Apologies for the delay, but somehow I think the following figures would naturally turn up fashionably late. Historical Dinner Parties: Dinner One- Literary Characters. A balance of victimhood, seething anger, and calculated malfeasance. A cacophony of emotions to make any evening one of interest. Why did we invite these characters? See the images to find out. Who do you feel would dominate the evening? And who if any character will be lucky to leave alive? Thoughts, comments, and who you would choose in the comments below. Follow ofgrave.concern and myself for your invite to the next historical fantasy dinner. All the lovely artwork included in this project is fully credited to OfGraveConcern Appearing tomorrow on Instagram and reposted here of course (and on ScentedTrinkets on reddit) for those who do not have certain social media platforms. Your invitation for dinner Historical Fantasy Dinner Parties: Dinner One- Literary Characters. An historical collaboration between OfGraveConcern and myself See post tomorrow. Will the evening be a success. A scene of unrequited love, madness or unbridled murder? You are invited to witness…. ✴All artwork credit to OfGrave.Concern 🌠A subreddit forum where you will be able to find all new (and specially chosen repeat) reviews by myself before they appear on this humble little page. Name to be announced in the coming weeks (shops to be featured: Sixteen92, Grandmother's Buttons, Nui Cobalt Designs, Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery, MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean, Love Potion Magickal Perfumerie and Bijoux Passion Paris). Thank you to all that followed me on IMAM, time to start a new chapter. Update: It's official and open for reading I greatly appreciate all the encouragement in this project and the help with the last fine details. You will be able to see early reviews, indie news and since I realize not everyone feels comfortable with the workings of Instagram, I'm going to cross post on the reddit side all my favourite Instagram/Historical themed posts. May I welcome you to ScentedTrinkets Happy Reading and to new scent and shiny discoveries! -Elspeth *Reviews composed in February 2021 I guess the stars decided to shine a little luck my way at the end of November and December 2020 as I won a few giveaways on social media. These were the first two (thank you so much, UrbanWitchcraftCo and Pylies!) Sterling silver and rainbow moonstone planchette necklace from UrbanWitchcraftCo All thanks to an adorable feathered shop assistant named Lily who picked my winning ticket entry name out of a bowl I was sent a stunning necklace with a moonstone that has one of the most brilliant flashes I have ever seen in a rainbow moonstone (this jewellery artist has some of the most unique crystal/gemstone specimens displayed). I have been watching this curious little shop with much interest for months and this lovely necklace decided a custom in the future for flashing and glowing moonstone earrings to match in the near future. Finally, it was "Muppets Christmas Carol" for the win! I love super easy giveaway requirements and all I had to do was submit in my favourite holiday movie I watch every year. From Pylies: 3 lip scrubs in- Gingersnap Cookies (Chewy cookie with ginger, cardamom, chinese cinnamon and caraway) Peppermint Hot Cocoa (Piping hot drinking chocolate and a splash of smooth creamy peppermint) Christmas Crack (Saltine cracker, crunchy buttery toffee, a dash of holiday spice and thin layer of dark chocolate) I have a horrible habit from childhood of biting my lips when I'm nervous or when I'm not even realizing it anymore and these scrubs have been receiving a full workout so I can attest these all smell (and taste delicious) and have been a tremendous help with my peeling-winter-and-when-I-gnaw damaged lips. For those not familiar with lip scrubs they are flavoured granulated sugar with additional healing oils (nuts or fruits) added and you place a fingertip size of scrub on your damp lips and you rub gently in a circular motion to exfoliate and remove dead skin. It does take a bit of practice to get the motion down as it can be messy at first so start over the sink. I follow up the scrubs with more indies to seal in the softness, smoothness and moisture (I highly recommend Spirit & Venom Olfactory Arts' lip balm). All of the presented scrubs are as they say on the tin, it's hard to pick a favourite as I get a sense of delightful nostalgia with Peppermint Hot Cocoa (it reminds me of the glory days of Bath&Body Works and a long discontinued holiday lip stick/balm I adored so much and received many years in my stocking until it disappeared off the shelves one winter without any warning), Gingersnap Cookies is an addictive ginger cookie that brings to mind a recipe my English grandmother used to bake for family gatherings. So that leaves Christmas Crack and we have a buttery salty and chocolate with the barest hint of spice laced winner with this one as it tastes very much like a concoction I whip up for myself when I have a serious craving for salty chocolate and I shove a handful (or four) of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed oyster crackers into my gob at the same time and let the distinct notes meld together. Yes, I need to stop that, hopefully rubbing a little of this delectable lip scrub on my bitten lips will sate that craving instead. In addition to the little pots of lip scrubs, I was sent a few more treats! A Body Cream and Body Scrub. Candied Yams Body Cream (I couldn't find the exact notes but I do wonder if "Southern Haunt" wasn't renamed) This is a thick cream that melts nicely and releases a fragrance of heavenly spiced sweet potatoes, marshmallow, butter and even a hint of sweet hidden apple. I have been using this on my elbows and sensitive winter-chapped hands (concentrating on my cuticles) and it's a welcome home ritual now before I get ready for bed after a long night. I go to sleep with wafts of spiced yams and fluffy marshmallow and wake up 9 hours later with the faintest hint of warm spice so the scent lasts quite a while and I noticed the warmer