Balame

Huh, interesting. I totally expected a foody, sugary cream to be the predominant note in this, but instead it's the apple blossom. Very crisp, clean and fruity. I'm not a huge apple fan, so kind of disappointing. Once dry it's still green apples, but the caramel is present as well. This is an exact scent match for caramel-covered apples, which is great if you're into that. Totally a smell evocative of Halloween. I literally don't get any of the other notes, and I was hoping for cream, amber and teak, so this isn't a win for me.

This starts out wonderfully, which I'm happy about because Semiramis is a BAMF and I would totally love to wear a scent that evokes her. This could end up too fruity/candy sweet, but the red musk is grounding everything with a very adult vibe, preventing it from becoming shampoo. The pomegranite is tart, more like the skin of the pom than the berries, which allows the orange blossom and melon to sugar things up without it becoming cough syrup. Yet I'm still a bit confused. I really love the pom/musk combo, but the orange blossom/melon is just so... cute. I'm not a "cute" scent lover, and this sits right inbetween "sexy ferocious queen" and "innocent maiden." I wish it leaned further into the ferocious category, but it feels like it's wavering too much for my personal taste.

Red currant, golden amber, blackberry, honey, and pink pepper. My first reaction when I apply this is "tingly"! Definitely thanks in part to the pepper. There's a lot of sharp berries, as in a very strong blackberry. It's sweet yet bitter, more like what you'd expect from cranberry, and though I usually enjoy berry notes, I find myself starting to dislike blackberry for this very reason (too sharp and overpowering). I can slowly start to pick out the dreamier honey, yet it almost comes across as soapy/shampoo in this combination. I totally agree with kerikeri: This is tart and candy-ish, similar to citrus. I really do think it's the blackberry's fault, as I've experienced the same thing in other BPAL oils with it listed as one of the main players (Bewitched, Lady Macbeth). At least I've discovered another note to put on my "do not fancy" list now... It's weird because I love the smell of blackberry jam. It's sweet, but much richer and full bodied. This reminds me of a cheap Bath and Bodyworks spritzer.

I always thought I would enjoy Haloes, now I finally get the chance to try it! Upon application I smell the lily of the valley along with ginger, apricot and oak. It is indeed "sparkly" and bright, coming across almost as a citrus scent thanks to the combo of ginger's spiciness with apricot's fruitiness. As it dries a bit of the vanilla arrives, sweetening things up. It retains a woodsy afternote as the oak and sandalwood settle in the background. It's very pretty and unique. For me though, my chemistry is amping a lot of ginger/lily when I wanted the tonka/vanilla/amber. The oak and sandalwood are lovely, but there's too much of an almost acrid overlay on the top. The subtle, rich sweetness just can't compete. Why did you have to ruin this for me, ginger? So close to perfection. *edit* I might have spoken too soon. Another 40 min later, I keep getting whiffs of something gorgeous. I realize it's Haloes and sniff more closely: The ginger has finally left the stage and a beautiful delicate vanilla frolics amidst light sandalwood and tonka. Which, for the record, is stunning. Not sure I'm happy with the super long drydown, but the end product is so amazing I'll probably hold onto this.

In the Imp: Holy verbena. It's lemons all day in here, very powerful and bright citrus. Wet: The lemon is so strong, but there's a gentleness beneath it. Can't tell what note is trying to pop out exactly. Seems like a combo of the almond milk and sandalwood? Dry: Thank goodness this calms down immensely. The verbena is there but playing nicely with the other notes, no longer dominating. I don't really get any of the myrrh or opoponax, and if kumara is supposed to be sweet potatoes I definitely can't pick that up. But it's still quite enjoyable. Overall: I'm not sure whether I like this a lot because it smells like beeswaxy woods or if find it too simple and soft (as in I can barely smell it). Warrants a few more tests to see if I can power it up somewhat.

