Inanna9

I almost gave up on this one, until it finished drying. The first stage was "baked goods", the second was "what the ... where did it go?", but the last stage was gorgeous dark incense -- the same incense note in Hellion as a matter of fact. (just a caveat - I smell Hellion in everything, so YMMV.) But, yes, this smells exactly like the occult shop where I bought my first deck of tarot cards. Doesn't have much throw, but I will slather and see if that helps. Bottle for me!

<dragging this a bit off-topic for a moment> Maybe it's a Fire sign thing, as I sometimes have the same problem. I grew up in a house of Fire signs, and didn't realize for a long while how the majority of the world didn't share my view that sarcasm and "shut up" were no big deal and nothing personal In fact, most people get the vapors over quite a bit less. But I'm trying. I think that's why I'm constantly throwing "smilies" in with my posts. Not that it helps. </aaaanyway...like I said, kind of off-topic> f_s, I've been following this one from the sidelines and I wanted to thank you for laying this out. I'd had some vague notions of the earlier stuff you list, but had had no idea it was so systematic on her part. And more than that, (as a blustering Fire sign) I really admire how reasoned and calm you have been throughout this entire thing. It's a great example of how one side can keep an emotional matter like this from spiraling out of control.

I got no leather from this at all In fact all I got was that wonky-ginger thing that sometimes happens to me. The description read like my dream blend, but it turned out to be a disaster in skin chemistry: a little sweet hint of vanilla and honey, combined with a whole lotta ginger and spoiled red musk, all amping until it was practically foody. I could detect the skin musk in there somewhere trying to break through, but it didn't really have a chance until about an hour past total drydown. And then still no leather. boo. It was really sweet and lovely in the end, but the ginger ruined all the fun. I've swapped this for #2, and I shall keep my fingers crossed.

Yes, shriekingviolet is the Queen of Logic sometimes, isn't she? I'm often in awe. I'm glad to hear you guys are discussing this issue, and I'm not surprised, because I do know you care. This is not a perfect analogy, but I feel like I know a little of how you guys feel. All through college I was a waitress at this restaurant until they offered me the assistant manager--and then the general manager--position. Very quickly, I went from being a friend and co-worker to the Big Kahuna, and I found it really difficult at times. It's ridiculous how much you have to watch your language and tone (perhaps the difference between "that is all" and "just setting the record straight, carry on..." ?) and that's in face-to-face conversation--obviously, we all know how much more difficult it is on the net. And it's exactly like you said Macha--you guys take up more "space". Maybe it's possible you might have to grit your teeth and click a "smiley" or two if it means it keeps things from blowing up due to misunderstandings. And that's the thing I've been thinking about the most (and drawing on my old experience with putting out fires and trying to be the "Hungry-and-Irate-Customer Whisperer"). What is the main goal in terms of your interactions with forum members during these "incidents" that arise? Is it to calm the situation, to put people in their place and make sure they know where they are wrong, or hopefully both? Both would be great, but people being the stubborn, sometimes defensive creatures that they are, I think you guys may have to choose which one is more important on a case-by-case basis. There are a couple of times when I watched from the sidelines and thought, "darn, if they would just say 'insert generic phrase of neutral sympathy here, why don't you email the Lab (or whoever) at insert address?'. Repeat as necessary, if they refuse to listen send them a pm with a threat to warn, and maybe the whole thing could be neutralized? (I actually have a specific example in mind with this, but I'm not getting specific for fear of looking like I'm dragging out old dramas or something). But when you get a big, back and forth arguement instead, well...I don't know. I'm going to try and wrap this up instead of going further (don't ask me how my posts get so long...they just do ). And maybe I just have a different (and inaccurate?) idea of what moderators are supposed to do. I keep thinking, "moderation" and "moderate" are the key words, although that's not to say you guys shouldn't be able to dole out a good smackdown when it's warranted. But like you lamented, Macha--it's not fair, I agree, but the more often you do it, the more defensive and perhaps resentful people feel. Perceptions get warped and then things kindle too easily. But I feel bad, because I'm making you guys sound like you're terrible, horrible shrews, and you're completely not. The very fact that you're willing to discuss and consider this shows what a great board this is. Other boards might just say, "put up or shut up and leave". But if everyone is truly disturbed about the dramas that occasionally erupt, then at the very least, I'd start with designating a couple of mods per breakout--and it sounds like that's what you all are trying to do. Just riffing here, but maybe having a Drama Blog to send people off to would be a good, neutral-territory sort of thing? (er, maybe don't call it the Drama blog) This place certainly seems more conducive to exchanging long posts with windbags like me And I am all done telling you how to do your jobs now. That is all

