Balame

In the Imp: Yes, this is dry. Getting the orris and patchouli. To quote Baudelaire’s poem, “musk scented skeletons” is perfect. Wet: Exactly like parchment on the brink of death. Like, if you so much as breathed on it, it would crumple into a million pieces because it’s so old and dried out. I feel like I’ve been wrung of all humanly liquids. And yet, oddly, I kind of like this. Probably because I have thing for musty old libraries, and this is relatively evocative of such a setting. It’s rather spicy too, which makes this more complex. Dry: Quite woodsy now, but still oh so dry. Like a cedar log that’s been sapped of its moisture. I feel like this is more unisex than feminine, because it’s pretty, “You’d better listen to me,” though in an understated way. If that makes any sense. Verdict: Very unusual scent, a little too much like a forest got transported to the Sahara Desert for me. If you’re into that sort of thing, though, go for it. Personally I think I would’ve liked this if it was more graveyard, less treeland, so I’ll keep exploring the Moriendi scents. Rating: 2/5

In the Imp: Got this as a frimp, and it’s kind of disturbing me right now. It’s very sweet, almost cough syrupy, with a splash of something that reminds me of licorice. Balame doesn’t like super sweet smells. Balame is scared. Wet: GWAH. It is indeed very sweet, but there’s something resinous as well. Oh boy, this is reminding me of Dragon’s Blood. We did not get along. I just… don’t know. Plastic licorice smothered in cherry sauce? Dry: I’m sorry, but I forced myself to take a big sniff of this and my immediate reaction was simply “STANK”. It smells sort of dirty, like an extremely overripe red fruit splattered all over the ground and now a bunch of crap got mixed in with its juices. I know it’s you, DB, I know. It had the same “rotting” effect that this is giving me. Verdict: Noooo, please no more. I’ll never understand why people like this sort of thing, but that’s good because it’ll be easier for me to send it far, far away. Too sweet, too syrupy, too nasty. Too not-Egyptian as well, since I’m on a roll. Not for me! Rating: 1/5

In the Imp: Smells like gardenias (moonflower, I suppose). Next I get a wave of something that reminds me of lightly sweetened lemonade, which according to the other posters is probably the buttonweed or myrtle, combined with honey. Where most oils I’ve tried are quite potent in their containers, Wooer isn’t even overwhelming at this point. Wet: Lemony, a clean smell. I’m amazed at how light this is. So many scents are like a slap in the face when you first put them on, but this has the mid-length throw most other oils only achieve on drydown. It’s interesting that if I catch a brief whiff I only get lemon, but continuing to take a breath I find the mustier bone dust/moss smell - like a ghost fading in and out of its shape. Dry: Well, I’m still bathing in citrus, and only a tiny bit of dust at this point. It’s nice, but I wish the mosses had stuck around, and it would’ve been fun to pick up some florals like I did from the imp. Thinking about its name, when I imagine a “phantom” my first thoughts generally don’t turn to lemons… for me, not sure it’s really evoking its imagery. But this is pleasant and has just the right amount of staying power. Verdict: Pretty. It’s fairly ethereal, so at least that aspect of ghostiness is spot on. I like it but I’m not going crazy either. I do, however, think it deserves more than the two pages of reviews it currently has. Rating: 3/5

