Jump to content
Post-Update: Forum Issues Read more... ×
BPAL Madness!

grrrlennyl

Moderator Emeritus
  • Content Count

    4,118
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by grrrlennyl

  1. grrrlennyl

    Despair

    at first: the lab threw this in as an extra. a deep, soft floral. the lavender, in particular, stands out. on: wow. this is such an over-the-top floral. it is soft and wonderful. i'm not a big floral person, but i'm really liking this. 1 hour later: this has turned a bit biting on me, which, i think, is a reason why i don't normally like floral scents. i hope it gets better and less typical-floral-perfume-like. 2 hours later: this has turned out to be much sweeter (what is with my skin?) and nicer than the slightly old-lady-ish scent of about an hour ago. it's a bit powedery, too, which i like. 3 hours later: this is near perfect on me now. there's the tiniest bit of bite still there, in almost a soapy way, but it's mostly a dusty floral. very nice. 4.5 hours later: and...i don't like it again. it's back to the really biting floral, even though it's faded quite a bit. overall: unfortunately, this didn't work at all for me. off to the swap pile it goes...
  2. grrrlennyl

    Job Interview Recommendations

    well, I GOT AN INTERVIEW!!! i'm overqualified for the position, but it's better than no job, eh ? anyway, i was hoping i could get some oil recomendations from you folks. it's for an office assistant position in the african and black studies program at a university. i have pretty much all of the oils list here, unless the "overall" section of my review says i got rid of it. the interview is on tuesday afternoon. thanks in advance!!!
  3. grrrlennyl

    Chypre

    at first: beth included this oil as an extra, but i really like the description. it is STRONG. i mean, everything just hit me at once: the lavender, the musk, the violet, and, especially, the neroli. i'm either going to love this one or loathe it. on: this is very bright on me. i'm just getting a sharp punch of neroli, with other scents in the background. it's really cheery and refreshing. 1 hour later: this is getting a bit sweeter (from the violet, i assume) and the musk is coming forward. it's more of a dusty, powdery scent now. 2 hours later: this is now a nice musky, floral, powdery blend. it's slightly masculine, but still beautiful. 3 hours later: this has lasted pretty well on me. i can't pick out any individual notes, although it is a bit sweet, with a floral/herby powderyness to it. it's still nice on me. overall: why does everything turn so sweet on me? i really like smell of this during the first few hours or so, but it isn't very interesting after that. however, that's entirely my skin's fault. i think this will be great in my oil burner and if i only need my perfume to last for a little while. i probably won't be getting this again, unless i get another imp of it.
  4. grrrlennyl

    La Bella Donna Della Mia Mente

    at first: beth included this as an extra, and it's exactly the type of thing i like: pomegranate, peach, and an aquatic feel. it is wonderfully complex and beautiful. i really think i'm going to like this one. on: i definitely smell pomegranate, but with a wet floral background. very nice, but i'm not sure that it's me. 1 hour later: i'm smelling mostly rose now, and it's lovely. there's still a bit of tartness there from the pomegranate, but it's mostly this beautiful rose scent. 2 hours later: this is still mostly rosy, but with something slightly sweet and earthy creeping in. it's really nice. 3 hours later: the scent has turned mostly sweet, but i can still smell a bit of the rose in the background. it's different, but still nice. overall: while i liked this once, it didn't blow me away. it's definitely interesting how the scent develops from pomegranate to rose to something sweet. i probably wouldn't buy this again, but i'll be using up my imp.
  5. grrrlennyl

    Shattered

    at first: this was included as an extra, courtesy of beth. it smells watery and minty. a very cooling scent. on: i mostly smell mint. actually, i only smell mint. however, there's something very watery about it, too. it isn't a biting mint; more of a soft, slightly sugary mint. i like it so far. 1.5 hours later: unfortunalely, this has faded quite a bit. i just smell the slightest hint of minty sweetness. 2 hours later: well, this has disappeared. however, i liked it so much when i first put it on that i'm going to give it another shot. i'm off to reapply... 3 hours later (and 1 hour after reapplying): my skin just eats this oil up. sigh... overall: it's too bad this doesn't work on me because i quite like it. if i don't like it in my oil burner, then i'll have to swap mine away.
  6. grrrlennyl

