ralenth

Wet: Foul, rotting odor, mixed with wet vomit. Hard pressed not to wash this off! Drydown: As it dries, it seems to be mixed with aquatic cologne-type notes. It's genteel and ethereal, but there's still that scary opener lingering about. Dry: Unchanged. Overall: It sounded like something I might love, but it completely failed on my skin.

Beautiful, crisp snow, juniper and pine. It has mysterious undertones, very much like the forest in Mononoke Hime that an earlier reviewer compared it to... This very nearly was sent to a massive eBay destash. I am so glad I took the chance to retest this as I adore it!

Wishlists Amazon Universal Wishlist BPAL Etsy 09/19 Do you read/like fantasy? What kind of books or authors do you love? Which one would you like to read? Would you like gifts related to it? Yes! I am currently hooked on China Mieville, but I adore Neil Gaiman and Octavia Butler too. Soaps : do you like them? What brands? What scents? Anything you're dying to try? Not really - they tend to dry my skin. 09/18 Who likes hair toys, and if so what kind? Thin headbands without teeth are nice. I currently have a pixie cut, so I don't have much to work with. Does any art we may send need to be child safe, either in the actually safe sense or the non X-rated sense? Not at all! In the knitted/crocheted things area, would you want wrist warmers, 1/2 gloves, a neck warmer(the kind that pretty much just goes around your neck and maybe fastens instead of being long and loose like a scarf), slippers, or hats? Little slippers or slipper socks are always nice. How do you feel about altered/recycled/upcycled items of clothing or accessories? Sure. Is there anything you want from the Violette Market update? What is your favourite habitat and climate to live in? How about to visit? (ie. forest, canyons, mountains, by the beach; temperate, tropical...) Mountains and desert. What do you wish you could make/craft if you had the know-how and supplies? Specifically, which particular items? Is there anything you would like from Conjure Oils general catalogue or the new updates that isn't already on your wishlist? I've never tried their stuff. Am I alone in this, or is there a Book Fair/Comic Con scent you're dying to get your paws on, too? The Elephantine Colossus and The White Lady of Durand Eastman Park. Anyone need address/phone type books? Nope, thank you! 09/17 Are there any particular movies, tv shows or cd's that you've been meaning to buy for years but just never got round to getting? Would you mind a gently used dvd/cd if your witch had it or could get it?? I have been meaning to get another copy of Kore-Eda's Afterlife, but never get around to it. Used or burned would also be fine. Is there anything from the Possets' Hallowe'en update you're lusting after? Possets always smells like pickles on my skin, so no thank you. Would you like a custom/altered toy either from a seller or from your witch (like My Little Pony, or a Barbie or any particular toy that can be changed?) No, thank you. Do you like the candy apple, candy corn or pumpkin spice kisses? The first sounds foul, but the latter two sounds interesting. Anne Taintor, anyone? Pass. Which web comics do you enjoy? Questionable Content and kawaiinot! 09/16 If I were to knit a scarf, would you prefer a skinny one, or a wide one? A short one, that when wrapped once around your neck will just tuck under your jacket, or a long one, at least to your waist? Wide and long are my normal preferences, but I'd be open to new things. I adore scarves. Don't like scarves? Would a rectangular shawl or triangular shawl be more to your taste? Nope, scarves! How do you feel about recipes? I would love recipes! What kind of a cook/baker are you? I love to cook and bake. I try to adapt things to make them healthier, though. Are you happiest calling for delivery or microwaving a lean cuisine, Or will Food Network be asking you to host their new program? If I could ninja up my skills, I think Food Network might have a place for me. If I send you something home made would you like the recipe for it? Please! If you are someone who doesn't want baked goods sent, would you like a collection of some of my favorite recipes? That would be awesome! How about home made mixes or kits? Kind of like the cookie in a jar thing, where you would need to add the perishable ingredients? Sure! if you are a tea lover, what are your flavor preferences? Green? Black? Herbal (I know, technically those are NOT teas, but tisanes)? Flavored blacks/greens? Green, black and herbal tisanes are all good, but please stay away from the flavored teas. 09/15 How do you feel about silly, funny knick-knack, dollar store stuff, stickers, magnets etc? Would you like