The_Merf

In the imp: This smells like fresh flowers. I'm getting a honeysuckle vibe for some reason. Wet: I'm still reminded of honeysuckle, but not the honeysuckle of New Orleans and Eos. This is much cooler--like a honeysuckle that is growing in the middle of many other herbs and shurbs. Drydown and wear: It's perfectly lovely, and I'm sure I'll use the imp, but it reminds me a lot of Dublin. Were I to get a bottle, I'm not sure which of the two I'd purchase.

In the imp: This blend smells very complex. I smell the cedarwood and patchouli most prominently. Wet: Whoa! It looks like this oil might pull an Umbra on me--in other words, the patchouli is dominating everything else. I love patchouli when it is working in concert with other things, but not on its own. (I'm surprised that no one else's reviews are mentioning patchouli--perhaps my skin plays it up?) Drydown and wear: Thankfully during the drydown the patchouli gives way to some of the other notes, particularly the cedar and myrrh. It takes a little long to get to this stage on my skin, though. I'll probably use the imp, but I'm not sure if I'll get a while bottle.

In the imp: This smells much softer than I'd imagined it would (given the tonka and the clove, but it smells very pretty. I guess I really do like violets. Wet: When it comes on, it is "violets" all the way, with a bit of clove spice in the background. Drydown and wear: This is absolutely gorgeous! While I wish it was stronger and longer-lasting, it is so soft without being really powdery (violets don't go powdery on me like carnations and roses often do). I never smell the tonka specifically, but I know it is in the background providing support and dignity to this scent. I know I'll be getting more of this in the future.

In the imp: Smells green, but not spring green. In another review I said that Alecto brought Lothlorien to mind; this scent brings the outer edges of Mirkwood to mind (going out, as opposing to entering, I'd assume!). Wet: This comes off as greener than I thought it would, given its muted smell in the imp. I smell the patchouli and the woods right away. Drydown and wear: It does not take long for this oil to "smoke out," which is excellent. The dark musk and spices get stronger as the oil wears on. I am holding this one on my B-list, but it might move up to the A-list by the time fall comes around. It seems like it would fit well with a fall wardrobe.

In the imp: Wow, melons. I put this on my imp list for the words "cigar tobacco" alone, and I can't detect any of that. Wet: Yes, this is all melons and the sharpness of juniper. I can't detect any tobacco or the gin. Drydown and wear: The scent does not morph much as it dries, which is a real shame. I'll have to put this one in the swap pile. Despite that, I do have to give much credit for the originality of the blend, as other have said.

In the imp: I smell the vetiver and a touch of berry. I approve heartily, and will be stunned if I don't love this. Wet: This scent has a grounded greenery about it. It doesn't smell like spring greens or fresh cut greens, but it is definitely woody and leafy. The cedar is giving things a smoky kick. Drydown and wear: This becomes smoky berries. Absolutely fantastic--I would like to imagine that there are parts of the fictional Lothlorien that smell like this: ancient, and imbued with the feminine wisdom and power of Galadriel. This is the first oil that I've purchased a bottle of before I even reviewed it!

In the imp: I smell flowers and honeysuckle. I am encouraged, as I know this blend contains white musk, which is very spotty with me. Wet: Sadness! Even though this imp isn't white or light colored, I am still getting that "stale white musk" smell on my skin. Drydown and wear: Because this oil contains so many other notes, the stale smell does eventually go away, but by the time it does, all that remains is an indescript "floral." Fortunately, my sister can wear all the oils that fail on me for musk-related reasons, and she is already enjoying it.

In the imp: I smell nag champa, and I smell "darkness." I like it; it is quite in line with the description, which was very appealing to me. Wet: (both tries): Very nice, stays true to the imp. Drydown and wear: (1st time) Did not morph much from the nag champa/tobacco/sandalwood. I wished it was stronger, but I liked the end result. (subsequent tries) The wet stage is fine, but a lotus-esque bubblegum smell emerges on drydown. I think this is a result of the lavender. I'm rather crushed, as it's such a great oil when wet. Wow, this is a blend that only works for me one week a month, if you know what I mean.

In the imp: This is difficult for me to really get a grasp of--I guess I smell the oleander, because there is a nod to Hell's Belle here. I'm surprised that neither the patchouli nor the ylang-ylang are evident. I have no idea what to expect. Wet: This blends very well. I can now smell the patchouli (but the patchouli here is not earthy on my skin, and the ylang-ylang is also coming out (Chanel No. 5 is my favorite commercial perfume, and I have tried few BPALs with ylang-ylang), which makes me happy. Drydown and wear: I've tried this twice...the first time, the scent was a real []kicker, but this time, while it certainly remains robust, it isn't totally scary (I still think it's a good perfume for 'the Avenger of Murder'). The patchouli is more prevalent on the second go-around. I like this oil, and I will certainly consider a bottle. I also want to try Alecto ASAP.