you can get your skin after applying the better the results, so this is the type of formula that would work wonders with that the old "slathering your hands in cream and covering with a pair of thick cotton socks before bed trick". I'll report back on the next Self-Care Day. Witchy Woman Body Scrub (Soft Incense, Oud, Woodsmoke and Patchouli mixed with Clove, Cinnamon and Jasmine) Smokey, spicy and sweet floral decadence take me away! Witchy Woman is an interesting combination of notes and the scent continues on long after leaving the tub. The scrub formula is a powerhouse for my rough heels and even works on my elbows in those weird leftover spots that I can never get completely smooth especially in the colder months. The consistency has larger granulated sugar crystals for extra scrubbing which is a change-up from the other body scrubs I own. This formula was made for the long winter months and has been put through its paces already. Overall, this is another little wonderful surprising shop I will be exploring more from. UrbanWitchcraftCo and Pylies Reviews composed in November 2020 to January 2021 ✴The longer the following perfumes were patiently aged, the more undernote nuances reveal themselves with every wear. Longevity: Shortest (XIII and Bad Apple at 2 and nearly 4 hours) Longest (Ambrille and Sacred Vanille at 14+ hours) One Note At A Time: Bespoke/Custom Fragrance At the beginning of October 2020 I submitted the idea of a bottled quote from one of my favourite books with the specific notes of French Vanilla, Vintage-styled Amber and Marshmallow. The owner showed sincere enthusiasm over my custom's concept and shared his extensive knowledge of different subjects when he suggested additions to my blend with Labdanum and White Musk. He then even went up and above that and obtained a very special component (pheromones) for the perfect final touch when I requested this last minute submission. May I present Ambrille! She's finally home and is so good she made it into general catalogue. From start to finish this was an experience I highly recommend if you have been searching in vain for a specific blend to add to your collection or one special fragrance to drape yourself in. Ambrille (Notes: French Vanilla, Marshmallow, Labdanum, White Musk) This blend dances a fine line between gourmand and naughty vintage with the initial opening of creamy french vanilla along with sweet marshmallow then warms up with the vintage amber and slight caramelly "pop" of labdanum resin. The final notes that leave me 15 hours later are intoxicating white musk and the lingering sweetness of the vanilla and marshmallow. It matches the iconic quote from Rebecca: "I wish I were a woman of 36, dressed in black satin with a string of pearls." and can be worn like a comforting elegant scarf or expensive soft sweater throughout the colder months; which is all exactly what I wanted. ❇the version of Ambrille available on the site does not contain any frisky pheromones. Hand Sanitizer in Harvest Spice (Simmered autumn fruit blends with warm nutmeg and clove spiked with crisp afterthoughts of ginger and cinnamon in the familiar taste of fall) This lux hand sanitizer comes in a rather large 2oz bottle that has stood up well in my handbag and has not broken open accidentally in the months it has been knocking around and accompanying to and from normal every day. The formula contains the required 70% alcohol and it does the job with a vegetal scent with rich autumnal earth and warm comforting spice along with a kiss of fruit (other than pumpkin) that lasts up to 3 hours and is addictive to sneak huffs of when no one is looking. Harvest Spice isn't your average pumpkin aroma and I hope it returns in the the perfume version because it is a fragrance I need to own. I would purchase this lux hand sanitizer again but also would love this in Marshmallow. ✴When I received my finished Custom Fragrance in November all decked out in gift box, a surprise sample was found nestled in the box and I fell hard. Call Girl (Notes: Tobacco, Skin Musk, Roses) Roses can come in many forms from soapy to downright slinky and scandalous and if you are looking for the latter, you have to get ahold of Call Girl because this is an oh so naughty but refined tobacco and rose fragrance. I definitely smell Bulgarian Roses and there is something deeper underneath adding another layer of the rose variety and true to the description on the website I am getting the unmistakable smudge of expensive lipstick or creamy wax violets (however you wish to interpret them). I know this is supposed to tell the scent story of a night encounter in a seedy motel but I can't help but think of a classy well sought after mistress in the 19th-century Austrian or Russian court. It's a bit exotic in ways with the rose petals and the stately tobacco combined with the kiss of violet and silky skin musk elevates this call girl to dame d'honneur! Bravo Redwood! My second order was a bunch of samples that had intrigued me for weeks. Sacred Vanille (Notes: Vanilla, Wood, Copal, Gardenia, Amber, Musk & Spice) It remains a mystery if the copal or the noticeable textural wood note (or the combination) is a particular scent sticking out from my skin that I'm unsure about. The spice and amber is warm and seductive with the sweet butteriness of the gardenia and vanilla. My skin can be so cruel at times as that particular scent I mentioned amplifies and drowns out the lovely gardenia, vanilla and spice. I'm marking Sacred Vanille down for a whipped soap treatment in the coming weeks. Candy Cane layering note This hits the sweet and sentimental spot for me as a beloved family member always smelled of peppermint and when she was away and I was upset, I would sit in a corner and sniff the candies she had secretly stuffed my pockets with. This is refreshing and yet somehow creamy and soft. Candy Cane also has a positive effect on when my stomach is flipping knots at a certain time of the month as after sitting down and smelling Candy Cane for several minutes, I feel so much better. The power of comforting peppermint, it still works even all these years later for me. Krampus (Notes: Mint, Musk, Smoke, Clove & Pepper) All the notes are there in a musky oily and somehow bracing way. I get the peppermint with the dark elements underneath and I know it's not listed but I smell a hint of non-obnoxious black shiny leather hiding in the background with the clove. Krampus is unique with the spice and musk yet completely wearable for every day adding something unfamiliar and sinister. A definite keeper. Elysia (Notes: Notes: Lily of the Valley, Salt, Wood, Musk) This is such a lovely scent for work as it's ethereal and feminine with a twist of poetic floral sweetness and is one of those your skin but better types of perfumes to recommend. This fragrance brings to mind the imagined scent of the dust from trembling butterfly wings. I don't think I have any other lily of the valley perfume that is so soft yet enchanting in my collection. XIII (Description: An unlucky blend of bergamot, tangerine, and lemon. Creaking wood, thunder that rattles the bones. Dark, moonlit waters. All laced with a sweet sliver of hope.) On my skin a hidden sugary aquatic scent amps along with zippy citrus and hidden metal note combination that oddly helps me drift off to sleep after a long dark night. To my nose, XIII leans masculine in a debonair way that is magnetic and yet calming. For longevity, this blends fades within 2 hours and no trace remains when I wake 9 hours later. And I'll just be tucking this alluring oil away for "someday". Bad Apple (Notes: Apple, Musk, Leather) I've been watching way too many Disney, Fairytale, Zodiac/dark sides of signs comparisons because this brings to mind "BAD Snow White". It starts off so innocent at first with gentle wafts of wet realistic apple skin and sweetness of a hidden floral, then a sinister smirk, a violent shuddering thunder and lightning crash over the forest and this woman doesn't need a prince with a flousy name to save her. I love these dramatic types of fragrance transformations. I was a little concerned about the apple but this is a fine blend and takes my imagination away. My only caveat is, I wish Bad Apple lasted longer on me- barely 4 hours on my skin. Top 3 choices (besides Ambrille): Call Girl, Elysia and Candy Cane Redwood Alchemy *Reviews composed in December 2020 I was over the moon when the owner of PULP Fragrance asked me if I would be interested in reviewing their debut collections and this little house of fragrance shot me to the stars when I found a holy grail perfume featuring a note I never thought I would be able to wear and enjoy, but I'm jumping ahead of myself. Here were my full thoughts on PULP Fragrance, where scent does indeed tell a story. For longevity, everything lasted far beyond it took me to eat the delicious Canadian sourced treats that were included (haha), but it all seriousness the oils stayed noticeable between 4 hours (Autumn Morning and Haunted Hills) to over 12+ hours (Ensnare and Portrait of Josette). Presentation: Speaks for itself. A sleek and creative nod to late mid-century fiction with specific themes translated over perfectly with the label designs, matching fonts and addition of a gorgeous themed bookmark. They nailed this particular aesthetic. One Note At A Time: Portrait of Josette (Ethereal white amber, dry wood of a long-abandoned seaside house, a hint of orris, and the lingering memory of jasmine perfume.) This was my inaugural dip into this house of fragrance and I was taken on quite the scent journey as Portrait of Josette opens on the skin with a nifty "flickering" effect of the orris, salt and dry wood and white floral that first disappears faintly then reappears with a strikingly beautiful quality that lasts the entire night and lingers into the morning hours. It brings to mind an expensive European perfume worn by the bygone elite and forlorn ghosts of lost eras of elegance staring out in the depths of the rolling sea. Brava, is all I can say! Autumn Morning (Warm mug of hot chocolate, bowl of slightly spiced oatmeal, bouquet of carnations, and a cosy blanket on your lap. (Cinnamon & clove in trace amounts only.) The longer this oil rested the better it became as today it's a lovely spiced creamy froth from a cup of hot chocolate surrounded by scattered carnation petals and hints of crystallized maple syrup. It paints a cozy scene and as the hours tick by the tactile aroma of a fleece blanket appears along with strength of the velvety touch of the carnation petals and slightly toasted rolled oats. The soft chocolate note is the first to fade within minutes but the sweet spice blend of the cinnamon and carnation anchors my nose to my wrists as I have a serious craving for cinnamon blends this season like never before making Autumn Morning a keeper and one to recommend. Embrace (A kindly kitchen witch who invites you in from the cold, feeds you pumpkin shortbread with butter, apricot preserves, and brown sugar & then sends you safely on your way. (Non-vegan butter CO2 & contains cinnamon.) One dab and I want to stay in the kindly witch's house and learn all about her locked away recipes as Embrace is a country cupboard of delights. I smell apricot preserves with a hint of orange marmalade, spiced maple syrup, buttered cookies and even the wood from a cupboard's shelf. I don't get pumpkin it's more of the dulcet apricot with hidden maple syrup and spice amplifying on me with a dry down of realistic brown sugar and butter. I have come to adore the scent of apricots and cinnamon in my hair so I will be using Embrace in my unscented argan oil and escaping to a quaint warm country house when the winds howl this upcoming winter. Haunted Hills (Juicy red apples, creamy caramel, wicked dark musk, black pepper, vetiver, and a sprinkle of baking spices. (Contains cinnamon & clove.) Just like Autumn Morning, Haunted Hills benefitted with a little patience as the strange grape note (I recall from childhood) that hit my nose the first week I received my parcel is all but gone and I smell the skin of a red mackintosh apple and the buttery caramel and woody warm undernotes of vetiver and black pepper. It's an interesting blend (I especially love the addition of the black