receiving that kind of stuff or rather not? No, thank you. Is there a specific book you've been wanting to get but haven't found the time or the opportunity to? Do you read mangas/watch animes? Which ones? Do you have a particular favourite? Would you like to receive mangas or anything related to them? I do. I have a weakness for shojo (Watase Yu), but I have watched darker stuff too. If you have something to recommend, I'm always open. Are you open to receiving things that are not on your wishlist, maybe something your Witch thinks you might like? Of course! If you have something on a wishlist that we could craft INSTEAD of buying, though it might not end up identical to the wishlist thing, would it be okay to craft it instead? Obviously we don't want to copy anyone else's design, but if we can replicate the flavour or intent that you like without stepping on toes? Sure! OK, I know that lots of folks love socks. Do you have a preference of length? Materials? Patterns? Any length really. I like light weight materials like cotton and bamboo. Patterns are awesome too (weakness for argyle). How do people feel about word magnets? I love the idea, but the clutter they make of the fridge really pisses me off as it turns out. If you could have any costume, or if you aren't into costumes, necklace or other accessory, from any movie character, what would it be? How do you feel about samples/decants of things other than BPAL? Soap slices, lotion/scrub/shower gel decants, single use make-up/beauty products, etc. Sure, as long as they are labeled. What are you guys going to be aiming for in the Inquisition? Or do you just plan on ordering individual items? I ran a circle, so I am good here. 09/14 Chocolate or other types of candy? Sure, but keep in mind it is hot here well into October. For tea drinkers, do you prefer loose leaf or tea bags? Loose. If you would enjoy something of a knitted persuasion, do you have a preference on type of thing? Since making a scarf for someone who has 10 might be a smidge excessive? Also, how do people feel about shawls? I love scarves, but I could really use a new pair of dark gloves (black or very dark grey). Is there a TV, movie or literary character that you are a lot like, or would like to be like? Is there anything you need for your kitchen, ie measuring cups, spoons, grater, etc? I'm starting all over, so actually yes. Sadly, I need just about everything now. Music, Do you prefer Live or Studio? Edited or explicit? Either way. If you are an animal lover, is there a specific type/breed that you love most? My adorable kitties. Also flowers and plants- If you like flowers/plants, do you have a favorite(s)? I love magnolia flowers, but for the most part, my desert baby brain doesn't think about plants or flowers too often. Do you have a favorite quotation? Song lyric? Book passage? WhateverthehecktheycalltheanonymousregionalwisdomthingiePROVERB! that word. "Closing your eyes isn't going to change anything. Nothing's going to disappear just because you can't see what's going on. In fact, things will be even worse the next time you open your eyes. That's the kind of world we live in, Mr. Nakata. Keep your eyes wide open. Only a coward closes his eyes. Closing your eyes and plugging up your ears won't make time stand still." - Murakami Haruki, Kafka on the Shore What is a bpal scent that you've been dying to try for awhile but just can't find? (A scent where even a tester would do) Spanked. I know, hahahaha. Let's say, hypothetically speaking, that you have some children/spawn (1 or more), and, hypothetically speaking, your witch would like to spoil them a little but knows nothing of kids these days. What do they like or dislike? Also is there anything a (sane) adult might think they would like that you don't think is appropriate for whatever reason? (I'm thinking of things like temp tattoos, make up, things that make noise, or anything else that might be bad for non-obvious reasons.) Not applicable. Is there anything you would like that can be delivered over the internet? Things like fanfic recs, cat macros, mp3s you are looking for, how-to or amusing videos, things like that? Any of these things are neat. What would your last meal be if it could be anything in the world (sky is the limit, drinks too, the whole shebang) NaNoWriMo? I have always want to, but it is a bad time of year for me to do it. 09/13 What interests you from the latest lab update? It's mostly too foody, but I ran a circle, so no worries there. How do you feel about stationery, like nice pens or notepaper? And if you're in favor, do you prefer classic/contemporary or cutesy stuff? I love fine point pens, especially blue, and stationery. I prefer classic, clean styles, but