shriekingviolet

I *hate* Starbucks chai. It's watery and too sweet! Barnes & Noble's isn't right either. From retail locations, the better cups of chai I've had have come from the cafe inside Border's bookstores (very milky and smells like Christmas. ) or in PJ's coffeehouses (a new orleans based chain. we don't have them here in OK and I think the only PJ's there is in Georgia is in Augusta).

Initial Impression: I smell sage here, which would be appropriate since it's one of Mercury's herbs. Woody, green and slightly dusty with hints of spice burrowing underneath. After Wearing It: First on, something herby like sage is most apparent, but as it dries a hard cinnamon note appears, dragging a subtle wood note (something like cedar maybe?) and pine along with it. The affect is msculine, but not too much so. It feels invigorating, quickwitted and adventurous. Appropriately I wore it today when I went out with Inga to get lost in a small wooded park (gods love Oklahoma City for its ability to have woods to get lost in in the middle of the city!) because we were feeling adventurous and wanted to go on a nature walk. Because I was busy for most of the day, I didn't get to pay TOO terribly much attention to each change of the fragrance, but overall, this scent managed to smell earthy without smelling of earth, spicy while still smelling smooth and a bit herby without smelling too musty on me or green. It's comforting and stimulating all at once. A smirk on a half-reclining god. Right now I smell something like nutmeg wafting off my wrist, blending finely with a smooth spicy wood base. Absolutely lovely. I do have to concur with Jenny, Allamanda & Twisty and say that this bothered my skin a bit at first. My skin very rarely reacts to anything, but Mercury irritated the spots where I put this on my neck (it didn't have issues with the spots on my wrists, forearms and cleavage where I also applied it though). It really stung/tingled behind my earlobes and the hollow of my throat. The affect wasn't immediate and fortunately didn't last THAT long. I didn't wash it off even though the sting was pretty sharp (because I'm nuts), and it faded after about 20 minutes or so leaving no mark behind. So the reaction isn't enough to turn me off Mercury. I'll just avoid the neck area in the future. Final Thoughts: I really, really like Mercury. I've always been pretty in tune with Mercurial energy, and this scent really appeals to that part of me. I feel sharp and harmonious at the same time. I really want to experiment using this oil in different mediums and for different purposes so I'm definitely going to have to invest in a bigger bottle.

Initial Impression: Reminds me of the dearly departed Hellfire. Very much like buttery toffee. After Wearing It: Yep. When this first goes on, it reminds me lots of Hellfire. It has that same rich, buttery caramel tone, so very sweet and warm, which was nice. Less of of the odd popcorn note to be found here than there was in Hellfire, so bonus points. Slowly though, that buttery caramel high fades back and the chocolate and but notes emerge. It feels like a rich dessert rather than just an ultra sweet snack that was around during Gluttony's opening sequence. Something rich and multitextured like cake & custard. Then something like coffee is introduced making the scent smell as much like one of those trendy flavored coffee drinks as it does like sharing dessert and coffee with someone else. The final stage is the longest and most muted. After about hour three the overwhelmingly dessert-like indulgence smooths out and softens down into a dark-chocolate and espresso scent. It makes me think of reclining in a dimly lit room snuggled down in an overstuffed armchair, basking in the afterglow of a really good meal. This is a dressed up version of that lethargy I get after a big holiday meal. It's that same lazy, self-satisfied haze, but rather than being sprawled out on my couch in an odd position, Gluttony reclines by the fire, sipping espresso, and not feeling the least bit guilty about the sweet binge it just left behind. Final Thoughts: Wonderfully sweet scent. I just wish the beginning phase lasted longer and blended more with the second and third stages of the fragrance. Gluttony also seems like it'd make a divine room fragrance. My mother is forever buying candles with similar (but inferior) scents, and had I tried this earlier, I would have ordered a bottle for her for mother's day. Ah well.

