metaldog32

I can't believe it...I was just about finished with my review regarding Magdalene..and suddenly..poof..all GONE... Let me try this AGAIN I ordered Magdalene unsniffed because my middle/confirmation name just happens to be Magdalena..nuff said. Sniffed wet from bottle: I get a sharpness/woodiness that I assume must be the labdanum..following closely is some sort of floral..but all I get is the blast of the sharpness... Applied wet on skin: Again..it is the sharpness..along with the floral..which I can now discern is more rose-like. I don't know..but the sharpness reminds me of the pain of loss...and the rose/orchid reminds me of the love for a person one might lose.. Dry on skin: Basically the labdanum has softened a bit...somehow the sharp *woody-ness* sort of transitioned to a bit of a more herbal sharpness...with a really soft trickle/hint of mint..and the rose/orchid still blended. I can only smell the mint if I inhale deeply..it is like a faint tickle of it at the back of my throat. The times I have worn this, the throw has been pretty good along with the lasting power; I only re-applied at the 6 hour mark. Bottom line: This is a very evocative floral. Another reveiwer described this floral as not *girly*-I agree completely. It is a bit of a somber floral...beautiful in a bit of a sorrowful way..if that makes sense. I am very happy that I bought a 5ml of this. Funny...I wouldn't say Magdalene would be for everybody..but she is so compelling to me...I have to say I didn't want to stop wearing her.

Another freebie from the Lab..thank you very much. Let me preface this by saying: Lotus and I don't get along that well. I should say...lotus tends to beat my senses into oblivion...anything with lotus so far has been amped to the 1000th degree on my skin...and basically drowns anything and everything out with it's bubblegum sweetness. I am trying to find a happy middle with my lotus gorilla..but so far..I haven't been too successful. However..I figured I could give Blood Lotus a try..since it has dragon's blood..and although unfamiliar with dragon's blood..the little that I have sampled has led me to believe this little guy just might give lotus a run for it's money..meaning it might be able to temper it. hmmm..not too much for me to read into as far as the description goes..so might as well just open the imp and dive in.. Sniffed from vial: By the way..the oil in the imp is pretty dark..but anyways..onto the sniffing...hmmm smells like cherries...fruity cherries with a backdrop of sweetness..that's the lotus..so far I like it because the fruity cherries are in the forefront... Applied wet on skin: It's still the dragon's blood winning out here..but that lotus is hot on it's tail. Yep...this is basically lotus on me with the dragon's blood in the background now... Darn lotus.... why oh why do you have to always dominate??? I guess I shouldn't be surprised..I mean..it is called Blood Lotus... This is sweet...with the dragons blood giving a bit of fruity tartness..not like pomegranate..more like fruit sweetness..that is in tandem with the sugary bubblegum sweetness of the lotus..and that's basically all I am getting from this..which isn't a bad thing..it does seem to work. Dry on skin: Lotus again is basically the life of the party on my skin...with the dragons blood softly echoed... Bottom line: This is actually a nice fragrance..but I myself cannot see myself wearing it because of my lotus gorilla...however anybody who loves lotus and/or sweet scents I think would love Blood Lotus..it is sweet and I guess a bit sexy..in a *girly* way..I think the right female could pull this off...I will keep my imp for now..while still searching for the lotus blend that doesn't go *ape* on me...