I do have a weakness for kawaii (and I am out too). Would you like homemade preserves (e.g. marinated vegies, pickled onions, chilli jam?) I think that this is cool! If you've got stuff on your BPAL wishlist, would partial bottles be okay? Yes, but my wishlist is pretty crazy. I'd be happy to try anything you like. Partials are ALWAYS fine. Would you like something you have to make yourself? Maybe. I do love projects, but I don't know any knitting crafts, so I am not sure what this could be. Say you were my witchee, and I found things on your wishlist that I could totally make. Would you want me to make it? Or would you rather it be purchased for you? Make it! Awesome! Who is your favorite soap etailer? Currently Haus of Gloi, Voda and Magic Hands Workshop (Salt bars only). Villainess uses too many chemicals for my tastes. What about vintage decoration items, teacups, etc etc? No thanks. With regards to your gifts, would you prefer your presents' awesomeness evenly spread out (several packages of pretty terrific things) over the round or a slow build-up of awesomeness (going up from pretty cool things to something super-duper cool at the end) to go out with a bang? Do you have a preference? Whatever my witch desires. What kind of make-up do you wear? What colors? Is there anything you'd like to try but haven't yet? I wear a lot of loose pigments in neutrals and metallics, but I am fairly open to colors and own quite a bit. I would like to try Aromaleigh and Fyrinnae. Who would be on your top 5 (IE famous people you'd date/have relations with ) Do you crave many Ecards and contact or are you okay with little contact from your Witch? It's nice to know you're out there, but I am totally open to whatever you want to do. Do you have a place where you list all the BPAL you have or have tried? I've tried, but I never am good about keeping up with it. Do you like maple sugar candy? Yes! What is your position on the chocolate & bacon flavor combination? Intrigued. I need to get my hands on that Vosges bar. If you are a tea-drinker do you need a tea-cozie for your pot? I don't have a tea pot any more. I really need one. And a mobile tea press. Go to your spice cabinet, what are the three most used spices? Ancho chile, chipotle and chinese five spice. Microsoft or Apple? Microsoft because I don't really want to rebuy all my software. Where was your last vacation? What did you like most? New Orleans last January (even though I technically went for an interview). I really loved poking around in all the local shops and talking to the natives. Would you appreciate receiving handwritten letters and/or postcards (anonymous or not)? How about sending them? Yes and yes! I adore postcards like you wouldn't believe. I love getting mail. Do you hate any food things with a passion?? Beets and baby corn. Would you be opposed to receiving a digital version (via email) of a magazine you like but don't subscribe to...you know, in the interest of saving a tree? Not at all. 09/12 Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to go to last.fm immediately and create an account! Download the scrobbler! Link us to your account! If you reject this assignment, maybe just tell us what your mp3 player says you listen to a lot? I've had one for ages. You can find it here. Any countries you're interested in? Italy. Would you enjoy homemade bath products (bath salts, fizzies, etc.) and/or linen sprays? Esp. if scented with some of your favorite BPAL scents? That would be awesome. I might go for aquatics or light florals and musks in the bath. Linen sprays maybe gentle sleepy scents like Somnus and TKO or something clean, and crisp, like Dirty. If you witch made you something and it didn't come out just right, would you still want it? Yes! Are you a foodie? I am a foodie in that I love to cook and drool over food porn, but not in the scent department. Any sports fans in the house? What's your favorite sport/team/player? For holidays, do you decorate? Would you like decorative stuff, weenie or otherwise? If so, do you lean towards the elegant, the crafty/folksy, or the more, erm, campy? I do normally, but I'm renting a room right now so I can't. Do you like journals/notebooks/sketchbooks? I do, but I have too many already. 