Thank you so much, Josh and Forest from Nui Cobalt Designs for allowing me access to these scent potions.
Belly Dance (An alluring potion to set the mood for The Sacred Act. Languid blue lotus, spiced date preserves, Egyptian musk, precious benzoin and dark myrrh in an infusion of marjoram.) Ailurophilia sheds her creamy caramel-suede sweetness and dons a diaphanous veil of exotic delicacies and resins with Belly Dance. This is a fragrance that is aptly named as body heat unleashes the slinky nature of this perfume, beckoning those around to come closer. Is that your skin that smells so good or is that just naturally you? Hmm? Oh, we shall never tell, haha. Belly Dance is one of those your skin but better with an extra seductive musky twirl that Nui Cobalt excels at. CanCan (A fun-loving potion to dispel anxiety and conjure a festive mood. Wild french frivolity with high kicks and black lace. Lavender lemon cupcakes and a touch of true cognac under ruffled red satin, sugared absinthe, and a wisp of fine tobacco in the footlights.) Sweet and a bit naughty as promised, CanCan hits the mark for a fun scent potion that offers a little of everything but is a must if you are seeking a summertime absinthe aroma that has a kick to it. The pastry batter of the lemon cupcake sprinkled with lavender buds opens the show then the green absinthe splashes out and the real affair begins. The tobacco is rolled into the herbal warmth of the absinthe and adds just a hint of fumes hanging in the air after the curtains close for the night and vanilla crumbles of cupcakes are left over after the party. Parisian Pink (My other favorite color. Peony petals, a suede settee, osmanthus, silk tree, spun sugar, Margaret Merill roses, pink grapefruit and antique sandalwood) Another beautiful Love and Ghost Cat sister scent with gentle florals, sugared sweetness and this round a splash of bright summertime fruit with grapefruit that stays true and doesn't turn into bubblegum. The sandalwood is one of the last notes to linger with an addictive creaminess and I keep checking the listing as I swear I smell a dab of vintage white amber. Everything about Parisian Pink is soft and elegant and apologetically feminine and I absolutely adore it. So excited to see it has joined the general catalogue; it's a sure crowd pleaser and deserves that special spot. Little White Rabbit (A chic, contemporary twist on our beloved Little Brown Rabbit. Nutmeg and tonka bean nuzzle up against cottonflower, white peppercorn, clove, vanilla marshmallow creme, pale blue cashmere, carrot seed and honeyed almond. Wear for cool confidence, grace and poise) Another highly anticipated vial that turned into disappointing expensive soap on me even with the marshmallow, pepper and vanilla. How odd. I'm beginning to wonder with my recent nearly 100 pound weight loss (it still doesn't seem real) if my chemistry has shifted and these types of blends I should avoid all together. Another vial for my whipped soaps and deep conditioning treatments. *Please remember skin chemistries differ and what one note or combination of noes may not work for me, they may be exactly what someone else is looking for. That's the beauty of perfume oils and the continued mystery that keeps drawing us back for more. Never be afraid to try a blend that interests you. Argentine Tango (In irresistibly sexy blend to raise and harness primal energy. Sleek scarlet musk, smoldering sandalwood and palo santo, crimson Malbec, molten caramel and dusky smooth tobacco lightly laced with black cherry.) Mmm, who knew black cherry could be so suggestive? This is boozy cherry lashed with caramel and the smouldering wood notes are in the background adding a touch of something extra and enticing. It brings to mind you went to meet your secret lover at midnight from Mystery of Maple Walk and then went twirling and dining in a candle-lit cave turned restaurant (was that an Addams Family Values reference? Why yes it was). That black cherry sets the mood for what is to come and the synchronized steps to follow. Definitely one of my favourites this turn. Eastern Chipmunk (A sweet scent for stability, comfort, and to attract earthly delights. Pecans and pistachios with Moroccan spiced coffee, black fig preserves, and roasted marshmallow. Wear when you need to gather resources and optimize your abundance.) The most sought-after Critter to date from this collection for myself and sadly my chemistry morphs everything into an overwhelming spiced root beer aroma that lasts a full day and half on me. Well, at least now I know. * Please remember skin chemistries differ and what one note or combination of notes may not work for me, they may be exactly what someone else is looking for. That's the beauty of perfume oils and the continued mystery that keeps drawing us back for more. Never be afraid to try a blend that interests you. Sugar Glider (A gentle blend to guide you toward good friends and kindred spirits. Raw cotton, sugar cane, flannel flower, macadamia nut, pearblossom, palest musk, and dandelion puff. Wear to attract compassionate people and nourish lasting connections) From my least favourite to a surprise treasured fragrance. Is Sugar Glider a floral-gourmand, a delicate fruit floral or a soft feminine summer powerpuff type of perfume that follows ever so gently in your wake? It's all these and allows your imagination to float and drift. The dusting of sugar and natural pearblossom and the slightest hint of macadamia create this comforting sweetness that is addictive and perfect for the professional setting or any stressful environment. Victorian Burlesque (Disguised as prim and proper, this bawdy seduction blend has a talent for titillation. Indigo musk, sparkling plum wine, night blooming jasmine, blackcurrant jam, green cardamom and cinnamon creme brulee) I'm really having some terrible luck with this round of vials as this one turns into grape bubblegum on me with indolic jasmine and little else. It's also too playful and young smelling for me somehow. I don't understand what is going on with this selection. *Please remember skin chemistries differ and what one note or combination of notes may not work for me, they may be exactly what someone else is looking for. That's the beauty of perfume oils and the continued mystery that keeps drawing us back for more. Never be afraid to try a blend that interests you. Banshee (In Celtic folklore this wailing woman of the Otherworld is a messenger of imminent death. Her cries echo the sacred tradition of Keening to mourn the passing of a loved one. Primrose over rain-soaked soil, emerald moss, ancient oakwood, mountain gorse and lamb's wood accord. Wear this phantasmic potion in times of grief that it may heal your heart and free you from sorrow). A beautifully described fragrance that unfortunately turns into burnt coconut and soap on me. I don't get any of the primrose or other listed atmospheric notes. *Please remember skin chemistries differ and what one note or combination of notes may not work for me, they may be exactly what someone else is looking for. That's the beauty of perfume oils and the continued mystery that keeps drawing us back for more. Never be afraid to try a blend that interests you. Rusalka (The vengeful Slavic river spirit who drowns any man who brings harm to a woman. The brisk scent of salty tears and ambergris accord, sacred benzoin, blue lotus, gently smoldering birchwood, and iced white tea. Wear this bracing aquatic scent to invoke the powers of Justice and Equity, keeping them close as protective guardians. A percentage of all profits for Rusalka will go to support Ukrainian people and families displaced by the current Russian invasion.) I'm not having very good luck with these gorgeously described and well-meaning fragrances with atmospheric elements because here's another that my skin chemistry morphed into an overwhelming soap scent. I do get the salt but the clean quality of Rusalka is too much for my nose. That's a shame. *Please remember skin chemistries differ and what one note or combination of notes may not work for me, they may be exactly what someone else is looking for. That's the beauty of perfume oils and the continued mystery that keeps drawing us back for more. Never be afraid to try a blend that interests you. Pas De Deux (An ethereal blend to conjure a fairytale romance. Diaphanous white rose glistening with pale citrus, sheer musk, juicy d'Anjou pear and the effortless grace of tonka butter.) And now it's time to take a turn with another lovely satiny floral combination that has captured my full attention and sweeps me away with just a tiny dab. With a slightly boozy introduction, Pas De Deux reminds me of Under the Mistletoe from a few Yules ago and it's just as pretty and welcoming to the nose and romantic senses. Vienna Waltz (An impeccably elegant black-tie blend to attract wealth and luxury. Richly polished mahogany, pink peony, Peru balsam, diamond musk and a swish of silk shantung) A downy kiss of floral powder and a hidden vanilla/spun sugar medley takes me far away from my cares and I fall more in love with Vienna Waltz with every wave of the wrist and swing of my curls. Another keeper and recommendation and bottle to watch for its return next year as I've fallen quite hard for the beautiful gentle floral petal softness of Vienna Waltz and can't help but think of famous Winterhalter paintings and portraits. Top choices (in no particular order): Sugar Glider, Belly Dance, Vienna Waltz, Parisian Pink and Argentine Tango Nui Cobalt Designs Nui Cobalt Designs 💫 Thank you so much, Josh and Forest from Nui Cobalt Designs for allowing me access to these scent potions. Dancing Bee (An ingenious infusion for foresight, guidance, and support in navigating your unique path. Peach trees barely budding, dewy white violet, honeysuckle, angelica and orris roots, frankincense, allspice, and spring harvest honey. Wear to banish brain fog, sharpen perception, and regain your sense of direction). A delicate floral-fruit sister scent to my favourite Bees Love Blue with a green cucumber-like opening. Admittedly this vial took a few weeks to settle with the curious green garden opening but it is now aged into a lovely mixture of gentle realistic peach skin, floral petals, vintage powder and Nui's infamous honey. Peach is such a difficult note for me and when I find a success it's an instant recommendation and Dancing Bee is just that. Longevity varies but with an intense workout this oil lasts 6 hours and when I'm stationary in the workplace setting about 10 hours with a sweet aquatic element leaving me last for the night. Equinophilia: The Love of Horses (A magnificent creature of effortless grace and power. Toasted oats, green and golden hay, living cedar, deep auburn musk, chestnuts, corn silk, saddle leather and galbanum. Wear to invoke your own sense of majesty, and to reclaim your poise and dignity.) Ever since I tried Nui's Kelpie I have been waiting patiently for a horse centred fragrance to trot out of a collection announcement and Equinophilia is that majestic themed creation with an aroma of sweet oats, musk, soft leather, hay and autumn memories. It somehow brings to mind a bakery delicacy served in a horse barn with the sweet after-effects of White-Tailed Deer. A uni-sex scent capturing the gentle softness and aura of a horse and bond/trust between rider and nature. Needless to say fantastic for sleep and very wearable for the workplace setting. Scorpio (A sophisticated perfume to reveal inner truth and inspire intimacy. Burgundy silk, dark chocolate, agarwood, lurid musk, aged patchouli and an indulgent melange of raspberry, plum and black cherry. Wear to dissolve inhibitions, to unveil power as well as passion, to engage in the sacred act of Trust.) A marriage of seductive Pluto with the best of the intimacy siren type of fragrances of all seasons that builds on your inner power and confidence. It's an assortment of emotions and energies Scorpio releases and stirs which is impressive coming from one vial. On me, my chemistry loves the rich warm dark fruit notes intertwined with the dusting of cocoa and underpinning of the cold patchouli and musk I recognize from Pluto. At the end of the night it holds an elegant mystique as well which I love as anyone familiar with a Scorpio sign dominant personality or chart knows, we have so many facets sometimes running hot or cold but all magnetic, unexpected and complex to explain. Ancient Apiary (Sleeping Beauty must have had hives of royal bees. And as the palace slumbered o'er a century, they must have floated among the thorns, unceasing in their art, undisturbed by the usual clamor of the court. This is the scent of that tiny Queendom that lived in perfect peace for 100 years. Deadfall draped in oakmoss, wild pink roses, honeycomb bursting from frail brood boxes and pouring gold from every cell. Wear this scent to align with the wild and unyielding spirit of Nature.) I think I would be remiss to not start this humble rambling with "Once upon a time" or "a dream" based on that superb opening description, Ancient Apiary captures that scene with an intoxicating swirling of smoky wood and florals surrounded in dark honey and beeswax. It waltzes a beautiful line between atmospheric and meditative and no surprise was one of my favourite vials out of this round. It's also no secret I adore Nui Cobalt's signature rose and honey notes and Ancient Apiary showcases those magnificently as the duo of realistic roses and honey hum some kind of enchanting lullaby to my senses. This is one of those breathe deep type of fragrances you anticipate finding that calms but at the same time activates the vivid romantic imagination. Gingerbread Sanctuary (The concept for this year's gingerbread house from a lovely friend and member of our Nui Cobalt Facebook Group. In her own words "...it's the sweetest confectionery structure, with a Black Lives Matter sign in the yar. It's a building where immigrants are safe regardless of their paperwork, and yes there's candy on the roof. The little gingerbread people inside really believe in justice and goodness, and they invite their friends of all colors, abilities, genders, ethnicities and religions to celebrate with them each year. And it's a riotous good time but also unbelievably cozy with the deepest, truest sweetness. I think need it this year" The spirit of loving kindness". Warm, soft gingerbread baked with Tupelo honey and toasted almonds, a pinch of precious saffron, draped in lavender-lemon icing.) I know this creation was immensely popular but sadly this one fades almost immediately, morphs unpleasantly on me and I'm left saying at my wrist "that's a shame". Gingerbread Sanctuary brings to mind Hogwash from the April Fools collection and I wasn't a fan of that scent either at the end of the night, unfortunately. *Please remember skin chemistries differ and what one note or combination of notes may not work for me, they may be exactly what someone else is looking for. That's the beauty of perfume oils and the continued mystery that keeps drawing us back for more. Never be afraid to try a blend that interests you. Excelsior (Stories of magic and mystery, of heroes and hope restored, of misfits and outcasts becoming the very light they quested for. The scent of radioactive spider venom, coconut metal, Earl Grey, hot and an origami unicorn drowned in starlight.) A very curious description that equals an equally curious fragrance, so it delivers as I smell a sweet lime and coconut medley bringing my mind into the realm of summertime and enjoying a freeze pop and waiting for a marathon of cartoons to start on a Saturday morning. I also get the unmistakable aroma of trading cards fresh from the packet, hot electric metal and such bright accompanying 90s colours and little me sitting there wishing I could fly and command attention like Rogue (I even played with accents when I was younger; thank you my Libra rising for that and to imitating what I heard, haha) or thinking I'm secretly controlling the incoming weather building outside the window like Storm (I know that's not Spiderman but I was more X-Men obsessed than that show). An interesting trip down memory lane and fragrance, a keeper for those days I want to reconnect with my inner child and let her out for one more imaginary or roleplay dress up session. *a swirl of a cape and dramatic trilling music plays me out* Libra (An elegant air of grace, civility and dynamic balance. Orange blossom, Easter lily, Pink Champagne, diamond musk, tonka, white lilac and cashmere. Wear to cultivate harmony, emotional intelligence and skillful diplomacy.) Speaking of my Libra rising placement we have the shimmery diaphanous mantle of florals and air with Nui Cobalt's Libra sweeping me away and feeling like a million bucks and sashaying down a runway surrounded by pink and silver lit clouds for added effect. It's an overall cultivating mood and blush-pink variation of my favourite Anthophilia with a hint of fruit from the champagne and soft orange blossom. Just lovely, calls for the best the wide world has to offer and well balanced as a Libra fragrance should be. Mnemophilia: The Love of Memory (Old chests filled with sepia photographs, a veil of chantilly lace, the brittle pages of a diary and the patina of relentless time. Stately gardenia, antique sandalwood, Florentine iris, pearl musk, jasmine absolute, neroli and liquidambar. Wear to connect with ancestral guides, to access genetic memory and to retrieve what's been forgotten.) Admittedly one of the best gardenia and jasmine fragrances it has been my pleasure to find in the indie realm with a soft butteriness of the gardenia leading the way with the intoxicating sweetness of the jasmine balancing out the creamy top note. It smells vintage without that sometimes overbearing loudness that can be found in perfumes from bygone eras. It's like gentle music playing as you untie ribbon bundled love letters that speak of hopes and dreams for a future, little mundane things mentioned become values you hold dear for the next bright day. An exquisite rendition of the beauty of memory and the lost generation. Let us remember and keep them close as Mnemophilia. Goth Club (It was the Darkness that was dancing; I just rode its wake. Fog machine, clove cigarettes, sweet patchouli, skin warmed leather, myrrh resin, Cabernet, scarlet musk and the well-worn wood of the dance floor) So full confession, I'm a late bloomer when it comes to showing others my darker aesthetic and esoteric interests. I was a closet-goth in school and even into my college years hiding stirring poetry and stories of Poe and Brontë from my peers' notice, different music than everyone was listening to in my oversized hooded coat, holding my tongue when I learned a morbid fact about history, myth or science and my little sketches of blood dripping roses intertwined with collected meaningful quotes and daggers in the back of my notebooks; no one knew or guessed my curiosities and tendencies ran deep and dark. It was an amusing though frustrating little secret of mine, I should have had more fun in my younger days and I regret not seeking out and finding a welcoming community or heading out to the underground clubs such as what Goth Club is styled after because this is intoxicating and calls out to my young self and all the welcome distractions I could have explored. On me, I get rich smoky clove, supple leather and heady wine and musk and I now know why I love its sister scent Exsanguinated so much. I fell hard for a particular seductive combination of notes and the visions they both conjure and the instant confidence boosts they offer. Between the two of them, Exsanguinated is still my boozy prowling choice but Goth Club is a definite keeper and I wish I could launch this scent in a time machine and send it back to myself with a message attached saying, "don't hide who you are; To thine own self be true". Taurus (A bouquet for stability, peace and the fulfilment of earthly desires. Baltic green amber, lush fern, pink peony, blush suede, Queen Elizabeth root and a foundation of rich mahogany. Wear for grounding, comfort and to be fully present in the moment.) No surprise a fragrance with the ruling planet of Venus as a starting base would be so elegant, gentle and conjures inner beauty to shine forth. Just as with Libra (also ruled by Venus) it smells luxurious with the perfect balance of florals and vintage elements. Taurus brings to mind the showstopper Nephophilia with the blush suede resembling the slightest wisp of cotton candy (done right, mind you; this isn't a childish scent in the slightest). Another favourite out of this round and instant recommendation. Hearthside (The scent of a cozy evening by the fire. Skin-warmed wool and woodsmoke, the aged pages of an old book and redwood oh-so-lightly accented with fresh cranberry. Wear this romantic blend to inspire connection, closeness and intimacy). Sadly this is another one of those "that's a shame" vials I was highly anticipating as I get an unpleasant dry down after such a promising opening of cranberry and woodsmoke with tea. I will be using Hearthside and Gingerbread Sanctuary in whipped soap treatments as my hair seems to tame the odd dry downs on these 2 perfumes. *Please remember skin chemistries differ and what one note or combination of notes may not work for me, they may be exactly what someone else is looking for. That's the beauty of perfume oils and the continued mystery that keeps drawing us back for more. Never be afraid to try a blend that interests you. Somniphilia: The Love of Sleep (Puffy white pillows that always stay cool. Lamb's wood accord, orange blossom, barely-budding lavender, melissa, green fig, clary, cloud musk and weightless vanilla marshmallow meringue. Wear at bedtime for restful and restorative sleep). Absolute sublime sorcery as Somniphilia indeed smells of the feeling of finding the sweet cool spot of the other side of the pillow and drifting off to that fuzzy twilight plane of sleep and going deeper to wake hours later with healed energy. Dare I say, Somniphilia has a greater effect on me than the ever-popular Tryptophan, I do believe it worked faster on my senses and relaxed me with the distinct marshmallow (I'll always fall for anything with marshmallow; it's one of my weaknesses) and gentle orange blossom and comforting lamb's wood that smells of a treasured knitted afghan tucked under your chin with a goodnight kiss and humming of "You are my sunshine" lulling your senses. Just lovely