Ancientgirl

I ordered this scent because I love amber, but the ambers are a little bit shy. When I first put it on, it smells like a lemon lollipop, but in a good way. It's a light, sunny scent that I think will be terrific for the summer time. After having it on for an hour or so, the amber comes out, a little bit powdery but nice. It's more complex than a straight verbena, though that is the scent that comes on the strongest. It doesn't have a lot of throw, but that will make it a good choice for when I'm self-conscious about wearing something too strong. Pretty, if not quite what I expected. Ancientgirl

This was a freebie imp that I've had for awhile, but only tested now. I'm glad I did! There is something about this scent that just makes me feel happy when I catch a whiff of it. Normally I don't get along with florals, but the fruity and incense notes in this one seem to balance it out. It definitely reminds me of some commercial perfume I can't remember (I never really wore them, so I'm not familiar with many names), but without the alcoholic sharpness. The florals (plumeria, I guess) make their presence known first, then mellow out to a very sunny creaminess. This is a scent I would wear to dine al fresco, at a mother's day brunch or a hot summer date. It's sophisticated and subtle, yet long wearing. Might end up being a big bottle. Ancientgirl

I got this as a frimp, although it sounds like something I would have chosen to order. Peach is a lovely scent, and amber is one of my favorites. Just on: I'm getting peach wine, and a little incense. There's also some note that strikes me as corn-like or grainy (like Frito breath)---but maybe that's just my skin. I've smelled it in other scents, but have yet to identify the culprit. 15 minutes later: Still peachy, and the myrtle is coming out now. But where is the amber? After two hours, the scent all but disappears. This will probably be added to my swap pile, but my sniffer has been a bit unreliable as of late---I'll probably give it another try irst. Ancientgirl

I had to order this one for two reasons: 1. Amber = love (for me) and 2. I have a certain affinity for Persephone/Proserpine. Oh, and the poem is beautiful, too! In the bottle: amber and fruits. I'd guess pomegranate to go with the theme, but it doesn't seem tart enough. I'd almost go with grapes, which would explain the wine note people are commenting on. On me: I am mostly getting amber, although this is more complex than straight amber. The fruit note disappears pretty quickly, although there is something a little bit more "fresh" than amber usually is. This is one of those complicated yet seamless scents that Beth seems to excel at---absolutely gorgeous! It lasted through dinner and a movie for me. Hymn to Proserpine seems to very similar to The Mouse's Long and Sad Tale, without the floral note. I'll probably get a bottle of one of the two; they are both lovely! Ancientgirl

I just had to order an imp of this one, and boy, am I glad I did. Amber and vanilla are probably my two favorite notes, and The Mouse's Long and Sad Tale doesn't disappoint. I'm seriously thinking this will be my next bottle (and I have too many already!). In the bottle: I have a hard time smelling this. I don't know what's up with me lately; seems like I have a hard time smelling anything just out of the bottle these days. On me: The vanilla is creamy, and the amber is powdery (but in a good way, on me), and the sweet pea. . .well, I don't really know what it smells like, but it adds a definite complexity to the mix. It's sweet without being foody; feminine, delicate, angelic. My words can't do it justice: definitely a new fave! Ancientgirl

Some scents I order because of the notes they have, and others I order because of the concept. Leanan Sidhe is definitely the latter, because I have had mixed luck with florals. So far, it isn't doing any of the obnoxious things other florals do, like making me sneeze. In the bottle: aquatic florals. I mostly picture white or yellow flowers, though my nose is still learning to distinguish such things. Just on: green in the sense of springlike and leafy. I don't really get much herbiness, just a pretty, fresh floral. Dry down: Pretty flowers. There's something soft about it that I guess evokes the mist mentioned in the description. Overall impressions: Leanan Sidhe does remind me of more conventional perfumes (like you would find at a department store or boutique) without the sharpness or alcoholic bite. It's a lot more innocent than I would associate with its inspiration, but that's okay. A good scent for springtime, a wedding, or high tea. Ancientgirl