In the Imp: Earthy and a bit dry after a long breath (don’t worry, I’m not asphyxiated yet). Getting the copal (resinous) and tonka (sort of like a clovey vanilla) mostly. Wet: A little smoky, but this is lovely. Sadly I don’t know what most of the florals smell like individually, but uh. They’re nice. I hope this stays the same on its drydown because it might be a favorite now – thank you BPAL for the frimp. Gosh, how to describe. You’re someplace distinctly Middle Eastern in flair, a temple of sorts. It’s dark but the golden lights from the candles, playing off the vivid oil paintings on the walls, lend a warm atmosphere to the area. Tendrils of smoke from incense curl around a woman standing before you. She has long, luscious black hair and eyes that seem to glow in time with the shuddering flames. She turns to you, her gaze calculating but not unnerving. The woman doesn’t say anything, but she doesn’t need to. You’re here because you were drawn to newly departed souls lingering near their last ties to the living world. You’re here because you were drawn to her. An undertaker, an enigma. And yet there’s something so inviting… you long to feel her embrace, but refrain from moving any closer. “Not yet,” she speaks. A whisper and a command. Then she’s gone, leaving only the scent of mourning flowers in her wake. Dry: It must be the labdanum that makes me appreciate the understated femininity of this, because I’m normally very anti-sweetness, but ambergris (which is supposed be similar) is one of my favorite notes. I still have no idea which florals are doing what, but they’re amazing. Not musty or overpowering at all. In fact, this is very light on me – the scent itself is dark but it’s “close to the skin”. Don’t leave me so soon, Sheol! Verdict: In truth this a five, my only issue is that it has a throw radius of about an inch and the staying power is so-so. I’ll just have to slather a bit more in the future; shouldn’t be an issue because a bottle is on the horizon. I think this will work for people of varied tastes, but as a heads up - those who have a niche obsession with anything reminiscent of temples/churches/cathedrals, etc (like me), this is a great choice. Rating: 4/5

In the Imp: Exactly like the descriptions says, sparkly strawberry. Wet: My skin is making the “alcohol” very prominent. It wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t push the strawberry so far into the background. What I can smell of the fruit, it’s more of a sugary, candy scent on me rather than the real deal. Dry: The strawberry lasted for about two hours, died down into a powdery version of its former self, then disappeared entirely to leave me with the booze. This is the first oil I’ve tried that actually made me a bit sneezy as well. Verdict: It’s not horrendous, but this cutesy version of strawberry is not the sort of thing I’m fond of – I’d rather have it more robust and realistic. Not only that, but it faded far too quickly. I don’t mind alcoholic scents but to be left with that single sharp note alone was too much. Rating: 2/5

In the Imp: Florally vanilla. The lab gave this to me as a frimp; from the description I thought it would evoke mustiness rather than femininity, but it's fairly creamy in truth. Almost reminds me of white musk. Wet: This did get sharper, but not by much. The fresh linen scent is present and sadly it reminds me a bit of detergent. It does possess something of a chemical feel, but it’s not entirely unpleasant. Just a “clean” smell. It's like someone accidentally spilled vanilla perfume on a piece of clothing and tried to wash it out, but the scent still lingers (now mixed with ozone-y washing soap). Dry: Still reminds me of vanilla laundry cleaner. I feel bad because I’m sure there are plenty of notes in here, but for me it’s just coming across as a homey, soft sheets smell. I don’t dislike it, but it’s not something I’m going crazy about either. Verdict: Not my thing but it’s a calming, enjoyable scent. Would be nice for people looking for a sleep scent or something relaxing. ------- *2014 edit* Well my friends, 5 years after first trying Antique Lace, a very kind forumite (Wren12 heeeeyo) generously frimped me this in a swap. Now, I hadn't thought about AL for nice long while because of the preconceptions I held above. But I figured what the hey, it's a much-beloved scent and it wouldn't kill me to try it again after all this time. Bad. Choice. My reaction can essentially be summed up as this: GOOD GOD IT'S BEAUTIFUL. What was I thinking!? I had all the opportunities in the world and I didn't get more? WHY, NAIVE YOUNG BPAL SELF? WHY. Seriously though, I don't know if it's just aged amazingly, if my skin chemistry has changed so it doesn't smell as strongly of chemicals/florals now, or if it's just that my tastes have matured. But uuugh, what a loss. It's the perfect, airy, "don't have a care in the world" vanilla. If I had to compare it to something now that I'm a rugged veteran of BPAL, I'd say it's in the same vein as Loosening of the Obi - another beautiful, dainty and breezy vanilla, but without the maturity of the rice wine and musk. It's like the sweet and fluffy dreams of innocent youth. Curse you Antique Lace, curse you Wren (but not really because this was so thoughtful) and most of all, curse me for not gathering more when I had the chance... (/silent tears)