and a welcome addition to my night shift drawer of tried and true perfumes. Nui Cobalt Designs 🕸Thank you so much Josh and Forest from Nui Cobalt Designs for the chance to try these scent potions. Astral Plane (A blend for pathworking, dream walking, and weaving the liminal. Fresh white lilac, vintage orris powder, neroli, and tender green wood. Wear at bedtime for lucid dreams and prophetic visions). How do you make the spring florals bloom in your mind's eye and shake the ice from your heart in the dead of winter? Why dab on a scent potion that sweeps you away in imagination and lucid dreams, such as Astral Plane of course. It's all it promises and more with an opening of a bouquet of realistic dew-kissed lilacs with a gentle sweetness of neroli that dries down into a creamy powderiness which stays close to the skin and becomes another elegant "aura" or "outer glow" type of fragrance Nui Cobalt excels at. So pretty, romantic, calming and somehow familiar in all one wave of the wrist. Spectral Spidersilk (A chilling, phantasmic variation on our beloved Starlight & Spidersilk. Translucent strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, tiny black vanilla beans, ivory suede, Queen Elizabeth root, and cathedral frankincense. Wear to honor the dearly departed and to invoke the loving support of your Ancestors). A haunting and sultry aura-like fragrance with a vintage vein that brings to mind a floor-length gown and swirling church incense in the cold moonlight. I normally avoid the idea of attending certain social events, but I would wear Spectral Spidersilk to a wedding reception in a heartbeat and become the mysterious stranger sitting in the candlelit corner who others can't stop speculating about and be the source of fanciful tales throughout the entire night. Venus (A sensual bouquet to nurture connection, empathy, poise, pleasure, equity, appreciation, glamor, allure, artistry, peace and harmony within the self as well as with others. The ivory petals of opulent heirloom roses, silken shea, honeyed almond, Bourbon vanilla, Queen Elizabeth root, and a scant trace of Bulgarian lavender.) This is how you self-pamper with roses that alter your confidence first with silken shea and lavender buds then to a deeper air of orris and honeyed almonds, ultimately creating powdery floral refinement with a blush of sweetness and soft allure. Venus is one of those talisman and your-skin-but-better perfumes, another nosegay of refinement upon my vanity table that calls for the best for myself and at the same time allows my mind to wander into the realm(s) of what could (and will) be. Black Cat (A traditional folk magic blend for fast luck and abundant blessing. Darkly sweet pipe tobacco, blackcurrant, and chai spices amid the swirling smoke of sacred nag champa and myrrh. Wear this dusky potion to invoke protection and great fortune). Black Cat holds a slightly smoky fruit laced incense combination with something akin to brewed spiced berry tea. It's lovely and indeed curious and magnetic as a black cat purring in the shadow draped corner of the room. Also like a black cat, it only stays so long before disappearing, when it comes to the perfume I can faintly detect it 4 hours after application. Cursed Jewels (Precious garnet cabochons enthroned in a golden necklace and enchanted to ward off would-be plunderers. Red plums, dragon's blood, pomegranate, black figs, sweet walnut, frankincense and myrrh, sparkling ginger and Moroccan musk. Wear for fierce protection against malefactors, fiends and ne'er-do-wells.) To me, Cursed Jewels and Blood Curse were fashioned in the same arcane lair in my head as both oils create an outer layer of protection with dark fruits sparkling and glowing at my throat and in my curls. Blood Curse is the pulsating collar or blood-red rubies while Cursed Jewels in the poisoned snoot of shadowed garnets in my hair. Both hold mystique and make me feel like some beautiful mage from different realms. For longevity and strength, Blood Curse edges out Cursed Jewels with the latter tapping out at only 6 hours versus Blood Curse's full 12-hour span. Pluto (An inscrutable accord for transformation, alchemy of the soul, unearthing hidden power, and touching the heart of the zeitgeist. Frozen stone, guaiac wood, opoponax, black soil, tangled roots, vetiver, patchouli, oudh and pomegranate.) As I dab on this oil before bed, I say "Goodbye, beautiful day. I go to join the Underworld and become a queen with a worthy king by my side". A bit dramatic yes, but Pluto embodies the dangerous masculine that your mother always warned you about. It's cold, dirty and seductive with a goblet of dark smoky wine with 6 to 7 pomegranate seeds (depending on which legend you have read) waiting to take you away. This time you have a choice, do you stay in the protective darkness or resurface to rejoin the daylight? I know my answer. Honeyed Figs (Rich and seductive, this scent inspires ease, confidence, and grace. Autumn-harvest honey awakens distinctive layers of fig, madagascar vanilla bean, and black walnut. Wear for relaxation, grounding, and comfort even under the most stressful circumstances. It supports the open expression of your absolute best qualities). Thick and chewy on opening with honeyed coated figs and crushed vanilla beans then it slowly morphs to rich honey-laced tobacco with vanilla walnut. On me, the honey and vanilla take the lead with the undernotes still very detectable. It's a gentle swaying dance of notes that is perfect for the colder months and anyone desiring to learn the delicious power of figs or tobacco. Moon (A luminous scent to support intuition, instinct, self-care, the soul, emotion, primal wisdom, the Unconscious, nurturing, and the fulfillment of essential needs. The phases of this moon begin with night-blooming jasmine reflected in rain, then gilded with melissa leaf, cotton flower, and coconut milk, finally settling into a soft silver musk entwined with white sandalwood.) Moon is all the clean floral glamor of Selenophilia married to the calming creaminess of Blue Moon on Samhain. I get the smokiness of the floral and herbs creating the impression of the phases of the moon with one sniff and then the pearly and unique flash of looking into a moonstone from Blue Moon on Samhain with another wave of the wrist. At the end of the night Moon shines on and enchants and I adore the lingering effect of the sandalwood on my senses and mood. Tango De La Muerte (A dead sexy scent for passionate encounters. Red rose, tart cherry, baking spices, mahogany wood, strong black tea and sultry skin musk. Wear to amplify your powers of attraction and to heat up your carnal adventures). A marvellous rarity and find for myself with roses, realistic cherry juice and tea. It somehow gets more radiant every time I dab it on and conjures such visions calling for a pair of racy fishnet stockings and a scandalous back story. I want to create a whole new life around Tango De La Muerte. I'm going to say it- Drop Dead Gorgeous! Rosewater Quince Compote (Elegant and refined, this scent showcases the blushing sweetness of quince slowly simmered in maple sugar and Persian rosewater. Wear to attract romantic attention from only the most worthy suitors, and shield you from those of ill intent.) The opening holds such promise with lovely quince fruit and expensive rosewater from the baking cupboard you only seek out for specific recipes then the sticky maple sugar latches onto my skin chemistry and doesn't calm down until the next day. Perhaps I would have better luck in my curls or in whipped soap? I know others have commented how beautiful this fragrance is on them and how it benefited them in some unexpected way. As for me, it's still a keeper I just need to work with it and only use it for special occasions. Full Moon (At the height of her power, the moon adorns each wisp of cloud in a luminous mist of diamonds. Wear this sacred scent to invoke mystery, magick, and intution. Notes of white tea, steamed jasmine rice, sugared lemon, and cool night air). Bright and luminous with a clean summertime flare. Perhaps a bit too fresh smelling for me but lovely overall when the opening notes burn off and the gentle white tea makes its appearance. Kiss of Death (A lascivious potion of black cherry, dark chocolate, Ceylon cinnamon, pomegranate, patchouli, wine-soaked fig, and feral musk. Wear to incite arousal and encourage intimacy). Without realizing it I picked out all the romantic and intimacy chaser types of fragrances to try out. While I don't have a fella to play scent doctor with right now and can't attest to these oils' provocative properties or effectiveness, it's nice to have these scent potions in my arsenal ready to go and light them up, haha! I can say I adore note medleys that shift from fruit tinged to an underpinning of something unexpected waiting underneath and Kiss of Death ticks those boxes. It may be listed as an autumnal perfume but this sweet, boozy and spiced fragrance makes me think of black crape draped heart-shaped candy boxes, it's the scent of a Vampire's Valentine and date night. Nui Cobalt Designs Nui Cobalt Designs *Reviews composed in 2021 That snappy Gemini season energy finally kicked in for me today (and my nose is finally healed albeit a bit crooked but functioning after a nasty fall- gotta love the natural grace of a Cancer, haha) and I bring to you long-overdue ramblings from one of my favourite houses of fragrance (Many thanks to Josh and Forest at Nui Cobalt Designs for allowing me to sample and be reunited with the following fragrances). Without further ado... Kazzate: Tiramisu (The beloved Italian classic: golden vanilla lady-fingers infused with espresso and Marsala wine, then layered with sweet mascarpone, and finished with a fine dusting of cocoa. Wear when you need to slow down and restore calm. It’s a uniquely grounding and stabilizing blend.) A textbook rendering of a classic decadent dessert magically smooshed into a vial. One wave of the applicator wand and then huff of the wrist and you immediately recognize the iconic dessert with layers of espresso drenched buttery lady-fingers (along with a hint of booziness of wine; this is an adult indulgence after all), sweet whipped cream mixed with mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa powder for that familiar bitter chocolate finish of a picture-perfect Tiramisu! There is also a drop of Nui's superb honey hiding in the espresso dipped syrup lady-fingers and the dry down reminds me of my beloved Malarkey from last year's lineup with the egg whipped cream. Mmm, one dab and you are in heaven with Kazzate and on me, this perfume lasts well into the next day bringing my nose to my wrist for one more huff and rumble of my stomach throughout the night. Pish-Tosh: Passionfruit Custard Tart (A bright, tropical tang complements smooth vanilla custard cradled in classical shortbread crust. Wear for protection against interpersonal drama and discord. It instantly conjures a sunnier disposition and enchants any room with the spirit of levity.) As it says on the tin, a bright tropical fruit evenly balanced vanilla dessert with a non-soggy bottomed shortbread crust fragrance. Passionfruit and the word Pish-Tosh are such underused stars of ingredients in perfumery and everyday vocabulary, Nui Cobalt is here to correct that! On me, there is another fruit possibly apricot mixed with the beautiful tartness of the passionfruit, plum and vanilla adding just a bit of more grounding element and again I smell a drop of Nui Cobalt's trademark spring honey at the base with the buttery shortbread. Just superb! For longevity, Pish-Tosh (I love saying that) goes on to enchant and brighten my mood for a full 8 to 10 hours and fades down to crumbly shortbread biscuit finish with a hint of lemon zest like in Hogwash from last years menu. Napping in a Flower (As they go about their days, bees are sometimes known to fall asleep inside the blossoms from which they take their nectar. Few things are cuter than a fuzzy little bee booty poking out of the petals with their tiny snoring snoots full of pollen. Tender ripe apricot, Bulgarian lavender, spiced summer honey, plum blossom, daylily, honeysuckle, and ylang. Wear this relaxing scent to unwind and decompress. It’s particularly supportive of deep and rejuvenating sleep.) One of the most endearing names and descriptions of a perfume this fragrance showcases all of Nui Cobalt's strengths from the realistic dreamy lavender in the vial that translates the same on the skin to the gorgeous florals and fruits to the vanilla sweetness of the ylang and of course the legendary honey that is kissed with a dusting of spice. It's surprisingly uplifting and but yet morphs somehow to a pleasant sleep promised scent potion that calls for one more huff as drift off. Like the brightness of sunshine on flowers and pollen before the blessed lull of dreams claims you. Aptly named. Preposterous! Strawberry Shortcake (Sun-ripened strawberries are sliced fresh over soft vanilla cake and topped with a scant teaspoon of whipped cream. Wear to dispel stress and anxiety. It serves to ease the mind and soothe the spirit.) There is always that one dessert or perfume which everyone else around adores but unfortunately doesn't work with your palate or nose for whatever reason and sadly Preposterous! was that one blend for me. I need to finally admit to myself that even though this perfume is phenomenal in the vial capturing the unmistakable aroma of freshly sliced homegrown strawberries (complete with pips!) dipped in cream on my skin this oil oddly morphs to strawberry hair conditioner with vanilla cake and amplifies with intensity for far too long. This one isn't for me and I envy all those who had the same experience in the vial to their skin. Oh well, I still plan to use every last drop in a whipped soap deep hair treatment this summer. *Please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what one note does on my skin will not happen on someone else or vice versa. That's the magic of perfume oils. If a blend intrigues you, try it. You never know what you will love unless you sample the unknown. Nephophilia 2.0 : Love of Clouds (The love of clouds.A fluffy melange of pink cotton candy, ivory cashmere, silk tree blossoms, blush suede, and steamed vanilla. Wear this playful scent to turn heads and lift spirits.) It started with a kiss of coconut from Nui Cobalt then banana and now cotton candy; there is no going back nor do I want to. This house of fragrance can make me fall in love with every note I thought I despised and should avoid like the plague. Here we have the epitome of sweet elegance and romance, it indeed smells of what you could only imagine the inside of a cloud lit by the dying rays of the sun would surround you in fragrance wise. The cotton candy is the star of this oil but it is transformed into a crystalline vanilla with a lick of creamy seductive suede that is a million miles from anything resembling a pre-teen noxious fug. This is how you do cotton candy scents and elevate it to the troposphere! For those familiar with Nui Cobalt's masterpiece Starlight & Spidersilk as well as the Hollywood Royalty quality in Ailurophilia, meet their love child. Continuing thoughts: I was fortunate enough to purchase the original variation of Nephophilia and then was kindly sent the second on request for this review and I must say I only notice the slightest difference between the two. Both are stunning, however personally I love the steamed vanilla background aroma in Nephophilia 1.0 that wafts over my senses and takes to my skin chemistry. I still adore both and hope Nephophilia becomes a permanent catalogue option. Everyone needs to try this beauty especially if you think you can never love a cotton candy scent! Chionophilia: Love of Snow (The love of snow.A cool blend of cotton flower, marzipan, Nui’s inscrutable Cold accord, coconut flakes, frosted fir, whipped white honey, and copal. Wear for comfort, joy, and to nurture loving connection.) Other noses have commented that Chionophilia is a sister scent to the smash blend known to those in the indie realm as Snow Cat and even Mauna Kea or Arctic Fox and from the applicator wand I must agree with those comments, however, on my skin Chionophilia morphs after a few moments on my skin to an amplified soapy venture I wasn't expecting and I believe the culprit of that transformation is the copal swirling with the cotton flower. Sadly this isn't a love for me and I'll keep my workplace gems Snow Cat and Mauna Kea and find another scented use for Chinophilia. *Please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what one note does on my skin will not happen on someone else or vice versa. That's the magic of perfume oils. If a blend intrigues you, try it. You never know what you will love unless you sample the unknown. Arch Nemesis (The formidable foe, reflection of the Shadow Self. A fiery blend of bayberry bark, clove bud, pipe tobacco, ginger root, coriander, pinyon pine, and tart cherry wine. Wear to invoke your primal force and ferocity.) This is a swirling black and red slashed cape with a pine sigil embossed on the breast of a villain of the north exiting a burning dining hall whilst dramatic music pounds in the background. This is the scent of one of the betrayers at the iconic Red Wedding scene from A Song of Ice and Fire and I absolutely adore this perfume. It's charged and is indeed has a primal element to it. There is also a magnetic seductive quality to Arch Nemesis which only makes sense if you stop to think- everyone secretly loves and falls for a villain in the end. Cobalt Druid: Uncrossing (Banish the bad vibes with this time-honored Conjure blend for cleansing and purification. Blue vervain, white sage, and pungent bay leaves are woven into a delicate bouquet of young lavender and fresh, dewy rose.) On application I'm greeted by a vase of green stemmed roses in a vase somehow thriving in sparkling seawater then a dreamy lavender emerges along with sage and bay leaves. It's a beautiful mystical blend that I can't stop huffing. In many ways, Uncrossing reminds me of another of my top favourites from Nui Cobalt called Anthophilia and even my personal custom fragrance made by Forest. I get the same realistic nectar of roses, freshly snipped stems, and aquatic elements from a crystal vase. Uncrossing is more mysterious than those mentioned other scent potions and somehow calls out to all my water placements in my chart at the same time. Cobalt Druid: Seduction (A boldly sensual blend for enticement and attraction. Opulent flowers, piquant cloves, warm scarlet musk and hoodoo roots tangled in a potion of simmering vanilla.) This one is for all those who fell under the spell of Sultry, sadly I only liked Sultry and have the same reaction to this sibling fragrance. Very exotic, powerful and I respect the magic behind this oil but I don't think I could wear this outside the house and prefer Charisma Bonus, Love or Seduced by Spidersilk to get the same effect for myself and attention with the alluring vanilla, musk, and floral aspects. Cobalt Druid: Peace (A gentle blend to instill a sense of calm and tranquility. Bulgarian lavender and honey are tucked into a soft bed of cooling clary sage and meditative sandalwood.) This a lulling sweet lullaby of a fragrance that works wonders whether day or night. I'm always in awe of the mysterious properties of Nui Cobalt's scent potion oils, and Peace is another choice pick for that category. The honey is lovely alongside the realistic lavender buds and I can't recommend enough this shop's creamy sandalwood accord that always elevates every blend it touches. I could bathe in Peace and happily drift far away. Athena Drakaina: The She-Dragon (The She-Dragon.An ebon altar swathed in sacred smoke, dragon’s blood resin, spiced pomegranate, black leather accord, bay laurel leaves, hibiscus flower, nocturnal musk, and agarwood. Wear to invoke Her sacred ferocity and mete out swift justice.) This shop does some amazing things with underappreciated notes and here pomegranate is cast as the main lead and shows off beautifully with the hibiscus and naughty leather. Although named for the goddess of wisdom who has many sides, I can't help but think of Persephone in dark battle armor back from the underworld when I smell this oil, it's an incredible balance of duality of sweetness and darkness. A reminder to never underestimate anyone. Cobalt Druid: Love (Intimacy in a bottle. A blend to enhance your natural magnetism and power to forge passionate connections. The softest sugared rose dances with resplendent vanilla in flickering candlelight.) A Pre-Raphaelite painting in a bottle. Somedays you just need to smell elegant and from a painting or stained glass window and that's exactly what I receive and feel like when I dab on Love. This is a gorgeous blend with soft vintage rose, downy powder and realistic sweet singed creamy beeswax candle wax hiding in the background. Just magnificent! Brava! Malarkey: Bread & Butter Pudding (A comforting scent to ease your mind and sooth your nerves after dealing with dishonest people. Twice-baked slices of soft white bread, salted butter, rich vanilla custard with a modest sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon.) When Malarkey melds with my chemistry 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 and 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. 