It's no secret autumn is my favourite season and every year I try to seek out the most unique (but wearable) perfumes for the changing of the leaves, windy stormy midnight walks and workplace celebrations/events and I must say, Stereoplasm ended up sharing the title of rulers over my vanity this season with one other house of fragrance. Their blends were out of the box, touched on some personal nostalgia and even created some new memories with one specific blend. This is a shop to watch (they seriously somehow outdo themselves with every release)! From The Witch’s Complete Autumn Compendium Owl Eyes (Ancient Joshua tree, labdanum, golden amber eyes, a toasted sliver of rye bread, intoxicating sticky resin and Arabian myrrh) In the bottle, it's resins, myrrh and the realistic aroma of fresh rye bread that all catch my full attention as these notes conjure the vision of a golden-eyed owl perched in a pine tree. Applied, more of the bright resins amplify with the amber adding a distinguished warmth behind the bright notes and the rye bread has completely disappeared. On me, Owl Eyes has a vintage cologne streak that I wasn't expecting but I oddly enjoy it, I think I'll just tuck this one away in the "someday pile" as I think this would make a fabulous fragrance for a gentleman. Mandrake (Pumpkin vines and flesh, wet cobblestones, toadstools in soft mulch, cinnamon bark, decaying leaves, wild tobacco) Mandrake is grounding and comforting at the same time with realistic warm cinnamon bark and earthy mulch and autumn forest floor with mossy stones. This is the scent of a healer in the autumn woods and hiding in the background is a drop of vanilla tobacco [claps]. Who knew mulch paired with cinnamon bark would create something so perfect and addictive to sniff throughout the night. Also interesting to note the cobblestone accord is more like rocks found in the rich dirt with no overpowering sweetness that can sometimes appear with "stone" blends to jot down. I wore this blend this past Halloween and it matched my autumn forest spirit costume wonderfully. If you love the intoxicating scent of cinnamon broom, Mandrake is a must to try. Skeleton Polish (A quicksilver mirror reflects plumes of opium smoke surrounding sugared pears, a goblet of emerald-green absinthe and black silk) Fellow absinthe perfume collectors, rejoice and gather round because you're not going to want to miss Skeleton Polish. I don't know how Meaghan did it but this smells like pear licorice and smooth silk and I'm not afraid to admit, I fell hard for this bottle. Not only did it convert an indie perfume hater at my workplace (she never complimented my perfumes until I wore Skeleton Polish or asked about trying indies until that night) but this is also somehow "airy" in ways without being soapy and I swear I recognize a drop of violet from World’s Fair 1893 in this. Mmm so delightfully creepy and elegant at the same time. Batwing Brew (Delicate seeds of sesame, rich wood-smoked vanilla, buckwheat honey, crystallized ginger root, eye of plumeria and leathery wing of bat) This one has morphed quite a bit from when it first arrived and now I properly understand its name. The first week, Batwing Brew was sesame sticks, a hint of unlisted sandalwood with honey and more of a gourmand that wasn't as witchy as I was anticipating but still quite delightful and a pleasant bedtime fragrance. A month later NOW we are talking with some contrasting notes that have appeared, I get soft leather and warm honey that dries down to smoked vanilla that brings out the all hallow's eve vibes and is perfect for walking out into the swirling winds to embrace the final moments of fall (it's not over yet!). I'm not sure what plumeria smells like so I can't identify that note and I'm convinced now my chemistry eats ginger. Overall, I'm impressed and may have to start collecting leather and honey medleys because Batwing Brew is lovely with just that right amount of unexpected (have to keep them guessing;)). The Green Ribbon (Crushed velvet, roasted pumpkin seeds, creaking sandalwood floorboards, beheaded flower stems, skin musk, lies and deceit) I asked for a ghost story and Stereoplasm delivered one hell of a gorgeous scent story with this blend that opens with unlisted realistic ghostly lilac and then it shifts and morphs to salted pumpkin seeds with creamy sandalwood and finally dries down to the scent of the inside of a velvet lined music box with flower stems and a drop of metal. How in the world is this all possible? I'm floored to add The Green Ribbon to my collection and don't know what else to say except The Green