[Multi] Reviews
I thought I'd post some more of my reviews here... I've posted them in alchemylab before, but not here...
ALL SAINTS 05: Based on a venerable French pontifical incense blend: monastic frankincense and myrrh, Damascus rose, Russian gardenia, cassia, and lily of the valley wafting on a chill Autumn wind. A celebration of the glory and suffering of the saints and matryrs of the Church.
In Bottle: Rose and incense.
On Skin: A beautiful dark rose blend. This is not old lady rose perfume, it is a bit more spooky and aged, not stuffy and elegant. This does remind me of church, and Fall nights. Pretty and with depth. If I had to wear a rose scent, I think this would be it since it is not pure floral.
BEAVER MOON: Traditionally, Beaver Moon is named thus for a very obvious reason: during this time of year, beavers are hard at work building their dams and preparing for the onset of winter. Because it was too hard to resist, BPAL’s Beaver Moon is sillier, sleazier, and full of camp. This scent is of cheesecake and cupcakes, more in line with it’s cheekier connotations, and really hasn’t a damn thing to do with Luna at all!
In Bottle: Buttercream Frosting.
On Skin: It smells like cake, sweet rich cake and frosting. I LOVE it! This could be my favorite lunar yet… As it develops there is a sweet spice to it and it loses a little of it’s buttery fullness. I like it in the bottle more than on my skin, but it’s still a DELICIOUS scent. Edit: Milk Moon is still my favorite Lunar Oil.
PEACOCK QUEEN: In dramatic contrast to the soft innocence of Snow White and the dew-kissed freshness of her sister, Rose Red, this is a blood red, voluptuous rose, velvet-petaled, at the height of bloom. Haughty and imperious, vain, yet incomparably lovely to the eye, but thick with thorns of jealousy, pride and hatred. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Strong Rose
On Skin: I’m not really a fan of rose so I’m not sure why I got this. The picture on the bottle is beautiful by the way… I love Snow White, so maybe that’s what caught me. Anyway, this is pure, strong rose, plain and simple. Very elegant and heady. Anyone who wants a rose scent NEEDS to try this one. It smells a fresh bouquet sitting on the table. Crisp, fresh and wet. Beautiful.
SNOW BUNNY: I don’t always have to be sinister, do I? Here’s to finally being able to hit the slopes again! Soft white powder snow with a touch of youthful girlie perfume.
In Bottle: Pine
On Skin: Very much like Skadi. Wow, so similar… It’s beautiful and fresh. The pine is the strongest note, but there’s a bit of sweetness too… berries maybe? It does remind me of winter. Cold and bright… very white… I am worried this may not be a great body scent though since the pine is so strong. But I think I’ll be using this as my room scent for the Holidays.
JACOB’S LADDER: The meeting of Heaven and Earth: golden amber, galbanum, benzoin, ambrette, rockrose, costus and tonka. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet sweet sweet!
On Skin: This is beautiful. Oh my god! I had no idea it would smell like this. The amber is bold but not heavy. The tonka sweetens it just right. This scent is not cloying, the sweetness is measured perfectly. The other notes don’t stand out, they meld in nicely and help the overall balance. I think I have found another favorite. Why did I buy only one bottle?
SUGAR COOKIE 05: Affectionately nicknamed 'The Devil's Bake Sale'. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet rum?
On Skin: It seems a lot of the sweeter scents I’ve smelled recently smell boozy at first… Sugar Skull, Trick or Treat and now Sugar Cookie. This years version of the scent is less spicy. I remember last years with a bit of a cinnamon note. It smells delicious but starts fading fairly quickly. I do like it better than last years version…
HEARTH 05: Thoroughly revisited. This year’s Hearth is warmer, sweeter, and more traditionally comforting. This is the scent of candied chestnuts, buttered, covered in brown sugar and honey, alongside the scent of cedar smoke and soft pine. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Nuts and pine.
On Skin: Very different than last years version. Which is a good thing. Last years smelled purely like pipe tobacco. This years is sweet and foody. The chesnuts are the strongest note. I can taste them almost, their buttery brown sugar coating… Yes, it smells exactly like “chesnuts roasting over an open fire”. WOW! The pine and cedar are light enough, just background notes to give the fireplace smell. I think this is a perfect holiday room scent.
SNOW WHITE 05: A chilly, bright perfume: flurries of virgin snow, crisp winter wind and the faintest breath of night-blooming flowers.
In Bottle: Berries and ice.
On Skin: I love this scent and it’s almost identical to last years version (or at least the imps I have, I’m not sure if they’re 03 or 04). So beautiful… one of Beth’s prettiest scents by far. It is so unique, there is nothing like it. There is a faint berry scent, a little of that almond cherry note, and a soft floral. A cold scent, but with warmness blanketed underneathe. I think of holly berries that have fallen into the snow, or still hanging from the tree with ice forming on them. I ADORE this scent.
SOL 05: Authority - Creativity - Courage - Leadership - Abundance - Good Health & Healing - Illumination - Truth - Honesty - Wise Counsel - Prophecy - Pride - Revelation - Equilibrium - Mediation - Nobility - Generosity (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sharp citrus and metalic
On Skin: Lemon incense. Or something sour yet darkened with a resin or incense. Someone mentioned lemongrass and I think I’d agree with that. It’s bright, but the darker note behind it, it feels like late afternoon, the sun has been a it’s brightest but is now setting. It’s still warm but not hot out. A yellowy orange scent, not red…
I’m actually not sure why I ordered this scent, but looking at it’s intent, I think I will try and use it to see if it works.
SAMHAIN 05: Revisited! Truly the scent of autumn itself -- damp woods, fir needle, and black patchouli with the gentlest touches of warm pumpkin, clove, nutmeg, allspice, sweet red apple and mullein.
In Bottle: Spices and fir.
On Skin: The fir and spices are strongest. This is a strong scent, it bowls me over. It’s not something I’d like to wear… but I’d love it as a room fragrance. The spoces are very comforting and warm. The pine and woods give a earthy quality like you just walked in from the outdoors into a bustling kitchen. But the spices are more fall like, not winter at all. After about 5 minutes the woods seem even stronger… wet leaves and dirt. A very interesting scent with many levels.
LOVITAR: The Finnish Goddess of Agony, Torment and the joy found in inflicting pain on others. The Mistress of Torture, she has transformed in the modern era into the patron Goddess of Dominatrixes. The slap of slick, hot leather punctuates the warm, sensual embrace of black amber, red musk and dark, lascivious myrrh.
In Bottle: Leather
On Skin: Wow! This is sexy! I love this scent, it is so rich and unique. It does “slap” you in the face! I like it better than Whip, it’s more elegant in a weird way. I love amber and musk and the myrrh adds even more rich depth. This is sultry and seductive. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this scent… A keeper for sure! I even like it more than Wanda and that’s saying a lot!!