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. Nui Cobalt Designs It's that time of the year to take a stroll into the indie fruit orchards and hopefully encounter a haunting floral veil to another time and place. Last year I found my beloved Exsanguinated on an excursion into the dark crypts of Nui Cobalt's Autumn collections, what will I find this year? One Note At A Time: Murder of Crows (A gothic gathering of blue-black plumage and keen, glittering eyes. Nag champa, smoldering myrrh, and tobacco sparked with clove bud, violet, fir needle, star anise, and currant. Anoint your pulse points in preparation for nocturnal magic, dreamwalking, or astral travel.) *purchased vial A gothic ode to everything mysterious and darkly romantic with a familiar scent memory of Bad Moon Rising sans the blueberry. If anything Murder of Crows is darker in nature with a distinct tobacco, clove, violet and hidden animalistic-quality medley under the resins and incense that appear to the nose first. A very aptly named scent creation that even carries a clever representation of the oily sheen of black and iridescent feathers. For longevity, Murder of Crows goes on to enchant my senses and then fades at 5 hours and makes me wish for more rainy cold days of gothic-themed reading and researching macabre obscure subjects of history. Apple Picking (The orchard at its peak, limbs heavy and bushels brimming. Barely-ripe apples, green leaves, rain-soaked soil, wicker baskets, and golden hay. Wear this powerful prosperity blend to call forth wealth and abundance. Anoint money charms and mojo bags to increase their power.) *purchased vial I said it once and I'll say it again, Nui Cobalt has some of the best apple blends to be found in the indie realm! Apple Picking is a pure autumnal delight with piles of realistic wet apple skin and freshly bitten juicy flesh all arranged on top of a nestling of sun-warmed hay. It's a trip back to the apple orchards of my youth collecting apples with my great aunt to make her infamous pies and dumplings. I adore this soothing fragrance and how it morphs every time I wear it on my skin or in my hair, today more dry wooden basket and apple skin is present to my nose when the winds gust. Cauldron Cider (Comfort in a bottle. A warm brew of honeycrisp apples simmered for days with ginger root, black clove bud, cardamom, cassia, and star anise. Wear this cozy blend for solace and resolution. Anoint mojo bags for peace of mind and a general sense of well-being.) *purchased vial On me, Cauldron Cider is intoxicating spiced full-bodied apple ginger ale with star anise pods bobbing on top. I fully admit I'm a bit enamoured with this one and it indeed smells like fall and is spicey and a bit woodsy on the long dry down. This is another scent potion that could be served as you go wild in a pumpkin patch; in ways, it reminds me of Drunk Pumpkin sans the smokey booze and pumpkin. It's uplifting yet darkly seductive with the star anise and clove. For longevity, I can expect a full night of apple spiced apple ginger ale wafting around me from my skin and my curls. Owl in the Oak Tree (The golden Autumnal sister of Yultide's Owl in the Evergreen. Tawny feathers and bright amber eyes hold a steady gaze among the changing leaves. Regal oakwood, sugar maple and mahogany, slender white limbs of birch, and cold rocks covered in emerald moss. Wear this woodland blend to align with the spirits of Nature and the galvanizing energy of the forest.) *sample arrived with my order, thank you so much Nui Cobalt Designs When first applied I get the impression of entering a thick grove of pine trees with a breeze of ghostly violets gusting out of the winds then the earthy notes of moss and bark begin to materialize with a mintiness I have come to understand my chemistry changes birch into. It's a mix of mint and cold earth for a few hours then the distinct unboiled maple sap from a wet tree arrives with warm amber. Owl in the Oak Tree is a meditative scent escape. Ominous Orchard (Slender branches silhouetted against the evening sky, sending the last of their sweetness into the gathering gloom as the pale moon turns the clouds to silver. This clean and bracing blend enlivens the senses and sharpens the mind. Crisp apples, young green growth and a wisp of deer musk accord on the chilly air.) *purchased vial If Apple Picking is an innocent nostalgic visit to the apple orchard Omnionus Orchard is the fateful moment an attractive and mysterious stranger crosses your path and holds out an apple to you with a smouldering stare and intense soul (most definitely a Scorpio)! Do you follow them into the gathering night and the unknown? I know I would! The clean musk mingled with the sweet apple is just oddly suggestive and I'll just tuck this one away for "someday", haha. ______________________________________________________ So I lost my heart in the dark orchard, what will I find on the Big Island? Let's find out! *all of the following perfumes were sent for an honest review, thank you so much Forest and Josh. Brunch on the Lanai (A luxurious scent to attract wealth and pleasure in all of its forms. Mimosas, french toast with lilikoi preserves, and the gentlest hint of pikake on the breeze though sheer cotton curtains.) I get a bracing sweet airiness of orange and tart exotic fruits and something like floral vanilla honey. It's exceedingly pretty and uplifting. There is a touch of expensive laundry detergent tickling my nose which must be the "sheer cotton curtains", I usually have a strong aversion to anything like laundry or shampoo, but I can't stop amusing myself by creating a mini cloud of a vision of a bright tropical morning by gently waving my wrist in front of my nose and letting the soft sweetness take me away. I don't know where I would wear Brunch on the Lanai, but I'll sure find a fitting fun place too. This one is a keeper! Ohana (A comforting scent to welcome you, ease your mind, and make you feel at home wherever you are. Soft sand, sunwashed driftwood, the cooling shade of the front porch and a plate of homemade haupia malasadas (coconut custard donuts). Oh, this is another keeper as vanilla sugar-dusted coconut dessert and salty wood wafts around me. I get another exotic fruit appearing at the edges that has a hint of honey and the drydown carries a bit of unexpected smoke. It's lovely and like Brunch on the Lanai, it's uplifting and transporting. I'm a little taken aback how much I love these unfamiliar genre of notes. They are so happy and sunny. I'm so glad I tried something completely out of my comfort zone, as I can honestly say, Nui Cobalt Designs turned me in a coconut lover. Plumeria Lei 2020 (A traditional greeting in the Hawaiian Islands is to place the lei briefly over one's own head, then drape it over the shoulders of the guest. The Islands' most abundant bloom symbolizes new beginnings, love, and all that is good in life. Our plumeria accord is a delicate bouquet of osmanthus, peony, lime blossom, and tuberose lifted by subtle glimmers of Asian pear and sugared lemon. Wear this uplifting scent to brighten your mood and banish malaise.) Ah, I knew my finicky chemistry would sense my happiness and be determined to ruin something for me, sadly Plumeria Lei has been chosen. I had such high hopes for this vial especially with the listed lime blossom and pear and I'm sure it would be stunning on anyone else, but on me, overwhelming expensive hair shampoo takes over after a few marvellous seconds of velvety blooms and lovely citrus. Oh, bother this one was so promising for those few precious moments. Does anyone want to trade skin chemistries? (**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). Waipio Valley (The Valley of the Kings is adorned with towering waterfalls, a crescent black sand beach, and a palpable primal energy. This sacred space has survived two tsunamis without a single casualty. Dark myrrh and vetiver, sand-smoothed teak wood, kava kava, rain-drenched ti leaves, and a subtle touch of dry coconut husk. Wear this mysterious scent to wrap yourself in fiercely loving protection. Anoint black candles to ward off malicious energy and restore a sense of security.) The black sands of the big islands are something I dearly would love to see someday and until then I will wear this soothing woody resiny blend and let my mind slip away and imagine my toes sinking into warm ancient sands. The perfume differs of Waipio Valley slightly to my nose versus the candle I own of the same name, I get more salty teak wood in the candle while my skin amps the dry smokey coconut and resins. There is also a mysterious minty-like note I get that I'm beginning wondering is myrrh. It's still all a great fragrance to fall asleep wearing or read by and yes, I do feel curiously protected. Sister Of Stars (She gazes skyward, matching cosmic rhythms that send her mind aloft. Eyes like lightning-struck silver reflected in dragonflies’ wings. My Sister sees me. Dew-drenched linden blossom, Persian lime, blueberry seltzer, one white rose, and the subtlest insinuation of fresh garden mint.) Superb! This could very well be a starry-eyed sister scent of Manta Ray. Ah, Nui Cobalt's dewy realistic roses just take away my senses and make me beam, they are gorgeous in every way and here in Sister Of Stars, the nectar of the sweet white rose blends so perfectly with the fruity tartness of the effervescent blueberry and lime. The promised mint is indeed there and shows up after a few moments adding a unique gentle green herbal twist to everything. You won't find this combination in the department stores. And now Part II of my trove of scent potions and autumnal olfactory delights from Nui Cobalt Designs (Thank you so much, Forest and Josh, for the press samples!) For longevity: Shortest- Creative Spark at barely 2 hours and for Longest- The Widow Wore Red at 19 hours. Pumpkins & Spidersilk (An autumnal variation on our beloved Starlight and Spidersilk. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, tiny black vanilla beans, pumpkin chai, hot cinnamon rolls, nutmeg, clove, allspice, and a scant drop of honey. Wear to warm your heart, lift your spirits, and take time for simple pleasures.) ✴Please note: this perfume contains cinnamon, and should be avoided by those with cinnamon sensitivities. ✴Purchased bottle I have searched near and far for the comforting spirit of fall bottled and Nui Cobalt Designs presented exactly what I have been desiring for so long. The notes say purely gourmand, but the nose receives layers of heartening autumnal therapy with warm spices, a kiss of sweet creamy pumpkin icing and the familiar "cold" vanilla element of Starlight & Spidersilk underneath waiting to deepen and morph with the passing hours. I also detect the slightest drop of sandalwood and unexpected realistic cream cheese frosting and a wisp of smoke. It's full of delightful surprises and it's finally home. Black Moon (This proliferant perfume is teeming with generative force and fierce fecundity. It nourishes and the seeds of intention, filling them with raw vitality. It's a master of manifestation, propelling invocations toward fulfillment ... so be careful what you wish for. Dark incense coils about an ebony altar abounding in spiced fig preserves, saffron-poached plums, green mandarin, and honey on the comb. Black Moon is handcrafted and charged under the rare auspices of the second consecutive New Moon in a single sign. Like the Blue Moon, this event holds uniquely amplified power to bless new beginnings and access hidden reserves of magical potency.) ✴Press Sample for review The notes selected for Black Moon curiously capture something slowly awakening within myself with a sweetness of the honey and bright mandarin lightly masking a dual darkness of plum, incense and hidden clove underneath that I can't help but to gravitate towards. The more and more I'm delving into different interests and topics I'm finding I have quite a bit of dark moon energy about myself that I hide (and even deny) every day and I need to just love about my being and embrace. 2020 was a year of unexpected change and transformation for myself and Black Moon is one of those fragrances that will serve as a scent memory for me as I continue on my journey. Brigid's Fire (A warming blend to honor the Awakening Goddess and invoke her inspiration. Spiced fig and apricot preserves, smoldering patchouli and pipe tobacco swirled with tannic black tea and languid benzoin. Wear this luminous scent to stoke the fires of creativity and vitality at your sacred center.) ✴Free Sample with Previous Purchase A very aptly named fragrance as I can clearly smell the heat from the spices intertwined with the tobacco and fruit giving the overall nifty impression of heat and flames. After a few moments, the tannic black tea makes itself known but never turns soapy which is some type of unexplained magic in itself. For longevity Brigid's Fire burns out on me about 6 hours and leaves with an aroma of warm clove with hint of apricot honey and metal-like patchouli. Hekate Deichteira (The Teacher. The Revealer. She whose torch illuminates the path so that experience may become wisdom. A chaplet of laurel, olive leaves, sage, rosemary, acacia wood, white lotus, moonflower, deep purple heliotrope, claret, and black fig. Wear to enliven the mind and enhance perception. Anoint purple candles to increase psychic abilities.) ✴Press Sample for review On application this perfume smells like rich olive oil and meditative herbs then this sweetness of the heliotrope and wine start to appear and it turns into herbal fruit marshmallow on me. The velvety white florals add some mystical aquatic impression to Hekate Deichteira and the more I wear this the more I enjoy it and find new facets that turn my head to attention. Not your everyday type of fragrance but I find this soft and relaxing and it goes perfectly with an icy windy day you can curl up with a good book (or take a nap wearing). The Widow Wore Red (A shameless concoction of spiced plum, lascivious musk, patchouli, tart cherry, sweet pipe tobacco, warm gingerbread drizzled with vanilla caramel dusted with clove, coriander, and cardamom. Wear when you're ready to liberate yourself from sorrow and doubt, to abandon all pretense of timidity and let your Fierce flag fly.) ✴Purchased So you want to smell like the Grand High Witch from The Witches or just a bit dangerously delicious and provocative, well Nui Cobalt has a fragrance for you... The Widow Wore Red is a sweet "come closer" type of perfume and then the dark spiced fruit and under notes come out to play and it has a fiendish beautiful side that others around are sure to notice. Exactly what I envision enrobing one of my favourite characters from fiction and fantasy film (and it even smells "violet and glowing"). I love how this perfume makes me feel and how it encourages some themed fun! Woodsmoke & Spidersilk (A cozy variation on our beloved Starlight and Spidersilk. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, tiny black vanilla beans, aged oakwood, roasted pistachio, mahogany, oud, Peru balsam, amyris, and toasted marshmallow. Wear for calming and comfort. Warm in an oil diffuser to cast a spell of Hygge within the home.) ✴Press Sample for review I am weak in the presence of a good smoke blend and Woodsmoke & Spidersilk makes my senses just swoon. This perfume perfectly straddles the autumn and winter mark and the familiar Starlight & Spidersilk serves as the perfect backdrop of this perfume creating the idea of a romantic haunting memory of a smouldering fire and basis of a beautiful complex mystery. I am the alluring ghost of Manderley in this perfume. Blue Moon at Samhain (A luminous potion for casting your most powerful spells. Smooth driftwood glistening with sea salt, pearl gardenia, oat milk, coconut flesh, forget-me-not, neroli, and a trace of lavender. Wear to enhance intuition or amplify magical potency. Anoint ritual candles to invoke Lunar deities and nocturnal spirits.) ✴Press Sample for review A lovely salty gardenia fragrance opens with Blue Moon at Samhain and the feeling of vintage elegance follows along with soft creamy powder. This is what to wear when you want to feel radiant and a bit mystical in your surroundings. I wore this the first time the day after Halloween and it oddly reminded me of the flash of a moonstone. If Beauty didn't already captivate me, Blue Moon at Samhain would have been coming home. I hope it returns next year. Beauty (It illuminates your charms and amplifies allure, encouraging self care and the avid appreciation of your finest qualities. An exquisite air of Caribbean teakwood, nectarine, water lilies, Magdagascar vanilla, heirloom roses, tobacco flower, and lavande de Provence over smooth tonka bean. Wear any time you need to be reminded of your innate perfection. Employ in rituals of attraction to awaken your inner radiance.) ✴Press Sample for review Few times can I recall when a perfume has made me feel so positive and "comfortable" about myself and I waited far too long to try Beauty. I was initially concerned about the listed teak wood and tobacco flower, but these notes are so subdued if not completely absent to my nose and I only receive a soft glowing aura of downy powder with a kiss of citrus that has caught me off guard at different times and I have been surprisingly finding myself stopping to contemplate in the looking glass several times long after midnight and noticing subtle pleasant features about my person (I recently lost 50 pounds so new things and positive changes in the mirror are a welcome sight). Perhaps it's the simple power of persuasion or something magically swirled in with this blend, but whatever it is this is a perfume to wear when you need a little morale boost and a nudge to hold your head up just a little higher when you enter a room or speak to a stranger. Crone's Cottage (Encouragement in a bottle. This witches' brew is imbued with strength, fortitude, and optimism. Oatmeal cookies still warm from the oven, beeswax candles on the windowsill, a warm cup of strong black tea with milk, and a generous dollop of honey. Wear this heartening scent to prepare for any challenge and restore a sense of self-confidence.) ✴Purchased This blend starts out almost boozy smelling akin to Flummery from their popular Great Bakers Challenge/April Fool's collection then it settles right down to dried spiced apple rolled honey oat clusters and a piping hot cup of black tea you want to wrap yourself in. I'm constantly amazed with Nui Cobalt's tea blends and Crone's Cottage shares the same tannic warmth from Stinger which was also a surprise success with my finicky skin chemistry. There is no soapiness to report here and as this vial is slowly aging the realistic beeswax Nui Cobalt excels at is coming more noticeable to my nose hours later along with some lingering apple oat spice. Daughter of the Dark Moon (The Sorceress sings as dusk descends, dressed in unencumbered starlight. Her laughter weaves a living tapestry of ancient and sacred truths. She awakens me to my power. Black coconut, nocturnal jasmine, tuberose, gardenia, white sandalwood, dried lavender, sheer cotton, and a trace of Tahitian vanilla.) ✴Press Sample for review A clean fresh perfume with tuberose sharing the spotlight with lovely nocturnal jasmine. The coconut lends a smooth slight tropical quality to this and the drydown is this shop's trademark divine creamy sandalwood and vanilla. This one is a like not a love and I'm going to enjoy Daughter of the Dark Moon in my whipped soap and a deep hair conditioning treatment some night soon. Hekate Potnia Theron (Mistress of Animals. Lady of the Wild Beasts. She who cherishes all who slither and soar, who climb and crawl. Green fig, cedar, cypress, orris root, golden hay, toasted oats, warm suede, woodland musk, and tonka. Wear to align yourself with Nature and ignite your primal wisdom.) ✴Press Sample for review This oil opens with a sweet grape skin then morphs to buttery suede and oats. It reminds me a little of White Tailed-Deer, but with more grounding earthy elements and it isn't like cream dipped suede with sugared berries, Hekate Potnia Theron has a bit of masculine bite which isn't for me either. I will say this one stays close to the skin even with the suede and woodland musk. It's a keeper I'm just not sure where I would wear this. Sister of Stars (Her chin is always up. I lift my own. We scan the golden, sunlit clouds. Time cannot touch this effortless afternoon. A smile and a tilt of her head. “This sucks,” she teases. And I couldn’t have found a better way to praise the day. My Sister elevates me. Spun sugar, lavender water, two chilled mojitos, teakwood beach chairs, melted white amber, the softest cotton sundress, and clouds.) ✴Press Sample for review I can't recall if this was part of the Big Island collection or not but Sister of Stars smells like a tropical drink melting on my wrist. On application, it's a bracing sugared mint then gentle hidden citrus appears along with soft lavender. At this point, it does lean a tad into the expensive laundry detergent area, but the final dry down of the sweet white amber saves this experience for me. I like how Sister of Stars smells on my skin but I think this would be amazing in my hair as an argan oil additive. Porch Swing (A lazy Autumn afternoon when the sun is setting gold. Oakwood, amber, pear preserves, skin-warmed cotton, fresh rhubarb, rosemary, and tea. Wear this calming, centering blend to bring you back to the present moment. Warm in a diffuser to set a relaxed mood in your home.) ✴Press Sample for review There's always exceptions to my nose and lists of likes and Porch Swing manages to hit them all. Yes, it does smell like expensive laundry soap at different points of wear and yes the tart rhubarb amplifies on me, but the rich sweetness of the pear preserves, rosemary with tannic tea and the stunning finish of the warm amber all saves the day and I can't stop dabbing this lovely blend on. It brings to mind a carefree summer picnic and twinkling fireflies off in the distance. What can I say I'm a sucker for a good pear note and Nui Cobalt has some of the best accords. Cut & Clear (A no-nonsense banishing blend to expel negativity from your life. Fresh lemon zest, purifying benzoin, black raspberry bramble with the thorns left on, rainwater, Silver Needle white tea, angelica, garden mint, crushed white peppercorn, and bay leaf, infused with home-grown lemon thyme and lemon verbena. Wear to repel bad influences and hurtful people. Anoint papers inscribed with the name(s) of whomever you want to remove from your circle, set your magical intention, then burn the paper on a Saturday during the waning moon.) ✴Press Sample for review If you are looking for an energizing citrus zip, look no further than this blend. To me, Cut & Clear smells like lemonade pepper tea with rolled up lemon verbena and thyme on the side of the glass. Refreshing and electrified with an earthy greenness underneath. I'm definitely going to be reaching for this vial in the summer months and sprinkling a couple of drops in my bathwater. Hekate Enodia (She of the Crossroads. Lady of the Ways. The goddess who guards, guides, and grants passage. An offertory incense of copal and myrrh, clove bud, star anise, sweet pipe tobacco, Bosc pear, bitter almond, tonka bean, freshly turned earth, and a sprig of rosemary. Wear to improve navigational skills, both geographic and philosophic. Warm three drops in a diffuser as an offering to the Divine Feminine) ✴Press Sample for review This is the delicious and mysterious lovechild of The Bees Knees and Snowball Fight. I'm weak for pear blends and this one is gorgeous and has in its wake smooth vanilla almond, anise (which is another weakness for me) and a drizzle of hidden honey I recognize from the above mentioned perfumes. I also receive a medicinal waft of rosemary on the long drydown which added with the almond and anise gives Hekate Enodia a different edge. If I didn't already own bottles of The Bees Knees and Snowball Fight, Hecate Enodia would be coming home. Stories & Spidersilk (A scholarly variation on our beloved Starlight and Spidersilk. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, tiny black vanilla beans, aging leather-bound books, pipe tobacco, and towering wooden shelves. Wear to honor the spirits of wordsmiths past, to invoke your literary Muse, and to enhance eloquence.) ✴Press Sample for review Stories & Spidersilk was another fragrance that almost accompanied me out on Halloween night as I had the notion weeks before to don a fitted red trenchcoat, hat and yellow scarf and let 90s fantasies take wing finally as a dream Carmen Sandiego costume but then I found the perfect aristocrat vampire outfit and scrapped that plan. Still, I can't get the idea of this being the perfect perfume for the cunning seductive ex-detective. The realistic leather from a well-thumbed tome opens this scent potion and a hint of salt from the aged pages along with wet ink becomes noticeable as the minutes tick by, the familiar Spidersilk serves as the suggestive base and I notice a wisp of lily of the valley hiding in the far background. This really is the scent of a wicked brilliant mastermind who loves to play mind games. Spring-Heeled Jack (An ode to the cultural phenomenon of the Urban Legend: the shared stories that reveal our collective fears and darker inclinations.London fog, rain-soaked cobblestones, blue Atlas cedar, bergamot, charcoal tweed, grey musk, and the fading scent of Victorian violet powder.) ✴Press Sample for review Meet Gremlin's sibling fragrance, this one has the same intriguing quasi-atmospheric elements, but for me, Spring-Heeled Jack is more wearable (I love Gremlin but that blend leans too masculine than I feel comfortable wearing out; I'm saving it for my future fella). On me the clean sweet bergamot amplifies for a good hour and sets the scene with the wet environment notes then this incredibly realistic tweed material aroma comes out of nowhere along with grounding smoky cedar and these accords wrap about my senses and completely take me away to another era of refinement and complete the story. Surprisingly the listed violet is very subdued on my skin which tends to amp that floral, that's another kind of magic right there. Nui Cobalt deserves so much more recognition especially when it comes to their realistic tactile blends and way with tricky florals. Second Harvest: Fruit (Luscious abundance. Homemade pies and preserves brimming with spiced pear, blackberry, apricot and currant. Wear this confection to attract pleasure and feelings of contentment. Anoint pink or gold candles to manifest luxury and creature comforts.) ✴Press Sample for review All these luscious dark notes should equal my favourite blend of them all but alas my chemistry morphed everything to sticky cherry cough syrup. In the beginning Second Harvest: Fruit has serious potential as it brings to mind Welch's Fruit Snacks I fondly remember as a child but then it all changes. I'm going to use this one in whipped soap in the coming weeks. (**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). Incense & Spidersilk (A meditative variation on our beloved Starlight and Spidersilk. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, tiny black vanilla beans, light and dark amber, copal, nag champa, frankincense, and myrrh. Wear to quiet the thoughts and open the mind. It is particularly helpful in restoring calm after stressful encounters.) ✴Press Sample for review Oh dear, this one. I've tried several times and my chemistry transforms all the lovely notes into soapy incense that gives me a pinching headache. Reading others' stellar impressions it is apparent this is the portion of the perfume wearing that my chemistry has decided it sensed my happiness long enough and will destroy everything I was excited about. (**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). Calico Cat (A dynamic blend to keep you resilient and adaptable. Tawny suede, pale sandalwood, toasted coconut, deep amber, and golden honey are accented with bright satsuma, and spiced tamarind. Wear for smooth navigation of challenges. Anoint the tools of your profession to turn obstacles into opportunities.) ✴Please note: this perfume contains cinnamon, and should be avoided by those with cinnamon sensitivities. ✴Press Sample for review True to its name this perfume is bright, playful and relaxing to be in the presence of. On me, the sandalwood and honey are dominant as the top notes of the light tropical fruits fade away after a few minutes. It reminds me in ways of Valkyrie but softer so now I think Calico Cat as the cuddly companion scent. I love both of them for different reasons. Creative Spark (An illuminating blend to summon your muse and elevate your skills. Lime zest, sparkling white grapefruit, bergamot, allspice, sun-warmed teak, cardamom pods, amber resin, frankincense, fresh green fig, and a wisp of Chinese trumpet lily. Apply to pulse points when engaging in your craft. Anoint the tools of your trade or dress candles to invoke artistic acumen.) ✴Press Sample for review Here's another blend that helps me "put on my thinking cap" as uplifting citrus and spice make the perfect combination and are further deepened by the addition of the warm teak wood and resins. It's an overall wonderful fragrance but sadly fades quickly so I need to jot my inspired ideas down quickly whilst I wear Creative Spark otherwise they are gone. Mystery of Maple Walk (Whispering leaves flutter down in shades of livid crimson. Their secrets die with nightfall and the silent portent of snow. This comforting blend inspires relaxation and a deep sense of calm contentment. Sugar maple swirled with spices, dragon's blood, dark woods, frozen flakes of vanilla and a single drop of the blackest black cherry.) ✴Press Sample for review Mmmph there is something about black cherry for me that gets my immediate approval when it is noticed and Mystery of Maple Walk has a lovely note of it that is twirled about warm vanilla, smoked sandalwood and velvety resin. The maple and dragon's blood does tend to amplify on my skin after a bit so I prefer to wear Mystery of Maple Walk in my curls where the sandalwood really shines with the black cherry. This one is a definite keeper. Seduced By Spidersilk (A provocative variation on our beloved Starlight and Spidersilk. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, tiny black vanilla beans, cherry wine, dragon’s blood and amber resins, tupelo honey, and an irresistible blend of aphrodisiac spices: cardamom, clove, ginger root, coriander, and cassia. Wear to ensnare the object of your desire and to ignite carnal passions. Please note: this perfume contains cinnamon, and should be avoided by those with cinnamon sensitivities) ✴Purchased/Currently available on the site The time's come to play with this scent potion as I get this intoxicating mix of sweet spiced cherry wine, honey from Pele's Fire and the familiar coldness of Spidersilk that all takes my senses far away and I feel I can channel my inner Sarah Sanderson. This oil loves to morph on my skin and the more I wear it out I'm noticing the initial playful sweetness gives way to the rich seductive dragon's blood and waiting warm amber in about an hour time and then the haunting wisps of romantic styled vanilla from Starlight & Spidersilk finishes out the night. 'Tis gorgeous and lasts through a 12-hour shift! Nui Cobalt Designs In 2019, I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to obtain a custom fragrance from Nui Cobalt Designs (at the time the tarot reading was not offered) and the following rambling is about a marvellous scent journey back through time and special memories. ✒When I first submitted my ideas for a dream custom, I asked Forest to sweep this weary wearer away to another era. Specifically back to RMS Titanic with the help of individual notes from certain perfumes and blends I have fallen hard for: "the realistic sweet rose nectar, fresh stems that smell from the most elegant vase and Easter lily from Anthophilia, the powderiness of the Lily of the valley from Robin's Egg and Netherfield Ballroom with a twist of maybe sea salt or ambergris" and to top off this fantasy floral bouquet, I requested lilacs. Yes, lilacs. The bane of indie artists. The mythical beast of fragrance legend that no indie has truly captured for me or has been able to create an oil that will stay on my skin longer than a whispered prayer...until now. (Final Notes: A vintage Spring bouquet of living lilac, sweetheart rose, Easter lily, orchid, and lily of the valley upon a moonlit sea) This list of returning to a lost bygone era resulted in the most gorgeous nosegay of timeless refinement and treasured memories for myself that I cried. Yes, I cried as the lilacs bushes from my childhood wafted around me and the rose nectar with white Easter Lily took my senses on another type of wondrous journey altogether to subjects of history and fascination. Each time I sniffed this exquisite scent potion it morphed and shifted. A distinct soft saltiness and aquatic element also appeared after an hour of wear and miracles of miracles the lilacs stayed true and I could distinctly smell that heavenly note hours later. I was over the moon and to the stars. When the time came to bestow a name for this otherworldly creation, I admit I was at a loss. It didn't only just sweep me away to RMS Titanic (little known fact, it was also called "the ship of flowers") and the final first-class dinner. It also somehow bottled and presented the favourite flowers of family members of the final Romanov Dynasty- lovely stately lilacs for Empress Alexandra and Grand Duchess Maria, Roses for Grand Duchess Olga and Lily of the Valley for Grand Duchess Tatiana. Finally, the oil I held also unexpectedly touched remembrances that I hold so dear above all as I wore it I could hear the rain pattering softly from long ago and my Baba humming the song "You Are My Sunshine" when I closed my tearstained eyes. This perfume was lost beauty and felt like a hug from time itself. I knew then the perfect name- Vicnaja Pamjat which means Eternal Memory in Slovak (in the Byzantine Catholic church it is the saying used in song on Easter Sunday and other events when prayer is offered for those gone but not forgotten). I know someone very special who would have approved and is smiling down at the lady I have become because of her. _________________________________________________ I can never thank Forest from Nui Cobalt Designs enough for crafting something so special for me and if those reading this get the chance when the time comes to order a custom fragrance by this exceptional scent artist, I highly recommend Nui Cobalt Designs *reviews composed in May and June 2020 I'm in a bit of silly (and hungry) mood when I'm in the presence of these oils (and names!) so just indulge me. *hums then busts out in song* I found someone to take away the heartache, to take away the loneliness (about missing out on banana and cucumber perfumes)! Any Cher fans here or more importantly any excited Nui Cobalt Designs fans present because I have some ramblings to share.
*Thank you so much, Forest and Josh, for allowing me to sample these collections! One Note At A Time: Power Down (A relaxing potion of labdanum and silken white sandalwood adorned with delicate lavender buds and a wisp of clary sage. Anoint your pulse points to alleviate stress, restore your peace of mind, and help you unwind.) On first application Power Down reminds me of another delightful relaxing creation by Nui Cobalt called Tryptophan with a caramel-like butteriness present, but that slight impression disappears as few moments in, an unexpected fizzy lavender aroma appears and pulls my nose down to my wrist to stay. I'm still learning to identify resins so I apologize if the "fizzy" description sounds odd, it smells almost lemony without a trace of bitterness or a pucker-quality if you will, mixed with freshly harvested lavender buds. The listed sage arrives after the long dry down and completes the picture of witchy relaxation. Charisma Bonus (A seriously sexy fragrance to ensnare the objects of your desire. Spiced black patchouli languishing in vanilla honey with scattered ylang petals and catnip leaves. Wear this potion to make an excellent first impression, to capture the attention of influential people, or to inspire passion during amorous encounters.) You would think by now I would be able to identify ylang or could completely fully break down every note composition with one wave of the wrist, not so as these oils continue to retain and hide their secrets and I'm perfectly content with still being in awe with these types of blends. So with saying that, Charisma Bonus smells like spiced vanilla and dark honey that goes into the seductive mysterious realm versus landing in a gourmand area and this is what secretly I was hoping Sultry would have smelled like on me. My old friend patchouli anchors this medley and keeps the longevity of Charisma Bonus going for a full 15 hours on my skin and I know sandalwood isn't listed, but something is reminding me of fine wood in Charisma Bonus and a unique vintage quality is noticeable as well; they don't make fragrances like this anymore. For wearability, I won't waste this spicy little number on those at work, this is meant to entice and then conquer. Bollocks 2020 (An indulgent scent to help you keep a sense of humor when dealing with liars. Banoffee Pie: golden toffee conjured from sweetened condensed milk, sauteed spiced bananas, and a crumbly crust of butter biscuits.) What it says on the tin and this is an indulgence that has certainly surprised me as a first for myself, I now have a banana perfume to recommend! Nothing is nauseating or obnoxiously candy-like in Bollocks and on me, I get a soft wash of pure diced banana on top of vanilla toffee pudding and decadent buttery crushed graham crackers. Everything is incredibly realistic smelling and I'm thrilled that as lovely as the banana is it backs away and then fades letting the spiced buttery graham cracker come forward. The more I sniff the more I love this fragrance and I'm so happy I tried something out of my comfort zone. Odin's Eye (A powerful blend for wisdom and strategy. Iced blueberry, cedarwood, birch, crushed peppercorn, cardamom, frozen musk and white amber. Anoint pulse points and Third Eye to ignite the fire of the mind and access cosmic knowledge.) In the vial, intoxicating blueberries hit my nose and I almost spill my entire sample in my excitement to slather this blend (I'm weak for a good berry note and Nui Cobalt's has some of the best fruit accords). Once slowly applied the realistic blueberry rises along with masculine cedar with a hint of spice and I'm swept away to visions of enjoying cold freshly picked blueberries under towering ancient trees with a Viking warrior. Oh, Odin's Eye is a wink and nod to naughty imaginings! I think I found a new scent potion to add to the sleep and relaxation drawer of my collection. Blarney (A bracing scent to steel your nerves and keep you calm in the face of mendacity. Irish Breakfast Tea: the warm, tannic comfort of proper Cuppa sweetened just enough with a touch of honey and smoothed with cream.) I'm still a tea novice so I can't comment on how true Blarney smells of Irish Breakfast Tea, but I do get the familiar scent of black tea and a clean citrus undernote. There is a unique historical element to Blarney that turns my head when I'm going about my day and I know exactly where to feature this blend when the times comes. As this oil is aging more of the honey and cream appears after a few hours overall making this a lovely soothing scent, perfect for a rainy day like today. Sophistry (A refreshingly tart aroma to wake you up and get you going. Chilled sparkling lemonade infused with elderflower blossoms, thinly sliced cucumber, and a pinch of grated ginger root. Wear to guard against fatigue and burnout.) It has taken me weeks to figure out what this blend smells like on me and I finally have it- rained over cucumber vines in the garden! It's uncanny how true Sophistry smells of my memories of being asked to bring in an armful of cucumbers from our home garden, I can even smell the realistic dark skin of the vegetable. I didn't think it was possible to capture that distinct peppery green aroma, but there it is and not one recall of soap to note, this is an unexpected atmospheric. A few hours after dabbing on Sophistry, the tart-sweet lemonade appears along with a delicate floral and I'm falling for this perfume. This smells like summer country gardening to me and I'll be reaching for it in the hotter months. I need to stop fearing cucumber (and banana) and need to start collecting more of those blends now from Nui Cobalt Designs. Flim Flam (A beautifully balanced concoction to ease anxiety and calm the mind. Lush Phillipine mango with steamed sticky rice and a decadent drizzle of coconut syrup. Wear to settle down, center yourself, and see with clarity.) How intriguing! This really does smell like steamed rice, fruit and coconut. If I were to ever go to a beach I would wear Flim Flam with its playful tropical elements. I don't have anything that smells like this in my collection, what a find. I was admittedly a tad concerned that the mango was behaving like peach does on my skin at first but thankfully it settled right down and melded very prettily with the starchy wet rice and smooth coconut adding just a little punch of fruit. I can see why Flim Flam is becoming a run away smash of the April Fool's 2020 collection. Horsefeathers 2020 (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.) *I am lucky enough to have also the 2019 version and I cannot tell the difference. Can I just say that this shop executes gourmands beautifully and Horsefeathers is another where I could lick my arm. In the vial, this one is a bit syrupy smelling versus spreadable jam but once Horsefeathers has a few moments to settle on my skin this oil takes on a buttery cake quality with freshly crushed raspberries spread on top and it quickly shoots to one of the top raspberry cake perfumes I have tried. I tend to amplify the buttery cake with decadent raspberry jam but hours later a clear vanilla ice cream aroma wafts up from my wrists and makes me dance in my chair. A great introductory perfume to this magical house of fragrance and I plan to gift a coworker (who has been fortunate enough to travel to the UK and dine on some of these desserts from the April Fool's Collection) with one of these vials as she loves raspberry scents and all things bakery themed. Fingers crossed I finally will have someone to go indie shopping with and can get excited with (even mark our calendars) over new perfume releases. Spreading the Indie Love one stunner at a time! Yemaya (Mother Ocean, Protectress of Children and Guardian of the Home. We honor you with ocean air and sea foam sweetened with coconut, pound cake, and fresh watermelon.) Another fruit laced blend that is as it says on the tin. I get every listed note with Yemaya and the watermelon is freshly sliced hunks dripping juice (no jolly rancher candy here which I was worried about). I went for a walk wearing this perfume and I immediately snapped my head and nose to attention when a surprise salty whipped cream note appeared after 30 minutes. I have never been to or seen an actual ocean or beach but I could easily imagine a romantic victorian-esque painting of gaily decorated attendees having a brunch of sliced watermelon, pound cake with shaved coconut and one couple sneaking off to lick whipped cream off each other's hands as they stare at the rolling waves. A full 2 hours later, Yemaya curiously reminds me of a salty Robin's Egg (I think it's the whipped cream and vanilla). Just lovely. Achievement Unlocked (A bold blend of Mahogany and Merlot with tart elderberry and a single long-stemmed rose. Wear this sumptuous scent to amplify your confidence and hone your skills. Anoint the tools of your trade to move you swiftly toward success.) In the vial and on opening Achievement Unlocked smells similar to my beloved Exsanguinated, however, the mahogany amplifies more in this oil making this oil more of a brother scent of Under the Mistletoe if I search my notes. I do get a beautiful bloom of realistic rose (complete with promised green stem) about 2 hours after application and the elderberry adds a boozy mix to this oil that I enjoy. I'm still overall undecided on Achievement Unlocked to be completely honest. It's a keeper, I'm just not sure where to place it in the box for wear. 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). 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. Hoodwink (A soothing scent for rest and replenishment. A tall glass of Thai iced tea sweetened with Tupelo honey and swirled with vanilla rice milk. Wear for relaxation and to get a good night’s sleep.) Oh my, Hoodwink is going to be another smash hit, I know it. On me, I get bright floral/pollen honey with distinct brewed black tea and vanilla (something reminding me of an expensive latte in the mix as well) all in the background. It also stays close which is ideal for work as I can sniff to my heart's content and be taken away with this soothing medley. As the hours tick by, this perfume turns more creamy and dreamy completing this summertime escape fragrance. I adore this and Forest is the Queen of Tea Scents in my book! Arctic Fox (A sexy little number to inspire snuggles on the coldest nights. Soft amber nestled in sumptuous cashmere, steamed rice milk, winter white musk, and snow-covered fir trees.) Another vial I'm not entirely sure about as when applied I receive, soft white soap and a hint of pine. I was hoping for warm milk and amber with pine needles, to be honest. As Arctic Fox sits on the skin, more of a creamy powderiness reveals itself and I may just hang onto this vial until next winter and try again. There is something about this oil I love (perhaps the cool creaminess and amber?) Bibliophilia (The love of Books.The vanillic scent of aging paper, the tang of fresh ink, venerable bookshelves of oak and mahogany, a sweet trace of pipe tobacco, an undercurrent of faded leather. Wear this subtle potion to invoke spirits of arcane knowledge and empower your perceptions.) I mean this all in the best way, this smells like what I could only imagine the desk and library of Agatha Christie or Jessica Fletcher to smell like. I get the metallic tang of real typewriter ink, the unmistakable vanillic aroma of a stack of aged papers and realistic worn leather from a well-thumbed tome. There is also a vintage perfume-esque undernote that makes me think of the contents of an old black leather handbag laying on a side chair. I want to go reread a classic murder mystery now! Another impressive and oddly soothing blend from this collection. Loot (This time-honored formula attracts wealth from hidden and unexpected sources. It's an excellent assistant in acquiring assets, both monetary and otherwise. Use to greatly increase the flow of wealth into your life, especially in financially dire situations. It has a particular penchant for landing those dream jobs that seem out of reach. Loot is handcrafted and charged as the Aries moon trines Jupiter in Sagittarius. This celestial connection opens doors that didn't exist and lights the path to affluence. Bayberry bark and dragon's blood with Ceylon cinnamon and two luxuriant vanillas.