Ribbon is the bottled treasured scary story I have been waiting for since I stepped into the Indie realm👏💀 Brava, my dear! Woman in White (Juniper, white sage, Heather, a blueberry bush drenched in evening dew, soft fur, sweet pea) In the bottle Woman in White dances back and forth from fresh blueberries to crushed juniper and a floral but alas on my skin, this oil turns into a soapy feminine version of Mothman. Perhaps there is a drop of sulfur in this that is reminding me of Mothman as I get that "metal buzzing" note in the background. Woman in White didn't exactly work well on my skin but it does smell enchanting in my locks. Another keeper for my unscented whipped soaps and argan oils. From the La Belles Dame Sans Merci collection Temptress of the Ancients: (Dried lavender, joshua tree, hanging gardens, magnolia champaca, camphor and fresh fig) In the vial, it's a bushel of dried lavender tied with a silk ribbon. When it applied the opening is realistic dried lavender that then morphs to this incredible floral forest mix that dances between ethereal and seductively addicting. I just learned to identify magnolia this past summer and it is indeed present adding a buttery lemon-like heart to this fragrance. I also get a hint of the camphor and joshua tree smelling a little like pine in the background. Overall, a very wearable fragrance for a night out or sitting at your desk staring out the window at the swaying trees. Rubies from your Lips: (Twilight musk, smoked woodsage, carnation corsage, holy water, green clove, damp soil and grave moss) I have a confession: I have a complicated relationship with carnation as when I smell it I go straight to a dark place and it takes forever for me to climb out of that place and lock that door again but at the same time, it's impossible to not to admire a perfect ruffled shaped bloom in someone's garden or in old paintings. Rubies From Your Lips, thankfully is more moss dominant on me with clove and a subdued sweet innocent floral that is still noticeable but not overpowering at the base (there may even be a hidden citrus or fruit dripped on the carnation petals). It's a pretty blend, however, it fades and disappears on me within an hour. His heart to Drink: (Sour blackberries, lodestone, deer musk, willow oak, copper, faded cologne and silver crucifix) Here is another scent potion that has been growing on me since it arrived as the first week it was grape jolly ranchers with metal and cologne but what a month of patience has done for this oil. The sour berries have given way to realistic metal and the forest elements on my skin. His heart to Drink (gah, I love these names and saying them when people ask what I'm wearing) stays close but conjures one seductive tale that is hard not to lean in more to learn about. Definitely another keeper and one to wear when I'm reading some spicy Victorian or Regency Era gothic romance. Unlisted Collection Lady in Roses (Freshly clipped Bulgarian and American Roses, Black Ink, Aged Leather Book Binding and Baby's Breath) *appeared in my order as a full 6ml bottle. Thank you so much, Meaghan! I think Stereoplasm has been secretly reading my dream perfume diary because ladies and gentlemen, this is the scent of Belle in her castle library! I'm over the moon that I have so many treasured films, book characters and special stories in scent form to slather and dab to my heart's content. For those possibly turning their noses up to an oil I say brings to mind an animated Disney character, allow me to explain and describe this gem. The roses are fresh, realistic and non-soapy nor do they carry the smell of hairspray. This classic elegant floral melds so perfectly with the unmistakable aroma of an old book that releases that wonderful crackling sound when you open it and inhale the dusty pages of knowledge. I usually amp leather to the heavens and can make myself quite ill, but not so with Lady in Roses, it's the perfect balance of floral and soft leather binding. It's a sophisticated rose perfume with baby's breath serving as a bookmark in an aged tome. I think I found the perfect rose combination to use for my future perfume custom (a work in progress). Stereoplasm Roses So Red "The children know." "Know what exactly Miss Colburn?" "They know about the dreadful cries in the night, the mysterious light outside my door and of my missing pearl brooch". A cold shudder ran through Evalyn Colburn as she mouthed those words she had been denying to herself for the past 6 months. The young woman sighed and leaned against the damp window as she confessed her thoughts to Mrs Phelps and let her weary eyes