alterosen

Rather than the candied spicier Samhain I was expecting, my decant was actually less sweet than my Samhain spray. I think I got the dark, dank forest variation, with extra vetiver. Bummer! I love Samhain & was looking forward to a candied cinnamon version.

Mostly pomegranate & a bit of rose, with a hint of bitterness, followed by what my nose is reading as opium. On late drydown, I get some dusky vanilla which is my favorite part but the bitterness still lingers. Not really noticing any apple, sandalwood or red musk. Interesting, but I'm more a Crypt Queen kind of gal.

Some of the Laces from Dark Delicacies have a lovely vanilla musk base to them. I especially like Tattered Lace & Black Lace, and I get a bit from Beautiful Death, too. They're a bit hard to come by but do turn up for Sale occasionally.

Gobo from the Fraggles: Tangerine, lemon peel, sugared pink grapefruit, and vanilla cream. So yummy!

Black Taffeta - it takes a while to sweeten up but it's rather nice once dry.

I, too, get the Tootsie Rolls comparison but a lot of the chocolate scents do that on me so I'm not worried. It is pretty strong with a hint of pinkness, raspberry rather than cherry to my nose. No dragon's blood, fortunately, because that usually smells like lilac on me & as adventurous as I am with my edible chocolate, I really dislike lilac & wouldn't want it mixed in here. On drydown, something familiar emerges - honey with a hint of vanilla. I don't notice any incense & any wood is smoothly mixed in with the Tootsie Rolls note, if it is there. This is a rather yummy scent with pretty good staying power. I suspect my kids are going to nab it

Brimstone!

Yum! Starts out boozy, spicy apple, then the cake appears with all its vanilla goodness & the drydown is sugary vanilla & sandalwood with just a hint of fruitiness. I wish the apples lasted longer but I have other scents I can wear when I'm in the mood for fruit. This is for when I want cake!

Marshmallow root, coconut, macadamia milk, cream accord, and a drop of golden amber. Not sure what made me order this one since I don't like coconut that much nor amber. Perhaps I was intrigued by the marshmallow...? Anyway, this ended up working really well on me. Rich, warm, creamy, coconut vanilla (no butter fortunately) followed by spice that I'm reading as cardamom. That's probably what's reminding some people of chai. Delicious & long lasting!

Musky strawberry candy! Nicer & less juvenile than it sounds. If I concentrate, I get an occasional whiff of cherry & vanilla/heliotrope. I like it, though the throw is rather lighter than I expected. Again, no worries about wearing it to work!

Perhaps La Befana (Yule '07 & '13: Candy charcoal, winter lilies, parma violet, a sprig of cypress, a poof of chimney dust, and holiday sweets.)? Some of the reviews mention getting licorice from the charcoal candy. On me it's mostly candied violet with a hint of berries/jam. This & Faith are my favorite violet scents, though sometimes I like Le Serpent Qui Danse, too.

On me, Dawn: Mother has a woody aspect that isn't present in Rose Cross. I think it's a very rich & lovely blend. If you like the resiny roses, give Parlement of Foules a try & you might also like Ossa Arida & Ecclesiastical Excesses (I'll also second Saint Foutin). Other strong rose blends that appeal to me are All Saints (another rich & resiny one) & Symmakhia (fruity, woody roses - not as light as you'd think from the notes).

My decant of this gloss is much lighter on the spices than the perfume. It's primarily sweet creamy pumpkin with some cinnamon way in the background. I like it but I wouldn't have minded more spice. On the plus side, totally work friendly & my husband really likes it, too - I got an unsolicited: "Your hair smells great!" from him.

I was a little afraid of the blackened honey in this but it's just a lovely sweet red apple. There's a bit of a green bite when first applied (the poisoned apple aspect?) but that disappears & I'm left with a very realistic apple scent. Light throw (but I can still smell it) & that means I can wear it to work! I can see using this year-round.

How about Suck it (black cherry brandy, Weenie 2009) & its companion scent, Bite Me (croquembouche with almond silk & a drizzle of caramel)? I know you said foodie doesn't work for you but Bite Me was all boozy almond on me rather than cream puff or caramel. Put them on your wishlist just in case

I immediately thought of the Illyria section, so basically I'll second Balame's choices plus Helena & Katharina. And also Bess, Bon Vivant, Fae, Maiden, The Rose & Le Serpent Qui Danse.