DRAGON’S HIDE: Flame-kissed, warm, smooth, and highly protective. Dragon’s blood, leather and a hint of smoke.
In Bottle: Dragon’s blood with a dark note
On Skin: I’m not too fond of Dragon’s Blood resin… I think it’s because my husband doesn’t like it and he’s rubbed off on me. But I love leather scents… This one is just a bit too mishmashed for me. The sweetness with the smoke makes me kind of sick. This is going off to the swap pile.
SANTA MUERTE: A deep, resonant scent, both comforting and soft: lovers’ roses, solemn chrysanthemum, dark vetiver and dazzling cactus flowers. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Super sweet floral
On Skin: I get a sweet citrus note right away… I think it’s the cactus flower. A lot of people have mentioned chocolate which I don’t smell in the slightest. It’s very pretty but I’m not digging how floral it is… I like it but I think I’ll let it go to someone who appreciates florals more than me.
SATYR: Unleash the bawdy, unrestrained passion of the satyr! A ferociously masculine scent: sexual, vigorous, and truly wild.
In Bottle: Musk and civet.
On Skin: A feral scent which may bug some people. The civet seems to be top note. I am thinking it’s a little too animalistic and primal. I’m afraid my cat may hump my wrist (sorry for the visual). There is a little cinnamon or something sweet and spicy like cloves. This is a masculine scent for sure, not gender neutral at all. After a while it goes kind of foul. I’m not even wanting my husband to try this, it’s a little creepy smelling like a wild animal…
KATHMANDU: The scent of sacred incense swirling up the steep slopes to Swayambhunath Stupa. Saffron, blessed sandalwood, Himalayan cedar and the miraculous lotus of the Buddha with chiuri bark and Nepalese spices. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Strong woods and spices.
On Skin: Straight off, this is NOT me. The woods are so strong they’re almost medicinal. Smoky and spicy, it is just too much at once. I usually love sandalwood but mixed with the incense and spices it just gets muddy and murky. Not my kind of scent, sorry. Someone looking for an exotic woody scent should try this one out…
NUIT: Nuit is Earth’s guardian, and shields her lover and her mortal children from the primeval chaos that threatens Existence. Her perfume is starry and crystalline, a jewel-clad and glittering paean to night: dazzling white musks, white rose and night-blooming jasmine with the soft moss of moonlit meadows, a waft of Egyptian incense, and a gentle breath of moonflower. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Moss and florals.
On Skin: Very white, the musk is soft and overshadowed by the jasmine, rose and moss. Very dainty and feminine. The incense is also faint which I like, it isn’t a smoky scent at all. Very bright and clear. I think it is very pretty but it doesn’t stand out to me. It’s more of a soft comforting smell to wear alone on a cloudless night. It reminds me of the stars and moon, so bright in a dark sky.
SANTA EULARIA DES RIU: Piquant citrus tempered by jasmine, soft Mediterranean herbs, lavender and orange blossom. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Minty orange.
On Skin: Wow, an eye opener for sure. Want something to wake you up in the morning? Take a quick whiff of this. Very energizing! The citrus is strong but dry, the herbs are minty and fragrant. The lavender and jasmine play second fiddle compared to the other notes. An interesting and complex scent even though there are just a few notes in it. It is very outdoorsy. I would love to be in a villa in the Mediterranean and wake up to this scent in the air.
MALICE: A profound, complex scent that encapsulates the joy one finds in another's pain. Ylang ylang, clove, Indonesian red patchouli, and dark myrrh.
In Bottle: Myrrh and patchouli
On Skin: I’m a sucker for myrrh so I was excited for this scent. The myrrh is beautiful! It grabs me right away. The ylang ylang provides a nice spark of brightness in an otherwise dark scent. Sadly the patchouli and clove start to dominate and patchouli never does well on me. After about 10 minutes it turns very powdery and that is a trait I don’t like in a scent. Sorry. :(
TRICK OR TREAT:The sticky sweet scent of candy corn!
In Bottle: Sweet candy
On Skin: This is sweet… very sweet. At first it reminded me of Grog. That sweet caramel rum scent… but Trick or Treat has a more brown sugar note to it. I don’t know what candy corns smell exactly like, but from memory this scent seems pretty darn close. I love this as a Fall scent, especially for Halloween, but I smelled so sweet people thought I had candy on me… so maybe it would be best as a room scent?
SUGAR SKULL 2005:Revisited! Vibrant with the joy and sweetness of life in death! A blend of five sugars, lightly dusted with candied fruits.
In Bottle: Candied fruit
On Skin: This seems much fruitier than the Sugar Skull imp I have from last year. I like it, but it almost seems a bit boozy! Like Trick Or Treat above, it is so sweet that it makes people wonder what you’ve been eating. I think it smells like those gummy fruit candies that have the crystalized sugar coating. A perfect Halloween scent that puts you in the mood for Trick or Treating.
DEVIL’S NIGHT:This is the scent of autumn night, fires in the distance, with a touch of boozy swoon, playful sugar and thuggish musk.
In Bottle: Brown sugar and mulled spices.
On Skin: This scent doesn’t seem as boozy as the other 2 Halloween scents I have yet it actually has “boozy” in the description… hmm… The scent is very sweet spicey, brown sugar and mulled Fall spices. I think the musk is what is making it so spicy. This scent is warm and comforting, a good room scent perfect for cuddling up under a blanket with a Jack-o-lantern in the window and a mug of hit cider in your hands. Sadly, later as the scent develops, a smoky note surfaces and overwhelms the scent. I don’t do well with smoky scents…
THE HAUNTED PALACE:The moment before the ruin, frozen. The scent of captured glory, of glowing pearls and rubies, of golden sunlit joy and regal grandeur: red rose, Tunisian amber, blood orange, toasted vanilla, heliotrope, gardenia and red musk.
In Bottle: Sweet Rose
On Skin: The rose comes to head first, with a very sweet background note… I’m thinking the vanilla? I’m not much of a rose fan, but this is so elegant and commanding. This scent screams royalty and elegance. The Tunisian Amber (one of my favorite notes) gives a beautiful warm bed for the other notes to lie on. The orange is soft, not too ripe. The heliotrope gives it’s trademark sweetness and tames the tartness of the rose and gardenia. A very beautiful scent.