*ding ding ding* And Macha gets to be the winner of my response post! (seriously, thanks--it's been looking for a home ) <--- In case it's not coming across properly, that was all totally snark-free. I'm not upset here. In fact I'd love to discuss this and have it over and done with. I like all of you mod-people (I have no idea what y'all think of me--for all I know you guys can't stand me--but that's the breaks of having a semi-big mouth when it comes to this stuff, and I accept that). Just know that I'm not bringing this up out of hostility in any way. I will preface this by saying that in terms of rules, policies, IP issues, etc., I think you guys have been in the right and very reasonable in your enforcement measures. My only issue is with occasionally the manner in which it is done, and nothing more. I can't fix my links, so if you want to see the posts to which I'm trying to link you'll have to scroll down. sorry Okay, so moderators, double-standards and the notion of power...here we go: just to set the record straight, the numbers I gave as an example of the "bully perception" threshold were three, four, and five, so considering we had three and at one time four involved, I don't think I was exaggerating. The specific incident I had in mind at the time of my post was a different one and involved six mods by the time I finally spoke up. At that point this was, by the way, the only time I'd ever entered the fray in the H&E thread. andrabell posted a reminder in the thread that people not use the term frimp for non-bpal products. On paper it sounds great, and was perfectly within in the description of her duties. But it quoted Crescentmoon's post (who is a relative newbie), so it gave the appearance it was directly addressing her, and it also had what several perceived as a snippy tone, one that I know I would've felt a little embarassed to be the recipient of (that's some of that mod-power thing you guys may forget you have sometimes--that sort of thing is going to vary from person to person, but who can tell who is thick-skinned and who isn't?). An aside: I'm not saying andrabell meant it in a snippy way, only andrabell knows that. She seems very adored by her friends and I imagine she is an incredibly nice person to her friends. If she doesn't want to be perceived as rude, especially in the course of moderation duties, she may want to consider refraining from closing her posts with "that is all." I've always seen it used in a light-hearted but snarky context, like for example of TelevsionWithoutPity, and if you use it in a serious one, it has the potential for looking, well....snarky. Okay, so what followed (after PilotKitten--admittedly IMO--had a very hostile and over-the-top reaction) was eventually six moderators coming in to defend andrabell's post, and IP stuff, and who's being rude to who, etc. At one point they were quoting each other's post with "clapping" emoticons, which is just short of coming in to hi-five each other after some "oh, snap" moment. This is getting long enough, so I'll just leave it at that example, but I mean seriously...you guys are mods: is that really necessary, and can you see how that could be perceived as intimidating? I know you guys are people too, and I'm not unsympathetic--I would've answered clover's post about that in the H&E thread this morning if I'd had time. And like I said, I like you guys, I don't think you're evil or tyrants, or anything like that. This is the only issue I've ever had with this board here, and I think you all do a terrific job. But the fact is is that you're not like everyone else in terms of your role here. I know there's a double-standard when it comes to your freedom to post and participate here; there's also a real (and also a perceived) imbalance of power. A certain amount of discretion may just be the trade-off for taking on a "mod hat". You're all so freaking articulate you only really need one or two of you at a time to hold your own in these things, anyway. Plus, it seems to me that it would serve Beth and BPAL better if it didn't look like people who cause trouble--whether through accidental or intentional asshattery--get the Goon Squad sicced on them. That's how stuff winds up on Fandom Wank (not from here, but you know what I mean....). And no, I'm not calling you Goons! I was being colloquial. And making a point that you run the risk of looking like bullies. I don't think you're bullies--I think you care about BPAL and this forum and Beth. This is probably my years of customer service stuff kicking in, but I don't see the harm of dialing it back just a little when it comes to these "kerfluffle" things. I would like to know your thoughts, but I'm going to cut this off at ten-thousand words or whatever I'm at for the moment. Now, if I can only write this much for NaNoWriMo, I'll be all set