Well, I'm with those saying this is a surprisingly clean and pleasant scent. Not that evil can't be deceptive, but seriously, this is more like a slightly manipulative advisor rather than the big boss. From the imp I actually worried it might be too overpowering. The tar and root made for a smokey, almost stringent scent. But on it goes the other direction. I smell the plum and tea, keeping this on the juicy side versus dry and spicy. The kush and ambergris combo I really love... it's exotic and I can't say I've smelled anything like it before. Despite the "wetness" of the scent there is still a dry "aftersmell" after you take a whiff, which I believe comes from the ambrette. To me, this is someone that looks innocent, acts sweet, but is a subtle manipulator. Not truly evil per se, but maybe on the selfish side. I like it but wanted it to be more "rawr."

All the above recommendations are great, and from those listed I particularly think you'd like Rakshasa, Wanton, Morocco and Sri Lanka. As mentioned, Midnight Mass is a beautiful, sweet incense if you can track some down. Thanatos sounds nice on paper, but you'll have to get a feel for BPAL's moss notes to determine whether you like it or not. I don't think they're completely off-putting, but if it amps on you it might come across as overly dry. It's worth an imp to see what happens! You also might be into Seance (A mysterious, enigmatic blend of dry, mellow rosewood, crushed rose leaf and the slightest touch of warm hazel). It's pure, delicate rosewood to me with a lovely mellow feel from the hazel.

Only one page for this? Get with the program, people! I admit I wasn't immediately struck by any of the notes. Cedar, rum, orange? Sounds like woodsy, citrus death. But it isn't. It's gorgeous. Zankoku was right; I can totally imagine a sexy Japanese pirate smelling like this. I don't get "dirty" at all, so I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Wet: Very smooth, sophisticated teak with a sweet woodsiness and something that smells vaguely of clove (bay rum). The spice is there but not overwhelming at all. It makes me think of an old but majestic ship moored in fresh water outside of a beautiful forest. Dry: Guh. This is like being in front of a man so hot and regal that you turn into a drooling idiot. It's really hard to pick out individual notes because they blend together so beautifully. I will say that this is unlike any cedar I've smelled before. It reminds me a bit of the pine in Golden Priapus. If you don't like in your face forest, you'll be fine, because this is sweet and delicate and only vaguely reminiscient of woods... like someone just came back from being outside. The bay rum is not overtly boozy and lends a delicious mix of intrigue and spice. I don't get much of the tobacco, though I feel like it's contributing to the overall headiness and "yum" that is this scent. The citrus is also very, very sedate. Overall: This is such an amazing oil. I need to track down a full bottle. Majestic, sensual and adventurous.

Wooow, this is almost EXACTLY Atlas - which has pretty much skyrocketed to being my favorite scent this past year. Good to know there's an extremely similar GC available if I ever can't get ahold of more (goodness forbid). There are no notes shared between the two, but the effect ends up the same. Atlas' mallow has always read as a soft vanilla to me, and Velvet has just that. The sandalwood in Velvet is clean but sensual and woodsy, a similar vibe to what hinoki wood and oak bring. And finally, the myrhh and cocoa make for subtle smokiness and cuddliness, which Atlas' khus and coffee bean mirror. Don't need a bottle since I have its twin, but will most definitely keep this lovely in mind...

So this is surprisingly awesome? Wet: Reminds me of a pickle. Sounds completely unsexy, I know, but it's like a faint, woodsy pickle, not in your face. Not foody or off-putting. Drying: BPAL has a wonderfully realistic wet dirt smell. It doesn't smell gross, just truly like rich, loamy goodness. There's something mixed in that smells lightly sweet and musky, almost like a commercial perfume but not as overpowering. Makes me think of a woman sitting on top of a freshly dug grave. Weird and mysterious yet alluring! Dry: There's a "bone"/slightly dry note on the tail end of every sniff, but it's still not funky. Yorick is surprisingly wearable and enticing. I can understand how people get potted flowers from this, but I think the musky floral gives it too much of a human touch for me to consider it full on plant. There's a hint of soapiness as well, but not so much synthetic as freshed scrubbed skin. Verdict: Not bad at all! It's doesn't suit my personal preferences (I don't do florals), but the notes work together and ground this beautifully (no pun intended).

