DarkClarissa

In imp: Incense. Really, really strong overpowering incense. Wet: I hardly put any on at all and its enveloping me in an intense clovey patchouli smell. Dry: This is getting stronger, hotter, muskier and I've got a bad headache. Verdict: This has induced in me the mother of all headaches. I've had to have a bath and scrub myself to try and get rid of the smell. But its STILL there!!! Harsh smell. Really didn't suit me at all. Marks out of 10: 0 - this one shall be given away pronto

In bottle: Wow, erm...not good...oil of cloves...but wait...good...yum almonds. Wet: Almonds, sweet, but with an undercurrent of...is it sandalwood or bitter cedar wood? Whatever it is its tangy and rich. Dry: Complex, the almonds have receded now and I'm left with a definite sandalwood aroma, mixed with smoke, but sweet smoke. Its dark and brooding. Most definitely a Black Phoenix rising from the burning embers. Slightly soapy - but on me this is a good thing - I love this smell. Verdict: My first impression in the bottle was that I'd just bought a bottle of oil of cloves for a toothache - wah! But the minute I put it on my wrist it metamorphosed into an amazing blend that is so addictive. This is definitely a fragrance to wear to boost your confidence and feel uber sexy! Marks out of 10: 10

In bottle: Oooh, this smells lovely - I can only really smell cherry blossom and sandalwood with slight tea undertones. Wet: Ahhhh...I'm in love...I think if this was a human I'd want to squeeze their bottom. Mmmm...lovely cherry blossom, sandalwood's not as dominant now as I can smell more of the tea and the dragon's blood is making an appearance. Peeking his head around the corner... Dry: Wow...this is a multi-faceted fragrance. Now, its a powdery residue of the sandalwood and dragon's blood, gentle with a dark sharp edge. NOW I can smell the faint aroma of the inside of a bamboo reed...lovely. Verdict: I can't stop smelling this. I just adore it. I knew I liked sandalwood, but I wasn't sure about the combination with the other ingredients. But they round the fragrance off perfectly. Sandalwood can be too soapy, but the sweetness of the cherry blossom, the flat notes of the tea and the dark dragon's blood balance it so well. Marks out of 10: 9

In bottle: Smells like headachy incense and slightly soapy. I'm scared to try it. Wet: Grrr...still overpowering incense smell, I think its the red patchouli. Also the musks are coming over very strongly. Dry: I've actually developed a bad headache. It smells very musty (as well as musky), like a middle aged hippy that has just eaten their entire supply of incense sticks. The soapy smell has completely disappeared to leave me feeling as if an incense stick has been inserted up my nose. Verdict: I know that these types of ingredients can smell amazing on some people. But obviously the patchouli and musks don't agree with the chemistry of my skin. I'm so disappointed as it is one of the first fragrances I tried. However, I'm in love with some of the others so alls well that ends well. Marks out of 10: 1