This is so pretty, summery and fresh. I can almost hear the bees buzzing. I get mostly orange blossom, rose and a hint of apple, all infused with honey and amped just a bit with skin musk. The honey behaves itself well and doesn't take over like it does for me sometimes. Never get any resins, but that's okay. I love this exactly the way it is. I see myself wearing this a lot come Springtime.

Yep, this is all that sweet-sugary-fruity BPAL goodness rolled into one. I knew I would love this and I do. It makes me happier than even Fruit Moon, and lucky for me, this lasts and lasts. Gets just a wee bit creamy upon total drydown and reminds me a little of Strawberry Moon at that point. Perfection

Wow, this works great. I'm getting more energy and determination from this than from, well...Energy and Determination I was in the mood for a cheerful, pick-me-up sort of scent, and on a whim thought I'd go "magical" and try this one out. I only have a decant, so I kept it simple and just rubbed as little clockwise on my heart chakra. Less than 30 seconds later I got a rush of heat--not of the surface friction type, but of the "energy" type I've come to recognize. I love TALs So here's the effect: I expected to feel a giddy bliss, but what I got was a rush of energy and well-being. It was a really awesome, grounded kind of joy; I tackled projects I'd been putting off for months and felt really centered and content. It was like this scrim of depression that I hadn't even realized I had was lifted, and my motivation to accomplish things that would make my life better was revealed. Maybe that's true joy--contentment and hope and energy. That's what I got. I think I'm rambling here... I used it again yesterday, when I was feeling a bit crummy. I didn't get the rush of heat (sometimes it goes like that :shrug:) but I got the same result. For chrissakes, people--I went to the gym! I haven't been in months. Really interesting. This has moved to the very top of my TAL order list. Highly recommended. (on me this is a soapy orange with just a tiny hint of spice)

I'll second (or third or fourth...) 2, 5 and 7. It's the purest, fresh rose scent in the GC. It can go a little plastic depending on skin chemistry. Persephone has the same rose note, made juicier with pomegranate, so you may want to try that. I adore roses, but found London too heavy on the tea rose for me. It didn't stirke me as fresh, but that could be chalked up to that dang skin chemistry thing.

Oh, this is possibly the prettiest floral ever. OMG, I smell phlox! I didn't think it would be strong enough to detect, but there it is: exactly what I smelled walking down my street today. I can tell already I will need more bottles of this. This is a white floral for sure; lily, lilac and phlox(!), but it's a gorgeously green, fresh floral--not at all cloying or too perfumey. There's a light, definitely green note in here--I don't where that comes from, except perhaps the musk? I love it, whatever it is. Sandalwood has been very elusive for me lately, but I think I'm picking up something light and dry. But wow--that fresh, green-stem note is blowing my mind. This may just be the quirks of my own personal chemistry, but White Moon is a winner.

Somnus: I'm here to sing its praises. I should have reviewed this a long time ago. Somnus is one of my first BPAL loves and I have bottles of it. I don't know what took me so long, but I just recently dumped one of my 5mls into a roller bottle; TAL's Nocturne works nice, Sleepy Moon is sometimes just the thing, I use one of my CT:III blends on occasion, but for me, nothing beats slathering on Somnus before bedtime. There's something about that strong, almost-sour lavender that makes me take a deep breath and just...relax. Like Moxie, it's aromatherapy, perfected.