09/11 Cake truffles? If YES! Cake/icing/chocolate type? They look tasty, but it's still too hot in Phoenix to get this kind of stuff in the mail. Are you interested in mini bottles(under 100ml for hand luggage) of bath and body products? Sure, as long as they fall in my usage parameters (No SLS, parabens or funny stuff) and are clearly labeled. Vampire shows, literature, etc? Yay or nay? Yes, but I won't watch/read crappy stuff just for vampires. If you play console video games, what game systems do you have and what games would you love to have? I used to, but now I only have my PC. How do you all feel about flowers and plants? Flower and plant seeds? Drawings of flowers or plants? Pressed flowers? I love the, but I am not really in a place to utilize them at the moment. How do you feel about marzipan? I have never had it. If you could have 3 BPAL bottles fall (gently) out of the sky right this second that you've been looking for or pining for - which 3 would they be? Are there any international treats that you love and have a hard time finding? Real maple sugar candy and tim tams. Is there anything from the 'Ween BPTP update that you would like but haven't ordered for yourself? The shirts, but they are kinda spendy and I will order them myself if I can find the money. If you are a crafter, would you like to receive supplies from your witch (beads, fabric, yarn/roving etc?) I am the anticraft. Find your iPod (or other MP3 device), put it on shuffle/random. What are the first five songs to come up? Soundtracks you'd like? If you could see one concert right now, who would it be? 09/10 Would you like a bag of dried Honeycrisp apples? Would I ever! I adore dried fruit. If you were to receive a knitted item (such as a scarf, hat, etc), what colors would you like? And do you have any sensitivies/allergies to any materials? My favorite color is green, but I have a great green and brown scarf already. I wouldn't mind a scarf in the blue palette though. I could also use a new pair of soft black or dark grey gloves. No known fiber allergies. Gift Certificate: physical or email? Physical, but again, I would rather you pick something. Favorite Yankee Candles? Or other brands scents? I don't much dig Yankee, but I would be open to other more natural candle brands. Would you like a zuni animal fetish? And if so, what animal? I think they are awesome, but I don't have a lot of space for small things, as I am in transition. And how does everyone feel about glow in the dark radishes? Not for me! What places to do you visit that you'd like a gift card to? Starbucks, Target, Wal-Mart, B&N, a favorite restaurant or clothing shop? I spend far too much time in Barnes and Noble and Target. I feel like GCs are so impersonal, though. Cake or Frosting? Cake. I thought this question was supposed to be "Cake or Death?" 09/09 What movie scared the bejeezus out of you as a child? Fire in the Sky. Still a little freaked out by aliens to this day. Name a couple of sites you frequent other than this one Do you like the Muppets? Which is your favorite? Beaker and the Swedish Chef. Bork bork! If you could have any creature (real or imaginary) as a pet, what would it be? Comfort Rereads?: Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Will you be going out of town during the round, or is there any other time during the round when it would not be ideal for you to receive a package from your witch? Not that I know of yet. If you are in school now, what classes are you taking? Does anything you are currently studying really interest you? (if you are not in school, is there anything you are trying to learn?) I am working on a Master's in Education now. I am doing it crazy accelerated, so my classes change every five weeks or so. Everything interests me. I am such a crackhead for learning. What animal would your daemon be? Alternately, your patronus. It would probably be a raven, but I could see it as a cheeky sparrow sometimes as well. What's YOUR favorite word? Squee. Steampunk, yay or nay? If yay, what part appeals most? Definitely yay. I love the hybridization of modern with sexy Victorian. Drool. 09/08 Do you have a special symbol or totem that is meaningful to you? Do you need a box for your bpal bottles? Your imps? Your something else to put in a box stuff? I have several (*cough* ten*cough*) tea chests of BPAL bottles, but no real good place for imps. Mostly I just recycle imps into decant circle packages. I don't really need anything like this. If you could be any person, being, or animal from Fantasy what or who would you be? If you could go back to any point in time, where, when, why? Favorite Halloween Candy I occasionally indulge in candy corn, but the avoidance of HFCS makes it hard for me to find it and still have it be tasty. What are your favorite baked goods/homemade treats? Biscotti, cookies and zucchini bread, but I am really open to trying anything you want to send my way. Would you be interested in an astrology birth chart? Not really. Jarvenpa did one for me a few years ago, and it was interesting, but I don't really believe in that sort of thing. 