FEATURED Houses of Fragrance on the Horizon: Nui Cobalt Designs ("Magical scents & sundries.")9/6/2019
Sometimes a house of fragrance finds you and so it goes with this next shop who contacted me on Reddit. I admit I had heard of Nui Cobalt Designs within the IMAM forum and I was enamored by their aesthetic and themes but I didn't know anyone who had sampled their wares and I put them on the list for "someday", well someday just happened and I can't thank Forest and Josh from Nui Cobalt Designs enough for sending me a box filled with samples to ramble about and lose myself in... The time has come to talk of many things of realistic smelling herbs, a magnetic Art Deco theme that branches off into bewitching collections and stellar honey, fruit and florals accords that have quickly become my favourites to dab and slather this summer. This is one shop that you can truly say: "Expect the unexpected"... One Note at a Time Pixie (The wing'ed Fae folk of Cornwall and Devon. An apple orchard in bloom, spring grasses alive with some unearthly glow, vanilla bean offertory cakes and sparkling honey mead)*Fragrance currently listed on the site I first fell for this blend Midsummer's Night and I haven't stopped slathering it since. This one is floral graham crackers that last around 6 hours on my skin and 8 to 10 hours in my piled-up hair. The apple blossom note is extremely realistic and I found another honey treasure to hoard. Do I see a full bottle in my future?: Oh my, yes! Although it reminds me of Alkemia's Honeycakes for Harvest Moon, no candle note appears after the dry down and I would call Pixie the summer version of the two. I prefer Pixie and the visions it conjures of the legendary apple orchards of Avalon; this will be travelling with me when I go to Glastonbury someday. Hummingbird (A surprisingly bold blend for courage and confidence. Darting from oleander to orange blossom with ripe nectarine, hibiscus tea, and traces of tuberose)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; limited edition Despite the description of being bold, on me, Hummingbird is "kind and demure" and when first applied it brings to mind something a classic Disney Princess would wear as she twirls around the dance floor full of dreams and a song in her heart. That all changes at about 2 hours when it morphs to lovely orange blossoms (with a little grit) that get stronger as additional hours go by. Overall it changed to a professional and pretty fragrance that stayed close to my skin. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Despite how lovely and captivating Hummingbird morphed into towards the end of the night, I don't think this blend is for me now but truth be told, I would have had two bottles and a third on the way a decade ago. I'm content with just the vial. Oya (A traditional Louisiana infusion to honour the Lwa of Lightning and call forth her power. Ozone and petrichor sharpen the edges of cardamom, green pepper, and sage, while black cherry and pipe tobacco sweeten the base. Wear this scent to bring the thunder and awaken your sacred fury.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site Oya is unlike anything I have smelled before and it has a special place in my collection for the cherry pipe tobacco and spicy rain note this holds. It's unique as I had hoped and I have moved this oil into my rotation of sleep perfumes. That combination of green pepper, cardamom and black cherry makes my mouth water. This one brings the thunder to my senses! Do I see a bottle in my future?: Not a bottle but another vial when this one runs out. Come Hither (In the time-honored tradition of Love Me, Come to Me, and Follow Me Boy hoodoo oils, this is an irresistibly sensual blend for getting - and keeping - someone's attention. Wild pink roses glistening with dew, Southern sweet tea, candied ginger and a gentle touch of clove. This oil is additionally infused with rose quartz, the classic choice for unconditional love. It encourages self-care and assists in maintaining a warm, receptive demeanor. Wear as a beguiling perfume or warm in a diffuser to evoke an air of romance.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site The unmistakable scent of pink roses and sweet tea opens Come Hither that then gains some familiar spice with the clove and ginger. It also has an aldehyde aspect but thankfully that burns down an hour in. I want to say Come Hither is too clean and fresh smelling for me but I oddly like it and will keep it to add a little spice and mystery to my locks. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Not at this time but if this comes in hair oil, candle or bath salts, here's my pocketbook. Grey Cat (An ode to my very own regal and ridiculous familiars. Dry smoked vanilla, fluffy marshmallow creme, fresh blueberries, the gentlest touch of lavender and a warm cup of Earl Grey. Wear this comforting blend to attract friendship, allies, and supportive people. It's a potent addition to a Honey Jar or any spellcraft for sweetening relationships.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site Mmm smoky blueberries and tea you need to come home to me. Grey Cat is exceptional with a fruit that could steer into the overpowering candy realm with the marshmallow but stays true to freshly picked blueberries next to a cup of Earl Grey and a swirl of bonfire smoke in the background. The anticipated marshmallow with lavender appears on the long dry down that aids as another sleep scent potion in the end. I'm quite impressed the tea hasn't turned into something from my nightmares. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Let's see I finally found a tea blend that plays nice with my chemistry AND it has marshmallow with lavender and smoked blueberries. Yes, you can bet you will see a bottle featured soon. Queen Bee (An opulent blend to evoke confidence, poise, and effortless grace. Creamy white gardenia and fluffy whipped honey)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; seasonal edition I was hoping for a summer version of Sixteen92's Ligeia but instead, have been united with sweet innocent nostalgia as this oil smells like a new baby doll in the warm sunlight on me. I didn't think I would find this familiar aroma until I finally got around to Rose Mallow or Violet Mallow from Solstice Scents but here it is taking me back and bringing my new favourite buttery floral to enjoy as well this summer. This one lasts quite a while as well, fading away completely at 10 hours. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Possibly next year, yes. Although I adore the powdery element of Queen Bee, I'm curious to find out if the luscious gardenia will strengthen after some patient aging (all signs are pointing to yes and I can tell this perfume is going to be heady, just what I have been desiring for a summer gardenia fragrance). Invoking The Muse (This high-powered potion is a paean to the mighty goddesses of creativity and inspiration. Incense and olive leaves lifted by white copal, ancient oak, Mysore sandalwood, and vanilla orchid. This oil is additionally infused with fulgurite: the "lightning stone." Formed as lightning strikes the earth, this mineral facilitates a connection between intellect and Higher Mind. Wear this distinctly Mediterranean scent to dispel performance anxiety. It invokes flashes of insight and banishes creative blocks.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site Warm sandalwood, vanilla and a note resembling mint opens on my skin and I can't help but bring my nose closer as incense curls up to greet me after a few minutes. I'm curious if that is Palo Santo that is reading as mint and at the same time what is registering as "Cola or Root Beer" to my nose. I've smelled something like this before...Oh, Alkemia's A Darkness Burning was slightly similar on me but Invoking the Muse has more of a romantic vanilla at the base and after sometime olive appears (totally guessing but it smells like olive oil). I know this oil is for creativity and getting things done but I've moved it into the corner of my collection dedicated to relaxing and reading. There is something very meditative about the scent potion. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Not at this time, I'm content with just a vial. Malarkey (A comforting scent to ease your mind and sooth your nerves after dealing with dishonest people. Bread and Butter Pudding: twice-baked slices of soft white bread, salted butter, rich vanilla custard with a modest sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; limited edition In the vial I get the unexpected scent of fruit, butter and warm toasted bread; it's only when I allow it to meld with my chemistry something magical happens and it morphs to spiced bread pudding with realistic thick vanilla custard and the distinct aroma of freshly prepared french toast but the vanilla custard and light cinnamon stand out the most. Hours later I get a creamy crumbly nutmeg and a richer vanilla base (and I swear a drop of warm honey). It's something else and a tribute to British culinary traditions and old-fashioned baking secrets. Malarkey is never sharp, overly sweet or spicy, waxy or artificial smelling and just like Poppycock, it's perfectly executed. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Absolutely, yes next year (my pocketbook took a hit this summer). I always try to envision what the food from one my all-time favourite cinematic treasures would smell like and Malarkey is what I would be drinking if I were invited to attend the lost boys' dinner from HOOK. It's straight out of my dreams as this is happy thoughts and warm hugs. [says with nose to wrist] It's Bangarang. Dark Mistress (An homage to the Dominant Feminine that evokes indomitable confidence. Spiced pomegranate and stiletto steel swirled in Cabernet over a foundation of leather and mahogany musk.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site Oh, hello Midnight Vamp! I thought this blend would be sweeter for some reason but the realistic metal is adding a dangerous element along with the leather. Dark Mistress is untamed and seductive, I like it and I'm thrilled to find a pomegranate fragrance that carries a bit of a bite. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Not a bottle but another vial as I find this strangely beautiful blend something out of my comfort zone but is still captivating to my senses and I will wear it for special occasions and events (where is a Vampire themed Masquerade Ball when you need one?) This is going next to Alkemia's The Raven which makes me feel like a dangerous Evil Queen. Robin's Egg (A gently protective blend to support you through life's transitions. Dainty forget-me-nots and Lily of the Valley, a dollop of whipped blueberry creme, and a cozy birch nest tucked into a flowering dogwood tree.)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; limited edition Here is another oil that showcases Nui Cobalt's superb blueberry note and this time it's folded carefully in a creamy floral that I love to place in my curls. It's outrageously romantic smelling but still works for the professional setting. I do notice birch goes powdery on me (like in Sixteen92's Aeromancy) but Robin's Egg is a definite keeper. I can't get enough powdery wonders from the indie realm. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Yes, next year if I start saving now. I want so many different magical blends from this shop. I would also absolutely purchase this in a candle. Tryptophan (A soothing sleep blend to lull you into a deep and restorative night's rest. Softest sandalwood, warm vanilla and clary sage are accented by precious blue chamomile and subtle french lavender. Please note: there is no actual tryptophan in this fragrance.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site This oil smells like smooth buttery caramel and lavender on me. The creamy sandalwood catches my attention a few moments after application and true to its name, Tryptophan lulls my senses to a relaxed state and off to bed. I must jot down this scent potion only lasts so long but I do get a subtle note of lingering mint-caramel when I wake hours later. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Yes, eventually. Feu Follet (The Cajun version of Will o' the Wisp, a luminous inhabitant of swamps and marshlands who's said to lure travellers to a watery grave. Sultry southern magnolia, wild muscadine, honeysuckle, and Spanish moss clinging to the trees.)*Fragrance currently SOLD OUT on the site When will I learn to not go solely by what the applicator wand holds because Feu Follet is another perfume that morphs and flickers on my skin going from floral to deep dark fruit and back to a watery moss note then ending as floral sweet tea that all brings my nose closer. I'm still training my nose and I can only guess the floral that is amping on me is the magnolia (it kind of reminds me of gardenias with a small lemon heart). Feu Follet is a bit heady but I like it. Our family friend who was a true southern belle would have loved this. Do I see a bottle in my future?: I would rather wear this fragrance as a toast to my departed friend and am happy with the vial at this time. Now I know what magnolias smell like. Indie Mood: Giulia (Unabashed refinement and sheer elegance. White santal and sunwashed teak edged with vetiver, silk, and chilled Earl Grey)*Fragrance currently listed on the site I'm still deciphering this expensive smelling blend as I get a not unpleasant soap combination that stays close to my skin. Tea can turn into sudsy aldehydes and despite the other above-listed successes with Earl Grey listed, I don't think this one is for me. I'm going to pass this vial along to a friend who loves and hoards these types of elegant "clean and fresh" mixtures (I believe she will be very pleased with Giulia). There is a different blend in Nui Cobalt's catalogue for everyone. (**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). Wings of the Morrigan (Goddess of victory, courage, and sovereignty. If honored appropriately, she may strengthen the righteous warrior and stand as a fierce protectress of the land. If angered, she may portend certain doom. Soft, smokey leather with a splash of red wine, an offering of black cherries and bitter chocolate, the steel and stone of the battlefield. Wear this enchanted scent to summon your valor and claim your crown.)