pepper) but sadly not one of my favourites. Darkly complex but somehow not for my skin. I think I would love this in a hair product though and will be experimenting in the coming months. Women in Dresses Running From Houses (Gooey marshmallows over a roaring bonfire, heliotrope, aged patchouli, and a whisper of anise.) One of the greatest dubbed perfumes in the indie realm and my chemistry just doesn't want to play nice. My favourite parts of Women in Dresses Running From Houses are the marshmallowy heliotrope, the seductive anise and the dry down of realistic dug up dirt and the underneath of wet autumnal grass attached but alas it takes a bit to get to those elements as my chemistry latches onto the unpleasant opening that is hard to explain. I read so many favourable reviews on Women in Dresses Running From Houses but in the end, I must admit to myself, this one is not for me. Oh, bother. **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- don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). Ensnare (Embrace's darker sister at the other end of the woods, who lures you in with the promise of maple sugar sweets then latches the door behind you. Rich dark oud, labdanum, and a line of salt at the door.) Ensnare, teach me your ways! I smell like smokey peppered maple sugar and salted butterscotch. Now, this is marvellous and I love the resins that come out to play on the dry down with the amplifying maple sugar and butterscotch. There is certainly something naughty in this with a bit of leather and an almost acidic-balsamic entwined pine which is giving all the aforementioned sweet notes something wickedly grounding and unique. Good thing I have fallen under *Ensnare'*s spell because she lasts a good 12+ hours and I'm perfectly okay with that. South Star (Sweet creamy peach, vanilla beans, liatrix, & a woody-ambrette accord, all topped off with a hint of cinnamon. (Contains cinnamon.) This one morphs a hundred different with the peach from fresh juice dribbled into vanilla batter to those peach saver candies I remember from the 90s that were extremely limited edition around Easter-tide and then back to soft somehow adult smelling dessert, but it all never churns up any hint of cat urine which my skin usually changes peach blends into. South Star is stunning and I adore the woody-spicy warmth of the cinnamon and ambrette. I believe I have finally found my perfect peach perfume and I can't wait to layer this over a dab of Alkemia's C24 and wait coyly for the results while all dolled up, hehe. Mark my words, PULP Fragrance is a house to watch! Bewitching Amber (A darker take on classic amber with labdanum, an overdose of non-gourmand vanilla, woody vetiver, pine bark, cardamom and sandalwood musk.) One of the things this shop of olfactory delights excels at is vintage-esque blends with slightly altered updates that pleases so many in a crowd and Bewitching Amber is a perfect example. There are hallmarks on a classic perfume base but the top notes and heart of the blend are tweaked just enough that it can never be confused with the scent of handbag of an older woman. On me, I'm finding labdanum "pops and fizzes" with a caramel finish and I can clearly smell that nifty effect with Bewitching Amber as my skin warms up this oil. The pine becomes more apparent as well I as sit here typing and the dry down the sandalwood takes centre stage with the romantic vanilla and classic amber. No surprise I love this perfume and recommend it. Eagle Hill Cemetery (An ivy-covered mausoleum, old paving stones, cool damp soil, a creaky iron gate, faded bouquets, & the spark of a match freshly-lit to see your way.) Another thing PULP Fragrance excels at is green notes and if you want an earthy atmospheric here's your blend. I get the photorealistic grass with dirt, flaking iron and I know it's not listed but I swear I smell old fashioned lawnmower blade oil and gasoline. My beloved grandfather used to tend hallowed grounds whilst I tagged along and would play in the grass clumps and tried not to step on anyone's face as I walked between the gravestones. Eagle Hill Cemetery smells like the real thing and continues to surprise me as it morphs in an hour to a realistic haunting floral bouquet of faded jasmine and lilies (and perhaps a stem of lilac as well?) I wasn't expecting any of this and am quite impressed! House on Widows Hill (Brandy as plummy as Roger's accent, old oak paneling, dusty thick carpets, a thread of incense & a roaring fire in the hearth.) Another atmospheric but for those looking for a good libatious twist and wanting to feel a bit like masters of the universe. You want a good brandy note, here it is and as you lose yourself in the oaky finish the promised dusty thick carpets, incense and ashes from the hearth hit the nose. Curiously a dark plum note also materializes in the long dry down that immediately makes me think of my english grandmother's kitchen during the colder months. Another keeper and one for my "to be worn when reading or watching specific historical films" corner of my collection. Cathedral of Trees (Crisp cold air, cedar tips, pine boughs, towering fir and spruce, snow-strewn forest floor, & smoke-less sacred resins of frankincense and myrrh.) In the vial, I get snapped off boughs of fir and pine needles mixed with lemony frankincense and myrrh and all I can say is, get on my skin and take me away to an enchanted forest! Frankincense and pine blends help me sleep for some unknown reason and I have been dabbing myself all over with Cathedral of Trees and sleeping soundly as the winds outside are starting to pick up. On my skin, the fir and pine rise first and then frankincense takes its place next to cheery myrrh and finally a familiar fuzziness of labdanum appears and I am one happy sleepy lady as my mind relaxes. And To All A Good Night (Sugary and gently-spiced holiday cookies fresh from the oven and drizzled with caramel, creamy egg nog spiked with coffee liqueur and sprinkled with a dash of nutmeg and cardamom, & the smooth, pale, aged wood of a well-loved rolling pin. (Allergen note: contains traces of cinnamon and clove.) Mmm! May I introduce