Initial Impression: This is definitely lust. Earthy, sweaty scent that sheds romantic notions and just wants to get carnal fast. Musky, hot and overwhelming. If you could hear it, it'd be the tearing of cloth and buttons popping off because you just can't get those clothes off fast enough. After Wearing It: I've been having problems with allergies for the past few weeks, so I wore this three times before I felt comfortable enough with reviewing it. I knew I liked it the first time, but I couldn't smell enough of it to write anything about it. Even now, my nose is still a bit numbed, BUT I'm going to give this a go anyway. Lust is a very strong scent: sweet, earthy, musky and hot. This really is the smell of sex, not of seduction or temptation but sex without romance or pretense, done quickly and brutally on any convenient hard surface. The red musk and patchouli are very strong, musky and slick with sweat creating a scent that's very primal and familiar, though not necessarily appealing. Or at least it wouldn't be if the myrrh and ylang ylang didn't sweeten this up just a touch and enrich it beautifully. The end result is very smug and satisfied. You've done well and you don't need the sound of the man still struggling to catch his breath next to you to prove it. Final Thoughts: For the record, I didn't feel too impassioned by this scent (though again, might be because of the allergies). It felt more like reading well-written smut or walking in to witness the aftermath of someone else'd passions rather than feeling that power myself. But in any case I really liked this scent. Just not sure if it isn't a bit much for regular wear.

Initial Impression: Both sweet and tart and ever so lightly fruity. Berries with a slight citrus note maybe? After Wearing It: When I first put this on, this reminded me slightly of fruit flavored gum. The scent was mild, smooth and milky but still had a bubblegum kind of tang. Couldn't decide if I thought I was smelling some sort of berries or apples, but perhaps a bit of both. There was a sweet floral overtone to it, as well. Very mellow, but a bit bubbly. Reminiscent of spring breezes and streams, though there was nothing watery about the scent. It just had this sense of honesty, freedom and contentment to it that was very appealing. Final Thoughts: This seemed a bit mild for my usual impressions of the Chariot card, but it's not really off the mark. I do like it as a scent, so I think I'll wear it regardless of what the oil itself was trying to say.

Initial Impression: reminiscent of the white flowers the the Cards tried to cover up. This is the scent of a woman of good breeding. Not enough bite though, as I might expect from Carroll's timeless tyrant. After Wearing It: This was a strong, yet subdued white floral on me. The Queen smells very strongly of the lilies, and is almost oppressively elegant and reserved. I saw tight smiles and razor straight positures, it's regal, yes, but in a way that reflects someone whjo doesn't have the luxury to relax her stance, or possibly doesn't even realize that such a thing is possible. It reminds me of my grandmother, who is very prim and old-fashioned, with high expectations and allows very little room for misbehavior. I can see this as the Queen of Hearts in that way, a very singleminded energy who doesn't tolerate opinions or actions that don't meld with her sensibilities. Still, this wasn't what I had hoped the scent to be. I wanted it to have more temper, a bit of rage, and to be more red. Occasionally I caught a whiff of the cherry, but it was barely a suggestion. It needed more. Final Thoughts: I hate lilies and that's primarily what the Queen smelled like on me, so it wasn't fated to work out. Damn, I wanted to like it anyway!

Initial Impression: Very floral and slightly herby (like all voodoo blends I've tried so far). Has that slightly soapy Lily tinge to it too. After Wearing It: This was very strange on me. For starters, this is the first scent that's ever produced a physical reaction on me. My skin isn't too sensitive, so I was rather surprised when the spot in the hollow of my throat where I had applied Dove's Heart started to sting. It didn't last long, but it was still a surprise, particularly considering the intent of this particular voodoo oil. On me this scent is very floral, in a prim, almost astringent manner. It reminds me of perfectly pressed white gloves, crossed ankles and expensive guest soap. My nose is still recovering from a bad case of allergies from last week so I can't pick out individual notes, but the smell is an old-fashioned floral. Final Thoughts: I originally ordered this because I anticipated a coming of a time where I'd desperately need help with emotional healing and letting go. but things worked out differently so I didn't end up having to use this for its intended purpose. Perhaps this is doubly good too, since I didn't feel anything too comforting here. Might have to try it again on a bad day before I dismiss it though.

