One Note at a Time: Necromancy *from the General Catalogue (Notes: Datura metel, ceremonial incense, funeral flowers, benzoin resin, ancient spirit boards, oud) If there ever was a Victorian or Edwardian Ghost scent out in the indie fragrance world to collect and cherish for myself Necromancy is definitely it as this creation creates visions of waltzing spirits, elaborate final ceremonies and tragic romance tales for the ages. In the bottle, this scent potion is a bit deceiving with incense, resin and a curious floral peeking behind everything and you may call Necromancy "pretty" at this point of time but once applied the captivating element of this perfume is released with a creamy narcotic floral (with a trace of vanilla and a drop of sweet dragon's blood) leading the way to another place and time then it all makes sense why Necromancy has graced the pages of a popular fashion forward magazine and comes highly recommended in certain circles. In regards to the general public's opinion concerning this oil, it's a clear winner (especially in the professional work setting) and acts like a billboard to stunning scent artistry to be found within the realm of indie perfumes. This is a true Holy Grail fragrance for me. Brava Claire! One Good Scare *limited edition that was brought back as part of the Halloween Favorites collection 2018 (Notes: Glowing jack-o-lanterns, charred marshmallows, roasted pumpkin seeds, falling leaves, campfire smoke) I've shared quite a bit about the strangely beautiful and elegant part of my perfume collection but really haven't written much about the fun playful corner so for a double feature about my favourite perfumes, I have to gush about One Good Scare as this is one (if not the best) morphing atmospheric gourmands I currently own and I just want to pour the bottle over my head while singing my own version of "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (how about "Pour Some Pumpkin On Me" and yes I whip my hair to the thumping chords in my head). I'm sticky creepy sweet from my head to my feet when I wear this scent confection and I love every second! One Good Scare opens with a realistic campfire smoke that then changes to frost-laced dead leaves with pumpkin flesh to nutty pumpkin seeds and dries down to a crave-worthy confection of marshmallow (and perhaps warm sandalwood?) that remains all day. It paints a scene straight from the silver screen of classic horror (accompanied by a little rock and metal music for good measure) and I couldn't be more pleased (this is also one perfume I'm not afraid to approach someone with and say either "Behold Halloween!" or "Smell Me!") I can't recommend this one enough. Sixteen92 For the past several months I have been carefully hoarding away an assortment of unique home fragrances to properly lift or match any mood I may have during the year and what an exciting venture it has turned out to be. I stumbled upon quite a few indie shops that had creative takes on atmospherics, unbelievable true to life gourmands and ones that charmed me overall with their aesthetics and presentation. These were the first finds along my journey into the candle melt realm and the beginning of a whole new kind of collection for my home and imagination. Strange Fire & Fumery Existential Dread- (description on site: "You wouldn't believe me if I told you.") *Available in the General Catalogue I'll admit it, I purchased Existential Dread solely based on the cryptic description and I couldn't be more pleased with the unique aroma that greets me that smells of dead flowers with wilted stems and something warm or slightly resembling new spring grass (perhaps heliotrope?). It's oddly comforting and perfectly natural smelling (this is a must if anyone has been looking for an "everything returns to/from the earth" type of fragrance). The throw is wonderful and Existential Dread makes me want to curl up with a good dark mystery novel every time I'm in its presence. This wasn't the first complex fragrant item I have had the pleasure to have in my home from this scentcrafter as I fell hard for the Opium incense and Ether candle I received in my Ave Victoria Box and I've been consistently amazed by this scent artist's way with florals. I can't wait to for the Victorian Brothel-Valentine's Day box I ordered to arrive at my doorstep in the coming weeks (bring me all the rosemary, orange blossom, french vanilla, rosewood and dreamy lavender creations). As for Existential Dread, I would repurchase this melt and also try it in the perfume form. Rook- (Wet leaves, musky black feathers, slow vetiver, a stiff branch, the slow death-creep of Autumn, a fussy Underworld messenger.) *Available in the General Catalogue With a description like that, I had visions of a square of wax containing the darkly captivating aromas that I have found in Welcome to Burkittsville and I Be The Witch of the Wood from Sixteen92 but alas this black-purple melt is more fresh in nature and I can only describe Rook as "witchy laundry" as I get nice smelling clothes tumbling in a dryer but the vetiver does pull the mystery and gloom into the scene which I love but it's not enough. Overall pleasant, an interesting atmospheric you will never find for sale in a commercial setting and completely unexpected but not for me sadly. I think Rook would be a fantastic first candle melt option for someone who loves clean and refreshing scents. Oh well, my search begins again for a realistic creepy forest blend in square form. Willow WaxCraft Liber Arcana- (Leather, Pumpkin, Herbs, Cauldron Smoke) *Available in the General Catalogue My love of bargains and the thought of my home smelling like pumpkin, herbs and cauldron smoke landed this order in my basket and into my warmer less than a week as this shop has lightning-fast shipping. The packaging is just darling to behold as I secretly adore anything to do with swans so this storefront had me from the stamping of the emblem on the envelope then continued to spoil me with the exotic candy tucked in my order and finally took me away to a fancy European styled coffee shop in fall with Liber Arcana. The leather is the most dominant note but the other anticipated accords are there adding to the overall effect but I do wish the pumpkin and smoke were more forward. Not sure I will repurchase this particular melt but that's okay as this shop has a vast catalogue to explore (and I did just that, reviews coming soon). Sleepy Hollow Day- (Petrichor, moss and vines, distant woodsmoke, wet wood, and a damp persistent drizzle) *Available in the General Catalogue -was a free mini tart sample (Thank you Willow WaxCraft!) Hm I'm beginning to think that finding a true to life smelling rainstorm in a candle melt may become a white whale for me as Sleepy Hollow Day is registering as soap just like Rook. Perhaps the general public doesn't want their homes to smell like mud, decaying leaves and damp roots from an ancient fog draped Hollow but this lady sure does and I don't give up easily so I'm fully prepared to track down that elusive distinct aroma that resurrects a beloved scent memory for me in any candle/stick of incense/or melt out there. Sleepy Hollow Day and Rook are more pleasant conceptual or artistic renderings (pretty paintings of a scene) which may be exactly what someone else may desire for their own idea of relaxation. Oh well, onward we go. Yule Log- (Woodsmoke and marshmallow, hot buttered rum, sweet maple toddy, and creamy spiced eggnog) *LIMITED EDITION/DISCONTINUED Oh yum! I'm so grateful the owner sent this in my mystery pack. It's divine in every way and makes my bedroom smell like a coffeehouse/bakery at Christmas time. The smoke and sweet marshmallow are undernotes to the buttered rum and spices and this was my second favorite melt in the bag. Sadly, I believe this blend has been discontinued as I looked for it over the holidays and it did not return in any listing- so here's one cup of aromatic wax I'll be saving to use. Harvest Hayride- (Leaves, crisp apple cider, pumpkin, and salty-sweet kettle corn) *LIMITED EDITION This cornflower blue cut of wax is an autumn mosaic of delicious apple cider (with just the right amount of spice), something resembling hay and buttery seasonal treats that surround me in a perfect fall atmosphere I sorely missed last year. Harvest Hayride is so relaxing and I was crushed to learn this was another limited edition scent mashup I now need to carefully hoard away. I honestly wish I tried this shop earlier and grabbed larger sized options of 3 out of the 4 cups (or shots as they are referred to at Willow WaxCraft) I received in my first order. Anarchy’s Child- (Nougat-y trick or treat candy, smashed pumpkins, and fall leaves) *LIMITED SEASONAL EDITION This blend just wasn't for me but it definitely creates a story with the scents of overly sweet candy and a gust of crunchy fall leaves. It's sweet mischief and misrule on All Hallows' Eve. I'm not sure why I get hints of leather when this blend turns to a burgundy sparkly liquid but it can give me a headache. Anarchy's Child and Ulalume’s Tomb (and I think Harvest Hayride) are the only 2 (or 3) resurrected fragrances and can be seen in the Halloween collection. Ulalume’s Tomb- (Vanilla, black tea, white pepper, cold stone, dust, and lily) *LIMITED SEASONAL EDITION This aromatic item was my choice pick out of the mystery pack and I immediately ordered another after falling under this blend's spell for the first time. If anyone out there is a Poe devotee Willow WaxCraft presented one amazing ode to such a beautiful tragic poem (complete with a silver shaped star on top of the pale white wax) with Ulalume's Tomb. It carries a lovely melancholic element and served as the ideal blend to read certain gothic novels by (most notably mirroring the crypt scenes between Lucy Westenra and Arthur Holmwood in Dracula and the sense of haunting loss and abandonment in The Lost History of Dreams perfectly). In sense of notes, the pepper lends to the idea of grit you could imagine coming from the floors of a forgotten tomb and yes there is dustiness on wilted sweetly decaying lilies (I am an official hunter of lily perfumes and candles now). There is also a striking vanilla accord that swirls around creating the impression of cold moonlight. Quite impressive overall and I need to order a larger size clamshell next fall. Bonjour Wax Co. Autumn In Paris- (Spiced Pumpkin Souffle & warmed toasted Baguettes) *LIMITED SEASONAL RELEASE This blend is just incredible and gladdens my spirit while making me so hungry whenever I melt it. It's extremely realistic smelling (BEST baked bread note I have found yet in perfume or candle form) and the cut up tart pieces throws a delectable aroma from my bedroom to the downstairs. The scent doesn't last as long as the other melts I have tested though which is disheartening but while it lasts, Autumn in Paris is easily one of my top 3 favorites from all the candle shops I've visited. I just wish it lasted longer (still plan to get a wax "loaf" of Autumn in Paris next fall and in the meantime sneaking sniffs of the uncapped sparkly contents). Familiar Spirit- (Pear, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom, Coffee, Sweet Licorice, Resinous Cedarwood and Cashmere Wood) *LIMITED EDITION Holy cats this one packs a punch! There is nothing subtle or tame about Familiar Spirit and I want to love it but honestly, it's not for me. In the cup, it's a stunning collage of woods, sweet floral and pepper (I would love to find that combination in a perfume oil) but when it's unleashed in the melter the cashmere and cedar woods wreck havoc on my head and it smells extremely masculine in nature. This is incredible scent artistry displayed that creates a story and matches the name but sorry no, I don't care for the melted fragrance at all and sadly Familiar Spirit will be leaving my house never to return. I guess I need to watch out for those notes in any future order especially the base ones. Foolish Mortals- (Hazelnut Coffee, Marshmallow Fireside and French Baguettes) *LIMITED EDITION Bonjour Wax Co. excels at bread and marshmallow notes and Foolish Mortals is another choice pick I would repurchase. The marshmallow is the strongest scent I notice and the coffee along with the realistic bread note are more of underlying accords to the whole scent confection. It's sweet, decadent and makes me smile plus makes me hungry for a heavy breakfast. The throw and scent last a bit longer than Autumn in Paris and Fluffernutter. Now I need a hazelnut coffee perfume with marshmallow and bread Mmmm! Fluffernutter- (Creamy Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Fluff on Toasted Bread) *LIMITED SEASONAL EDITION As I get older I want to surround myself in special kinds of comforts and nostalgia and that is especially true for scents in my home. Fluffernutter matches all the above desires and I have found a real gem stumbling upon this wax company and melt. Who knew it was possible to scent my sanctuary away from the mad world in the unmistakable aroma of toasted peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches! Another future repurchase item and one I love to sneak sniffs of. Sixteen92 has provided me with some unexpected holy grail fragrances (Necromancy, Telepathy, Mercy Lewis, Lycanthrope, Baba Yaga, *One Good Scare and *Ligeia) but I haven't opened anything that contained a certain level of pure nostalgia such as the Halloween Limited Edition Collection: The Sisters. Not only did one my childhood dreams come true with "smelly stuff about the Sanderson Sisters" but I found a new scent love affair with gardenias and I couldn't be more pleased. These are the complex captured essences and iconic scenes of the Sanderson Sisters in all their memorable glory (Brava Claire!). One Note at a Time:
Winifred (Notes: Iron-distilled patchouli, davana, tomato leaf, crushed petals, dried plum, whirling candle smoke, crumbled gravestones) *currently available at the 2019 Resurrection Pre-Order event until January 18th When applied I immediately get a warm leafy plum, a distinct peppery tomato leaf note, a trace of dustiness from the gravestone and some type of watery white floral. This is swirling plum and green skirts in a graveyard under a pale moon. Depending on where I apply the oil to my skin, a light smoke note rises up with more fresh green tomato leaf and in my piled up hair, it's a complex patchwork of realistic plum and seductive unknown florals. Winifred is quite magnetic and I love to either wear this fragrance while relaxing with a good themed book or before sleeping the day away preparing for long work nights. Hours later or when I wake I'm greeted by something akin to dark purple velvet and dirt encrusted iron. I wonder if this arcane scent potion is what the wicked fiery charmer would have worn when she was courting poor Billy Butcherson (before she poisoned him)? When I'm not enjoying this oil at home, I'm going to be dabbing this perfume on for special occasions throughout the year and placing You Who Swallowed a Falling Star on my Resurrection 2020 list (it was mentioned Winifred and You Who Swallowed a Falling Star share the same mood and I need more dark fruit-floral atmospherics in my collection). Sarah (Notes: Threads of golden flax, heliotrope blossom, Angel’s trumpet, wilted gardenia, rice milk, dried orris, broom straw) *currently available at the 2019 Resurrection Pre-Order event until January 18th This limited edition opens with a warm savory bread-like note (akin to the one in Sarah Good) that then morphs slowly to creamy heliotrope and it's a little sweet but refined (innocent, playful but hiding an alluring secret underneath the hint of sweetness). My skin unlocks the gardenia and yes it does amp but thankfully doesn't run amok with my senses, it stays true to what others have been telling me gardenia can be and that is a beautiful buttery floral and Sarah lasts until the next morning. There is also a dreamy quality to this oil as it lulls my imagination and I'm so happy I took a chance on this bottle and completed my The Sisters collection (it turned out to be my personal favorite of the trio). I now need more gardenias in my life and a 10ml bottle of Sarah because it has become one of my go-tos for the workplace setting or when I simply need an enchanting oil to brush into my hair. Mary (Notes: Marshmallow root, milky chai, praline, sticky toffee, fallen maple leaves, firewood, the chocolate-covered finger of a man named Clark) *currently available at the 2019 Resurrection Pre-Order event until Janury 18th If I can pull my nose away from this bottle long enough ('tis a gourmand lover's dream, creamy and sticky treats that tempt just once more sniff) and apply the oil I'm greeted by melted milk chocolate, creamy buttery toffee and autumn woods (taking my time there could be a trace of warm sandalwood at the heart of this perfume) that pulls this crave-worthy creation into the atmospheric realm that Sixteen92 excels at. The caramel and marshmallow amp on me enough that I catch the attention of hungry coworkers when I wear this confectionery scent delight out and I have been asked several times if I had expensive tempered chocolates at my desk (especially after midnight). Must also jot down, Mary lasts the longest on me from the trio with Sarah a close second and Winifred crumbling to dust at around 8 hours. For all the sweet notes listed there is under the warm and comforting aspects of Mary something dangerous and it easily brings to mind the one line in the movie "Come out, my dear. We will not harm thee" (voiced by Winifred Sanderson/Bette Midler); perfectly capturing the essence of Mary Sanderson as she has the power to smell out children, talk sweetly and conjure some real devilry with her sisters if any poor child wandered too close to their cottage in the forest. This is also a fun fragrance, nicely matched to Mary's quirky facial expressions and her comical one-liners in the treasured film. I can definitely see myself reaching for this perfume quite often especially when I get cravings for something creamy sugary and with a trace of autumn atmospheric but refined...or if I want to watch my coworkers drool (they had the same reaction to One Good Scare *review coming soon which this delectable smelling bottle certainly shares some similarities to in complexity and overall mood.) Sixteen92 MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean It's not every day I'm presented with the whole package of beautiful vintage aesthetic, fantastic scent artistry and a touch of unexplainable magic from a house of fragrance but sometimes the stars align and good things enter into your life at the perfect time and so it goes with MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean. From dream gourmands in gorgeous themed bottles, nostalgic scents that sweep me away to happier times and even to bath products that just melt away my stiff tired joints and muscles this shop is one I have been waiting for when it comes to the ultimate pampering delights for myself. Who knew this was the year of such wonderful kinds of self-care treats to discover and MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean shoots to the top of the list of favourite orders/releases of 2018 and shops to share. As I said, it's not every day you stumble across something so special or rare for yourself and for me it all started with one simple curious purchase during a favoured time of the year... One Note at a Time: *The Rumpkin! (Gathered Notes/Description: Delicious pumpkin goodies with a twist of fresh sweet lavender essential oil) In the bottle: Exactly as it says on the tin, SPICED PUMPKIN and SWEET LAVENDER. I have been searching for over a decade for this combination of notes in one bottle that isn't sharp or candle-like on the first impression. Is it possible The Rumpkin! is THE ONE? Applied: ...How do I truly describe heaven or the crown jewels of both pumpkin and lavender oils in my collection? I don't feel I can fully do this fragrance justice and all I'll do is end up rambling but here we go: I can only call The Rumpkin! pure elegant long-lasting magic (it is still detectable well into the next afternoon on me). THIS [holds up diamond-studded bottle] gorgeous scent potion is what I have been searching and waiting for years to find when it comes to the otherworldly marriage of lavender and pumpkin. It's a sweet herbal delight with some serious morphing elements as my wrists project the lavender and the crooks of my arms and neck amp the creamy almost buttery pumpkin with spice. As the hours roll on, this perfume is still captivating to my senses and gentlemen wink and fall to their knees to propose undying love as I sweep past while the other ladies seem jealous tonight...Haha no nothing that exaggerated but still The Rumpkin! garners the compliments and my coworkers keep asking me what I'm wearing that smells so good as they yank my arm and I must admit I can't stop smelling my wrists and stealing sniffs on my locks when no one is looking (but then again let them look); this is everything I've ever desired in a perfume. It's sweet, herbal, spicy and creamy plus I swear The Rumpkin! holds some unseen magic as I smell tempered white chocolate at 8 hours into the wear time. How very curious and spectacular because the chocolate is staying with my finicky chemistry, I'm seriously over the moon right now! I must have more and want EVERYTHING MoonaLisa makes now. One more holy grail fragrance off the list. *Pumpkin Batter (Gathered Notes/Description: Scrumptious, toasty bread, pumpkin puree, warm Autumn spices, vanilla frosting, creamy caramel, and juicy raisins) In the bottle: TOASTED SPICED BREAD and PUMPKIN. The wrong scent to wear when you are hungry, it's delectable and so realistic in the bottle alone. Pumpkin Batter almost smells like cinnamon homemade pretzels, now that's something. Applied: Oh yum! What a delight to find this type of combination of butter, pumpkin, bread and spice in a bottle. Right away the buttery toasted bread amps with spiced pumpkin that still carries a slightly unique pretzel aroma to it but as it warms on my skin more toasted buttery bread comes forward and a hidden honey note appears. I must admit I was expecting Pumpkin Batter to be a cake heavy fragrance like others were commenting about but this dark tinted bottle is proving it holds many delicious surprises in store and I'm falling hard for the realistic homemade bread note with honey and spiced pumpkin. Here is another fragrance that lasts into the next day and a little goes a long way. Another unique scent confection for my collection and I think I want Pumpkin Batter in the bubbling bath brews next Halloween. Forager's Grove (Gathered Notes/Description: "Blended with deep, rich notes of dank woods, sweet balsamic aromas of resinous leaves and twigs, intoxicating toasted sugared wild blackberries and hints of comforting roasted coffee") A sample vial that appeared in my first order, thank you MoonaLisa! In the vial: ROASTED COFFEE, FRESH BLACKBERRIES and something like CEDAR. It's sweet and acidic but warm. I'm a little leery as coffee can turn skunky on me but I've been having such unbelievable good luck with unique fragrances lately. Fingers crossed my chemistry plays nice. Applied: There is nothing to fear with Forager's Grove as this oil is warm, inviting and isn't turning skunky on me at all! The coffee, in fact, is very subtle and the sugar-tossed blackberries smell like they are from a cobbler and there is a measured cup near at hand of gooey buttery caramel ready to drizzle on top. I also detect the balsamic woods (even a little realistic pine resin after a few hours) and a curious note akin to fresh pencil shavings which I love and immediately reminds me of long past school days and simple innocence. I am so thankful this was a free sample I found nestled in my first order. I'll be reaching for Forager's Grove when I'm seeking cosy comforts at different times of the year. This perfume is a definite keeper in my book. *above order purchased at full price When asked about all the boxes arriving at my home at different hours in the following weeks after my first order from MoonaLisa I told those that asked: "Blame The Rumpkin!, here smell me". 'Tis true that enchanting scent launched me on a journey that took me across the threshold of a whole new collection of pampering gifts for my senses and I sorely wish I found MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean years ago, this shop has been around since 1996 and I just learned about its talented scent artist through a very helpful forum on Reddit this past autumn. Well, 2018 was the year I finally arrived at the party and I don't want to leave especially after falling hard for the next order I'm about to share starring The Rumpkin! of course (and this time I attempted to capture all of the magnificent presentation and wrapping but failed, it's not an unboxing it's honestly an event). Bubbling Bath Brew in The Rumpkin! Every time I open the bag of these salts I'm reminded of the vintage York Peppermint Pattie commercials where someone opens the wrapper and is instantly transported far away to something amazing and relaxing; the perfect "me time" indulgence. The same happens to me and is true about these soaks as I'm greeted not by cool mint and chocolate (that comes later with Snuggler *review to follow in early 2019) but by the beguiling wafts of sweet lavender and spiced pumpkin. The heavenly fragrance of The Rumpkin! fills my whole bathroom and when sprinkled into the tub and hot water hits, it's truly a sensation as these salts just take my imagination away along with my stiff muscles, dry skin (it's insane my skin, especially on my feet is noticeably softer in winter than it ever was in summer) and this bath brew just melts deep into my joints like buttah to ease pain. Easily the Bubbling Bath Brew/Bath Salt Soaks are one of my favourite purchases of this year and I want to stock up on every gourmand scented bag and stay in my sweet smelling sanctuary for as long as possible. Highly recommend. Witch's Brew Leave In De-Tangler in The Rumpkin! Unleashing my locks in the morning from being carefully pinned after applying this magic hair brew the night before just makes me smile and I can't recommend the spray-in-hair detangler enough. I can definitely notice less splitting and my ends are clearly quenched by something that has been missing from all the other formulas I have been using for my extremely long fine hair that delights in painfully knotting at the drop of a hat or gust of wind. Every strand is touchable (not crunchy or greasy) and expensive salon worthy. From start to finish this formula is impressive and very simple to use: shake the bottle, spray in damp hair (enjoy and lose yourself in the fragrance, imagine happily drowning in it), let sit for 5 minutes and then my brush goes right through my pile of hair as promised with nary a snag. Nothing compares with the results such as the bouncy soft voluminous (and fragrant) mane that greets me after using Witch's Brew Leave In De-Tangler and my search is over. I'm purchasing this product for life and stocking up. Highly recommend. Carpet Fresh in The Rumpkin! *a surprise product in my order, thank you Moona! To the outside world (and especially to those at my workplace), I may seem organized, polished and extremely tidy but I'm harbouring a dirty little secret: I loathe house cleaning and avoid it when I can. Seriously there isn't anything wrong with an extra speck of dust on the mantel, a bed you can't bounce a quarter off of, a few fuzzballs in the corners and a little chaotic organization (haha I definitely wasn't a maid or housekeeper in any past life). So you could only imagine my thoughts when I unwrapped this beautifully packaged product. I just had to use this though as it smelled divine so out of curiosity I called a truce against the hate I have for extra seasonal cleaning and tested this mixture against the distinct funk my loveable pack can emit in the air and the autumnal muck they manage to bring in (especially near my front door) and wouldn't you know it this stuff made my kitchen smell flipping amazing and dare I say it, I enjoyed running the sweeper. In fact, I cried "good boys!" when my dogs tracked in the grime and mud because I got to use the sweeper as my dogs just stared at me heads tilted in confusion probably wondering who this crazy lady was that danced and skipped about sniffing the air while the loud annoying machine rumbled away. Oh wait, I'm not saying I love cleaning or am turning over a new leaf, far from it but this Carpet Fresh mixture does make the chore a tad less unpleasant and the ultimate reward is my whole room is filled with a fragrance I want to roll around in. I dare say, as long as I have this Carpet Fresh stocked under my sink, my home may be a little tidier in ways. If anything I'm hanging this powder and herbs in all pretty organza bags and placing them in my closets, my vanity drawers, in my car (that is oddly spotless and uncluttered, go figure) and when my dogs and cats aren't looking hiding them high