    Xiuhtecuhtli

    at first: beth added this as an extra in my order. i smell mostly incense and flowers, with a slight tang of orange. very interesting. on: this smells slightly citrussy, and a teensy bit floral. beyond that, i can't quite describe it. really beautiful, though. 1 hour later: this has really changed. it's sweeter, with a lovely incense / floral blend. completely different from how it started, but still beautiful. 3 hours later: this is now mostly sweet, with just the slightest tinge of flowers and bite of incense. it's nice, but not very interesting. overall: this is nice, but that's all. it just goes too sweet on me, which makes it seem pretty ordinary. i'll probably try this one in my oil burner, since the smell wet is so much better than when it dries on my skin.
  7. grrrlennyl

    Tiger Lily

    at first: elizabeth included this as an extra, and it sounds wonderful. it only smells of lilies, but like lilies that have been sitting in the hot sun all day. on: this is just lovely. i'm not a fan of all floral scents, but i evidently love lilies. this is soft, but not timid. i think this is going to become a favorite. 1.5 hours later: i'm falling even more madly in love with this one. it's a tiny bit sweet now, but that is more in the background. this is all lilies. wonderful! 4 hours later: obviously, this has faded a tad, but not much. the lilies are fabulous on me, and there's just a touch of sweetness. overall: once again, beth shows that she knows me better than i know myself. i had no idea i would love the scent of lilies as much as i do. i'll have to keep my eye out for blends with lily. without a doubt, i'll be finishing up my imp and will probably buy a 5ml.
  8. grrrlennyl

    Embalming Fluid

    at first: a wonderful, light scent. this smells so fresh. it also seems like it would be cooling, which should come in handy during the humid chicago summers. on: on, it seems a bit more acidic. i think the lemon is coming through more.it's definitely a summer scent. 1 hour later: the lemon has disappeared, which is cool. it's very light and fresh, and i can smell the aloe. 2 hour later: this scent has become very watery, i'm assuming from the aloe. there's a bit of a tang from the lemon, with an undercurrent of something else, which may be a combination of the green tea and white musk. very interesting and refreshing for summer. 3.5 hours: over time, this scent got a lot lighter. i really like that the tea scent is coming out. overall: this is really a lovely scent. i'll be wearing this whenever it's humid. it's a nice, clean scent. i'm definitely a fan.
  9. grrrlennyl

    Voodoo

    A midnight scent, evoking images of flickering golden firelight reflecting off the sheen of glistening skin and the jerking shadows of bodies suffused with spiritual ecstasy. A deep, powerful, resonant blend of myrrh, patchouli, vetiver, lime, vanilla, pine, almond and clove. at first: this just sounded too interesting and complex for me to pass up. it's sweet and green at the same time. very fresh and wonderful. a bit like the maraschino cherry scent i pick up in some other scents. on: it's definitely sweet, but a bit sour too. actually, it reminds me of what an amaretto sour smells like. it's quite delicious-smelling. 1 hour later: i don't like this anymore. it's too heavy and smoky smelling. it reminds me a lot of three jacks: almost overwhelming. 2 hours later: this is really oppressive. i cannot stand it. i feel like i'm in a fog when i smell it. very smoky, alcohol-y, dirty (not in a good way). overall: smelling this makes me feel like i have a hangover: groggy and abit nauseous, like everything is a little to intense for me to bear. i've said it before and i'll say it again: i'm crap at picking scents for myself. needless to say, i'll be getting rid of this one.
  10. grrrlennyl

    Imp

    at first: i love amber. it's a good thing, too, since that's mostly what i smell. however, the peach is pretty strong, too. oh, and i love peach. i'd have to say that this scent is really playful. 1 hour later: this is wonderful. it's still playful, but the scents are more well-rounded. i can smell the musk and patchouli now, as well as the amber and the peach. this is a fabulous blend. 2 hours later: this has really "matured" on my skin. it doesn't feel as light-hearted and young as it did when i first but it on. instead, it's turned into a beautiful scent. lovely. 3 hours later: this has turned very sweet and musky, but it still wonderful. it's lasting very well. overall: every stage of this oil is amazing. i really like the way it develops, and am really glad that it seemed to be a long-lasting oil. i'm not entirely convinced to buy a bottle, but i'm going to enjoy using up the imp.
  11. grrrlennyl