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; seasonal edition Smokey patchouli, leather and unsweetened cherry wine open the scene and it's like some awesome beast unfolds her wings with a smirk on her red-black lips. You can't look away and you know she is there to wreak vengeance on foolish mortals but you can't move and are compelled to bow down. This fragrance isn't for the weak and I'm shocked I have taken such a shine to this perfume. Wings of the Morrigan plays wonderfully on my fiendish little imagination and I must admit I love Nui Cobalt's leather accord. The chocolate is extremely subtle and only appears under different conditions on my skin. Hours later the steel and stone (and hint of smoke) is all that remains with the leather bringing to mind a battlefield of yore. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Eventually. Just like Alkemia's The Raven, Dark Mistress will be for special occasions, reading certain topics and writing. The Bees' Cotillion (So fancy! This ebullient blend evokes mirth and merriment to highlight your most endearing qualities. Succulent pears simmering in spring honey with the gentlest breeze of lily carried in a homespun infusion of honeysuckle flowers)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; seasonal edition Well I just found a kindred spirit fragrance to join Alkemia's Les Courtisanes for my favourite pear perfume as The Bee's Cotillion is an intoxicating blend of fruit, honey (I can't get enough of Nui Cobalt's honey fragrances; I want to hoard them all like a shimmery amber dragon) and florals. I always wear Les Courtisanes near the end of summer well into fall and winter for special conferences so The Bee's Cotillion fills in that seasonal gap and I know this sounds odd but this scent is lucky as good things seem to happen when I don it. It's professional and positively unique and says I have arrived in life while also staying approachable. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Yes, The Bees' Cotillion will be joining my collection next year. Horsefeathers (A sumptuous scent to help you keep your cool when people try to pull the wool over your eyes. A traditional Arctic Roll: vanilla bean ice cream wrapped in a blanket of yellow sponge cake and a layer of vibrant red raspberry jam.)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; limited edition Can I just say that this shop executes gourmands beautifully and Horsefeathers is another where I could lick my arm. In the vial, it's admittingly a little rough medicinal smelling but once it has a few moments to settle this oil takes on a buttery cake quality with fresh raspberries spread on top and quickly shoots to one of the top raspberry cake perfumes I have tried (it will join MoonaLisa's Aurelia in my dream gourmand section). I amp the butter but hours later a clear vanilla ice cream aroma makes me dance in my chair, yisss! I must also note Horsefeathers does not turn waxy or artificial at any time. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Yes, if Aurelia were ever discontinued. I would love a candle of this fragrance for my bedroom or a jar of bath salts. Vila (The beautiful silver-haired faeries of Slavic folklore who may choose to align themselves with worthy humans, or unleash fury upon the unworthy. Apricots preserved with cardamom, clove, and brown sugar, dewy Bulgarian roses, and luminous white silk.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site This is such a lovely blend that morphs from a fruity-floral jam that somehow smells creamy to warm spicy-wooden roses with every other gentle gust of wind. Vila has been accompanying me quite a bit to my workplace and I love it all the more that is based on Slavic faeries that can either be benevolent or unholy demons. Saying that, I'm happy to report on me, Vila is ethereal, expensive smelling without turning into soap and utterly beguiling (I can't get enough Bulgarian rose blends). Do I see a bottle in my future?: One word, yes. Flummery (A truly delicious scent to help you gain perspective when people try to twist the truth. Highland Flummery: toasted oats and warm heather honey folded gently into whipped cream and drizzled with a shot of Drambuie.)