above their pens and boxes. This stuff works! One Note at a Time (Perfumes) -For how large my perfume collection is now, I rarely need to purchase backup oils but I did order another bottle of The Rumpkin! because honestly one bottle is not going to last until next Halloween (it's half gone already and it's only December). Note to self: GET A BOX LOAD NEXT YEAR and hoard and tuck them away in my purse, drawer at work and my car compartment like an Easter Egg hiding Gollum. The Coven (Notes: Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose, Champaca, Spikenard, Vanilla and Frankincense) In the bottle: BERGAMOT, SPICE and RESIN. It's an intoxicating fragrance combination and I could sit here and sniff the jewelled bottle all day. Applied: Each time I wear this special oil, I smell something new and different that catches my attention and today I smell sweet citrus with nuances of powdery rose and frankincense when I take my time. I can clearly detect the rose that has been hiding in The Coven for over a month and as I sit here typing a romantic vanilla is also appearing that swirls with the bergamot and the hints of spice that begin to amp as the hours pass then the scent fades to lovely warm vanilla with resins again (it lasts 12 hours on me). This blend is described as: "rich, sultry and velvety" and that is exactly what I'm receiving. There is something sparkling and magnetic about The Coven but also mysterious and fascinating underneath. It makes me think of an elegant alluring Masquerade Mask and I believe I just found the ideal perfume to ring in the new year with. Extra Samples included with the order, thank you so much Moona! Cauldron Cakes (Gathered Notes/Description: Deliciously sinful Cauldron Cakes oozing with melted Butter, Cinnamon, and Maple and Vanilla glaze, with a crushed nutting topping, and served with piping hot cappuccino and a tiny, tiny touch of Witching mischief!) In the vial: Mmm...FRENCH VANILLA CAPPUCCINO and a drizzle of MAPLE SYRUP. I think we have another gourmand favourite oil here. Applied: Cauldron Cakes is a fragrance that the longer I let the blend meld with my skin the happier I become and by an hour in, I have coworkers yanking at my arm to smell the most realistic cappuccino aroma I have yet to come across from any house of fragrance. It's so cosy and brings to mind a little autumnal coffeehouse next to a European speciality bakery. I must remember that even though I place more on than I can smell at first, Cauldron Cakes amps with time and I was told I could be smelled from across a crowded room at a workplace celebration (this oil upstaged 2 homemade birthday cakes, a row of creamed desserts and cookie tray, in fact, everyone was wondering what smelled so delicious and where it was on the table hehe). I never knew how much I amp maple, butter and vanilla until I placed Cauldron Cakes on my skin. This sublime scent potion is on the list to purchase in the bubbling bath brew and hair de-tangler next year (even though I find my coworkers drooling and searching all over the room with a crazed hungry look in their eyes quite entertaining when I wear the oil form, I want to keep this special delight at home for me to enjoy alone like a good cup of relaxing sweet cappuccino). Maniacal Mamie, Art of Poisoning Oil - (Notes: Hyacinths, Deadly nightshade (belladonna), Atamasco lily, Purple Periwinkle mixed with Oaks and a touch of Opponax & Helichrysum essential oil. (Poisonous flower oils are synthetic fragrances, not real poisonous essential oils) In the vial: A waterside ceremony with deep purple HYACINTHS and LILIES floating in the water. It's a beautiful and slightly unsettling blend. I love it already! Applied: I know this oil is listed under the Halloween collection but this perfume is perfect for spring and I'll be reaching for Maniacal Mamie, Art of Poisoning Oil when the first robin lands in my yard next year. I may any other day curse my chemistry for ruining certain florals but this blend found a devious accomplice with my wonky skin chemistry, together they create a truly wicked scene (think if poor Ophelia returned from the depths of the brook and had her revenge by the light of a full moon). It's hauntingly beautiful (there is even a glint of metal somehow present) and arcane. I want this unique fragrance in a jewelled 3ml bottle, the hair de-tangler and argan oil. Broom Brittle (Gathered Notes/Description: Be the talk of the next Coven meeting with notes of smoldering woods, blended into a toasted Coconut and Pumpkin Pie crumble, magically transformed into a rich buttery toffee brittle! Only a Good Witch would think of that!) In the vial: BUTTER, PUMPKIN and SWEET COCONUT. Applied: I knew my skin chemistry would get me with one of these vials sooner or later for I am a tropical pumpkin slathered in butter with Broom Brittle. I wasn't expecting the coconut to amp like this, it sadly gives me a headache and lasts well into the next day even after a shower. The toffee tries valiantly to come through but it's no match for the ripe coconut (almost smokey sweet) and butter. Perhaps it needs some more careful aging. In any case, if anyone out there loves coconut or is looking for a curious pumpkin blend definitely give Broom Brittle a wave of a wrist I don't think you will be disappointed. For me, oh well can't win them all. UPDATE (June 2019): After several months I re-tried this oil and aging and patience has triumphed again as Broom Brittle has morphed into a crave-worthy scent confectionary reminding me of a crunchy spice sprinkled Samoa cookie with a kiss of pumpkin. The coconut has been tempered with the warm spice and buttery toffee and this blend works perfectly for the summer but also easily transitions my mind away to my favourite season. Mmm another winner in my book and I think another bath time treat come October 2019 Cinnamon Blackberry Crunch (Gathered Notes/Description: A delicious blend of cinnamon sugared blackberries topping an irresistible confectionery crunch!) In the vial: FRESHLY PICKED JUICY BLACKBERRIES tossed in SUGAR and CINNAMON. I want a full bottle now. Please oh please let my chemistry behave because I seriously want to drink the vial. Applied: Mmm YISS! It's buttery, toothsome fruit with spice sprinkled on top and even has realistic crunchy crumbles and squeeze of lemon present. How does this scent crafter create such realistic fragrance confections?! Ah! Reading the About Us section on her site it says she is a certified pastry chef and she certainly does her field proud with creations such as Cinnamon Blackberry Crunch and Cauldron Cakes (plus many others which I will ramble about in 2019). They're scent perfection. I do wish this fantastic blend would last longer on my skin (this perfume and Bonfire were the ones that disappeared the fastest out of this order) so I need to remember that slight disappointment caused solely by my chemistry and to get the bubbling bath brew, hair de-tangler and argan oil in this delectable mixture as soon as those options become available next fall. Bonfire (Gathered Notes/Description: A bonfire is a large controlled outdoor fire, the word comes from "bone fire." The practice is believed to derive from the Celtic festival of Samhain, when animal bones were burnt to ward off evil spirits! Eweoooo, spooky! This scent is a smoky fiery brew, with faint hints of fields of sweet hay and a slight aroma of harvest picked fruits and mulled wine) In the vial: DARK HARVEST FRUITS, SMOKE and SWEET HAY. It's screaming fall to me and "you need this in your hair now!" Applied: We have another lovely mysterious morphing fragrance in Bonfire as it opens with fruit, wine, smoke and the most realistic "up in the hay loft" sweet hay accord I have come across from any house of fragrance yet. It takes me right back to the horse barn of my youth but there are spiced drinks waiting outside and fruit in my hands that are changing all to sliced apples as I sit here typing. Wow, this is nice and as the hours turn this perfume fades slowly and lasts only about 3 to 4 hours. I definitely need Bonfire for my hair in you guessed it, the hair de-tangler (I'm going to have a huge collection of bottles next year from all the releases from this enchanting shop). Another keeper and one to recommend for those that love scents which embody autumn. Yuletide Grove (Gathered Notes/Description: "Talk a walk under the starlight winter sky, where evergreen patches of enchanted winter forests meet exotic far East Sandalwood accords, mingled with soft, woody, smoky, sensual Amber, and wafts of sacred incense, with a touch of spice. This blend is a marriage made in heaven of two heavenly scents (Starlight Woods with Yule Wood)") In the vial: Glorious realistic sticky PINE and WOOD (almost like sawdust or the bottom of a cut off Christmas tree). Could it be I finally found a darker version of one of my favourite perfumes (Falling Stars at Winter Solstice from Alkemia Perfumes)? Applied: Alas, not this time and I'm really beginning to think my skin eats evergreen and balsam notes because here is another oil that once applied the incredible pine transitions immediately to sandalwood, amber and hints of spice in about 7 to 10 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I still really like Yuletide Grove it's definitely a cosy "wrap yourself up and read by the fire" type of meditative fragrance versus a pure atmospheric. I do love the powdery drydown with spice and creamy sandalwood that lasts hours on me and out of pure curiosity, I did dabble in some layering with Yuletide Grove after becoming inspired by others on Reddit. I never attempted deliberately layering fragrances before so it was complete surprise my first scent mashup was a success as Yuletide Grove paired marvellously well with Der Hölle Rache from Sixteen92, my friend even commented saying "not to sound weird but you smell so good tonight". Nothing like leaving with a positive note for the night. Another keeper and I would love to see how Yuletide Grove plays with something dark fruit noted but I'll leave that to another day. *With many thanks to MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean for kindly sending me these different scent creations at a discount for sharing my honest thoughts. MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean Sixteen92 Welcome to the expansion of my unsettling though strangely beautiful floral garden collection (with one of two transportive bright fragrances for good balance). Ever since I fell hard for Necromancy (feature article coming soon) I've been dashing about Sixteen92's catalogue of the rare, powdery, spicy and sweet gathering different vials with floral nuances. Some of these fragrances are available now in the general listing and others are (hopefully) to be returning for Resurrection 2019 and one is marked to disappear forever due to sourcing components. Vials: Mellifera A Thousand Times More Fair Bridget Bishop The Weird Sisters Mina Harker Lucy Westerna The Heart is a Lonely Hunter One Note at a Time The Weird Sisters *Fall 2017 Collection inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula/brought back for a limited run in October 2018 (Listed Notes: Iris root, carnation, helichrysum, styrax, ruby-red lips, silk gowns, bone-white sandalwood) In the vial: I swear this vial releases a sinister chortling or clicking sound when I open it, it's so fantastically chilling and another that smells otherworldly. I do get a SWEET WOODEN CARNATION mixed with STYRAX, ORRIS and VIOLETS. This is a fragrance that would have fit in my Ave Victoria poison kit. Applied: What wonderful scent sorcery is this?! Not only do I have quite the unsettling and alluring scent potion on but it contains violets and they aren't some unholy amping note which fights against my chemistry, no these are powdery and wilted and softly morph becoming a "my skin but better" type of freaky sweet fragrance. Wow, if there ever was a perfume inspired by a horror classic The Weird Sisters is it. For anyone that hasn't read Dracula, I won't spoil anything for you but this oil captures a particular iconic scene perfectly and it allows me a special kind of smile walking down the halls at my workplace. This perfume lasts quite a while and many hours later a sandalwood note appears that is almost creamy. I may need to get a full bottle the next Resurrection event as this is a ghostly representation of pale moonlight in a vial. Love it! The Heart is a Lonely Hunter *a limited edition (Listed Notes: Tuberose absolute, soft skin musk, oakmoss, fresh earth, vanilla, iris) *appeared in my one order, thank you so much Claire! In the vial: Delicate TUBEROSE, VANILLA and the familiar SKIN MUSK I recognize from other oils in Sixteen92's past and present catalogue (it smells like expensive vintage hand lotion). This is a pretty spring fragrance combination. Intermission: It seems I learn something new every time I open a vial or bottle from Sixteen92 because The Heart is a Lonely Hunter was the fragrance that may have finally solved an odd mystery for me: why do I smell like musty sweet bananas? Turns out after completely falling head over heels in love with two gardenia heavy creations (reviews coming soon) I sat down and went through every note from E Lucevan Le Stelle, Le Demi-Monde, Paper Moon, The Primrose Path and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter to only discover one note in all of them they shared- Oakmoss. I now believe Oakmoss is the note that dominants in those oils when they touch my skin. I will be revisiting E Lucevan Le Stelle, Le Demi-Monde and others next year in spring to give gardenias another open-minded assessment. Applied: Now that I think I finally solved a truly frustrating puzzle about oakmoss vs. gardenias, I'm trying this vial and really attempting to get past the sweet banana scent that amps on me for a few hours. Once it settles down the earth and tuberose shine through and this is a very nice blend I can't stop sniffing. I think The Heart is a Lonely Hunter will be a lovely scent accessory in my hair or my car for spring as it is a romantic entanglement of floral, earth, powder and vanilla that harkens back to another time and place. Bridget Bishop *from the General Catalogue/ The Salem collection (Listed Notes: Night-blooming flowers, belladonna, bergamot peel, resinous oudh, nutmeg, ambroxan, scarlet musk) In the vial: OUDH, PEPPER and PETALS. It's a very sombre fragrance that reminds me of another that I loved to wear for Easter this year. Applied: Bridget Bishop is indeed darker sister scent of Il Dolce Suono but has a mysterious peppery floral present (instead of polished wood) with nutmeg and a hint of vanilla. Some scents just tell an immediate story when you allow them to meld with your skin and this oil has quite the tale to share and it pairs marvellously well with other amber or musk laced scent potions in my collection. I've found it creates the ultimate dead of winter fragrance when layered under The Castle On The Hill (it smells like a haunted abandoned chapel) and it also works well with the sweet ginger-biscuit and powdery hawthorn in Tituba. Definitely, Bridget Bishop is a hidden gem in Sixteen92's general catalogue that I wished I explored earlier. Mina Harker *Fall 2017 Collection inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula/brought back for a limited run in October 2018 (Listed Notes: Cold jasmine tea, ripe plum, black violets, pale skin musk) In the vial: PLUM, VIOLETS and VINTAGE SKIN LOTION. Another understated lovely Victorian themed vial that would fit into my Ave Victoria poison kit nicely. This is the scent of a lady who has a lethal secret. Applied: Have I actually found another violet noted perfume that is working with my wonky chemistry? YES, yes dear readers I have! Oh, this is a fantastic scent creation that smells ethereal, beautifully strange AND somehow cold (seriously how does Claire do that?). I admit I was only hoping for the plum to shine through as it is one note I adore and I wanted to sort of scent preview how the plum would treat me when I went ahead and purchased a special edition bottle (review coming very soon). What a delightful surprise, the plum does stand out with a mild dark fruity sweetness and the black violets pair so well with that accord. I do notice that the violets amp over everything presented but mercifully shows some restraint and does not smell like nightmare inducing cough syrup in the slightest (RIP Hydromancy, you shall go to a better place). I must remember that it's BLACK VIOLETS that play so nice with my skin and nose (I must also remember Mina Harker only lasts 6 hours and I need to layer it next time). Putting another scent potion down on the list for full bottle purchase in the future. Lucy Westenra *Fall 2017 Collection inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula/brought back for a limited run in October 2018 (Listed Notes: Brugmansia flower, night-blooming cereus, oud, guaiacwood, honey, fennel, stone) *Straight from Sixteen92's page: a component for this fragrance has become more difficult to source; we may not be able to bring this fragrance back after this release. In the vial: FLORALS, HONEY and STONE. Definitely another cold atmospheric. Applied: Lucy Westenra is described as "An ethereal and haunting green floral" and that is indeed true, it is certainly green with the fennel that amps and carries a medicinal quality with it. I want to say it almost smells like absinthe on me but then the stones amplifies with the honey and this turns into another fragrance that has a chilling story to share. As always Sixteen92's realistic honey and stone notes are to die for and this perfume is unlike anything smelling in my collection, I'm just not certain I like it. There is something that keeps me smelling it though and revisiting the vial but I don't think I will be purchasing a full bottle. It may a little too unique for me (I do have to admit my limits and I think Lucy Westenra is one perfume that reaches that). To be clear, I don't hate this oil, I love the scene this scent combination captures. It may be another that will wear better in my hair. I will try that idea next year after this vial has a long peaceful rest. A Thousand Times More Fair *from the General Catalogue but since the publication of this article this fragrance has been listed to be discontinued/soon to be removed from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Honeysuckle nectar, magnolia blossom, passion flower, white peach skin, ripe plum, bright vanilla bean, delicate musk) *appeared in my one order, thank you so much Claire! In the vial: FUZZY SPARKLING FRUIT and BRIGHT FLORALS, such a happy fragrance for summer. Applied: A Thousand Times More Fair is something that hits the memory bank and I have to shift through flavors, colors and packaging and this perfume smells exactly like- Fruit Stripe Chewing Gum. I wasn't expecting that but as I get older nostalgia in any form is becoming so important to me (I just read a fascinating article about why we love and search out nostalgic things) and I really enjoy this oil. I can also see why it is a best-seller it's youthful, clean and a delightful matchup of juicy fruit and florals. Must jot down to add to all the above mentioned, that this perfume has one impressive throw and lasts even through a shower. Not a creepy or chilling floral in the slightest but some days you need a little sunshine and happy memories; think of a dainty daisy or buttercup in a patch of shadowed branches and thorns. Mellifera *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Wildflower Honey Accord (not vegan), Violet, Jasmine Sambac, Vanilla Infused Sugar, Sandalwood) In the vial: Ah, SUGAR Ah, HONEY, HONEY. Here is another bright sunny perfume but it also has vintage pin-up quality to it with the VIOLET and JASMINE. A pin-up in summer? Now I'm all the more intrigued and want to go style my hair in Victory Rolls. Applied: Oh Sixteen92, your honey note is simply incredible and I can't wait to get Swarm in the next Resurrection event. The violets and jasmine amp on me with Mellifera but that was expected and it has improved immensely since I received the vial back in May. It does remind me of Blood & Honey but I believe that is only because of the honey in both love me and stays well into the next day. That pin-up quality is still there (with an addition of creamy sandalwood) and I like to don red lipstick and nail polish when I wear this perfume with delicate pearl studs to finish off the look. Again not a freaky scent creation but only transportive and one to recommend. Sixteen92 Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ Full Bottles: Citrus Alchemy 2018 Halloween Alchemy 2018 Samples: The Lover Tells of the Rose Tranquil Idyll Sorcière Rouge Roll in the Hay Feuillemort Buosni The Center of the Universe Ambre D'Automne Vespertilia Blue Moon Eclipse Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure Dustsceawung Season of the Witch All Hallows Eve October 2018 Blood Moon Eclipse Combined Thoughts: These vials and bottles have been peacefully aging and waiting for the day to be shared. Some are from limited collections, marked to be discontinued or are on sale now. One scent at a time: Citrus Alchemy 2018 (Listed Notes and Description: a sunny blend of lemon and linden blossom, fresh ginger aldehydes, blood orange, grapefruit, chamomile, neroli, freesia, and an uplifting splash of bergamot) *a surprise bottle with one order, thank you so much Alkemia! In the bottle: An overall delightful mosaic of citruses but the intoxicating LEMON and GINGER bubbles are what catch my full attention. It's so lovely and summery. Applied: Oh wow, this is stunning and I get the lemony aldehydes which are refreshing and add to the description: "sunshine in a bottle". There is also a buried note of lemon verbena present that adds a subtle hint of herbal spice to everything (sadly it fades so fast as soon as it is noticed) and I want to go put on a summer dress and walk around with a sun parasol (yes even in the dreary months of December-March). It has aged extraordinarily well (it was a tad soapy when it first arrived- I think I was amping the linden blossom and freesia the most under the citrus) but now it is one of the brightest noted creations in my collection. When it dries down there is more of a sweetness that comes through (not exactly candy but noticeable). I will be reaching for Citrus Alchemy at times throughout winter to remember sunshine and then in spring to remind myself of bubbly warmth. Halloween Alchemy 2018 (Listed Notes and Description: a gourmand blend of autumn spices, Halloween treats, vanilla incense, and a little woodsmoke) *A seasonal treat I found in one order, thank you Alkemia you are the best! In the bottle: A collage of Halloween and autumnal treats. The MAPLE rises to be noticed first then SPICED MARSHMALLOW and WOODSMOKE. Gah, you know how to spoil us Alkemia! Applied: Mmm...give me a minute. This is delicious smelling and I want to pour this oil over my head right now. I don't know where spiced maple pastries were hiding in the bottle but my skin presents them to enjoy and I also get something savoury (it almost smells like pumpkin bread) with the woodsmoke. The spiced vanilla and sticky kiss of marshmallow are the drizzled icing to the whole confection and as it dries down Halloween Alchemy smells similar to Pumpkin Strumpet which is one of my all-time favourite perfumes from any house of fragrance. This could very well be a long lost smokey sweet sister scent and I can't wait to see how this beauty ages. The Lover Tells Of The Rose (Listed Notes: wild roses, a touch of lemon verbena, white pearl tea leaves, delicate white patchouli, and a springtime rebirth of new greens and wet mosses) In the vial: Dew kissed ROSES nestled in a bed of MOSS and LEMON VERBENA. It's another stunning spring to summer blend. Applied: Anyone that knows me is familiar with my love affair with lemon verbena and it remains one of the elusive primary note I have been searching for in an indie fragrance, sadly The Lover Tells Of The Rose is understandably more roses than verbena but it is still pretty and one floral perfume to recommend. On me, the roses are fresh and clean and the moss accord is extremely realistic. I clearly get spring greens and as this oil dries the white tea and patchouli appear more with the roses. It almost smells green and papery floral as the hours pass. I wish the verbena would stay but still, I really like this scent potion and will wear it in spring. Tranquil Idyll (Listed Notes: Asian pear blossom, lychee fruits, flowering freesia, evening moonflower, Beach Naupaka, and sensuous white amber with a gently sedative dusting of nutmeg) *Listed to discontinued soon, be sure to try this perfume if it interests you before it disappears. In the vial: SALTY but breezy FREESIA, LYCHEE and AMBER. It is definitely in the beachy floral realm. Applied: The more this perfume ages the more I'm liking it. My skin pulls the nutmeg forward and the powderiness of the moonflower with amber and pear really makes me smile. This is a very expensive smelling combination. It does somewhat remind me of Carmen-7 but more summer ocean versus sweet expensive indulgences. I don't have many beachy scents so this one is unique and will stay in my summer/warm weather cache or when I want to impress trend-following relatives. Sorcière Rouge (Listed Notes: Tibetan agar-wood, and Dragon's Blood infused with Rock Rose and dark amber) In the vial: Sweet DRAGON'S BLOOD and ROSE. I have been wanting this vial for a long time. Applied: Oh a little patient aging has done this fragrance wonders and I see why it is highly recommended by so many. On me, the dragon's blood is most dominant and to those who never smelled that note before, it almost reminds me of bubbles from a wand and a hint of balsamic sweetness (once you smell it in one vial or bottle you can pick that note out of any creation, it's very distinct). There is also something dusty and salty in this oil that adds to the arcane quality of this perfume. The rose is warmed by the amber and I will be donning red or black velvet when I wear Sorcière Rouge out. It definitely deserves the recommendations and positive reactions. Roll in the Hay (Listed Notes: dried hay, fresh green grass, early summer wildflower honey, vanilla grass, vanilla leaf, and wild poppy) In the vial: HAY and VANILLA. Here is another vial I'm been anticipating for a long time. Applied: Once again the power of ageing continues to astound me because this perfume is finally staying on my skin and I'm in love with the dried hay with the romantic warm vanilla. I'm not getting any distinct honey or wildflowers but I still love this combination and what my chemistry is amplifying. There is a mint-like note that I recognize from Peaches in the Summer Wind and I'll be placing Roll in the Hay next to in the late summer to early fall collection. Another keeper. Early Fall 2018: Can I just say the Early Fall 2018 release from Alkemia Perfumes was one of my favourite packs I have received this year from any seasonal collection. Every one of these vials contain a classy and extremely wearable representation of Autumn (work setting safe). If you love well-blended ambers, aquatics that smell cool and refreshing, elegantly presented spice, a nostalgic but also adult gourmand that pulls your nose down to stay at your skin and have been looking for an intriguing science themed scent phenomenon- grab this collection now and let Alkemia welcome you to Autumn in true style. Feuillemort (Listed Notes: Dying leaves, smoked autumnal spices, dried grasses and fungi, Tibetan incense, cedarwood, rum soaked agarwood, and borneol) In the vial: The release of autumn in all its splendour with DRIED LEAVES, SWEET SPICES and WOODS. I'm in love already. Applied: This is it, this is the professional autumnal fragrance I have been looking for when I'm not draped in Necromancy from Sixteen92. I feel like an Autumnal Queen when I wear this oil and I love walking onto the floor robed in this special perfume. There is a realistic apple cider note entwined with dark amber that is getting stronger as my vial ages and the dying leaves with cedar grounds all the accords only pulling me deeper into the best time of the year. Feuillemort is so aptly named and I need to order a bottle as soon as my vial is empty. This is how you step out and greet a season with true style! Buosni (Listed Notes: Shortbread cookies, orange blossom infused icing, warm caramel, red apples, sugar pumpkins, candied ginger marzipan and cardamon-nutmeg spiced patchouli) In the vial: CARDAMON, APPLE, CARAMEL and an undercurrent of ORANGE ICING. It's such a delectable blend. Applied: Here is another tempting creation that smells so realistic and straight from a bakery counter. On me, the caramel and icing amps the most and I can pick out the ginger and nutmeg. The apple disappears on me immediately but the orange blossom stays and pairs well with the marzipan and cookie accord that begins to appear at 10 minutes. The spiced patchouli comes forward to stay in about 45 minutes and this perfume lasts around 8 to 10 hours on me. There is also an impressive throw with this oil but I'm not sure I would want a full bottle (I still like it and will be saving the vial for next year). The Center Of The Universe (Listed Notes: Raspberries, Rum, Hot Metal, Ozone, Gun Powder, and Charcoal) In the vial: Savoory RASPBERRIES, METAL and OZONE. Applied: Alkemia promised an "out there" fragrance and they delivered as this perfume is full of the unexpected. On me, my chemistry seems to have found a worthy challenge of wonky with this scent interpretation of space as it turns The Center of the Universe from muted tart raspberries with metal and charcoal to a savoury fruit and a curious coldness that seals the notes. The rum also makes an appearance with the gun powder but it never turns masculine nor overly feminine. As my vial is aging the charcoal seems to attach more to the savoury fruit amping the most and this perfume lasts well into the next day. This is such a unique berry fragrance. I know others were concerned this oil may have been a little too avant-garde but there isn't a tremendous throw with The Center of the Universe and it is more like your own private morphing scent show to the heavens above. I will be getting a full bottle once my vial runs out. Ambre D'Automne (Listed Notes: Woodsmoked amber infused for thirteen lunar cycles with tobacco leaf, cinnamon vine, green bayberries, chaga, birch tar, maple sap) In the vial: CINNAMON, MAPLE and TOBACCO, here is another I think I'm already falling for. Applied: Oh my, Alkemia is just taking my senses away with their fall fragrances this year. Ambre D'Autumne is amazing as I smell like smoked mint-honey (the bayberry is there in the backdrop as well as the spicy cinnamon and a smear of tar overall adding the woodsy aspect of this creation). It's rich but very work appropriate and I never knew I loved ambers until I opened a vial from Alkemia. I'm going to say it, they are the best house of fragrance for ambers. They know what they are doing and showcase that art and knowledge beautifully in perfumes such as Amber D'Automne. Another clear winner in my book and I need a bottle. Vespertilia (Listed Notes: Tart quince, Asian pear, and wild apple infused with black and jasmine teas in an autumnal unfolding of marigolds, Golden Ray lilies, palo santo, oakmoss, bamboo, and golden amberwood) In the vial: APPLE, JASMINE, LILLY and PEAR. It is so expensive smelling, fingers crossed my chemistry plays nice. Applied: I love the fragrance in the vial but sadly my chemistry attaches to the jasmine and I smell like expensive high-end hair conditioner. I'm hoping a long rest will subdue the jasmine (I've had tremendous luck with other vials that star a jasmine note so I believe this vial needs some extra patience, there is still something so magnetic and classic about this perfume) and more fruit will appear next year. I will revisit this oil another day. If you love jasmine Vespertilia needs to be on your vanity. Blue Moon Eclipse (Listed Notes/Description: the coolness of ferns and delicate irises beside tumbling woodland streams scattered with mossy rocks, water lilies, flowering rushes, black willow, ginger musk, and a whispering breeze of lemon verbena infused aldehydes gathered into a tarnished antique silver pitcher filled with early autumn chrysanthemums) *A limited edition fragrance In the vial: One of the best aquatic scents I have yet to come across. It's tart, dark green and strangely beautiful. Not one note stands out, this is an oil that tells a comprehensive story you can't wait to lean in to hear. Applied: Blue Moon Eclipse starts out a watery bubbly verbena over silver that shifts to white florals and dries down to unfortunate soap or hair product. How I wish my chemistry would make the first 20 minutes experience stay as I adore that green herbaceous with silver metal scent combination. I still love to wear this perfume to work and I have high hopes it will age or deepen in the coming months. You have no idea how much I want a full bottle. Perhaps this is one oil I could use in a scent locket or wear solely in my hair. Interesting ideas, I must experiment another day. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (Listed Notes: Rare Japanese boudoir incenses, luxurious caramel pralines, vanilla orchids, bergamot, orris root, candied lemon peel, and a splash of champagne) In the vial: BERGAMOT, ORRIS, LEMON and a silky creamy CARAMEL that I know is going to love my skin. This is a very aptly named fragrance. Applied: Oh! Now, this is a combination I could wear out with a secret little smirk. It's sultry and but sweetly refined and it reminds me of Ghost Fire and Luminae. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure is a gorgeous balance between those two familiar fragrances with a trace of bergamot and captivating boudoir odds and bits. On me, as expected the delicious dreamy caramel amps (this is one oil with an impressive throw and a tiny dab goes a long way) and melds so wonderfully with the delicate citrus tinted powder. As it dries, the scent warms becoming a seductive caramel amber and this perfume lasts well into the next day for me. Another keeper and on the list for when the vial runs out. I can see Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure being a fan classic ranking right up there with Luminae and Ghost Fire once the word gets out. It's one of those scents that will be oh so good to you. Dustsceawung (Listed Notes/Description: The scent of forbidden explorations and an olfactory meditation on dust... attic air, the inside of old trunks, abandoned haylofts, library stacks, and abandoned buildings) In the vial: PEANUT DUST and WOOD, it's salty and sweet. I believe I had the same reaction to Stag Moon. Let's hope my chemistry turns this into a seductive little number to hoard for another day. Applied: I really must learn to not go solely by what the vial wand holds because my skin has unleashed one flipping impressive atmospheric that immediately makes me think of walking into an old abandoned dusty crawl space, you know something is there in the dark just beyond the flickering light you carry and it's the only thing giving you hope and reassurance you are safe. The wood note smells like an cobwebbed covered wooden shelf that holds jars filled with the macabre and strange (blame the time of the year or my love of horror movies but think the scene in Silence of the Lambs when Agent Starling is exploring the shelves of secrets in the abandoned warehouse). Dustsceawung is a pretty awesome fragrance especially if you love mystery, dusty wood, a trace of resin sweetness and desire a real feast for the fiendish imagination. My dark little heart is very pleased right now. Season Of The Witch (Listed Notes: Black pine pitch, dark myrrh, aged black amber, and ritual Samhain incense blended with Black Cavendish and Perique tobaccos, protective tsuga, divinatory bay leaves, and intuition enhancing black cardamon) In the vial: SWEET PINE, MYRRH and CARDAMON. What an exquisite marriage of dark accords. Applied: I must admit I was expecting a black spicy resinous midnight collaboration with the listed notes but on me the myrrh amps and creates an unexpected sweetness with the black pine pitch and I can detect the bay, a tobacco that is mild but deep and smokey and there is also the incense that is smouldering in the background perhaps adding to the mild smokiness of the tobacco. Must also jot down, this is another powerful scent potion where a tiny dab goes far. Oddly, Season Of The Witch reminds me of a long lost darker ((but strangely sweeter) sister scent of Falling Stars At Winter Solstice (or Falling Stars On Winter Solstice depending on the year you purchased it in)). I'm interested to see how this complex blending will age further and if other notes will appear in the coming months (I would love to use this oil on my gloomy themed scarves). *Intermission: For the next vial, I wanted to do a comparison between 2018's version of one of my favourite fragrance recipes to reach for and 2017's. All Hallows Eve October 2018 (Listed Notes: Warm Toasted Marshmallows, Drifting Woodsmoke, Black Licorice, Star Anise, Cardamon Pods, Sugared Amber, Tonka Beans, and Patchouli Infused Bourbon Vanilla) AND All Hallows Eve 2017 (Listed Notes: Bourbon Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Cardamon Pods, Star Anise, Candied Fennel Seeds, Roasted Marshmallows, and Smoked Amber) I know this review is late but here were my thoughts: Okay it is officially the season of phantasmagorical images, dark luring promises, wisps of mystery and surprises from all corners that make me want more because I have my All Hallows Eve release from Alkemia and wow what a night and day difference between last year's recipe to this year's. 2018's version is proving to be more of a morphing smokey sweet enigma and I know it's not listed but I swear I can smell orange (it opens very similar to Trick or Treat with the mandarin orange peel and licorice) and the sugared amber is really taking to my chemistry amping the most with the toasted marshmallow and dash of anise. 2018's mixture is definitely more sweet and grounded with pretty vanilla. My bottle from 2017's release has been aging a complete year but I compared my notes from shortly after it arrived last October to today and there isn't much a noticeable difference, it's still a suggestively wicked medley (that star anise and woodsmoke are my ultimate weaknesses). On me, there is an unabashed flexing display of crushed cardamon in 2017's recipe that is missing in the 2018 version, a sticky touch of smoked melted marshmallow and a teasing kiss of spice to keep me coming back. It's more gourmand to my nose (darker and sorry my favorite of the two but I still plan to eventually hunt down a bottle of 2018's as it's akin to a bright orange and dusk purple streaked sky versus the mischievous winds on a moonlit night where anything can happen; they are that different and both deserve praise). I guess when it comes down to deciding which is the right bottle and recipe of All Hallows Eve for someone, they must answer that fun question of are you a good witch or a bad witch tonight? Blood Moon Eclipse (Listed Notes: Blood Tarnished Silver and Strange Dry Musks) *Limited Edition, no longer available in the catalogue In the vial: I don't even know how to explain this fragrance, it's positively eerie and dark. I love it. Applied: Holy Cats this is unlike any perfume in my collection and the more it ages the more I'm loving it. Alkemia completely caught me off guard with this mysterious vial and on me, the musks dominant and I can detect a clear metal accord. This is one fascinating fragrance that lasts for hours and seriously unnerves those around me (hehe). Blood Moon Eclipse is not for everyday wear but calls for some spooky celebration or event. I regret not wearing this oil more this year (when it first arrived my chemistry turned this perfume into a mad coconut science experiment but aging as always triumphs in the end). I will be carefully tucking this vial away and saving it for next October or a horror reading or movie marathon. Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com/ Poesie Perfume Tell me there is a house of fragrance out there that caters to those that love the classics of the library shelves or legends of old and I'll show you my pocketbook. And so it goes with this next shop that caught my attention a couple months ago with a promised collective take on Pride & Prejudice and an offering of inspired teas. From the lovely welcoming aesthetic down to the attention to note selection in the oils that cleverly corresponds with certain titles, silver screen royalty, Norwegian Mythos and more, Poesie Perfume is one house of fragrance on the horizon I can't wait to share just like a good book you can't put down or stop thinking about after turning the final page. Pemberley *from the Fools in Love collection (Listed Notes: Crushed Tomato Leaf, Flowering Woodbine, Wisteria, Peony Petals, Oak and Ivy Leaf) In the vial: A summery burst of FRUIT with PEONY and WISTERIA. It beautifully conveys a summer garden in full bloom with a promise of a romantic meeting in the making that will blossom into a tale for the ages. Applied: Immediately I'm graced with a juicy freshness that melds so well with a little spiciness of tomato leaf, fallen petals of peonies and a gentle curtain of wisteria that closes upon my senses with a lilac-like note that keeps my nose to my wrist. Pemberley is sublime in every fashion and to my surprise gets even better somehow as it dries with a creaminess that lasts well into the night. Poesie Perfume promised and delivered with this perfume. What a fantastic introduction vial. This is one fragrance that will be accompanying me on a journey of a lifetime when I someday travel to the UK and stay a spell at Chatsworth House or sit at the steps of the Temple of Apollo in Stourhead Garden (all iconic spots for the secret hopeless romantics of the world to see). Twice to Tea *from the Fools in Love collection (Listed Notes: Earl Grey Tea, Lavender Absolute, Vanilla Syrup, and Milk) In the vial: Exactly as it says on the tin-EARL GREY TEA, LAVENDER and creamy VANILLA. I never had a London Fog before but I think I need to hunt one down this week. Twice to Tea is so stately and this wand I'm holding has one of the best tea scents I have smelled yet from any house of fragrance. I'm not sure what will happen when applied but I'm ready...well maybe after a couple more sniffs. *Intermission: When I first tried Twice to Tea, it sadly disappeared from my skin almost immediately. Needless to say, I was devastated but ah when will I learn the power of aging these types of oils because I tested it again the other morning (almost a little over a month since it first arrived) and it stayed. Not only did it stay but well let it take us away... Applied: I don't know how these scentcrafters do it but Twice to Tea smells hot on my skin and the earl grey is the real deal with the bergamot amping bringing my nose closer to experience the strong tea and the lavender present. That's English Lavender from the garden I can smell and I can't stop smiling, it's magnificent! I can also detect the milk with vanilla and I know which perfume I will be wearing on cold windy days coming and pouring (excuse me) dabbing on my many scarves as I see about finding a London Fog someplace. Fine Eyes *from the Fools in Love collection (Listed Notes: Rhubarb, Tuberose and Ginger) *this was a free vial with my first purchase, thank you so much Poesie Perfumes! In the vial: Tart RHUBARB and GINGER. It's a sparkling summer creation that I'm so happy I have in my seasonal cache and can't wait to try on. Applied: Here is another perfume that will be accompanying on my journeys or a nice holiday away from the real world. Sparkling ginger leads the way and the rhubarb seals my decision that yes I adore that note in perfume and will be searching for it from now on for summer blends. As this superb oil dries the tuberose is evident and it creates a floral ginger combination that I wish came in every form of body care products imaginable (candle, bath product and aura mist etc.). This whole collection is so refined and Fine Eyes is just one of its many shining stars. Elizabeth *from the Fools in Love collection (Listed Notes: Lilac, Heliotrope, Mimosa, Fresh Earth, Grass and Clover) In the vial: Here it is the perfume that called to me the most when I saw this collection released and I get...Sun-drenched GRASS, that warmness I detect must be from the heliotrope. At the moment I'm not getting any anticipated lilac but something curious steals over my mind when I smell this perfume as I'm reminded of Easter celebrations for some reason. That alone makes me smile. Hopefully, my skin chemistry will behave and tone down the grass and clover to bring forward the other notes listed. (Intermission: Sadly that was not to be as my wonky chemistry caused the clover from Elizabeth to overtake everything and I admitted defeat at the moment. Out of curiosity, I tried this oil again after a month.) Applied: The clover and grass have calmed down and heliotrope comes forward now. There seems to be a floral trying valiantly to battle through as well. Elizabeth still holds a memory of my youth at Easter in many ways and I think more aging is only needed before this interesting perfume is pure magic. I can tell there is something there in Elizabeth that I'm going to love in the end and it just needs a long peaceful rest. Twice to Tea (Ingredients: organic lavender, black tea, vanilla, bergamot, orange peel, blue cornflower petals. ) I have dabbled in tea before with some admitted indifference when trying to drink commercial brews out of necessity to keep awake past midnight at work. If offered tea or coffee, I would usually choose the coffee to bottled blends or cheap bags that all taste the same in the cup and paid a heavy price every time and would be wide awake in the middle of the next day when I should have been getting my rest for my upcoming night shift. That in itself was dangerous as I was so tired driving in, functioning on the floor at work and coming home in the morning. Well, I'm happy to say those days and worries are thankfully over and I'm only purchasing loose leaf tea (and any other blends that appear) from Poesie Perfumes now and forever as I have never tasted anything as delightful as Twice to Tea before, seriously this is what tea tastes like? I'm bewitched body and soul! Now in truth, I'm not preparing this tea in the traditional sense. Lady Catherine de Bourgh would faint dead away if she could see but it is still very humid outside after all and I have been brewing a tiny amount (a little of the sealed contents goes a long way) letting it cool, adding a spot of locally harvested honey then carbonating it to create a one of a kind beverage to beat this insufferable late summer heat with. It's divine when chilled and I have others ask when they smell it how it tastes and if they can try it. I get all the flavours combined in delicious aromatic bubbles that tickle my nose and the smooth vanilla lingers on the tongue. This is one refreshing comforting drink that helps me focus and achieve positive results before the end of the night. As Autumn slowly approaches I have been experimenting with temperature and am slowly switching over to going the traditional route of drinking this blend hot with no carbonation and in the end, Twice to Tea is fantastic no matter how you drink it. Highly Recommended. Femme Dangereuse *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Iris, Exotic Spices, and skin-warmed Leather Driving Gloves) In the vial: There goes one of those wonderful and curious lost scent memories again. Absolutely a transporting oil that goes to the Art Deco period. It's IRIS with SPICE and LEATHER. Confident and seductive. Applied: This is a pearls and silk or satin dress type of fragrance. Complex seductive refinement in a vial and for some mysterious reason I'm thinking I want to wear Femme Dangereuse in winter with a fashionable cape coat and cloche hat. The iris note is simply captivating. Not your everyday perfume but one for very special occasions and events. Thought & Memory *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Lavender, Anise, Cardamom, Vetiver, Galbanum, Leather, Balsamic Woods) In the vial: Battle-scarred LEATHER, BALSAM and SPICED LAVENDER. This is more masculine than I was anticipating but I still like it for the obvious herbs and earth that I can pick up. Applied: Thought & Memory would be fantastic on a man as this is a warrior's scent. No warrior poet but a serious survivor of war. The lavender and leather amp on my skin at first and there is a salt note coming through. The exotic spice note also makes an appearance and the more I'm wearing this oil the more I like it. This is one perfume that when the right mood strikes (not wanting to be questioned or crossed) I will be reaching for. Tiny Phantom *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Pink Roses, Marshmallow Buttercream, Pale White Musk, Antique Mahogany) In the vial: FLORAL and fluffy MARSHMALLOW. What is it about roses and sweetness that creates such timeless magic? I have a very good feeling about this perfume. Applied: Tiny Phantom may just have to be my first bottle purchase from this shop, it's such a sweet elegant perfume and out of all the vials I wore to work from Poesie Perfume, Tiny Phantom was complimented on the most about (followed by Pemberley, Fine Eyes and Twice to Tea). On me, the buttercream, musk and mahogany stand out after the delicate rose fades but never disappears completely. To be clear, this is not a childish bakery scent potion (however delightful those can be at times), oh no like all the vials I tried and listed in this article Tiny Phantom is a well-blended polished fragrance and completely wearable in the workplace setting. It's also comforting, familiar and mysterious in many ways and so aptly named. Poesie Perfume Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ Vials: Forbidden Arts/ Fall 2018 (Released August 31st) Aeromancy Chiromancy Hydromancy Necromancy Pyromancy One Scent at a Time: Aeromancy (Listed Notes: Powdered snow, silver birch, dried leaves, rose oxide, a blanket of morning frost) -a method of divination that utilizes atmospheric conditions, cloud formations, and cosmological events In the vial: LEAVES, COLD AIR and a ROSE you could imagine coming straight from the setting of your favourite wicked fairytale. This fragrance could melt and turn the most floral hating heart. Applied: I'm going to say it, Sixteen92 has the most realistic rose and nature notes I have yet to encounter from any house of fragrance, you can smell creaking frosted branches, the cold green stems and ice lacing the petals of a single red rose. No soap to be found here, no "clean" reference, Aeromancy is a pure forest fragrance with a distinct floral that loves my skin and I need a full bottle. I can easily see myself wearing this perfume in winter (believe it or not I only have a few oils for that season versus the others). Even though this is a complex atmospheric it is also a unique professional setting scent I can wear with no fear of upsetting anyone sensitive to overpowering (alcohol drenched) common commercial sprays or blending into the beige background. Chiromancy (Listed Notes: Orris, worn leather *animal-friendly/synthetic, ink, porcelain, black truffle) -a method of divination utilizing the study of the palm, also called palmistry In the vial: LEATHER and INK. For those wary of leather, Chiromancy is subdued with a soft powder that comes from the ORRIS. It also creates a dusty element to the whole vial. All very interesting but I have been dying to get to experience the black truffle component. Just smelling the wand that note is absent, maybe my skin will wake the beast that others have commented this perfume holds in store for the curious. Applied: And...I get a swipe of worn leather then Chiromancy disappears completely. How very odd, I usually amp leather to the heavens. Wait, okay the powder is dusty on me and I can barely detect it or something else that is reminding me of old paper and dampness from a hand (salty almost like sweat). Sad to say no truffle appears but oddly I like Chiromancy (I'm really falling for orris when I can find that note in different perfumes) and I'm planning on purchasing Hessian of the Hollow next year (I don't think I need to worry about the mushroom note that scares others, my chemistry conceals it and amps smoke and metal so I believe that perfume needs to be in my collection). As for Chiromancy, I think I could create some interesting combinations with layering oils with this. Hydromancy (Listed Notes: Fog, cold violet, lichen, ambroxan, mineral accord, petrichor, glass) -a method of divination utilizing water, including currents, ebb and flow, or ripples produced by dropping objects into calm waters. In the vial: BAD CHILDHOOD MEMORIES of COUGH SYRUP. That's a first and I hope the last I will ever be unexpectedly reunited with one the worst smells of my youth. Allowing the distinct violets I'm guessing to react with the air, that medicinal nightmare fades and I'm holding GLASS, FLORAL SWEETNESS and COLDNESS (that's all a little more promising). Applied: I really want to love Hydromancy and violets but something is telling me the 19th attempt to appreciate this historic floral is no different from my 12th curious venture. Admittedly on me, Hydromancy settles slightly within an hour. There is a vintage quality that depending on how the air is moving in the room, it does turn my head for all the right reasons (and causes tears) reminding me of a lost loved one who wore violet as her signature scent and always smelled ethereal and regal. Alas, on me violets just don't hold that gift and I think I will be avoiding this note in the future. It's a real mystery how skin chemistries are so different as I've read such glowing comments about this perfume. On others, I've seen that the stormy quality creates such a commanding watery essence, how I wish I could find that with my experience. Perhaps it just needs a long rest? (**please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one specific note may not happen on someone else. That's the unique beauty of perfume oils, they react with everyone differently- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). Necromancy (Listed Notes: Datura metel, ceremonial incense, funeral flowers, benzoin resin, ancient spirit boards, oud) -a method of divination involving communication with the dead - typically used as a means to foretell future events through a Medium via spirit board, but can also include the practice of physically raising the deceased's body, with or without the intention of bringing one back from the dead. In the vial: INCENSE, RESIN and a FLORAL peeking behind everything. There is also an unidentifiable mineral-like note with vanilla (now this may prove interesting). I'm not sure what to think, here we go... Applied: Here we go indeed and the lonely violins play in the background with beautiful melancholic chords while mists rise from the floor and waltz in front of a joined circle of bereaved. Positively inspiring and eerie, I have never encountered in any perfume a floral that is centre stage such as the one that amping on me from Necromancy, is it lilies? No, but it is gorgeously intoxicating, from another world and time and I must have a full bottle of this! I know I am rambling but this oil is just strangely haunting and the more it sits I'm just swept away to my favourite eras of history to study and read about. Coming back to this maddening world, I do get a distinct wisp of romantic vanilla (the ancient spirit boards?) and that unknown floral entwines with the incense that fades in and out every couple of hours. I never expected to fall for certain florals as I have with this collection. Brava Sixteen92! Pyromancy (Listed Notes: Green cardamom, fireplace embers, agarwood, smoked tea, white tobacco, hearth smoke) -a method of divination utilizing fire, smoke, or flames In the vial: A GREEN SAVOURY HEAT. It is so well-blended, I can't wait to try this oil on. Applied: I'm not going to lie, Pyromancy makes me hungry and it took me a couple minutes when I first tried this creative scent potion to figure out why; it smells exactly like a hot bowl of Campbell's Tomato Soup. I bet that wasn't what you thought you were going to ever read about an artisan perfume but there it is, my mind goes immediately to a peppery cup of classic soup with a metal spoon and I love it. I do find this fragrance entertaining on many levels (must also add it lasts well into the next afternoon and even stays noticeable after a shower) and I know others have chai tea on their minds but my wonky chemistry has turned this pyro into a delicious winter or rainy day staple and I will be purchasing a full bottle. Yes, I'm strange if you haven't figured that out by now haha. Join me and try this wonder! Vials: Witches of the Silver Screen/Halloween 2018 (to be released September 24th along with a revisit to Fall 2017 and a Halloween Greatest Hits Collection) We Are The Weirdos, Mister Welcome to Burkittsville Formula 86 Really Most Sincerely Dead I Be The Witch Of The Wood One Scent at a Time We Are The Weirdos, Mister (Listed Notes: Dragon's blood resin, cleansing white sage, snuffed-out candles, spell books, metal and ash, dusty tarot cards) -Inspired by The Craft (1996) In the vial: Crushed SAGE, DRAGON'S BLOOD and timeworn LEATHER. There is also something "fizzy" that resides in this combination of dark notes. Applied: First off, hands down one of greatest names for a perfume ever (and such an underrated movie)... So which note will dominant on me this time? Tricky, tricky, tricky. It's sage rising above the leather and amping to create a herbaceous lemon that absorbs the other components and I'm smelling root beer? Well, this is a surprise and that soda quality stays longer than I thought. I