Full Bottles: Alkemia Perfume Oil Fixative - Increases Perfume Longevity Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud Perfume Oil Samples: Haunted & Bewitched Midnight Garden As Dark Things Are Meant to be Loved Le Chant des Sirènes Invitation to the Moon Antares Absinthe And Laudanum in the Afternoon Stag Moon Ýdalir *The Raven Black Magic Woman Carmen -7- Combined Thoughts: Curious wanderings away from my usual "down to earth" and "special gourmand lists" of fragrances that I have been meaning to decipher if I favor or not. One scent at a time: Alkemia Perfume Oil Fixative - Increases Perfume Longevity oil fixative What I was hoping for and what called to me: Having acquired quite the collection of scents and still learning what notes will be faithful to my expectations and skin, there are always those fragrances that have turned my head but refuse to stay the night. Those thankfully few perfumes need a little encouragement or they are doomed to be cast into the room oil warmer never to accompany me to outside world. I'm hoping this perfume oil fixative is the key I need. In the bottle: MINT and a slight POWDERY VANILLA. This alone I would wear out plus the gold cap on the bottle is my preferred presentation (it adds class and distinction- I wonder if I could get those every time or it is just seasonal packaging?). Applied: The mint greets my nose first with promises "this will work", the vanilla also amps which adds to the cooling essence of this fixative. Letting it dry completely before even attempting to place those finicky perfumes on (reading it says you can apply after a minute but being cautious I let it dry for 5 minutes). The mint, vanilla and still noticeable powder are hopefully locked in my skin ready to work their majick. *The important three perfumes that I retried: Pumpkin Strumpet, Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and Patchouli Cacao Final Impression: Out of the three Patchouli Cacao worked the best with the fixative followed by Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and my spicy trickster Pumpkin Strumpet. The perfumes DID last longer and the opening notes stayed true, they also threw all the exhibited notes into the night but something went a tad strange with Pumpkin Strumpet (BUT that may have had to do with having worn just one tiny drop left in the sample vial and the balance might have been thrown off?). Maybe pumpkin notes are not meant to be on me but overall the fixative is a must and I've already placed this item in my "repurchase basket" when I run out or just to have the cooling mint-vanilla scent. Highly recommended. UPDATE: I contacted the amazing creator about Pumpkin Strumpet to get the best out of this fragrance and she made some excellent suggestions (trying wearing this scent in my hair and for a punch of additional spice purchasing or brewing up some cinnamon and clove oil FOR MY ROOM OIL WARMER ONLY/ NOT TO BE WORN) that has me beaming and finally purchasing this popular perfume (Thank you, Sharra!) Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud (Listed Notes: Golden Treacle, Toffees, and Bonfire-cured Oud Wood) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I admit I have been coveting this sweet and smokey fragrance ever since I joined ETSY in May and I missed my chance to own this earlier when the huge sale happened in July (note to self: MARK CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR!). I almost broke my mouse button when I saw this perfume back for the seasonal collection and hit BUY IT NOW so this was my first "no sampling before hand" purchase. In the bottle: So here it is and even before I open the cap I can smell SWEETNESS and WARMTH. It has a medicinal quality I wasn't expecting but that may work in my favor as I usually like that kind of sharpness. Applied & Curious Findings: *this one even though highly anticipated on may need some more aging, it is bold and masculine on my skin (not sure if that is the oud?) After letting this one age a couple weeks and experimenting with different combinations I found my preferred layering: BONFIRE TOFFEES & WOODSMOKED OUD & CIDRE D' AUTOMNE. The creamy apple (it morphs from cider to buttery apple pie on me) and slight spices pairs remarkably well with the warmth and sharp sweetness of the Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud. It's like a smokey candied (toffee) apple but the blending lends more to vintage version of the popular recipe. The masculine quality