*Reviews composed in October 2020 There is nothing like a good long soak and wanting to wrap yourself in a blanket of comforting fragrance especially during this most wonderful time of the year. Others may seek apple, teas or grab for cottony linen scents to fulfill those wishes, but for me, I hunt for warm spice and delicious pumpkin and wow, did I find a whole trove of fragrant autumnal delights this year. This is Part I of the reason I have no desire to leave my tub and am continually tempted throughout the day to nibble my hair, haha. Alchemic Muse (also on ETSY) Pumpkin Lilac hair mist/styling spray (scent notes: A rich, sweet blend with whispers of lilac petals and autumn lily flowers followed by a heart of pumpkin seeds, spicy coriander, cinnamon sugar and cashmere vanilla and anchored with notes of amber, cedar wood and sheer musk.) This hidden little gem of a store excels at creating stunning floral blends and quasi-gourmands and my hair mist of Pumpkin Lilac was a perfect example at the artistry this shop can offer, as it showcases creamy sweet spice, herbs and lovely ghostly florals and soft timeless elegance. I can't stop carefully spritzing my curls and huffing the comforting sugared spice. The formula is gentle though effective as I can set marcel waves or pinup curls easily overnight. I do have to watch how much I spray as I can easily turn full bouncy glossy looking strands in the mirror to straight greasy weighted down tendrils. It's a constant balancing act with my finicky hair, but after 4 bottles from this charming little shop I think I have it down and I keep reaching for this formula. I did notice with Pumpkin Lilac the fragrance doesn't have the thick floral throw that my bottles of Ostara and Dreamcatcher can produce with an extra accidental spritz. Another curious thing to jot down is the divine aroma in the bottle is getting stronger by the week. I would love this scent in a perfume or soap bar. Fingers crossed it returns next year. Pumpkin Cocoa perfume (A scrumptious treat of freshly carved pumpkin drizzled with rich Belgian chocolate and cocoa absolute lightly dusted with warm spice.) *a sample vial found nestled in my order Just like the hair mist fragrance, this perfume is gaining strength every day and I'm in love as this one is absolutely delectable. Pumpkin Cocoa opens with realistic dry cocoa and floured pumpkin cookies sprinkled with cinnamon then morphs throughout the day to mouthwatering hidden gooey marshmallow. I think we have a new autumnal favourite here and the starting of another mass of samples because I MUST now explore Alchemic Muse's full Pumpkinfest collection. This Pumpkin Whore is impressed! This next indie bath shop is somewhat familiar in a unique way as the owner is none other than B Perry and the original owner and creator of Villainess Soap, so I knew I was already in a mistress's realm with self pampering bath treats and I waited excitedly for their pumpkin option to appear on my screen. In the meantime I learned all I could about the distinct dessert menu type of choices before deciding on a layering combination with the 'Pinup Pumpkin'. I initially only planned to purchase one pot to introduce myself to Sugar Spider's soap and scrub formulas and fragrances but what can I say? So many combinations called me with their sweet siren calls and then I finished off each bath confection with something called Glitterkruimel (one of the best decisions I made that month)! Here were my final choices and thoughts. Sugar Spider Body Scrubs Jar 1 with layers of: Topping of Glitterkruimmel Pinup Pumpkin (Creamy pumpkin, tangy cheesecake, a sweet caramel sauce, and a flirty touch of spice) Devil's Food (Dark chocolate, more chocolate, some cake, and a bitter splash of espresso.) Pinup Pumpkin (Creamy pumpkin, tangy cheesecake, a sweet caramel sauce, and a flirty touch of spice) Chantilly Crème Ganache (Smooth, sweet vanilla bean and other delights) This particular concoction smells of pumpkin latte and sweet pretzels and the consistency is just fascinating as it comes out of the jar as part sticky pliable dough and sugar paste. A spoon was required and completed this fun illusion of enjoying some fantastical dessert. The scrub itself has a perfect balance of polish and fragrant sparkles. I feel so pampered and this scrub did a phenomenal job on my elbows and heels. Now that's how to wash away a lousy week and start anew. Jar 2 with layers of: Topping of Glitterkruimmel Pinup