usually despise the aroma of root beer or anything resembling it but this perfume is giving credit to its name and is definitely different and out of the box. I don't know where I would wear We Are The Weirdos, Mister but I'll sure find a place. Welcome to Burkittsville (Listed Notes: Ancient stone, raven feather, forest floor, tangled roots, dark water, pitch-black musk) -Inspired by The Blair Witch Project (1999) In the vial: Haha my friend's worst nightmare DIRT glorious realistic FOREST FLOOR, BLACK ROOTS from the EARTH. For me, this is walking into the hollow on a magnificent dreary day, not a soul around and all you can hear is a lonely caw of a crow and ancient trees creaking with the cold wind (can you tell I'm already planning on getting a 10ml bottle as soon as possible?) Applied: My work colleague who I have slowly converted into a perfume oil collector like myself always asks me "why do you want to smell like dirt and leaves"? Honestly, I don't have an answer but I want more of it! Here we have the darkest forest fragrance you could imagine, it is akin to Lycanthrope (which has been my personal anti-anxiety talisman scent for many months now) but where in Lycanthrope I feel oddly protected when I dab it on, Welcome to Burkittsville makes me feel I should fear the shadows because something is watching, following and waiting for me to turn around. It stares from the surrounding trees and the blackest of ponds where sunlight never touches or the moon. Overall an amazing atmospheric which I will wear with a sinister little smile. Formula 86 (Listed Notes: Rice powder, sugar cane, warm caramel, heliotrope, tonka bean, dark chocolate) -Inspired by The Witches (1990) Also a novel by Roald Dahl In the vial: Coming from someone who watched this dark fantasy film (plus read the book) so many times the rental place just had the tape waiting behind the counter when they saw I was in the store, Formula 86 makes my inner child jump and reach as I'm tempted for just one little lick of the vial. This is decadent DARK CHOCOLATE and true to description WARM drizzled CARAMEL. It's unapologetically sticky sweet and for those that are familiar with You'll Shoot Your Eye Out! and have been waiting for its return, you may want to pay attention to this new release. Applied: When I first dabbed (okay I slathered and I enjoyed it and I even quoted Anjelica Huston's classic line: "Vitches of Inkland..." when I put it on) I removed my shoes (sorry no wig or gloves this time) and allowed the dark chocolate that smells like it is directly from the most costly sweet shop in Europe to take me away. It was a heavenly few minutes but then my cursed chemistry took that treat away, ah but not all was lost because the warm caramel I mentioned earlier cascaded over my senses and my love heliotrope created more creaminess. I'm sorely tempted to get Formula 86 in the hair detangler but I don't have an infinite bank account so between You'll Shoot Your Eye Out! and Formula 86, I think I'm going to gift the chocolate and shortbread with chimney smoke delight to myself as soon as it becomes available on Sixteen92 for the holidays. That won't stop me though from slathering on Formula 86 in the meantime and doing some really bad impressions of the movie and book lines (my poor coworkers and patients). Really Most Sincerely Dead (Listed Notes: Breadseed poppy, warm coconut milk, honeyed benzoin, black licorice) -Inspired by The Wizard of Oz (1939) Also a novel by L. Frank Baum (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) In the vial: LICORICE, WARM BAKED MUFFINS topped with HONEY and a scant drizzle of COCONUT MILK. It's a baker's delight to behold and here is another I could drink the vial. Applied: I'm so giddy I have finally found perfumes based on so many of my childhood memories of books and entertaining films (all I am missing are fragrances inspired by Ursula and The Sanderson Sisters then my list of witchy dreams would be complete). Okay getting back to this vial, when applied I'm graced by warm licorice that comes forward along with a delectable honey (Sixteen92 could sell me a single note of their honey and I'd purchase everything they offered for life). I've never had the pleasure to have poppy seed in oil form but it really seems to like me and it morphs into a baked good that is noticed and questioned about over the wall at my workplace. There must be some sort of magic also mixed in as the coconut isn't amping to create that dreaded "beachy" realm I leave to my colleague who can't get enough of that note with her collection. It is about this point where I'm thinking of getting a hair detangler (plus whipped soap and anything else Really Most Sincerely Dead comes in) that everything disappears for several minutes then the scent flickers in and out bringing to mind, the magic green crystal ball that the wicked witch watched the land of Oz with. My pocketbook may sigh in relief of that happening but I'm yelling for that image to come back and stay. I Be The Witch Of The Wood (Listed Notes: Wheat and straw, dark forest, poisoned apple, chimney smoke, fur, blood) -Inspired by The VVitch (2015) In the vial: Fallen APPLES, SMOKE, ASH, DRAGON'S BLOOD and EARTH. Oh yes, I think we have another full bottle worthy perfume here. Applied: This is exactly the scent potion I was hoping for when I purchased The Bell Witch last year, sadly that bottle still only turns to sweet tobacco and fading moss with not much of a creepy vibe to it (turning slightly soapy on me in fact) but I Be The Witch Of The Wood takes all that and more to the awesome extreme to present one disturbing mixture I can't pull my nose away from. On initial application, I get realistic smoke and ash akin to what Sarah Good is known for except there is no gourmand quality to be found in the black heart of I Be The Witch Of The Wood (even with the apple that smells it is one cold night away from being deadly and decaying). As this dries further the apple quickly exits and the dragon's blood replaces it amping the most along with the smoke (for those who love Baba Yaga meet her insidious sister scent). As much as I would love a full bottle now, I am okay with the generously sized vial which I think will last me until next year when I Be The Witch Of The Wood returns. Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ MX Perfume mxperfume.etsy.com SUGAR HICCUP (Listed Notes: Rosewood, Sugar, Ginger, Moroccan Rose, Civet (*animal-friendly/synthetic), Amber, Musk, Ambergris (* animal-friendly/synthetic)) Thoughts: I can only describe SUGAR HICCUP as wearable ethereal gossamer, a beautiful reminder of the lost past, posh for the office setting (or a night out) and a unique sugary amber floral I can wear year-round with not one headache or regret. It may sound strange but this is one fragrance that becomes a part of you (only better) and it seriously has to be experienced to get the full mysterious effect. I can't get enough of this rare jewel. Bravo MX Perfume! SCARECROW (Listed Notes: Red Apple, Orange, Anise, Hay Absolute, Tobacco, Fenugreek, Cardamom, Vanilla, Vetiver) Thoughts: SCARECROW by MX Perfume is everything my dark little heart has been desiring in a fall fragrance and I want to live in the bottle. The compliments just keep rolling in when I wear this wonder and SCARECROW is exactly how I'm beating the heat this summer. On me, the realistic hay blended with spice and vanilla are most dominant after the perfect mash of fruit fades and if I could stop slathering this holy grail creation over my arms and in my hair (plus belting out "This is Halloween" from The Nightmare Before Christmas) all long enough I can also detect a wisp of smokiness in this oil that only pulls me deeper into a maze of country fall-related memories; it's just so good! Bravo MX Perfume! mxperfume.etsy.com THE BLACK DEATH FRAGRANCE: Autumn Leaves Time from initial lighting to noticeable throw in a large room with fans: Around 7 minutes Colour of Wax: Black THE BLACK DEATH by Werther & Gray somehow captures the moment when decayed leaves begin to turn dusty and blow in the winds. There is even a drop of patchouli I can detect which adds to the overall effect and I know the perfect candle I'll be burning when I pick up another title on The Great Mortality. Also, the artwork is superb and a must-have decor item for any morbid history collector. SÉANCE FRAGRANCE: Sage, Amber and Smoke Time from initial lighting to noticeable throw in a large room with fans: Around 5-6 minutes Colour of Wax: Midnight Blue Out of the five candles, I was presented with, (in lightning fast time and each artfully packaged) SÉANCE is my favourite out of the jars. I feel I could sit at my desk and pen a full novel with that obscure beauty burning away. The scent that emanates from the candle is truly otherworldly and I can easily imagine a story centred around a mystic, a widow's hopes of reuniting with a lost love from the great war and a circle of dark secrets about to be revealed. I will definitely be repurchasing this powdery creation. LONDON, 1888 FRAGRANCE: Rich lacquered wood, velvety floral notes and seductive fruit Time from initial lighting to noticeable throw in a large room with fans: Around 7-8 minutes Colour of Wax: Maroon For the armchair investigators of unsolved bygone crimes or infamous mysteries, there is no finer selection of candle to cosy up beside than LONDON, 1888 by Werther & Gray. The exact notes of this candle are an alluring mystery all its own (my nose does detect a trace of plum and bergamot) but ultimately this jar tempts you to turn another page or stay to ponder on one more theory long after the lamp chain should be pulled for the night. Exactly what I was hoping for. REIGN OF TERROR FRAGRANCE: Cake, Frosting, Amber, Wood Time from initial lighting to noticeable throw in a large room with fans: Around 4-5 minutes Colour of Wax: Red REIGN OF TERROR along with four other history and seasonally inspired jars from this enchanting shop were all a birthday gift to myself and I finally got my cake with this intriguing candle. Ah but not just any cake, the scent of REIGN OF TERROR is refined and unlike any bakery temptation you will ever find. HALLOWEEN WITCH FRAGRANCE: Pumpkin Bread, Spice Time from initial lighting to noticeable throw in a large room with fans: Around 8-9 minutes Colour of Wax: Golden Brown HALLOWEEN WITCH puts a spell on fall and gourmand fragrance seekers alike with warm delicious nostalgia. This is one comforting jar with not an overwhelming throw but one that beckons just enough for a few more minutes of cozy reading and daydreaming of autumn or cooler weather to come. One whiff and you'll be gone to buy another candle from this amazing shop and I ain't lyin'. *I'm about to get a little nerdy, you have been warned... With an official announcement that the coming of winter will be delayed another year for the A Song of Ice and Fire series, there seems to be plenty of time now for waiting patiently to be delivered pages about the countless characters' fates and future of the Seven Kingdoms. There also seems to be plenty of time to explore and collect from houses of fragrance on the horizon and so it goes for this summer child who grew curious if it was possible to somehow combine her addiction to the entertaining realm of historical fantasy with another obsession (perfume oils) and ultimately share something unique within the disinfected halls she roamed at night. A tall order to fill but not impossible but ah, one day's long search turned into a journey that thankfully ended at the perfect time when I found Sucreabeille and the Frozen Embers limited releases. I admit I lurked in the shadows waiting for exactly what I sought and then I saw my heart's desire in the form of a collection that almost made me break my mouse to order while The Rains of Castamere played in my head (or that could have been my phone next to me). With the creative descriptions, scent notes listed and two of my personal favourite characters receiving their own inspired perfumes; everything had to come home to me so I treated myself and pounced on my mail carrier when I saw my parcel shipped in record timing. The Lannisters demand respect and Sucreabeille certainly paid homage to this golden house with five dram sized bottles and I can't thank them enough for taking on that task, their excellent customer service, and of course delivering something to remember and recommend. One Note at a Time: CERSEI--Scent notes: white thyme, black pepper, black jasmine, amber In the bottle: A herbaceous entanglement of pepper, floral and amber that is dominantly leading with the THYME and PEPPER. It's unexpectedly striking and memorable. *I do admit this particular collaboration of notes at first confused me as for such a long time I envisioned a completely different idea of what my favourite character on the board of "where you live or you die" would wear. Ah, but flipping through the familiar pages of the beginning books, I soon realized after the first application that Sucrebeille paid creative homage to Her Grace. Applied: On initial opening, this fragrance is masculine and as we remember from the books Cersei laments to her father she wishes she was born male to rule them all, so of course her inspired perfume would have to be fierce and unconventional. The thyme which adds to that first impression when dabbed on the skin is an interesting selection but also makes sense as Cersei Lannister is no delicate common garden rose nor easily blown over (even with threats of dragons breath) or will wilt, she is hardy like a herb growing stronger with the passing seasons. The jasmine that sweeps into the medley with the pepper and distinct note of thyme adds a touch of traditional beauty and as this bottle ages, a powdery side (even a drop of honey?) reveals itself creating an alluring wicked shift of scent along with the amber. CERSEI is not for the weak and I adore that about this oil and reach for it when the exact mood sets in. *Passing the knowledge along: The inspiration of Cersei Lannister like so many other characters in the A Song of Ice and Fire series comes straight from history. Reportedly Cersei is based on Margaret of Anjou, Isabella of France and Catherine de' Medici (all women you never would have wanted to cross, insult their house or threaten their children). JAIME---Scent notes: juniper, sage, neroli, patchouli, cedar, saffron In the bottle: A fitting mixture of woods, herb and earth that continues the herbaceous nontraditional notes found in its sister scent CERSEI. Applied: JAMIE opens with juniper, sage and patchouli. It may be obviously masculine in profile but is still wearable for a lady and as the oil dries more, neroli sweetens on my skin turning my head along with a cedar note. Hours later another sweetness (the saffron?) which has been hidden reveals itself and I swear I can pick up a drop of honey. I like to wear CERSEI on my dominant wrist (left) and JAMIE goes on my right wrist, you almost can't have the one without the other, they are twins in the books and now have their own sister and brother inspired perfumes. TYRION---Scent notes: Tahitian vanilla, fig, leather *cruelty-free/synthetic In the bottle: LEATHER and VANILLA. It captures the scent of well-thumbed tome or journal. Sorry, no whiff of wine here for our loveable silver-tongued imp and my third favourite character in the series. Applied: I adore book scents and TYRION is one of the best I've yet to come across and will fit well into my growing collection. There is no herbaceous note leading the way like in CERSEI and JAMIE, TYRION is softer and more welcoming but still unique. I'm familiar with what fig can do to my head (thanks to a certain commercial bath and body shop) but mercifully this indie creation has been gentle on my sensitive senses and I love it all the more for that. I will definitely be reaching for TYRION closer to fall (the ideal time for a good book) and adding this perfume to my scarves to blow in the winds. *Passing the knowledge along: The character of Tyrion Lannister is actually a brilliant composite of the author and the reader, as we turn the pages following different personalities and fates, Tyrion observes his surroundings with astute knowledge, quips about everyone and an outsider's eye. LIQUID GOLD---Scent notes: zanzibar spice, lavender, bergamot black tea First visual impressions: the bottle is loaded with gold dust and I can't stop shaking it to watch the gold swirl around. In the bottle: Uplifting BERGAMOT and TEA. There is also something dark noted that I'm hoping will soon reveal a sinister side of this fragrance based on my favoured house. Applied: The more LIQUID GOLD ages the more I'm liking this perfume. When it first arrived it was too clean and "happy" for me but a month later and it blooms with a dark side wonderfully on my skin, releasing black tea with spice. There is something that could be French Lavender (almost floral) but I really have to concentrate to get that note. As promised when applied the site shimmers with a gold sheen and I've been wearing LIQUID GOLD more than I initially thought. THE MOUNTAIN---Scent notes: amber, oatmeal stout, pure honey In the bottle: OATMEAL and HONEY with a swirl of AMBERY BOOZE. Completely unexpected from what you would think a monstrously sized man and an undead guardian would smell like. THE MOUNTAIN reminds me strongly of mead or a particular drink at the Renaissance Festival, I could sit here all day and lose myself in this bottle. Applied: Oh wow this confection of oil smells delicious with oatmeal and the glorious realistic honey amping the most. THE MOUNTAIN is pure scent intoxication and I will be reaching for this bottle through summer well into fall. Good thing I have a wardrobe and dresser filled with scarves, this perfume is going on everything for the colder months. *ADDITIONAL TREATS FOR THE SENSES (a special thank you to Andrea for sending me all these wonderful scents and creations) WILDFYRE---Scent Notes: Anise, Smoke and Cedar First visual impressions: Only fitting for a bottle based on the most feared ancient substance in the Seven Kingdoms to be a lovely shade of captivating green. Another entertaining looking bottle to shake up. In the bottle: ANISE and CEDAR. It wakes the senses and captures the hot glow of a consuming green flame in your nefarious imagination. Applied: WILDFYRE is truly otherworldly and a must try for spice lovers. Another oil not for the weak but splendid for others. On me, the anise opens leading to a cedar note that you easily imagine comes from a ship on Blackwater Bay listing as it sinks beneath the dark waters with smoke that now appears as WILDFYRE dries. Oh yes, I love this perfume. Another for the autumn and fall cache. SANSA---Scent Notes: Buttercream, Vanilla and Lemon Cakes In the bottle: One of the finest gourmands from any house of fragrance it has been my pleasure to smell. It's absolutely sublime! I'm seriously tempted to drink the bottle (I won't be gah I'm sorely tempted to try). For those that bake SANSA by Sucreabeille is what we have been waiting for, realistic frosted lemon cakes. A stunning tribute to my second favourite character in the series. Applied: ...I knew sooner or later my skin chemistry would ruin something for me from this collection (figures it was this delectable smelling bottle). It may have let me enjoy THE MOUNTAIN amping the amazing honey, but the lemon in the bottle of SANSA didn't stand a chance it seems and after slathering this perfume on, the frosting has slid off and I'm left with vanilla cake. Which admittedly isn't an entirely horrible thing, this is still a wonderful realistic cake fragrance that makes you hungry and garners the compliments from others. As much as I love vanilla cake, I think this is the perfect time to order a custom jar of soap fluff. **Yes, this shop offers so much more than perfume, they are a head to toe emporium filled with options that are all completely customizable with a list of notes that can be added and blended on request (getting any ideas?) Shortly after receiving (actually in truth, it was the day I opened SANSA from the carefully packed parcel) I couldn't resist and ordered a custom soap fluff.** SOAP FLUFF (SANSA)--Buttercream, Vanilla and Lemon Cakes If I thought the bottle was tempting to think about drinking, I'm even more compelled and about to lick the jar. The consistency of the contents is creamy with no noticeable lumps and it's absolutely divine with the scent. Scooping it out with a clean plastic spoon, this fluff is dense and spreads nicely where applied (a tiny bit goes a long way). I must say the delicate soap bubbles that form when rubbed in are moisturizing passing my personal test and as much as I adore the presented fragrance, I also appreciate that it doesn't linger so I can go and put another perfume on (even layer) without any interference of notes or confusion to my nose. Think Soap Fluff as the perfect well-deserved indulgence you help create, it only lasts as long as you stay in your personal sanctuary and tempts you back for one more soak. As well as this item worked on and impressed me (this serves as a fabulous shaving soap cream by the way), I can't help but think up another custom jar (or two and even future stocking stuffers) for fall and then winter (I must have pumpkin, smoke and hot chocolate and all combinations waiting for me to enjoy). *Passing the knowledge along: Sansa Stark is strongly believed to be based on Elizabeth of York who served as a key figure in the Wars of the Roses (especially in the aftermath) between the houses of York and Lancaster (simple version). The whole premise and plot of the book series has been said to be greatly influenced by that English civil war for control of a throne (again simplified version). York triumphed in the end at a horrible price, so who knows what the wheel of fate or scribble of a pen has in store for the Starks and Sansa. LOTION BAR (STAY SEXY VANILLA GRAPEFRUIT) A special treat the owner sent me with one order (thank you so much Andrea!) This bar is almost too pretty to use and I hesitated to cut into the lovely flower shape but it was well worth it as I have found my ideal feet and elbow product. My feet as petal soft and my elbows silky smooth. I see another pumpkin scented custom ordered item for my bathtub coming soon. PAPA'S WAFFLES *Sorry I missed the exact notes listed this was a Father's Day limited edition release, but I found the original description: "Picture it: Saturday morning, your childhood. Your dad and his impressive beard have gotten up early even though he was up late with friends, drinking and partying. He’s acquiesced to your demands for waffles, which he lovingly makes from scratch in the kitchen while drinking a strong pot of coffee. The whole house smells of baked goodness, coffee, maple, and butter. Bliss. That’s exactly what Papa’s Waffles smells like. It’s a delectable, nostalgic scent that’ll immediately transport you back to those happy, scrumptious times." In the bottle: BREWED COFFEE, WAFFLES and a hint of TOBACCO in the background. This shop is excellent at creating blends that smell realistic and make a baker proud and excited to find. Another bottle I'm tempted to drink. Applied: This is holiday mornings for me, all it is missing is a note of ink from a well-thumbed newspaper and this could be the captured scent memory of my beloved Pap making me breakfast. The coffee stands out the most on me as this oil dries and I also amp the buttery note. True to its description, absolutely transporting for happy, scrumptious times. I will be saving this bottle for winter and cold days when I need a smile. Sucreabeille sucreabeille.com/ Ladies and Gentlemen may I introduce to you a couple of amazing shops and the talented scent genius behind them who wears many hats in the realm of indie fragrance. From candles to perfume this artist somehow conjures and bottles the essences of bygone eras and themes ranging from the demure to the downright macabre with a distinct fashion that I can't put down in any form whether it be my TITANIC inspired candle or my holy grail autumn perfume better known as SCARECROW (Yes, the long search is over!) The various bottles, vials and jars that can be found in his shops are beyond unique along with the fragrance branding that calls out to an old soul like me and to even hard to please trend forward relatives who walk in and ask: "what smells so good?" There really is bound to be a new olfactory addiction waiting for everyone within Werther & Gray, The Candle Parlour or MX Perfume. I admit I only was admiring the historical and culture-inspired candles at Werther & Gray (wertherandgray.etsy.com) ever since I joined ETSY and never thought I would be pulled into so many new wonderful choices of creative note profiles for my home and my own finally realized personal style but here we are and I can tell this is only the beginning of some extraordinary collections that I can't wait to display. Bravo on everything Charles! Werther & Gray wertherandgray.etsy.com The Candle Parlour candleparlour.com/ What better place to start a fragrance journey than where the heart is and our own sanctuaries away from the mad world. You know what is missing though? A flickering candle to cosy up beside and lend some timeless elegance to that personal space. If you are an armchair explorer of the past or simply love the classics Werther & Gray and The Candle Parlour are the places to see as the selections range from sweet florals to the darkly inspired (but dignified) fragrances and everything in between to grace your abode. On ETSY you will find a smaller listing that then leads to the huge library of other luxury candle options (and needful things) at The Candle Parlour. I have to admit after falling hard for the next history influenced creations I'm about to gush about, I have already begun to compile a list of future purchases ((that Jack the Ripper inspired candle, The Black Death jar scented with autumn leaves, Jane Austen and Pumpkin Spice canister (along with so many others) all need to be in my home)). TITANIC FRAGRANCE: Salt Water, Plum, Clove Leaf, Blue Amber Time from initial lighting to noticeable throw in a large room with fans: Around 7 minutes The gorgeous artwork on the jar alone is enough to take this historymagpie over the moon but the contents are just magnificent and make my senses swoon. The elegant ambience that radiates from TITANIC is perfect in my book and is exactly what I have been waiting to see for years from a candle (beloved history and unparalleled fragrance). The blending of plum with a hint of clove and salty amber creates an aquatic feeling without it being overwhelming or screaming "OCEAN" like other candles on the market that have always given me a horrible headache. Not one headache to report thankfully with this lovely soothing creation and it will always be a part of my home decor and I'm throwing out any Yankee Candles. POWDERED WIG FRAGRANCE: Orris & Orange Blossom Time from initial lighting to noticeable throw in a large room with fans: Around 8 minutes What can I say? I can never turn away from lovely illustrations and the decorative label featuring the brooding gentleman with his admiring lady on the jar of POWDERED WIG immediately caught my eye and made me think of an earlier version of Heathcliff and Isabella Linton from Wuthering Heights. It certainly looked like it had a story to tell and the fascinating trivia notes about the use of orange blossom and orris in actual wigs intrigued me all the more (plus I have been searching for a powdery candle with a meaning for a long time). Let me tell you the jar is even more stunning in person and the scent profile of POWDERED WIG is indeed soft and demure with such a beautiful welcoming quality from the delicate orange blossom and powdery orris. Not an overwhelming fragrance by any means but just a terrific starter candle for those curious about this fine collection of scents and historical inspirations. MX Perfume mxperfume.etsy.com Some things can't be merely explained or properly described they only need to be experienced and if you give MX Perfume a curious wave of the wrist you will quickly understand what I mean. I will say these marvellous perfumes hold such a captivating mysterious collective quality about them and for whatever theme, clever name, fragrance profile or iconic image that grabs your attention; you are in for a rare treat. BLASPHEMY (Listed Notes: Orange, Apricot, Osmanthus, Davana, Clove, Black Pepper, Ginger, Myrrh, Vanilla, Labdanum) In the vial: CLOVE, BLACK PEPPER, MYRRH and an undercurrent of dark FRUIT that melds so well into the spice and resins, it's positively wicked and divine! Applied: If you are a "spice fiend" who can't help slathering on fragrances with some heat and giving your nose a much-needed wakeup, grab BLASPHEMY and take your place inside the fire with MX Perfume (you won't regret it). On me, this oil opens with a mash of zesty spice and warm fruit that I can't pull my nose away from and as this scent potion dries it actually gets more pronounced akin to a growing flame with an