of the Bonfire Toffees & Woodsmoked Oud is perfectly tempered with the welcoming mother nature harvest aspect of the Cidre D' Automne and my nose (and head) appreciate it. (**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). Haunted & Bewitched (Listed Notes: Egyptian White Amber, Star Jasmine, Ambrette Seed, Rosewater Turkish Delight, Pink Pepper, Madagascar Vanilla, Bourbon Caramels, Aged Patchouli infused with botanical pheromones) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: After seeing the seasonal collection and falling under the spell of BOOK OF SHADOWS (feature post coming soon) and NEPHILIM I wanted to try this floral ode to ancient autumnal changes and reflection. I'm still warming up to jasmine and amber but if thrown with the right notes I know I will be demanding a full bottle and there is my old comforting companion patchouli to look forward to plus botanical pheromones intrigue me all the more to sample this. In the vial: AMBER, SWEETNESS and FLORAL. Completely not what I was expecting, it's pretty not gloomy and debauched. It does have a noticeable sharp note if I smell it too fast but if I take my time it does have a promising creaminess. It almost reminds me of Lettre d'Amour. Applied: Thankfully no soap smacks me in my nose on first application (I was concerned that would happen with the jasmine which tends to go overly soapy at times on me). I get the floral but the caramel and amber rein in the florals and the longer it sits on my skin that buttery morphing trick my chemistry likes to play elevates this sample to a possible full bottle purchase when the generous vial runs out. It's not your typical fall fragrance and in all likelihood, I would wear this toward the end of summer. I do wish though the pink pepper and patchouli would appear, both are sadly absent and my nose misses those notes. That aside, oddly enough I noticed certain persons are more pleasant and friendly around me when I wear this perfume (a little goes a long way on me). Perhaps I should read more about pheromones and click the buy it now button for C24 and then later P28 (should make an entertaining weekend to see the effects, if anything it would be an interesting future article(s)) from Alkemia's listing. Words that come to mind: late summer, suggestive floral majick, ancient delicacy, botanic delight Midnight Garden (Listed Notes: Tuberose, Lily, Honeysuckle, Gardenia and Moonflower) What I'm hoping for: This perfume was listed along side my perfect scent passage to another time known simply as La Belle Époque, I'm still discovering what fragrance genres or notes I prefer (or work with my chemistry) and I'm hoping this is another transporting journey to ornate gentility. In the vial: HONEYSUCKLE and GREENNESS but there is also an unexpected overly concentrated background medley that is giving me a pinching headache. I don't think this one is going to work. Applied: *I had every intention to continue this review but I'm sorry this one is too overpowering (even with a tiny dab) and this turned to sickly scented hairspray on me. Unfortunately, this perfume will be joining the (thankfully) small collection of discarded curious scent explorations. **please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note may not happen to someone else (a friend tried this and she loved it). 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). As Dark Things Are Meant to be Loved (Listed Notes: Lapsang Souchong Tea, Russian Leather (*animal friendly), Aloeswood, Smoked Black Amber, Aged Dark Patchouli, Tonka, Amazonian Breuzinho, Moroccan Bhakoor, Labdanum, Temple Incense, Caramelized Opium, Black Coffee, Black Coconut, and Tabac Leaf.) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: I like millions of others grabbed creative eye protection and beheld the cosmic sensation that was the August 2017 Solar Eclipse and since this fragrance is a special edition version (said blended in the darkness of the moon and sun/also said to bring good luck) of the hugely popular perfume, I wanted to try this (fingers crossed for finding the dark depths of the unfamiliar). I admit I had to research practically all the unfamiliar notes but that makes me all the more excited to sample this perfume. In the vial: COCONUT and a VANILLA-LIKE creaminess with a blurring of LEATHER, completely unexpected. It's very gourmand but hopefully when applied more notes appear as I've never developed an appreciation for solely coconut concoctions. Applied: Add coconut to another note my chemistry unexpectedly amps as this is turning to high-end suntanning lotion on me. I was hoping with the extensive list of different scents something else would appear but alas, it is coconut with hints of vanilla and caramel. I can see why this is so popular though, as there are so many people who love the sunny beach and with the creaminess; this fragrance mixture is a prime choice for those who love destination scents and reminders of exotic desserts. As it sits longer, it's not that bad (admittedly one of the first coconut infused perfumes I can tolerate in fact). It's more summer or warm weather like than I was hoping (I do appreciate the vanilla and caramel both push more forward as it dries though replacing a strictly lotion aroma but it's just not what I was anticipating). I don't think I will be purchasing a full bottle BUT I do know someone who would love this. Words that come to mind: destination-themed scent locket, Summer, luscious beach cocktail melting in your hand Le Chant des Sirènes (Listed Notes: Beachgrass, Oceanic Ozone, White Musk, Rock Roses, White Patchouli, Sea Salt, and Magnolia Blossoms) What I was hoping for and what called to me: I didn't realise that I was caught into a small pattern with choosing seaside scents until my carefully prepared package from Alkemia arrived, I find that funny because believe it not: I've never been to a beach and all I know about the oceans are from books, movies and songs (yes I need to get out more). In any case, this perfume called to me specifically because of the notes (rose and patchouli) with the clever name (and displayed poem), this is a fragrance that is labeled to be discontinued and because I never know when I might find something I love when exploring in Alkemia's library of fragrances. This will be my first "aquatic" perfume to sample. In the vial: ROSE, MUSK, WATER and almost something like HONEYSUCKLE (but reading that must be the MAGNOLIA). It's also oddly "bubbly" in a way not soapy mind you but overall lovely. This perfume is so aptly named. Applied: This is such a curious fragrance, right away I get the salt, rose and my favorite patchouli that adds an earthiness to the water aspect and beckons me to stay. It almost has a riche vintage quality also and for some reason I keep envisioning a lone mermaid staring somewhat sadly toward shore where a recently renovated Gilded Age mansion stands while a record of violin music is playing against the sound of the waves. Wow, Alkemia you got my imagination whirling again (you are truly rulers of allowing your blended notes tell their own unique commanding stories). This is definitely a pure summer fragrance and a possible full bottle purchase (as a little goes a long way on me). Words that come to mind: Oceanic Romance, salty floral, rose bubbles, vintage melody Invitation to the Moon (Listed Notes: Lemon, Neroli, and Pear Blossoms, White Tree Peony, Night Blooming Water Lilies, Riceflower, Jasmine Sambac, Night Gladiolus, Flowering Coriander, Grey Amber, and White Patchouli) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Another surprising theme with this package were bold and quiet floral fragrances to be found within and this perfume was actually a generous bonus sample Alkemia added with one order. Reading the notes, this one sounds like something I may like BUT I have learned from my experience with Jasmine Sambac before and decided to allow this one to age after briefly sniffing it when it arrived (the more that note ages the more gorgeously powdery it gets on me when applied). In the vial: *a few weeks later: CITRUS and collage of FLORAL with POWDER just peeking out from the background. It may need a little more time to age as there is a soapy aspect also still noticeable but I'm eager to try it on. Applied: Yes I think I couple months will do this one wonders as the citrus-like soap is very dominant on me but there is that powder I love promising to come out eventually. It would work for spring to summer so maybe I'll revisit this perfume again then. Antares (Listed Notes: Queen of the Night, Dried Wild Roses, Mandarin, Nicotania, Oakmosses, Cactus, Juniper, Acacia buds, Fir Resin, Clary Sage, Cedar Needles, Labdanum, Guaiac Wood, Germander, and White Patchouli lightly bathed in dewy Water Musk.) What I was hoping for and what called to me: When I made my huge All Hallow's Eve themed purchase I didn't know what other samples to try at that time (honestly I was just