* Do not apply to skin if you are sensitive to cinnamon.) I fully admit I went a bit wild over Loot when it arrived as it was a unique heavenly cinnamon and rich bayberry bark bomb I wanted to pour over my head but alas gentle aging has tamed this beast and it's sadly a bit forgettable now. That's not the point though and I'm going to keep this oil home and sprinkle it in my unscented whipped soap at different points of the year. The history and preparation of this blend are fascinating to read about. Liquid Luck (Made with wild-harvested four-leaf clovers, this potion confers great good fortune upon its wearer. A gorgeously green bouquet of night air and dewy grass, charmed galbanum and benzoin, Irish moss, carrot seed, living shamrock and freshly turned earth.) In the vial and on my skin I get sunshine warmed clover and wet morning moss. It calls back to some play sessions out in the garden as a child just with my back being cushioned by bouncy green growth and staring at scuttling clouds and rainbow shifting coloured bubbles dancing on the winds. Liquid Luck is a comforting hug of nature and innocent times you desperately wish you could revisit. As this oil sits on the skin it sweetens then on me the carrot seed comes out to play before fading at the 3 hour mark. I'm hoping to find I will have better luck with this blend in my hair and I can smell like those clover, queen anne's lace and daisy chain coronets I remember knotting together after I recovered a special key from my grandfather's garage and escaped to my own secret garden (that was only an old rusty spider-webbed covered door on the side of the shed no one ever used). Anyone else still refer to young tree branches as "wick"? Wow, I haven't thought about those garden ventures in decades, Liquid Luck truly is something special and conjures some unexpected smiles. Humbuggery (An uplifting scent to keep you impervious to deception and shielded from malice. Pineapple Upside Down Cake: a delicious juxtaposition of tang and sweetness, caramelized pineapple, coconut cream, toasted hazelnut crust and baked brown sugar.) I wasn't expecting to be hit with so much personal nostalgia with these new collections, but I'm very thankful for being reminded of happier times and those that have passed. My pap loved pineapple upside down cake and Humbuggery is a spot-on representation of that distinct dessert fragrance. It's sticky yellow cake draped in golden pineapple slices, shaved coconut that later becomes custardy with the soggy parts of the bottom of the cake and a tropical sweetness hanging in the air I fondly remember as my pappy sat at the head of the wooden table with that mischievous side grin (we both share in pictures). A gentle giant in my mind and how I wish this scent would linger a little longer on my skin. More of the coconut amplifies by 4 hours and then the final note is lovely crumbs of realistic yellow cake. A nice send off. I wish I loved pineapple, but that scent for me is more about the sentimental properties it holds versus pure enjoyment. Shenanigans (A richly sensual blend for grounding and stabilizing. German Schichttorte: a sumptuous confection of layered yellow cake touched with lemon zest and rum, glazed with apricot and finished with a cloak of dark chocolate. Wear when you need to stay present and focused on the here-and-now.) Oh, the children have been put to bed and someone has been baking some wicked vanilla rum cake with a dark shiny glaze of chocolate and dotted with apricot pieces. This one is BOOZE, CAKE and APRICOT on me, whew this one is heavy on the rum. I guess I learned something new with Shenanigans as I amplify alcohol notes and ah, the name just hit me because whoever would indulge in this decadent cake would be surely up to some shenanigans they may not recall the next morning or afternoon. Ha. Now that's clever storytelling with the notes and name. As fun and a bit wicked the opening is the final dry down is marvellous, smelling of thick yellow cake with apricots on me and I love this final shift of the notes before they fade completely at the 6-hour mark. Roguery (A tres chic scent to remind you of your effortless intrinsic fabulousness. Kouign Amann: a light and elegant puff pastry that takes the simplicity of buttered sugar rolls to the height of sophistication. Wear for a boost of confidence, comfort, and radiant self-esteem.) Albeit a wonderous realistic bread aroma, Roguery isn't the baked fragrance I have been searching years for. Roguery smells more of hot buttered golden topped rolls fresh from the oven and for me, I may have a bit of fun and layer this with some pumpkin desserts and see if anyone notices. I also get a hit of possible anise or almond (something reminding me of a subtle bite of liquorice). I'm going to keep this savoury buttered oil home and slather it on for sleep. Hindsight (An energizing blend to strengthen the memory. Green tea, galangal, rosemary, sandalwood, and nutmeg. Wear to invigorate the intellect and banish brain fog. It is particularly helpful when the mind is scattered by fatigue.) Just as I found in Higher Mind 2019, this an oil to grab when I want to put my thinking-cap on and get work done. This is a citrus spice and distinct scent of rosemary to Hindsight that grabs my immediate attention and I think I have indeed found a sister scent to Higher Mind 2019. The Green Tea adds a tannic zip to the base notes of sandalwood and nutmeg; never resembling soap. Everything is so well blended and I can't wait to stick my nose into a vial of Lightning Bug which also has green tea listed. Bamboozle (A sweet scent for hope and optimism. Baklava: diaphanous layers of flakey, golden pastry, toasted pistachio, roasted chestnut, crushed almond, and a generous drizzle of spring harvest honey. Wear to banish discouragement and brighten dispositions.) I know in the official video regarding the April Fool's 2020 collection, Forest mentioned she doesn't exactly like doing gourmands, which I can respect but can I say, that is a crying shame because she is so flipping brilliant at that category of fragrances and Bamboozle is another triumph! This oil begins with the distinct aroma of wet nut roll dough then the pistachio, chestnut and almond make up a delicious salty trio of pleasure and I want to lick my wrist. The honey appears a short while later and it does smell flakey and golden. Needless to say, Bamboozle is a winner and one delectable perfume to recommend. Balderdash (An ebullient scent to lift your mood when the bastards try to get you down. Cherries Jubilee: jewel-bright Montmorency cherries poached in brandy and drizzled while still warm over vanilla ice cream.) The true aroma of Cherry is a hard thing to bottle and release in perfume and here in Balderdash, Forest has soothed and conquered the mythical creature as there is not one resemblance of cherry cough syrup in this oil *claps*. Whew, there is some hooch mingled with the realistic cherries though and I think this imaginary baker was taking a strong nip while creating a sweet fruit masterpiece, haha. I can forgive that, it adds a punch and matureness to this perfume, I mean who honestly hasn't taken a nip while they were baking with liquor (one thumbful for the bowl and 3 for the baker, haha). My chemistry must love alcohol notes. The promised vanilla ice cream (along with unlisted coconut?) becomes noticeable on me about an hour later and the longer Balderash is gently aging, the more I love this scent potion and can easily see why it is so popular. Another fruit-scented creation to recommend! Foresight (A mystical blend for prognostication and planning. Angelica, precious saffron, orris root, sage leaves, heliotrope, eyebright, and a subtle touch of star anise. Wear this blend when plotting the course toward big dreams and long-term goals. It has a knack for navigating around potential obstacles and delays.) If there was a note I would run away with and marry, it would be star anise (forgive me, pumpkin!). There is some mysterious seductive element to that spice I want to hoard now and forever and on me, anise is the star of the show in Foresight. I love these types of morphing blends, I say that because Foresight starts off smelling cold, green and even like clear stream water with a hint of sassafras then the naughty star anise materializes out of nowhere, hood sweeping back revealing its true side to me and I know this sounds odd, but Foresight is what I could only imagine a rippled dream to smell like (complete with a trace of mystical incense on the edge). Another exciting and surprise favourite. Mmm, everyone can leave me with this one. I'm just missing a huge pile of satin pillows to flop back against and lose myself in as I huff my wrists and hair. _____________________________________________________________________ The first perfume I opened from Nui Cobalt Designs was Little Brown Rabbit and that sent that single vial sent me of a whirlwind year of collecting and researching all about this magical house of fragrance and here we are a year later with more to add to my little fragrance menagerie. *the following were purchased Ozark Hellbender (A dark and cool blend to honor your uniqueness. Watercress and wild-foraged blueberries slither through damp moss, budding birch trees, raw pecans, and coriander. Wear this fresh, nocturnal scent to invoke calm and clarity.) This one is intriguing as promised! I get sugared blueberries, watery greens and a drydown of a mixup of fruit, floral and coriander. To be honest, Ozark Hellbender reminded me a great deal of Bad Moon Rising the first couple of weeks with something in this blend reading as "violets" to me with a waxy floral (almost powdery) under the blueberries and herbs- I think it's the birch which I learning I tend to amplify. That all changed as this perfume has morphed to luscious sweet realistic blueberries and aquatic greenery and a dry "dirty" coriander under it all creating a fascinating docile watery scent overall. I was fortunate enough to actually hold a Hellbender in highschool and like those nifty creatures (they have the most adorable toes), this fragrance inspired by them is unexpected in how you think it would act. Weird is beautiful! Spring Peeper (A dynamic blend to wake you up gently and sustain your energy. Warm ginger with saffron, cardamom, coriander, and nutmeg sprinkled over unripe fig and yellow mandarin with a base of mossy mahogany. Wear to stay balanced, focused, and adaptable.) The melodic rhythmic chirping of Spring Peepers down in the hollow is the official sign of spring for me and here we have a fragrance that encompasses the essence of meditative night musings and motivational spirit of a persistent little creature. This is warm and inviting with the spices and the woody base is a perfect touch. The fig and bright yellow mandarin are noticeable in the vial and on application however meld into the background and I tend to amplify the warm woody spices. I love to use Spring Peeper for pure relaxation and when I'm listening to this perfume's inspiration long into the night. Lightning Bug (A scent that is vibrant, luminous, and alive. Budding angelica, liatrix, and blue salvia gilded with key lime and lemon verbena over green amber, green tea, and cucumber. Wear when you need to refresh and revitalize.) Lightning Bug is a quasi-atmospheric that on me smells first of realistic wet green grass and fresh (non-soapy) cucumber with peeks of "light" and "glows" from the citrus, the dry down is warm amber with a vintage twist. This is an elegant representation of summer-night nostalgia and this country girl is very pleased. Silver Fox (An elegant blend for charm, poise and decorum. White tea with honey and rice milk, almond macaron, soft grey cashmere and cool woodland musk. Wear when you must put your best foot forward and make a positive impression.) This perfume exudes a fancy vintage vibe and I'm absolutely smitten. When first applied Silver Fox smells sweet and gentle but still manages to give a good throw as my mother noticed, then 30 minutes the tea announces itself with a tannic nip along with a drop of lemon and a full 2 hours it morphs to soft creamy refinement that smells from another era. It's stunning overall, lasts through a 12-hour shift and reminds me a great deal of a few of my favourite "your skin but better" type of sophisticated scent potions by Nui Cobalt. Grey Wolf (A steely scent for unshakeable courage and impenetrable calm. White sandalwood, black amber, icy sage, cashmere, stone musk, lichen, softly smoked birchwood, grey suede, mountain springwater, and white peppercorn. Wear when you need to remember your strength and own your power.) Grey Wolf is a fantastic representation of one of my favourite animals. On opening it's cold and a bit sweet smelling with a distinct clean masculine element to this blend. Then the peppercorn melds in with the coolness of the sage, a soft trace of smoke and cashmere I recognize from other treasured vials and bottles from by Nui Cobalt, all creating the impression of a dappled grey, white and black coat slipping from the shadows. A slight greenness of lichen peeks out if I close my eyes and concentrate. For me, the true magic hits when a soft magnetic combination of smokey suede and creamy sandalwood appears on the dry down that reminds me of a great deal of Mourning Veil and Grey Wolf morphs a bit more feminine. You would think all of these listed notes would amplify and overtake a room but Forest does it again, as Grey Wolf is another glowing aura type of blend, that stays close to the skin while somehow projecting your inner self and you feel you can do anything. White-Tailed Deer (A blend for peace, tranquility, and bountiful blessings. Soft brown suede, golden musk, wild forest berries, and roasted chestnuts dusted with maple sugar.) Here it is, the blend that has blown me away with a magical cream dipped suede aroma on top of a delicious sugary berry nut and textile mixture under it all that makes no sense why it all works BUT it does. White-Tailed Deer also conjures personal memories of my days in the hollow practising archery and I'm under some fantastic spell as I don't want to put this vial down. This blend also works as a sleep scent potion as I huff my wrists and it's off to dreamland and I can still smell the creaminess sweetness 10 hours later. I don't know what could make this perfume any better, perhaps a hint of salt? Nui Cobalt Designs *reviews composed in April 2020 Spring is slowly returning and these are the blends that have helped me battle the end of winter blues, Valentine-blahs that hit every year and have been gentle and intriguing distractions. From timeless florals that smell fresh from the rained-over garden, comforting intoxicating honeyed fruit and dark forest greenery plus everything unexpected, this was the perfect way to herald in spring, new beginnings and an attitude about different subjects (and notes). *A special thank you to Forest and Josh from Nui Cobalt Designs for sending me these fragrances. -The following perfumes lasted from 2 (Coimetrophilia) to 13 hours (The Bees' High Tea and Ailurophilia) on my skin and even longer in my hair and upper neck. Purchased Bottles: 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.)(-bottle purchased last year-) Simply put The Bee's Knees is one of the most realistic honey and old english lavender oils I have found in the indie realm. On me, this blend 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 is a crowning jewel of my vast collection. Every time I wear it I imagine an English garden scene in late spring into summer and The Bee's Knees instantly brightens my mood as described. It was love at first sniff and what can I say, I fell hard. 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.)(-purchased this year after becoming entranced by the vial last year-) The Bees' Cotillion is an intoxicating blend of fruit, warm 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. It has found a special place on top my vanity, is one of my favourite pear perfumes to date 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. Anthophilia ~The love of Flowers. (White tea rose, French lavender, cotton flower, Easter lily, pear blossom, the barest hint of ylang, and the vivid green of snipped stems. Wear this scent to attract beauty, pleasure, and luxury.) Fragrance currently listed on the site (-purchased vial and shortly after full bottle-) I can't help but hold my head high and breathe deep with this lovely blend as it evokes a treasured era of study for myself and taps into happy childhood memories of Easter celebrations and events. On opening, it's a bouquet of florals and sweet pear anchoring the medley keeping it from being considered heady and this beautiful balance and waltz of spring florals stay true throughout the night without veering into soap nor hairspray/chemical; Anthophilia is a nosegay of refinement and feminity. If you love or are searching for the nectar you get from a bouquet of roses and lilies with an unexpected sweet airiness of pear (and a drop of vanilla- ylang ylang), definitely give Anthophilia a wave of the wrist. It's simply magnificent! Brava, Nui Cobalt Designs! Purchased vials and press samples: Coimetrophilia ~The love of Cemeteries. Freshly turned soil, gentle rain, moss-covered tombstones, low-lying fog, old red oaks, and fading funeral lilies. Wear this somber scent to invoke the blessings of your ancestors and commune with the dearly departed.) (-purchased vial-) I had to purchase this vial as it called out to my fascination with places of sacred rest of the departed and I wasn't disappointed. On application, I get this ultra-realistic wet spring grass aroma that slowly shifts over to cold wet stone, a hint of decaying white lily and finally dries down to comforting moss and dirt. Coimetrophilia captures my memories of wandering in the local cemetery as a child in spring tentatively touching the stormed-over worn stones and deciphering names and dates covered by emerald moss. For longevity, Coimetrophilia fades within a few hours. It also stayed relatively close to my skin which I appreciated as I could bring a little unique though respectful macabre into the work setting and not disturb anyone and be left to my fond memories of exploration and the stories I have gathered about those gone but not forgotten. Stinger "Even bees, the little almsmen of spring bowers, know there is richest juice in poison-flowers." - John Keats (A refreshing potion to cleanse, heal, and protect. Blackberry brambles, honeyed black tea, and crushed coriander with ginger root, lemon myrtle, fresh basil, and fig. Wear to banish negativity and cast a radiant shield to repel all malefaction.) Nui Cobalt is one of the only shops that creates tea blends my finicky chemistry will play nice with and Stinger is a star example. It's intoxicating lush fruit, lemony aromatic herbs and dark seductive tea. For those that grew up in the country, welcome back to memories of berry picking deep in the jaggers; just watch out for those pesky yellow jackets or white-faced hornets! Mmmph. Negative everything, be gone! Ailurophilia ~The love of Cats. (Egyptian musk, tonka, and dulce de leche wrapped in luxuriant cashmere, soft suede, wisps of sandalwood and copal smoke. Wear this comforting concoction to honor your feline familiars and invoke their ancient power.) (-purchased vial-) With Ailurophilia I get a glow or aura of allure, pampered luxury and Old Hollywood Royalty at its finest. Perhaps I can finally detect and identify musk because this is sublime and it lasts 12+ hours on my skin, amplifying with every hour as the first sweet comforting dulce de leche notes fade. Like a feline, Ailurophilia has so many facets to its character; it's overall mysterious, fascinating and a bit naughty. If you are looking for a mental image, I immediately think of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra winking as she makes her grand entrance to Rome. Home Sweet Hive Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.” - Ray Bradbury (A comforting blend for calm contentment. Bulgarian lavender, oatstraw, honey-roasted chestnuts, maple sugar and a scant pinch of lemon zest. Wear for grounding, centering, and to carry sacred space wherever you go.) With the whole world going mad, this is one perfume I could bathe in as I get a tussy mussey of relaxing lavender and oatstraw that just invites warm comforting thoughts of home and sanctuary. The savoury roasted chestnuts come out more as this oil is aging and it melds sublimely with the sweet maple sugar. Home Sweet Hive is a delightful blending of spring and fall and I could see myself wearing this perfume in early spring and then again in fall and winter. Higher Mind (Smart is sexy. An assertive and herbaceous scent composed of green tea, sage, three sacred sandalwoods, rosemary, chilled citrus, and tonka. Wear this enchanted fragrance to hone perception, wit, and focus.)