I again received this freebie imp from the Lab..thank you!!! Haunted was something I would not have thought to try..simply because amber and I have a somewhat shaky relationship..however lately..by way of BPAL I learning to be more open minded with this particular note. Musks, especially the darker ones, have never done well on me..but I figured I gotta try..take the leap and see what happens... A mournful, poignant scent, thick with foreboding. Soft golden amber darkened with a touch of murky black musk. Okay..already with the murky black musk description I am a bit cautious..but here we go... Sniffed from imp: I get the amber...and I guess the musk...beautiful together in the vial..I don't get overwhelming animalistic vibes from the musk...so far the only thing to evoke that for me is civet..but there is nothing in this that I register as animalistic..at least overbearingly so... Applied wet on skin: It's all amber and musk...but ChupaChup also stated there is a whisper of something like lemon...I register this too..but I don't get the Lemon Pledge lemon..no,no,no..it is a fresh albeit very soft whisper of the lemon on the tail end..like I get it at the back of my throat when I inhale deeply...I don't usually like lemon in my fragrance but this smells so unbelievable...golden, deep and provocative. It definitely makes me want to sniff my arm more and more... A couple minutes dry/drying on skin: The whisper of lemon is gone..and I am left with the amber and musk...it is really beautiful..as many other reviewers have stated, the notes meld wonderfully together. Dry: It's roundedness has softened..leaving me with soft sweet spicyness...this is the amber I believe..which I never, NEVER thought I could grow to love so much. Darn you BPAL...I am forever besotted with your amber blends... This has unbelievable throw and lasting power...WOW...but then again my skin seems to be loving amber... I also never thought I could do black musk..just goes to show you..a dog can learn a new trick..YAY Bottom Line: I so LOVE this imp...I am seriously thinking about getting this. For me, this is definitely a fall/winter scent. Golden goodness that, when worn, could haunt the wearer and anyone else for that matter..it catches you off guard..and makes you want more of it..

Received this imp as a freebie from the Lab..thank you!!! This was not on my original list of oils to try. What fun to try scents!!! Sniffed from imp: I get the brightness of the lillies and the cypress..not too much on the oak. This smells *wet* to me...like wet woods/flowers...sort of marsh-like..am definitely getting the touch aquatic. Applied wet on skin: Oh yes...it is definitely lillies and cypress and wetness...on me the cypress is one on one wih the lillies..am not too sure I am registering the oak..I feel like I am in some dark, damp woods. Couple of minutes dry on skin: Am still getting the lillies and cypress..but now it's more cypress taking the lead with lily following...and the aquatic not too far behind. What an interesting oil this is...I have never tried anything like this before. It seems earthy and dark..but not sinister...hmmmm The lillies and the aquatic go give it some *brightness* albeit a degree of freshness...so for me the visual I get of this is walking in the dark woods at midnight...it's almost pitch black..and then coming acrosss a creek/brook with lillies..found by moonlight. Now..I have never walked in any type of wood at midnight...but this is what my brain is registering..hee hee!!! After an hour or so: Everything softened somewhat..but it's still the three notes on me..lillies,cypress,aquatic. Interestingly enough, the throw is more lily driven..one must sniff closer to get that cypress/earthy note..but it is still there. Good lasting power. Bottom line: Very unique fragrance...I myself will not purchase a bottle because the cypress is a bit too earthy for me..but for people who like earthy..this is definitely one to try. Thank you Lab again for letting me try this very unique imp.

Received a decant from a very generous E-bay seller...thank you sooo much!!! Okey doke: Bastet.... The description alone made me swoon...I absolutely LOVE cardamom and almond....and am now beginning to respect amber..so I have been pleased as punch to have the opportunity to try. Now mind you..I have tried this several times already...just needed to find the RIGHT time to reflect and analyze without feeling stressed or rushed...the weekend for me is perfect for this type of thing... Okay..enough babbling..let's do it!!! Sniffed from decant: Straight up almond..with the cherry vibe thrown in..I like it... Applied wet on skin: Am still smelling the strong almond/cherry note..but I think I smell intermingled in this the amber...wow..this smells really good. To me this really does smell *luxuriant*...like a slow, sure, well-bred fragrance..it gives off to me the lazy/sexy confidence...funny how I am NOT registering the lotus..which in my past experience has always been amped to the point of overwhelming sweetness... Couple of minutes drying on skin: The party consists of golden amber, musk, and almond..with a hint of the cardamom...everyone is having a good time on my skin...including my nose..hee hee Can I tell you how much I am enjoying this???? The throw is good on me...as I have stated before I have tried this several times and this particular BPAL oil has impressive lasting power... Dry on skin: Same notes partying..but a bit softer..warmer...hmmm..lovely!!! Bottom Line: I absolutely love this. For me this scent can go late summer through early winter..it's that versatile. I love the warmth of the amber coupled with the almond and cardamom..all the notes melded beautifully on my skin..another winner from Beth.