bouncing around anticipating the Late Fall collection joining my vanity) so I added a quick note to my order to "surprise me". This was a generous vial sent in reply to that innocent message. Reading the notes and inspiration of the perfume, this sounds like one of those good ol' "down to earth" scents I love to find. Hoping for something deep and night like. In the vial: Glorious GREENNESS and EARTH and WATER, it sort of reminds me of MOSS MAIDEN (and a little of GAEA) because as soon as I smell it I get summer and spring. Applied: This one definitely is similar to MOSS MAIDEN but if that one is the sun-dappled day version (with a breeze of lemon), ANTARES is the night version of summer fields and woods. This one also has a slight spice to it and as it dries I imagine cooling wet meadows with fireflies rising to meet the night sky above. There is a very calming effect with this perfume and this may be a full bottle purchase (I have so many on that growing list but it's worth it). Words that come to mind: evening picnic, greenness of night, dancing fireflies Absinthe And Laudanum in the Afternoon (Listed Notes: Galbanum, Laudanum Accord, Tonka Bean, Vetivert Root, Wormwood, Opium Poppy, Poet's Jasmine, and French Lavender) *Directly from Alkemia's page: *A Note from the Alchemistresses: This is a blend of legal fragrant essences. It is NOT a psychoactive drug. It will not get you 'high.' Like all perfume oils, it is designed for topical use. Do not eat, drink, or smoke this or any other perfume. Perfumes are for wearing. =) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Having read a far-reaching library of different titles centered in history, I am always confronted with the words "absinthe" and "laudanum" in my favorite types of stories (mystery and tragic romances) so this was a curious exploration in something I have been interested to learn about for a long time (in scent version that is). Hopefully, I am inspired and bit by la fée verte" (the green fairy) and laudanum. In the vial: LAVENDER, MINT and LICORICE (reading that is the WORMWOOD), it's a promising cocktail of lushly imagined delirium. Applied: This smells so expensive and reminds me of those little glass bottles on my Baba's vanity that she would only wear on very special occasions. Completely wasn't expecting this to smell so classic (I was thinking for some reason this would be more of a playful scent mix). As this dries I get more lavender, spiked mint then the powder comes out and this becomes something to talk about. It almost reminds me of Nephilim (if you haven't tried it please do). Words that come to mind: evening wear, misrule classic, addicting herbal Stag Moon (Listed Notes: Staghorn Fern, Rum Infused Hardwoods, Oak Moss, Autumn Musk, Deerhide (*animal-friendly only botanic synthesized), Woodsmoke) What I was hoping for and what called to me: Silly me I didn't realise this oil was geared toward the fellas until later. Oh well, the lure of woodsmoke and woods called to me (this sample will just have to be for entertainment purposes.) In the vial: Being completely honest, I smell PEANUT BRITTLE with a hint of WOODS. Really wasn't expecting that but maybe it will work and smell like sweet smoke on me. Applied: There is no sweetness to be found because when this hits the skin this is untamed masculinity but with a strand of sophistication. This oil definitely morphs and is full of surprises. I would imagine on a man this is both bold and strong. The more it dries and I walk around (mind you I only tried a tiny dab) I keep getting a distinct vintage Old Spice cologne aroma that transforms into the forest floor with musk and wow this is pretty seductive (ahem note to self: this will be a full bottle purchase someday). Words that come to mind: TWO WORDS: WARRIOR POET! Ýdalir (Listed Notes: Fossilized Amber, Oakmoss Absolute, Siberian Black Pine, Smoked Juniper Tar, Balsam Pine - 100% Natural) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This was another "surprise me" response from Alkemia (thank you so much Alkemia!) and I was very excited before I read the notes as I could clearly smell this in the package before even opening it. In the vial: This makes my mouth water as this is pure country cooking on the heathenpit (a huge enclosed steel smoker you burn wood directly under the meat), it's savory, smokey and oh so good! It's also an ancient inspiring scent and very comforting. Absolutely amazing. Applied: *as this is a 100% natural oil with tar