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; limited edition With all the above successes, there are always those vials that end up unfortunate cases to report and I'm very sad to say Flummery hit all the wrong notes on my skin and nose (yeasty beer and unexplained musty banana with an absence of honey or oats appearing at any time of testing). Needless to say, Flummery will not be sadly joining my collection but I do hope someone else out there appreciates this homage to proud Scottish baking traditions (What a shame, I wanted to wear this to the Highland Festival this year, can someone recommend a heather honey perfume, please?). (**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). Road Opener (This time-honored classic is renowned for its power to clear away obstructions and banish energy blocks. It illuminates the path to success in all areas. Scent notes of warm lemon tarts with the subtle freshness of green herbs and a base of smooth frankincense.) *Fragrance currently listed on the site Tart lemon, frankincense and rosemary, take me away! I mean this in the most positive way- this smells like Liquid Gold lemon wood polish and I am one happy lady. It's intoxicating and divine. As time goes on, the lemon tarts come out a little more and resembles an unsweetened dessert. The frankincense is indeed smooth and it's like an open window during spring cleaning folded on top with lemon dessert waiting to be enjoyed (for those curious, Road Opener DOES mellow down about 10 minutes and fades relatively quickly versus the other oils I've tried from this shop). I have been enjoying a drop or two in my bathwater to wake me up. Do I see a full bottle in my future?: Most likely when my generously sized vial is empty. I do have another fragrance similar to this on my list to purchase soon but I do want the Road Opener eventually. Indie Mood: Liv (The fecundity of the untamed forest at twilight. Earthy patchouli, deep incense, wild blackcurrants, and the lingering smoke of a maplewood fire.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site Just like Invoking the Muse there is a clear mint-like note that attaches to my chemistry and I'm almost positive it is Palo Santo (Poesie's Serene Lace carried the same mint-like note that was later identified as palo santo) and this round it has a distinctive maplewood note backing it creating a sticky sweet mint-maple wood combination. The realistic smoke from a bonfire appears shortly after with a subtle patchouli scent. I don't get any blackcurrants as the smoky maplewood amps on me the most and Liv does smell like twilight in autumn with an ancient forest reaching into the sky. This is going next to Alkemia's Ambre d'Automne and Sixteen92's Sarah Good. Do I see a full bottle in my future?: Not at this time, I'm content with just a vial. I may change my mind this coming fall. Poppycock (A bright fragrance to banish confusion and illuminate the whole truth. Lemon Meringue Pie: frothy citrus sweetness in a toasted almond crust, with white vanilla peaks gently browned under a blowtorch.)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; limited edition As it says on the tin, Poppycock is a sugary lemon scent confection that shifts to varying degrees of desserts on my wrists and crooks of my arms. It's not waxy or sharp and I get either vanilla cake with decorative swirls of citrus or textbook perfect whipped lemon meringue with a crunchy almond shell. The longevity is also impressive as this scent fades in about 4 to 5 hours on my skin making this the longest-lasting lemon dessert perfume I have found yet for myself (usually lemon dessert oils are gone on me before I leave the house). There is also a distinct heavenly smoke note with toasted almonds that is last to leave me for the night and I have been wearing Poppycock quite a bit this summer. Do I see a bottle in my future?: Yes, next year this one will be mine and displayed next to Malarkey. Little Brown Rabbit (An auspicious blend for abundance and great good fortune. Nutmeg and tonka bean nuzzle up against fluffy marshmallow, cottonflower, pink pepper, and a trace of carrot seed.)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; limited edition I must agree with others' thoughts on this perfume as a comforting laundry note with carrot is the first thing that hits my nose and it does bring to mind Beatrix Potter's classic tale of Peter Rabbit. I've never smelled anything like this and I should be disappointed in the cottonflower which has attached to my chemistry but I don't hate this oil. Perhaps Little Brown Rabbit appreciates my efforts and not pulling away from the laundry soap note because within an hour I'm rewarded with creamy crumbly nutmeg, a kiss of pepper and realistic marshmallow that just makes me huff my wrists. Out of all the vials, Little Brown Rabbit lasts the longest clocking in at 13 hours on my skin and even longer in my hair. I will be wearing Little Brown Rabbit at Eastertime and again in autumn. Do I see a bottle in my future?: I want to say yes, if only that laundry note that hits a tad hard, in the beginning, would be swallowed more by the unique carrot, nutmeg and marshmallow, I would be throwing my pocketbook at the screen. Perhaps Little Brown Rabbit needs some patient aging. I'll decide next year. Indie Mood (The dynamic harmony of light and shadow. Lapsang souchong tea, sumptuous velvet, labdanum and tonka punctuated by precious Peru balsam.