Again..I received this little imp as a freebie..and again, this was not on my list of oils to try..but I can't help it...I love trying oils that I wouldnt have picked..it's like free goodness just waiting to be discovered...I just can't resist!!! Let me preface by saying I have tried Oisin several times now...first time I tried, made me mental opinion of fragrance and then moved on sans review. But...I have tried it again and again..and feel it deserves a review. Furthermore..I have this sort of dorky ritual when it comes to the wonderful freebie imps...must write a review before trying a new one..so Oisin must be written for me to be able to try more new goodness...how dorky am I??? LOL... Sniffed from imp:I could see why many reviewers would go ga-ga if this was on a guy. I do get a faint masculine vibe from it..but overall I think I register the white musk intermingled with soft herbs and soft florals??? Smells nice. Applied wet on skin: I am getting more of the soft herbal now...and the white musk..along with the floral..again in the backdrop. This smells wonderful..but for me, this is definitely a unisex fragrance. The other instances I tried this on, I immediately put it as a feminine fragrance..when I started reading other reviews today and saw many describe it as a guy fragrance..well..it surprised me. NOW I can sort of see their point...unless of course this is all my mind's idea of suggestive reading..LOL Dry on skin:I get the white musk..and I am enjoying it..with the herbal and floral playing a very soft second fiddle... The staying power of this is truly impressive. I wore this to the gym yesterday and worked out hard. Came home and sat in my sweaty clothes all day...changed out of my sweaty clothes and went to bed...I know..gross...but wouldnt you know..I could still smell Oisin loud and clear...to me that is impressive. Bottom line: I like Oisin very much..but not enough for me to get a big bottle...I will enjoy using up my wonderful little imp...and am happy to know that my hunch was right regarding white musk..I do love it very much. It is harder for me to do darker ones but this white musk likes me as much as I like it

Received this little imp as a freebie from a generous Ebay or BPAL forumite..in any case MANY THANKS!!! This was not on my original list of scents to try..but as I have said before..I had nothing to lose!!! From the imp: Sweet and orange...I guess that is the orange blossom/neroli and red patchouli working in tandem??? Definitely a sweet almost sugary/fruity blast. Applied wet on skin: Definitely there goes the orange and patchouli...but I also get a strong children's aspirin vibe as others stated...the orange children's aspirin from St.Joseph's to be exact actually...hmmmmm This is a very *happy* fragrance-I concur with previous reviews...it seems to me that it is a warm,fruity,sweet fragrance. As I have never been a fan of patchouli, this is a welcome surprise Dry on skin:The orange children's aspirin vibe has been softened and I have a very nice melange of notes on my skin..the patchouli and orange blossom have melded together beautifully Bottom line: Ravenous, to me, is a late summer early fall scent...for anyone who thought they didn't like patchouli, this could definitely allow you to ponder the patchouli possiblities. The scent itself has wonderful staying power. Although I liked this..this isn't for me full bottle worthy. The children's aspirin association I was getting makes it easier for me NOT to buy..but I will indeed enjoy using my imp

I just lost my FIRST review...DARN Okay...here I go for the 2nd time.... I received this from a generous Ebay'er when I won an auction for I think Kali...which went by the way to my sis. Even though this wasn't on my official wish list to try, I figured what do I have to lose??? From the bottle: I get tons of fruit..that must be the peach and sweetness...but not bubblegum sweet..just fruits and sweetness. Applied wet on skin: I am getting the fruit and sweetness..along with the heliotrope..but intermingled with this is also what I think is the amber/sandalwood rounding out the fragrance..giving it lushness...WOW I have worn this three times previously before reviewing...just to make sure what I was smelling..and so far..it has been very consistent. I am usually NOT an amber person...the only amber fragrance I have been able to enjoy is I Promfumi't Ambra Del Nepal which blends amber with a sweet/smoky vanilla..beautifully done. However with Tamora, amber is done with fruit and sandalwood in addition to vanilla..and this indeed is truly spectacular. Dry on skin: I now smell more of the amber and vanilla/heliotrope..with the fruitness of the peach more of a faint background. I am enjoying this immensely. I find this oil to have pretty good staying power..although I haven't actually worn it to work..I have worn it to bed and awoke to still smell soft whiffs of it... Bottom Line: This is basically has scored a HOME RUN for me. I never, NEVER thought I would ever enjoy wearing amber scents no less than amber blended with fruit and a peeking floral...but I have been proven wrong...I happily and gratefully admit. For me..this is the perfect late fall/ winter fragrance...the fragrance for me is golden, warm, and fruity..but done in such a sohphisticated way..it isn't screaming fruit..but the peach melds so beautifully with the other notes...it truly is amazing...and I cannot wait to wear it as a compliment to th chilly weather. Bows down...thank you Beth..