I was pretty surprised this update. I thought I'd like Blossoms in Springtime, but I wanted it to be a Glowing Vulva clone and the lotus went INSANE on me, so it just ended up an astringent mess despite being gorgeous cream in the bottle. I also thought I'd be into Body, Remember, but it was too cloyingly sweet. My unexpected hits were Variety of Pleasing Amusements and Following Instructions. Variety is a non-plastic honey (despite loving real honey sometimes BPAL's goes funky on me) that is absolutely lickable, rich, and real on top of a backdrop of sexy leather. Makes you feel like doing naughty BDSM lite things in the bedroom with food. Following is just... wow. It seems overly sweet in the bottle but once on it calms down and is a sensual melding of incense, sweet grains, and amber. I suppose it's a bit foody but it's done so in a way that doesn't make it feel foody, and instead just makes you want to devour your arm (or wherever else you dab it). The blend of ritualistic elements with delicious sides makes for an adult, lingering trail of yum. I also really enjoyed Smut and Womb Furie, both of which I knew were popular but hadn't tried. Had a pleasant change of opinion. Smut evokes its namesake for sure - my husband ended up putting some on and at first I didn't know what nice new scent he was wearing. I'm not normally a big musk person (except for Egyptian) but I guess the sugar and booze both sweeten and make it more mature. It smelled horribly candy-ish in the bottle, but was a sexy, almost "sweaty" smelling blend on hubby, but in a wonderful way. Womb Furie was another amazing honey (or I suppose, honeys). Again, one element didn't make sense as I'm not a Snake Oil fan, but luckily the honey overpowers it and I'm left with a fantastic, lanquid scent reminiscent of lying in the sun with your lover on a lazy day. Sweetest Lesbia was another I wanted to like, but it was too "cutesy" sweet and girlish rather than the delicately "sensual yet natural" scent I wanted it to be (probably because of the osmanthus).

In the Imp: One page of reviews, really? I would've thought this one would be a killer for most people. It's stunning. I definitely see the similarities to Black Pearl, which is one of my favorite scents to this day, except Aph is softer. I thought Pearl was gentle to start, but this goes a step further. Since it lacks the hazelnut there's not at all the boozy feeling. It makes me think of white silk blowing in an early evening breeze, innocent yet seductive. Wet: Still has that tropical feel. It's delicious but not in a foody way, more like you want to lick someone's skin... the orris takes the place of the white musk as the base in this and it has a pleasantly powdery vibe rather than being "old". It does possess more of a floral than Pearl (despite its iris), but even as someone who dislikes florals it's too delicate to be bothersome. I think mainly because the sandalwood lingers in the back, grounding this from becoming too sweet. Dry: This makes me conjure up applying sunscreen/tanning oil at the beach, but as I happen to love that feeling it's very pleasant. I certainly get coconut oil but it's very realistic and light hearted, not chemical at all. It's just so good, and the similarity to Black Pearl is uncanny. Overall: As much as I love BP, I have to admit there's been more than one occasion where I've wished it was just a tad gentler, and this is exactly what Aphrogenes delivers. I'll eventually have to seek out a bottle because I would wear the heck out of this, but I can live with BP's slightly rougher vibe until I have the extra funds.

Well, the only true way to avoid triggering allergies is to forego perfume entirely, though if the scent is light enough (i.e. within your "bubble" versus having mass sillage) then hopefully such things can be avoided.

Agreed, I think it's funny watching people's pearl clutching reactions. I've never worn something based on whether I think those around me can't handle it on a "You smell like a slatternly tart" level (which I've never been subject too even with heavier scents, fyi), but on an, "I'm allergic to strong florals and/or x note" level, sure. If you want something not in people's faces then go with light scents that don't have a strong throw (though in my experience since BPAL uses oils even the stronger scents only have decent sillage at best, and I'm a slatherer). Generally anything fruity, delicate florals/herbs, or even resins. The gentler musks would probably be white/"pale", Egyptian, and Arabian. Aquatics would do nicely as well since they're generally "clean" smelling.