I'm wondering though, since the vials are so small, if sticking labels on them would really be easier. Particularly in cases of scents with longer names (i.e. sacred whore of babylon, la belle dame sans merci, etc.)Someone would have to design new labels and find/cut ones small enough to fit. In any case, I do like the tags, though if they were to be replaced by an easier labeling method, that'd be fine too. After all, it's what's inside the vials that counts.

Wrath smells strongly of cinnamon too. Almost Big Red like.

LOL it's ok Shollin. I *did* put all of the review guidelines in with the forum guidelines, and there's a link to that at the top of every page, I can also (easily) set it up so that all new members are PMed with a link to the guidelines and ask them to skim them before posting.

Depends. Velvet is more classy smelling (IMHO anyway) and not very foody. It's a chocolate scent, but the myrrh and sandalwood notes are equally as present. I haven't smelled Vice but I think it's more foody. Just a side note, Old Sybaris smelled like Chocolate & Violets to me. Tonka bean often smells more vanilla-y to me, but in Old Sybaris it smelled something like instant cocoa mix (and I mean that in a good way). Mild, soft and powdery chocolate mixed with violet. BTW, i'm moving this to the Recs section b/c I think it'd fit better there.

I actually couldn't smell the rose in Old Venice on me, which is weird but good for me, since my body chemistry seems to act like an amplifier for rose scents and I dislike them in general. Old Venice had a lot going on at once, but I couldn't smell any rose.

it still can't technically done without editting the skin files, which would effect any forum we ever decided to put a subforum in, not just the reviews category. These things don't work on a case by case basis.

Well Beltane is traditionally April 30/May 1, and Beth mentioned that changes in prices, payment and shipping policy wouldn't be happening until after May 1, so I'd say it's a fair guess. And yeah, I thought I remembered Gingerbread Poppet (and Yuletide too) still hanging around until almost Feb (if not until the Imbolc update, I don't recall), but I didn't have documentation for it and didn't order any so I didn't want to give a date. But the point was they didn't sell out for at least a month and a half so not *every* LE will necessarily will sell out as quickly as the first 3 did.

OK I went into the archives of BPAL's announcement LJ, so these aren't just speculations. The Yule LE scents were announced on Nov. 17th, Midwinter's Eve was sold out by Friday Nov 28 (so basically a week and a half later), and Snow White & Rose Red were sold out by Dec. 5 (2.5 weeks). I'm not sure when Yuletide & Gingerbread Poppet sold out, but I think there were still bottles left even after the new year. So yes LE scents go out fast, but I don't think there's a need to panic about it, particularly if you're a fellow forum stalker. For the Imbolc update, Elizabeth posted everything she put down on the update page as soon as she had updated the site, so if you're already a forum addict getting your fix several times a day (LOL or at least daily), you need not worry about not hearing about when the LE scent has arrived. Though I'd hazard a guess to say, it won't be until May 1 at least.

LOL you're adorable Lora!

All of the changes you've presented sound perfectly reasonable. No one ever likes price increases, but if they help keep the business running smoothly, that benefits all parties involved. Besides, no one's so unreasonable that they can't understand that businesses need to make money. Do what you need to do sweetheart! The new fragrances sound lovely, btw. Kali look particularly promising. Can't wait! Oh and *cough* I wasn't going to say anything lest I lose some of the element of surprise and add to your already massive pile of PM's and emails, but I do have to inquire to see if you might have gotten a package notice in the Lab's (physical) mailbox? If you have, do get thee to the post office ASAP to pick it up. Because some surprises at the post office are nice. But I'll say no more.