everyone to holiday baking in a vial? Oh my, yes And To All A Good Night is a buttery, boozy medley with sweets and spice and everything nice for the holiday season. I even smell the unmistakable aromas of buttery pine aged wood, crushed nutmeg and vanilla from my great-grandfather's rolling pin I use for my seasonal baking. Now that's flipping amazing, no other indie shop has presented that note and experience. _______________________________________________________ Top 3 picks: South Star (and I ordered a full bottle), Portrait of Josette and...it's a tie between Cathedral of Trees and And To All A Good Night Thank you so much PULP Fragrance for allowing me access to these collections (and helping me find a holy grail perfume) *Reviews composed in 2021 Technically not my first romp with the ever mysterious pheromone-enhanced category of perfumes (that title goes to Alkemia Perfumes), these three vials, however, were my first venture with a little house of fragrance called Love Potion Magicakal Perfumerie. A bit of rarity in the indie realm as this shop actually has a physical storefront (located in Venice, California USA) and is the only indie company I have found that sells exclusively pheromone laced perfumes. So what brought me to these unique doors of Love Potion? Curiosity mostly! For years I have heard Pheromones were the Dark Side of perfumery and with a friend's upcoming birthday and her very specific request for "a sexy red currant perfume" well it seemed fate and I just had to try them. Here's what I thought. WARNING: Subjects that follow may get a bit (politely told) spicy. My initial order all stemmed from a search for red currants and I messaged the owner to see if she could recommend a few blends and answer some burning questions I had concerning pheromone perfumes and their effect(s). The owner was an absolute sweetheart and patiently answered all my inquiries and gave me a list for my friend and for myself. I purchased one spray vial and to my utter delight was gifted several samples that we spoke of. I only had the opportunity to quickly sniff my friend's birthday gift before wrapping it up along with her preselected sample and I kept the other three vials as my friend doesn't care for the notes that I do. Funny enough she ended up loving the sample she received versus only liking what I purchased for her so I'll mention her choice pick and her experience wearing her special scent potion. Crystal Currents (Much as the way a crystal refracts and reflects and refracts sunshine into dazzling points of illumination, so does our beautiful pheromone-enhanced perfume spray bestow a brilliant shine to your senses. Crystalline notes of white, pink and red grapefruit oils blended with juicy tangy red currant and sweetened with pretty pink sugar and soft-as-a-cloud marshmallow plus a sheer whisper of white amber, so wonderfully upbeat! For further fun and frolic, we've enhanced this lovely with our exclusive AUDACIOUS pheromone formula, an Alpha-Sexual-Social mix for women that encourages boldness and perhaps a walk on the wild side! Promotes confidence, friendliness, femininity, mood elevation and sexuality. Magickal Meanings of Ingredients (I thought this part was so nifty!): Grapefruit- Refreshes and uplifts the spirit, eases exhaustion; beauty and youth glamour. Lends an aura of "sparkle" to the wearer. Red Currant- Aids success in love affairs, and a magical representation of blood. Marshmallow Root- Fertility, happiness, creativity, increase in psychic awareness, intuition, love, protection, exorcism. Gently commanding and persuading. Sugar- Attracts love, luck, sweetness and riches. Lust inducing, wishes granted. Amber-Fertility, creativity, love, luck and riches. On my friend, she seems to amplify the sweet factors of this blend and smells like naughty fruit candy, she usually stays away from scents resembling candy but says she was pleasantly surprised and Crystal Currents certainly suits her. The red currant serves as the glowing heart of this perfume over the sugared grapefruit opening and an unexpected amber laced marshmallow is the perfect finale. Between two separate serious male companions (at different points of the year) and other acquaintances, it has been noticed that men adore this perfume and have complimented her multiple times even associating this perfume to her specifically (for extra experiments a few extra drops of Crystal Currents were dabbed in her (at separate times of the year/ different boyfriend's) cars and then placed in her hair. The results were quite positive as both men seemed more attentive and etc; we are just reporting what was observed and noticed). My friend discreetly has requested the Copulin version of Crystal Currants for her next birthday so I call this scent experiment request/gift a success. Sadly my report will be less interesting as I don't currently have a fella to play scent doctor with so my thoughts will be more on general compliments, skin chemistry morphing, and my impressions on specific notes. I'm also going to rank the samples I tried. #3- Mommy's Little Monster (At this time of the year things can get quite chaotic for all hard-working Mummies and we know they could use some assistance in taming their dear darling monsters! This is a seasonal perfume spray featuring an Autumnal blend of warm hay, tangy crisp pear- bestowing protection and good fortune- with a sturdy foundation of bamboo and teak and pretty crown of daisy and heather. We're riding to the rescue with a dose of our exclusive MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER pheromone formula, a blend for women to help create a household of peace and calm, pleasant interactions, warmth, coziness, friendliness and helpfulness...while secretly exerting a little authority too. Magickal Meanings of Ingredients: Pear- Love, longevity and luck Hay- Friendliness, fruitfulness Daisy- Gentleness, innocence, loyalty and romance. Love, reunion and luck. Heather- Admiration and beauty; protection, especially over women and virtue. Peace, beginnings, elemental magic, wishes granted. Bamboo- Protection, hex breaking, luck and