descend to the floor as she tried to contemplate all that had occurred ever since she entered Norworth Hall to an answer of a hurried advertisement for an accomplished governess for the two nieces and nephew of Mr and Mrs Merrill Norworth. The excitement and sense of worth that coursed through Evalyn that uncommonly warm April morning as she stepped with such conviction and composture from the travelling carriage now were replaced with a mere shadow of that young woman who introduced herself to her employers and their cursed relations. From the moment she entered Norworth Hall, Evalyn's personality, interests and her posture had been altered to worst degree and as she let her pale eyes slowly rise to meet the gaze of the head housekeeper Lettie Phelps on that dismal October evening in 1839, the frightful realization that a glimpse of a smirk pulled at the older woman's wrinkled maw; she seemed to enjoy watching the torment that now plagued the governess. Or was that a play of the dancing lamplight? "I assure you, Miss Colburn, the cries you speak of are sadly master Bennet with his night terrors and the light in the hallway, that is me, miss. I check the doors and windows at night as requested by Mrs Norworth and to the whereabouts of your missing brooch, perhaps YOU misplaced it." The dead empty stare that now exuded from the ancient housekeeper emphasized by the hungry shadows seemed to pierce into the young girl's very soul and cause her to fidget and brush imaginary creases out of her drab muslin dress with her ashen hand. Evalyn despised that stare which seemed to be the only expression anyone in the household could muster when asked a question or was speaking to her. Another icy shiver ran the length of the governess's spine as she crossed the room, she then stopped and replied with a defeated sigh. "I apologize then. I have not been feeling well and I think it best that this to be my last night at Norworth Hall. I will send a missive to Mrs Norworth and be leaving in the morning." "As you wish miss". Upstairs in the small sanctuary that served as the governess's quarters, Evalyn stared into a small cracked looking-glass. Her face was so sallow from nervous weight loss and her stomach churned suddenly when the lifeless blank stare of Norworth Hall mocked back from the glass. No, she wouldn't the strange despair that seemed to seep from the very corners and floorboards of the house consume her. To break the oppressing silence she tried to laugh and allow herself a ghost of a smile, but the sound she uttered and reflection just taunted her, only echoing as unfamiliar. Was she going mad? Shaking her head she promised herself she would smile and laugh again just as soon as she left that horrid house. Norworth Hall was in itself irregular and its owners only added to its strangeness. The curious requests of her at first were endured and seen only as eccentric, but now they seemed to play into her concerns. There was the cutting of her long hair, the request of wearing the same dress every day, the notion that she drink from one particular teacup and of course the prompting of certain colours only viewed in one room every other day. What did it all mean? The need to rest triumphed over the clumsy attempts lifting then placing aside the missive that was started and scratched out half a dozen times. A blink then nod into an uneasy slumber was disturbed by a bizarre noise that caused her to abandon her little sanctuary and follow the interruption toward the children's nursery. "Glove, hood and thimbles of fox What pretty dress should we wear? What should we put in our hair? The jackdaws gather a shiny trinket for the king and sing Where is Odelia? Where is Edythe? Have you seen Hanna? In the garden, in the garden With roses so red! Should we tell Evalyn they are all dead? Shhh...." A chorus of giggles concluded the eerie song. Evalyn pushed open the door and hardly able to utter the question she dreaded, she choked. "What...what did you say?" With angelic smiles, all three Norworth children chanted together. "Roses so red Good evening, Uncle Merrill!" -EGP It isn't Halloween or officially fall at my house anymore without a large order from MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean and with this huge (beautifully presented) parcel I learned there are a hundred different variations of pumpkin, spice and everything nice that I just want to roll around in. This was only part one of my Moonaween 2019 haul. Witch's Brew Leave In De-Tangler formula- I'll open this rambling long overdue review with first commenting on MoonaLisa's Hair Detangler formula