This was a freebie from the LC Sampler box,and I'm glad. I wouldn't have picked it for myself, but I am enjoying it now that I have it, and it will make a nice complement to my imp of Yemaya when it comes. My first thought when smelling this was "tropical." I don't see Olokun as gloomy at all, although it does make me think of coral reefs and the exotic fish that might hang out in the ocean deep. I'm glad a couple people mentioned melon in their reviews; there was this fruity note I just couldn't identify until I read them. This is a very fresh scent, and I think it is fairly gender neutral. It seems like something I'll turn to on those days when I need a little boost. To me it's energizing, and would be a good "first day of work" scent. I like it! Ancientgirl

This was among a gift of freebies from my last Switch Witch---thanks, Tsarina! In the bottle: Heady musk, plus that uniquely BPAL coconut aura. I'm not good with florals, so I'm not sure I'd know orris from any other note. In any case, I don't get much floral at first. Just on: The coconut mellows a bit and lets the musk take center stage. I don't so much get "soapy," but there is a bit of a "waxy" feel to this scent. It's not unpleasant, just an odd association I have with certain fragrances, especially those containing vetiver. Dry down: This is a very sophisticated scent, almost too sophisticated for my tastes, if there weren't that subtle note of coconut. The scent reminds me of a Gauguin painting. 3+ hours later: Now that it's mellowed some, the floral finally comes out, and the fragrance becomes much sweeter. This phase lasts really long on me; I wore it to bed, and still smelled of it in the morning. Verdict: it's not my best scent, but worth hanging onto. Ancientgirl

This is a very delicate, fresh, and youthful scent. I have a hard time picking out specific notes, but it's floral without being overwhelming, and watery without being obvious; reminds me of dew. The feeling is both innocent and mystical, like a garland of white flowers. This seems like a perfect scent for a young girl to wear on a special occasion, maybe a first dance or a bat mitzvah or something. I'll save the imp for my girliest days, or for those occasions when subtle is best. I am another of those for whom this doesn't last too long. Ancientgirl

So this is what an aquatic is like! I'm really liking Sea of Glass. When I first put it on, I got that citrussy note some people have mentioned along with the aquatic freshness. After a couple hours, the saltiness comes out, and the scent goes more diffuse---less like I'm smelling it than feeling it. A good choice for summertime or close quarters, when you want to smell fresh but not overwhelming. I am not experiencing the allergic reaction other have mentioned, but then I've already been so congested these days that I don't think I could tell. Ancientgirl

Wow, I can't believe I haven't reviewed this one yet! I got the imp ages ago, and liiked it enough to get a big bottle! Anyway, this is a lovely and sophisticated (though not conservative) scent. Like sweet and spicy wine to me, and I can definitely smell the ripe juniper berries. The dragon's blood is also quite prominent, and I agree with whoever said there was a touch of something similar to Jailbait in it. although this was most noticeable to me when I first applied it. I don't know if anyone else associates scents with colors, or even clothing, but this definitely smells like burgundy velvet to me. Oh, and it lasts a very long time for me as well; I must have applied it around noonish, and I'm sure I was smelling it until around 7:00 or 8:00. That's with only two drops applied on my wrists. Ancientgirl

This was a freebie thrown in with my last order---thanks! This is one of those scents that, not only would I not have ordered for myself, I probably would not have chosen it based upon my initial sniff (there seems to be something syntactically wrong with that sentence, but, oh well). The cedar comes on very strong at first---ironically, not like a cedar chest, but rather adding a sharpness to the sandalwood and spice. Luckily, it does mellow a bit with wear. It really does remind me of curry, though not unpleasantly so. It starts out spicy, but then it gradually gets greener, softer, and some how sweet. This isn't a big bottle for me, but the imp is a keeper---something to have around when I'm in a "spicy" mood! Ancientgirl

This was a freebie from the Lab---thank you! This is the odd example of a scent which shouldn't work on me, but somehow sort of does. It helps that it isn't very heavy on me, so any headache (smoke) or sneeze (floral) inducing qualities are mellowed down. My first impression is a smoky and spicey narcissus, and then the lily and tuberose come out (the latter in particular adds a delightfully creamy note). This may not be something I reach for all the time, but I think I'll hang onto it for awhile. ---Ancientgirl