Initial Impression: A somber floral. Lily, rose and something else. Soft, reverent and slightly sad. After Wearing It: Hymn starts off pretty unappealing to me, smelling strongly of rose and lily of the valley, two notes that turn me off in general. It's very soft and floral, white and pristine. Ladylike in a pressed Sunday dress with pearls sort of way. And old. A moment from ages past frozen in time. After an hour and a half or so, sweet and slightly smoky notes twist their way through the heavier floral notes, warming things up. I think it was the myrrh and the labdanum I was smelling, but whatever it was it was nice. The scent became more rounded and slowly, this second influence became balanced with the fussier floral notes which made Hymn so much more appealing. By that point though, the scent was hours into its lifetime and fading fast. Final Thoughts: I hated Hymn for the first two hours or so, and didn't really start to like it until hour 5-6. The end result was pretty nice, but I doubt I could stick out the Rose+Lily phase to reach the pleasing ending and find the process worth it. Pity!

Initial Impression: A manic, musky berry. Very sweet and bursting with frenetic energy. Could definitely rip a man to pieces. ^^ After Wearing It: On my wrist, this was a bright, juicy, sparkling strawberry scent. It smelled very natural, no traces of artificial bubble-yum sweetness that I could detect. There seemed to be a trace of lemon here, though it's not listed in the description, because the scent reminded me of strawberry lemonade. The impression this scent gives is very young and energetic, summery. Unfortunately, as nice as this scent was, both times I tried it, it wore off in about an hour. I was left with no time to get a real feel for it, become exposed to the less prominent notes inside it, or fall in love with it. It was a very fleeting affair that almost left me baffled when it passed. Final Thoughts: The description for this oil really sounded divine, and I'm totally disappointed that this didn't work out for me! It hardly stuck around long enough for me to decide whether or not I liked it!

Initial Impression: A crisp floral. I can smell something like lavender here. And that light gin type scent that you get from juniper. After Wearing It: When I first put this on, the juniper was very predominant in its crisp gin-soaked kind of way that manages to smell so much like the liquor but without smelling boozy. It's a clean, cool scent, very green with a slight bubbly quality to it (LOL perhaps an association with the almighty tonic). After the oil dried on my skin, the juniper became less of a stand-alone note and more of a filter through which the rest of the scent would be viewed (smelled) and interpreted. The jasmine and rose geranium coalesced into a single pale, floral scent that was pale and crisp. Jasmine, to me anyway, is a very feminine scent, but it didn't smell that way here. When combined with the geranium and steeped in juniper, it took on an almost herby quality, becoming crisp, pale and structured. You could still tell it was jasmine, but it didn't have the same feel. The outcome was pressed and almost unisex. Overall this feels like a sexless, early springtime scent. The frosts of winter are on their very last leg and the beginnings of spring flowers are braving the chill. This smells like what the first flower buds look like: green, "handled" and concealed, barely a whisper of what kind of sensuality, aroma and color they'll have once the weather gets warmer and their potential becomes unchained so they can bloom. Final Thoughts: I love Jasmine scents, but I didn't care for this at all. It was too clean, crisp and sexless. Too green. I think this would be pleasing to someone who enjoys clean or "green" florals, but it's almost the antithesis of my scent preferences, so up for swap it'll go!