Pumpkin (Creamy pumpkin, tangy cheesecake, a sweet caramel sauce, and a flirty touch of spice) Ghost Chocolate (Stark white chocolate haunted with a breath of cardamom.) Pinup Pumpkin (Creamy pumpkin, tangy cheesecake, a sweet caramel sauce, and a flirty touch of spice) Blue Marshmello Ganache (Sweet, sticky, marshmallow fluff) Jar 1 was lovely, but Jar 2 is simply sublime! I get my spice and luscious pumpkin cheesecake (complete with a hint of graham cracker) along with the unmistakable aromas of creamy tempered white chocolate and fresh marshmallows. I want to eat the contents and I can't get my nose out of jar, haha (I did end up with a bit of glitterkruimmel on my nose as my reward for my childlike antics and I had a good laugh in the mirror later that night). For this scent confection, the warm spice is offset by the creaminess of the cheesecake and white chocolate with a heavenly marshmallow finish. As I explored each layer I noticed the "ganaches" are a softer soap with powdered sugar added and would gently foam when rubbed on the skin. Overall I'm completely enamoured and will be ordering more jars, Speculoos, Peppermint Schtick, Dead Lilacs and of course moar PINUP PUMPKIN, all call me! Around the Vanity Table: A Winter's Ball (The Marble Gallery at Pemberley cocoa butter soap)12/27/2019
The Marble Gallery at Pemberley Cocoa Butter Body Soap by B. Perry Studios. 3.5oz (Scent notes: Cold stone - petrichor, and earth - at the heart of a bright dance with lemon, pomegranate, verbena, and apple.) Lemon Verbena is one of my favourite notes to hoard away so when I saw that cherished herb mixed with petrichor and earth, I knew we were going to get along. The fear I always harbour that a new soap formula would wreak havoc on my sensitive skin was always there leading up to the day I finally treated myself and shut out the outside world to relax away from a stressful and emotional filled week but the prospect of encountering and indulging in a spicy herb and rain scent filled sanctuary overweighed the worry and I'm very happy to jot down, The Marble Gallery at Pemberley was pure bliss! So many positives with this soap bar but above all it played nice with my skin, passing my face, elbow and feet challenge with flying colours (not one dry itchy spot), the fragrance is what it says on the tin- realistic earth (the ultra-comforting aroma lingers on the skin even after leaving the tub), aromatic lemon verbena, wet stone and other fall and winter fruits in the background and to round out the top mentions- the quarter-sized piece I cut away from the marbled hued bar didn't melt immediately when it came in contact with the water (so this bar will last quite a while and I'm going to save it for those times I just need to escape) and only created a generous lather that rinsed cleanly away. I'm familiar with the cinematic scene this slice of soap is named after and as I allowed this blend take me away, I could easily imagine the marble gallery at Pemberley and lose myself in the energized gamut of elements each note represented. It's not every day you get to enjoy a soap bar that not only smells incredible but also takes you away to a poignant scene. Now that's scent artistry and I would purchase this mosaic of herbal spice, earth, wet stone and fruits in a heartbeat if it was offered in a perfume bottle, hair oil or a pot of whipped soap. Sharing notes of interest: When it comes to the various silver screen adaptations of Pride & Prejudice many locales were reportedly filmed for the infamous estate known as Pemberley. Most recently the 2005 version used Chatsworth House for the gorgeous exterior scenes and Wilton House for the equally stunning interior portions. Interestingly, Chatsworth House is strongly believed to be the original inspiration of Pemberley and I fully intend to find out how these grand houses compare to one another as I have formed a list of places of interest I must see when I travel to the UK someday. Sadly, the fictional Netherfield Park has no historical estate to visit, however, there are plenty of themed balls and events to see with the same name. My list continues to grow, I swear I will not be returning when I get there. So many wonderful things to see and each step it seems in the UK has a fascinating history or story attached to it. I can't wait! |
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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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