(-arrived with purchased order-) Rosemary! Finally, I am reunited with the unmistakable scent of fresh crushed rosemary and all things green and enchanting. I could happily huff this oil all day and I have noticed Higher Mind clears the cobwebs and helps me "put my thinking cap on" as my Baba always said. The drydown is unexpectedly alluring leaning slightly masculine. Another keeper and I believe I'm going to wear this perfume when I'm studying different subjects I missed so long ago. The Bees' High Tea (An uplifting blend to forge lasting connections and cultivate friendships. Delicate vanilla cakes with rose petal preserves, elderflower wine, and Earl Grey tea with a dainty drop of spring harvest honey.) (-purchased vial-) *Cue the violins and donning the white lace gloves* I finally have my little claws on The Bees' High Tea and it's everything everyone was saying it was. This is STUNNING! For those that fell hard for LOVE, you must try The Bees' High Tea because they are undeniably (surprise) sister scents. I recognize the vintage powdery rose and vanilla from LOVE right out of the gate and the addition of a drop of honey and earl grey elevates this blend from Oooo to Mmmphf! It's been a week since I received this vial and the vanilla cake is deepening with hint of butter on the long drydown (as well as the rose jam) and the tea is there staying true and not turning soapy. The elderberry wine (smells like rich less sweet grapes with a trace of tartness) is the note that amps on me the most and I'm learning all about a new note that obviously loves my chemistry. Overall a sweet elegant and yet almost playful perfume. Cobalt Druid: Sultry (A time-honored Hoodoo blend, famous for its power to attract passionate love as well as abundant wealth. Two dark, lascivious vanillas swirled with dragon's blood, heavy velvet musk and the secrets of an old rootworker's conjure cabinet.) Now this one is intriguing. I get heavy sweet dragon's blood, the impression of a black velvet dress slashed with red and a smearing of peanut butter? My chemistry has this tendency to morph patchouli to either rusted metal or peanut butter so I'm curious if there is unlisted patchouli in Sultry or my tired brain is playing tricks. Curiously, the peanut butter scent is fleeting as the dragon's blood amplifies on me and the vanilla with velvet takes over creating one seductive little number. Where is a black-masked mascarade ball when you need one? Busy Bee (A piquant potion for swift and efficient productivity. A blend of Oolong and Tibetan black tea with peach blossom honey, cardamom, and clove, sharpened with pink peppercorn and dry oakwood. Wear this scent for improved focus, diligence, and motivation.) The above should be hell on earth on my skin with the peach and tea (2 of my top death notes), but I'm enthralled that Busy Bee is an absolute treasure that smells delicious but dark and a little mysterious on me; perfect for the rainy weather and keeping my full attention. I finally have a true smelling peach tea perfume to show off and to recommend. Ceraunophilia ~The love of Thunder and Lightning (Slivered almond and ozone swirled with white clove, ambergris accord, ponderous grey musk, spiced tobacco, and black cotton. Wear this galvanic scent to call forth your inner strength and summon your fortitude.)(-purchased vial-) Boy, I'm learning such nifty names with this clever new Valentine collection and with Ceraunophilia I can't decide what keeps bringing me back for another closed-eyed huff, the salty ambergris, the almond or the dark swirling clove. This blend has left an impression on my scent memory and is a unique conceptual take on one of my favourite things in nature to watch and experience (the elements are there creating a perfect storm in my mind). It would be ideal for the bath and I can only hope it is turned into a potent bath spell someday.⚡☔ Bees on the Bayou "Every saint has a bee in his halo." - Elbert Hubbard (A dark, seductive blend for a sultry southern evening. Vines heavy with honeysuckle entwined with Easter lily, linden blossom, and neroli over a sweet foundation of pipe tobacco, pralines, and creamed honey. Wear to inspire lust and longing in the objects of your desire.) Nui Cobalt Designs has this amazing way with timeless florals and here the honeysuckle is sweet and rich while the neroli adds a fragrant tartness to the underlining notes. This is one lovely blend and I love how the honey pralines appear right as the florals fade. Speaking of the flowers I'm still learning unfamiliar notes, but I swear I detect the lemony-hearted magnolia making a cameo appearance at one point or other with Bees on the Bayou. I think I'll wear this oil more in the summer months and alternate this perfume with Feu Follet as those remind me so much of a family friend who was a southern belle. Queen Bee (An opulent blend to evoke confidence, poise, and effortless grace. Creamy white gardenia and fluffy whipped honey.) 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 and buttery gardenia. 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 a new white floral fragrance to reach for this summer. The heady floral powderiness of Queen Bee lasts quite a while as well, fading away completely at 10 hours. Another keeper! Wasp (An austere balsamic blend for when you need to clean up and get organized. Fresh linen, crisp chardonnay, and a rain-quenched herb garden edged with impeccable boxwood topiaries.) Just as described as the fresh linen scent rises up first to hit my nose, but this isn't the cheap headache-inducing kind, oh no, this is expensive fancy laundry detergent presented. The chardonnay is the next scent to slowly glide in and with that Wasp turns into a scene of laundry flapping in the warm spring sunshine while classical music plays from an open window. The final aroma that is noticed is something resembling calming rosemary. I like this oil and I guess this means I'm growing as a perfume collector as I can appreciate Wasp even with the expensive soap element front and centre. Black Honey “To be successful, one has to be one of three bees - the queen bee, the hardest working bee, or the bee that does not fit in.” - Suzy Kassem (An offbeat Gothic blend for true renegades and revolutionaries. Autumn harvest honey, nutmeg, clove, roasted cocoa, molasses, birch bark, star anise, and oud. Wear when you're ready to shake things up and ditch the comfort zone.) Not at all what I was expecting as I get spiced tootsie roll pops candy in the vial and on my skin I get root beer barrel candies (I guess I amp birch). The long drydown a glimmer of honey and vanilla comes forward, and then the root beer returns. Well, that is all different and I'm sure this would be someone's perfect cup of tea...actually I do know someone who would love this for pure nostalgia reasons. As for me- Oh well, can't love everything. (**please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note (or series of notes) 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). Selenophilia ~The Love of the Moon (Night-blooming jasmine, dewy gardenia, Mysore sandalwood, white amber, pearlescent musk, silver sage and a touch of frozen clove. Wear this luminous blend to invoke the magic of the Moon and draw down her healing energy.) (-purchased vial-) More and more I'm finding new facets of Selenophilia to be awed by as this oil has in store something new every hour it seems. It morphs and changes like the moon itself throughout the month and year starting out bright, buttery and luminous bringing to mind a full moon and then it darkens with the clove and almost something smokey which turns over completely to soft and classic (for me the drydown is my favourite). This is a lovely heady white floral perfume to reach for when you need something with a little oomph and glamour. Bee In Your Bonnet "Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind." - James Russell Lowell (A piquant blend to enliven the mind and stir the senses. Raw rhubarb and cardamom with toasted oats, Madagascar vanilla, ginger ale, and caramelized honey. Wear for support in any intellectual effort to stay sharp and alleviate brain fog.) Here is another fragrant medley to wake the senses and clear the cobwebs. For those seeking the tart juiciness of rhubarb, here's Bee In Your Bonnet! On me, I get the rhubarb and slight bubbliness of the ginger ale after about 20 minutes on the long drydown the vanilla and toasted oats with honey slowly become more apparent. This one is a like not love, but a keeper overall. Dendrophilia ~The love of Trees. (Moss-covered deadfall, birchwood and pine, lingering resins and sunlight through the leaves, a trace of woodsmoke, the memory of vetiver and cedar. Wear this evocative blend to commune with the spirits of nature and reconnect with your primal wisdom.)(-arrived with purchased order-) My dream Moss Maiden perfume is that you? Oh, I feel like some fantastic warrior queen of the ancient forests painted in blue woad or a nimble-footed dryad of myth with Dendrophilia and I'm going to say it, one of the best realistic spring forest fragrances I have encountered in the indie realm. On me, the hyper-realistic moss and deadfall amplify (along with a hint of woodsmoke and dried pine needles) and sweep me away to dream locales and treasured stories. This is joining Sixteen92's masterpiece, Lycanthrope for instant relaxation and meditative/sleep oils. The Birds and the Bees (A very sexy fragrance of dark amber resin, Moroccan musk, ruby red and bright white grapefruits, a spike of black clove and a swirl of summer honey. Wear this sensual perfume to inspire passion and kindle romance.)(-purchased vial-) I'm finding my skin chemistry battles grapefruit and then drains any beauty from it turning it into chalky bubblegum (this is the 4th blend this has happened with from different shops). Ah, but in my hair is a whole different story as I get the mystique and seductive quality from The Birds and the Bees. Just perhaps I'm finally learning to identify musks because I can detect something "different" swirling in the winds. Something resembling fine plush fabric is also present or that could be my imagination. Into unscented whipped soap, The Birds and the Bees goes to turn some heads this upcoming spring and summer. For longevity, this one is fleeting, but nice while it lasts. Danu (Where the sea meets the sky, where the stormwaters return along the sun's rays, the loving kindness of the Universal Mother in her Celtic aspect. A luminous moon-white floral meets an iridescent aquatic. Three tender lotuses, Tahitian monoi, slender bamboo stalks, tuberose, and a soothing cup of tea.) Poetry in the description and poetry in the vial as I get salty tuberose that brings to mind a lone blossom bobbing in the incoming waves. On my skin, more of the clean aspect of the notes amplifies and Danu smells like fresh salty expensive soap. It's certainly elegant and lovely, however, I need to remember this one can reach across a room if I put too much oil on. One tiny dab behind each ear is enough to take me away to unchartered locales and lyrical artistry. Swarm "Aerodynamically the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it, so it goes on flying anyway." - Mary Kay Ash (This delightful blend inspires hope, attracts allies, and nourishes friendship. A honey-drizzled blueberry tart bejewelled with candied apricot in a toasted almond crust. Wear for connection, collaboration, and encouragement.) Mmm, this is really perfume? I could honestly drink this and I can't stop making embarrassing noises once Swarm is placed on my skin. Okay time to focus, I get Nui Cobalt's sublime realistic smelling blueberry accord and the textbook perfect toasted almond crust I recognize from Poppycock and yes even candied apricot. The honey is very delicate and slowly warms up along with the almond crust as the spectacular blueberry fades. With the craziness at work, I'm going to be donning this gem and secretly huffing my wrists and braid when no one is looking but then again, let them look and take a sniff of Swarm and behold something from a gourmand's dream. She Stopped To Pet A Bumblebee "Last night as I was sleeping, I dreamt -- O, marvelous error -- That there was a beehive here inside my heart And the golden bees were making white combs And sweet honey from all my failures." - Antonio Machado (An ode to the living spirit of compassion. Cocoa butter and shea, cotton flower, silk tree, apple blossom, wildflower honey, bee balm, and heliotrope. Wear this scent to conjure an atmosphere of loving kindness and receptivity.) With this collection, I can't get over the adorable clever names and She Stopped To Pet A Bumblebee is such a gentle delightful scent creation that smells like cocoa butter, lemony bee balm (must also applaud the use of this heavenly underappreciated note) apple and the barest hint of honey. It almost reminds me of Pixie with the realistic apple blossom, however, She Stopped To Pet A Bumblebee goes in a more slightly airy and fresh scented direction versus graham cracker and spring grass. I don't know about this scent potion creating loving kindness, but I do know this one calms me down in chaotic stress-filled spaces (like the packed supermarket) and I have been reaching for the vial especially this whole week for different reasons. Now the opening and initial hour after application are nice and pleasant, but I can't recommend the drydown on this one enough- it's a hint of remaining apple and lemon under creamy white chocolate and a kiss of honey. So pretty and hits the cravings, comfort factor and nostalgia elements perfectly. Nui Cobalt Designs *review composed in January 2020
2019 belonged to Nui Cobalt Designs and one other shop in my book and my collection just continues to expand with every release as I discover a new note I never thought I would love and another blue beauty of a bottle to bring home to display on my vanity. Here were the blends that arrived and brought in the new year with only good things to come for 2020. Merry Christmas to all celebrating today! *A special thank you to Forest and Josh from Nui Cobalt Designs for sending me these oils. The following oils last between 5 to 12+ hours on my skin and even longer in my hair. Purchased on Black Friday: Love (Intimacy in a bottle. A blend to enhance your natural magnetism and power to forge passionate connections. The softest sugared rose dances with resplendent vanilla in flickering candlelight.) Somedays you just need to smell elegant and from a painting or stained glass window and that's exactly what I receive and feel like when I dab on Love. This is a gorgeous blend with a polished vintage rose, downy powder and realistic sweet singed creamy beeswax candle wax hiding in the background. It's soft and suggestive, speaking from a forgotten era of beauty and gentility. Starlight & Spider Silk (Swift and skillful, her instinct's artistry glimmers with deadly precision. This beguiling blend empowers you to ensnare the objects of your desire and attract every manner of earthly delight. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, and tiny black vanilla beans.) I don't know how Forest did it but this is the scent of clear gossamer swaying in the breeze and morning dewdrops with elegant vanilla. On me, there is something nearly floral and creamy about Starlight & Spider Silk (don't you love all of these poetic and perfectly matched names?). I don't have anything to compare this oil to currently in my vast collection. Wow, this is stunning and I can't help but think of waltzing spirits and one song in particular (Once Upon a December) when I have Starlight & Spider Silk dabbed all over. I can expect 12 hours of sophisticated perfection with this perfume and couldn't have asked for more. Fairy Lights (A whimsical blend to invoke joy and the true spirit of the season. Their glow is the quintessence of Yuletide. Bright white copal softens into golden cathedral incense and wild honeycomb, then nestles into a deep dark vanilla and luxuriant amber.) For the colder days and months to soon arrive, I wanted to seek out something that reminded me of happier memories of the holiday season and Fairy Lights became THE scent of 2019 I was determined to have. Although well blended, it's not quite what I was searching for, however, I'm falling for this fragrance slowly for the soft elegance that radiants from this oil that indeed reminds me of the appearance of Victorian Fairy Light. It's smooth and comforting with a hidden mint note that I'm guessing is the copal (or possible unlisted Palo santo) melding with my chemistry and with patient aging the warm honey note is coming more forward after the 4-hour mark then lasting until the end of my 12-hour shift. Another blend I can't say I have anything in my collection to compare to and with that Fairy Lights is a keeper, but my search continues for a realistic cathedral incense, sweet honey and beeswax perfume to call my mine and smells like my childhood Christmas Eve. Warm Fuzzies (The scent of softness and tender affection. Ripened peaches, cotton flower, flax, leaves of lamb's ear, smooth sandalwood, skin-warmed wool, a touch of Ceylon cinnamon and a sprinkle of ginger. Wear this comforting blend to encourage gentle kisses, wistful smiles, and acts of loving kindness.) *sample vial appeared in my Black Friday order. When I first opened Warm Fuzzies it brought to mind Wicked Pumpkin just without the pumpkin and maple as the peach immediately attached to my skin and amplified and I'm not going to lie, I was concerned as peach can turn into an ode to a tomcat, on me. Thankfully that hasn't happened and Warm Fuzzies is a soft peach that stays a dewy peach and smells also of clean sheets and a fresh grating of ginger. It has been accompanying me to work as the scent stays close and brings to mind warm spring sunlight. Press Samples: The Star (The light of hope and the power of renewal. Winter citrus, chilled champagne, neroli, dogwood, angelica, frankincense, clover honey, porcelain musk, and snow-covered sandalwood. This sacred scent invokes Grace and fulfillment in all areas of life, from material prosperity to emotional wellness.) This is an aptly named blend as The Star is bright and golden with a glass of joyous bubbly champagne and sweetened citrus on opening that slowly changes over to warm honey and finishes out the night with a stunning powdery finale. It can be slightly more soapy on application than I usually prefer, but that dry down with floral kissed honey and vintage creamy powder is what makes The Star a festive keeper for me. I'm curious if the overly clean scent will be tempered in the coming year or if it just my wonky chemistry that is ultimately latching onto the champagne and strong citrus. Cozy (A potion for peace and contentment. The vanillic scent of very old books, winter spices drifting from the kitchen, glowing beeswax candles, a blanket around your shoulders, and a Douglas fir adorned with lights. Wear this scent when you crave stillness and silence. It has a talent for putting the outside world into decidedly softer focus.) As it says on the tin, the vanillic scent of dusty well-loved books, a dusting of spices and the warm glow of realistic beeswax candles. The fir note is very faint on me, but that's expected as my skin eats pine. As Cozy dries down an orange note appears that dances between gourmand and atmospheric when the familiar comforting wool yarn aroma from Favorite Sweater hits my nose. I'm going to be using Cozy in unscented argan oil for this winter season, I want those beautiful fir, beeswax and yarn notes to all really amp and take me away. Mauna Kea (The snow-capped domain of the sky father, Wakea and modern-day passage to the stars. This summit attracts astronomers from around the world, as its observatories are second to none. Glacial mountain air, bitter almond spiked with rosemary, white vanilla orchid, frozen coconut, and starlight. Wear this bracing blend to sharpen your senses and hone your powers of perception.) I came for the gorgeous description and stayed for the sweet delicate almond, bracing fresh coconut and familiar "starlight" impression from another favourite oil I now own a full bottle of. This oil is stunning and I can easily imagine the immense heavens above with winking stars and coolness from a mountain top carried with the wind. I know it sounds silly, but when I don Mauna Kea, I always feel like I'm replicating the scene from How the Grinch Stole Christmas when the Grinch realizes he is growing a heart and "is feeling", this is me with the coconut. Am I a coconut lover now, who will pay for and swoon with every tropical-themed release? It's hard to say and now that's all for today...uh, in any case, I LOVE Mauna Kea and will be saving up for a bottle to grace my vast vanilla collection. This is akin to Starlight & Spidersilk who took a little tropical holiday. Snowflakes & Spider Silk (Our beloved Starlight and Spidersilk takes a merry turn for the winter holidays. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, tiny black vanilla beans, grapefruit sorbet, fresh ginger root, and fluffy white meringue. This beguiling blend empowers you to ensnare the objects of your desire and attract every manner of earthly delight.) Now here's a blend for my moody little self as on application, Snowflakes & Spidersilk has a more of gourmand exterior leaning almost candyish with the sweetened grapefruit sorbet and vanilla (like a fancy skittle) and is backed by the familiar glowing and slightly haunting "starlight" from Starlight & Spidersilk. All very unexpected and it has me questioning if this combination may be "too happy" for myself to pull off. On the other side of the coin, there's no harm wearing all black and smelling like a fancy skittle, right? I need to think more about Snowflakes & Spidersilk for next year as one of my resolutions was to be a bit more selective of the bottles I bring home. I can't have them all (I keep telling myself). Olympe de Gouges (Born into French aristocracy in the 1700s, she was an unexpected champion of human rights. Olympe wrote bold treatises against slavery and sexism that influenced powerful minds in government. She is credited with the prescient statement, "A woman has the right to mount the scaffold. She must possess equally the right to mount the speaker's platform." She was beheaded in 1793. The fragrance inspired by her is a decidedly bourgeois composition of orange flower, rose, sandalwood, bergamot, and violet infused into ivory leather gloves.) Blame what I'm currently reading and my stellar experience with Nui Cobalt's The Netherfield Ballroom candle, (that carries a similar scent profile) but when I smelled this vial I knew I found something very special for my collection. This shop has this marvellous way with violet and leather notes that somehow play nice on my skin (what wonderous sorcery is that?!) and Olympe de Gouges is a lovely scent that harkens back to another time all together and I must move some things around to purchase a bottle next year. I get all the florals at different points after application, but the vintage rose is the note that rises to the top at the moment with soft leather staying in the background instead of screeching forward which can sometimes happen with my wonky chemistry (same with violets). I have been wearing this soft powdery floral wonder to the workplace setting and Olympe de Gouges will also be accompanying me to different historical events in 2020. Diamonds in the Snow (A glistening expanse of freshly fallen snow in the moonlight. Iced lavender, lemon, and juniper enshrouded in ivory satin, white clove, and crushed coriander with a base of vanilla sugar. Wear this elegant scent when you want to steal the spotlight and stand out from the crowd.) Well with a name of Diamonds in the Snow there was no doubt I had to try this and ooh, this is pretty. Nui Cobalt does herbals like no other and the stars of this blend are the realistic calming lavender and clove with coriander that adds just a touch of mystery and the unexpected to this oil. If you love creamy cool scents, Diamonds in the Snow is a must to try. These oils have been peacefully aging for a few weeks now and the "ivory satin" impression is out today to steal the show and I can't stop smelling my wrist and imagining classy ladies from various literature attending a gala event decked out all in glistening crystals and creamy white. I may need to expand my top 5 list to 7 by the end of this session of reviews as Diamonds in the Snow deserves a choice spot and has a welcoming place on my vanity waiting. Snow Cat ("...watching the cat's breath gently fog up the window in fleeting wisps as the sun rises grey-white through the cloud cover. her ice eyes, buttons of sky."- poetry by Jenn Zahrt The very essence of Hygge: lightly toasted marzipan, ivory amber, chilled coconut milk, and the soft fur of a purring kitten. Wear this comforting blend for instant soothing and solace.) By now it's no mystery I love powdery and creamy fresh perfumes, I crave them, I hoard them and ramble about them. So here's another to add to my growing lists of professional and comforting gems to save for as Snow Cat has taken my workplace by storm and I have received quite a few compliments which who are we kidding, always brightens one's day (or night). These notes alone should be loud and obtrusive on me (even spooky with the almond) yet somehow they only create a peaceful delicate sweetness that others around me gravitate towards. Er, I'm not doing so well being more selective with these blends as I want Snow Cat in my winter drawer. I can't have enough work safe perfumes that carry a graceful quality to them and Nui Cobalt dominates that desired fragrance description for me. Incense, Gold, and Myrhh (A sparkling spin on an ancient tradition. Cathedral resins and angelica are warmed by tangerine pomanders studded with cloves, Tupelo honey, regal amber, calendula petals, true Ceylon cinnamon, and saffron. Wear this sacred scent to attract health, wealth, and wisdom in the coming year.) I'm still on the hunt for the perfect wintery incense perfume with honey that sweeps me back to Christmas Midnight Mass and Holy Supper and this one is close (actually if the odd mint note in Fairy Lights was replaced with the incense in this, it would be sublime) however in the end somehow reminds me more of the Brittish side of my heritage versus Slavic/Russian. It's smokey and the pomander note with cinnamon is dominant on me bringing to mind all the puddings my grandmother would make and the decorations around the house. I adore anything with cinnamon and Incense, Gold, and Myrrh is something I can truly say I don't have which is a smoky incense infused cinnamon/pomander perfume. The search, however, continues for my Christmas Eve in a bottle but I still would love a vivid blue bottle of Incense, Gold, and Myrrh on my vanity. Snowball Fight (The scent of shared laughter and unbridled enthusiasm. Poached pears, rice pudding with nutmeg and allspice, a drizzle of caramel and a single fresh bay leaf. Wear this joyful scent to lift your mood and invoke a celebratory spirit.) To my nose, this is a delightful cousin scent of the much-beloved Little Brown Rabbit but without the opening clean fluffy laundry note, oh no, this is comforting nutmeg, warm spice, caramelized dipped pears and a hidden honey note I want to slather always and forever. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the fluffy clean element of Little Brown Rabbit, however, the dry down is what is my favourite from that perfume and Snowball Fight is exactly what I have been hoping to find. There is nothing so wintery and perfect as nutmeg, pears and honey in my book and this scent potion showcases these treasured notes beautifully. Ah, Snowball Fight is comfort and joy in a bottle and I will be dancing around with my very own soon. Sworn Enemy of Convention: Tribute to Hedy Lamarr (Lauded by Hollywood as "the most beautiful woman in the world," Hedy Lamarr's true genius was revealed in her invention of the multi-frequency torpedo guidance system. It wasn't implemented by the US military in WWII as she had intended, but it did lay the foundation for Code Division Multiple Access: the system on which modern cell phone communication is built. Her birthday, November 9th, is now known as Inventor's Day in her home country of Austria. The fragrance inspired by her is the scent of Hollywood's Golden Age: sparkling white grapefruit, golden sandalwood, deep amber resin, and fine fur accord. Wear this glamorous scent to reveal your hidden powers and secret strengths.) Oh, Hedy. It's not you, it's me. You smell so pretty in the vial and it figures my chemistry completely destroys such a beautifully researched oil. I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong with this one and I have a sneaking suspicion it's the combination of the sparkling grapefruit, wood and fine fur accord because Sixteen92's Redrum smells very similar on me in the way of instead of a classy event or a harken back to another era, I'm getting an amplifying sharp cloying chemical note which I can't learn to love no matter how hard I try. Apologies folks, my chemistry is just evil and delights in torturing me. I read Sworn Enemy of Convention was exquisite on others and I'm completely jealous (and I want to smell like a ghost from the RMS Titanic with Redrum:(). (**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). Hell Freezes Over (A daring and diabolical scent for getting into delicious trouble. Decadent devil's food cake, still warm from the oven, fluffy marshmallow frosting and the lightest dusting of crushed candy cane. Wear this voluptuous gourmand fragrance only if you're prepared to be on the Naughty list.) Mmm more of a gooey batter cake fragrance on me versus a true baked cake scent, but I like this (I mean who doesn't enjoy eating cake batter from the beater?). It's hard to find a perfume with candy canes listed and they are front and centre on my skin which is perhaps my chemistry trying in vain to apologize for the disaster it made of Hedy Lamarr and Redrum. I've not forgiven it...but the fluffy marshmallow frosting that is now coming forward is easing the pain of betrayal a little. Interesting the chocolate fades fast and the peppermint and marshmallow take over. I'm okay with that, haha. Longevity overall is shorter than the others in this batch, with Hell Freezes Over still detectable at 5 hours. I'm going to experiment with this oil in whipped soap and report back another day. Under the Mistletoe (A romantic melange of white winter rose, frozen vanilla, a mahogany mantle decked with holly, golden spiced rum, gilded magnolia, and flickering candlelight. Wear this potion to attract love and encourage kisses.) Mmm Hello, you boozy floral tease, would you like to come home to me? Oh, magnolia wow that note comes forward to say a lot when first applied. I guess I amp the buttery lemon quality of magnolia and dark properties of mahogany. I was hoping this would be a bright lighthearted sister scent of my beloved Exsanguinated (yes, a little dark-hearted individual can get the strange happy urge to deck the halls and sing out of key with the best of them once in a blue moon, I mean if there are roses, spice, "flickering candlelight" and something so prettily named as Under the Mistletoe to drench herself in of course). Okay, time to be firm. Even though exceptionally lovely (oh, the dreamy vanilla is coming through now and sweetness factor is kicking in), the roses are being overshadowed by the magnolia and I don't need a bottle right now. See that's firm, I can wait and hope this pretty little number comes back next Winter. Baby steps. Nui Cobalt Designs One Note at a Time: A trove of Nui Cobalt Designs blends and my first purchase from Ajevie1/26/2020
Nui Cobalt Designs and Ajevie Reviews composed in October and November 2019 It's finally that most wonderful time of the year when I step out in style in everything pumpkin, moon named or vampire and werewolf inspired and here I present to you a few thoughts on a fine selection of elegant and delectable long-lasting blends I have been wearing to welcome in my favourite season right. *A special thank you to Forest and Josh from Nui Cobalt Designs for sending me these oils. One Note at a Time: Silver Bullet (A swift banishment blend to dispel anger, frustration, and any feral lunacy that muddles the mind. Wolf musk accord with wild white currant, chilled clary sage, dried lavender, lime leaves, and a subtle hint of almond bark infused with homegrown hyssop, lemon verbena, and white peppercorn. Wear this soothing potion in stressful situations or when you feel the stirrings of the savage beast within.) I may not be able to detect any wolf musk in Silver Bullet, but I sure can smell and deeply inhale the garden-fresh energized lemon verbena which is front and center on the opening and melds so perfectly with the supporting listed notes creating the unmistakable scent of "metal under cold moonlight or gentle shimmery water at night" when I allow my imagination to take wing. A very aptly named creation and this is a fragrance for a moon child or water sign. I adore this chilled herbal citrus blend and would love a full bottle eventually. For longevity, Silver Bullet lasts around 9 to 10 hours and the scent stays close becoming one of those perfect sleep scent potions or one to grab for some meditative night wandering. Blood Curse (A protection blend that is not to be trifled with. Sicilian figs, oak-aged Bordeaux, Tunisian incense, blackcurrant preserves, Louisiana pralines, tart dried cherry, a spritz of red grapefruit and smooth sanguine musk. Wear to send any jinx or malefaction back to where it came from. It's been known to bring swift and severe punishment to those of ill intent.) With a name like Blood Curse and the above description, this was one vial I couldn't wait to add to my collection and wow it doesn't disappoint. On application, this is sweet and oaky cherry wine that then morphs slowly to a tart grapefruit deepened by beautiful smoky incense which lasts hours and surprisingly it is all extremely wearable in the professional setting. Here is another blend that stays close and I feel I have this "aura" around me or have a glowing blood-red jewel at my throat. Blood Curse is a must try if you love realistic fruit blends that carry a bit of unique mystique to them. Au Bal Masqué (The sheer, spectral scent of elegant ghosts waltzing through the haunted halls of an abandoned palace. Nepalese virgin cashmere, cotton flower, vanilla spun sugar, labdanum, and the wafting memory of white funeral lilies. Wear this scent to attract benevolent spirits and to honor the beloved dead.) I must admit when this vial arrived, "ghost laundry" which was pretty and eerie (but a tad out of my comfort zone) immediately came to mind however a week later Au Bal Masqué morphed into a cotton candy/candy floss/spun sugar perfume I can pull off and wear! It's lovely with a realistic lily in the background with a sheer sweetened non-foody wistful vanilla on top that I recognize from Starlight & Spider Silk and the unique cotton flower from Little Brown Rabbit. It's almost cold and ethereal smelling with a hint of powderiness that adds to the scent story of a haunted masked ball scene. The only lilies I'm familiar with are Easter Lilies so I asked a garden obsessed coworker what she thought and she told me I smelled like Stargazer Lilies with a realistic slight fruitiness to this blend I didn't notice until she pointed it out. Nearly 12 hours later this morphs to warm spun sugar (and a touch of hidden greenery) which is somehow not childish nor cloying smelling and I get a dainty music box playing a haunting melody when I let my mind wander or something to be found in the ghostly court of Marie Antoinette. Entombed (An Autumnal sleeping spell to rival our acclaimed Tryptophan. Cemetary stones enshrouded in mist, wild English lavender, rain, and freshly turned earth. Wear this scent before going to bed for restorative rest and pleasant dreams.) I've commented before about how much I love this shop's lavender and Entombed is another oil to recommend for those searching for the "perfect lavender" perfume. The herb is smooth and inviting and as you bring your nose closer the stone and mist appears taking you away to an abandoned scenic countryside you don't want to leave and it gets even better when a hidden petrichor note manifests slowly like a building thunderstorm over the scene. When it comes to the choice between Tryptophan and Entombed, it's a tie for me. I enjoy both for different reasons. In both, I get an unlisted caramel scent while with Entombed the mysterious woody mint-like note that amps on me in Tryptophan is replaced with a wet earth mixture. Honestly, it doesn't matter which I choose because both give the most important gift which is a fully restorative sleep with pleasant dreams. Exhumed (An earthy manifestation blend for bringing your wishes into material reality. Fig trees, moss-covered mahogany, black patchouli infused with High John the Conqueror root, smoked vetiver, lichen and stone. Wear to attract abundance or anoint green candles in rituals for wealth.) This is wild, dirty and masculine with a genteel side and blame what I'm currently reading, but I can't help thinking Exhumed as a lordly fragrance or the scent of a master of his manor. For note identification, I don't get any fig on application, but I do get warm sensual mahogany with patchouli that shifts to a smoky moss and the drydown is a combination of stone, wood and smoke. As Exhumed is aging, there may also be a drop of sandalwood that peeks through after an hour. Although I mentioned this oil being "dirty", it is strangely "clean" smelling at the same time without resembling soap. It's all-around refined with a feral side and I want to hand this out on the corner to all single men. Exsanguinated (A vampiric fragrance for seduction and allure. Mulled wine infused with blood orange, pomegranate, and cherry, smouldering dragon's blood resin, and a velvet-lined mahogany coffin strewn with red roses. Wear when in pursuit of prey or add to love-drawing baths to amplify their power.) Exsanguinated is exactly as promised on the tin, it's smoky, boozy, dark and dangerously seductive and I feel like I'm channelling Theda Bara in all her prowling magnetic glory when I don it. This is the fragrance of a pale claw-like hand reaching out in the dark to caress a lover (or new victim) and the drydown resembles a flickering black and white screen, I can't fully explain it, but Exsanguinated is one nifty perfume that I can't recommend enough to those who seek some darkness and confidence. Longevity is about 12 hours for me and others have commented I smell like smouldering roses, mahogany and dragon's blood. Exorcised (A bracing purification blend to cleanse yourself and your space. Snow-covered spruce, rock moss, chilled Earl Grey and pale frankincense. Anoint your pulse points to banish negativity or add a few drops to an oil diffuser to cleanse and protect your home.) With every vial from this amazing shop, I learn something new about myself and my skin chemistry and with Exorcised I have learned I amp moss and sweet resins while spruce fades within seconds and sadly the Earl Grey turns to an overly clean combination that resembles my experience with Giulia. Out of all the vials this round, Exorcised faded the quickest, but I must say it is a lovely oil to add to the diffuser. I'm curious what others' impressions are of this blend. On the right skin chemistry, I bet this would be incredible. Oh well, can't win them all (and my pocketbook sighs in relief). Drunk Pumpkin (A boozy scent to honor the spirits and celebrate the change of seasons. An oversized pumpkin punchbowl filled with hot apple cider, Caribbean dark rum, Tennessee whiskey, cinnamon sticks, ginger root and a twist of lemon. Wear when navigating life's big changes, and to summon help from beyond the Veil.) And now it is time for this self-confessed Pumpkin Whore to go wild. Oooh, Drunk Pumpkin take me away! That realistic spiked apple cider note is the star of this perfume and the creamy pumpkin with a hint of maple puts this oil on the top tier for favourite fragrances this year. I must admit, apple is a hard sell for me and I'm a bit picky, but Drunk Pumpkin has seriously impressed me and now I'm regretting not grabbing Cauldron Cider or not having anywhere fun to wear this I could crash and start dancing on the tables (it is the season of mischief and a bit of debauchery after all). Baby Pumpkin (A scent to inspire sweetness and affection. Homemade maple pumpkin bread with Autumn harvest honey, spiced with nutmeg and clove, drizzled with salted caramel, and dotted with Turkish apricot. Wear when you're in the mood for gentle hugs, earnest compliments, and warm appreciation.) Baby Pumpkin morphs and shifts differently on my skin versus hair and at the end of the night, I get warm golden honey, caramel, nutmeg, a hidden sandalwood note and maple on my skin and sweet candied apricot, maple and pumpkin in my hair that all accompany me home. I like this and have worn this oil quite a bit to work, but I'm not sure if I need a bottle this year (on the long dry down it reminds me of MoonaLisa's Cauldron Cakes which I ordered a bottle of at the last release). Mmm, Baby Pumpkin is so good though. I can't get enough of Nui Cobalt's honey accords. Why does everything from this collection have to smell so amazing?! Wicked Pumpkin (A sexy potion that's sure to make you the belle of any masquerade ball. Sandalwood musk and dark patchouli with maple sugar, peach skin, cardamom, and freshly baked pumpkin pie. Wear to awaken your inner temptress and ensnare the object of your desire.) In my hair Wicked Pumpkin lives up to its name and I smell like one tasty and alluring dish with spiced fruits, sandalwood, pumpkin, patchouli and inviting maple sugar, but alas my skin chemistry has found a new note to torment me with and it is peach of all things which morphs to full-on cat urine on my skin. I had suspected peach was a death note for myself quite a while and Wicked Pumpkin just confirmed it and I'm now searching for a scent locket. In the meantime into unscented whipped soap Wicked Pumpkin goes so I can lavish my locks and turn some heads when the wind blows and howls this season. (**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). Pumpkin Cupcake (A comforting scent to ease your mind and soothe your nerves. Whipped white pumpkin between layers of angel food cake, marshmallow frosting, and a light dusting of allspice. Wear in times of stress to keep a level head and a positive attitude.) I haven't had the pleasure to smell angel food cake since my Baba passed away and I can tell you Pumpkin Cupcake is an old fashioned fluffy angel food cake with added buttery allspice pumpkin frosting and maybe even a drop of coconut and sandalwood? Interestingly enough I don't get any marshmallow on my skin and I wouldn't call Pumpkin Cupcake a true gourmand, it's more of a quasi-blend that still satisfies those with a sweet tooth or anyone who has been desiring a bit of nostalgia. Flaming Pumpkin (A powerful prosperity blend to quickly draw abundant wealth and success. Two types of patchouli, fresh ginger root, woodsmoke, burnt brown sugar, and Jarrahdale pumpkin pureed with nutmeg and a spritz of blood orange. Anoint green or gold candles to add oomph to your money spells, or wear when you're ready to ask for that raise.) Flaming Pumpkin is probably the closest I'll get to smelling like a pile of beautiful burning maple leaves and mashed pumpkin with nutmeg in the forest (I get unlisted warm sandalwood in this blend and the drydown is earthy and relaxing). This one is also super comforting and great for sleep or puttering around the house. In regards to longevity, Flaming Pumpkin clocks in at 12 hours on my skin and 20 hours in my curls. I don't get any aggressive ginger or immediate scent of blood orange. Another keeper and unique pumpkin blend for my collection. Ginger Cat (A playful blend to banish malaise, lift your spirits, and ignite vitality. Crystallized ginger and raisins baked into warm pumpkin bread with caramel drizzle, candied orange peel, homemade apricot jam and the subtlest sprinkle of cardamom. Wear this cozy perfume when you need to shake off the doldrums and brighten your mood.) Ginger Cat brings to mind a secret soft orange cookie recipe I make every year that was my great-grandmother's and I can't stop huffing my wrists when it is applied. On me, the sweetened orange peel with apricot amps and I don't get any thick spiced bread or pumpkin. This is an energizing and invigorating mashup of notes and this indeed brightens my mood and feels cosy all at the same time. For longevity, Ginger Cat disappears relatively quickly on me, but I can still get very faint traces of it at 5 to 6 hours in the crooks of my arms. I can see why this is a seasonal favourite. Black Cat (A traditional folk magic blend for fast luck and abundant blessing. Darkly sweet pipe tobacco, blackcurrant, and chai spices amid the swirling smoke of sacred