YEMAYA:The Orishas (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Honeydew
On Skin: This scent is a beautiful bright green honeydew. So juicy and strong it is a bit overwhelming. Of course, melon is one of my favorite scents so this one is perfect for me. Very spring/summer like, a bit odd to wear in November that’s for sure. There seems to be a bit of a floral in the background… maybe honeysuckle or something sweet like that. This scent is so beautiful and calming… I can’t imagine anyone not liking the comfort it brings. As it dries, it does change a bit… it gets a little darker and bit less sweet… Hmmm… not likeing the drydown stage as much…
THANATOS:One of the horrible, painful, cruel, brooding, mocking and malignant children of Nyx, he is Death Incarnate, and is seen as a willowy young man, accompanied by a butterfly, bearing an inverted torch and funeral wreath in his hands. In modern thought, thanks to Sigmund Freud, it is the Death Instinct: love of death, destruction and decay, and the desire to embrace the quiescence, silence and peace of the grave. Dry white sandalwood and soft Siamese benzoin over a lugubrious blend of myrrh, Moroccan rose, mastic, tomb moss and a thin whiff of Greek incense.
In Bottle: Smoky sandalwood
On Skin: The name caught me right away. I mean this scent’s description is one of the best. It is quite an exotic scent. The myrrh and incsnse give dark smoky notes, the benzoin sweetens it up, the rose and tomb moss give nice floral and earthy notes and the sandalwood remains the strong key note. Fans of Zombi and Graveyard dirt might like this for it’s creepy earthiness… it’s a little more elegant though which is what I love about it. It is unique and catches attention, I can’t wait to wear this one out.
FRUIT MOON:The bountiful, bright and vivacious prelude to the Harvest. A horde of wet, ripe fruits: green apple, apricot, blackberry, black cherry, black and red currants, cantaloupe, English pear, guava, lemon and lime, orange, mandarin orange, kiwi and mango, passion fruit, papaya, Georgia peach, raspberry, plum, tangerine, pomegranate and strawberry over a luminous blend of lunar oils. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Fruity gum
On Skin: The tropical fruits seem strongest: guava, mango, papya, it smells like a tropical Starburst candy. Wow, yeah this is the fruitiest scent I’ve ever smelled, I am craving a big fresh fruit salad. It is quite busy and complex, very sweet but the scents seem to meld together making it hard to identify single notes. Super fresh, super sweet and super strong. Mmm… there’s the melon and peach… I love this. I’m a little worried to wear it as a scent in the Fall since it’s so Spring/Summer like, but I think it would be a nice pick-me-up room scent.
NUMB:I don’t know about the weather where you’re at, but here in L.A… it is brain-frying’ly, grr-stickity hot. This icy blend was something that we were saving for the upcoming [not soon enough!] winter months, but since Brian and I watched the thermometer slap 107 today, we decided that there’s no better time than the present to introduce a singularly chilly, delectably ice-rimmed perfume. Revel in the gelid polar frostiness that is Numb, and forget about the heat for a moment. This scent is extremely limited, and will be available until all the bottles are spoken for. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Yuck! Athlete’s Food medication!
On Skin: It seriously smells like Athlete’s Foot medication, I remember when my brother had it and had to use a cream to get rid of it, it smelled exactly like this. I have never disliked a scent as much as I do this one, sorry Beth. :( As it dries down it turns into the spray powder version of Athlete’s Foot medication. It does have a cool, numbing minty scent, but I think the medication did too since it was supposed to cool off enflamed toes. There is also a light floral, violet or lavender. This one is off to the swaps… so sad because I was so exctied for it.
ASPHODEL:The grey and ghostly flower that fills the fields of Hades. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Lily
On Skin: Very strong and sweet, almost like a Lily or Honeysuckle... very bright and white. It seems almost too feminine at first, but then the is a darker stronger note that surfaces that makes it a bit “tougher” and masculine. Very interesting. Beautiful and distinct, but I am not a big fan of florals so I think I’ll be swapping this one.
BENGAL: A sultry and unruly blend that emulates the ambient scent of the markets in ancient Bengal: skin musk with honey, peppers, clove, cinnamon bark and ginger. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Honey and Clove
On Skin: YUM! This is so sweet. My favorite note, honey, comes forward at once. The clove, cinnamon and ginger spice it up but compliment the honey’s sweetness. Pepper is usually a bit bitter to me and I don’t smell it yet. Wow, I love how sweet it is and the super spicyness of the cinnamon burns my nose lightly if I take a deep whiff. This is so nice, and so intriguing, seductive and spicy. This will make someone lean in a lot closer to you, it really does capture attention. Sadly, the honey is fading quickly. I may try layering this over the “O” alcohol spray I made to see if it adds to the sweetness and staying power.
REGAN:A deceptively sweet orchid vanille with a faint trace of stephanotis.
In Bottle: Vanilla and floral
On Skin: The vanilla is sweet but overshadowed by the dominant orchid. I love vanilla scents but this one doesn’t seem to stand out to me. It’s pretty, but not really unique. There is a bit of a honey note which I love, but I’d rather wear a scent with that note being dominant, like “O”. I will keep my imp, but I don’t think I’ll order a bottle.
THE BLACK TOWER:A sepulchral, desolate scent. Long-dead soldiers, oath-bound; the perfume of their armor, the chill wind that surges through their tower, white bone and blackened steel: white sandalwood, ambergris, wet ozone, galbanum and leather with ebony, teak, burnt grasses, English ivy and a hint of red wine. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Throat Lozenge
On Skin: At first it is minty… maybe menthol. Then I smell the ivy and the wine. It does smell very cold, “chill wind” is a good description. This is a beautiful haunting scent! I really want to smell it on my husband as well. There are so many notes listed, but I don’t smell most of them individually, they all meld into one beautiful scent. I especially do not smell the leather or burnt grasses, this is a very light, shiny metalic scent… not dark or woody. So complex!!!
BLACK OPAL:A play of geological darkness and jagged brilliance. Soft and luminescent with flashes of black fire. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet vanilla. YUM!
On Skin: All I smell is vanilla. I’ve read others reviews and I don’t smell any citrus or other notes they mention. It is pure sweet vanilla. It is very light though… it reminds me of a few of the DSH vanillas. I like it since it’s pretty and soft, but it fades quite quickly. I’m not sure the description fits it either, fire? I don’t smell fire at all.
LOVE IN THE ASYLUM:A song of love and madness: two roses, tolu balsam and ambergris with vanilla, labdanum, tobacco leaf, carnation and tonka. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Floral and perm solution.
On Skin: Ok, the floral is very strong. Rose and carnation, wow! I was hoping the Tonka and vanilla would be stronger but they are washed out by the extreme floral notes. The balsam and tobacco give a background green note. This scent is very crisp. It’s pretty, but I’m not sure it’s me. Rose this strong never really works on me.