In the Bottle: This was my first “blind” purchase, i.e. a bottle that I just went for because of the description and the fact it was from one of the Neil Gaiman-inspired lines. (He’s my favorite author in the world, thank you BPAL for giving crazy fans another outlet for their writer obsessions, classical or otherwise.) I liked all the notes listed so I figured I’d try and it out and see how things went. I’m glad I bloody well did. First whiff of this and it was nostalgia city, holy crap, what is that ever so familiar smell? Dandelion! It’s amazing, just as if I’d went out in the backyard when I was six or so and made my own mini bouquet. Wet: More dandelion, but I’m getting traces of honey now. It’s fruity and sweet, but reminiscent of mead in a very bright way. Doesn’t weigh you down in the least, it’s like stepping out into the fresh air on a sunny day and smiling as you realize a group of friends are having a picnic down the way. They’re in a lush field full of the cheery yellow flowers, and sharing a delicious drink to pass the time while laughing amongst themselves. This is just the thing a playful little fae creature would love. Dry: Finally I’m getting the currant, yessss. One of my most adored notes ever. It’s making this so rich and lovely. The “brew” is now even more full-bodied, as if a secret ingredient emerged and came together to create the perfect blend of maturity – the royal reserve and beauty of Titania, the fairy queen, Oberon’s kingly grace, coupled with the teasing and mischievous natures of their many subjects. Verdict: It’s love. I’m so glad my first foray into unimpables was a success. Just goes to show that sticking with notes you enjoy is a good plan, though this was even more interesting and fun than I’d imagined. Will be keeping the bottle to myself! Rating: 5/5

In the Imp: Sharp and cologne-ish, not getting much metal just yet. I can detect the frankincense which provides a fresh feeling. It seems very likely this will become more delicate after it’s dried for a while. Wet: Yes, it’s already quite pretty! There’s a leathery note, but leather as if a steampunk mechanic had been lying out in the afternoon sun working on his new creations. He (or she) is giving off a warmth rather than a heavy, oppressive feel. It’s a bit musty, but definitely not cough-worthy. More like a few pages of notes have been getting thrown around too often so they’re starting to crackle along the edges. The tang of “lubricating oils” is more noticeable, since this smells decidedly slick. I know that’s a contradiction, musty and slick at the same time, but it really is as if you’re standing in a workshop and taking in all the experiences at once, though you can still pick out each specific smell. The anise is nice, it makes everything feel refined and pleasant in general. Dry: This stays very close to the skin. Not that I think that’s a bad thing, it does seem possible this could almost be someone’s natural scent – though I’d be jealous of anyone who possessed such an attractive chemistry. Scarab is still very similar to how it smelled wet, and now with even more of a golden glow. The frankincense is present but not taking over at all. It’s inviting, clean, and laidback - but intelligent. Verdict: I’m sort of torn. I like this a lot, especially how sunny it feels, but something about it isn’t an exact fit for me. It honestly might be a bit too industrialized. I enjoy the smell of metal but perhaps not on me. Or else combining that with the naturally sweet scents isn’t my idea of a perfect match. Either way, though it’s not quite my taste, I’d love smelling it on someone else. Oh, and also, I don’t feel this is masculine at all now. It’s rather soothing and feminine. Rating: 3/5 P.S. - Persianmouse, that was beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Makes my review seem fairly bland in comparison. Perfect description of the images this scent invokes. *edit* I have to add more to this. I decided to give RS another try and while it was still a bit much for me throughout the day, I slept with it on and when I woke up in the morning - oh my goodness. All the metallic sharpness was gone and left over was some amazing... THING. I really can't describe it as anything other than warm blankets and cuddling with someone special under the sun's gentle rays personified. It would be rather silly to have to apply something the day before you want to wear it, but I just don't know what to do now. It's absolutely lovely after having worn it for fourteen hours straight, but that's so long to wait and initially it's too strong...