wishes, fertility, wisdom, feminine energy. Teakwood- Longevity, bonding, weathering all conditions, endurance. It remains a frustrating mystery what note exactly drowns out all the others on my skin and pokes at my senses, reminding me of a combination of green medicine and soap but my hunch is the heather as I only have one heather listed perfume (from Jorum Studio) that smells like true ground heather on me and all the others I have tried across the indie realm turn into laundry detergent soap when applied. Such a shame for my skin but an unexpected win for my deep conditioning hair treatment regiment as in my hair the promised pear and hay reign making Mommy's Little Monster a nice autumnal hair treat. #2- Flying Potion 2020 (Description summary- We've blended gorgeous creamy ylang ylang EO, sweet black licorice, marshmallow and vanilla pods, tangy grapefruit and cassis topped with a pinch of cider spices and Poof!) Magickal Meanings of Ingredients: Marshmallow Root- Fertility, happiness, creativity, increase in psychic awareness, intuition, love, protection, exorcism, Gently commanding and persuading. Ylang Ylang- Strongly sensual, attraction, attention, irresistibility, soothes marital problems. Licorice- Love, lust, fidelity, sexual potency. Vanilla- Aphrodisiac, inspires happiness, playfulness, sexual arousal, lust, vitalizing. Grapefruit- Refreshes and uplifts the spirit, eases exhaustion, beauty and youth glamour. It is highly advised to NOT go by what you think you discern from this shop's vials because your heated skin and hair hold and unlocks the true magic of these blends. Honestly, I was puzzled and thought I was possibly sent a mislabeled batch when I first opened my lovely presented parcel as the distinct slight chemical aroma I recognize from my bottle of C24 from Alkemia Perfumes wafted up and I couldn't identify clearly any accompanying notes. What a curious thing! Once applied my impression immediately changed and I raced to the laptop to toss in my basket many perfumes from the catalogue (especially when I tried Love Potion: Pink, but I'm jumping ahead of myself). Flying Potion opens bright and creamy then morphs to seductive liquorice dipped warm spices (perhaps even hidden apple?) and then dries down to this stunning realistic marshmallow vanilla cream and lingering traces of liquorice. I am weak in the presence of a good liquorice or marshmallow perfume and Flying Potion is ace and has been keeping me company on late night walks as the summer season winds down and this hits the spot for the beginning of my favourite time of the year. Now to find someone to share it with, haha. #1- Love Potion- Pink (Description summary- Combines four buttery Vanilla oils from around the globe, added to gorgeously thick Amber and Patchouli, resins, sweet Berries and Sugars galore!) Magickal Meanings of Ingredients: Vanilla- Aphrodisiac, inspires happiness, playfulness, sexual arousal, lust, vitalizing. Sugar- Attracts love, luck, sweetness, riches, lust inducing. Berries- Attraction, love inducing, stamina, vigor, draws fortunate circumstances in all areas of your life. Apricot- Love, love, love, romance, passion and feminity Amber- Fertility, love, luck, riches. Patchouli- Soothes and uplifts, sensual, sexually stimulating, lust, fertility, money. Butter- Nurturing, soothing, eases troubled relationships, Goddess energy Verbena- Mood uplifting, makes one attractive to the opposite sex, everlasting love. As much as I go weak for liquorice and marshmallow, would you believe a cotton candy/fairy floss perfume completely swept me off my feet and garnered the most compliments from work colleagues and strangers? It's all true, I smell like a pastel and peach toned Valentine with Marilyn Monroe's image glamming on the front. The notes may seem simple but that's where the true beauty of this oil lies, it catches you off guard first pulling at playful and airy elements but then transforms into this warm sophisticated buttery romantic vanilla that others around just gravitate toward and ask about. It's perfectly dubbed, it captures all the qualities when you think of the ideal shade of Pink. Projection and longevity is impressive with this fragrance as it goes on to enchant 16 hours versus Mommy's Little Monster's 6 hours and Flying Potion landing in the middle at 10 hours. The search is over, I finally found a cotton candy/fairy floss perfume I can wear without feeling like a child or it triggering bad high school memories. So the big questions would I order from Love Potion Magickal Perfumerie again and are Pheromones truly the dark side of perfumery and should be feared? A resounding yes to if I will order again and let's just say be prepared for more reviews in the coming months and I only care what I think and how they make me feel which is spectacular and confident. Love Potion® Magickal Perfumerie Ever since I stepped into the realm of Indie Fragrances one house has been repeated with an exotic and expensive flair that called from afar I was not yet prepared to venture towards...until last year when I was recommended to see the godsend to all Indie Collectors and Explorers known as "decanters"; these sweet beings offer different seasonal blends at a wide discount which allows those of us with restricted wallets and pocketbooks a chance to sample perfumes we have lusted after and finally join the excited conversation circles surrounding certain shops. This is a happily ever ending story all thanks to Crypta Obscura/KosmikFade. One Note At A Time: Koaliday (Bastet's Australian melty Vanilla Ice Cream, Crystalline Absolute, Vanilla Bean Fleck, Fried Dough accord ala Funnel Cake deliciousness, White Cinnamon and Vanilla infused Powdered Sugar) This is a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck with exotic and warm woody cinnamon, creamy buttery vanilla and the unmistakable aroma of country-fried dough. Every note promised is there and it creates this cosy enveloping feeling of home comforts and seasonal memories that lasts an impressive 13 hours. It's marvellous and must try if you love gourmand fragrances and the deeply soothing quality of cinnamon. Ducky (Fresh