I received an imp of this as a *freebie* from an Ebay forumite when I acquired another BPAL oil...so although not on my official list of oils to try, I figured I might as well be open minded and try something different. Different is putting it mildly. And with that...here I go with my review. Let me preface this by saying I have tried it 3 times...and tonight will be the 4th..so without further ado: From the vial/imp: I totally get the opium...and I guess the musk..and that's all I get. Not exactly what I usually gravitate towards..but it is very sexy smelling..very heady and dark. Applied wet on sking: First whiff again is of opium and red musk...and almost immediately following this heady/sexy combo...coming up strong from behind is the civet. I have to say..the very first time I tried this on my wrist..the civet seemed overwhelming..I guess I never smelled this note so strongly in a fragrance before..and yeah...it IS carnal...a bit feral/feline-like...definitely animalistic. I don't know if because this is the 4th time around my nose has acclimated to the civet or not..but it doesn't seem so aggressive and angry... Dry on skin (3 min)-The headiness is still quite strong...all the notes on me are definitely pulling their weight. No fading going on here...this is some SERIOUS fragrance...heavy on the sex.... 30 minutes later: The civet has softened a BIT...but I still smell it with the other notes...and I have to say..it isn't a bad formula... Bottom line: The first time I tried this.. I didn't even have the guts to wear it out..I actually wore it to bed....and when I did I was CONVINCED this was just a fragrance that was so NOT ME...and I still stick with that statement. HOWEVER:that being said...I wore this 3 times previously...and today is the 4th...there is SOMETHING about this oil...cuervosueno aptly described to some extent how I feel about Debauchery-meaning the following: In my opinion, this fragrance is the type of fragrance I would envision me wearing when I wanted to repel certain type of people...the type of people who are mainstream, the type of people who I can *read* easily. I would wear this fragrance if I wanted to go somewhere edgey and uncomfortable..if I wanted to meet or attract a person whose fancies and preferences ran along the lines *exotic*...I wouldn't wear this on a date...but more so if I wanted something more..shall we say....fast and physical??? To me, this fragrance can help one step outside of what feels normal and safe and slip into a more adventurous side of oneself...where there are no supposed rules Since I have worn this to bed, I have had the most interesting dreams...dreams of things that I normally don't think about...extremely vivid..and a bit graphic..in a very carnal manner. So...I have to admit this is indeed a very sexual scent...but for me it isn't a very intimate scent...but more animal/carnal. I can't say I would buy...but I will admit the imp is indeed very provocative...it hints of dark pleasures...anybody who isn't afraid of *pushing the envelope* might very well find this particular oil right up their alley.

I received a surprise imp of this from a wonderful EBAY seller when I scored June Gloom. So here it goes: Sniffed from imp: I do get coconut/hazlenut from this..along with a very faint floral...but basically my first whiff is all nut driven. Applied wet : Like another reveiwer stated, I too did get the violet/iris note mingled with the coconut/hazlenut...WOW..does this smell really good...but not in a *whomp in your face* way... Dry on skin: I still am getting the melange of the iris/hazlenut/coconut..and it smells wonderful. Somehow though..I still can't stop thinking I smell a note of violet through all of this..hmmm...maybe it's just me... Interestingly enough, this is the second time I am trying Black Pearl...the first sniff and swipe on my wrist a week ago was all coconut...this time around I am definitely smelling the floral and the peeking musk...hmmmm Bottom Line: I really like this...I see it as a definite summer evening fragrance..but one could wear this during the day to feel *sexy*...I know that this particular fragrance reminds me of one who is sexy and sophisticated and sure of oneself...one who doesn't have to look like she's trying to hard to get what she wants...a woman of quiet confidence and sex appeal...two thumbs up. I think I am going to add this to my next order..too good to pass up..