In the Imp: Cherry? Weird. Then a wave of cinnamon sears my nostrils. Wet: Shoo, I suppose this is the neroli – unfortunately it smells rather rotten. Like a citrus explosion that is way too thick for its own good, combined with everything else. I normally like spicy scents but I seem to be having bad luck lately with my skin making everything uckily sweet. I don’t smell any almond, which is probably good because I can’t even imagine what the bitterness would mutate the already funky cinnamon candy feel into. I don’t know what I was thinking getting this, I guess I imagined it wouldn’t be so one-note. Dry: Oddly enough, despite the fact I have sensitive skin, this didn’t inflame much. Probably because I didn’t apply a lot, though there’s a small, circular rash-like area on my arm now. Everyone is mentioning Red Hots and that’s pretty accurate. Yes, cinnamon is spicy, but to me it does not embody fire or the strength of the element. This is sugary and opens up your sinuses, but that’s about it. Maybe if this was paired with something else to deepen the scent I would like it more, but I’d still feel highly hesitant because of how cough syrup-y it is. Verdict: So very wrong for me! Another scent to hand off to someone who either appreciates sweetness, or is addicted to cinnamon. Rating:1/5

In the Imp: Men’s cologne, with the resinous scent of myrrh. Definitely musky and heavy, but even though it’s strong I don’t find it overwhelming. Wet: This is… sexy. Incredibly enough I have never before smelled vetiver, and a lot of people seem to either love it or hate it, but from hearing descriptions I believe it’s what’s lending this such a smoky, earthy rich smell. It’s great. This is probably going to sound gross but I literally started salivating after inhaling this for about five minutes, ha! It's certainly not foody, but it just smells yummy. It’s sensual, but in a way that someone would be hesitant to approach you, preferring to admire from afar because this lends such a foreign air to your presence. This might seem dorky, but it’s “magical!” smelling. Dry: Mysterious and deep, but surprisingly not as in your face as it was wet. It hangs about, like a veil of darkness. This is so much more unisex than I thought it would be initially. I can pick up more green notes now. Has an animalistic edge, and a hint spiciness, almost as if you were to smell dimming embers. I think anyone that likes darker scents should give this a chance despite some bad reviews, it’s all about skin chemistry as usual. The only thing that’s bugging me is that it's gotten quite a bit sweeter after the first hour, either due to the musks or myrrh. Verdict: Very intricate and unusual, but nice. There’s something in here that gives off a sharp, “Whoa, what was that?” effect despite it otherwise being a sinuous, sleek scent. Guessing it’s the mullein? Certainly dark, but not to the point of being obnoxious, and it’s earned its name. I’m so close to giving this a four, but I really wish whatever caused this to become super sweet didn’t amp up on me. (Not a big fan of sugary smells.) Darn it. That being said I might keep the imp. It’s a thoughtful scent, not something you can just slap on without a care, but it’s empowering. Rating: 3/5

In the Imp: I can smell a lot of apple, and it’s definitely sweetened by amber. Generally fruit scents are love for me, but I hope it won’t get too sticky sweet compared with how nice and clean it seems now. Wet: This amped up about 150% with the herbs careening to the foreground and giving the apple a lot more pizzazz. It reminds me a lot of how a hardcore candle store smells. There’s a lot of scents mixed in there, but it still gives off a homey feel because it’s familiar. This did remain a clean scent. Sort of like an apple cinnamon bake… well, candle. Dry: Starting to smell greener and foresty on the drydown. I like it more this way, doesn’t feel bogged down by the numerous scents vying for attention. This reminds me of wintertime and Christmas, a family sharing the experiences they’ve gathered over the past year while a fireplace burns and gently heats a bundle of herbs on the mantelpiece. Not at all unpleasant. Verdict: I like this. Not on me, but I like this. A pretty scent, fairly gender-neutral and inviting, but with a hint of the forest’s shadowy allure. A few members seem to feel this is a spring scent, but personally I think it’ll work wonders for anyone searching for a taste of fall/winter. Rating: 2/5