Never smelled your reference scent, but here are some perfumes that might end up similar - A Countenance Foreboding Evil - Patchouli, ylang ylang, blood orange, and vetiver. Vixen - Orange blossom tainted by the beguiling scents of ginger and patchouli. The Season of Ghosts (Yule '09) - Bergamot, frankincense, rose geranium, ginger, lemongrass and blood orange. Shub-Niggurath - Herbs and dark resins, shot through with three gingers and aphrodisiacal spices. Paratman - Orange blossom, East Indian sandalwood, and champaca. Ravenous - Red patchouli sweetened by orange blossom.

In the Imp: This is the '11 version and it's absolutely gorgeous. I saw the notes and thought it should be, but then I've had plenty of moments where things turned out differently than I imagined. This is not one of them. From the imp this is strikingly resinous, but not heavy/woodsy resin. It's like bark made out of light, as romantic sounding as that is - very gentle. Wet: The tonka pops out with its hay/vanilla-like yumminess. Paired with the amber in the background it's very creamy and soothing. It strongly evokes the scent description, which is saying a lot! I imagine a lightly pebbled dirt road in a valley full of soft light and cotton flowers... Dry: Ugh, it just got even better. The amber comes out more fully and the cuddly warmth is amazing. This makes me want to curl up with my husband and sleep in a bed of sweet dreams. Fun facts on lesser known notes: rockrose is the flower from which labdanum resin is obtained, and costus is a root that has two families. One is related to ginger, and the other is often used in incense with a smell similar to musk and violets. Verdict: Definitely getting a bottle when I have the extra funds. This is truly angelic and one of the most soothing BPAL oils I've ever had the pleasure of smelling. One of my "sleep scents" for sure, though I'll no doubt be wearing it in the day as well.

In the Imp: A very clean scent, but not similar to clean as in "laundry". More like the real deal... fresh air that verges on being heady due to a background of gentle sweetness that mixes green tea and the sea. Wet: Sweetens up quickly. There's a bit of ozone, but I pick up the plum and Asian florals as well. It's very nice in that I usually get overwhelmed by "general" florals, but this combination is simply pleasant without being too much. Delicate and pretty, but in a unique way. Dry: My husband amusingly said that this smells like "something from the bathroom," but in that he clarified that he didn't mean a cleaner, but a "fresh from the shower" smell. I have to agree. It smells like fruity floral shampoo mixed with clean skin and a sense of freshness. Overall: This isn't my style, but I like that Kiyohime is definitely her own thing, and works the floral/fruit/aquatic combo exceptionally well.

Greed. It, fittingly, does actually have a "money" scent. Think it's the dry/slightly dusty note of moss combined with the richer copal.

Seance, yes!! I actually don't like rose as a note by itself, but the rosewood in Seance is beautiful, dreamy, and golden. I love it and it's still one of my faves.

Just dropping in here to say to those that told me to wait on Banshee Beat--you were right! It's toned down a LOT on the patch, making it less of a weirdly sweet woods scent and more of a creamy vanilla with a sexy, foresty backdrop. Love it!

Ran a huge booty decant circle outside of the forums, and it was fun but a bit tiring! Totally worth it though, as I got to sniff all the goodies. From my experiences, I'll be ordering bottles of: Muse of the Night - A surprise, as one of the other posters mentioned. Jasmine is hit or miss (largely miss), and rose tends to amp and overwhelm everything else. Instead, I got a musky current (which I love), mixed with soft resins and a hint of sweetness. The Gorobble - Delicious smores, seriously! Definitely sugary, but not overwhelming. My husband also loves marshmallows, so this was pretty much an instant hit. The Silver Apple of the Moon - Wasn't sure which of the apples would work, but Silver ended up being the winner. It's fairly aquatic to me due to the lotus and agave giving it a rich, juicy scent, but it's also light and very softly floral. An understated and beautiful smell. Biggest letdown? I wasn't interested in it from the start, but with as much interest from circle participants I got in it, I started to wonder if The Changeling was going to be the be all end all of this group. It's good, don't get me wrong... but a slightly boozy pumpkin linen isn't that delicious in my mind.