EPHEMERA:The scent of loss, love and the echo of time without end: sorrowful violet and chamomile with muguet, white geranium, calla lily and tea rose with a hint of autumn leaves. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Violet and mint.
On Skin: The violet stands out the strongest. I think the mint is actually the ozone note from the muguet. This is a pretty feminine scent, with the florals as the dominant notes. The tea rose calla lily and geranium blend well together. The autumn leaves give a little depth and a darker note. All in all, it is too much of a floral for me and kind of reminds me of an old ladies perfume.
BUCK MOON:This Full Moon marks the time of the year when the new antlers of buck deer emerge from their foreheads, coated in soft velvet. This is a time of masculine vigor, thunder, balmy nights, glorious sunlight and hot winds. Buck Moon is an animalistic, deep scent: an amplification of one’s natural musk coupled with forest herbs, a hint of clear, warm evening air and a crystalline spark of lunar oil. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet outdoors.
On Skin: Interesting!!! First off, this isn’t very animalistic at all. It reminds me of fallen leaves on the forest floor, a bit wet still, dirty, woody and mossy. Sweet yet dark and musty. I really like it since I grow up in the mountains and it reminds me of when I would get lost in the woods following my favorite deer. There is no scent like this, so complex and unique. It isn’t really feminine though, I think I might like it better on my husband. After about 20 minutes, the musk really shines through.
BAGHDAD:Amber, saffron and bergamot with mandarin, nutmeg, Bulgar rose, musk and sandalwood. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Light floral and spices.
On Skin: I expected this scent to be heavy and strong. It’s atually quite pretty and light. The sandalwood and musk give it a deep masculine edge, but then the rose seeps through and makes it have a feminine side as well. The amber is soft and sexy, while the saffron and nutmeg give a warm spice. I don’t really smell the mandarin or bergamot. After about ten minutes something weird starts showing itself. It does not agree with my skin, it’s a animalistic musky note that just seems too pungent. It reminds me of a wet dog.
OPHELIA:Wistful and vulnerable: lotus, water blossom ivy, stargazer lily and white rose.
In Bottle: Floral beauty!
On Skin: A bright wet white scent. Again, another scent I could see at a wedding. It is very strong and so feminine. I actually love this scent, which is a big step for me since I shy away from florals. It is so sweet and innocent, the sweetness makes it not become too formal. I see a huge bouquet of fresh cut flowers with beautiful green ivy. A perfect scent for a spring day…
GRANDMOTHER OF GHOSTS:Mania, Roman Goddess of the Dead, Matron of Madness, Governess of the Ancestral Spirits, Bestower of Divine Frenzy. Her scent swirls with a high-pitched tumult of laurel, stargazer lily, splintered woods, peony, mandarin and white musk, and is spiked with pale pepper. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Woody floral.
On Skin: Interesting… The woods seem dominant but then the lily shines through. Almost like a ray of sun in a dark forest just filtering through the leaves. The musk and pepper give a inticing soft spice, while the laurel gives a pretty clean green note. The madarin is light, barely noticable. I am intrigued by this scent and would love to smell it on a man.
VENICE:A complex, voluptuous scent that captures the robust beauty and of the Italian Renaissance: lemon, red currant, wisteria, red rose petals, heady jasmine, Florentine orris root, waterlily, red sandalwood, violet plum, and violet leaf.
In Bottle: Violet.
On Skin: The violet and violet leaf are in front. The red sandalwood gives a nice woody incensey note. The waterlily and jasmine begin to stand out, beautful fresh white notes. The lemon is also becoming more pronounced and it’s tartness is a nice compliment. The rose and wisteria are lighter and not as noticable. I don’t smell the red currant at all. This is such a complex scent but overall it’s a strong floral with a lemon edge.
DUBLIN:The scent of misty forests, damp alder leaf, and the gentlest touch of white rose. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Very green and herbal.
On Skin: Very, very herby. This scent screams green and foresty. The rose adds a sweetness to the scent but still, the medicinal edge of the herbs is a bit too strong for my taste. For lovers of outdoorsy and herbal scents, this is a must have.
FAUSTUS:An infusion of incalculable power and irresistible temptation. Truly an exercise in megalomania and self-gratification: frankincense and cinnamon, darkened by violet.
In Bottle: Incense and floral.
On Skin: The frankincense leads this scent with a powerful powdery note. The cinnamon gives a warm spice and the violet actually sweetens it up a bit. The incense is too strong for me though, and it is also a very masculine scent, so it’s not for me. This is a dark spicy scent, very sinister and brooding.
WRATH:A scent aflame with rage, swirling in the red haze of hatred: dragon's blood spiked with black pepper, clove, and cinnamon. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Minty Dragon’s Blood.
On Skin: Dragon’s blood, and the color also gives that away. The clove and cinnamon sweeten it a bit and the pepper makes it extra hot and spicy. After a few minutes, I realize what it reminds me of. The smell of the glue when you lick envelopes... maybe after you had been eating Red Hots. Not good… :(
CAIRO:The essence of holy Kyphi, beloved incense of the Egyptian Gods.
In Bottle: Sweet incense.
On Skin: It is the very essence of Egyptian incense. There is also a sweet fruity note in the background. It’s light and fades quickly to just a plain soft incense note. Sadly it didn’t do too much for me… I prefer Nefertiti and Anubis.
CATHEDRAL:Venerable and solemn: the scent of incense smoke wafting through an ancient church. A true ecclesiatical blend of pure resins. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Smoke.
On Skin: I was thinking something more elegant when I saw the name… but then I reread the description and saw it’s supposed to be a smokey scent. It does remind me of church and all the candles and incense they light. Very “solemn”, perfect description. It’s also a scent that reminds me of winter… it smells like being outside and smelling the smoke from a chimney nearby.
BLACK ROSE:Exquisitely melancholy. The background scent to an ancient exequies. Heavy, dark and floral: a blend of roses, with a touch of amber and musk.
In Bottle: Rose.
On Skin: I’m not a big fan of roses, but this has a few more layers. The musk and amber give a dark depth and a sticky resin note. The rose is very haevy and pungent, it reminds me of those rosarys made from rosewood. Very seductive yet sad… a very “goth” scent.
NIFLHEIM:The House of Mists, a land of icy fog, shadowy darkness and soul-chilling cold. Dark, damp blossoms winding through an impenetrable, murky gloom.
In Bottle: Dark aquatic floral.
On Skin: This is one of the first aquatics I’m smelled that is more dark than bright. It is still crisp and wet, but a bit spooky and full of shadows. The florals are clean and white, and not sweet at all. The ozone note turns a bit soapy on me. I am actually going to try wearing this one out, I’ve never seen what impression ozone notes on me give to others and I’d like to hear some feedback. My final impression of it is a garden at night near the sea after a rainstorm.
