anshara
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This one's been in the catalogue a while, but, I've never reviewed it, so, here goes nothing.In the imp: Gardenia and Vanilla, very powerful Gardenia and Vanilla. Actually stinging my nose a little, hope it calms down on the skin. The scent in the imp is heavily reminscent of "Veil", must be the undertone of violets that I didn't really pick up on first sniff.On Skin Wet: Interesting, all violets and vanilla now with a heady strength in the backround that must be the gardenia, but, it isn't an outright gardenia note. The throw from this (off of neck and wrist) is mildly fruity, very unexpected from a heady floral.Drydown: I don't know if it's the heat of my apartment, or, the oil itself, but, this blend dried very quickly and has settled into a talcy violet vanilla blend close to the skin, with, a mildly fruity throw. I can't percisely name the fruit I'm getting, somewhere between mangosteen, and, cherimoya. Very interesting blend, but, one with very strong throw. Not a blend for slathering or warm days. An excellent blend for the colder months though. I might buy a bottle in the future, but, this blend being as potent as it is, I'm sure the imp will last me the rest of the winter.This one's been in the catalogue a while, but, I've never reviewed it, so, here goes nothing.In the imp: Gardenia and Vanilla, very powerful Gardenia and Vanilla. Actually stinging my nose a little, hope it calms down on the skin. The scent in the imp is heavily reminscent of "Veil", must be the undertone of violets that I didn't really pick up on first sniff.On Skin Wet: Interesting, all violets and vanilla now with a heady strength in the backround that must be the gardenia, but, it isn't an outright gardenia note. The throw from this (off of neck and wrist) is mildly fruity, very unexpected from a heady floral.Drydown: I don't know if it's the heat of my apartment, or, the oil itself, but, this blend dried very quickly and has settled into a talcy violet vanilla blend close to the skin, with, a mildly fruity throw. I can't percisely name the fruit I'm getting, somewhere between mangosteen, and, cherimoya. Very interesting blend, but, one with very strong throw. Not a blend for slathering or warm days. An excellent blend for the colder months though. I might buy a bottle in the future, but, this blend being as potent as it is, I'm sure the imp will last me the rest of the winter.
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Vapire Tears I got this as a frimp from the lab with my last order, and, I love the idea, so, thanks Beth & Co.! In the imp: Black cherries, tonka, with a slight hint of ginger.... Wet on skin: Innitially, I was reminded quite heavily of Queen of Diamonds. I got the same dueling notes of Jasmine and grapefruit from that blend as well, if memory serves. Queen of Diamonds is one of my top ten faves, so this is good, it's very good. Innitial Drydown: Citrusy Jasmine with a backround note of Honeysuckle... I had been worried about what would happen with a blend containing both those heady florals, previous experience did not bode well for this blend, but, as with all BPALs, Vampire Tears completely surprised me, and, pleasantly so. I smell both jasmine, AND, honeysuckle, and, I don't feel it clinging... Who knew? Final drydown: This one lasts a long time, and, it morphs into a lovely gourmand, almost cakey blend. The fruitiness of the final drydown reminds me heavily of both the original 13, and, Eat Me. Verdict: This is love, absolute love! I'm so glad I ordered a bottle at first sniff!
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Note: I don't think I've ever reviewed Blood Pearl, which is strange considering I've been wearing it practically since it debuted. In fact, it's so strange, that, something tells me that I HAVE reviewed it, and, I just cant find the stupid post..... So, yeah. In the imp: Boozy Cherrywood, tempered by an almost powdered milk sweetness (YUM)!!!!!! On wrist wet: aquatic coconut with a dry dragon's blood base (Dragon's Blood + my skin= cherry brandy) Initial drydown: The aquatic note and alcohol begin to settle and the slight floral undertone of the Orris comes through. Mid Drydown: Mmmm, very nice I love the coconut in this, it's drier than the one in Snow white, yet, not dry enough to feel woodsy. At this stage the Dragon's blood deepens and becomes aged cherry brandy... Almost a cherry port... The Orris is there but only as a light floral hint. Final Drydown: Dragon's Blood Morphs again becoming a muted backdrop to powdery sweet coconut laced with the delicately floral hint of Orris..... Light throw, excellent longevity. Great scent to wear when you're trying to make a good impression. As you can tell, this is one of my favorites. It's the perfect marriage of sophitication and feminine delicacy. I'm so glad I have several bottles.