Oh, Wanda - how could I have forsaken you? This is one of an initial batch of imps I tried as a bpal n00b and swapped away, probably after a quick dab'n'sniff with a very scent-fatigued nose. Now, thanks to the generous labbies, she has come back to me and she is amazing. First impression is a strong wine which quickly morphs to a juicy rose, very similar to Blood Rose (minus the dragon's blood). Then the leather emerges...guh. What a perfect leather note! A soft and sensual, incredibly feminine leather note. Wow. I didn't know such a thing was possible. On drydown, there's still the juice of the wine and the bloom of the rose, and then add the hint of musk and leather underneath it all and I'm sold. Big bottle for me. This one's hot

Wet, this is a fruity floral. Pretty soon it settles into a sweet, creamy gardenia. I'm getting compliments on this one, and I think it's partly because it has such a strong throw (I did slather this one, though). The musk has emerged, and it's very well-behaved, serving to temper the florals a bit and give everything a nice depth. I can pick out the osmanthus, but I'm not getting any sandlewood. I am, however, getting the most interesting note--a creamy and faintly fruity note. I'm guessing this might be the beeswax and vanilla combined with the peach blossom? (might be some ylang ylang fooling me somewhere). Whatever it is, it's rich and lovely. This is very romantic scent, and not just a one dimensional white floral. There are a lot of interesting layers to this. Very pretty.

This is some seriously strong stuff </alliteration> Honestly though, the red musk jumped up my nose the moment I sniffed the vial, so I only put on the teeniest dab of this on the inside of my forearm. Four hours later, it's still wafting patchouli and red musk. Initially it was a very sweet, heady combo of red musk and ylang ylang, and as it dried the myrrh and patchouli kicked in to give a darker depth. The ylang ylang goes away after about an hour, and like I said...I'll probably smell a little of patchouli all night. It's a nice sweet one though, not too dirty. Well, maybe a little dirty A pretty good embodiment of lust, I'd say. And a lil' dab'll do ya.

One of the first blends I tried when I discovered BPAL was their famous Snake Oil. Sadly, it was horrible on me--way too strong and spicy and made me think of a man who drowns himself in aftershave until everyone within a ten foot radius feels queasy. But I just got this frimp from the Lab and now I know what went wrong: I got my first imp of Snake Oil off of ebay, and it was probably a very aged one, dark-amber in color and extremely viscous. Some people covet the aged version, but it turns out fresh Snake Oil is my heavenly Holy Grail. Yea!!! I can wear Snake Oil! As long as it's fresh from the lab, it is the perfect blend of vanilla, patchouli and spice So I finally understand what all the fuss is about. And I'm off to slather myself in this...

This is very bright and fresh on me. A little grassy, defintiely aquatic, and I can smell it trying to go all dusty and wonky as aquatics are apt to do once they meet me. But it holds together well and is really lovely. Exactly what I'll reach for when I'm in the mood for something unisex and outdoors-ish. I'm very happy I've got another aquatic I can wear.

2006 version I'm in love. This is my first real foray into the autumn-type scents, so I'm afraid I can't compare this to the previous versions, but I will be needing more of this one. It's dark and sweet and softly sinister. Something in here is giving me the illusion of honey or tobacco...maybe? It's a sweet and smokey note, and whatever it is, it's very reminiscent of the same thing in DDLM '05 that makes me weak in the knees. This is amazing. I can't believe what I've been missing with these Fall blends. I'm so converted.

Wow, what a happy scent. I'm going to slather this one. It's pretty straightforward and just like what everyone has said: bright, crisp apples with a fruity, spicy cider kick and a heckuva throw. Everyone could smell me from across the room. What I especially love is how authentic this smells--not the least bit fake or plastic. A bushel of happy, juicy apples. Wheee!

Butter scares me. In fact, this time last year, I don't think I would've given any thought at all to ordering pumpkin blends, but my BPAL tastes are evolving. I could hardly wait to get my hands on these this time around. The butter and pumpkin are strong upon application, but the butter turns nice and sweet as it settles in with the other components, and does a great job of anchoring down the scent without overpowering everything. It doesn't take long for the amber, orange peel and mandarin to come out and waft, along with a hint of fig--oh man, that's such a gorgeous note combo. Pumpkin Queen is yummy without being cloyingly foody--it doesn't smell like a cheap pumpkin pie candle or anything. It's rich, sweet and spicy (without being too spicy), and the depth is amazing. I am so glad I took a chance on this. I'm really going to love it.