I was hoping for more gingerbread. There's some at the beginning but then the scent changes to what to my nose reads as tobacco & cream. And, of course, it's strong & long-lasting cause I really don't like it (though I have no problem with regular Goblin). Much less patchouli & coconut than the original.

I think I may like a bit more sweetness than you do but here are some wintery/evergreen ones I enjoy: Old Moon '08 Moon of Small Spirits Wolf Moon Dawn: Cernunnos Knecht Ruprecht Loup Garou for citrusy & cool: Hunger Moon & Lady Death: Savage Snow White smells like a Pina Colada on me

Seconding Rapunzel in Ballpoint & Punkie Night. Sjofn & Poisoned Apple are great GC choices. You should also try Glittering Apple of the Stars (Heirloom Malus, ylang ylang, white and blue musks, crystallized vanilla, tiare, frangipani, and bergamot, from 2011)

Have a look for Shattered Pumpkin (Soil-covered crushed pumpkin, water-weeds, saddle-leather, and pine pitch, from 2008) & Pumpkin Smash (Pumpkin pulp, beeswax candles, smoke, asphalt, and beer, from 2007, some people report some spice but it's probably the beeswax) I love Samhain but don't notice the pumpkin - it's all earthy spiced apples on me. Put it on your wishlist anyway, you never know.

It's Haunt: Rising (smoky berries for the win!)