    Szepasszony

    at first: the lab gave me this as an extra, and i'm in love with the description, since i love storms. the smell is beautiful, like crushed flowers during a cold storm. i can't wait to try this one. on: this is gorgeous. it's floral and powdery. i'm really loving it. 1 hour later: this is definitely much lighter, but it is still beautiful. 3 hours later: it's more powdery than floral now, but still beautiful. overall: this is one of the prettiest oils i've tried from bpal. i think it works well in humid weather, but would also be wonderful during colder months. i'll probably be buying a 5ml once i use up my imp's ear.
  12. grrrlennyl

    Ravenous

    at first: the first thing i smell is zoo. ewww. however, i can smell the orange blosson, which is beautiful. i hope this is better on than in the vial. on: this is disgusting on me. all i'm smelling is wax; like the kind you smell burning in those machines at museums and zoos that make animals or other things out of a mold. 1 hour later: well, it isn't as waxy now, but it still doesn't smell good...at all. i really am starting to hate this one. i think it may be the red patchouli. 1.5 hours later: this has softened quite a lot, but i still don't like the scent at all. overall: needless to say, i won't be getting this one ever again. i'm clearly not very good at picking oils for myself. i'll be getting rid of my imp; i never want to smell this again.
  13. grrrlennyl

    Queen of Sheba

    at first: the lab threw this in as an extra. at first, it just smells sweet, but then the smell of almonds come out. however, i don't like the smell of these particular almonds, possibly because of the other spices i smell mixed in with them. on: this is fabulous. it's definitely sweet, but much more complex than that. the almonds make the scent fuller, and the spices give it a nice edge. 1 hour later: this has turned into a very sophisticated and rather commanding scent. i could definitely imagine a queen wearing this. 2 hours later: this is still wonderfully sophisticated and even a bit haughty. i'm definitely glad the lab threw this one in with my order. 3 hours later: this has softened a bit, but i can still smell the bite of the spices, as well as the almonds and general sweetness. overall: if i had to sum it up, i'd say that this is how a woman who has her shit together would smell. it makes me feel confident and strong. i'm not entirely sure i'll be buying a bottle, but i'll probably work on always having an imp on hand. actually, i can't wait to wear this to a job interview.
  14. grrrlennyl

    The Emperor

    at first: i chose this because it is both my personality and soul card. it has a bite, and is floral and herbal at the same time. i think i catch a bit of sweetness to it, too. on: herbal and floral. nothing really specific, but i like it. 1 hour later: this is going a bit sweet on me, but the herbal/floral scent is still most prominent. i like it. 2 hours later: this has faded a little, and seems rounder. it's subtly beautiful. it really suits me. 3 hours later: still subtle, but lovely. it's almost comforting, in a familiar sort of way. overall: this is lovely and very "me". it just seems to strike a chord with me somehow. i may end up getting a 5ml in the future.
  15. grrrlennyl

    Severin

    at first: this is another one that i never would have tried if the lab didn't toss it into my order. i smell a bit of lemon to this, but that's about all. on: i can smell the leather now, but it isn't as uncomfortable to me as the leather in de sade was. it's also definitely tea-like, but i still get some lemon or other citrus, too. i like it. it's light and refreshing, but the leather keeps it from being too "clean" or simple. 1 hour later: this is really a gorgeous scent. unfortunately, it's very faint already. it would definitely need constant reapplication. it's kind of sexy, since it's so beautiful, but someone would have to be really, really close to smell it. i'm reapplying it... 2 hours later: yup, very faint. it's too bad, too, because the scent is very intriguing. overall: i really like this one, but the staying-power is just not there. i won't be getting a bottle of it, but will use up my imp.
  16. grrrlennyl

    Storm

    at first: a sharp floral with a bright bite of citrus. on: i'm worried. it's smelling a bit cleaning fluid-ish. ewww... 1 hour later: yeah, this is weird...and not in a good way. smelled a little vegetable-y on me for some reason. 2 hours later: lighter, which is good. i still don't really like the scent. a bit lemony, which i usually like, but not in conjunction with the floral component of this one. 3 hours later: this is pretty much gone, but i can still smell it a bit if i try. still a yucky, sour floral on me. overall: a big ol' NO on this one. i think this is the first oil that i've vehemently disliked. it's just oddly sour and unpleasant on me.
  17. grrrlennyl