nag champa and myrrh. Wear this dusky potion to invoke protection and great fortune.) Black Cat is slightly smoky fruit laced with incense and I keep picking up something reminding me of brewed spiced berry tea. It's lovely and indeed mysterious and magnetic like a black cat. This would be amazing in a candle or shampoo. I wish it lasted longer on my skin. Gate of Autumn (The air turns electric as daylight hours wane toward the tipping-point of the year. This evocative blend is a paean to the Autumnal Equinox, a time of transformation. It evokes the bountiful blessings of the season, attracting prosperity, fulfilment, and great fortune. Woodland notes of wild fig, ancient oak, scarlet maple leaves and viscous dark resin.) Oh, Gate of Autumn has that incredibly realistic maple leaves accord that I fell for hard in Flaming Pumpkin and Liv. However, with this oil more resins come forward and I recognize palo santo under patchouli and the maple leaves. I wore Gate of Autumn for the last full moon and this is a lovely blend for meditative wanderings late at night. It's not heavy and stays close to the skin. Final observation to mention, I also think my chemistry devours fig and amps the maple with palo santo in Gate of Autumn. The Veil is Thin (A potion for seances, mediumship, and communing with the ancestors. Chilled opalescent musk entwined with sheer vanilla orchid, white heliotrope, and pale citrus infused with mugwort, borage, and blue yarrow. Wear this diaphanous scent to walk between the worlds and speak with the spirits. Anoint white or purple candles to heighten psychic sensitivity.) The above is dead on with the "sheer" description as The Veil is Thin is another aptly named creation. This smells gauzy and wistful without being overpowering with the citrus and heliotrope. It's nicely balanced and can be called "your skin but better" type of fragrance. I will be wearing The Veil is Thin when I attend various supernatural-themed events this season. I must also note, Nui Cobalt Designs showcases vanilla wonderfully and my chemistry and nose both approve. Crown of Hecate 2018 (Enchanted on the day of the Solar Eclipse in the 21st degree of Cancer, this blend evokes the ancient mysteries of the Sacred Feminine in her dark aspect. Moonflower and myrrh over almond milk tea, shining white amber, and a pillow of sheer vanilla. Wear this potent blend to invoke the Goddess and to inspire Her divinity within you. It is particularly supportive of people in crisis, survivors of abuse, and defenders of socio-economic equity.) I get this lovely warm buttery glow that smells like a bit of almonds, floral and something like smooth liquid silk with this blend and I'm falling for these "your skin but better" creations from Nui Cobalt Designs (they stay close, but feel incredibly elegant and personal). As Crown of Hecate (2018) dries, gorgeous vanilla amber and powder from the moonflower and myrrh appears and I need more recommendations please for another perfume by Nui Cobalt Designs with amber with vanilla. I want.them.all! Starlight & Spider Silk (Swift and skillful, her instinct's artistry glimmers with deadly precision. This beguiling blend empowers you to ensnare the objects of your desire and attract every manner of earthly delight. Slender strands of cotton flower hung with trembling dewdrops, cold crystalline musk, and tiny black vanilla beans.) I don't know how Forest did it, but this is the scent of clear gossamer swaying in the breeze and morning dewdrops with elegant vanilla. On me, there is something nearly floral and creamy about Starlight & Spider Silk (don't you love all of these poetic and perfectly matched names?) and I do believe this perfume will be my next purchase. I don't have anything to compare this oil to currently in my vast collection. Wow, this is stunning and I can't help but think of waltzing spirits and one song in particular when I have Starlight & Spider Silk dabbed all over. I can expect 12 hours of sophisticated perfection with this perfume and couldn't have asked for more. In addition to elegant perfume blends that I love to accompany me to the workplace setting and events, Nui Cobalt Designs offers a wide assortment of fragrant sundries and you know I just had to indulge and start collecting. Waipio Valley Soy Candle (The Valley of the Kings is adorned with towering waterfalls, a crescent black sand beach, and a palpable primal energy. This sacred space has survived two tsunamis without a single casualty. Dark myrrh and vetiver, sand-smoothed teak wood, kava kava, rain-drenched ti leaves, and a subtle touch of dry coconut husk. Burn this mysterious candle to wrap yourself in fiercely loving protection, ward off malicious energy and restore a sense of security.) Waipio Valley is a creamy fresh smell with a calming mysterious woody aroma I can't place, but I enjoy and would repurchase. This candle has definitely strengthened in terms of throw as I can detect it as I'm typing at the Kitchen table and I just adore the cosy atmosphere it is creating. I'm not usually a "clean and fresh" sort of collector, but I would get a vial of Waipio Valley to wear and repurchase this candle (Nui Cobalt Designs is changing my mind about certain scent profiles). Beltane Fires Bath Spell (A sensual bathing potion to celebrate the Pagan sabbat of fertility, pleasure, and earthly delights. Smoldering maple wood and birch bark, honeycakes with toasted almond and nectarine, piquant ginger and the faintest trace of understated patchouli.) Ingredients: Epsom salt, iodized salt, red Alea salt, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, organic ginger root powder, fragrance. 1.5 oz mini jar. After falling hard for Nui Cobalt's honey and smoky maple wood accords I knew I NEEDED this bath spell in my collection and first impressions the scent upon opening the jar is divine, being sweet and fruity with just a hint of wood smoke. Needless to say after that brief session of making embarrassing noises while sniffing the jar, I raced off to the bathtub with Beltane Fires and the honey fruit scent wafted gently around my bathroom for as long as it took me to run the hot water. In comparing this formula to other bath treats I've tried, the scent is delicate and doesn't cling to my skin long, however, the ingredients are very skin loving and I could definitely notice my arms were less tight and it worked wonderfully on my painful muscles and joints. Saying all that, I do have to address that the jar is TINY, I guess I didn't realize what 1.5oz meant and was a bit shocked at the size of this adorable glass jar (complete for a darling bow when it arrived); luckily a sprinkle or two is all I need so even after a few months the mini container is half full and in the end, I would repurchase Beltane Fires in the bath spell and perfume format. Hex Breaker Bath Spell (Banish malefaction and ill will with this powerful purification ritual. Lemon, angelica, eucalyptus, dill, and sage are brightened by blackberry and grounded in dark patchouli, pipe tobacco, and vetiver.) Ingredients: Epsom salt, Kosher salt, Hawaiian black lava salt, sodium bicarbonate, dill weed, angelica powder, fragrance. 4.5 inch corked vial (12 cm) roughly 1.8 oz weight *a free gift I found nestled in with my order, thank you so much, Nui Cobalt Designs! I know it shouldn't matter and it sounds silly, but I love this vial bottle! It's shaped as a test tube and even has a cork topper and I feel like I'm about to conduct some kind of naughty forbidden experiment when I uncork and sprinkle the black, gray and white granules into the running bath. The scent of intoxicating eucalyptus hits me nose first along with light lemon and that fragrance turns almost recognizable as peppermint when it hits the water. It's soothing and calming plus loves my skin and again it shouldn't matter, but it's entertaining to shake and combine the colours in the vial. It almost looks like exotic sand. Yes, I'm easily amused and yes, I would purchase this for myself or a friend. Hex Breaker is a conversation starter from the presentation to the unique fragrance. Here's another collection of incredible scent art that only leads me deeper into the indie rabbit hole and ultimately introduced me to a new turn in the warren tunnels (the opportunity to purchase decants from across the indie realm). *A special thank you to Forest and Josh from Nui Cobalt Designs for sending me these oils. Exsanguinated (A vampiric fragrance for seduction and allure. Mulled wine infused with blood orange, pomegranate, and cherry, smouldering dragon's blood resin, and a velvet-lined mahogany coffin strewn with red roses. Wear when in pursuit of prey or add to love-drawing baths to amplify their power.)*Fragrance currently listed on the site Please allow this smoky, boozy, dark and dangerously seductive number to take another bow and feel free to come closer as this is truly the scent of gothic beauty and even holds the ability to take my dreams to some unexpected vivid places. I can't recommend Exsanguinated enough for those who seek some darkness and confidence. *Full bottle purchased Love (Intimacy in a bottle. A blend to enhance your natural magnetism and power to forge passionate connections. The softest sugared rose dances with resplendent vanilla in flickering candlelight.) Somedays you just need to smell elegant and from a painting or stained glass window and that's exactly what I receive and feel like when I dab on Love. This is a gorgeous blend with soft vintage rose, downy powder and realistic sweet singed creamy beeswax candle wax hiding in the background. Ah! It's a Pre-Raphaelite painting in a bottle. Just magnificent! Brava! Scythe of Saturn (Crafted under the auspices of Saturn's direct station in his domicile of Capricorn, this sacred oil invokes the virtues of patience, diligence, maturity, responsibility, and wisdom. Metal and myrrh, ancient oak and blue spruce, bay laurel and Earl Grey. Wear when you need the inner strength and self-discipline to cut away what no longer serves you.) *this sample arrived with my purchased bottle of Exsanguinated In the vial, Scythe of Saturn is an enchanting combination of realistic spruce and myrrh that brings to mind a dark evergreen forest and shifting bitter winds. When applied though, the spruce disappears almost immediately and I'm greeted by a cosy and creamy meditative blending of myrrh and realistic smelling tea that plays nice with my chemistry (LOVE Nui Cobalt's tea blends) along with a hint of metal at the base. Absolutely another keeper. Pele's Fire (An ode to the primordial volcano goddess who creates as she destroys. Sacred ʻōhelo berry, torch ginger, ʻōhiʻa flower, lehua honey, skin musk, and woodsmoke.) Mark this blending down for a list of unfamiliar notes that creates one fiery sweet smokey gem I could huff all night. My inner shimmery amber dragon is pleased with the luscious woodsmoked honey that amps and stays for 10+ hours. The mysterious berry and warm citrus-like ginger are present dancing in the background, but Pele's Fire belongs to the exotic flames entwined with sweetness from the honey my skin attaches to. Here's another unique stunner in my vast collection and one my inner dragon wishes to hoard away next year. Ghost Cat (A fuzzy phantasm to guide and guard you as you pierce the Veil. Cashmere, white amber, and ethereal ivory musk with blushing peony and pink peppercorn toe beans. Wear this spectral scent to call upon the aid of friendly spirits. Anoint white or lavender candles in rituals of divination or mediumship.) Nui Cobalt Designs has one fantastic way with romantic ambers and Ghost Cat is another scent potion that beautifully showcases this shop's handling of sophistication and bringing to our noses something that smells insanely expensive while at the same time making this scent personal as it hugs the skin. I don't know how Forest does it, but here is another perfume that fits right into the office setting and could set off an elegant designer gown. I want to call Ghost Cat another "clean floral", however, it's so much more than that. On me, I get the bright peony that morphs slowly into this soft powdery amber with a hint of pepper. It's so intriguing and fancy smelling. Ghost Cat has found a place next to Starlight & Spider Silk, Au Bal Masqué, Love and Mourning Veil on my vanity. Manta Ray (Fathomless blue grace under moonlit waves. Iced blueberry tea, cold salt water, and bubbles glistening through ambergris accord. Wear this dark aquatic scent to connect with your deep intuitive voice. It is particularly helpful during dreamwork and divination.) In the vial I get tropical Bubblicious bubblegum I remember chomping down on at football games in high school but holy crow does this beauty morph on my skin and become fizzy/bubble saltwater with realistic blueberry (this shop's blueberry accord is perfect) and I'm in love. Ooh, you know what this reminds me of? Sixteen92's Habanera only with blueberry and salt. There is a hidden floral note drifting slowly to the midground and I definitely recognize the blueberry from Grey Cat in Manta Ray. An hour later a surprise wisp of smoke or ashes slowly rises catching my full attention and my applause. Well marking down another bottle to grab for next summer. This blueberry fancy water fragrance needs to come home to me. First Harvest: Grain (Acres full of sunlight, tall and bountiful, a golden expanse of promise. The earthy scent of oatstraw and hay drying in the late-summer fields. Wear this scent to attract abundance and manifest wealth. Anoint copper pennies and bury to the East of your home to sow the seeds of prosperity.) Exactly as it says on the tin! I get sunwarmed hay and straw, the shifting colours of golds and brown you see in country fields. It even has that magical "buttery" scent present you get with oatstraw (and now Sting's Fields of Gold is playing in my head on repeat). First Harvest: Grain makes me homesick and I found another vial to treasure. For those curious, this is a fabulous oil to layer to create some comforting depth to different perfumes. Favorite Sweater (The perfect balance of cool and cozy. White oak and blonde teakwood, copal resin, crushed coriander, lamb's wool accord, a touch of creamy chai, and a spritz of green mandarin. Wear when you need comfort and a sense of security.) I know this oil is listed under the Autumn collection, but Favorite Sweater takes me immediately to winter and I'm wearing a big fuzzy pale green sweater by a roaring fire. To be honest, it reminds me so much of a beloved pale green soft sweater I wore until it fell apart, haha, so this scent potion is aptly named. I know nutmeg is not listed, but I swear I smell something very similar to nutmeg in this, perhaps it is the coriander or chai? I know where Favorite Sweater is going in my box and I hope this scent returns next year. The last batch I'm about to ramble about came from Ajevie and was my first (but certainly not last) purchase from them. Excellent customer service practices to be found on this helpful site and I'm very pleased with the sizes of the "slinks" and "slonks" (terms of measurement of the vials and little screw top bottles they sell) I purchased as I have plenty of oils to test in each vial and ampule. I also have to mention the professional-looking labels that have the name of the perfume in an eye-catching font and the list of the description of notes attached on the slinks (you know that all took time to do and I greatly appreciate the extra touches). Bad Moon Rising (A gentle protection blend to carry your through the tough times. Wild violets, Adirondack blueberries, star anise, blackcurrants preserved in maple sugar with clove and a touch of almond. Wear during inauspicious astrological events or bouts of plain "bad luck." It has a talent for steering the winds of fortune in a more helpful direction.) I always feel like I'm playing Russian Roulette when I dab on anything with violets listed, but I'm happy to report Bad Moon Rising is another surprise winner for me! This blend opens with my ultimate note weakness being star anise and it is brilliantly swirled with realistic blueberries then violets softly waltz through creating a spicy fruit powdery-floral collage that all makes me huff my wrists with no headaches or any nausea to jot down. Another spin on the indie realm chamber ending in unexpected smiles and now I'm eyeing Olympe de Gouges hard for more lovely violets to collect from this charming shop's scent library. Appalachian Autumn (An homage to the Nature Spirits. Deer musk accord, campfire smoke, birch trees, angelica, ripe pears and rain. Wear to align your energy with that of the wilderness to invoke its many blessings. It's particularly soothing and supportive through the changing of the seasons.) I truly hoped this oil would make me burst into a severely off key rendition of John Denver's classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads" but sadly Appalachian Autumn was my least favourite out of this batch. On me, it resembles masculine soap and expensive smelling cologne. I don't get any highly anticipated pears, smoke or any atmospheric element on my skin. Perhaps it would fare better in my curls or in a whipped soap? I knew my wonky skin chemistry would get me sooner or later with one of these blends. (**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). Mourning Veil (Somber elegance with a touch of mystery. Melancholy layers of black vanilla bean, white sandalwood, petrichor, tear-stained taffeta, suede gloves and a silk-lined mahogany coffin. Wear this gothic bouquet to soothe a weary heart and ease sadness. Add a drop or two to the bath when you need to release negative feelings and restore emotional equilibrium.) This is strangely beautiful and one hard to put down fragrance once a surprise element appears that creates one flipping gorgeous gothic scene complete with a gauzy black veil. I said it before and I'll say it again, I don't know how Forest does it. I never knew how much I adore sandalwood until I tried Nui Cobalt and I'm officially a collector of that note now. I chose wisely with picking up Mourning Veil despite my fears of certain notes listed, the suede note is soft on me as well as the mahogany (what wonderful scent sorcery is this?). Here's another keeper and one that tells one lovely creepy scent story. Pale As Death (Wan and bloodless phantoms move forlorn among the headstones. Funeral lilies, datura accord, luna moths on cotton flowers, and white clover along a graveyard path. Wear this conciliatory potion for support in times of sadness. It is particularly helpful through the process of grieving.) Au Bal Masqué, is that you? This fragrance smells so similar on me and yet more of the cotton flower amps, making me think of ghost laundry. The distinct clover is there hiding in the background and I wish it came more forward and I don't get the gothic bouquet I was hoping for. Still, Pale As Death is a nice sister scent of Au Bal Masqué and I will use what is in the vial while dreaming of owning a full bottle of the blend that smells it belongs in the ghostly court of Marie Antoinette. Trembling Aspen (Among the first trees to change color, it exchanges subdued green for a bright, buttery yellow that complements the afternoon light. But perhaps its most distinguishing feature is the rapid, fluttering movement of its leaves. Flat leaf stalks give the Trembling Aspen's foliage a unique quiver in the breeze, seeming to sparkle in the long shadows of September. Sunflower petals, delicate strands of saffron, crystallized ginger, and candied kumquat. Wear this scintillating scent to evoke courage and confidence.) Trembling Aspen was a last-minute addition to my basket and wow am I pleased with this blend! As much as I love Bad Moon Rising, Trembling Aspen takes the coveted spot for number one pick out of this batch from Ajevie. I'm still training my nose so I can't identify the saffron, however, I do get sunflower petals rubbed between my hands, ginger and candied fruit that I'm guessing is the kumquat. There may also be some unlisted oakstraw in this as I detect that mysterious "buttery" quality in this that can be found in the fields late summer and First Harvest: Grain. The description of Trembling Aspen is dead-on as this smells like a golden tree in autumn. Instant love and recommendation. Nui Cobalt Designs and Ajevie Art & Accents: A Winter's Ball (Pride, Prejudice & Perfume) The Netherfield Ballroom soy candle12/27/2019
The Netherfield Ballroom Soy Candle by Nui Cobalt Designs. 6oz tin. (Scent notes: An elegant illumination with notes of white leather, sheer muslin, raw silk, and a petite bouquet of pink spray roses, English lavender, and lily of the valley.) I couldn't think of a better farewell to our journey into this collaboration of scent and beauty than lighting an atmospheric candle and Nui Cobalt Designs has presented one exquisite step back in time with this blend that on opening holds a heady mixture of powder, English lavender and soft leather which all beckons me to come closer and inhale a fragrant vintage wandering into the pages of a true classic. Once lit, the roses along with an impression of "cool to the touch" fabrics appear and my bedroom is transformed into a glittering ballroom in 1811 and even in this imaginary world I'm a wallflower who prefers to curl up with a good book in the corner while others dance in elegant lines, bowing and dipping and the light flickers all along as the pages turn. The Netherfield Ballroom is simply stunning to say the least (even catching the positive attention of my mother who never compliments my indie discoveries when she visits) and is another bouquet of notes I would dearly wish to purchase in a perfume bottle or hair product. It is probably no surprise The Netherfield Ballroom was one of my top picks and one I highly recommend especially if you love powder, florals and a candle that tempts you to come closer and enjoy just one more chapter or learn something about the early 19th century. *The A Winter's Ball (Pride, Prejudice & Perfume) collection is currently available for purchase **A sincere thank you to Andrea from Sucreabeille for allowing me access to this collection, it was a pleasure to ramble about this special themed box and explore scent and cosmetic artistry with you all. 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 |
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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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