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 Comments are closed.
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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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