I am a BPAL newbie...so upon reading about June Gloom THIS year..and then realizing that this was a LE from last year put me in a determined mood. MUST somehow get this..because..well...I am June baby..and sorta NEEDED to experience this BPAL with my birthmonth written all over it. So..off to the For Sale thread..which I checked obsessively until the boards went down..OH NO Plan B: EBAY. Yep...scoured that too and finally I hit it on the right day because wouldn't you know..someone was selling...WOO HOO When I get in my head that I HAVE to try something..it almost becomes my life's mission..so yeah..I was in a bid of a bidding war..but in the end I came out victorious..so I was really, REALLY happy to know it was on it's way...and less than 6 weeks wait no less...YAY Did I mention that patience is something I need to work on???LOL... Anyways..onto the review..here I go: Straight from bottle: Okay...this smells tart...like Smarties almost...so there is a small whisper of sweetness..but the first thing I could think of when describing was Smarties.... Second whiff from bottle:Not so much Smarties..but lemon..Lemonheads?? Ummm no. Actually I am getting a Lemon Pledge moment... Don't know how I feel about this...hmmm... Wet on wrists:Ummm..YEAH...it is definitely the Lemon Pledge vibe all over me...this isn't good... Dry on skin:Lemon Pledge has softened and I now have a soft lemon floral emanating from my body. Not bad. Bottom Line:I don't despise this fragrance...it's just that the lemon/lemon verbena notes are amped up on me to the point of Lemon Pledge..and I just don't feel comfortable smelling like that. I had such HIGH hopes for June Gloom..but I am happy that I at least got the chance to try this...hopefully it will find itself a good home. Oh well.

Okay..here I am again..trying my second lunar oil Wolf Moon..gotta give thanks to Gypsy Row..this is how I was able to get my hands on another lunar oil that I would have had no chance to try. First whiff out of bottle:Okay...I must not have a very experienced or sophisticated nose because straight off I smell that candy sweetness that assaulted me like Cold Moon did...is this the lotus??? I get the aquatic..again...but no pine...hmmm right now this smells very much like Cold Moon except a bit more...*softer*??? I also have to say I did kind of get a cold, gloomy sort of vibe..just because it was candy sweetness doesn't mean that it was a *happy* sweetness..almost like a dark,cold, lonely sweetness..if that makes any sense. Wet on skin:Immediately that candy sweetness has softened..again..and now I am able to smell faintly the herbal note...this is intermngled with the crystalline floral that other reviewers have stated.. Dry on skin: I don't get any berries..I just get the aquatic floral...softened..and I think I smell the herbal/note intermingled in all of this..it actually is very...ummmm...secretive floral??? That's it..secretive floral...a bit chilly and a bit sweet...but again..interesting. Drydown: I can sort of smell the berries other reviewers talked about..but then again maybe it it's all in my head..LOL Bottom Line-I like it. Again..this isn't a type of fragrance I usually gravitate towards...if this was any other fragrance from another manufacturer, the first whiff would have been it for me..but...I am learning with BPAL..and so far..it looks as if the fragrance ride just begins at first whiff...and so I sit back and let the perfume oil do it's thing.

My very first review...YAY Bought this from a generous forumite...since I missed out on buying this. First Whiff from bottle: Whooa... initially I am smelling sweet...almost bubblegum sweet...can kinda get the aquatic note..but it is waaaaay in the background...and I can sort of smell the *chill* everyone is talking about but basically it is the sweet bubblegum vibe I am getting...oh no!!! How come this is happening??? Okay..don't panic...try it on.. Applied wet on skin:Just put a dab on my wrist..and WOW..there goes that bubblegum sweetness again..but quickly that is transitioning and yes..I am smelling the floral..and the aquatic..but nothing of a fern scent per se...it is STILL sweet..not foody sweet but sweet..and floral..but it seems to be softening... Am not sure if I am wild about this..since I am not particualrly fond of florals..but this scent does intrigue me a bit..so I am willing to give this more time to morph onto me...definitely nothing I have ever smelled before. It DOES seem to give off a bit of a *cold* vibe..another reviewer described it aplty..sort of like smelling flowers in a fog...kind of powdery, soft and sweet. Bottom Line- Not something I would gravitate towards to...but something I am curious on try on..just to see how it develops.Still am interested in the Lunar Oils...they are definitely intriguing.