This was a freebie from the lab. This scent is a green, fruity floral. I don't know how to identify pomegranate, but I definitely get the peach, which is one of my favorite fruit scents but can be overwhelming. In fact, it impresses me how wonderfully the fruits and florals blend together on this. Despite the reference to "autumn breezes" in the description, this scent seems much more "spring-like" to me. In fact, it reminds me of Botticelli's "La Primavera" for some reason; like this is the scent she might wear. I can picture wearing this on Easter Sunday, in a pastel dress and a straw hat. Very genteel and pretty. It doesn't call my name the way some other scents do, but I will probably use up the imp. Ancientgirl

This was a freebie the Lab sent in my last order. Thanks guys! I have good news and bad news about this one. The good news is that my nose is becoming more educated. I thought that this scent reminded me of both Malice and Malevolence, and it has some of the same notes as both of those, especially Malice. The bad news: it isn't working for me. From the bottle: Very heavy and earthy. Funny thing for a hippie chick like me, but I guess I don't enjoy patchouli much. Something about the scent seems waxy and smoky, like a burnt out candle. Just on: I smell a lot of patchouli and musk, seamlessly blended. I can't pick out myrrh, but I don't know if that is just that I don't know how to identify it. I have some frankincense and myrrh soap that I haven't started yet, so I may give Lust another try after I've opened it, to see whether I can pick out the myrrh then. Who knows, maybe they will be a nice combination. 4-5 hours later: The scent has mellowed considerably, and I think I do get some ylang-ylang now. It's not soon enough, however. Overall impression: This just isn't me. I have no partner to test it on, but I suspect it wouldn't make me feel very sexy. Not to sound New Age-y, but I feel like I'm channeling the wrong element here. I'm more air and water, and this is an earth and fire scent. Sometimes I do need a "wickeder than I usually am" scent, something to get away from my everyday self. However, "Malice" already fills that need for me, so I suspect "Lust" will be added to the swap pile. Ancientgirl

This was a freebie the lab sent with my last order. In the bottle: I don't get any chocolate, which is actually good, because I love the taste of chocolate but hate its scent. I do get the same wine note as I smell in Bordello, along with mingled florals and honey. This is a sweet and complex scent. On me: The wine scent fades a bit, but the scent of honeyed florals stays. I am bad at identifying florals, mostly because they usually make me sneeze, but the mixed florals here do strike me as tropical, exotic blooms. 2 hours +: The scent is pretty much the same as when I first applied, but a bit mellower. It's a golden scent, warm like candle glow. Seems like it would be good for seduction, or dancing. I'm keeping the imp. Ancientgirl

This is the first limited edition I've ever bought! I smell delicate florals, which I can't quite identify, and a teeny hint of pineapple. It's a creamy scent, subtle but long lasting on me. It definitely reminds me of the way virgin snow looks, and now I want to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, like in Dr. Zhivago, or like the White Witch. Very evocative! Ancientgirl

I ordered this to round out a pack of imps, and I'm glad I did. In the bottle: Toasted coconut. Just on: More coconut. When I read the description, I thought the coconut might make this scent smell like suntan lotion, which I didn't want. However,it isn't pina colada coconut, it's more like macaroon type coconut if that makes sense. After a few minutes, the sandalwood comes out. The coconut doesn't step down, but it's willing to share the spotlight now. An hour later: There is a hint of fruitiness. I don't know if I would have pegged it for fig if I hadn't read the description. I really feel like I am walking through the garden when I wear this scent. The various notes seem to take turns coming to the forefront. Two or more hours later: The notes have blended together into a warm, spicy-fruity melange. Another complex and lovely blend from the lab! Ancientgirl