Pear, Bastet's Amber Absolute, Skin Musk, Vanilla Bean Liqueur, Crimson Red Musk) This was my first dip into NAVA fragrant waters and I must say I'm impressed. Ducky is indeed fresh pears without any unnecessary soapiness and is matched beautifully with a spiked vanilla bean, warm amber and soft silkiness underneath it all. When first applied the scent amplifies for about 2 hours then dies down to this creamy vanilla pear finish that lasts 16 hours now. I must admit I was hoping to not love this and move quietly along but what can I say, NAVA has wowed me and I'm in trouble (yep, yep yep!) Llama Llama (Vanilla infused Sandalwood, Cashmere Vanilla accord, Indian Sandalwood, French Vanilla Bean and Santalum Absolute) My expectations and wishes flew too high to the sandalwood and french vanilla drenched sun this time as this blend is a masculine soapy flop on my skin. It's always the call of French Vanilla that gets me to pull that buy-now trigger. My search continues ultimately and I have learned a vital lesson that santalum combined with cashmere may be best to avoid with my chemistry. Sigh. *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- don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you. Uriel (Thick resin and incense of Holy Myrrh and Sandalwood) This was a surprise bonus vial found in my order and I must say this blend named after an archangel is a dreamy romantic sandalwood that is indeed "ethereal" and even "protective" in ways. Uriel was a much finer introduction to NAVA's Sandalwoods and Resin centred oils for me and I would love to try more of this house of fragrances' sandalwood perfumes. For longevity, this oil fades within 5 hours which is my only caveat as I would love to wake from a full days' sleep with this masculine leaning fragrance softly caressing my wrists and neck. Nocturne Alchemy Studios Crypta Obscura *Review composed in 2021 I admittedly have a complicated relationship with Valentine's Day but when someone offers me a chance to purchase and own a piece of the unique and macabre centred about my favourite history topics and literary figures, well I say take my money and everyone else can keep their cheap flowers that will wilt in a week! May I introduce you all to Valentombs by OfGraveConcern (a curious little shop I stumbled upon on Instagram which specializes in one-of-a-kind historical art inspired by the years 1348 to 1848). 💀I ordered the night of January 17th and received a shipping notification message almost immediately and then slid over to my frozen over mailbox to find my card that following week. My dark little heart skipped a few beats when I opened the envelope and removed the card themed around my favourite book- Wuthering Heights (Catherine and Heathcliff are home!). The size of the card itself is ideal (about the size of a traditional holiday greeting card) and the foldout "kickstand" on the back of the glossy stock paper is perfectly balanced and centres the tomb nicely for display. I have mine on my the back of my vanity table, facing the mirror. I love the incorporated quotes from my favourite novel and the research and little fine details this shop puts into its projects and artwork are all seriously applaudable. I now want a whole "graveyard" of Valentombs to display, haha. And wish fullfilled! Welcome to my little graveyard of Valentombs, haha. These 2 cards showed up out of the blue one cold day and I can't thank OfGraveConcern enough for them. Pictured is the Hamlet and Ophelia card and Lenore one as decked out in researched quotes from the play and story. Absolutely something unique to see, collect and recommend. OfGraveConcern Someone very wise once told me that a specific crystal will find its way into your life at the right time to serve you and in the chaotic year of 2020, Labradorite and Moonstones found me. It all began with a long past midnight browsing on ETSY and a simple search for crystal necklaces, in honesty, I didn't know what I was looking for I just wanted to see something shiny I suppose and learn some new facts about crystals and minerals to store away (I blame my Libra and Gemini placements, haha). Everything stopped when I saw the photo of a pale green gold crystal dubbed "The Seeker" on Rissa Rae Moonstone's page. I didn't know labradorite could be found in that specific unique shade and the more I stared at the page, I more I felt drawn to it. I had to go back from break but the glow of that curious stone stayed in my mind and by the time I was leaving my shift for the night, I knew I had to have it. Ordering was a simple process and the exact listed labradorite necklace arrived at my door not even a week later along with a small additional crystal. To say, I was happy with my purchase is an understatement as I wear my first labradorite piece from this shop everywhere and enjoy showing everyone my newest discovery (and obsession). Here was my first impression and initial wearing experience: "Over the moon with my necklace! It's absolutely stunning to look at and is the perfect size while at the same time adds something unique to my wardrobe. I've received several compliments at work about it including the shade of this glowing stone matches my eye colour or makes my green eyes pop. I also adore the gentle soothing energy this crystal exudes as I feel so relaxed and somehow charged ready to take on anything while wearing this jewellery piece and I don't want to take it off. I must also jot down for positives the lovely packaging presentation and amazing customer service. This was my first purchase but certainly not my last from this charming little shop." 2020 started my own transformation for my body, health and mind and I felt myself reaching out to touch this talisman when I had self doubt, I know that may sound silly but it somehow helped me to restrain my old habits and hold my head up a little higher. The stone's soft energy or not, I ended up experiencing things I never would have thought I would attempt before and that only allowed me to come out of my shell a little bit more. I had a wonderful time in October and created some amazing memories for myself and guess what