In the Imp: Very bright and happy smelling, with the lime most notable and oak lingering behind it. Wet: There's a lot going on here. I can pick up most of the notes with creamy tonka, strong bay, spicy clove, and lime being most prominent. Not really sure what this is going to do. Dry: IT'S GOING TO TURN INTO PLASTIC. Holy fudge, terrible! I've heard some people complaining of one note or another turning to plastic on them, but this combination overall is the straight out of the factory, chemical laden real deal on me! What on earth is my chemistry doing!? Overall: I had to wash this off, it was horrendous. Obviously this is something to do with my chemistry rather than the scent itself, as others are getting lovely combinations of the above notes (and from the imp it smelled just fine), so... that sucks. This is going in the swap/sale pile for someone that will actually be able to wear it. Not sure what caused the negative reaction on me, but if I had to guess the bay probably amped like no one's business.

Prince Lir strongly reminds me of Obsession by Calvin Klein (which I'm familiar with because my aunt loves it). Perhaps a touch greener on me. Take a look at my review if interested.

In the Imp: How pretty. I guess I was expecting this to be greener because of the basil, but thankfully it's very citrus sweet with the fougere making it more typically perfume-y. It's actually giving me a strong memory of one of my aunt's favorite perfumes, Obsession by Calvin Klein. Wet: The citrus + bright juniper and powdery ambergris is somehow reminding me of a very sexy orange juice, but the basil immediately pops out a bit more and makes everything more balanced. It still makes me think of Obsession, so if you're looking for a similarity, try this. In Obs you have citrus notes like bergamot and mandarin combined with oakmoss, and here it's a very close citrus and fougere (which often has a base of oakmoss)/basil, for the earthiness. Dry: The basil has amped up a lot at this point. It's a fitting gradient. The prince is very fresh and sweet initially, but during the journey he becomes more mature and a little... sad? I don't mean that this scent makes me feel depressed or anything, but it just ends up having a very adult vibe to it with the herbal note in the forefront (for me) and the citrus a faint reminder of the past. Kind of like the realization that everything isn't always rainbows and sunshine in life. The basil isn't in your face, as it's actually relatively soft, but compared to the sweeter notes it comes across as serious. This is very faint on me within only 20 minutes. Overall: I liked this more during the wet stages, as I'm not a big herbal person and the ambergris and citrus combo was really nice, but I would enjoy it on someone else. It's clean and energizing but still fairly musky. *edit - I do get something that's fairly similar to a light brown leather in this after a while, as others have mentioned. Pretty sure it's the basil + musky fougere. Also lends to the mature nature of the drydown.

In the Imp: Not much new to add here. Very strong, powerful patchouli. I can pick up a yummy background of cacao, though. Wet: This surprisingly tones down almost immediately on my skin. Maybe my chemistry is working to my benefit. The patchouli is still very prominent, but the cacao amps up a lot and makes this softer. It's almost exactly like what you'd imagine a chocolate bar crushed over a wooden box to smell like. Dry: This was an interesting progression. Within about 15 minutes, the cacao disappeared and the tobacco arrived. It was fantastic at this stage. The creamy, smooth tobacco rounding out the patchouli made me think of a Spanish gangster. Not the greasy kind, but an intensely romanticized version of a kingpin in an immaculately tailored suit and silky black hair. A little dangerous and sexy! Very sadly, by the time I reached 30 minutes, the tobacco poofed and I was left with straight up patchouli again. Overall: The final stage's patch is very nice, don't get me wrong - warm, woodsy, and soothing in its own right. But I'm not into single notes (well, unless it's vanilla), because there's not much keeping me interested. The tobacco/patch stage was gorgeous, however, so I'm going to need to test this on my hubby to see if it will stay that way on him. If so, I'm getting him a bottle. Those who love patchouli should definitely get this for the potential single note drydown, and those willing to test their chemistry for the ultra hotness stage should at least find a decant.