In the Imp: This actually makes me think of a very potent rose, but with an incense/earth scent backing it up that makes it musky. Wet: Gosh dang it, I hate that this is so sweet. Reminds me of a lily on steroids, or baby powder mixed with funky flowers. I wouldn’t call this spicy, more floral and just “loud” in general. It’s a very full scent, and there is some sort of a smoky resin in the background that I’m not minding too much, but right now it’s being eaten alive by the flower-wielding baby. Hopefully that will come out more in time. Dry: Lilac. A little bit cheap liquid soap, but no smokiness. Surprisingly enough its one high point, in that it had a strong throw, has dissipated as well. I’m fairly disappointed since even though it wasn’t what I expected, I normally can stand lily-ish scents. But this is too much overall and definitely doesn’t remind me of dragons. Verdict: I won’t be wearing it again. I think someone with the right skin chemistry might tone down the flowers and possibly get more of the resinous and spicy notes, but unless that happens, I’d be hard pressed to tolerate it for very long. Rating: 1/5

In the Imp: Strong hazelnut, it reminds me of rum. Or maybe that’s just my PotC association with this. The OP mentioned frangelico and I think that’s perfect. Sort of induces a giddy and carefree feeling. Wet: This has a darn good throw! I don’t have to stick my hand in front of my face to smell it. The coconut is indulgent and white musk is the other biggest wow factor at the moment. Gives it a soft, creamy feel. This reminds me of a sexy pirate lady that prefers the company of her ship to the rowdy party taking place on dry land. While her crew drinks the night away she quietly downs a bottle of something special she’s saved, when a shaggy head appears from below deck. It’s one of her newest crewmates, who’s been looking at her like he can barely refrain from pouncing for the past couple of weeks. He’s not at all unfortunate, and she could do with a bit of fun herself. The night will be longer and more luxurious than she first expected… Dry: It’s doing quite well with staying power, which is impressive considering how delicate of a fragrance this is. It’s pretty funny but I'm still getting a drunken feel, though not in an “I’m a drooling lush” sort of way at all. More like, “I may be flushed but don’t think you can pull a fast one on me.” The iris is quite divine. Verdict: I don’t know if it’s technically proper to call a smell beautiful, but to me this is. You know how there are moments when you look at someone you admire and wish you could be in their composed, confident state of mind? With this it immediately puts you there. It’s powerful but subtle, insistent but not forceful. Rating: 5/5

An earthy yet buoyant scent: pine, eucalyptus and orange. In the Imp: Frimp time. I generally wouldn’t have picked this for myself because of the rather pungent notes, and it does smell potent right now. It almost has a dramatic alcohol scent behind a very green foreground. Wet: Woohoo, lots and lots of pine! A bright scent. I’m sorry this isn’t a very flattering description (to most), but it reminds me exactly of Pinesol. And I’m feeling the power, but it’s a bit overwhelming. Very stringent and making my nose tingle. It certainly will work for anyone that wants something to keep them awake. Dry: I have to say this is better now, it isn’t bowling me over quite as much. The citrus is more noticeable and it’s melding pretty well with the eucalyptus. Still makes me feel like I’ve been elbow-deep in the cleaner/detergent all day. Verdict: It’s too much for me, I don’t want to feel like I just rolled across a bleached kitchen floor! A good energizer though, and interesting blend. Rating: 1/5