ALL SAINTS 05: Based on a venerable French pontifical incense blend: monastic frankincense and myrrh, Damascus rose, Russian gardenia, cassia, and lily of the valley wafting on a chill Autumn wind. A celebration of the glory and suffering of the saints and matryrs of the Church.
In Bottle: Rose and incense.
On Skin: A beautiful dark rose blend. This is not old lady rose perfume, it is a bit more spooky and aged, not stuffy and elegant. This does remind me of church, and Fall nights. Pretty and with depth. If I had to wear a rose scent, I think this would be it since it is not pure floral.
BEAVER MOON: Traditionally, Beaver Moon is named thus for a very obvious reason: during this time of year, beavers are hard at work building their dams and preparing for the onset of winter. Because it was too hard to resist, BPAL’s Beaver Moon is sillier, sleazier, and full of camp. This scent is of cheesecake and cupcakes, more in line with it’s cheekier connotations, and really hasn’t a damn thing to do with Luna at all!
In Bottle: Buttercream Frosting.
On Skin: It smells like cake, sweet rich cake and frosting. I LOVE it! This could be my favorite lunar yet… As it develops there is a sweet spice to it and it loses a little of it’s buttery fullness. I like it in the bottle more than on my skin, but it’s still a DELICIOUS scent. Edit: Milk Moon is still my favorite Lunar Oil.
PEACOCK QUEEN: In dramatic contrast to the soft innocence of Snow White and the dew-kissed freshness of her sister, Rose Red, this is a blood red, voluptuous rose, velvet-petaled, at the height of bloom. Haughty and imperious, vain, yet incomparably lovely to the eye, but thick with thorns of jealousy, pride and hatred. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Strong Rose
On Skin: I’m not really a fan of rose so I’m not sure why I got this. The picture on the bottle is beautiful by the way… I love Snow White, so maybe that’s what caught me. Anyway, this is pure, strong rose, plain and simple. Very elegant and heady. Anyone who wants a rose scent NEEDS to try this one. It smells a fresh bouquet sitting on the table. Crisp, fresh and wet. Beautiful.
SNOW BUNNY: I don’t always have to be sinister, do I? Here’s to finally being able to hit the slopes again! Soft white powder snow with a touch of youthful girlie perfume.
In Bottle: Pine
On Skin: Very much like Skadi. Wow, so similar… It’s beautiful and fresh. The pine is the strongest note, but there’s a bit of sweetness too… berries maybe? It does remind me of winter. Cold and bright… very white… I am worried this may not be a great body scent though since the pine is so strong. But I think I’ll be using this as my room scent for the Holidays.
JACOB’S LADDER: The meeting of Heaven and Earth: golden amber, galbanum, benzoin, ambrette, rockrose, costus and tonka. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet sweet sweet!
On Skin: This is beautiful. Oh my god! I had no idea it would smell like this. The amber is bold but not heavy. The tonka sweetens it just right. This scent is not cloying, the sweetness is measured perfectly. The other notes don’t stand out, they meld in nicely and help the overall balance. I think I have found another favorite. Why did I buy only one bottle?
SUGAR COOKIE 05: Affectionately nicknamed 'The Devil's Bake Sale'. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet rum?
On Skin: It seems a lot of the sweeter scents I’ve smelled recently smell boozy at first… Sugar Skull, Trick or Treat and now Sugar Cookie. This years version of the scent is less spicy. I remember last years with a bit of a cinnamon note. It smells delicious but starts fading fairly quickly. I do like it better than last years version…
HEARTH 05: Thoroughly revisited. This year’s Hearth is warmer, sweeter, and more traditionally comforting. This is the scent of candied chestnuts, buttered, covered in brown sugar and honey, alongside the scent of cedar smoke and soft pine. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Nuts and pine.
On Skin: Very different than last years version. Which is a good thing. Last years smelled purely like pipe tobacco. This years is sweet and foody. The chesnuts are the strongest note. I can taste them almost, their buttery brown sugar coating… Yes, it smells exactly like “chesnuts roasting over an open fire”. WOW! The pine and cedar are light enough, just background notes to give the fireplace smell. I think this is a perfect holiday room scent.
SNOW WHITE 05: A chilly, bright perfume: flurries of virgin snow, crisp winter wind and the faintest breath of night-blooming flowers.
In Bottle: Berries and ice.
On Skin: I love this scent and it’s almost identical to last years version (or at least the imps I have, I’m not sure if they’re 03 or 04). So beautiful… one of Beth’s prettiest scents by far. It is so unique, there is nothing like it. There is a faint berry scent, a little of that almond cherry note, and a soft floral. A cold scent, but with warmness blanketed underneathe. I think of holly berries that have fallen into the snow, or still hanging from the tree with ice forming on them. I ADORE this scent.
SOL 05: Authority - Creativity - Courage - Leadership - Abundance - Good Health & Healing - Illumination - Truth - Honesty - Wise Counsel - Prophecy - Pride - Revelation - Equilibrium - Mediation - Nobility - Generosity (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sharp citrus and metalic
On Skin: Lemon incense. Or something sour yet darkened with a resin or incense. Someone mentioned lemongrass and I think I’d agree with that. It’s bright, but the darker note behind it, it feels like late afternoon, the sun has been a it’s brightest but is now setting. It’s still warm but not hot out. A yellowy orange scent, not red…
I’m actually not sure why I ordered this scent, but looking at it’s intent, I think I will try and use it to see if it works.
SAMHAIN 05: Revisited! Truly the scent of autumn itself -- damp woods, fir needle, and black patchouli with the gentlest touches of warm pumpkin, clove, nutmeg, allspice, sweet red apple and mullein.
In Bottle: Spices and fir.
On Skin: The fir and spices are strongest. This is a strong scent, it bowls me over. It’s not something I’d like to wear… but I’d love it as a room fragrance. The spoces are very comforting and warm. The pine and woods give a earthy quality like you just walked in from the outdoors into a bustling kitchen. But the spices are more fall like, not winter at all. After about 5 minutes the woods seem even stronger… wet leaves and dirt. A very interesting scent with many levels.
LOVITAR: The Finnish Goddess of Agony, Torment and the joy found in inflicting pain on others. The Mistress of Torture, she has transformed in the modern era into the patron Goddess of Dominatrixes. The slap of slick, hot leather punctuates the warm, sensual embrace of black amber, red musk and dark, lascivious myrrh.
In Bottle: Leather
On Skin: Wow! This is sexy! I love this scent, it is so rich and unique. It does “slap” you in the face! I like it better than Whip, it’s more elegant in a weird way. I love amber and musk and the myrrh adds even more rich depth. This is sultry and seductive. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this scent… A keeper for sure! I even like it more than Wanda and that’s saying a lot!!