September 10th 1. I wonder what a potential witchee would think about being bombarded with PUMPKINS in various formats. Because my current obsession just may last long enough to be of use in spoiling.....but I know wouldn't be appreciated by everyone. Would you appreciate it?!? Love all kinds of pumpkin! To eat, to wear & to look at... 2. I currently have a CSA and my significant other is perpetually out of town for work, so I've been doing a lot of canning and baking with my vegetables. How do people feel about canned good (pickles, salsa, etc) and vegetal baked goods (squash bread, zucchini bread). Sure! 3. Trading Post wants? samples of Morrocco Bath Oil & Snake Oil Hair Gloss, goblin squirts of Fae Forest, Okiya & Queen's Croquet Ground 4. What direct sellers do you not like and would prefer not to get things from? And also feel free to list any retail brands you really don't like. can't think of anything that I have a really strong dislike of (I've never tried any Avon or Mary Kay products & I wouldn't mind Yankee Candles etc. as long as my scent preferences are met) 5. How about y'alls coffee and tea preferences? In my questionnaire 6. Do you cook? Would kitchen accessories make you happy? Sure! I could really use a nice thick potholder (I like the quilted kind), some more measuring spoons, weenie/Fall themed kitchen towels (cotton please, I also like vintage-y looking prints of fruit & animals), or fun salt & pepper shakers. 7. How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems? Would be awesome! 8. What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you? 9. Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)? Both my beloved black cats died in the past two years so something with a couple of cats together would be nice (one was built like an elegant siamese & the other was smaller & plumper with round eyes - their names were Pamplemousse & Max). It need not be realistic. 10. What do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests? I primarily read & bake with a bit of gardening, I've been dabbling with needle-felting, too. I spend time talking about & showing my kids insects, birds & animals we encounter, too. 11. Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc? Gaming accessories you long for? No thanks. 12. DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through Amazon? totally fine with used - I have some on my Amazon wishlist 13. What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try? I love Japanese candy & trying regional things from wherever 14. Do you have a favorite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom? Buffy, Star Trek, Cthulhu, LOTR, Sherlock; favorite characters: Spike, Anya, Giles, Spock, Worf, Legolas, Treebeard, Shelob, Gandalf 15. Do you have a Facebook profile (or other social media) that you are comfortable linking to aid your witch in stalking? Please note whether you are willing to add BPALers as friends. Not into social media 16. Anybody interested in something from RCCC, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist? I like the tote bag & to my surprise, I actually know one of the artists: Jason Copland & I used to work together about 10 years ago in a Library, so supporting him by buying a postcard or something would be very cool. 17. How important to you is regular contact / chatter with your witch? I'm a medium contact type of gal but as long as you check in once before the end I'll be happy 18. Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing? Somewhat, I'm better with word problems than math ones 19. If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions? Prefer CD but could do digital 20. What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it? Clutter & organizing issues 21. How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? i.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin… I would very much like something along those lines! 22. Are you superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations? Not really, I don't like zombies or gore, though 23. For the vegetarians and vegans: How do you feel about things (say, marshmallows or gummy candy) made with vegan gelatin or other typically-animal-derived-but-not-in-this-instance products? Not applicable 24. Ok, so we've covered pumpkin. How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples? LOVE APPLES!!!! Especially to smell 25. Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions? I don't like feathers or fur much & mohair irritates my eyes 26. How do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments? Love 'em! 27. How do you feel about Hello Kitty, and Hello Kitty accessories (including mugs, cups, etc)? Sure! 28. If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study? Ooo, how about glass-blowing... 29. Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like? I like Mary Oliver quite a bit though I hear her latest collection isn't that great 30. Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character? Sure - I like NMBC, Pirates of the Caribbean, Princess & the Frog, Frozen & the various villains & villainesses 31. How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationery - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?) I usually go more for elegant, vintage or creepy but those are pretty cute as is the Capuri Mono Bear. I also like the memo pads of Sentimental Circus Tea at the Castle, Fun Time of Ghosts & Kamio Animal Zombie (though I generally dislike zombies, this one I like - bunnies!) 32. What is something you'd really like to recieve from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!" Nope - it's the unexpected things that are the most fun September 14 33. Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists. 34. Tarot cards, rune stones and/or other divination tools yay or nay? Sure! I like quite a few Tarot card sets (I have a Rider-Waite one) 35. Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO I'm quite fond of Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, 36. Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague? I don't mind it 37. If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be? Late Victorian Romantic: Art Nouveau, Pre-Raphaelite etc. 38. If you had to pick one or two quotes to live by, what would it be and why? 39. Do you prefer physical books? CD books? eBooks? If eBooks do you have preferred format, kindle/nook/kobo/PDF/ePub/ect? eAudio? I prefer physical books but like to read on my phone while commuting. I think format would have to be ePub (whatever Overdrive uses)? 