which is a true holy grail for myself and something my vanity table will never be seen without. It's not only a compulsion anymore but an absolute necessity to stock up with as many bottles of these hair-loving elixirs as I can afford every release and then hoard them away to treat myself to a unique blend every morning and night. With my (past) waist length mane, I run through a generous sized bottle about every month and half and I truly receive my full money's worth with these products (I can't stop touching my soft manageable hair now). The longevity on the fragrance varies between each blend, however, I have discovered citrus and spice based bottles can last days in my hair. I know I keep saying this every post when it comes to MoonaLisa, but it's the truth: where has this product been all my life!? The Rumpkin! (Delicious pumpkin goodies with a twist of fresh sweet lavender essential oil) Making up over half my first order comes my favourite blend from Moona known to all as The Rumpkin!. When it comes to the perfume oil version versus the detangler form there isn't any difference with strength of the scent I can comment on. All the notes morph and shift with the passing hours and this one gets attention and compliments no matter what form I don for the night. Cauldron Cakes (Deliciously sinful Cauldron Cakes oozing with melted Butter, Cinnamon, and Maple and Vanilla glaze, with a crushed nutting topping, and served with piping hot cappuccino and a tiny, tiny touch of Witching mischief!) I fell hard for my perfume sample of Cauldron Cakes in 2018 and have been patiently saving and circling the site waiting for the day I could spritz my locks to my heart's content with intoxicating maple, butter and realistic fancy cappuccino. It's divine and another rare find for myself that I can wear anything coffee noted. Out of all the bottles of detanglers I purchased this round, Cauldron Cakes lasted the longest running 3 days that I could clearly smell it when I flipped my curls. Another keeper and repurchase for 2020. The Evil Garden (The peaches, apples, plums and pears that are guarded by ferocious bears. Too bad the nurse has disappeared, but in her place has revered, gorgeous flowers that have a smell, which causes one to feel unwell. (but you won't) All these months later and I'm still trying to decipher the notes. When sprayed I get an initial blast of "airy" apple and pear that then morphs to this creepy cotton candy scent with possible freesia and almonds. It's growing on me, but at the same time, it reminds me of this one perfume I wore to my first dance many years ago that ended with me crying trying to find a ride home (thanks brain for hanging onto that lovely memory, hate you too). I have nothing against anything smelling like cotton candy, it's just an unfortunate association that always hits me. I think I need to wear The Evil Garden to a happy event and rebuild my memory attached to anything cotton candy and apple scented. On the plus side, my hair is so soft and fragrant and I do love pear with plums. Kitchen Witch (The aroma of a Kitchen Witch fills the air with sweet, haunting memories, of magic, warmth and spice! The sweet and mouthwatering aroma of creamy Pumpkin Pies, fresh baked Crusts and Cakes, melted Butter, Pecans, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract and a touch of spice!) Kitchen Witch and The Evil Garden were fragrances I had never tried before even in perfume samples so imagine the comical scene of me opening the cap to Kitchen Witch and making the most embarrassing noises of pure delight (nearly sticking the applicator up my nose) then racing to the nearest mirror to spray this confection all over not just my head and falling immediately in love and finally placing Kitchen Witch on the "do not use until all other bottles are empty" rotation. Well that's exactly what happened and months later my bottle is nearly empty so that plan and vow went out the window fast as the sugared pie crust, pumpkin, butter hidden orange zest and vanilla spice bomb has completely taken over my senses and I can't stay away from this scent potion. It's another divine blend to recommend and I will be repurchasing Kitchen Witch in everything I can when the times comes. Argan Oil Hair Rescue formula- I can't have or recommend the detangler without mentioning the argan oil formula MoonaLisa offers because they are a match made in hair heaven and these products have worked absolute magic on my tresses. I have never had such shiny healthy looking hair. The Argan Oil I use after I have brushed out my mane with the aid of the Detangler then I add