DRAGON’S HIDE: Flame-kissed, warm, smooth, and highly protective. Dragon’s blood, leather and a hint of smoke.
In Bottle: Dragon’s blood with a dark note
On Skin: I’m not too fond of Dragon’s Blood resin… I think it’s because my husband doesn’t like it and he’s rubbed off on me. But I love leather scents… This one is just a bit too mishmashed for me. The sweetness with the smoke makes me kind of sick. This is going off to the swap pile.
SANTA MUERTE: A deep, resonant scent, both comforting and soft: lovers’ roses, solemn chrysanthemum, dark vetiver and dazzling cactus flowers. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Super sweet floral
On Skin: I get a sweet citrus note right away… I think it’s the cactus flower. A lot of people have mentioned chocolate which I don’t smell in the slightest. It’s very pretty but I’m not digging how floral it is… I like it but I think I’ll let it go to someone who appreciates florals more than me.
SATYR: Unleash the bawdy, unrestrained passion of the satyr! A ferociously masculine scent: sexual, vigorous, and truly wild.
In Bottle: Musk and civet.
On Skin: A feral scent which may bug some people. The civet seems to be top note. I am thinking it’s a little too animalistic and primal. I’m afraid my cat may hump my wrist (sorry for the visual). There is a little cinnamon or something sweet and spicy like cloves. This is a masculine scent for sure, not gender neutral at all. After a while it goes kind of foul. I’m not even wanting my husband to try this, it’s a little creepy smelling like a wild animal…
KATHMANDU: The scent of sacred incense swirling up the steep slopes to Swayambhunath Stupa. Saffron, blessed sandalwood, Himalayan cedar and the miraculous lotus of the Buddha with chiuri bark and Nepalese spices. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Strong woods and spices.
On Skin: Straight off, this is NOT me. The woods are so strong they’re almost medicinal. Smoky and spicy, it is just too much at once. I usually love sandalwood but mixed with the incense and spices it just gets muddy and murky. Not my kind of scent, sorry. Someone looking for an exotic woody scent should try this one out…
NUIT: Nuit is Earth’s guardian, and shields her lover and her mortal children from the primeval chaos that threatens Existence. Her perfume is starry and crystalline, a jewel-clad and glittering paean to night: dazzling white musks, white rose and night-blooming jasmine with the soft moss of moonlit meadows, a waft of Egyptian incense, and a gentle breath of moonflower. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Moss and florals.
On Skin: Very white, the musk is soft and overshadowed by the jasmine, rose and moss. Very dainty and feminine. The incense is also faint which I like, it isn’t a smoky scent at all. Very bright and clear. I think it is very pretty but it doesn’t stand out to me. It’s more of a soft comforting smell to wear alone on a cloudless night. It reminds me of the stars and moon, so bright in a dark sky.
SANTA EULARIA DES RIU: Piquant citrus tempered by jasmine, soft Mediterranean herbs, lavender and orange blossom. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Minty orange.
On Skin: Wow, an eye opener for sure. Want something to wake you up in the morning? Take a quick whiff of this. Very energizing! The citrus is strong but dry, the herbs are minty and fragrant. The lavender and jasmine play second fiddle compared to the other notes. An interesting and complex scent even though there are just a few notes in it. It is very outdoorsy. I would love to be in a villa in the Mediterranean and wake up to this scent in the air.
MALICE: A profound, complex scent that encapsulates the joy one finds in another's pain. Ylang ylang, clove, Indonesian red patchouli, and dark myrrh.
In Bottle: Myrrh and patchouli
On Skin: I’m a sucker for myrrh so I was excited for this scent. The myrrh is beautiful! It grabs me right away. The ylang ylang provides a nice spark of brightness in an otherwise dark scent. Sadly the patchouli and clove start to dominate and patchouli never does well on me. After about 10 minutes it turns very powdery and that is a trait I don’t like in a scent. Sorry. :(
TRICK OR TREAT:The sticky sweet scent of candy corn!
In Bottle: Sweet candy
On Skin: This is sweet… very sweet. At first it reminded me of Grog. That sweet caramel rum scent… but Trick or Treat has a more brown sugar note to it. I don’t know what candy corns smell exactly like, but from memory this scent seems pretty darn close. I love this as a Fall scent, especially for Halloween, but I smelled so sweet people thought I had candy on me… so maybe it would be best as a room scent?
SUGAR SKULL 2005:Revisited! Vibrant with the joy and sweetness of life in death! A blend of five sugars, lightly dusted with candied fruits.
In Bottle: Candied fruit
On Skin: This seems much fruitier than the Sugar Skull imp I have from last year. I like it, but it almost seems a bit boozy! Like Trick Or Treat above, it is so sweet that it makes people wonder what you’ve been eating. I think it smells like those gummy fruit candies that have the crystalized sugar coating. A perfect Halloween scent that puts you in the mood for Trick or Treating.
DEVIL’S NIGHT:This is the scent of autumn night, fires in the distance, with a touch of boozy swoon, playful sugar and thuggish musk.
In Bottle: Brown sugar and mulled spices.
On Skin: This scent doesn’t seem as boozy as the other 2 Halloween scents I have yet it actually has “boozy” in the description… hmm… The scent is very sweet spicey, brown sugar and mulled Fall spices. I think the musk is what is making it so spicy. This scent is warm and comforting, a good room scent perfect for cuddling up under a blanket with a Jack-o-lantern in the window and a mug of hit cider in your hands. Sadly, later as the scent develops, a smoky note surfaces and overwhelms the scent. I don’t do well with smoky scents…
THE HAUNTED PALACE:The moment before the ruin, frozen. The scent of captured glory, of glowing pearls and rubies, of golden sunlit joy and regal grandeur: red rose, Tunisian amber, blood orange, toasted vanilla, heliotrope, gardenia and red musk.
In Bottle: Sweet Rose
On Skin: The rose comes to head first, with a very sweet background note… I’m thinking the vanilla? I’m not much of a rose fan, but this is so elegant and commanding. This scent screams royalty and elegance. The Tunisian Amber (one of my favorite notes) gives a beautiful warm bed for the other notes to lie on. The orange is soft, not too ripe. The heliotrope gives it’s trademark sweetness and tames the tartness of the rose and gardenia. A very beautiful scent.