underlining black pepper and something herbaceous stoking and giving it an extra kick on my skin. When it fades hours later, the final call goes to a faint peppery vanilla giving this wonderfully complex perfume a lasting soothing quality you can't wait to smell again. I love wearing this creation in the workplace setting or just standing on the breezeway letting the well-blended list of notes swirl with the wind and this fragrance is going right into my basket of "you need this". FULL MOON (Listed Notes: Thyme, Orris Tincture, White Lotus, Night Jasmine, Violet, Styrax, Ambergris (*animal-friendly/synthetic), Copaiba Balsam) In the vial: THYME, VIOLET and AMBERGRIS, it has a lovely obscure property to it that I'm excited to try. Hopefully, my skin chemistry behaves with the violet. Here we go... Applied: The more I wear FULL MOON and allow it to age, the more I'm falling under its spell. This and PAPER MOON (review to follow shortly) are both, unlike anything I have ever had the pleasure to smell before with the thyme amping on my skin and creating a pure elemental quality that adds another facet to seek out for my growing perfume collection. If PAPER MOON is the summer to early autumn version of the presentation of the moon in my mind, then FULL MOON is the intricate mysterious fall to winter arrangement with a herbaceous opening then unique florals, powder and a barely detectable sprig of balsam under everything. I will definitely be wearing FULL MOON for the Total Lunar Eclipse (the longest of the 21st century) happening at the end of this month (Friday, July 27th). SUGAR HICCUP (Listed Notes: Rosewood, Sugar, Ginger, Moroccan Rose, Civet (*animal-friendly/synthetic), Amber, Musk, Ambergris (* animal-friendly/synthetic)) In the vial: I don't want to get too excited but seriously, where has this fragrance been all my life?! It's so well blended but my nose clearly favours the ROSE and SUGARY AMBER that I absolutely love and fingers crossed it plays well with my chemistry. Applied: Could it be? Have I finally stumbled across a rose perfume that I can wear with no painful regrets or one that doesn't smell like hairspray? YES! Yes, I have. Complete thoughts fail me as I sit here and forgive me if I ramble or forego the "this opens with" but no simple description will do this haunting masterpiece justice (you just need to experience it for yourself). For me, SUGAR HICCUP is like wearable ethereal gossamer, a beautiful reminder of the lost past and I'm going to wear this floral scent year round. There is a warmth to the notes that will transition well for the colder months but there is also something so perfect about it for summer and spring (the ginger?). This jewel needs to come home to me as soon as possible and be nestled alongside my professional/confidence in a bottle cache of treasured fragrances (*full feature article coming soon if I can articulate on this wonder). SCARECROW (Listed Notes: Red Apple, Orange, Anise, Hay Absolute, Tobacco, Fenugreek, Cardamom, Vanilla, Vetiver) In the vial: Realistic COUNTRY FALL in all its spectacular glory! It's: breathtaking pastoral landscapes, climbing apple trees, long solitary walks in the hollow, haunted hayrides, apple festivals with spiced treats, corn mazes, ghost trails all magnificently captured and released in a flood of additional images. Just fragrance nirvana with special nostalgic properties and I want to live in the vial. Applied: I am truly in the presence of an evil scent genius who has somehow conjured into existence my autumn holy grail fragrance. It only took a year to stumble across this gem and as I dab (then paint then downright slather this fragrance on) and bask in everything this vial has to offer, I sorely wish SCARECROW came in multiple forms (candle, hair and bath for starters) because I'm seriously ready to just dump the vial over my head right now as I'm typing; it's so good! After going through pages on my extensive trove of fall themed oils, believe it or not, SCARECROW is the first to contain hay absolute and I'm delighted to share that it amps on my skin along with vanilla, cardamom and vetiver. If I can pull my nose away long enough and try to concentrate there is also something slightly smoky about it (the tobacco?) Sadly I must admit my treacherous skin chemistry causes this scent of my dreams to fade faster than the other vials I sampled in my pack but I have learned how to combat that baleful side of my chemical makeup with tricks that work for these few poor unfortunate oils and all I have left to say is: Take my money now MX Perfume! (*full feature coming soon on the 5ml bottle) ZOMBIE FEAST (Listed Notes: Hyssop, Thyme, Rum, Cognac, Coconut, Hazelnut, White Chocolate, Vanilla) In the vial: COCONUT, WHITE CHOCOLATE, HAZELNUT and VANILLA with a drop of booze in the background. ZOMBIE FEAST is definitely the gourmand option of the samples. I have no idea how this is going to play out but I'm excited to have it. Applied: You know I've always wondered what zombies smell in the air as they chase around potential victims on the screen and I should have known it would be something crave-worthy and positively yummy. On me, ZOMBIE FEAST is not "tropical" even with the coconut, it's akin to a decadent expensive creamy vanilla truffle with shredded coconut and hazelnut adorning it. A great choice for those of us who are wary of coconut and the "beachy realm" (no beach or suntanning lotion here just a toothsome confection that is sure to garner compliments). Like all the vials I tried ZOMBIE FEAST is very wearable in this insufferable summer heat and is another fragrance I will be reaching for when I'm not dousing myself in SCARECROW (hope the bottle lasts until fall). WHITE SUNSHINE (Listed Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Geranium, Iris, Jasmine, White Musk, Civet (*animal-friendly/synthetic), Oakmoss, Patchouli, Vanilla, Labdanum) In the vial: CITRUS and FLORALS that carry a summer breeze with it. I have a strong feeling I'm going to love this. Applied: It took me several times wearing WHITE SUNSHINE to figure out what this stunning fragrance reminded me of and it may sound odd but two things come to mind anymore when I'm enjoying this superbly blended creation, one is if the magical bioluminescence of a firefly had a scent it would be WHITE SUNSHINE and the other is the multi-faceted piece of symbolism known as the "green light" in The Great Gatsby. There is a romantic aspect to this fragrance that is both dreamy and complex but still ethereal (just out of reach) and I simply adore it. Into the basket, you go WHITE SUNSHINE and now I want to go outside and reread The Great Gatsby for the 180th time. DARK & STORMY (Listed Notes: Petrichor, Bergamot, Pear, Gardenia, Patchouli, Blue Musk, Leather (*animal-friendly/synthetic), Amber) *Too late did I see that gardenia was a listed note and for those readers following my ramblings, you will recall gardenia and I haven't played well in the recent past. Oh dear now I'm worried. In the vial: ...Did I receive the right vial? What is that exquisite note greeting me under the lovely petrichor, patchouli and bergamot? If this is what gardenias really smell like please get me a huge bouquet of them. I hate to get excited but it's impossible not to. Fingers and toes crossed... Applied: This may be called DARK & STORMY and I should be cursing my chemistry right now for turning this anticipated perfume into a calming spring rainshower versus a violent storm but oddly I'm not, I'm actually quite smitten as I sit here. On me, DARK & STORMY takes me away to a charming Old Hollywood set with a legendary starlet lounging in the parlour as a refreshing rain hits the window. Her trademark fragrance is creamy gardenia and it gently follows in her wake and lingers on the leather-bound script on the table as she moves to each new scene ready for her closeup. Overall another vintage romance in the making and I think MX Perfume just helped me turn a huge corner on appreciating a certain floral. Into the basket. BIZZARO (Listed Notes: Tangerine, Clary Sage, Raspberry, Mango, Jasmine, Gardenia, Cardamom, Olibanum, Blue Musk, Ambergris (*animal-friendly/synthetic)) In the vial: FRANKINCENSE, CARDAMOM, SAGE. There is probably a fruit note as well but my nose loves to single out resins, spice and herbs in anything. I'm extremely intrigued by this vial. Applied: Clary Sage greets me first and steers BIZZARO into the masculine realm (I bet this would smell amazing on a man) but as it dries the gardenia glides over along with the jasmine and an unknown fruit note slowly turning this fragrance on me to more feminine with a sprinkle of warm spice from the cardamom. It smells so expensive and I think it will only get better with aging. BLOOD LUST (Listed Notes: Wormwood, Tarragon, Citrus, Ajowan, Plum Blossom, Jasmine, Olibanum, Patchouli, Oudwood, Vanilla) In the vial: This strangely fascinating vial keeps changing every time I open it to test. Right now I detect JASMINE, CITRUS, PATCHOULI and TARRAGON. And now there's OUDWOOD. If BLOOD LUST is morphing already I can't wait to try it on. Applied: On me, jasmine commands the show for several minutes along with wormwood then prized plum and a twist of citrus slowly appears. When BLOOD LUST completely dries vanilla, oudwood and earthy patchouli stay the longest and keeps my nose down to my wrist. Like BIZZARO this perfume smells expensive and is one of the more masculine vials but still appropriate for a lady. Victorian Fragrance Co. *Sadly this line has been discontinued but it is definitely worth sharing. A special thank you to the owner for allowing me the chance to sample and enjoy these perfumes centred around my favourite era of time* PAPER MOON (Listed Notes: Honey, Almond, Thyme, Pear, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Musk) I've always had some kind of unexplainable connection to the moon and I'm so happy the owner sent this creamy otherworldly creation to me. PAPER MOON is so aptly named as it has this beautifully strange and wonderful papery-powdery quality to it and I can't stop smelling my wrists. This perfume is like an invisible strand of pearls that serves as the perfect final accessory to stand apart from the mundane but still stay classy and stately in any setting (also compliments any attire choice). I absolutely adore it! DAPPER (Listed Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Herbs, Carnation, Rose, Cedar, Sandalwood, Labdanum) I dab some DAPPER on when I'm dressed to the nines and want to beat the summer heat with something fancy and formal noted. I've already put a noticeable dent in the bottle so this will be another fragrance I'll be rationing but it is well worth it with the spicy and a smoke-like floral that opens with a delightful citrus and herbaceous note combination that actually stays on my finicky skin. Hours later, the florals with spice slowly fade and the final call goes to the sandalwood and cedar that stays into the next morning. They don't make vintage smelling perfumes like this anymore which is truly a shame. THE MOORS ( Listed Notes: Heather, Lilac, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean) *still currently aging but it is very promising with a floral mossy noted mixture that makes me want to hop a plane to the UK so badly (and probably never come back) to see the real moors. AUTUMN EVENTIDE (Listed Notes: Hay, Plum, Apple, Orange, Cinnamon, Clove, Musk, Blonde Tobacco) I can never have too many spiced apple oils and AUTUMN EVENTIDE is a classic that I will tuck into my fall trove. This perfume lasts longer in my hair and I love walking around in a halo of warmth and fruit with a scattering of tobacco. Definitely a keeper in my book. BLACK BOMBAZINE (Listed Notes: Frankincense, Labdanum, Black Musk, Clove, Plum, Rosewood) In the vial, this oil is a boozy floral with clove but completely transforms once it hits the skin and BLACK BOMBAZINE is for the plum and wood note lovers. It is meant to heavy and acts upon the imagination creating visions of stopped clocks and covered mirrors. Another keeper for reading certain subjects of interest. STILL LIFE (Listed Notes: Oakmoss, Narcissus, Musk, Peony, Lily, Mandarin) This fragrance starts off with a burst of addicting sharp lemon and peony that then dries down to a vintage scent collage leaning toward more powdery on me but still noticeably floral. This is a good oil to wake up and start the day with. TEA & CRUMPETS (Listed Notes: Black Tea, Milk, Musk, Red Apple, Orange) True to its name TEA & CRUMPETS is steeped tea with a splash of lemon and milk. A great summer alternative to the tropical fruits and sweet gourmands. I don't know what it is about apples and oranges that never seem to fair well with my temperamental skin chemistry (they sadly fade very quickly). Oh well, atleast my hair can smell like tea and fruit. Alkemia Perfumes
alkemia.etsy.com Thoughts: -You would be forgiven for thinking this marvellous creation is solely gourmand as the first sniff is luscious dark cacao and fresh lavender blooms with a hint of cardamon you can't seem to put down but Fleurs Historiques et Cacao is so much more and is full of surprises once it hits the skin. Right away a stately presence emerges from this blending stimulating the senses further along with your imagination sweeping you back to a courtly era others only dream they could present in a bottle then this crafted beauty fondly bids you farewell hours later with a soft floral-powdery wave akin to from a delicate lace handkerchief. Overall, absolutely inspiring and lovely for summer. Brava Alkemia! One scent at a time: Fleurs Historiques et Cacao *ULTIME version (Listed Notes: Dark Cacao, French Lavender Flowers, Black Cardamon Pods, Tea with Lemon Peel, Grapefruit Blossom and Vanilla Musk. In the bottle: FRENCH LAVENDER BLOOMS and ground dark CACOA with a hint of CARDAMON waiting in the background, it's sophisticated and a little heady. I can easily tell how this scent mixture would ensnare a king (it's simply memorable and beautifully addictive--Madame de Pompadour knew exactly what she was doing with this historic fragrance recipe). I must don lace and gold tonight, Fleurs Historiques et Cacao definitely demands my best! Applied: What we are presented with is an unapologetic feminine fragrance that commands your attention and sweeps you away to another time and place when it hits the skin. I immediately get the decadent cacao with the floral of the lavender blooms and these two play amazingly well with one another creating visions of a gilded French boudoir back in the 18th century with an open large window directly facing a summer parterre. There is something very airy even delicate about Fleurs Historiques et Cacao but at the same time, confident and I'm astonished the cacao is lasting on my skin (I must remember to purchase the ULTIME again if cacao is a listed note). I must also stop as I am getting looks from my coworkers as I obsessively sniff my wrists and move my hair so the blended poetry of the notes (now accompanied by a warm cardamon and noticeable bright citrus) takes me away each time my curls move. You know what, let them look, I don't care; this is a special night and I desired a fragrance that said "I have arrived in life" and Fleurs Historiques et Cacao is exactly what I wanted and will mean something whenever I wear it. Later long into the night, the floral and slight sweetness (that never resembles the scent of a bakery) takes on a wisp of romantic vanilla musk and then this perfume slowly fades with a glorious powdery finish that follows me out the door and into the light of dawn. Absolutely this is a special bottle for my collection and I can tell it will only get better with age (doesn't everything?) alkemia.etsy.com Sixteen92
sixteen92.com/ Thoughts: -Adding another chapter to my book of perfume discoveries or self-realizations and this one is titled LYCANTHROPE. Joining the pantheon of treasured oils, this particular bottle allows my romantic imagination to run wild in a moonlit forest and believe me I don't want to leave. Weaving its mysterious magic on my senses and into my dreams, simply this is a fragrance that deserves the highest praise and is too good to not share. Brava Sixteen92! One scent at a time: Lycanthrope (Listed Notes: Monkshood, warm fur, tuber, elm bark, Artemisia, Galbanum, weathered rock and silver moonlight) *A special limited edition fragrance that won't return until September 13, 2019. In the bottle: Realistic RAIN DRENCHED MOSS, STONE, DAMP BARK and an impression you are being watched from the partially moonlit shadows. Applied: Whoever said Friday the 13th was unlucky obviously doesn't collect perfume oils or ever had the opportunity to come across Lycanthrope by Sixteen92 because this is a scent masterpiece and a lucky find indeed! You know an oil is exceptional when you close your eyes and are immediately swept away to another place or time and Lycanthrope is one of the most transporting bottles I currently own. Scent is suggestive (in many ways) but for me, this opens with wet stones against ancient trees and you can hear the rumble of thunder in the distance and the leaves rustling with the stirred wind. For those of us who love nothing more than staring up at the moon late at night and feeling some kind of unexplainable pull, this perfume can serve as the perfect backdrop. As this oil dries, the darkness of the notes intensify and it reminds me of The Castle of the Hill (also by Sixteen92) but Lycanthrope is strangely warmer and more inviting. There are also additional mineral and green notes that lurk within this unique fragrance which become noticeable at certain times and for some reason, I feel protected whenever I wear this. I like to think this special oil as a talisman against negative thoughts and I seek it out if I feel apprehensive or need a restful day (or night) of sleep. It really is a soothing almost pensive blend for anyone who favours enigmatic atmospherics. sixteen92.com/collections/limited-editions We all have those dark morbid topics of fascination that garner uncomfortable side looks from polite society. It can be downright mortifying to be judged in some circles but an indescribable joy to find an unexpected fellow soul who also harbours a guarded interest in the strange, warped and what has been deemed the plain unpleasant to think or speak of. Well please consider me a fellow soul if you happen to have a shelf (or three) dedicated to morbid history or probably know more tidbits on tragic legends, bizarre superstitions and insidious bygone crime cases than all may be proper for a lady to know. And if you also happen to enjoy stepping out into the modern world with the above categories of knowledge tucked away for rainy day conversations (or long dinner parties) and desire a finishing touch of the unique past to add to your everyday life, I know just the place us macabre historymagpies have been waiting and searching for... The Poisoners Guild (https://poisonersguild.com/) is the shop you need to see as this creative storefront is where "The Poisoners" (masters of scent potions and mistresses of olfactory magic from our favourite houses of fragrance) converse with the unconventional saints of this special guild to mix and blend representative forms of scents that arrive at your door in themed parcels. Imagine it, our darkest curiosities centred around the deadly and lovely herbs, toxic flowers and mysterious elements of others' purest dread serving as inspiration that we can proudly wear into the office or share as unique gifts. So prepare for one of a kind treats for the senses, wicked imaginations and dark little hearts everywhere because the Poisoners Guild is open for business! Well then, curious to know more? I know I sure was once I became aware of the splendid concept and beheld the opening page for the first time, so I ordered a few items from the guild that arrived in lightning quick time (ordered Thursday and received Monday). Even though I missed the initial launch of the first box (or kit as they are called) I was able to pick up a couple things that called to and intrigued me all the more with promises of beloved hyacinths gracing my home with their intoxicating scent composition and a gourmand-like perfume I kept seeing others rave about. I may have committed the ultimate sin of owning perfume oil which is testing it right out of the mailbox but it was well worth it and I can tell this is only the beginning of something amazing: Nicotine (Listed Notes: Oscuro Cigars, Pipe Smoke, Fresh-Cut Tobacco, Rum-Dipped Cigarillos, Cacao Shisha, Vanillic Vape Clouds.) -created by Hexennacht *I compared my jotted thoughts from when the bottle first arrived to tonight (about a two week span of time) In the bottle: A delectable almost BUTTERSCOTCH VANILLA-like blending that makes me crave toffee. It almost reminds me of a Heath bar with an edge. The tobacco is there if you take your time to search for it and a dusting of CACAO is present as well. Applied: A delicious aroma of butterscotch or toffee hits my nose at first and the tobacco slowly appears deepening the experience warming up everything along with the chocolate. At this point, Nicotine reminds me of another perfume I currently own and absolutely love with a surprisingly regal resinous quality to it. Sadly my skin chemistry causes the tempered cacao note to fade away in about 5 minutes but the other notes stay strong and this pleasant mixture of sweet and warmth continues to impress as hours later traces of vanilla linger on my skin. More of a blustery autumn day type of fragrance, I still find myself currently curling up with a good mystery novel and drifting off to eased slumber wearing this oil. Overall, Nicotine is a fine perfume choice for those of us who can't stand the disgusting suffocating chemical smell of cigarettes but only wish for scent nostalgia and adore the unmistakable aroma of real tobacco from a pipe. Spreading the knowledge: Agatha Christie's 1935 novel Three Act Tragedy (in the United States it can be found under the title: Murder in Three) is the only one of her books that nicotine plays a special deadly role. Nightshade (description: "Delicate hyacinths, a heady kick of musks and garden greens hiding a deadly secret.") -created by Moonbeams Wax Meltz Melted: Nightshade is such a brilliantly executed fragrance and I want this type of melt always present in my home. I admit I wasn't so sure at first as I could only detect a clean floral medley that was pretty but light on notes other than jasmine. As I went about to get ready for work something changed within an hour and my home was filled with an undeniably gorgeous aroma of fresh hyacinths and blooming florals that I couldn't believe all came from a mini sparkly square. Going out the door I noticed faded hints of lilac, rose (maybe even a drop of amber?) and a beckoning powdery sweetness to everything that made me wish Nightshade also came in perfume form as it is a romantic fragrance ideal for spring and early summer. Finally, it may be the magpie in me but the gold glitter against the pale green when Nightshade melts then dries is a beautiful final touch to this piece of scentart and I must have more (I foresee another type of fragrance collection beginning here). Spreading the knowledge: The Guild's own unconventional patron saint Locusta of Gaul was believed to have instructed a wife how to use Deadly Nightshade to poison an Emperor. Overall Thoughts: Ultimately this was a fantastic way to explore other indie fragrance businesses and even learn new points of trivia. I may have only had the opportunity to experience two creations but they both delightfully showcased each creator's talents and their deadly influences. Needless to say, I'm quite smitten by the Poisoners Guild and can't wait to see what other themed boxes "the poisoners" have in store (there are so many possibilities from dark history that can serve as further inspiration). BE ON THE LOOKOUT: The newest box to be unveiled by The Guild is: Ave Victoria "a collection of poisons inspired by the underworld of Victorian London". poisonersguild.com/ *Review to follow in August Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ Vials: The Bottling Room Every Frozen Heart Four Fifty-One It's History. It's Poetry. Only Children Weep One Scent at a Time: The Bottling Room (Listed Notes: Sterile glass, electricity, copper, hot light bulbs, lab-grown flowers, synthetic greenery) -Inspired by Brave New World by Aldous Huxley In the vial: A puzzling collage that is reading as "Invisible CLEAN". Even after a year of trying to train my nose with over a hundred different perfume oils, The Bottling Room has me completely baffled when attempting to single out its notes (I've tried several times). It honestly just smells like a clean hospital clinic bathed in bright light. Applied: If you desire the ultimate science or medical-themed perfume or want something out of the box but completely unobtrusive The Bottling Room needs to be on your vanity. When it is applied I detect a paper-like note reminding me of chart paper attached to a clipboard. I don't get any metal or greenery as it dries, I just receive a "sterile polished glass on top of scattered paper" from this oil. As nifty and inoffensive as this perfume is, I don't think this is something I will reach for unfortunately. Please don't misunderstand it's astounding that the scent artist can create such a realistic fragrance and I'm sure someone out there will go over the moon about this beyond unique atmospheric but oddly I don't want to smell like my workplace. (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). Every Frozen Heart (Listed Notes: Skin musk, faded perfume, citrus blossom, wormwood, empty streets) -Inspired by Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller In the vial: WORMWOOD and FADED then amped CITRUS PERFUME. It's a bit overwhelming and I recommend waving the applicator wand before first smelling it. After a long rest, this perfume strangely projects a "coldness" as well. How do these scentcrafters do that? Applied: Here is another where the scent medley may not be for everyone. At first, this oil triggers my sensitive head but the strong citrus perfume (reminding me of ones from High School) gradually fades to an icy pop that stays very close to my skin with the "coldness" I mentioned earlier and a hint of powder. It definitely fits into the summer realm of fragrance but again I don't think I would reach for this very often but am very grateful to have another different scent to add to my collection. (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). Four Fifty-One (Paper, kerosene, ash, night sky, burned flowers) -Inspired by Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury In the vial: Ah the vial I have been most anticipating but dreading at the same time as I have really bad memories of stand up kerosene heaters that were popular when I was a child (they always triggered the mother of all headaches with me and that distinct smell latched on anyone for days and I couldn't be around them without wanting to retch). Here we go, I detect...OIL LAMPS, ASH and PAPER. There is also that hidden NIGHT AIR impression Sixteen92 excels at present as well. No headaches to report at the moment, please let my skin chemistry behave. Applied: When first applied there is a wet ash with a splash of kerosene but this isn't the horrific caustic chemical scent composition that still haunts my nightmares. It smells more like old-fashioned oil kept in oil lamps (my Father, Uncles and Grandfathers were all coal miners) and it sorta reminds me of when one of them would step into the house carrying that oily dust chemical smell with them. That traditional oil lamp combination fades as it dries and I amp burnt paper, ash and the night air notes which leaves me wanting autumn more than summer. I really like this perfume and I'm happy to say not one twinge of a headache while I wear this unique fragrance. I will be reaching for Four Fifty-One at the end of summer as it gets me in the mood for chilly rainy nights and staring up into the heavens. It's History. It's Poetry. (Listed Notes: Tobacco, whisky, polished wood, typewriter ink, city sidewalks, carousel lights in the rain) -Inspired by The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger In the vial: PIPE TOBACCO and INK. I've never smelled whiskey but there is a note in the back that could be alcohol but I mostly get the shredded tobacco from a pouch with an iron accord mixture. It's a surprisingly sophisticated fragrance. Applied: I almost forgot how much I adore the scent of good tobacco as it is such a nostalgic and mysterious thing. Here is another vial I can place among my "another place and time" oils as this first transports me to the doors of the smoking room on a majestic ship during the early 20th century. It's such a gentleman's blend with a hint of caramel sweetness but is still wearable for a woman and as this dries further my imagination conjures the vision of a pant-suited authoress penning her memoirs while on the shelf her late husband's pipe sits and rain is