a dime size amount of argan oil in different scents to the end of my hair. If I have any excess oil on my hands I flip my hair down and place the excess in the back of my head. I run thru a bottle about every 3 months and they are worth every penny. The Rumpkin! (Delicious pumpkin goodies with a twist of fresh sweet lavender essential oil) Just as with the detangler I don't notice any one note dominating over another and I get a perfect marriage of spice and herb with the pumpkin and lavender along with hidden smoke, apple and marshmallow. Sublime in so many ways and I reach for this scent not only in fall but throughout the whole year. What can I say, this self confessed pumpkin whore has found her holy grail blend. Lip Butters formula- This was my first time ordering the Lip Butters and if I could stop licking my lips and thinking about eating the sticks I could concentrate and properly catalogue my thoughts. First and foremost the scents are phenomenal and taste like the real thing as promised on the label. For performance, they start out solid then once applied melt on the lips and I haven't had an annoying breakouts with this formula, which is fantastic. If I had to rate them overall, I would say they are the upper middle of better formulas I have tried. They nicely moisturize, but I don't think I would use them for the harsh winter months when I need a balm with moderate repairing properties. For me, they are more suited for light work if that makes sense and I will enjoy these Lip Butters spring and summer and early fall. Onto the scents and er taste compositions! Campfire Tales (S'mores galore! Scootch up to the campfire and get out your roasting stick packed with marshmallows toasted to perfection and sandwiched between buttery graham crackers and creamy milk chocolate) Just as promised this is ooey-gooey marshmallow, realistic chocolate, a swirl of campfire smoke and BUTTERY graham cracker. It tastes like the real thing and yes I want to eat the contents. These are just a pure delight to experience so I will definitely collecting the different flavours with every release. Absinthe Marshmallow Cream (All the green goodness of Absinthe with the fluffy light as feather treat of Marshmallow cream!) My loves all in one delicious confection. Mmm. This one is amazing if you love the herbal bite of absinthe sweetened with marshmallow. Another curious blend and blind purchase that was an instant favourite. I hope Absinthe Marshmallow Cream returns in 2020. Dusting Powder in The Rumpkin! (Delicious pumpkin goodies with a twist of fresh sweet lavender essential oil) I hope everyone isn't tired of me gushing about The Rumpkin! because here's another new item for my vanity table all in my favourite pumpkin and lavender scent. I feel I'm reconnecting or channeling a lost portion of myself when I use these products such as dusting powders and if you want to feel fancy grab a canister and shake shake to be swept away or be reminded of a time of luxury and self pampering. I should have purchased dusting powder years ago as this is a marvellous experience that just leaves my skin silky soft and smelling like a delicate brush of spiced pumpkin and lavender. For more personal reasons why I adore this formula, it doesn't cake no how much I use at one time, it keeps unwanted dampness away in the unforgiving heat and helps with annoying rubbing from undergarments. I want to savor this canister as long as possible and only allow an indulgence every Sunday before a full week of night work. I have a feeling here is another collection in the making as I want this powder in all my favourite scents by MoonaLisa. Pumpkin Lavender sugar scrub I was determined with this release to explore as many various skin potions and self pampering items as I could and I have had my eye on a jar of Moona's sugar scrub for over a year. Right on opening a magnificent mixture of spice, fruit and sugared herbs hit my nose and I couldn't wait to use this formula. How very curious to note that Pumpkin Lavender smells like delectable Apple Jacks (or Jax depending on your age) cereal and a bit of butter. I wasn't expecting that, but overall what a wonderful surprise. For this mixture the sugar is fine granulated adding just enough exfoliating effect to tackle stubborn rough heels and elbows. The scent lasts even when I leave the tub and admire how soft my skin is with only 20 minutes with this jar. I will be repurchasing this scrub as well just as soon as I put a dent in this one. The jar is very generous which I greatly appreciate. Another item worth every penny! Sparkle Spray in Campfire Tales Cream (no listed notes but it smells exactly like the lip butter with a touch more campfire smoke and graham cracker) *Appeared in my first order, thank you, MoonaLisa! My dark-hearted little self has few weaknesses that I can list and one of those are ANYTHING that is sparkly and plainly speaking this spray is plain delightful entertainment as with one spritz and my arms are covered in a nostalgic twinkling fragrant happiness. It's impossible to be in a bad mood or in a negative frame of mind with this spray. I want every perfume I own to have a sparkle-filled double. I hope this is a permanent option in the coming collections. I would purchase a gallon size of Aurelia in this spray. Name your price, Moona; I must have more of these sparkle sprays! Absinthe Marshmallow perfume oil bottle (All the green goodness of Absinthe with the fluffy light as feather treat of Marshmallow cream!) This is everything I was hoping it would be. The absinthe is true and has that seductive herbal spice you get with licorice or star anise and the marshmallow is soft and powdery that morphs 6 to 8 hours into a buttery vanilla caramel scent that brings to mind Snow Ice. This could very well be a sister scent of that Yule wonder. Fingers crossed Absinthe Marshmallow returns next fall in the hair detanglers option. I want to waltz about with a halo of this glorious comforting green fragrance all year long. I'm thankful I listened to the reviews on this sweet green gem, another distinct corner of my collection now complete. Crone's Cottage perfume oil sample (Everything you would expect from an elder wisewoman's lair! Smoking embers, delicious cakes and breads baking, hanging bushels of botanicals and herbs.) *One of the many surprises tucked away in this second order, thank you so much, Moona! I believe Crone's Cottage was a new blend for 2019 and fingers and toes crossed it returns in 2020 because plain and simple it's an awesome spice and herb bomb! THIS is what I sorely wanted another extremely popular perfume from another shop to smell like on me and was hoping it would conjure- the vision of a true wisewoman's cottage deep in the shadowed forests. Crone's Cottage is straight out of a fairytale realm with the distinct aroma of realistic cakes and goodies laced with herbs that could be used to curse a first born or tempt a prince or king in the doorway to sign away his soul. Hours later, I get something resembling pepper and vanilla that continues to fascinate and delight me (it smells so good!). I adore this fragrance and will be keeping an eye out for its hopeful return. I want Crone's Cottage in a detangler, argan oil and if I start saving now, a few bath products and dusting powder. Witchery soap bar (Sultry ambers, woods and magic!) *Thank you so much Moona! You are the best💜 I'm using the "Pick Your Poison" sticker on my name badge at work🎃 The above sad attempts don't do this soap justice. It's stunning artistry with the marbling and colour shifts and yes, I'm talking about a soap bar. This is a lost art, it really is and I can't get over how pretty Witchery is in presentation and fragrance. I tried to capture the glitter and dried little lavender buds and rose petals embedded on top, but it looks only muddled in a photograph (one of these days I'll take a decent picture). Take it from me Witchery is something to display and show off. It also dimly glows in the dark; did I mention that? YES, this soap flipping GLOWS with some ghostly magic in the pitch dark and this is a first for me. I didn't even know that was possible! The scent is exactly as promised being a sultry rich amber (and possibly a little unlisted dill?) Ultra-nifty effects and presentation aside, I'm thrilled to report my finicky skin plays nice with Moona's soap. I missed out of Sea Witch this last round, that will not be happening again Halloween 2020 (The Rumpkin! I'm coming for yooou!) MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean |
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In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I disclose how I obtained every title for review at As The Final Page Turns (whether that be by ARC, purchased (on nook, kindle or specially ordered hardbacks) Audible version or simply borrowed at my local library). Please note: titles reviewed that are ARCS (Advanced Reader Copies) are free review copies of books that are given by publishers (these ARCS can be found at NetGalley or Edelweiss). Categories
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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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