Initial Impression: Sweet and fruity. I'm not really smelling the coconut others have mentioned. I can't put my finger on what the note is though. Kiwi? A splash of pineapple. It smells tropical but very light. After Wearing It: When I applied The Star this afternoon, I still smelled that sort of pale yellow/green tropical fruit note that I had sniffed earlier in the vial, but it laid quietly inside something equally as subtle yet somehow more arresting. During the first few hours I had this on, every time I sniffed my wrist I was reminded of the scent of a single burning candle. The smell that accompanies the spark of a match, warmed, soft white wax. The oil invoked vivid images of lighting petition candles in dim chapels as I had done (and still occasionally do) when I was younger. It was a spark, a beacon of hope, a prayer for resolution. It was a quiet act, small but powerful. That small light in the dim room was very much like a star itself, a source of guidance, protection and comfort during the darkest hours of the day. A light at the end of the tunnel, which is so overwhelmingly appropriate for the meaning of the card. The Star card represents, faith and hope, both in your own power and in those of something higher. It's a very positive, warm and cool at the same time, inspirational and quietly joyful, all of which I felt with this scent. The affect the scent had on me didn't seem to carry over to the people around me though. I had two comments on it (which is unusual since I don't seem to be exposed to very scent oriented people), both of which echoed the sentiments of most of the reviews already done for this scent. A customer asked me if I was the one who smelled like coconuts, and I told her that I probably was, even though I couldn't smell them. She liked the smell and said I smelled very much like a pina coloda and had a sort of relaxed, island-holiday sort of smell. A coworker concurred that I smelled like coconut, and like pineapple which would agree with the pina coloda idea. Anyway I did keep sniffing my wrists to try to get a less emotional, more objective idea of this fragrance. Occasionally I did get a whiff of the coconut that everyone else seemed to smell, though it was a very subtle smell. Very fresh and not too terribly sweet. More often than that though I smelled some sort of light colored tropical fruit like pineapple, kiwi or some sort of pale melon. There was also a sliver of something sharper among the more warm, floaty notes, perhaps a twist of lemon or bergamot and a very light garnish of mint? It kept the fragrance from smelling too tropical, sweet or warm, but still keeping it very light (both in weight and in "brilliance" level) and airy. All of this though was wrapped in that pleasant, heated wax smell. Final Thoughts: I'm of two minds on this scent. On an objective level, it doesn't appeal to me much at all . It's too light and too fruity, and I'm not at all a fan of the smell of pineapples. But on an emotional level, I have a hard time dismissing the Star. The energy behind the scent is so positive and soothing that I have to keep it and will continue to wear it, possibly even repurchase it, just for the serenity and quiet optimism it inspires. It's also a truly wonderful interpretation of the card, so would be good for meditations on the card.

actually I find Boudoir to be very heavy, though not so much in its floral components as I would in its spicier ones. It's quite the oriental. Unfortunately it's been ages since I've smelled Boudoir so I couldn't make a good comparision. However I will say, that I don't think finding a "match" or even that similar with BPAL to a commercial perfume is ever that successful of an idea. I would just use it as a guide for your taste. You know which notes you like, what sort of scent family, try looking for fragrances with similar spice/floral combos. if you're looking for a lighter spicy floral for daytime wear, you might try looking at a few carnation scents? Just a suggestion

I can't help but worry if this new little helper is going to have the stigma of having inspired a thread on midget porn for as long as this board exists.

Initial Impression: A very dark floral. Almost bitter in a way that suggest cynacism. After Wearing It: Throughout the life of this perfume, jasmine was the prominent note, though different back notes stepped up and changed the way the jasmine was interpretted at different moments. When I first put it on, the myrrh, clove and esp. the opoponax shaped the jasmine into something very dark and more than a little bitter. It felt thorny, but elegant, like barbed wire twisted around a bolt of fine silk. Later the opoponax backs off, and the plum takes it's place producing a very rich, spiced jasmine with a twist of juiciness to it. Towards the end of the day, the jasmine was very sweet and powdery, retaining the plummy note but not as dark as it was earlier in the day. All and all this fragrance is very lovely and multifaceted. It's elegant, sophisticated and biting. It's a wry, self-satisfied smirk. It broods, but it enjoys it. Bitterness suits her, it makes her feel oddly enlightened and real. Final Thoughts: This first time I wore this, I wasn't feeling very receptive and was pretty busy so I didn't pay much mind to it. But Noir really won me over the second time around. I love the feel of it, the attitude, its imagery. A great jasmine scent for anyone who doesn't like frilly florals.

Initial Impression: Light fruit and resin. Confident, capable and bright. After Wearing It: For the first few minutes on (and when I sniffed it in the bottle), I smelled berries for some reason. That backed off as soon as it dried, but it left a lingering sweetness to what it is a pretty smoky, woody blend. I think I might smell some red sandalwood, amber, and maybe just a touch of a sweet flower note? Anyway it's a nice fragrance. Confident yet soft and lulling. Like something that inspires faith. Final Thoughts: Really nice longevity on this one. I put this on 8 hours ago and it's still definitely present. I like it a lot and it definitely suits my usual taste, but I haven't decided if it's unique enough to make it into my regular rotation. Definitely a keeper tho!