40. Smut! Yes or no? If yes, what kink, er, kind? Tasteful nudity, any kind 41. Ebooks! Yes or no? Sure, see above question 39 42. If you were to get a custom bottle from House of Gloi made for you what notes would create your perfect blend? 43. If your witch were to take a photograph (or paint or whatever) of something just for you, what would it be? Landscape? Flower? Critter? Something to illustrate a favorite quote? As well as the black cats mentioned above, I like night skies, spooky trees, leaves 44. What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration? Black cats, pumpkins, spooky trees 45. Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)? I really like lipstick & coloured lipbalm (mauves & plums), glitter nail polish would also be fun (anything but red - I have enough of that) 46. How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor? I don't mind it 47. I make hairsticks...would you like/use them? It would be fun to have a pair 48. Does anyone here LARP? If so, what kind of LARP? And what kind of character do you play? Nope 49. Would you completely freak out if I sent you a chocolate covered scorpion or some other food oddity? This includes things like 'bacon powder' from thinkgeek.com. Not at all! I have boy children after all They would be totally intrigued by oddities & I'm pretty adventurous myself 50. This has kind of been covered, but, are you ok with receiving canned jam (from a veteran jammer!) and if so, what flavors would you like and not like? You bet! I generally like berries or red fruit things 51. Let's talk nail polish. What colors do you love? Hate? Which brands are you dying to try? Have you ever used indies? Do you like glitter? Any textures to avoid (glitter, sand, etc)? I like glitter - one of my favorites is OPI Simmer & Shimmer & it's almost gone 52. How do you feel about getting a special Halloween plushie? Would love it! 53. I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun? Candy! 54. Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of? Everything in the bottle section of my wishlist! 55. I know not everyone likes Lush products, but if you do, which Lush items would you like to get from your Witch? I like the bubble bars (Comforter, Blue Skies) & shower gels 56. Is there anywhere (in the US) that you are dying to get away to? Also when would you be able to get away. Would this even be something you were interested in? If so, go look at the Southwest sale for routes and dates and times. Not applicable for me 57. If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc? Sure - I'd love a tissue tee (L or XL depending on how it's cut, I prefer it to be a bit loose around the belly) 58. THINKGEEK! Who loves it - do you have a wishlist on there?? What are some things you are jonesing for on there for under $20? Lots of things - should really make a wishlist but won't have time today 59. Zombies, yes or no? Only if it's cute like in Plants VS Zombies 60. Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves? Love some fingerless gloves! Just past wrist 61. Do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s? cats, tigers, otters & if we can include birds - crows 62. Anyone have any Paintbox Soapworks loves? Lavender Truffle, Lemony Biscuit 63. How would you feel if your witch or a minion of your witch showed up in person at your house with goodies? Thrilled? Annoyed? Completely creeped out? I wouldn't be creeped out but I would be embarrassed about the state of my house 64. Do you have a ravelry account? Tell me about your yarn obsessions. Nope, not a knitter! 65. Sock Dreams, yay or nay? Yay! 66. Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors? Yay! Love a scarf in a heather purpley mix 67. Is your Amazon WL up-to-date? More or less, I might add the odd thing still 68. If you were to receive handmade caramels, would it matter if they were made with raw cream (unpasteurized)? Not at all - bring them on! 69. Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Are there types of incense you know you don't like? Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals to get you started with that, or would you rather stick to simpler types? I prefer Japanese incense; a burner would probably be asking for trouble with my cats & kids 70. I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices? You bet! Especially mixes & regional stuff 71. Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen? You bet! A calligraphy felt pen would also be fun 72. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "gimme that ghost pepper!" and 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" Where is your heat tolerance? Mild to medium, 3-6ish? 73. What is your favorite type of Halloween candy? Mini chocolate bars & marshmallow caramel pumpkins 74. Do you need or want any cosy footwear, like fluffy slippers, or slipper socks etc? I love slipper socks! 75. What do you most look forward to each Fall? Halloween & fallen leaves (the sight, smell & crunch of them) 76. What gadgets do you use in your everyday life and would you like a cool case for them - with your favourite fandom or artwork or saying? No thanks - I'm all set. 77. Are there any beauty accessories you need or would like? For example make-up brushes, facial brushes or eyelash curlers. I'm good 78. Would you be disappointed to get one big box, or would you prefer a bunch of little ones? And would you be disappointed if your witch actually had it together early and sent it to you sooner than later? Either would be good & not at all disappointed to receive it early 79. Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? And if so, what size? For PJ pants, do you like cotton or flannel? PJs would be fun - cotton or flannel, size large 80. Do you like M&Ms? I especially like the seasonal ones & the pretzel ones 81. How about wax melts? No thanks. 82. Would you like a subscription for Spotify? Sure! 83. What scents from the Lillith update would you like to try? Avunculus, Blueberry Picking, Lily Witch, (Not So) Penitent (Mini) Magdalene, The Heirophant & The Empress, Venustas 84. Would you be interested in receiving a box of sugar cube skulls? You bet! 85. Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? Lip balms? Yay or nay? I'm good for facial stuff but always happy to have lip balm or body butter 86. Is there anything you would like from Salem MA (mugs, keychains, postcards, etc.or witchy supplies like incense, candles, books)? Sure - anything! 87. Would you be interested in any of the items in LisaNut's etsy shop? I like the Ready for Winter scarf 88. Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no? Yay! 89. Pillows (the mostly decorative type)? No thanks. 90. Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc? I can always use grocery & tote bags 91. Is there anything special coming up in your life? My kids are finally going back to school now that the teachers have settled their strike 92. Which one scent would you want from each of the following updates: Metamorphosis, Lilith and GC? Eastern Comma or Question Mark; Venustas or (Not so) Penintent (Mini) Magdalene; Dorian or Dee 93. Are you interested in anything from NYCC? Samples of the Hairglosses! Also Daylight Kissing Her Wan Hair, Little Maggie 94. Would something from the Tokyo Game Show (e.g. postcards, fans) possibly interest you? 95. Would you enjoy any of these couple rings? Or anything from the same store's Halloween collection? Not the rings so much but many other things 96. If you imbibe at all ... preference between: wine/beer/cocktails and then glassware and/or bar-ware? cocktail gadgetry? Books on the subject/recipes? would you want sample bottles of local/regional/small batch craft spirits if they were home decanted and labeled? A regional or Halloween shot glass would be fun as would sample bottles of spirits 97. Would you like some chai, lemon, rose water or other flavored sugar cubes? You bet! 98. Jamberry nail wraps? No thanks, I mostly paint my toes. 99. If you had to choose one currently available book (used-but-obtainable counts if you do used) costing $20 or under for your Witch to buy for you, what would it be? The UK version of Neil Gaiman's Graveyard Book, illustrated by Chris Riddell, would rock, should I happen to have a Witch who can easily access it. I totally do used! 100. Are there five things under $25 at Birchbox you would like? Royal Rose Simple Syrup in Cardamom Clove, Coastal Scents Step One Eye Primer, La Fresh Travel Lite Facial Cleansing Wipes, Benefit Benebalm or Posiebalm, Yes to Carrots Fragrance Free Exfoliating Cleanser 101. Do you want anything from the Fatherhood update at the Post? A Stroll Through the Quarter, A Moment in Time 102. Street art! Into it? Not into it? Meh? I like some examples but not super into it 103. If you could only pick one note that you love (e.g. Vanilla, Orange, Lavender, Rose) & you could only wear/have perfume, etc in that note, what would it be? So hard to choose but I'll say Cinnamon October 5th 104. What are you interested in from the NYCC exclusive list? Samples of the Hairglosses! Also Daylight Kissing Her Wan Hair, Little Maggie 105. Most anticipated "Weenie blends? Pumpkin I, Autumn - Overlooked My Knitting, Hallow- E'en 1914, Magnificent Autumn, Pile of Fallen Leaves, Pumpkin Spice Everything 106. Caffeine or no? And is this a health or preference? I like Caffeine! 107. Are you interested in anything from the MAC Rocky Horror or the e.l.f. Disney Princess make up collections? Not really doing anything for me 108. I pass this shop every day, If you were my witchee would you like a custom chocolate bar? What would you choose?Plain, white or milk and with what? Oh fun! Milk w. raspberry & spekuloos; milk w. caramom & chopped pistachios; milk w. earl grey, apricots & almonds 109. Would you like to try chocolate covered Turkish Delight or flower flavoured things (Rose and Violet chocolates)? You bet! I love Turkish Delight & rose or violet flavoured things! 110. For those of you who like Fantasy or play Dungeons and Dragons... would you be interested in a custom painted miniature? If so, what gender, race and class? Any preferences for a theme, color scheme, preferred weapons/armor, etc? Specific character description you would want me to try to hit? Sounds cool but no thanks 111. Are there any local or national charities that are close to your heart that you know would appreciate a donation in your name? Any animal, wildlife or child poverty, Cancer & Alzheimer's Research 112. I have two partial (Backup) bottles of some scents on your wishlist, Witchee. However, the labels aren't perfect, due to a tragic imp explosion. Would you still be ok with getting them? You bet! Labels are only important sometimes 113. Do you like incense? Or are you more of a fan of essential oil aromatherapy/fragrance oils a la Yankee Candle/B&BW? Or all of the above? What scents do you prefer for those kinds of things? Nag champa? Lemongrass EO for the house? What companies do you like specifically (if any) - links? Incense over fragrance oils & Japanese incense preferred. My Shoyeido wishlist: Hope, Peace, Creativity, Tranquility, Abundance, Inspiration, Gossamer, Fresh Coffee, Fresh Tea, Diamond & River Path 114. Trading Post Weenies are up!! What's everyone interested in? Most of the Atmospheres, Pumpkin Spice Everything Hairgloss 115. My mom has crocheted a bunch of little witch hats, would this be something you are interested in? Sure! I would use them 116. Are you interested in anything from my mom's Etsy shop? Skelly project bags are super cute! The dragonfly one, too 117. Are you interested in dried honey crisp apples or italian prunes? Ooo, honey crisps, please! 118. Do you need any travel mugs, coffee mugs, tea makers, rock sugar, coffee or tea syrups, etc? I can always use travel mugs & Starbucks has a beautiful blue ceramic siren mug right now that I covet 119. Is there anything from my shop that you might like, past or present? 120. What are 6 GC scents & 6 others that you would be interested in as imps? 121. Lush just released holiday stuffs. Any interest? Hot Toddy, Rose Jam & So White shower gels, 122. Any chocolate loving witches want something from this place? The Blackberry & Ginger bar sounds amazing!

La Befana is a LE that smells like violet candies & berries. It's more sweet than tart, though. Still worth trying - you should be able to find a decant somewhere on the Swaps & Sales pages.

Clean & sweet, then creamy & a little bit tangy - it reminds me of Nivea cream which was my Mum's moisturizer when I was little. Amusing scent memory but not something I would wear. (I tried layering it with Paladin which I find a bit too light but somehow that just made Good smell cleaner so it was even less my thing.)

On application, I get musky vanilla with honey & maybe a tiny hint of white floral. As it dries, the honey gets a beeswax aspect to it & a slight tangy spice. Pretty & feminine - I'm not getting any bay rum or woods. There's no way my husband is even going to try this on. But honey lovers should be all over this one.