**Repost of missing review** In the bottle: This smells dead on to the description--a dessert wine, with a vanilla/oak base. It reminds me of Lilith, but there isn't quite as much bite to this one. Wet: This continues to remind me of Lilith (one of my favorite BPAL oils), but I love the creaminess and the warmth provided by the vanilla. I can't really detect the "oakenness," which is a shame, as I love woody scents. Still, I like how this goes on my skin. Drydown and wear: All was well with this scent, and I was even considering another 5mL, until a friend of mine said, "You smell like strawberry milk." I hate strawberry milk. I consider it one of the most vomitous substances in the world. I had to scrub the perfume off. I haven't been able to try it on since. I intend to layer it with Lilith to try and recover things...if I have to sell this bottle because of that stupid comment...sigh.

**Repost of missing review** In the imp: Is there lotus in here, or does someone have bubblegum? Wet: Seriously, there might just be a hint of lotus in this oil. Drydown and wear: I will say that after about 45 minutes, the other notes in this blend (the spices--I just can't detect the lavender) do start to come out, and it is quite nice. However, by the time this happens, the throw has declined considerably. If your skin can tame lotus, give this one a try.

Refined, austere and graceful. A recipe gleaned from Classical Rome: cypress, juniper, chamomile and rose. Oh how I want to love this one...I'm obsessed with the Roman Republic (I won't wear the oil Antony because of his behavior during the republic's crisis, and the same thing would hold for Nero as well)...I don't know if I've ever anticipated an oil so much based on its name alone... In the imp: This is promising. It is cool and green. This is certainly something that the daughters and wives of the optimates would consider proper to wear. I get the cypress and the chamomile coming through. Wet: It is almost too commanding--very green and sharp. It does bring white columns to mind though. Drydown and wear: Tragedy! The scent just vanishes. It is undetectable after 20 minutes. I'm crushed; I can't buy an oil that disappears on me, no matter how much I love the name. I will say that it is brilliant in terms of capturing its subject, and I urge people to try it.

In the imp: When I ordered my last imp pack, I had a hard time deciding between Viola and Rosalind. I think I picked the right one, as I really like what's here. I can pick up on the sandalwood, which provides a lovely base for the tea rose and other notes. This is a deceptive blend--it's obviously very complex, while managing to be light as well. Wet: This is creamy--I am somewhat reminded of Morocco (possibly the lilies and sandalwood)--but there is more austerity in this scent. It's just lovely. Drydown and wear: This oil presents me with quite the dilemma, as it doesn't last very long. This is quite sad to me, as I really like it, and would like to put in on my 'A' list of scents to purchase. However, given its lack of strength, I will be putting it in my 'oils to purchase...at some point' category. If you like lighter scents with some base to them, give this one a try.

**Repost of missing review** In the imp: Wow, this smells very soapy to me--clearly, that's the rose. It also smells whisper-light. Wet: Yes, this is the type of rose that is very close to going over the soapy edge on me. The rose is the only note that I can detect; none of the other florals are making themselves known. Drydown and wear: Because it doesn't go totally soapy on me, I think I will hold onto the imp, but this is certainly not a "buy" for me. (Part of it, I think, is the fact that I really don't like the character Ophelia!)

In the imp: Fire and brimstone, indeed! This may be a bit stronger than Djinn, but they both smell quite similar...very acrid. Wet: I'm glad I was smart enough to try this on its own, as it is overpowering. However, it is quite evocative--this certainly smells like the refuse and results of dealing with dangerous substances in one's lab! Drydown and wear: An incredibly strong scent that does not morph much on my skin. I wish it could warm up just a little bit (it smells like unnatural burning, not the burning of some natural substance like wood or tobacco), because I don't mind the strength, but it is sadly not for me.

**Repost of deleted review** In the imp: Now I like masculine BPALs--Iago, Geek, etc.--but this is really masculine. It does smell like a traditional high-quality men's cologne, and I'm sure that's what is creating the association in my mind. I have never thought to myself, "I'll let my guy friends play with this one," but I did this time. Wet: Of course, I also had to try it myself, and it was gorgeous. What an excellent balance of everything! No one note stands out (jasmine haters should still give this one a try--my skin amps jasmine, and I wouldn't have known it was even in this blend if I hadn't checked the notes list). It's clean, fresh and powerful. Drydown and wear: This scent stays true on my skin. I have moved this one to my bottle list.

**Repost of deleted review** In the imp: This smells very light, but not soapy. I can detect the rose, but not the musk, which is good, as white musk turns on my skin. Wet: This remains light and pale, and I'm surprised at the quiet sandalwood. Drydown and wear: This perfume does a very good job at being melancholy (so much so that I would almost hesitate to wear it because it might affect my mood). It has more depth on me than a lot of light scents, and the different notes balance themselves well.