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site Ooh, I like this. I know it's not listed but I smell sweet cinnamon that swirls with the dark tea and balsam. Once it dries down it dances back and forth between sweetness and dark resins. With the balsam, Indie Mood doesn't last very long on my skin about 3 to 4 hours but does fair better in my curls. This vial is going right next to Sixteen92's Spirits of the Dead for its brilliant display of flickering light and dark qualities (with a tea blend that loves me). Do I see a bottle in my future?: My pocketbook wants me to say no but my dark little soul and nose say, Yes (but only long after the vial is empty). The Bee's Knees (A lively blend to brighten the mood and lift your spirits. Leaves of lemon balm and crushed coriander seeds accompany lavender scones with spring harvest honey and a scant drop of green cognac. Wear this scent to chase away the doldrums and banish the blues.)*Fragrance NOT currently listed on the site; seasonal edition Here it is, the perfume I haven't shut up about or stopped dancing around with since it arrived. Simply put this is one of the most realistic honey and old English lavender oils I have found in the indie realm. On me, The Bee's Knees is sun-warmed dark golden honey drizzled over sugar-dusted lavender scones, I don't get any cognac or additional herbs and if they are there, they are blended in so seamlessly and expertly. It's magnificent and has been placed next to MoonaLisa's The Rumpkin! for the best lavender in my collection. Every time I wear it I imagine an English garden scene in summer and The Bee's Knees brightens my mood as described. *I purchased a bottle and it is another crowning jewel of my perfume cache. What can I say it was love at first sniff and I fell hard. Hulda (An ode to the woodland seductress of Scandinavian legend. Slender white birch limbs, lily of the valley, pale angelica glistening with dew, cloud berry and icy moonlit waters.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site/this sample arrived with my purchased bottle of The Bee's Knees I'm still deciphering Hulda as I get a very fresh smelling powdery aquatic that at times can resemble gum on me. It's certainly elegant and crisp and I adore the birch note that appears hours later with the lily but I think it will be passed along to a friend (part of me wants desperately to keep it at the same time and I just may for my locks- I love heady lily of the valley). Do I see a bottle in my future?: Not at this time, I'm content with just a vial. Menehune (Roasted macadamia nuts, teakwood, coconut palm, and ripe pineapple)*Fragrance currently listed on the site/this sample arrived with another purchase of home and bath items I will share my thoughts on another day Despite the gourmand notes this is a "your skin but better" version for summer. It's light and fresh smelling (even a little salty scented) without turning to soap or suntanning lotion. I'm also thrilled to report with Menehune I amp the roasted macadamia nuts and I have definitely reached for this vial more than I thought for the workplace setting. Nui Cobalt Designs has changed my mind about quite a few different scent profiles I thought "I could never pull off". Turns out I can! Do I see a bottle in my future?: Yes, I just may. *With many thanks to Nui Cobalt Designs for kindly sending me all of these different scent creations and starting a very long prologue to another scent love story for me. Nui Cobalt Designs With every joy I find in the Indie realm there has to be of course some sorrow and regret and so it goes with Parchment Studios/Latherati. I was too late in trying this shop that offered an array of fragrances and bath and body products inspired by classic literature because once I finally decided on my first purchase they announced shortly after that they were closing. I hope someday to see this shop open once again. I loved the next items I wish to share which included the best nail polish I have ever used and a fragrance that will be accompanying me to different events. Adieu, Parchment Studios, you are well missed! These were my final thoughts... Parchment Nail Polish in Hyacinth I fully admit I was completely taken by the photos popping up on social media of this color and I had to have it even though I hadn't painted my nails in nearly 8 years. Taking a little extra care (adding some dietary changes to my nightly lunches at work and