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From The Lab: Sundew In the Imp: This one's complex, I get an aquatic floral, I'm predominantly smelling Lillies of The Valley in a deeper basenote, I think it's maybe a musk of some variation. I just can't pin this one down, but, I am loving it so far. Wet on skin: Instantly this has gotten headier, almost as heady as Honeysuckle single note. The brightness is rapidly fading to something faintly reminiscent of Talc. Dry: This dries fairly quickly and I'm beginning to detect a whisper of fruit, I think it's a hint of Apple. The Lilly of The Valley has made way for the much headier Heliotrope. The aquatic note is still there, but, thanks to the musk, this scent feels dry.... Like I said earlier, very complex. This is a strong scent with strong throw. I would apply sparingly. That said, this is absolutely beautiful, I love Heliotrope, and this is a Heliotrope that has you repeatedly sniffing your arm trying to figure it out. Perfume that makes you think.... Gods, I LOVE BPAL!
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From The Lab: SLOBBERING PINE Note: Upon seeing the name of this fragrance, my initial reaction was I couldn't for the life of me figure how something with the word "slobbering" in its name could possibly smell good. Then I received a frimp of Slobbering Pine with my Blue Moon/ Rose Moon order.... UM, OMG!!!! I'll elaborate in the review but I shall never doubt Beth again. I'll buy it even if it's called "Piss and vinegar".... Hey, that's an idea, a forum only scent called piss and vinegar...... Yeah, on with the review. In the Imp: Topnote of fresh Pine needles with a suggestion of resin in midground in a base of aquatics.... Reminiscent of richer "Lightening". On skin, wet: Aquatic pine with a whisper of white florals. This is fabulous, very clean without being obnoxiously soapy. Initial drydown: This one's a morpher, pine has become a trace note with the aquatics and the white florals coming to the fore. The pine is still there, but more as a spicy almost oriental green trace that keeps the scent from being too light. Mid Drydown: True to initial drydown with the exception of that citrus that everyone else has mentioned, this isn't lime, but, maybe lemon, or, lemon balm. Final drydown: Aquatic white flowers (think white flowers after a summer rainstorm) with a hint of broken pine needle and a whisper of herbal citrus. This is what the pine forests smell like in heaven. Clean, fresh, and, uplifting. An instant favorite!
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Lab Description: ... However, this bottle was not marked `poison,' so Alice ventured to taste it, and finding it very nice, (it had, in fact, a sort of mixed flavour of cherry-tart, custard, pine-apple, roast turkey, toffee, and hot buttered toast,) she very soon finished it off. Notes: I got a drop of this on my fingers while afixing the reducer to the bottle. I just had to write a review . In The Bottle: Vanilla butterscotch caramels ( the chewy kind). Wet On Skin: Warm vanilla with a backdrop of cherry lolly pops Initial Drydown: Vanilla wafers close to the skin, throwing a bit of that hazlenut coffee note others have mentioned. There's a bit of cherry still here here too.... Less lolly pop, more cherry tea. I'm waiting for the pineapple. Final Drydown: Creamy vanilla... A very good quality Creme Brulee, complete with a very incensey burnt sugar note. Accompanied by cherry hazlenut tea. FANTASTIC!!!! This is unashamedly gourmand at it's very finest. Brava Beth! :claps:
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In The Imp: Cherries!!!! Warm, syrupy, home made cherry preserves, spiced with a hint of clove. The scent of the cherry juice concentrating as the liquid reduces, and, the sugar slowly intesifies. ! On Skin, Wet: Cloves, and a drier Dragon's Blood note than what usually comes out on my skin. The dry feel could be the Myrrh, though I'm not getting a distinctively "Myrrh" note from this. Initial Drydown: Clove, Myrrh, and something distinctively green that hadn't been there before. Smells a bit like Vertiver actually, but, there isn't any vertiver in this blend (as far as I know) . Oddly enough, the same "green" note has been showing up in the initial drydown of almost everything I wear lately, could just be a slight change in body chemistry. Mid Drydown: Hey, the cherries are coming back! Yay! It's now those little dried cherries, not the tiny little shriveled ones, but, the big, sticky, plump ones. The Myrrh is still making the Dragon's Blood dry, (like fresh bark, rather than resin). There's barely a hint of clove left. Final Drydown: Unfortunately, due to the extremes of winter, this is fading quickly on me, as my skin is drinking the oil. However while it lasts, this scent is rich, and, beautiful, and, envelopes me in a blanket of scent. Perfect comfort scent for the winter, has great throw too.