A master storyteller who possessed unfailing courage and compassion, a sharp, quick wit, and a true understanding of human nature. Saffron and Middle Eastern spices swirled through sensual red musk. ***Repost of deleted review*** In the imp: The red musk is obvious, which is nice, as I've been on a real red musk kick (Loviatar, Fenris Wolf, among others) lately. However, this has a feminine edge that I did not get from either of the others. I'm sure that's due to the saffron and other spices involved. Wet: I'm glad that the saffron and spices are not overwhelmed by the musk on my skin. Although it shares the same base with others, Scherezade is absolutely its own scent. Drydown and wear: This remained pretty true throughout its tenure (the red musk was the last note to fade). I'm so glad I didn't run into the 'soapy' issue that others encountered. This one goes on my 'A' list.

If... You liked Languor, but wished that it was a little stronger, try Helle's Belle. You were intrigued/turned on by Iago, but felt it was too masculine, try Loviatar. You wanted to like Dorian based on its description and inspiration, but wished it was more masculine, try London. You liked New Orleans, but were a little concerned about the jasmine, try Eos. You tried Djinn because you love smoke notes, but it was too acrid, try Thanatos, Laudanum or Perversion (L is strongest, T is in the middle and P is lightest). I realize that these comparisons depend on skin chemistry, so here's a brief summary of mine---my skin amps jasmine, sandalwood and myrrh; loves leather and incense; almost always rejects butter, honey and milk notes (though things that are "honeyed" can be passable, like Dragon's Milk); and usually rejects white musk, rum and sugar notes (Baron Samedi & Devil's Night are notable exceptions). My faves right now are Herr Drosselmeyer, Perversion, New Orleans, Geek, London and Morocco.

In the imp: Wow, this is the darkest BPAL scent I've whiffed to date. I'm beyond excited. I don't get the root beer smell--what I get is the myrrh and nutmeg. Wet: Oh wow--this is spicy smoke. I'm in love. Absolutely in love. Imagine the smoke of an aged tree in a dark forest, smoldering, but not burning as the cold moon sets a watch, and you've got Laudanum. Drydown and wear: The root-beer smell emerges a bit on drydown, which makes me sad, as I want it to stay in that "smoke" stage forever. However, the smokiness never really goes away. This is amazing--great staying power. I will be getting a bottle of this, and I think I will be able to use it sparingly, as it is a dominating scent.

In the imp: I could cry tears of joy--this is gorgeous. How elegant, how sophisticated and strong. The tobacco, tonka and rum (I believe, as something smells a bit like Baron Samedi) are strongest. Wet: Oh, this is so fabulous! It remains smoky, but the alcohol notes (they are far too sophisticated to be called "booze notes" in this blend! ) provide an interesting backdrop. The leather is mysteriously absent. Drydown and wear: This scent doesn't do anything really odd as it dries down--the longer lasting notes like amber and tonka begin to emerge. I wish this lasted longer (then again, my perception of its strength may be affected by my multiple-testing penchant), but I don't care--it's just that lovely. This one zooms to my buy list.

In the imp: I was excited when this one came out, but just got around to nabbing a sample. This smells as lovely as I had hoped it would; I pick up on the sweet notes, but there's also the patchouli, musk and myrrh to give it some "grounding." Wet: NO! Oh honey, you are slowly becoming enemy number one! This is going foody-stale on me. It smells, quite frankly, like slightly soured milk on my wrist. Sadness! Drydown and wear: The stale smell doesn't go away, and it isn't until hours later that I can detect any of the other notes. By that time, the oil itself is so weak that few people could pick up on it. However, if the sweet notes don't bother you, this smells beautiful in the imp, and has lasting power.

In the imp: Wow, this is great. I pick up on the magnolia right away. There's obviously more here, but I'm not familiar with most of the other notes in this blend, so I can't identify them. Wet: This is all beautiful--the spice and musk really come out with the floral on my skin. Drydown and wear: I've been on the lookout for perfumes that are spring/summery and "Southern." Hell's Belle fits the bill on both counts. I'll admit: this oil is more along the lines of what I thought/hoped Languor would be. If you like Languor, but wish it was stronger/lasted longer on you, then give this one a whirl.

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 the imp: Oh, sweet awesome-ness! It's like Loviatar is Iago's date for the evening. The leather is familiar, but the red musk in this blend gives it a more mysterious quality, IMO. Wet: Wow, this is glorious. I just love leather. The other notes are definitely working around the leather, and I'm fine with that. Drydown and wear: Yep, this is a more feminine version of Iago. This blend is also more complex--I love the red musk. The amber and myrrh emerge after I have had this perfume on for a very long time (2+ hours). This oil also has amazing staying power, as I could detect the spot on my arm where I tested when I woke up this morning.

In the imp: My immediate thought is "cherries!" My second thought is "Kabuki" and my third is, "I guess that's the almond." Wet: This doesn't quite go cherry cough syrup on me, but the almonds absolutely dominate the blend. Drydown and wear: This blend does not change a lot from imp to skin, which surprises me, as myrrh plays up on my skin. Sadly, the cherries smell just does not do it for me, so this one's off to swaps.