YEMAYA:The Orishas (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Honeydew
On Skin: This scent is a beautiful bright green honeydew. So juicy and strong it is a bit overwhelming. Of course, melon is one of my favorite scents so this one is perfect for me. Very spring/summer like, a bit odd to wear in November that’s for sure. There seems to be a bit of a floral in the background… maybe honeysuckle or something sweet like that. This scent is so beautiful and calming… I can’t imagine anyone not liking the comfort it brings. As it dries, it does change a bit… it gets a little darker and bit less sweet… Hmmm… not likeing the drydown stage as much…
THANATOS:One of the horrible, painful, cruel, brooding, mocking and malignant children of Nyx, he is Death Incarnate, and is seen as a willowy young man, accompanied by a butterfly, bearing an inverted torch and funeral wreath in his hands. In modern thought, thanks to Sigmund Freud, it is the Death Instinct: love of death, destruction and decay, and the desire to embrace the quiescence, silence and peace of the grave. Dry white sandalwood and soft Siamese benzoin over a lugubrious blend of myrrh, Moroccan rose, mastic, tomb moss and a thin whiff of Greek incense.
In Bottle: Smoky sandalwood
On Skin: The name caught me right away. I mean this scent’s description is one of the best. It is quite an exotic scent. The myrrh and incsnse give dark smoky notes, the benzoin sweetens it up, the rose and tomb moss give nice floral and earthy notes and the sandalwood remains the strong key note. Fans of Zombi and Graveyard dirt might like this for it’s creepy earthiness… it’s a little more elegant though which is what I love about it. It is unique and catches attention, I can’t wait to wear this one out.
FRUIT MOON:The bountiful, bright and vivacious prelude to the Harvest. A horde of wet, ripe fruits: green apple, apricot, blackberry, black cherry, black and red currants, cantaloupe, English pear, guava, lemon and lime, orange, mandarin orange, kiwi and mango, passion fruit, papaya, Georgia peach, raspberry, plum, tangerine, pomegranate and strawberry over a luminous blend of lunar oils. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Fruity gum
On Skin: The tropical fruits seem strongest: guava, mango, papya, it smells like a tropical Starburst candy. Wow, yeah this is the fruitiest scent I’ve ever smelled, I am craving a big fresh fruit salad. It is quite busy and complex, very sweet but the scents seem to meld together making it hard to identify single notes. Super fresh, super sweet and super strong. Mmm… there’s the melon and peach… I love this. I’m a little worried to wear it as a scent in the Fall since it’s so Spring/Summer like, but I think it would be a nice pick-me-up room scent.
NUMB:I don’t know about the weather where you’re at, but here in L.A… it is brain-frying’ly, grr-stickity hot. This icy blend was something that we were saving for the upcoming [not soon enough!] winter months, but since Brian and I watched the thermometer slap 107 today, we decided that there’s no better time than the present to introduce a singularly chilly, delectably ice-rimmed perfume. Revel in the gelid polar frostiness that is Numb, and forget about the heat for a moment. This scent is extremely limited, and will be available until all the bottles are spoken for. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Yuck! Athlete’s Food medication!
On Skin: It seriously smells like Athlete’s Foot medication, I remember when my brother had it and had to use a cream to get rid of it, it smelled exactly like this. I have never disliked a scent as much as I do this one, sorry Beth. :( As it dries down it turns into the spray powder version of Athlete’s Foot medication. It does have a cool, numbing minty scent, but I think the medication did too since it was supposed to cool off enflamed toes. There is also a light floral, violet or lavender. This one is off to the swaps… so sad because I was so exctied for it.
ASPHODEL:The grey and ghostly flower that fills the fields of Hades. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Lily
On Skin: Very strong and sweet, almost like a Lily or Honeysuckle... very bright and white. It seems almost too feminine at first, but then the is a darker stronger note that surfaces that makes it a bit “tougher” and masculine. Very interesting. Beautiful and distinct, but I am not a big fan of florals so I think I’ll be swapping this one.
BENGAL: A sultry and unruly blend that emulates the ambient scent of the markets in ancient Bengal: skin musk with honey, peppers, clove, cinnamon bark and ginger. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Honey and Clove
On Skin: YUM! This is so sweet. My favorite note, honey, comes forward at once. The clove, cinnamon and ginger spice it up but compliment the honey’s sweetness. Pepper is usually a bit bitter to me and I don’t smell it yet. Wow, I love how sweet it is and the super spicyness of the cinnamon burns my nose lightly if I take a deep whiff. This is so nice, and so intriguing, seductive and spicy. This will make someone lean in a lot closer to you, it really does capture attention. Sadly, the honey is fading quickly. I may try layering this over the “O” alcohol spray I made to see if it adds to the sweetness and staying power.
REGAN:A deceptively sweet orchid vanille with a faint trace of stephanotis.
In Bottle: Vanilla and floral
On Skin: The vanilla is sweet but overshadowed by the dominant orchid. I love vanilla scents but this one doesn’t seem to stand out to me. It’s pretty, but not really unique. There is a bit of a honey note which I love, but I’d rather wear a scent with that note being dominant, like “O”. I will keep my imp, but I don’t think I’ll order a bottle.
THE BLACK TOWER:A sepulchral, desolate scent. Long-dead soldiers, oath-bound; the perfume of their armor, the chill wind that surges through their tower, white bone and blackened steel: white sandalwood, ambergris, wet ozone, galbanum and leather with ebony, teak, burnt grasses, English ivy and a hint of red wine. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Throat Lozenge
On Skin: At first it is minty… maybe menthol. Then I smell the ivy and the wine. It does smell very cold, “chill wind” is a good description. This is a beautiful haunting scent! I really want to smell it on my husband as well. There are so many notes listed, but I don’t smell most of them individually, they all meld into one beautiful scent. I especially do not smell the leather or burnt grasses, this is a very light, shiny metalic scent… not dark or woody. So complex!!!
BLACK OPAL:A play of geological darkness and jagged brilliance. Soft and luminescent with flashes of black fire. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet vanilla. YUM!
On Skin: All I smell is vanilla. I’ve read others reviews and I don’t smell any citrus or other notes they mention. It is pure sweet vanilla. It is very light though… it reminds me of a few of the DSH vanillas. I like it since it’s pretty and soft, but it fades quite quickly. I’m not sure the description fits it either, fire? I don’t smell fire at all.
LOVE IN THE ASYLUM:A song of love and madness: two roses, tolu balsam and ambergris with vanilla, labdanum, tobacco leaf, carnation and tonka. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Floral and perm solution.
On Skin: Ok, the floral is very strong. Rose and carnation, wow! I was hoping the Tonka and vanilla would be stronger but they are washed out by the extreme floral notes. The balsam and tobacco give a background green note. This scent is very crisp. It’s pretty, but I’m not sure it’s me. Rose this strong never really works on me.
EPHEMERA:The scent of loss, love and the echo of time without end: sorrowful violet and chamomile with muguet, white geranium, calla lily and tea rose with a hint of autumn leaves. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Violet and mint.
