozy and delicious spiced aroma that happily screams autumn and makes you want to get on top of a table in a pumpkin patch and dance while lanterns swing above from haunted trees. It's a must for any fellow self-confessed pumpkin whore. For longevity, Drunken Jack lasts well over a day in my curls and about 10 hours on my skin with more boozy vanilla and hidden maple wafting about. It's no secret Drunken Jack was one of my favourites out of the bunch. Toasted Marshmallow (Sweet, gooey marshmallow with just a touch of caramel and woody smoke) After falling hard for Drunken Jack and the new Moisture Mists formula I immediately added Toasted Marshmallow to my basket in November when PULP reopened its doors. My chemistry loves to amplify caramel notes so, on me, Toasted Marshmallow is a softer but easily discernable butterscotch with fluffy melted marshmallow underneath. The mentioned smoke note is more noticeable on my skin but then fades quite quickly. Still, a delectable option and I love that this (and Drunken Jack) are layering notes and can be added to whatever my brain can conjure or crave that night. Dusting Powder One of my true guilty pleasures in life is dusting powders and happily rolling around like a chinchilla in a fragrant dust bath of gourmands and flowers. It's one of the ultimate self-pampering treats one can buy for oneself, so it shouldn't be a surprise I now own a pretty little row of canisters from PULP Fragrance. The formula is thicker than other shops where the dust will lightly clump but then easily breaks down and rubs right in with a gentle touch, I found a downy makeup puff is ideal for this type of formula and the scents hold amazing longevity and strength. Scents- Drunken Jack (Oak barrels, spiced whiskey, pumpkin, and vanilla sugar). Mmm, I'm tempted to take a bite of my arms and legs how scrumptious Drunken Jack smells on me. Throughout the day when my clothes rub against my skin I get wafts of Drunken Jack teasing me with its playful boozy aroma underneath the thick winter layers. And I love it all the more for that scent staying well into the next few days. Mark of the Moon (Golden Champaka, sweet spices, Peruvian Myrrh, White Copal, Patchouli and Tonka) One dip of the applicator wand and into the basket the dusting powder version of this beautiful esoteric floral went for purchase. This makes me think of a fire moon glowing in the night sky, the baking spices and warm resins marry so well with the creamy golden magnolia and tonka. I feel like I have some luminous aura surrounding me when I don Mark of the Moon. A gorgeous find and addition to my vanity table. Harvest Cakes (Cinnamon sugar crumble over moist yellow cake) Another mouthwatering scent potion that found its way into my basket after I tried the perfume sample. This indeed smells like a comforting spiced cake topped with a cinnamon crumble even leaning into a fair food classic. Another favourite of this round and I went back for seconds and thirds of Harvest Cakes in different formats. Room Spray in Harvest Cakes (Cinnamon sugar crumble over moist yellow cake) Admittedly this is too good to share and spray in a room for others, it's an indulgence I wrap myself in literally as I spray this one on my bedclothes and tuck myself in for the day in a cloud of cinnamon cake. The heavenly fragrance lasts about 2 to 3 days and I don't notice any staining on fabrics (but if you have silk as always use caution). Bath Salts For those of us who appreciate a long hot soak that allows us to drift away from the world, may I suggest adding PULP's aromatic bath salts to the relaxing gathering steam? These salts melt all cares and tension away and for anyone else who finds relief from musculoskeletal disorders or conditions, Epsom salts are a daily necessity. Depending on what scent profile you choose the fragrance could last from 10 minutes to several hours later on your skin or in your bathroom. The longer you soak the more you will notice the softness of your skin afterwards and this is another self-pampering delight I can't recommend enough. Scents- The Widow in White (Meyer Lemon, White Grapefruit, Orange Blossom, Sandalwood and Vanilla) Fruits spiked with natural pepperiness and a smooth vanilla twist. This blend is intoxicating lasts several hours on my skin and wafts from my tub. I'm very particular when it comes to citrus and The Widow in White is a lovely balance of tart and pepper and ideal for a bathtime scent. Harvest Cakes (Cinnamon sugar crumble over moist yellow cake) I wanted an enveloping experience like I do when I snuggle into my blankets sprayed with the Room Spray or coat myself in the dusting powder version of Harvest Cakes but sadly the bath salt format only lasts several minutes before disappearing versus The Widow in White. In the jar, it tempts a lick as the fragrance is so realistic and warms my black cold heart (I'll always have a soft