hitting the window pane. Not your typical everyday scent but It's History. It's Poetry. is another keeper. Only Children Weep (Sweet tea, azalea, red clay, rhubarb, dry wood, cement) -Inspired by To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee In the vial: Oh wow this is lovely! Right away I get the SWEET TEA with tart FRUIT and dry EARTH. I guess I saved the best perfume for last again (although the last two were unexpected keepers). Only Children Weep is summer in a vial, it's reading bright and playful. Applied: Here we have a delightful atmospheric that brings to mind a cold glass of sweet tea being reached for by a child with sticky strawberry rhubarb jam-stained hands while a thunderstorm rumbles in the distance. As this fragrance dries the dry earth (red clay) note becomes more pronounced and continues the story of a summer thunderstorm building and a gust of wind stirs the dusty ground. I can almost hear wind chimes clinking softly and the hum of hummingbirds darting among the azaleas while I smell this. Out of all the vials that were in this Banned Book Collection, Only Children Weep is the one perfume I will wear for work with no hesitancy and it is the only fragrance that lasted into the next afternoon with almost a patchouli note leaving me last to enjoy. Perhaps not this year but next summer I may pick up a 6ml bottle and I think I should research more about rhubarb noted perfumes and find another to accompany this vial in my summer cache. Combined Thoughts: For my first The Circle collection, everything definitely surprised and put my nose to the test. I guess I failed with The Bottling Room but I found myself reaching for Four-Fifty One, It's History. It's Poetry. and Only Children Weep. Those final three told curious scent stories, brought some nostalgia and captured my imagination while sadly Every Frozen Heart only gave me a headache and I don't think I will be returning to that vial (but maybe it only needs more aging). I still applaud the creative mind that blended all these fragrances with its overall dystopian/innocence lost and coming of age connection and I eagerly look forward to August when the Fall Collection is to be unveiled (I don't think dominant florals or "clean" notes are for me, I'm a lady who reaches for more of earthy noted with creepy atmosphere or wistful and gourmand blends so fingers crossed those will appear in my next box--I wonder what the fall theme will be? Dark legendary queens? Gothic novels? Devious poisons and herbs? Well whatever it is, it is bound to make me smile (I mean who doesn't love Autumn and Halloween?) sixteen92.com For those of us who love history, legends of old or just enjoy smelling amazing, allow me to introduce you to a charming shop that caters to anyone who wishes to be pampered by products with ingredients straight from nature and inspired by Norse mythology. One look and you will know you have arrived at a unique destination and one whiff from the carefully arranged parcel (complete with a personal thank you note and other noticeable touches) that appears at your doorstep is enough to set you on a journey down another deeper tunnel in this strangely wonderful rabbit warren of indie fragrances and scent artistry. This (and more) is what you will discover at Valhalla Soap Co. (valhallasoap.com/). I am currently on my second "plunder" from this bewitching store and am planning out my third and fourth in the coming months. What I have found has become a part of my daily relaxing routine and the final touches I reach for when I go out the door into the modern world. You can tell allot of attention goes into each packed parcel and every time I open a jar, bottle or unwrap a marbled bar of soap it becomes an experience and reconnection to the lost past. I have to admit their excellent customer service practices invited me from the shadows of just window shopping and the owners' skills and knowledge of harnessing the ancient properties of herbs, spices, delicate florals and creative blendings continue to impress and keep me coming back. Victorian Lilac (Listed Notes and Description: "Straight up true old fashioned lilac. No powdery, perfume scent. Imagine true heirloom lilacs growing in front of a 1920's Victorian with all the gingerbread trim and paint.") A crown jewel of my perfume collection, Victorian Lilac by Valhalla Soap Co. is the heavenly spring scent I have been desperately searching for. It's as it says on the tin and this natural fragrance is everything I could wish for, it's nostalgia and every beautiful definition in the dictionary. It's like a sigh or gentle whisper on the skin. From beginning to end this uncomplicated perfume is magnificent and I feel such quiet strength when I wear it. Pixie Vials Wishing Star Farmer's Daughter Persian Pear Amber & Vanilla 7 Sins from Sunday valhallasoap.com/aromatic-body-oils/ Wishing Star (Listed Notes and Description: Star Anise and Lavender, "All natural Anise and Lavender combine equally to create a very earthy, Gothic scent. Both scents are rooted firmly in the element of Air, making them very good for any kind of emotional, mental or psychic work.") Wishing Star contains my weaknesses being Star Anise and Lavender and when these distinct notes combine it's otherworldly! In the vial, the lavender which is rich and herbal is most dominant but when applied the star anise takes over and pulls me only deeper into this alluring and relaxing medley. Absolutely one of my new favourites to recommend (fantastic for tension headaches). Farmer's Daughter (Listed Notes: Peaches, Oranges, Sweet Cream, Amber, Wild Violets, Musk, Vanilla Sugar and Honey) Farmer's Daughter is a lovely soft blend that is ideal for spring/summer and the professional setting. On me this oil dries down to a gorgeous powder with a realistic cream note and light lingering peach vanilla scent. Overall, an unexpected favourite as it is truly an enchanting balance of delicate and feminine without smelling too youthful or sweet. Persian Pear (Listed Notes: Anjou Pears, Lady Apples, Coconut, Vanilla Bean) In the vial, Persian Pear resembles the fragrance of a homemade compote with juicy pears and tart flesh of a freshly bitten (or chopped) apple with a drop of lemon. When applied an unexpected spice note appears that depending on your mindset and chemistry may read as "fizzy" but on me this is more of a late summer to early autumn harvest evoking combination of fresh fruit and warmth. This perfume is the most gourmand scented out of the pixie vials I received from this shop and I would be interested to find out if the sweetness is tempered in the soap bar form or is magnified in the detangler. Amber Vanilla (Listed Notes: Vanilla, Spices and Amber) Despite this oil containing vanilla this is not a gourmand fragrance or a playful perfume. Amber Vanilla is mature and striking (outrageously romantic), opening with a dreamy powderiness that then quickly warms revealing a hidden musk-like note that can read more masculine than feminine but is wonderful to relax with after a long day. On me, Amber Vanilla dries down to a warm sandalwood with amber that lasts for hours. 7 Sins from Sunday (Listed Notes: Jasmine, Lavender, Amber, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Dark Cocoa Bean) In the vial, the lavender, amber and vanilla are most noticeable and if you happen to love the scent of freshly picked from the garden herbs, you will fall hard for Valhalla Soap Co.'s lavender note (I know I have). I can't get enough of it especially in 7 Sins from Sunday and Wishing Star. Applied the jasmine with lavender is centre stage with a very light dusting of cocoa but it seems as soon as it is noticed the delicious dark accord disappears sadly (my chemistry unfortunately always gobbles up chocolate notes). The sandalwood then commands the show along with the vanilla and amber lasting well into the next day. Overall a keeper for falling asleep with and I would love to try this fragrance in the bubbling bath melts. valhallasoap.com/scrubs/ The Honey & Herbs Organic Sugar Scrub is pretty enough to tempt a nibble out of the jar, smells like a step back to long-forgotten practices and above all allows you to just forget the outside modern world to focus on some much-needed pampering and relaxation time. Get ready for something so divine in every fashion that I can't recommend it enough to those who adore the inspirative and comforting aromas of rosemary, apricot, lavender and honey. Together these ingredients take me away and when I finally leave my water filled sanctuary my skin glows and I'm completely recharged with a light hint of herbs lingering on my warm skin and relaxed muscles. It is the sensation and scent experience only nature can provide and Valhalla Soap Co. has created the perfect formula in my book with their Honey & Herbs Organic Sugar Scrub. Try it for yourself and you'll begin hoarding jars like me. valhallasoap.com/the-real-deal-whipped-soap-shampoo/ My hair has never looked, smelled and felt so good all thanks to the independent shop products I have been using this year. Add another to my highly recommended success shelf because "The Real Deal" Whipped Soap & Shampoo by Valhalla Soap Co. has just replaced conventional shampoo and conditioner in my book and everyone needs to know about this wonderful creation. Getting straight to the reason for my excitement, the contents from this generously sized jar adds volume and incredible softness to my temperamental curls and because I ordered the Naken or Unscented (5 oz.) option I can mix a couple drops from any vial or bottle from my perfume oil collection into a spoonful of whipped soap to only later come out from behind the shower curtain smelling like my favourite scent potions ready for anything. valhallasoap.com/soaps/ If there ever was a lost art it is soap making, watch a video or attend a seminar on this fascinating process and it will give you a new appreciation for the lovely marbled bar of colour and fragrance you hold in your hand. Right now I have four bars (three sample sizes and one full sized) from this enchanting shop and each one is different in texture, appearance and scent profile. What they all share is they undoubtedly leave my skin soft with no tightness or any oily residue left behind and haven't stirred up any embarrassing skin problems that commercial soaps can have in store for those of us with sensitive skin. As mentioned above the scent profiles differ and here's what I have found. Alfheim (Notes: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Citrus and Peppermint) *this (and a wrapped bar marked "unscented") were free samples that appeared in my first plunder box, thank you so much Donna and Matt!) For me, Alfheim is bright and refreshing with the citrus (you can even see specks of peel in the soap) and I prefer to use this little sample in the morning when I get home after a long night. It's extremely gentle and washes away my stubborn makeup with a mint and lemon lather that is almost edible (seriously everything this shop creates smells like you could eat it or close your eyes and inhale it all day long). I then follow up with my special moisturizer and serum (from Organic Fields of Heather) in those spots that are either dry or oily (depending on the day). I love that Alfheim has tea tree which wakes my nose up and gets me ready for the scent escape oils I put on before I go back into the dark to sleep the day away. *Unscented is destined to go to the child of a good friend who loves anything green and is allergic and sensitive to mainstream soaps and detergents. I have carefully tested and retested other soaps from this shop so hopefully this little wrapped bar will help and he will love it and ask for the special "dinosaur coloured soap" his auntie found for him. Green Witch (Description: "Sweet and earthy. Bright, bubbly citus notes combine with clean and green herbals, earthy florals and grounded with a smidge of forest floor. This effervecent bit of magick will have you longing to get outdoors and conjer some green, earthy magick of your own.") *this was a free sample that appeared in my second plunder, thank you so much Donna and Matt! I absolutely love these types of fragrance puzzles such as Green Witch. Right away I lose myself in the herbs and dried florals on top of the sample and the different shades of natural green in the soap (it looks like a cutaway piece of precious gemstone). I can see dried lavender buds, dandelion petals, perhaps marigold as well? The scent really reveals itself when water is applied and patchouli comes out and lingers on my skin along with hints of lemon with lavender. Green Witch is so aptly named as the notes combine to create a summer glade with a kindly barefoot earth witch leading you deeper into the forest as the cooling shadows from sun-dappled trees dance across your path. A very soothing and atmospheric fragrance. Lavender (Notes: heavenly unmussed with lavender) *I was fortunate to grab one of the last remaining bars from the "Oops" batch, that was meant to be Wishing Star. Excuse me as I just inhale the bag this soap is currently placed in. Ah, I can't express in this mere post how much I adore this soap and scent. THIS is how lavender is meant to be captured in a pure pampering form just waiting to be enjoyed. Nature created one of the most perfect fragrances with this herb and in my humble opinion it is best alone to delight and seduce those who appreciate and have been searching for such majestic simplicity. Like the rest of the different soaps I have just shared above, Lavender leaves my sensitive skin soft and not tight with no greasy residue or new breakouts and is marvellous to relax with after a long day (or night). This particular bar is extremely fragrant and is pure art with the crushed lavender buds peeking out of the bottom layer and a muted violet shade nestled on top with a star anise pod and even more lavender buds gracing everything. It's pretty enough to display in anyone's guest bathroom welcoming company but I want this beauty all to myself and I will take care and learn how to heat up the bar and cut it with a knife then store away the smaller chunks. Discover something just for you: Don't forget to explore this page and find out about Valhalla Soap Co.'s Plunder Point Program which I absolutely love and really appreciate as I plan out my next box of goods that need to be on my vanity. valhallasoap.com/faqs/ How about a custom oil? That's right this shop has this awesome opportunity available. What sounds like a dream blend to you? valhallasoap.com/custom-aromatic-oil-blend/ Have no idea where to even start? The Sales page may be exactly what you are looking for, here you will find a mystery bag of different products to experiment with and discover a new fragrance or luxurious bath treat all for yourself. valhallasoap.com/sale/ Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ Vials: Enfant Terrible Le Demi-Monde Les Fleurs du Mal Montmartre Serres d'Auteuil One Scent at a Time: Enfant Terrible (Listed Notes: Apricot, papaya, honeysuckle blossom, clover honey, blond woods) In the vial: APRICOT, HONEY and LADIES POWDER it dances between youthful and chalky to mature and powdery. This vial had a nice long rest (almost a month) and it made a world of difference from when it first arrived. Applied: I'm still training my nose and Enfant Terrible is proving to be quite the unexpected puzzle, more of a honey note comes through at first versus apricot or papaya but I can clearly detect a juicy backdrop being present. There is something powdery but it can also read as chalky and only goes back to powdery if I take my time and concentrate on the notes. As this perfume dries the honeysuckle makes an entrance along with "green" honey and blond woods (all adding more positives toward my decision to keep this fragrance in my collection). For a perfume with a name that roughly translates to "terrible child," it's surprisingly delicate and more aging will only benefit this vial. I like this fragrance oddly and can see myself reaching for it when I want something slightly different but still wearable for the workplace setting. Le Demi-Monde (Listed Notes: Gardenia petal, Mailette lavender, oakmoss, soft suede opera gloves, chilled champagne) FRAGRANCE IS TO BE Featured in a special edition article coming soon Les Fleurs du Mal (Listed Notes: Jonquil, night orchid, turned earth, cold stone, wild musk) In the vial: One of the most gorgeous atmospherics it has ever been my pleasure to encounter in the indie fragrance world! It's COLD STONE and a bouquet DAFFODILS with DIRT sprinkled on the petals, this dear readers is SPRING and the scent I have been searching for! It's melancholy, nostalgic and perfect for a rainy night. Applied: I am one happy lady right now and I bid you adieu for a time as I can't believe the scent I have been searching for actually exists and I will go about my day enjoying...wait...no...it's dryer sheets! My nose may love the incredible properties of jonquils (daffodils) but my chemistry turns that note from nature to laundry items (this is the second time now from two different houses of fragrances so it must be me). Admittedly the cold stone element (with less noticeable dirt) is still present but it is like an expensive dryer sheet has fallen onto a cold stone path. With a sad heavy heart, I must say Les Fleurs du Mal is not for me. I'm not having very good luck with this collection so far but call me stubborn this vial is staying in my spring cache (maybe I can sprinkle it on my pillows or find another use for it or perhaps I could try to make a barrier between my skin and this oil...or...I don't know anymore.) (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). ***THIS FRAGRANCE IS TO BE REVISTED IN SPRING 2019 Montmartre (Listed Notes and Descriptions: Feathered fans, sugared absinthe, silk stockings, faded perfume, new lipstick, warm skin, the smoky haze of hot stage lights) In the vial: LIPSTICK and LICORICE with a creamy MINT-like note. Not going to lie, I like this and it smells oddly familiar as it reminds me of Telepathy and has a touch of nostalgia with the top notes. Applied: I saw others compare Montmartre to Bruise Violet and I can see where that could come from, the lipstick is unmistakable resembling the scandalously evoking perfume but for me that's where the similarity stops because there is a creaminess draping over the lipstick accord and for a time the licorice with mint is more dominant on me. As it dries further the lipstick note fades and I am left with something completely unexpected which is reminding me of a breath of thin mint cookies (I have no idea how the above-listed notes create this familiar and playful end result but I'm in love). This is another perfume that stays close to my skin and I can see myself gladly wearing this when I have a craving for a not so obvious dessert-like fragrance (and when I need to just lose myself in a comforting distraction). Serres d'Auteuil (Listed Notes: Spring cherry blossom, pink pepper, Grasse rose, hothouse ferns, warm sun, sweet heliotrope) In the vial: What we have here is another hopeful favourite. This is a strangely beautiful atmospheric that is a perfect scent translation of its name (Greenhouses of Auteuil) with an amazing realistic humid element (I won't get too excited until I apply it). Applied: ...and Ladies and Gentlemen we have just found the best fragrance in this collection! Serres d'Auteuil is a harmonic and poetic scent medley of flora and warm atmosphere that I can't tear myself away from. Sixteen92 really loves to pull the unexpected and this comforting natural smelling blend is like solitude in the greenhouse where you can just ignore the outside noisy world and get back to beauty, rejuvenation and reflection. Right away I am welcomed with a peppery green note that becomes sweeter with creaminess (that must be the heliotrope that is amping as it dries) and it seems my chemistry wants to sincerely apologize for ruining the previous hours of trying vials because Serres d'Auteuil is only getting better with a now introduced vanilla note along with the magnificent greenery staying centered creating an absolutely sublime experience all around the clock (lasting well into the next day). I may have to suspend my annoying price cap and splurge on a 10ml bottle of this marvel (I wish this shop had bath bombs or melts, this scent would be perfect to relax in). Combined Thoughts: When I heard the theme for the Spring 2017 collection was inspired by turn-of-the-century Paris and the Belle Époque period I was expecting something completely obvious with cabaret, wine and scandalous red hot romance mixed casually with powder and poetry. I believe sometimes I can become easily distracted by flashy topics and lose sight of what an era really represented. La Belle Époque was a time of achievements and optimism (these were the years before the Great War destroyed so much for so many), not immoral gimmicks (although alot of that supposedly happened during that era and it's all you see promoted on the silver screen when mentioned) it was about finding beauty in the everyday and trying to better the world with different ideas. This spring collection represents that with more of a garden atmospheric twirl of scents, I'm guessing mirroring the idea of new beginnings (perfect for the season don't you think?) Ultimately this is someone's art and although I didn't quite understand at first I do have a better view now and even though my chemistry basically worked against everything I wanted to love from the listed notes, I still enjoyed the completed message these vials held and would like to either try them again or find different ways to use the oils. I will also seriously consider getting a bottle of Serres d'Auteuil and tuck Montmartre in my desk at work. Le Fleurs de Mal may go in a scent locket and believe it or not I do enjoy smelling the vial or placing a tiny dab of Le Demi-Monde on a handkerchief when I am reading about anything set during the Gilded Age and Enfant Terrible is still aging but may also go in a scent locket as well. In the end, all keepers and I can't wait to see what other themes from Sixteen92 will be arriving at my door soon. sixteen92.com One Note at a Time:Â Pheromone Alchemy C24 by Alkemia Perfumes (An Introvert's Little Secret Helper)5/17/2018
Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com Combined Thoughts: Pheromone Alchemy C24 by Alkemia Perfumes is an absolute wonder as it continues to fascinate me how a vial of modern mad science (that must be mixed with a touch of hidden magic) can positively affect someone's self-confidence. It has become the invisible encouragement this wallflower needed to seat instead of bolting for the door and continues to surprise me as I wish to practice more on perfecting my social skills (especially in the workplace). I really shouldn't share this little secret gem but it's honestly too good to not share! Brava Alkemia and thank you for creating such a unique and useful item. In the bottle: It's nearly odourless but there is a faint trace of rubbing alcohol and an even more diluted scent (a wisp of Enigma) but you nearly have to touch the applicator to your nose and concentrate to get anything. Applied: When the contents from the distinctive bottle are first applied there is indeed an extremely light scent that soon fades and absorbs quickly into your skin (the classy velvet pouch comes with a card of instructions that are very clear only ONE drop is needed from the small bottle pipette). A final perfume selection is all that is required after that (I have been wearing Echoed Ecstasy) and then C24 turns into an introvert's little secret helper. *It should also be noted that the perfume you place on top only seems to intensify then soon deepen and you may even pick up on hidden notes in your favourite bottles and vials you never noticed before (the florals in Echoed Ecstasy really stand out with the strawberry creating an elegant pink champagne that tickles my nose and lasts well into the next day; usually it was sweet melon with delicate ginger ale-like bubbles). Now for the sake of argument perhaps it's all psychological, that when you apply C24 you want it to perform so you dress a little more carefully and hold your head up more. You also seem to sit straighter and you even try to smile more (making yourself seem more approachable) but believe what you want because all I know is this stuff works! I have been approached (even with my back turned) by complete strangers and getting compliments left and right. I admit it is still a tad overwhelming as I usually sit quietly and rush from events or large groups as soon as possible but when I finally leave wearing C24 I feel different than I usually would. It's a strange and wonderful feeling to be honest and I have been experimenting with this social rescue remedy elixir (as well with the botanical pheromones in certain vials) at the workplace. All signs point to YES something unseen and incredible is present and works favourably with my chemistry. Who knows what this could mean as I practice more on basic social skills and let myself shine, perhaps this is the year for great things to happen and others to follow! Curious? Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ Vials: Act I: Der Hölle Rache Act II: E Lucevan le Stelle Act III: Habanera Act IV: Il Dolce Suono Act V: Mein Herr Marquis One Scent at a Time: Act I : Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (Hell's Vengeance Boils In My Heart / The Queen Of The Night aria) Die Zauberflöte (W.A. Mozart, 1791) (Listed Notes: Black vanilla pod, fire, hot metal, night queen tulip, blood orange rind, opium) In the vial: ORANGE, METAL/ASH, VANILLA and a swirl of CARAMEL. This is such a dark enticing fragrance that is projecting an evil queen's plans beautifully. Applied: Der Hölle Rache opens with a sweetness of orange slashed by a glint of hot metal and my skin chemistry and nose both approve. Here is another perfume that is a unique wonder as it smells truly hot (for those who bake, think a perfectly heated oven, the mixture of heat and metal that awaits your carefully prepared pan, dish or sheet) on me, the metal note and vanilla with a tempered zest of orange are amping the most and I'm loving every second. Perhaps on others, this fragrance is completely gourmand with no bite but I'm applauding the atmosphere coming through as this oil dries (I find it simply fascinating how much scent and imagination work together to create a compelling story). Hours later the twirls of opium smoke and caramel arrive along with the compliments. The final call goes to the realistic metal note as it stays throughout the shifting of eerie sweetness and hot fire and lasts on me until the next day (with perhaps some patchouli thrown in for good measure?) I can see myself reaching for Der Hölle Rache on those days and nights when I want to feel empowered and not be crossed or questioned. Act II : E Lucevan Le Stelle (And The Stars Were Shining) Tosca (Giacomo Puccini, 1900) (Listed Notes: Dark earth, night gardenia, starlit cobblestone, ambergris, galbanum, tree moss) ***THIS FRAGRANCE IS TO BE Featured in a special edition article coming soon Act III : Habanera / L’amour est un Oiseau Rebelle (Love Is A Rebellious Bird) Carmen (Georges Bizet, 1875) (Listed Notes: Aldehydes, guava, bergamot flower, water hyacinth, sparkling jasmine, wild clover) In the vial: Sparkling BERGAMOT, FRUIT and SUNSHINE! Just joking, no sun do shine but this is a burst of headiness I can't pull my nose away from and I must try this on now...well maybe after a couple more quick sniffs. It is so good in the vial alone. Applied: Excuse me as I do some embarrassing chair dancing and hair whipping while typing this rambling summary as Habanera is such a happy flirtatious fragrance that I know I will be wearing out as much as possible, oh how my other bottles and vials will grow so jealous and feel neglected. I said before I didn't want to compare other house of fragrances' creations with one another but I must say that Habanera ranks right up there with Echoed Ecstasy by Alkemia Perfumes as my favourite inspired celebration scenes somehow captured in a vial/bottle. While Echoed Ecstasy is ginger ale or champagne (depending on the day and company) with realistic strawberry and a swaying of floral in the background, Habanera is equally refreshing bringing to mind perrier or la croix sparkling mineral water with an energized sashay of bright bergamot/citrus and puff of powder on the dry-down. Both perfumes awaken my senses and allow me to sing out of key without a care in the world! Act IV : Il Dolce Suono (The Sweet Sound / Lucia's Mad Scene aria) Lucia di Lammermoor (Gaetano Donizetti, 1835) (Listed Notes: Dried petals, cathedral incense, polished wood, ambroxan, white narcissus) In the vial: INCENSE and WOOD. This is a true somber combination that is also peaceful but with an edge hiding just in the shadows. Applied: After going a little silly over Habanera I feel the need to settle down or go to a quiet place and Il Dolce Suono sends me right back to sitting in the church of my youth. Sixteen92 continues to astound me as they bottled the presence of holy walls of confession and reflection incredibly well with this perfume. I can detect the incense-infused smoke from a swinging thurible, the polished wood as you kneel and are surrounded by blessed icons. It is so realistic that I can easily imagine the scene Il Dolce Suono is set and clearly remember some special memories and voices that help me through some cold days of doubt. Act V : Mein Herr Marquis (My Lord Marquis / Adele's Laughing Song) Die Fledermaus (Johann Strauss II, 1874) (Listed Notes: Violet macarons, silk tulle, pearlescent powder, orris root, heliotrope) In the vial: Delicate MACARONS, LIPSTICK/POWDER (Violets). Right now Mein Herr Marquis is a less brash quieter sister scent of Bruise Violet. I'm getting more demure bakery than scandalous old Hollywood which makes me think of day and night versions of the popular award-winning perfume. Applied: Here is another graceful but playful atmospheric so let my vivid imagination in collaboration of this delightful creation known as Mein Herr Marquis take us away. On opening, I get an application of classic beauty products and near at hand on a side table we have a specially arranged display of macarons for the rouged lady but ah ah ah! She must keep up appearances and fool those around her so as a distraction she inches closer to the table while gently fluffing her tulle skirt but at the same time grabs a fancy macaron. A snap of a fan with one gloved hand hides her little secret as she discreetly chews and another swirl of ladies dusting powder is released with each new flutter of the fan along with a stray crumb of almond sweetness lingering in the air. It is just at this point in time when you may be enjoying the previous scenes but also thinking the experience is over, Mein Herr Marquis begins to unexpectedly resemble a familiar favourite which is Mercy Lewis with heliotrope coming more forward (even adding a drop of honey to tempt those further) to finish out the night and keep you coming back for another visit to this out of time and place fragrance. Combined Thoughts: Each one of these vials was a performance that deserves a round of applause as every perfume captured a scene and produced a mood (even E Lucevan Le Stelle tells a commanding scent story albeit one that had a note my nose just can't find love for). As for encores, I will have to start putting a little something away in my pocketbook for Habanera. While Der Hölle Rache I may wait for (Resurrection 2019) and I would like to see how Mein Herr Marquis ages. A couple scents lasted longer on me than others (Il Dolce Suono versus Habanera) so for those oils the extremely generously sized vials are all I need at the moment and the others which didn't last on my skin until the next day may work better in different products (perhaps even perform better in my curls). Overall, this collection inspired by Opera Arias took the excitement and anticipation levels to the stars and I eagerly await my first package from The Circle. sixteen92.com Sixteen92