On Skin: The violet stands out the strongest. I think the mint is actually the ozone note from the muguet. This is a pretty feminine scent, with the florals as the dominant notes. The tea rose calla lily and geranium blend well together. The autumn leaves give a little depth and a darker note. All in all, it is too much of a floral for me and kind of reminds me of an old ladies perfume.
BUCK MOON:This Full Moon marks the time of the year when the new antlers of buck deer emerge from their foreheads, coated in soft velvet. This is a time of masculine vigor, thunder, balmy nights, glorious sunlight and hot winds. Buck Moon is an animalistic, deep scent: an amplification of one’s natural musk coupled with forest herbs, a hint of clear, warm evening air and a crystalline spark of lunar oil. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Sweet outdoors.
On Skin: Interesting!!! First off, this isn’t very animalistic at all. It reminds me of fallen leaves on the forest floor, a bit wet still, dirty, woody and mossy. Sweet yet dark and musty. I really like it since I grow up in the mountains and it reminds me of when I would get lost in the woods following my favorite deer. There is no scent like this, so complex and unique. It isn’t really feminine though, I think I might like it better on my husband. After about 20 minutes, the musk really shines through.
BAGHDAD:Amber, saffron and bergamot with mandarin, nutmeg, Bulgar rose, musk and sandalwood. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Light floral and spices.
On Skin: I expected this scent to be heavy and strong. It’s atually quite pretty and light. The sandalwood and musk give it a deep masculine edge, but then the rose seeps through and makes it have a feminine side as well. The amber is soft and sexy, while the saffron and nutmeg give a warm spice. I don’t really smell the mandarin or bergamot. After about ten minutes something weird starts showing itself. It does not agree with my skin, it’s a animalistic musky note that just seems too pungent. It reminds me of a wet dog.
OPHELIA:Wistful and vulnerable: lotus, water blossom ivy, stargazer lily and white rose.
In Bottle: Floral beauty!
On Skin: A bright wet white scent. Again, another scent I could see at a wedding. It is very strong and so feminine. I actually love this scent, which is a big step for me since I shy away from florals. It is so sweet and innocent, the sweetness makes it not become too formal. I see a huge bouquet of fresh cut flowers with beautiful green ivy. A perfect scent for a spring day…
GRANDMOTHER OF GHOSTS:Mania, Roman Goddess of the Dead, Matron of Madness, Governess of the Ancestral Spirits, Bestower of Divine Frenzy. Her scent swirls with a high-pitched tumult of laurel, stargazer lily, splintered woods, peony, mandarin and white musk, and is spiked with pale pepper. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Woody floral.
On Skin: Interesting… The woods seem dominant but then the lily shines through. Almost like a ray of sun in a dark forest just filtering through the leaves. The musk and pepper give a inticing soft spice, while the laurel gives a pretty clean green note. The madarin is light, barely noticable. I am intrigued by this scent and would love to smell it on a man.
VENICE:A complex, voluptuous scent that captures the robust beauty and of the Italian Renaissance: lemon, red currant, wisteria, red rose petals, heady jasmine, Florentine orris root, waterlily, red sandalwood, violet plum, and violet leaf.
In Bottle: Violet.
On Skin: The violet and violet leaf are in front. The red sandalwood gives a nice woody incensey note. The waterlily and jasmine begin to stand out, beautful fresh white notes. The lemon is also becoming more pronounced and it’s tartness is a nice compliment. The rose and wisteria are lighter and not as noticable. I don’t smell the red currant at all. This is such a complex scent but overall it’s a strong floral with a lemon edge.
DUBLIN:The scent of misty forests, damp alder leaf, and the gentlest touch of white rose. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Very green and herbal.
On Skin: Very, very herby. This scent screams green and foresty. The rose adds a sweetness to the scent but still, the medicinal edge of the herbs is a bit too strong for my taste. For lovers of outdoorsy and herbal scents, this is a must have.
FAUSTUS:An infusion of incalculable power and irresistible temptation. Truly an exercise in megalomania and self-gratification: frankincense and cinnamon, darkened by violet.
In Bottle: Incense and floral.
On Skin: The frankincense leads this scent with a powerful powdery note. The cinnamon gives a warm spice and the violet actually sweetens it up a bit. The incense is too strong for me though, and it is also a very masculine scent, so it’s not for me. This is a dark spicy scent, very sinister and brooding.
WRATH:A scent aflame with rage, swirling in the red haze of hatred: dragon's blood spiked with black pepper, clove, and cinnamon. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Minty Dragon’s Blood.
On Skin: Dragon’s blood, and the color also gives that away. The clove and cinnamon sweeten it a bit and the pepper makes it extra hot and spicy. After a few minutes, I realize what it reminds me of. The smell of the glue when you lick envelopes... maybe after you had been eating Red Hots. Not good… :(
CAIRO:The essence of holy Kyphi, beloved incense of the Egyptian Gods.
In Bottle: Sweet incense.
On Skin: It is the very essence of Egyptian incense. There is also a sweet fruity note in the background. It’s light and fades quickly to just a plain soft incense note. Sadly it didn’t do too much for me… I prefer Nefertiti and Anubis.
CATHEDRAL:Venerable and solemn: the scent of incense smoke wafting through an ancient church. A true ecclesiatical blend of pure resins. (Gender neutral)
In Bottle: Smoke.
On Skin: I was thinking something more elegant when I saw the name… but then I reread the description and saw it’s supposed to be a smokey scent. It does remind me of church and all the candles and incense they light. Very “solemn”, perfect description. It’s also a scent that reminds me of winter… it smells like being outside and smelling the smoke from a chimney nearby.
BLACK ROSE:Exquisitely melancholy. The background scent to an ancient exequies. Heavy, dark and floral: a blend of roses, with a touch of amber and musk.
In Bottle: Rose.
On Skin: I’m not a big fan of roses, but this has a few more layers. The musk and amber give a dark depth and a sticky resin note. The rose is very haevy and pungent, it reminds me of those rosarys made from rosewood. Very seductive yet sad… a very “goth” scent.
NIFLHEIM:The House of Mists, a land of icy fog, shadowy darkness and soul-chilling cold. Dark, damp blossoms winding through an impenetrable, murky gloom.
In Bottle: Dark aquatic floral.
On Skin: This is one of the first aquatics I’m smelled that is more dark than bright. It is still crisp and wet, but a bit spooky and full of shadows. The florals are clean and white, and not sweet at all. The ozone note turns a bit soapy on me. I am actually going to try wearing this one out, I’ve never seen what impression ozone notes on me give to others and I’d like to hear some feedback. My final impression of it is a garden at night near the sea after a rainstorm.