massaging alot of vintage based hand cream on my nails and hands; our mothers were right all along) I was able to grow my nails out to a surprising length so I decided it was time to treat myself. My polish shipped within hours of being ordered and arrived a couple days later which was impressive. Ah, but the true test was the color and how well it would preform. Color: On the website it is the ideal shade of a spring hyacinth in full bloom but in reality it is darker in the bottle and more greyish-deep mauve than I was expecting but I adore any hue of purple and it called out to my gloomy little self that loves "mourning Victorian colours". Transfer: I was out of practice with steadying a nail brush and figuring out how much to apply at one time but this particular applicator brush was extremely forgiving (and very comfortable in my hand as the top of the bottle is tapered and almost feels like a thick classic pen) as well as the formula that spread nicely and it took only 2 coats to get full coverage. Final color reveal and Picture It.: The polish dried quickly which was quite impressive as I was ready to set aside my whole evening and made sure all domestic duties were finished before I sat down to literally watch paint dry but my nails were dry before I fell asleep and there was no mystery imprints found anywhere the next morning. So after all said and done the shade changed to a stormy grey purple in the light and smoky purple out in the sun plus oddly reminded me of something and in the following days of me dancing around admiring the flawless shine (with no top coat required) it finally hit me! Hyacinth looks like Ursula's (Yes, THAT Ursula, and you're welcome if Poor Unfortunate Souls is stuck in your head the rest of the day) skin tone and yes I shared this observation with my friend who just rolled her eyes and laughed saying "only you" but I don't care this nail polish had me under a spell with the gorgeous unique shade (it really doesn't take much to make me happy or entertain me, haha). So how long did it last?: Even with washing dishes and a pack of mud loving dogs, the polish lasted over a week with minimal chipping and finally on the 8th day, one huge chip was clearly noticeable so I tried to repair it throughout the day but just made a mess so I tried removing the polish but it wouldn't budge no matter how much I soaked my nails. I emailed Julie and within minutes (her customer service is amazing to say the least) had an answer that I needed Acetone Nail Polish Remover so off I went into the night for a grocery store run and she was absolutely correct. It melted off with no annoying lingering hidden stains. Would I purchase Hyacinth again?: Absolutely, this is the best nail polish I ever used (once upon a time I used to paint my nails every 4 days in every color of the rainbow and could do some fancy things with a toothpick so I'm very familiar with the top commercial polishes that chipped on the first day even with a top coat). *Along with my bottle of Hyacinth I received a sample of the newest fragrance called White Gloves which is inspired by a true treasured classic (my second favorite novel by Edith Wharton) and again I sorely wish I visited Parchment Studios (formerly Latherati) MUCH sooner... "...fastened with a single gardenia. She dropped her eyes to the immense bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley on her knee, and Newland Archer saw her white-gloved finger-tips touch the flowers softly." - Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence Listed Fragrance Notes: PROLOGUE: bergamot, green stems BODY: gardenia, lily of the valley, orange blossom, tuberose EPILOGUE: amber, sandalwood, cedar, musk In the vial: Tart and sweet BERGAMOT with buttery GARDENIA and TUBEROSE. At the moment it's not quite what I would envision from the Gilded Age but it's lovely none the less. Applied: I was mistaken White Gloves would indeed fit into the parlours and be found on the social climbers and dollar princesses we love to read and watch documentaries about. It definitely has a vintage elegance to it and is a fine selection for the late spring to summer months. I would call White Gloves more of a citrus-floral (with a trace of realistic flower stems peeking through) and as I sit here the amber appears along with the cedar on the dry down which warms this blend and adds another level of the unexpected. I do wish it lasted longer on my skin (about 2 to 3 hours) but still White Gloves will be joining me at historical events and be displayed next to Alkemia's La Belle Époque in my travelling portmanteau. |
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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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