And without further ado, Lizzy’s Fine Dark Eyes Perfume Oil by Sucreabeille. 5ml bottle. (Scent notes: Orchids and chamomile blend with lavender, ylang ylang and hyssop. Peach blossom, sandalwood, and sparkling aldehyde bring lift and depth.) On opening, the lavender is immediately apparent and it is sweetened with the peach, hyssop and ylang ylang creating an understated playful elegance that is then amplified with the sparkling aldehyde which indeed brings this blend "lift and depth". The true magic in this oil occurs an hour later when this lovely vintage quality takes hold with the lingering dry lavender along with the grounding creamy sandalwood and at that point, I'm smitten by this "beautiful expression of dark eyes" and can't stop sneaking sniffs when no one at my work setting is looking but then again let them look. Despite this fragrance being inspired by Miss Elizabeth Bennet's dark eyes, this fragrance is delightfully light and magnetic at the same time. For longevity, this perfume lasts 6 hours on my skin and considerably more (about 13 hours) when placed in my curls and my locks hold onto the sweetened bubbly aldehydes longer. A wonderful introduction to the scent artistry to be found in this collection. Two Dances with Darcy Perfume Oil by Poesie Perfume . 5ml bottle. (Scent notes: a splash of her lavender water, a hint of his Regency cologne and pipe tobacco, the polished dance floor, flushed skin, and is that...the perfect pear?) And now we move onto the ballroom floor and take a turn with Two Dances with Darcy that on application lavender appears along with a dribble of pear juice and the realistic pipe tobacco that now amplifies on my skin completely sweeping me away to a compelling scent story I don't want to leave. There is something about the magical marriage of lavender and pipe tobacco that I can't resist in any blend and in Two Dances with Darcy, these notes entwine beautifully and yet are somehow improved with the addition of pear (and a possible hidden airy vanilla?). The polished floor is evident on the dry down which holds a nostalgic quality for myself as I think back on ballet lessons and later one particular locale filled with entertaining thumping music as we whirled around the wooden rink while lights flashed in time to catchy tunes. In terms of this blend conveying the utter captivating dance of emotions from this crucial scene between Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, this oil bottles that moment wonderfully. On me, Two Dances with Darcy leans more feminine with the lavender, pear and hidden vanilla I keep getting wafts of, the tobacco and cologne fades into the background giving way to the familiar comforting herb and fruit at first then becomes more noticeable as hours later go by adding some interesting warm supporting contrast. For longevity, Two Dances with Darcy lasts around 4 to 5 hours and stays close to enjoy and sweep me away to one of my favourite scenes in a treasured novel. *The A Winter's Ball (Pride, Prejudice & Perfume) collection is currently available for purchase Sharing Notes of Interest: Did you know that First Impressions was the original title of Pride and Prejudice? At age 21, Miss Jane Austen's father submitted her manuscript to a publisher but it was rejected for various reasons and wasn't resubmitted for consideration until 14 years later after Austen's success with Sense and Sensibility. She also worried her novel too frivolous writing “The work is rather too light, and bright, and sparkling...It wants shade; it wants to be stretched out here and there with a long chapter of sense, if it could be had.” I don't know about anyone else, but I think she succeeded on all levels and showed the world her genius with wit, romantic flair and a book like a fine box of sweets you can't put down and something one must experience. Speaking of publishing, it is a sad little known fact that Jane Austen never submitted her works with her name, she only signed them "By a Lady" or in the case of Pride and Prejudice- “by the author of Sense and Sensibility.” Her identity was revealed to the public by her brother only after her death. I would be remiss to not share a darker note of interest that in the mysterious death of Miss Austen which to this day is still being debated upon. On July 18 1817, Austen passed away at the age of 41 (only 4 years after the publication of her masterwork, Pride and Prejudice). Was she poisoned by arsenic, whether by the common practice of adding the caustic heavy metal to prescribed and easily purchased medicines (or simply drinking water supplies or wearing coloured fabrics) in 19th-century England or was it done with malicious purpose by someone she trusted? Did she succumb to an underlying condition or undiagnosed chronic disease (Addison's disease)? We may never know the whole story, all we do that is a brilliant author and shining pen was silenced that day and her works have caused a sensation of fandom and scent inspiration and beauty inspiration (such as the A Winter's Ball collection). It's a shame this authoress (like so many other writers) will never know the impact their words have on the public and each new generation. For further reading, I recommend: The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things by Paula Byrne, What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th-Century England by Daniel Pool and Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present by Alison Matthews David For inspiring music (I enjoyed these playlists while typing out the above and following fragrance and beauty items reviews), see: 1, 2, 3 and 4 *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/ |
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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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