    Bruja

    at first: a dark floral. very sexy. on: i smelled a tinge of sweetness for a second, but now it's all flowers. it's actually a bit biting, as far as the floral smell goes. i'm not sure i like it. 1 hour later: i can detect the amber when i first sniff, the lilac is more in the background, and i can't even get a hint of the myrrh. i'm really glad this is going a bit sweet on me, since it seemed like the lilac was going to get really harsh on my skin. 2 hours later: i definitely like this more as it develops. the lilac is there, still with the amber, but more evenly. i think i smell a bit of incense to it, too, but not much. 3 hours later: this is just so pretty. mostly floral, but slightly sweet, too. the myrrh has, once again, disappeared, which is fine by me. the lilac and amber together make for a very feminine, not-old-ladyish floral on me. overall: this is a bit too pretty for me, i think. i loved that it vascillated between mostly floral and mostly sweet, though. it just doesn't scream "me", i guess. i'll wear this occassionally, but can't really see myself buying a bottle of it.
  18. grrrlennyl

    Allergy Questions, Allergies and other reactions to oils

    hmmm...weird. maybe you're allergic. is there anything that imp and dragon's milk have in common? (sorry, i'm too lazy to look it up. ) ok, i looked it up... dragon's milk - Dragon's blood resin and honeyed vanilla. imp - white peach, amber, golden musk and patchouli. nothing in common that i can see. weird... sorry to suggest this, but...since it's just been yesterday and today, could you be getting sick?
  19. grrrlennyl

    O

    at first: i was expecting this to be sweet and it is, but with a floral tartness to it. very nice. on: smells like lush's honey i washed the kids (hiwtk) soap now: a sweet, syrupy honey. however, i also, for some reason, smell apple. weird. 15 minutes later: well, this evidently gets the seal of approval from isabel (my cat). she just sniffed my wrist and started licking it. hehe... it has become sweeter, but not as heavy, and the tartness and apple scent are pretty much gone. it smells like a more sophisticated version of hiwtk. 1 hour later: i'm in love with this one. it's sweet, but not sickly sweet; more of a sexy kind of a sweet. 2 hours later: this stuff is amazing. it seems more complex than straight-up honey to me, so that might be either the vanilla or the amber or, more likely, a combination of both. 3 hours later: this is amazing. i still can't stop smelling it. it's still very strong, which is fabulous. it's addictively sexy...or sexily addictive. 4.5 hours later: it's still strong and sweet. i can't wait to try it with some hiwtk. overall: basically, sex in a bottle. needless to say, i'll be getting a 10ml of this when i run out. i also bought an imp for a friend who is in love with hiwtk. i'm glad i wore it on a cool day because i think it would be pretty overwhelming when the weather is warm.
  20. grrrlennyl

    Depraved

    depraved at first: apricot (i think...). then, something odd. something that doesn't seem like it should be there. unsettling. i'm liking it. on: that same dirty apricoty smell. really fabulous and different. i think i'm getting addicted to the smell. 1 hour later: it's starting to lose its fruity edge, but it's still a bit apricot-y. i love that it's really deep and dark underneath the apricot. 2 hours later: still as disturbing as when i put it on. the apricot has further receded to the background, but is still present. i can't stop myself from sniffing my wrists. i just looked it up, and dark dirtyness i'm smelling is black patchouli. lovely! i may have to get a 5ml bottle of this one. 3 hours later: a lot softer now. the patchouli is definitely more dominant. this is definitely one that needs to be reapplied. overall: i LOVE this! without a doubt, i'll be ordering a 10ml of this in my next order. it's just makes me feel dirty (in a good way) when i wear it. fabulous!
  21. grrrlennyl

    Blackrayne and Black Phoenix Collide: SOAPS

    woo hoo! how fabulous...and exciting! i think the following would make good soaps: akuma (nice and fruity) alice or o (for a sweet, honey scent) black phoenix (of course) bliss (chocolate soap would be divine.) come to me (great to layer with the oil in order to really attract people.) depraved (simply because i can't stop smelling it)
  22. grrrlennyl

    Are custom scents available?

    hmmm...i'm thinking that might be a good birthday present for my girlfriend. i guess i'll have to save up.
  23. i've been wearing o and i think it'll be perfect. i think i'm going to order an imp's ear of it for him. i hope he likes it.
  24. he can't even stand the smell of chocolate or nuts, since if he eats them he, you know, dies. hehe... i'm going to have to toss on some o after my shower today and see how that goes.
  25. i want to get an oil for a friend who is obsessed with lush's honey i washed the kids soap. he's allergic to peanuts and chocolate, so i can't have anything with those things in it. any recommendations?
×