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In The Bottle: Calla Lily, leaves, White geranium, and something strikingly green, I'm almost afraid to say Carnation. On skin, wet: Green topnote, no clue what it is, but it's sharp. Chamomile, Calla lily, and something vaguely powdery, I think that's the violet. No roses yet. Initial Drydown: Violet, Chamomile, and finally the tearose. Green topnote is gone, thank goodness. Medium to final Drydown: Violet, and, very creamy geranium. Leaves are gone. This is a strong scent. My desk is surrounded with a cloud of Ephemera. I like this, but it's not an everyday scent. It's very strong and has strong throw, I'd be nervous wearing this to work, but, it's an excellent feminine scent for special occasions.
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Note: Egyptian amber is sex in a bottle. That said, on with the review. In The Bottle: I'm getting definite pumkin, milk, sugar, and, orange peel. I always knew there was a reason I loved gourmand scents. This blend exemplifies that. YAY! I can't wait to try this on! Wet On Skin ( dabbed on my decolette, so as not to scent my keyboard and wind up smelling like plastic): OH. MY. GODS. orange peel, sugar, cardamom, and, amber. This is unbelievable, like a spiced hot toddy with orange tarts. Warm and sweet and comforting. The amber and cardamom are blending together to lend just a touch of smoky sexiness, the same dead sexy tease I get from my beloved Sugar Skull! Drydown: This one takes a few minutes to morph, but once it does.... HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. Evidently, I have even more reason to celebrate. That lovely comforting orange tarts and hot toddy smell stays true, and, it is now joined by the same rich pumkin found in Jack, and the same creaminess found in Milk Moon!!! The incensey kick of cardamom and amber are joined by a sweet floral (I'm assuming that's the ginger?). I get no fig leaf in this, but, what I do get is pure joy! My sincerest congratulations Beth, I've said it before, and, I'll say it again, your genius is unparalelled! Thank you!
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Sloth In the Imp: Myrrh, almost a myrrh single note, but with a green tang; I'm thinking that's the vertiver trying to peek out. On me, wet: Myrrh, and green cedar... I don't even know if there's cedar in this blend, but, there ya go. I'm thinking that the "greeness" of the cedar might be the vertiver. Initial Drydown: The myrrh is intensifying, I didn't think that was possible with this blend. The greeness (vertiver?) is fading to a spicy note that most people associate with carnation. There's no carnation in this though, I'd be wailing if there was. Mid Drydown: This is a slow morpher.... I'm still getting the scent of the initial drydown some twenty minutes later. Final Drydown: The cedar is strengthening and becoming sweeter, and the green/ spicy vertiver has given way to something powdery. I'm thinking this is the myrrh. The talcyness of this is giving the headiness in this a soft clean base. Verdict: I like this, it's a heady blend, not for warm weather surely, would be very good if you're going somewhere where you need a scent that masks the scent of your surroundings, like a cigar club for instance. Also a great winter blend. Apply with a light hand, moderate throw, and moderate longevity.
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Note: I'm picking my brain trying to figure out which amber is in this blend. I've never had amber do react quite like this amber does with my skin, unexpected, but, delicious. In the imp: A slightly aqauatic dragon's blood note, surrounded by the same leather note I get from "Dragon's Hide", with a hint of spice. I'm guessing that's the amber.... Wet, swiped on wrists: True to the imp, until innitial drydown Initial drydown (one- two minutes): Dragon's blood, surrounded by the mysteriously morphing amber. I can practically see the innitial "spicy leather" melting into a floral honey, with a hint of spice, I think it's cassia. The amber has deepened and dried to a rich fruity base, the hint of left over leather, and spice save this from being overpowering. This is delicious, but really odd, I've never smelled anything quite like that change over before. I wonder if there's a chemical commonality between the scent that we know of as leather, and the scent that comprises honey? Honey is a bodily excretion, perhaps the two have a chemical property in common that might explain my perception here.... But, even if they are chemically related, how does that explain the presence of leather, and, honey in a blend of resins? How does Beth do that? Mid to final drydown: Floral honey with a hint of spice in a base of rich, fruity dragon's blood. Others have said it, but, I must concur, this smells golden, but a rich deep rose gold that's still molten when it hits the skin, and, dries to a lustrous perfection. My hat's off to you Beth, I am in awe!