spot for gourmands) but I think for the full delectable experience I'll stick with the Room Spray and Dusting Powder and just enjoy the skin-softening effects and balm for my RA with the Bath Salts. Diabolik (Black licorice, frankincense Papyrifera, lightly singed lemonwood, sweet benzoin & onyx musk.) Two words: Naughty Jellybeans. This scent potion smells like seductive candy with the slightest hint of a smoky edge. A unisex fragrance that draws the nose with a complex aromatic mixture of sweet, citrus bitter, herbal and hits a nostalgic spot with one wave of the wrist. Diabolik is listed under the Falloween collection but my mind goes to Eastertide/Ostara and a new fashion to celebrate the upcoming spring season with a whip and a bit of leather. If you have a weakness for licorice, Diabolik is a must-try. Hallowed Ground (Rich soil, damp air, slowly decaying wood, black honey, dark chocolate, soft moss and a thread of precious resin incense.) The sweet scent of temptation luring you away for a hundred years under an enchanted forest floor. The rich loamy earth notes pair perfectly with the realistic chocolate and honey creating a whimsical scent venture of heavenly fudge brownies with peanut butter icing to the nose and a vivid vision of devious fae setting the ultimate delicious trap. Mmm, I'd happily follow the cunning folk into the gloom a century or more for this offering. On me, this otherworldly delight lasts a full day on my skin and provides an oddly comforting fragrance to drift off to sleep with. Fortunes Favors (Apple peels, poached red Barlett pears, black cherry cider, vanilla caramels & smoked applewood musk) And what kind of spellbinding beverage would seal the fate of this curious traveller with the realm of the fae? Why a smoked cherry-pear cider delight of course and that's exactly what Fortunes Favors brings to mind. The trifecta of pressed apple, pear and rare cherry blends marvellously together taking me away to an autumnal celebration or ritual deep in the apple orchards of legendary Avalon. Surprisingly the listed caramels are subdued on my skin and cast a delicious underlay of buttery sweetness versus dominating over the realistic fruit notes. This one is a definite keeper and option for a future bath salt order at the end of summer. All Your Lovely Words (Dried ginger root, zesty elemi, chai spices, split cedar logs, Siberian iris bulbs, Peru balsam and radiant rosewood amber) And now we have arrived at the portion of the vials that remind me of stepping into scenic paintings or postcards. No particular classic existing canvas title comes to mind but these next two perfumes are so elegant and immersive. Our first look is at All Your Lovely Words which is a warm spiced citrus and woody fragrance with a gorgeous vintage amber at the base. Perhaps it was the novels I was reading at the time I was testing out these perfume oils but my brain conjured up a country house postcard setting with an elaborate script and warm Wintertide wishes. It's a classy aroma with comforting elements; fit for the lady of the country manor. Sonnet X (Black vanilla, white amber and a single snow drop pressed between the pages of an old album) Sonnet X is a lost painting from John Singer Sargent holding all the splendour, symbolism and grand beauty of a bygone era, imagine a draped lady in pearlescent white satin holding an open book with a delicate snow drop peeking out of the open pages. Was the little white flower a romantic token from a mysterious beau or a souvenir from some park promenade as the scent of captivating non-gourmand vanilla and sweet amber followed in her wake? Judging by the dreamy half-closed eyes and side smile the subject flashes at the viewer, she is not telling her secrets. Harvest Cakes (Cinnamon sugar crumble over moist yellow cake) This indie shop excels at atmospheric florals, powders, ambers and gourmands for me and I can tell no lie, Harvest Cakes is one my favourites I have tried from the catalogue. This olfactory delight holds the realistic scent of comforting spiced cake topped with cinnamon crumble even leaning into a classic fair funnel cake. I don't like to compare indie fragrances but Harvest Cakes toppled over NAVA's Koaliday for how realistic and true the aroma of spiced home-baked goodness stayed on my skin. I could happily drown in Harvest Cakes. This one is just aces and must try if you love gourmands or are a fellow cinnamon fiend! An Accidental Interloper (Green tea, clary sage, rose geranium, evergreen boughs, white patchouli, vetiver and sweet amber musk) An esoteric winter witch type of fragrance. A healer or wise woman deep in the snowy woods that you seek out for advice. She stirs a fragrant cup of green tea and reads runes for you while the cosy fire snaps and crackles breaking the silence. Tannic, earthy all with a sweet amber base. An Accidental Interloper is one of those intriguing