This is a scent I would have had to try even if I hated every note in it, simply from the name. Fortunately, that is not the case---I am starting to realize I really like honey scents. From the bottle: the scent is pretty, but with a slight heaviness that I think might be the patchouli? I really have to learn what that smells like. On me: honeyed fig, with a little bit of green-ness underneath. It's quite lovely! After an hour or so: The ylang-ylang comes out and merges with the honey and fig. It's a beautiful blend, seductive and spicy, and it suits the name well. The scent of a woman not only beautiful, but trained in all the arts of seduction. I'll probably be wanting a big bottle. Ancientgirl Edited to Add: This is a definite big bottle for me . . . eventually (I have too many! I have to start making lotions or finding other new ways to use up the big bottles I have!). I brought my imp with me on my trip to Greece, and not only did my conference presentation go well (the subject was hetairae, and other aging beauties, so it felt appropriate), but I also got picked up by a cute Greek guy ten years younger than I am( 26 to my 36)! Woohoo for Bpal-derived self-confidence!

I ordered this to round out an imp pack, and because I read somewhere that the Asphodel was an alternate birth flower for me. This is a very fresh and clean floral on me. The "ghostly" aspect comes out in its diffuse nature. I applied it only to my wrist, but all day I felt like the scent surrounded me, in a light and fragrant cloud. I agree that this is somehow familiar. It's very pretty, and I think it will be a good scent for summer or working out, any time I don't want a scent that is too overwhelming or heady. Ancientgirl

The lab threw this in as a freebie with my last imp order---yippee! Did they know about my Pre-Raphaelite fixation? I have multiple Ophelias in my books and on my walls. Wet: This scent has an aquatic quality that I don't really like at first---it's a bit heavy. Just on: The scent mellows down, so it becomes a blend of aquatic florals. I'm not good at picking out picking out individual notes, but I think that the lily is coming out more than the rose. One hour later: I'm liking this! It's a good scent to wear to church or to tea, I think; it's very ladylike, as someone already said. Who knew there were florals that didn't make me sneeze? I'm going to use up the imp, and then decide whether to get a big bottle. This scent is very demure, and I actually seem excessively demure already. Oh, and the scent lasted about four or more hours on me. Ancientgirl

I ordered this because I am fascinated by all things Dionysiac, and I also like strawberries! First on: I couldn't smell this at all at first, and then the first note I caught was oddly like a vegetable! Not any vegetable in particular, but just something that screamed out "I am green!" Two hours later: This really reminds me of strawberry herb tea. It isn't like a strawberry candy, or even like fresh picked strawberries. It's a little bit like the strawberries my mom puts on shortcake or ice cream (now I'm getting hungry). For some reason, it reminds me of Bordello a little, but my closest association is strawberry tea. I'll probably use up the imp, but I don't think this will be a big bottle for me. Ancientgirl

This was an imp I ordered because of the name, and I'm glad I got it! It's the perfect blend of fruity and floral; a very bright scent that almost wakes me up on a gloomy day like today! The floral component of this scent doesn't make me sneeze, as they usually do, and the smell isn't at all heavy, just clean. It seems like a very user-friendly scent, and one I wouldn't hesitate to wear at work. Ancientgirl

Oh, I wish that I could like a scent called "Magdalene," since she is one of my Bible heroines, but this one really isn't working out for me. I think that it's the labdanum that is so intense; straight from the bottle I don't smell any florals, but rather a waxy, incense-y type smell. It's a somber scent that reminds me of an ancient cathedral, while simultaneously making me sneeze (actually, if they were using incense there, an ancient cathedral would most likely make me sneeze). After it's been on my skin a bit, the florals come out, and there's a very pretty undertone. I can imagine this smelling lovely on someone else, but it's too intense for me. Ancientgirl

In the bottle: pure almond extract. I like the scent, so that's not a problem for me. Just on: The almond is still prominent, but it is letting the myrrh take a turn now, too. I don't really get smoke, as others have mentioned, which is good, because that often bothers me a bit.. Two hours plus: It's still around, but has mellowed somewhat. There is a spicy sweetness that somehow avoids being overly foody. It's a dark scent, but cozy-dark, not scary-dark; like huddling under a blanket. Warm and sweet---I like it. Ancientgirl