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Note: I finally realized the "boozy" note in "Swank' is supposed to connote Gin, rather than Vodka, I smell the same note in Twenty One. Also, this blend morphs very quickly, from (heavy) application to final drydown, it took all of five minutes, but, it has great longevity, and, moderate throw. In the imp: The cool, crisp slightly medicinal tang of juniper mixed with pine. The pine mellows the juniper, rather than strengthening it. I can actually put the wand of the imp under my nose without flinching the way I did with the first whiff of Azrael, this is so well blended that my first impression that the pine and juniper were one note, rather than two. The pine also has the added benefit of clearing my airways. Gods, I love BPAL. Wet, swiped on wrist- innitial drydown: Innitially true to the imp, but quickly the pine makes its presence known, and dominates the blend, with the juniper acting as a warming presence throughout the lightening fast innitial dry down. Mid-drydown: The role reversal of notes is begining here, the pine is retreating, and a surprisingly fruity and moist juniper is coming to the fore. I actually think that there's a mint varietal in this blend, as there's no actual fruit (that I know of) to account for the sweetness coming through on my skin. Mint would be the perfect explanation, as my skin loves to amp up any sweetness in a fragrance, and this is fruity, and, moist without being rich, like an obviously sweet note would be.... So yeah, mint. Final Drydown: I'm now getting absolute harmony. A pleasantly cool, light fragrance. Clean with out being soapy, with the right touch of fruity sweetness to make it feminine. I'm so glad I have a bottle of this. I have no idea why people would shy away from wearing this to work. It's so clean and the perfect scent to wear to a job interview, you'll bring a breath of fresh air into an all too often musty corporate environment, and once it morphs, no one but you will know that it's a scent based on a cocktail.
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Note: I'm baaaack!!! First review in forever! I was playing with my imps deciding if I should slather in a comfort scent or review something new... This isn't new to me technically I've had it forever, but it just grabbed my nose tonight, and screamed "REVIEW ME!" Who am I to deny the precious? Here goes.... In the imp: Cherries, vanilla, and honey.... I love this already, I think I'm smelling the musk, apple, and vanilla combining. Initial application to wrist wet: teak and apple, I really like this, it's so warm and comforting. It's throwing Rose and a sweet floral maybe neroli. Innitial drydown: Hmmm this is troubling close to the skin I'm getting an odd burnt plastic note that isn't there in the throw. Final drydown: The burnt plastic note is intensifying a little, I think it's the teak, but the throw is wonderful, much truer to the complexity I got out of the imp.... I really like the throw in this, I think I'll have to try it again later to see if there are changes in my skin chemistry... Huh, I just noticed something, the burnt plastic note I'm getting could be from my laptop because I noticed that the perfume rubbed off on it and might have left me smelling like heated computer...... ETA: Burnt plastic note definitely heated computer, I was typing as I did the review, and actually ended up reviewing the scent of my computer for a minute, or two, which was not a note I particularly liked... It WASN'T the teak... Desire is wonderful, I'm glad I have a bottle, and I suspect that my mother might abscond with this one.
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In the imp: Uh-oh earth very sour earth...... I think I might not like this.... But I have to give it the old college try, so on the skin in goes: Wet: YIKES!!!! Amped up sour earth note, smells almost like rancid citrus, strangely enough......... I think I like it. Drydown: nearly immediately (about ten to fifteen seconds) the sour edge mellowed and the moss comes out beneath aquatic roses.... WOW was my initial impression wrong.... I love the complexity of this. The roses give the impression of dryness without actually being dry..... There is a cool slightly damp sensation with every inhalation of the scent.... I am in awe. I didn't think that an earthy rose scent would be advisable for hot weather, but I had to slather this because every whiff is like a windswept graveyard at midnight after a storm... I'm cooler just smelling it.
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Campfires, bonfires, fireplaces, burning wood and leaves...
anshara replied to thelaurenator's topic in Recommendations
Actually, I think Jack would be ideal for this.... Don't ask me why pumkin and campfires go together............ The scent is like pumkin s'mores