was around my neck in candid pictures that others so easily take everyday, but I strangely never would have allowed to be taken (I forgotten how much I have the same smile as a beloved lost loved one)? If anything this labradorite piece reminds me of those happy times in a year of uncertainty and to not take the little things in life for granted ever again. November blew in and I knew it was time to ask if the shop owner could create a custom necklace I have been dreaming of owning for years (I have been hoping to come across just the right jewellery crafter), a double strand moonstone necklace... I only just commissioned this particular jewellery piece when a stunning rare purple labradorite amulet additionally caught my attention from the day before on social media made by this stone caster and it wouldn't allow me to focus on anything else, the stone was just gorgeous but I figured it was gone. Out of curiosity I messaged and asked if it was still available and to my utter delight it was and it was waiting for me it seemed! The owner was such a sweetheart that she offered to bundle the necklaces together and send them at the same time. I think I chose wisely don't you? "Signed, sealed, delivered and I couldn't be more pleased with these pieces of wearable art or this little shop! When it comes to my custom pieces, the moonstones just twinkle and glitter on my neck in the light and no photo can capture that nor can the various depths of purples and golds in my labradorite necklace. These were my second and third purchases and I can't recommend Rissa Rae Moonstone enough if you are searching for a particular crystal and type of amulet to serve you through a portion of your life. Scroll through the catalogue and see which one "calls out" to you (what you see is what you are sent)! If you have any questions don't be afraid to reach out to their customer service (which is another facet of a phenomenal experience and icing on the cake). Thank you again, Rissa Rae Moonstone!" What crystal or special propertied stone will call out in 2021, I can't wait to find out and am ready to listen. Rissa Rae Moonstone Whether you're in a spooky little holiday mood or want to spruce up the humble abode for the seasons, Willow WaxCraft has a blend for you. This is my sixth revisit to this little gem of a candle wax shop and once again I'm absolutely smitten with my order, this round I purchased Bacchanalia, Snow Day, Ouroboros, Hell Hath No Fury and received a sample of When the Shneckon Beckon. My choice pick this time is BACCHANALIA, which is a boozy caramel pear fragrance that fills the whole room with warm sweetly spiced comfort. Even unmelted the throw is impressive. I must also compliment the charming packaging and addition of exotic candy (a delight to open and taste as my mother can attest, she's now addicted to the tea candies, haha). Ouroboros- Tart pomegranate and raspberry, earthy and creamy oatmeal stout, honey (vegan), a dark cave, and aged paper. When this house of wax lists a descriptive atmospheric note such as 'aged paper' or 'a dark cave', they mean just that and Ouroboros is a perfect example of the unique scent magic this little shop can have upon the senses as this one is a dark boozy fruit medley layered with distinct salty vanillin paper and an earthy base. This scent came in a close second of Bacchanalia to being my choice pick but in the end, the boozy pears won it for my nose. For throw, my whole bedroom and upstairs is a seductive fruit draped sanctuary and Ouroboros reminds me of a dark red laced induced fever dream I don't want to wake from or escape! Hell Hath No Fury- Burning incense, a corsage of shy violets and carnations, crushed velvet, blonde woods and whispers of smoke and iron. Inspired by 'A night never to be forgotten' and revenge, Hell Hath No Fury is one scent to melt when you are in the mood for something completely out of the box and to honour a classic horror novel and movie. To my nose, the burning florals stand out when melted but are so subdued and innocent in the wax cup. This one is a transforming beast and not for the faint of heart but excellent if you want a horror-based fragrance to unnerve guests. Bacchanalia- A festive holiday bowl of spiced Wassail, caramelized pears and bourbon spiked Chai. There is nothing like the rich scent of spiced pears during the colder months and when married to the oaky finish of aged bourbon it was not a party it was a celebration every time I opened my bedroom door. Gah, I love this Bacchanalia and wish this blend came in a perfume, it warms the spirits and creates a wonderous place in your mind allowing you to relax after a long night or day. Snow Day- Buttery gingerbread waffles, toasted chestnuts, spiced pecans, and tendrils of chimney smoke. Can you tell I wanted all the comfort smells of the season with this order? Gingerbread is a weakness of mine and here it's wafts of butter-drenched pancakes with spices, the toasted chestnuts I recognize from Christmas Tree Emporium and wisps of chimney smoke. It's delicious but can be a bit heavy on the nose with the butter and the other notes get lost. Free Sample of When the Schnecken Beckon- Sweet cinnamon rolls coated with toasted pecans and sticky caramel, served with a glass of fresh-squeezed Florida Orange Juice. The Birdcage is one of my favourite guilty pleasure films (that movie would never fly nowadays and that's what I love about it plus Robin Williams was absolutely in his element and the chemistry of all the actors was phenomenal creating a comedic timecapsule) and this little slice of wax contains the perfect homage to one of the best quotes in the film! It's sweet citrus that is sprinkled with buttery cinnamon dessert dotted with toasted pecans. A possible sibling scent of Snow Day but the butter is more subtle and the toasted nuts more noticeable in When the Schneckon Beckon. This was my third choice pick of the pack and will be a full clamshell purchase eventually. Willow WaxCraft |
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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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