blends you can't stop sniffing even hours later (longevity is about 15 hours on me). Ignis (Raspberries, fresh ginger, smokey aloeswood, pale blond tobacco leaves and fiery red musk) In the vial Ignis is a bit harsh, thankfully on the skin it morphs and blooms revealing powdered raspberries set on fire. It's one of those hypnotic fragrances that puzzles the nose as you smell ashes and red fruit then hours later are left with something a bit scandalous. I think I found another intriguing option for bath salts. This one speaks to my unpredictable fire moon. Mark of the Moon (Golden champaka, sweet spices, Peruvian myrrh, white copal, patchouli and tonka bean) Speaking of fire moon comes this beautiful esoteric floral that makes me feel like I'm surrounded by a luminous aura. The baking spices and warm resins marry so well with the creamy golden magnolia and tonka. Every format of Mark of the Moon is gorgeous and holds exceptional longevity. Et in Arcadia (Cardamom pods, walnut husks, warm oakwood, dragon's blood resin, smooth tobacco and aged patchouli) Spice, nuts, resins and everything nice! This one is for us spice fiends who need a meditative option. Mmm there is something almost fruit-like in this. I bet Et in Arcadia would be amazing in the tub or in my curls as the perfume version sadly fades within a few hours. For a visual, I keep thinking about a proud red cardinal in the swirling winter snows. Very relaxing, seasonal and vivid. The Phantom Room (Cherry tobacco, honeyed almonds, red currants, cocoa butter & vanilla balsam) Delectable and a bit naughty. Mmm take me away and smother me in rich delights! I get the stately cherry tobacco, the honeyed almonds with cocoa and a bough of pine hiding an illicit rendezvous between myself and the lord of the manor and a box of chocolates. The Phantom Room is you guessed it on the list for a bath salt and dusting powder option and this oil is fantastic to fall asleep with. Sweet racy visions await thee gentle dreamer! Women in Dresses Running Away from Houses (2021) (Caramelized sugar, a roaring bonfire, heliotrope, aged patchouli and a hint of violet). Annd Women in Dresses Running Away from Houses take two. I tried the classic Women in Dresses last year and it sadly wasn't a favourite, as my skin chemistry had a field day with some unexpected medicinal rubber aroma that my skin amped to the heavens and back. I couldn't explain how and what happened. This new variation thankfully is much kinder to my poor head and indeed smells lovely and haunting at the same time. The delicate sugared violets really elevate the scent storyline of this perfume and this one ended as an applauded encore. Toasted Marshmallow (Sweet, gooey marshmallow with just a touch of caramel and woody smoke) My chemistry loves to amplify caramel notes, so on me, Toasted Marshmallow is a softer but easily discernable butterscotch with fluffy melted marshmallow underneath. The smoke note is more noticeable on my skin versus in my hair but fades very quickly. As a layering option this one works nicely with softer florals and warmer perfumes. Hall of Mirrors (Pistachio gelato, buzzy neon, plastic Halloween masks, crushed hay, hot iron, cream soda spilled onto uneven floorboards and worn leather boots) Admittedly, this was one of the vials I was most excited to dive into and sadly the powdery plastic mask and some mysterious unlisted fruit note and expensive dryer sheets is all I can smell. Many others have commented how complex and fascinating Hall of Mirrors is on them and I wish I could be one of them. *Please remember what my skin chemistry does with one note may not happen on someone else. That's the magic of indie perfume oils, you never know what note will work or not. Definitely give this vial a go if you are curious. Prototype #33 (no listed notes) I love the mystery of these types of vials and I must admit even years after smelling over a thousand different blends I'm still learning and honing my nose. Saying that I won't pretend I know what I'm exactly smelling with Prototype #33 but I will tell you where my fantastical little brain goes or more specifically who I think would wear this. Something screams bubblegum floral with a distinct playful but dangerous edge to me when I open the vial and when on the skin I get an image emerging of a costume of black, red and white. This character is a bit dangerous with a mallet or baseball bat, loves to get inside other characters' heads, plays by her own rules and is a fellow Cancer sun, give up who? This is Harley Quinn or something she would wear. There is something chaotic (smokey/ashy) but pretty and magnetic in Prototype #33. I eagerly look forward to finding out the notes. PULP Fragrance Comments are closed.
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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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