sixteen92.com/ Full Bottles: Telepathy Baba Yaga Vials: Mercy Lewis La Llorona Blood & Honey Combined Thoughts: These strangely beautiful fragrances may not seem to fit a single category to anyone else and you are right they each have different note profiles from floral to a little gourmand with an edge but they all have a mysterious depth about them and changed my mind about exploring different combinations of components and inspirations taken from nature, legends and history that all can be somehow placed in a vial or bottle by independent fragrance mistresses and masters. Absolutely every one of these perfumes are too good not to share and deserve a treasured/featured label. Brava Sixteen92! One scent at a time: Telepathy *from the Winter 2017 collection (Listed Notes: Winter narcissus, tonka bean, immortelle flower, sleet, ozone, white amber) In the vial/bottle: Crystallized MINT with a hidden green note underneath. This is a combination that is allowing my mind to clear and fits the concept and name perfectly as a "distant feeling". Applied: *This is truly a unique perfume and I had to hurry to jot down each time something morphed and surprised me with Telepathy. This exceptional fragrance starts out a clear frozen green (resembling mint) with a slight peppery note underneath that was completely hidden in the vial and the overall impression this perfume gives is marked as: "icy and like glass" (think standing in a secret Victorian winter garden that is blanketed with snow but there is life underneath the white and glass). I've reached for this vial and bottle throughout this never-ending winter/pseudo spring and each time I can detect the ozone adding to the seasonal mood and I don't know how these mistresses and masters of olfactory magic do it but you can smell the actual frost on the petals in this secret garden. The heat from my skin seems to make this scent potion come alive and it reveals so many new facets. Hours later the white amber, tonka course through and get my full attention once again as I'm working and this goes from a frigid graceful snow queen quality to another refined stately essence and stays until the next morning with a faint warmed honey note I don't want to pull my nose away from (I simply adore Sixteen92's honey notes and want to purchase every perfume they have that has that component hidden or is freely displayed on the note list). Absolutely a haunting floral composition that transitions from winter to the wick of spring. Mercy Lewis *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Heliotrope, honeyed tea, rosehips, sugared almond, creamy sandalwood, milky vanilla) *this was a bonus sample that appeared in my second order with this amazing house of fragrance (thank you so much Claire!) In the vial: Sweet ALMONDS, VANILLA, TEA and SANDALWOOD. It's so hard to concentrate as each time I open a vial or bottle from any favoured house of fragrance my imagination races and I forget my intentions of training my nose to pick up different individual notes and only want to slather myself with these types of perfumes. This one, in particular, is a sweet indulgent inviting vial that I can't wait to try. Applied: Marking another fragrance down to get a full bottle of as soon as possible. Right away Mercy Lewis turns to almond vanilla buttercream on my skin but it's strangely not all gourmand (or too young smelling) and it feels just "right" on me. This is a wonderful example of inspired olfactory art that captures home comforts (served on a tray) and has a power of persuasion all its own just like the unassuming figure from history whose false accusations sent several innocents to their tragic deaths, but then again who wouldn't believe a well-mannered smiling servant girl when asked for the truth? Getting back to this superb scent experience, the vanilla along with honeyed tea and grounding sandalwood are blended so expertly and here is another oil that is very work appropriate (the compliments keep on coming whenever I wear this out), a seasonal transitioning wonder and has changed my mind on a note (almonds) that I always thought as a death note on me (thanks to a certain Bath and Body shop or all the years of alcohol drenched lies I have endured from commercial products). Believe it or not, almonds don't smell like rancid things that give you stomach turning headaches, in the right patient hands almonds can actually smell like the perfect garnish to a dessert or unexpected featured perfumes. La Llorona *from the General Catalogue at the time of purchase but has been discontinued and will only be found on the Resurrection sales listing coming January 2019 according to a recent announcement (Listed Notes: Bulgarian and Egyptian rose absolute, pink and white pepper, pink grapefruit, wisteria, cashmere wood, pale amber) In the vial: GRAPEFRUIT and PEPPER (peppery lemonade anyone?) What a great way to wake up the senses heralding something is coming and forget the horrible weather outside (I swear 20 minutes ago I saw green on the ground and my lilacs trying to bud). Applied: Hello spring I finally found you today! Oh I love La Llorona and am saddened this gorgeous creation has been discontinued. I mentioned peppery lemonade when I first opened the vial but the rose that appears after a few minutes blending with pepper and grapefruit is hands down the best true to life "kissed by morning dew roses on the bush" scents I have ever had the pleasure to find. THIS is how a rose perfume should smell (once again the big stores lied and made us accept what they presented in plastic bottles)! It's invigorating but at the same time also touches brilliantly on its inspiration about a legend of a forlorn ghost with a distinct delicate but mysterious quality as the cashmere wood and pale amber slowly surfaces. This is a fragrance that is approachable but also carries a secret when someone gets close...As much as I adore La Llorona, I must admit that it does sadly fade faster than other perfumes in my collection and needs an application of fixative (Alkemia's Perfume Fixative aids nicely) to delight me more than a few hours. That one unfortunate negative aside, I still had to have a full bottle and was lucky enough to purchase one from Sixteen92's site before it was moved to the limited edition vault but I am also hoping that I can get La Llorona in the hair detangler soon (or can figure out how to add it in a bottle of unscented detangler) but if need be I can apply this oil to my locks alone and happily walk around in a halo of pepper, amber and magnificently executed floral. Blood & Honey *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Blood orange, wildflower honey (vegan), pale amber, honeysuckle) *this was a bonus sample that appeared in my first order (thank you so much Claire) and is inspired by the Jazz Age. In the vial: Three classic beauties: HONEYSUCKLE, ORANGE and HONEY. It matches perfectly to spring/summer in the 1920's but is ultimately a very memorable timeless feminine scent combination. Applied: This is such a channelling fragrance as the first name that came to mind when I put this on was Zelda Fitzgerald and in turn, I must mention Daisy Fay Buchanan (the character Zelda is strongly believed to have inspired in The Great Gatsby), it's dazzling, fascinating and even a little extravagant. Once again Sixteen92 surprises me as Blood & Honey captivates my imagination and works with some unseen power on my chemistry because the orange and honey are staying and not turning waxy (I must note that this perfume lasts 12+ hours on me). The honeysuckle is just lovely, the amber light but romantic and I would love to own the supernatural hair serum in this fragrance for summer because I would be a beautiful little fool whenever I wore it. Baba Yaga *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Fiery dragon’s blood incense, sweet woodsmoke, dried herbs, dripping candle wax, forest dirt) In the vial: I'm not sure what I'm smelling it's a collection of ancient mystery, it's not smokey and it's not floral or spicy it has a scent category all its own. Applied: Right away there is a sharpness or medicinal quality but that quickly is swept away and becomes something completely unexpected which is powdery bubbles with a hint of candle wax and maybe rose? Perhaps this perfume taps into and conforms to your secret comforts and yes powder or any rose and pretty rainbow shifting bubbles from a wand are three of my secret forgotten comforts (judge as you will but you could have entertained me for days as a child if you gave me a bottle of bubbles to blow into the winds and the powder and rose reminds me of a missed loved one), the candle wax is just an unfortunate thing my chemistry always latches onto but is not overly noticeable at the moment and is not that bad. Hours later I am finally getting the earthiness and something is definitely reminding me of a soft rose (finally realized after wearing this perfume and comparing it to others it must be the dragon's blood). It's actually quite lovely not scary or a sharp scent. I'm always on the hunt for scents that can help me fall asleep in the morning after bracing the long night hours and this Bone Mother has been a surprising giver of pleasant vivid dreams. This and The Wild Atlantic Way by Alkemia Perfumes are the two bottles I have been wearing the most after chaotic work nights and whether I feel sentimental when I finally get in the door or desire a complete romantic escape, I know which perfect oil in my slowly growing collection to reach for. sixteen92.com Alkemia Perfumes
alkemia.esty.com Bottles and Sample: Queen of Hearts The Wild Atlantic Way Apsara Temptation Combined Thoughts: Looking outside it's no wonder the poor robins and early spring florals are confused and reluctant to show themselves completely, one day it's all sunshine and a burst of green everywhere the next ice, snow and wild winds. Ah, but inside my home sitting in front of my antique vanity it is truly one of my favourite seasons all in different forms (gourmands, atmospheric, florals and powders) and I love walking around and falling asleep with these fragrances that help melt away any remaining winter blues and allow my imagination to race to dream destinations or locales. One scent at a time: Queen of Hearts (Listed Notes: Brandied Black Cherries and Praline Tart) *this delectable fragrance has been sadly discontinued but it may reappear different times of the year Thoughts: -Queen of Hearts is pure dreamy nostalgia in a bottle that needed to join my collection. This is such a close your eyes and let the winter blues melt away type of fragrance that is sure to gather admirers. I absolutely adore this and recommend it to those who need a smile and getting in the mood for new beginnings. Absolutely too good to not share. Brava Alkemia! In the vial/bottle: Where has this fragrance been all my life? It may be only two listed notes but Queen of Hearts is blended so expertly and I'm in love with the combination of CHERRIES and PRALINES. I seriously can't stop smelling this and smiling, it's wonderfully dreamy and exactly what I needed. Applied: This has to be one of the most nostalgic and comforting perfumes that has joined my collection and it took me a couple times wearing Queen of Hearts to realize why- it smells exactly like cherry fruit snacks I loved as a child. It's such a realistic fruit fragrance (that in no way resembles anything medicinal, like so many other cherry noted fragrances can turn into) but at the same time, there is an undernote that appears (dark wood with vanilla) that pulls Queen of Hearts into a toothsome adult realm and it can be a little surprisingly alluring. Absolute fantastic magic for the winter blues but I can easily see myself wearing this perfume all year around. Alkemia does it again! The Wild Atlantic Way (Listed Notes: Yellow Gorse, Faerie Hawthorn, Broom, Bog Myrtle, Peat Moss, and Oceanic Ambergris) Thoughts: -Here is a love letter to dream destinations and the romantic imagination. On me, I can only describe The Wild Atlantic Way as beautiful dirty butter with an enveloping earthy-coconut to late spring essence that I want to seriously bathe in. I also get a slight smokey moss note in this and distinct wisps of natural aquatics as it dries. I have been wearing this curious scent potion to relax with after long chaotic work nights and I drift off to sleep thinking of romantic forest, glen and vale scenes from cinematic favourites. Just absolutely phenomenal and deserves a TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! In the vial/bottle: Pulled up MOSS and COCONUT. I want to roll around in this, it's so hard to describe why I love this fragrance (and it may sound strange but honestly I don't care). The bottle contains just an incredibly romantic and soothing medley that makes me want to hop a plane right now or learn a new language. Applied: Absolutely I want to bathe in this and see the inspiration for this beautiful atmospheric perfume. On me, a dirty butter note greets me first that keeps my nose down to my wrist and has me close my eyes, I also get a smoky moss note that mixes with a splash of salt that makes me think of a breathtaking natural landscape of vale with seaside just over the horizon. After multiple times of wearing The Wild Atlantic Way, I decided to use this superb oil to fall asleep in the morning. The note combination has been such a success that I guess I trained my mind to believe it is time for bed anytime I wear this anymore. Overall, I can't get enough of this perfume and wish I could live in the bottle. Apsara (Listed Notes: Darjeeling Tea and Purple Hyacinths) Thoughts: -Apsara is the type of fragrance I love to show off as I can walk in a crowded room and know no other woman present will be wearing my perfume (or theirs will ever smell the same as mine, thanks to complex skin chemistries). It moves into the empire of avant-garde with a delicate dance between spring air and water which is a different change for me but at the same time it is elegant and memorable. Too good not to share and deserves a TREASURED/FEATURED label. Brava Alkemia! In the bottle: Finally gorgeous HYACINTHS I have found you! I don't know why this isn't a popular note in any perfume, it's amazing and deserves the highest praise. Getting back to the whole presented scent potion, this bottle is ethereal spring in my book with a dose of TEA. What an interesting note blending. Applied: Apsara is the type of fragrance I love to show off as I can walk in a crowded room and know no other woman present will be wearing my perfume (or theirs will ever smell the same as mine, thanks to complex skin chemistries). It moves into the empire of avant-garde which is a different change for me but at the same time it is elegant and memorable. A new unique jewel for my collection. On me, the tea is more pronounced which slightly makes me sad as I have been searching everywhere for a true hyacinth perfume to call my own but still oddly I love Apsara as it brings to mind having exotic tea on a veranda bordered by hyacinths after a spring rain shower. A true keeper, perfect for spring and a classy way to stand out from the mundane. Temptation (Listed Notes: Crème de Violet Macarons, White Chocolate, Candied Parma Violets) Thoughts: -This final perfume I wish to share may be already familiar to readers as it was visited once last year when I first found Alkemia's fabulous shop. I wasn't too sure about the vial but time has worked some astonishing magic and Temptation is now a true favourite. It's hard to explain what makes this fragrance so special but I can't wear this without shedding a tear. This is warm hugs, kisses with bright red lipstick and an empty chair no one will ever fill. Thank you Alkemia for creating such a masterpiece that seems heaven-sent. In the vial: Gourmand BABY POWDER and WHITE CHOCOLATE with LIPSTICK (Violets). It's familiar and instantly comforting. A perfect combination of home baking and classic beauty items. Applied: I know ordinary days and personal milestones or celebrations will never be the same or mean what they could have been but this perfume is almost like someone very special is near me and I can hear "put your thinking cap on" as I'm leaving for work. Temptation is very soothing and all this vial is missing is a hint of peppermint to be complete in my book. It captures the essence of innocence, kindness and I must have a full bottle when the vial is empty. alkemia.etsy.com Sixteen92
sixteen92.com/ Full Bottles: Borley Rectory The Primrose Path Vials: Nereids The Grass Harp Paper Moon One scent at a time: Borley Rectory *from the Resurrection 2018 sale (Listed Notes: Italian bergamot, cocao pod, smoked black tea, decayed woods, faded parchment, shadowy musk) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Let me go down memory lane for a minute. Years ago I used to frequent a coffee and pastry shop that had an eclectic theme of baroque, classical music, funky designed furniture and I couldn't wait to take my limited lunch break and lose myself in that combined theme that ran with gold angels perched in corners to big comfy chairs that welcomed you and charmed all. It was a hidden jewel and the place to be. Needless to say, I never wanted to leave but I reluctantly made myself go back somehow to the toxic soul-draining establishment up the street that held my paycheck (it's sad the only thing I miss from that terrible job was the coffee house down the street). It was only when there was one specialty treat (available only at the cusp of spring that was presented on a silver salver) in the form of a small dark chocolate molded rabbit with granules of earl grey tea sprinkled on top (one of the owners was a talented European pastry chef) that I risked being late and a dramatic write up (it was well worth it though). It was heaven and I still remember the delectable taste and that incredible scent of tempered Belgian dark chocolate and refined tea. I have yet to find a dessert so wonderful since but hopefully, I can stumble across that magical arrangement of notes again. Borley Rectory is calling to me with not only that possibility but is also inspired by haunted history (fingers crossed for a moody morphing scent for those days I just want to enjoy my own company but with a twist of gourmand), so this will be my first Resurrection choice from a unique house of fragrance that I absolutely can't get enough of. First Impression: Oh I can see cocoa collected on the sides and at the bottom of the bottle, visually this is surprisingly delightful as the cocoa settles in spots and adds a nice dingy touch (intentional or not) that creatively plays into the whole haunted and ghost theme and I will love displaying this bottle. In the bottle: HONEY, CHOCOLATE and MUSK. It reminds me of Blood & Honey but with chocolate and heavy musk. I'm not getting any hint of tea at the moment but I'm still liking this perfume but at the same time also concerned this may not be what I was initially looking for. Applied: Borley Rectory is a first for me, never have I yelled at my wrist "be creepy, not happy!" (thankfully no one was around to question my sanity and a warning to those who are thinking they are only exploring the world of perfume oils- you will do and say some crazy sounding things as you slide more down the hole- it can be quite the ride though so hold on and learn to laugh). I was hoping for underlying sinister but right now all I keep receiving is an aged house with spilt honey on the floor that may or not be haunted on a sunny day with an empty teacup displayed on the table. It's too happy and bright smelling if that makes sense. Oddly I still like it in other ways (it somehow goes into the spring realm of my collection but still fades quickly away from my skin for some reason) and as this ages, the shadowy musk is becoming slightly more apparent on application along with a toothsome sweetness and even though I was hoping for a bottle of memory lane with chocolate and earl grey, I will keep this and continue looking for that elusive combination in other bottles and vials. The Primrose Path *from the Resurrection 2018 sale (Listed Notes: Soaked earth, lichen, ancient oak roots, grass, water lily, heavy stone, a tangled garland of faded spring blooms) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Shakespeare my longtime love let me mix Browning to count and find different ways to announce to the world I read far too much, need to get out more and will never fit into this era. A bottle inspired by a tragic character from my favourite play you say Sixteen92? Please send it my way. I could never resist a perfume dedicated to Ophelia and the more I'm reading what other beyond satisfied perfume enthusiasts think about this work of scent art, I must have a bottle. In the vial: WET STONE, IVY, EARTH and faint florals (gardenia?) Applied: The more The Primrose Path is aging the more I'm falling under its ethereal spell. When the bottle first arrived there was something unexpectedly sweet coming through that made me sad but now it's more of a murky brook with a drifting garland of floral (no rosemary sadly, nor columbine, fennel, pansies, violets or rue but perhaps the stems of daisies are present?) during a spring shower. This is a haunting fragrance that is incredibly atmospheric and I can only think of the famous painting by Sir John Everett Millais ("Ophelia" that featured the stunner Elizabeth Siddal as the gorgeous model) while wearing this scent. I do wish there was a touch more earth present (and that odd sweetness would completely blend away as it seems to resurface the more this perfume dries) but overall this bottle was well worth the wait and deserves to be loved and praised. Nereids *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Surf & shoreline, driftwood, dried coconut shell, pistachio, sweet sea grasses, salt) *this was a bonus sample that appeared in my Spring Collection 2018 order (thank you so much Claire) In the vial: SALT, VANILLA, COCONUT and PISTACHIO. I have to admit, I would have never tried this alone and am extremely impressed by this vial and thankful for the opportunity to have this sample. Applied: That's it, I'm signing up for The Circle this year. Nereids is a perfect scent melded example of the exceptional talent from this house of fragrance and I need to stop being afraid to explore unfamiliar notes. This is such an approachable fragrance that would fit in with the workplace. Reading this perfume is inspired by Greek Mythology: "the fifty sea nymphs - goddesses of the sea, sand, rocks, waves and currents, and protectors of sailors and fishermen" and Sixteen92 captured and harnessed that concept and inspiration so brilliantly here. On me, Nereids turns to salt and coconut and vanilla ice cream. It's a peaceful scent that I think would garner a smile and a compliment or five. As it dries the salt actually amps and the wood comes more forward, so it is like you are sitting on a piece of driftwood as the water laps around you while enjoying the last of vanilla ice cream. I will be keeping this for summer and telling a friend who loves coconut and vanilla scents she needs to get a bottle and of course will be signing up for The Circle (the mysteries and inspirations of what may be waiting in those parcels are just too tempting to pass up). The Grass Harp *This fragrance has been discontinued and will only be available during the Resurrection sale (Listed Notes: Orange blossom, clover, hyacinth, ruby red grapefruit, sweet basil) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I saw an announcement that certain perfumes were soon to be removed from the General Catalogue and The Grass Harp has been on my list to sample for a few months now. With spring somewhere out there, the notes of hyacinth, orange blossom and sweet basil all sound so inviting and I must try this. In the vial: Freshly mowed CLOVER and a hint of GRAPEFRUIT waiting underneath. Another unexpected atmospheric that takes me right back this time to attempting cartwheels in the freshly mowed grass and looking for ladybugs in the dandelions. It's a very serene innocent fragrance. Applied: *The clover is incredibly realistic, so out of respect for my one colleague who is severely allergic to grass, I wore this when he wasn't in the building but that decision also worked out perfectly as that night fell on St. Patrick's Day and this scent was ideal for the occasion. On me, The Grass Harp opens with the clover but the basil also makes an appearance to add a slightly not quite minty or peppery mixing but it only deepens the clover making this even green smelling. You can't help but smile when wearing this perfume (I mean if you aren't sensitive to grass scents). All I can think as this dries is childish laughter as dozy bumblebees slowly buzz around and the summer sky is blue as can be overhead... Unfortunately, as time goes on though, the merriment stops because a soapy note comes forward the more The Grass Harp dries and it amps on my skin making me think of a specific dog shampoo. Let me be clear: it's NOT an unpleasant fragrance by any means and is undeniably a summer collaboration but I was really hoping for a continuation of nature with the hyacinth atleast making a cameo appearance or the orange blossom emerging eventually. Oh well, I think I would like The Grass Harp in an oil warmer or perhaps it will surprise me by summer. I will revisit this vial then but I must remember not to wear this around seasonal allergy sufferers. (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). Paper Moon *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Soft vanilla musk, benzoin, oakmoss, trailing ivy, peach blossom, rose ) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Paper Moon was another attempt to make myself believe spring was coming (or was here somewhere waiting atleast). The peach, vanilla and rose notes also called to me and I love Paper Moon was inspired by the 1920's so hopefully, this is another extravagant celebratory perfume for my collection. In the vial: PEACH, VANILLA and ROSE. Very feminine but also youthful. Perhaps a little more commercial but I can see why others recommend it as their choice picks. There is also something vintage about Paper Moon that keeps me smelling the vial so I am anxious to try this and hopefully we have another morphing wonder. Applied: Oh dear there is that odd note that keeps sticking out of The Primrose Path is it the trailing ivy that keeps attaching to my chemistry? (comparing the notes) Perhaps it is a hidden gardenia note? Ack, there's that sweetness amping again but I'm still optimistic and will keep wearing Paper Moon. In a few minutes time, this perfume thankfully settles and even warms up releasing a distinct peach and rose scent that is actually pretty. As I go about my day the sweetness returns bringing almost sickly sugariness in its wake which I was hoping would be eventually tempered by anything listed. I'm really not sure I like this vial, the roses and vanilla peek through but retreat as soon as I begin enjoying the experience leaving me sad. I think Paper Moon captures the bright young things of the 1920's with youthful frivolity and even flirtation but I'm an even older soul it seems who desires more and will have to sit this one out. (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). sixteen92.com Alkemia Perfumes alkemia.etsy.com Samples and Bottle: Club des Hashischins Peaches in the Summer Wind Scandal at the Savoy The Mist Becoming Rain The Spice Tree Come to Me Conjure Perfume Oil Imramma Rites of Spring Combined Thoughts: These vials have been peacefully aging and waiting for the day to be shared. Some are from limited collections, marked to be discontinued and are on sale now. One scent at a time:
Club des Hashischins (Listed Notes: African Bronze Honey, Caramelized Black Oud, Blackberry Pipe Tobacco, Labdanum, Hashish Coffee and Dawamesk *straight from the conjurers at Alkemia: "Contains no active cannabinoids", Orange Peel, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamon, Nutmeg, Musk, and Kola Nuts) What I was hoping for and what called to me: After falling hard for my ultimate gateway scent potion known as Caveau des Innocents, I went on the hunt for any and all labdanum noted fragrances in Alkemia's amazing library of perfumes. Turns out I started exploring just at the perfect moment as the early Autumnal releases blew right into my line of curiosity and Club des Hashischins called out to me with inspiring history involved in the creation of this fragrance but also the cinnamon, clove, nutmeg appealed to my love of fall spices and finally oddly the blackberry pipe tobacco as I have been secretly hoping to stumble across a perfume with that note combination; even one my skin chemistry would hopefully amp (I'm still learning what notes bloom and wither on me). Intermission: *Being completely honest, this vial had to rest for several months as it was extremely sharp coffee and blackberry based. It was just so intense, overwhelming and I quietly placed it away thinking I possibly made a mistake. Ah but if only I would learn better patience because today of all days, I remembered this vial sat still waiting and I thought it couldn't hurt to try it one more time... In the vial: What a shame I had such a poor introduction to this vial because if only I would have waited it mellowed to CARAMEL, COFFEE and SWEET SPICE. It is such a transporting combination and you can imagine the stories that await from 1844 where some famous writers sat around indeed being masters of their universe. All positives in Club des Hashischins aside though this still makes me anxious to try on my finicky skin but I can't resist to atleast stay awhile in any realm of bitter, creative and sweet indulgences. Applied: A blast of bitter pungent coffee opens that makes me jerk my head away and think perhaps I was indeed mistaken about everything I thought good and I can't handle this perfume but then my usually difficult chemistry welcomes forward the caramel note and tempts me to stay just a little bit longer. Going about my day, the caramelized coffee (that has calmed down and smells gourmand) is still present but pleasant on this pseudo-spring day so I keep wearing it, that turns out to be an excellent decision because a distinct blackberry pipe smoke note twists my head and calls for attention as I am doing mundane housework and I notice how much it wants to impress and then softly fades to and stays with cinnamon and nutmeg mixed pipe smoke. Overall a scent experience I can see returning to again gladly. Granted I have only the tiniest dab on right now but Club des Hashischins is quite the different scene that I believe would work best on special occasions or when stepping out on those days when a little-inspired culture and creativity with scent is needed especially in the colder months. Peaches in the Summer Wind (Listed Notes: Peaches, Peach Leaves, Fresh Hay and Ash-Splint Wood Orchard Baskets.) Soon to be discontinued, try it if you are interested before it's all gone (https://www.etsy.com/listing/470878499/peaches-in-the-summer-wind-perfume-oil?ref=shop_home_active_3) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Being on the lookout for peach noted fragrances to allow my mind to wander to spring and approaching sunshine, I noticed Peaches in the Summer Wind is to be discontinued and thought I better not wait to try it. Not only did the peaches call to me but the notion this is a transitional fragrance from summer to fall. In the vial: HAY and PEACHES, it's incredibly realistic to a hay lined basket filled with dew kissed peaches. There is also an almost BUTTER note I'm picking up at times. Applied: At first, the morning misted peaches are replaced with something like mint and hay which is completely unexpected but smelling the vial again there is a very faint trace of mint lingering in the back I didn't initially notice. As it dries the peaches try valiantly to come forward but is no match for my stubborn chemistry that is amping the wood and mysterious mint note. Perhaps the peaches will prevail in the end after a long rest and be ready for the end of summer, I will wait to pass final judgement then. Scandal at the Savoy (Listed Notes: Sweet Opium Pralines, Mandarin Peel, Guaiac Wood, Tobacco, Cedar, and Oak) What called to me: This was another sample I had myself determined to try as it was listed next to recommendations based on Caveau des Innocents. The opium listed had me concerned however and I contacted the fabulous Ms Sharra at Alkemia and she explained the components were nothing to fear (no question is ever considered silly which I truly appreciate and answered in such an easy to understand manner that makes her customer service one of the best in (and outside) the world of indie perfume oils)). I can't wait to try this perfume. *Being completely honest, when this generous sample arrived last year it was absolute magic in the vial when it came to the sweeter listed and wood notes but when applied the tobacco was so overpowering (like an old ashtray) and I worried this was an embarrassing mistake. Just like Club des Hashischins it was then placed quietly away and waited patiently for one final visit... In the vial: Elegantly presented PRALINES with VANILLA TOBACCO. This is such a sophisticated gourmand fragrance. Please, of please let my skin behave and continue with all that is right with this vial. Applied: After carefully dabbing, closing my eyes and holding my breath, I slowly inched my head forward and ah bliss! It is indeed a miracle as this is now a sweet confection with refined tobacco and wood that I could seriously sniff all day with no regrets. This is another fragrance that stresses the importance and reward of patience as this is one more transporting perfume to a forgotten time and place. Even as it dries it gets better and this turns to caramel drizzled bundt cake with a sprinkling of tobacco. I apologize to all those devotees of this delicious and somehow piquant collaboration, you were right and I will wear this perfume in the colder months with no fear. The Mist Becoming Rain (Listed Notes: Rainwater, Hazel Wood, Meadow Grasses, Sage Blooms, Orris Root, Ozone, Grey Amber.) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This time I was browsing for orris root noted perfumes as I was completely entranced by my ode to everything black as black known to others as The Raven (orris root is listed among those notes). That perfume makes me feel like a dangerous seductive queen and I'm hoping The Mist Becoming Rain is an atmospheric moody regal scent for those days and nights when I keep to myself. In the vial: COLOGNE and SOAP. Perhaps this is more of a conceptual fragrance. Everyone's take on nature is different but this is not what I was hoping for. Applied: When The Mist Becoming Rain first hits my skin the ozone heralds an unexpected smile and brings to mind that calming building presence of a late summer shower that can either be muggy one moment then cooling another. This is definitely in the summer realm of fragrances as after the ozone enters an almost sassafras note (reading that has to be the sage) slowly appears. I can even smell something like split bark and earth, I can't believe I feared this...wait what? NO! Aldéhydes move in and turns this into a masculine cologne and everything that had me smiling several minutes ago is now gone. It's too clean smelling, give me back the earthy element and once again my chemistry ruins a perfectly lovely moment. With great sadness, I will have to pass The Mist Becoming Rain to a friend who loves aldéhydes and continue my search for a dark atmospheric rainstorm in a bottle to call my own. (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). The Spice Tree (Listed Notes: Cardamon, Nutmeg, Rosewood, Spice Tree, Grains of Paradise, Black Mountain Cherrywood, Mossy Cypress) What I was hoping for and what called to me: The country hollows and mountains in the distance were beginning to put on one spectacular show and I had to have something woody and spice noted for my scarves. The Spice Tree called to me especially with the nutmeg listed (I can never have enough of those types of noted perfumes in my collection). *You guessed it, this was another vial that had something magnificently go wrong when I first tried it and I had to admit defeat at the moment and tuck it away. Interestingly enough I wasn't going to attempt it again but with having such unbelievable success with two other vials today, I decided The Spice Tree deserved a chance. In the vial: CINNAMON and GRAINS OF PARADISE. It isn't the vials themselves (this one, in particular, is beautifully spice noted with sweet and woody finishes) it's when they hit my skin something unfortunate happens. Alone The Spice Tree is amazing and I would love this in an oil warmer. Applied: Time absolutely helped The Spice Tree become something to recommend, it's warm variations of cinnamon and wood that does have a slight aldéhyde (soapy) quality but right before that may really disappoint me the nutmeg thankfully makes an appearance and yes I will keep this vial and wear it when the leaves change. Come to Me (Listed Notes: Candied Rose Petals, Star Jasmine, Peach Blossom, Cardamon Infused Figs, Pink Pepper, Orris Root, Mexican Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Cashmeran, White Amber, Sugar Musk, White Patchouli infused with Botanical Pheromones, lodestone, Jezebel Root, and Other Speciality Ingredients) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Watching my screens like a hawk, I dropped everything to get the early spring collection ordered from Alkemia once the new listings appeared. This particular sample calls to me not only with the mystic influence (and secret hope) but every listed note needs to come home to me. In the vial: STAR JASMINE, PEACH and CARDAMON. It's exactly what it says on the tin "a sweet and sultry perfume". With the star jasmine there is a slightly soapy quality but becoming more and more familiar with the benefits star jasmine can have in store for me (i.e. out of this time and place powder), this will be something else once it ages for a few months but I can't wait that long and must try it on. Applied: ...Come to Me reminds me of another masterwork from Alkemia and it took me a few careful sniffs to recall one of my first sample vials from this house of fragrance and I think those who have been scrambling or searching for Lettre d'Amour better quickly get acquainted with Come to Me because this is sure to impress and who knows if it will last the season. Instead of parchment, ink and neroli orange the familiar star jasmine, roses and white amber are warmed in this scent potion by cardamon, orris root, pink pepper and vanilla ultimately becoming an exotic sister fragrance that turns heads. Where Lettre d'Amour was innocent and youthful in ways, Come to Me weaves an entirely different spell that is still soft, feminine but with a wanton secret waiting to be shared. The more I wear this vial, the more I'm thinking I need this conjure oil in my perfume arsenal but time will tell as I'm trying to be good with my pocketbook right now...then again...I'll wait to fully decide when that star jasmine turns to gorgeous powder on me which should be by early June. Imramma (Salt Water, French Lavender, Bayberry, Ambrette Seed, Cedar Tips, Wild Beachgrass, Alder, Pink Yarrow, Juniper, and Irish Moss Seaweed) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Anyone that knows me wouldn't be surprised I gave whoop of delight when I saw Imramma listed because if given the chance I would hop a plane right now to travel to Europe (and probably never come back) and Ireland is definitely on my list to see. Given the inspiration, for this perfume and the lavender and bayberry listed, I must bring home Imramma. In the vial: Ever wish you could seriously just step into a vial or bottle and fully experience the concept, as you can easily imagine the sounds and sights of a presented theme? No? Then you need to get a sample of Imramma because this will change your thinking of how perfume oils involve your senses and imagination. This is like standing on a grassy cliff with the ancient salty sea all around you or what I would think from all the pictures I have seen of oceans and cliff tops. Once again, I need to just leave and travel (someday). Applied: I must say that Imramma plays perfectly into its inspiration, it's a salty aquatic that has a tome of stories of notes to share not just with women but men also as this could be worn by anyone. On me, the lavender, juniper and saltwater stand out the most (with something like lime also) and it's not as romantic to my nose as The Wild Atlantic Way (full thoughts on that relaxing love letter to the senses coming in April) that has a rainy vale and ancient forest impression but Imramma nonetheless grabs my attention and allows me to daydream of bracing moonlit walks along the beach and adventure and exploration. Just lovely and I will keep this vial for when I read about different seafaring topics or legends and place it on my list to seriously consider getting a full bottle of later. Rites of Spring (Listed Notes: Daffodils, Crocus, Forsythia, Snow Drops, Hyacinths, and Linden Blossoms) What I was hoping for and what called to me: The fragrance was my first attempt to capture memories in a perfume oil (Eastertime at my beloved grandparents' house) and I thought I better not pass this opportunity up as Rites of Spring was being discontinued. The hyacinth, crocus, forsythia and daffodil list notes called to me and promised so much. Intermission: *When Rites of Spring first arrived it smelled like hair products and with a heavy heart, I placed it away believing the nostalgic scent collage I desperately desired only existed in my memories. It has been almost a year since I purchased this bottle and I'm anxious to see if magic happened and aging benefited this fragrance and my opinion. In the bottle/Applied: *I have bloomed hyacinths currently on my kitchen table and compared the greenness and floral aspects. I also have really come to appreciate roller ball bottles on my perfume oils as I cannot master the art of applying drop style bottles without making a big mess. Aging definitely helped tone down the sharp conditioner and hairspray scent that leapt out at me almost a year ago from Rites of Spring. It's still not what I wanted sadly but this is a very fresh note mosaic that is undoubtedly the season of spring through and through. Comparing a real hyacinth to the bottle, it seems that note is hidden. I want to say something more citrus like in the bottle is currently rising above anything else along with an unlisted aquatic note. **Meant to apply one tiny drop and ended up with a huge drop that is dribbling down: I'm really trying to be optimistic and allowing my mind to wander...I'm getting freshly opened daffodils swaying after a gentle late March to April shower. It is actually very pretty and I know tulips aren't listed but I swear this smells like damp tulips alongside daffodils. It is at this point as I'm beginning to like this perfume that an unknown note lurking underneath takes over making this expensive laundry soap/dryer sheets to my nose and it doesn't change as Rites of Spring slowly dries. Believe it or not, this was a good scent experiment as I can definitely vouch for the power of aging these oils and I have come to the realization that without a doubt I prefer the atmospheric realm of fragrances versus conceptual when it comes to nature. Finally, I also think I will begin saving up for a custom blend and have my childhood Easter memories captured. I know it can be done. As for Rites of Spring, it is destined to go to a friend who has fallen in love with it and I'm always happy to introduce someone new to the fascinatingly addictive (and sometimes slightly heartbreaking) world of perfume oils. (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). alkemia.etsy.com Sixteen92 sixteen92.com/ Combined Thoughts: After going from a golden Lannisteresque bombshell (or should I say wildfire?) to accidental brassy Tully and back over a span of several months, my hair needed some serious love and attention as it was dry, split ended and painfully knotting from the broken off ends. I am not a vain lady but when it comes to my locks, I can be let us just say "a little difficult and hard to please" and many hear me roar (okay I'm done promise). So suffice it to say, not any product or treatment will do. I must search out the best and I believe I finally found just that with my recent discovery of Sixteen92 and the SuperNatural Hair Serum. When I started As The Final Page Turns, I never thought I would be reviewing hair serum but dear readers this hair elixir works (it does wonders on my split ends not to mention frizz) smells absolutely divine, is a pampering gift that is too good not to share and reminds me of the lost past of harnessing elements from nature to heal, restore and improve all it touches. Having super long curly hair, a strange assortment of homemade concoctions (ever try Mayonnaise or vodka on your head? Not exactly a scent combination you want to walk around with) and ridiculously expensive nasty commercial products on my head over the years that just sat there with itching or a horrid chemical smell that lingered for days and left their marks on my delicate skin. Those days are thankfully over as my morning routine now consists of brushing out and dampening my tresses to receive 3 to 4 drops (paying special attention to the ends) from a carefully selected bottle (that corresponds and instantly lifts any dark mood and eases my mind after chaotic work nights). The softness and otherworldly shine that shows in the vanity mirror are unreal and scent that follows me to eased slumber is something I can never be without again (Brava and thank you Sixteen92). One scent at a time:
Frosted Gingerbread *from the 2017 Winter 2017 Collection (Listed Notes: Warm gingerbread cookies with sugared vanilla frosting) In the bottle and impressions: In the bottle, this is buttery gingerbread and when applied the home baked quality amplifies with an almost boozy note that you can't help but inhale (I've been caught quite a few times just sitting at my computer losing all track of time just enjoying the warm comforting scent that stays on my long braid). You'll Shoot Your Eye Out! *from the 2017 Holiday Collection (Listed Notes: Spiced cocoa, firewood, bayberry, warm shortbread, ovaltine, buttered rum, deep snow) In the bottle and impressions: In the bottle, this is malted chocolate that is perfect to combat the stubborn blustery winds and ice that just won't go away. When ran through my curls this turns to chocolate shortbread with hints of bayberry and chimney smoke. I hope this fragrance comes back for the special seasonal releases or will be found listed in the 2019 Resurrection sale. Red Velvet Hot Chocolate *from the 2018 Resurrection Sale (Listed Notes: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, red velvet cake accord, buttermilk whipped cream) In the bottle and impressions: This was a long-awaited treat and was totally worth the wait. In the bottle, gooey caramel and cocoa dusted cream cheese completely not what I was expecting but how could I not like this. When applied, oh that is when the scent magic begins as this morphs from mid to dark cocoa to luscious buttered rum. I guess this innocent hot chocolate has some extra ingredients and I love it even more for that. sixteen92.com Sixteen92
sixteen92.com/ Full Bottle: The Bell Witch Hair Serum: *You'll Shoot Your Eye Out! Vials: Salem *Mercy Lewis Bruise Violet *Telepathy I Saw Goody Proctor with the Devil One scent at a time: The Bell Witch *from the Fall Pt. 2 2017 Collection (Listed Notes: Sweet cider barrels, orchard wood, blond tobacco leaf, cave and forest moss, glowing pumpkin, dry leaves, turned earth) What I was hoping for and what called to me: So here's a question: How many pumpkin or apple perfumes does one need? Answer: As many as she pleases. I can't get enough of those notes which is odd because I can only get my precious pumpkin scent potions to have any longevity while wearing them in my hair and then I can expect to smell like blessed pie, cake or a pumpkin patches for days. Apple notes fair better on my skin but again it wears better when I run a little through my curls. So why would I want to possibly set myself up for sorrow again? Because it's a fragrance based on THE BELL WITCH of course and the moss, dry leaves and turned earth are calling to me in the worst way and I can't ignore it. This perfume listing won't let me turn away from the screen. In the bottle: CIDER, TOBACCO and EARTH (Patchouli). Add another to the gourmand autumn cache, this is a savory fragrance it's simple yet perfectly strange. Applied: This scent takes some time to sneak up on you, at first it's pale cider with rustling leaves but as this dries I do get a little dirt covered pumpkin (like you lifted a pumpkin from the ground and the earth is lightly attached to the bottom as you carry it) with a bit of spice. It's not what you may expect but I'm finding Sixteen92 loves to pull the unexpected (but you MUST be patient to enjoy what can be in store), The Bell Witch borders between atmospheric with the earthy notes but also gourmand with an apple cider note so realistic that you look around for a jug then remember it's you that smells so delicious and familiar. On me, this stays very close to the skin as it dries further and then dies down to nothing just tobacco which is more masculine than I feel comfortable with (curses) and spits of spice and nature (which saves this). Perhaps this will age in time to cast a unique spell by October, I really want to love this (and I WILL wait for as long as it takes)! (**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- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). Salem *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Damp leaves, church incense, Italian leather (*animal-friendly), dry birch woods, clove bud absolute, bonfire smoke) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Anyone that knows me wouldn't be surprised I was drawn to a perfume called Salem as I have quite the collection of dark history on my reading shelves, the subject of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials has a powerful fascinating pull all its own that has ensnared me since I was a child (who couldn't put her hand down when we finally got to learn about Salem so long ago; my poor teachers) and I need this fragrance. Everything about this is calling my name. In the vial: LEATHER, CLOVE and SMOKE. This is such a commanding scent combination, I'm a little afraid of it... but at the same time intrigued. Applied: Salem is listed as a unisex fragrance but I would be extremely interested to smell this on a man (and stay at his side or lean in more than may be proper for a lady to do so). This is a curious fragrance that is being reigned over at the moment by smoke and leather. It's not for the faint of heart and I can see why this was moved to the general catalogue, it's so different you don't know why you like this and again that doubt comes back but as this dries you are only more inclined to stay for a little bit longer as the dead leaves comes out with the incense (and some spiced smoke) to see how this plays out. *Mercy Lewis *from the Salem Collection (Listed Notes: Heliotrope, honeyed tea, rosehips, sugared almond, creamy sandalwood, milky vanilla) (To be a multi-feature article in the near future, if you need a honeyed transitional perfume for spring- look no further.) Bruise Violet *from the General Catalogue (Listed Notes: Red lipstick accord, dusting powder, white iris, violet leaf, Damascus & Bulgarian rose, red grapefruit zest) *this was a bonus sample that appeared in my first order (thank you so much Claire) and was the winner of the 2017 Art + Olfaction Awards - Artisan. In the vial: LIPSTICK ACCORD, GRAPEFRUIT, ROSES and LEATHER? This scent medley dances between sophisticated and scandalous with an almost boozy note pressing everything listed above together. Applied: Absolutely there is something boozy in this (even smoky) but also something very Old Hollywood Glam about it as well (I keep envisioning a stunning starlet from that era who is no stranger to scandal in the tabloids sitting at her dressing vanity expertly repairing her smeared mascara and red lipstick while a few empty and full martini glasses are near at hand). The roses, dusting powder with violet (perhaps even a drop of plum?) and lipstick tempt my nose to linger but a tiny dab goes a long way and I'm not sure where I would wear this. I still like this perfume oddly, that vintage lipstick accord is simply gorgeous (absolutely realistic) so yes, I will keep Bruise Violet. *Telepathy *from the Winter 2017 Collection (Listed Notes: Winter narcissus, tonka bean, immortelle flower, sleet, ozone, white amber) *(To be a multi-feature article and full bottle purchase in the near future, a haunting chilled winter floral fragrance that has spring just waiting underneath.) I Saw Goody Proctor with the Devil *from the Salem Collection (Listed Notes: Dragon’s Blood, Champaka Flower, Exotic Spices, Ancient Spellbooks, and a Smouldering Cauldron) What I was hoping for and what called to me: There's no denying it the ancient spellbooks, exotic spices and smouldering cauldron notes listed had to come home to me. I'm hoping for a dark gloomy scent for windy rainy days that I love more than anything else in September to early November. In the vial: DRAGON'S BLOOD and METAL. I'm getting that "rosy and tidy" scent from Baba Yaga (with perhaps more black smoke in the background) and I'm loving what I can smell right now. Applied: It took me forever to figure out what a certain note was that amped on my skin and reminded me of powdery bubbles from a wand and I believe it is dragon's blood. Just like in Baba Yaga (which helps me fall asleep after long nights at work and have the most pleasant vivid dreams) I Saw Goody Proctor with the Devil opens with that "rosy and tidy" note combination but has a sharp metal note and spice thrown in. I also detect leather (sadly no ancient paper though). I like this but in comparing it to Baba Yaga which smells very similar I'll take my Bone Mother over Goody any morning but I will wear this some cold thunderstorm filled night this October. *SuperNatural Hair Serum-Holiday 2017 Collection (You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!)- soon to be a feature post (just been waiting for my Resurrection Sale order to appear in my mailbox which should be next week), it's absolutely divine and so aptly named as this magical hair elixir brings the otherworldly shine, scent and softness to my tresses. On that note: Speaking of waiting for parcels, can you guess what I just ordered and what could have possibly called to me? |
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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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