So beautiful. So, so beautiful. I've been hoarding my bottle of Dreamland, but I think I can relax now, because this is very reminiscent of that blend, no doubt from the osmanthus and skin musk. The Brides are maybe a bit heavier with the white florals, though, because I get a strong lily note from this one. Not catching the amber just yet, but there's a lovely touch of sweet honey. Oh, swoon. It's very feminine and very sexy. Skin musk rocks.

In the bottle this was dark but surprisingly insubstantial, like a sinister yet elusive phantom (yeah, I've been writing too much cheesy vampire fiction lately, I know). But it's the perfect embodiment of the Count, or at least how I see him. I fully expected the combo of black musk, cinnamon and leather to club me over the head and have its way with me (and I was perfectly all right with that), but what I got is even better: this is dark and feral, but august and seductive. Let me say that again: s e d u c t i v e. Picture an eminent gentlemen, wordly and intelligent, who underneath it all just seethes sex and yet you keep thinking maybe it's just your imagination. Did he just hold your hand perhaps a second longer than what might be proper? Is he really looking at you like that? Forget about it--this is a man you cannot resist; you're in way over your head. Oh, squee--this is soooo Dracula! Ahem. Okay, how it smells (on me) : a dignified black musk, a hint of leather, a tiny, fruity tang of neroli to soften it up, and a perfect, perfect subtle blend of spice--I get mostly clove and ginger, plus a dash of patchouli. This baby's gonna age like a mo-fo. My god, I may need another bottle or three. Thank you, Beth, for this one. You nailed it

Okay...I keep saying I don't need a man in my life right now, but it's settled: I need a man in my life right now, if only so I can slather him down in Schwarzer Mond. This is some strong, resinous stuff. I get primarily amber (gorgeous amber note!) and patchouli, and it's a smokin' alpha-male patchouli too. I'm guessing the light powder and oriental sweeteness is from the opoponax, and spice from the myrrh, and I'm not picking out the musk per se, but that's because I think it informs the entire blend, hence the alpha-male vibe. This smells like incredibly expensive, regal men's cologne. I can only imagine how it will age. Wow. Well done, Brian! ...and I just had to edit in order to report that on complete drydown this gets even more gorgeous and mellows into a rich, resinous wood. guh. guhguhguh.

I'm slathered in ritual oils today and smell quite funky, but as soon as these arrived I had to try them, and soon as I smelled them I had to review. So, I've got one in the crook of each elbow and I'll start with Beth's: Whee...pear! Then a very delicate jasmine, which get a little stronger as it dries but still doesn't overpower (I don't usually have problems with jasmine though). I'm catching a hint of something wet and green and it reminds me of the lunar oils in some of the older Lunacy blends, but it might just be a combination of the lotus and musk. The musk is so subtle and pretty - in fact this whole blend is delicate but lush. It's very evocative of sitting on the dewy grass out under the evening sky, surrounded by a soft breeze of night blooming flowers. And pears. Lovely, lovely pears. I knew getting three bottles of this would be a great idea. Beautiful, Beth!

I can't believe I've never reviewed this, as it's the one that took my BPAL virginity, not to mention one of my all time favorites. Heck, I can review this one from memory, I've worn it so many times. Roses and dirt are two of my favorite notes ever, and Zombi does them better than any other. This is such beautiful creepiness, I can't even tell you. The dirt is dark, moist earth of the freshly-turned-grave variety, the kind that clogs your senses, sticks in your throat. Then the red roses emerge; decaying, oppressive, their corrupt perfume wafting a dark, mournful gloom. It's a simple but perfect little gothic vignette, and eerily authentic. What I'm finding with my bottle is that as it ages, the roses gets stronger, almost to the point where they overpower the dirt. I may have to order new imps from the lab now and then to keep up that fresh grave experience. An all-time BPAL classic, and a stellar example of Beth's genius.

w00t! Green grass! Well, green grass and a whole lotta verbena. That's okay, it works very nicely. This is the spring green scent I've been craving since forever. I never get any ginger from this, and just a hint of amber emerges on the drydown, which is nice--gives it some depth. I will be needing a bottle of this cute puppy.