it really never dries and I would advise those to NOT wear anything you value as this would stain anything it touches. It's so deep and warm with all the wood notes and smells exactly like autumn down in the hollow. Finally be careful when removing as this oil attaches to bare skin but with a little rubbing it comes right off. I think I will be using this in the scent locket versus on my skin. Words that come to mind: savory scent locket, November down in the hollow, ancient home reminders *The Raven (Listed Notes: Ebony Heartwood, Black Amber, Piper Nigrum, Blackseed (habbatul barakah), Black Bengal Cardamon, Black Ink, Nigella (Black Coriander), Black Iris, Violet Leaves, and Leather (*animal friendly)) *To be a full bottle purchase and will be a triple-feature article in the near future (An entrancing beautifully wicked ode to everything black as black) Black Magic Woman (Listed Notes: Devil's Foodcake accord, Dark Caramel, Blackberry Brandy, Black Plum Incense, Dark Amber, Labdanum and Black Rose) What I was hoping for and what called to me: This was one of my first curious wanderings around Alkemia's shelves of different types of notes and what drew me was the devil's foodcake with roses. I believe I was sent this at the beginning of summer and I was hoping this would get me in the creepily wonderful mood for the colder weather to come. In the vial: *when this first arrived the sickly sweet plum and amber was too much for me and I had the most horrible headache BUT something I could detect was waiting underneath and I knew I should hold on to this sample and try again later. UPDATE: Months later and I'm so glad I held onto this vial as this perfume is so complex and different. It does have a very boozy quality and I don't think I would wear this to work (well maybe in very small dabs here and there) but to only special nights out. Applied: There is an almost over-enveloping wash of boozy plum that is so sweet and powerful but it soon calms down (surprising no headaches this time around). The rose comes out with the amber and maybe a bit of caramel as well that turns buttery on me. I don't detect any chocolate or light resins but I still like this perfume and I think I will be wearing it out more than I thought (this may be one of those "if they ever plan on discontinuing this fragrance, I will be sure to purchase a full bottle before then" but I will use what is in the generous vial until that day). Words that come to mind: the importance of aging, boozy rose, sultry séance, late summer into winter Carmen -7- (Listed Notes: Spiced Pear, Lychees, French Pralines, Bourbon Vanilla, Almond Blossoms Gardenia, Star Jasmine, Magnolia and Amber.) What I was for and what called to me: This was another "surprise me" gift in scent form (you're the best Alkemia!) that arrived with another order (yes my pocketbook hates and fears me but it's so worth it). After a quick look at the notes I'm hoping this reminds me of Les Courtisanes (*can't wait to share my thoughts in a future triple-feature article about that gem). Perhaps Carmen -7- will be sweeter with the french pralines, looking forward to trying this one. In the vial: SPICED FRUIT and AMBER with a hint of FLORAL in the background. It smells similar to Les Courtisanes but there is something more "modern" or "trendy" about it (it also seems to be the summer version of the familiar) but just like Les Courtisanes it smells expensive as well. Applied: If I had to choose Les Courtisanes is my choice when it comes to these similar noted perfumes but I still like Carmen -7- as this is more floral and the pralines strike up lovely visions of creamy vanilla caramel desserts in a summer garden. It does seem it needs a touch more aging so I will try this again in summer and decide if it will be accompanying it's spiced sister on my vanity. Words that come to mind: summer demand, posh floral alkemia.etsy.com Comments are closed.
|
Currently Reading:
Also listening to:
Disclaimers
In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I disclose how I obtained every title for review at As The Final Page Turns (whether that be by ARC, purchased (on nook, kindle or specially ordered hardbacks) Audible version or simply borrowed at my local library). Please note: titles reviewed that are ARCS (Advanced Reader Copies) are free review copies of books that are given by publishers (these ARCS can be found at NetGalley or Edelweiss). Categories
All
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
|