In the Imp: I’m getting everything as a whole right now rather than a specific, dominant scent. It’s light and breezy, but almost seems to have a floral background. Wet: There’s ozone, a splash of sea spray, and the bergamot gives it a wonderfully refreshing feel. I agree with some of the other posters in that I don’t feel this is a “deep” scent. I’m assuming the sweetness emanating around is ambergris (never had the pleasure before) - it’s really nice. This is bringing up images of a beach in Hawaii, where you’re relaxing in the sun dappled sands and wearing a white flowered lei one of the locals gave you. Not to say it’s without some Lovecraftian charm. Maybe a selkie pops out of the ocean and gives you an eyeful before disappearing a second later and you’re left wondering if it was all in your mind. Dry: Still lovely, though the citrus has faded out so the edge isn’t as prominent and it's more sweet overall. This becomes a rather soft scent as times goes by, but I’ll be all too happy to reapply. I keep feeling it has a very dreamy quality. Like you’re one of the people blissfully ignorant of unusual happenings taking place, but every now and then you keep catching strange sights… Verdict: I’m in love. Initially I thought it might be too delicate, but at this point I really don’t care. The more I smelled this the more entranced I became. The only thing that’s a bit frustrating is that the salty feel dies down after about two hours. Rating: 4/5

In the Imp: Whoa, this really is yummy. Sort of like a buttery, crumbly cake, smeared with vanilla and a side of berries. Wet: Red currant is coming out of hiding much more and it’s delicious. This could be considered caramel-y but it has a zest that keeps it fresh rather than sickening. It almost reminds me a bit of cinnamon but more… juicy? Definitely smells like dessert! Dry: Pretty much the same, which I’m happy about. Perhaps a bit more of the vanilla peeking through, though it’s actually quite spicy. Sort of like an October cake, not a pumpkin scent but it manages to be stimulating while maintaining a homey vibe. Verdict: Considering I reviewed Dana O’Shee earlier in the day and was nearly sent running for the hills, it’s nice to find a truly tasty smell that I can appreciate. I think the currant makes this, not overbearing but not so light that someone wouldn’t notice. I still have to admit I’m not a huge fan of sweet or food scents, but if I were going to wear one, it’d be this. I keep thinking I won’t need a bottle, but whenever I catch a whiff, I start doubting again! Rating: 3/5

… Offerings of milk, honey and sweet grains were made to placate these creatures, and it is that the basis of the scent created in their name. In the Imp: This is extremely delicate, I’m having some trouble picking up much of anything except a hint of almond and what smells like cherries. Wet: Ugh, this is sweet! For me too much so. It’s very creamy and sugary, and unfortunately I’m not smelling any honey, which I do enjoy. Not only that but I had to apply quite a few drops of this to be able to detect anything. Sniffing at my wrists makes me feel like I’ve eaten one too many cookies. Dry: More of the same, and now it’s even taken on a lovely soap smell. Maybe my skin doesn’t like this, maybe it’s the actual scent, but I’m not agreeing with it. It is feminine though, I’ll give it that – any man wouldn’t be caught dead wearing this. Verdict: Cloyingly sweet, hard to notice unless you’ve got your nose pressed against it, and doesn’t suit me at all. I don’t know what I expected, but with the description of the actual Dana O’Shee I guess I was hoping for something stronger. Quite a few others seem to like this though, so at least I’ll have a good chance at finding a trade. Rating: 1/5

First review all, hopefully it's not entirely inane. : P In the Imp: This really does smell like an old church - in a good way. Very woodsy, sort of a heady incense smell. It’s potent. Almost reminds me of tobacco, but still soothing. Wet: That wood scent amplified a lot! Definitely smell cedar, reminds me of walking out in the deep forest and feeling refreshed in the atmosphere, amidst all the nature. I still get the church feel though, there’s a slightly sweeter smell that gives a hint of the incense again. Dry: Very nice. I’m mostly out of the woods now and I smell amber. The sharpness balanced with such a softer smell is great. It’s calmed down a lot and has a "smoother" effect now, which makes it even better than before. Verdict: This turned out to work really well with my skin chemistry, and I love how at peace it makes me feel. Still, for daily wear it might be a bit too relaxing! I need something that makes me get up and go, so this will probably be reserved for lazy days and/or when I want to take some “me” time. I do like it a lot, however, so I think I’ll be getting a bottle in the future. Rating: 4/5