09/07 Socks? Anyone? Oh, yes! I love Sockdreams. My favorite socks are bamboo or other lightweight blends. I don't like artificial fibers as much because they make my feet itchy. Would you like custom icons as a gift? I think that this is a neat idea. Comfort when feeling yucky, depressed, or in pain? Tea, a hot bath with oil and a book. Scary books? Definitely. Scary movies? Yes, but I prefer my gore campy. COMIC BOOKS. Do you read them? Are there any series you like, or some you would like to try? Yes! I would really like to read Irredeemable, but I am open to whatever you want to show me. Warm drinks? Espresso, tea and coffee in that order, though I do also enjoy mulled wine and cider when it cools off. What would the name of your custom blend be? The description? 09/06 When you go to an etsy wishlist, it will tell you what things are sold. If you click on the sold item, sometimes it will give options that are similar to what was sold, but not identical. How picky are you? My wishlists give you an idea of what I like. Not picky! Make up? Yes, though I prefer more natural makeup. I've wanted to try Fyrinnae and Aromaleigh, but haven't had the chance. More shades of eye makeup are always welcome. Disney movies, Yay or Nay, and favourites if you do like them? Do you have A VCR, DVD Player or Blue Ray or a combo of the three? DVD, but I will have a Blue Ray soon. Do you prefer your DVD widescreen or formatted? Widescreen. Ceramics? No. My kitties tend to break these things. Knitted things? I adore scarves and socks! 09/05 Favorite Snack? Edamame, pickled ginger or veggie chips. Nail Polish: Yes, but big three free. I tend to use Zoya exclusively. What hobby/craft would you like to learn how to do? I'd like to learn soap making and have bought a couple of books, but haven't gotten the space. I really want to expand into lotion, but for some reason I feel like I should start with soap. For those who decorate for Halloween, do you prefer cute decorations or creepy ones? Both! How do you feel about mortars and pestles? I've always wanted one for spices. Is there anything you have a phobia of, or that would make you go "squick" if you saw it in a package? Beets. 09/04 Girly Index: Unabashedly so. I am a fully recovered tomboy. Soft/plushy things Adore the little plushie microbes from Thinkgeek. I want to eventually put some in the guest bathroom. Hehe. Jane Austen? Yes, books and movies. Do you read Tarot cards? If not, would you be interested? Nope. eBooks Yep. I love my Nook! I still read paper books too, though. Guilty TV pleasure WCG Ultimate Gamer and The Colony. Cosplay/costume I have always wanted to go Goth Loli, but haven't gotten around to it. Any cool steampunky pieces are always appreciated, as I can always use more of those. Harry Potter house Ravenclaw with Slytherin leanings. Alan Rickman, David Tennant, the Winchester Boys? Yes, yes, no. Scented Tarts: I don't have a tart warmer any more, but I used to love Alternative Breeding soy tarts. Maybe I will get one again. Lip Balms? Yes, but I am fairly picky. I like Korres usually, but I recently discovered that Zoya's lip glosses are awesome too. Body Mods: Earrings only. Stupid professional dress codes. Booze? Yes. I love red wines, dark beers, vodka and rum, though I am always open to new things. What is your favorite artist or art style? 09/03 T-Shirt/PJ size Medium crew usually, but sometimes XL babydolls work too when they're not too tight in the shoulders. I also like large girly tanktops as Phoenix is hot! I typically buy medium pajamas. I need to get new Sugar Skull jammies this year from Target. The two pairs I got in 2008 are starting to look a bit too well-loved. Mix CDs I love them! I think that they're a great way to be exposed to new music. Hallowe'en plans? I am going to be a steampunked Amelia Earhart. I assume we'll be hitting some parties, but having just moved here, I don't know much else yet. 09/02 Baked Goods? Sure! I love biscotti and cookies the most, but I won't turn down anything my witch wants to send my way! Family Prezzies? Not necessary, but the kitties always appreciate your love too. Bottles/lots of little samples? Either one, really. I don't use imps often, but I find if they don't work for me, I can easily regift them. Social Networking Livejournal, Facebook and Twitter, all linked in my signature. Groupons or similar deals/gift certificates? I adore Groupon, but I've had problems with Restaurant.com in my area.

It's pure, sweet white chocolate on my skin, but it disappears in five minutes without a trace.

Wet: Wet leaves and sweet pear with hints of soft muskiness. Drydown: It reminds me of a gentler Falling Leaf Moon (2009). As it dries, HM 2007 is soft and creamy. Oh, delicious. Dry: Gentle, sweet musk. Disappears within two hours. Overall: This one hugs tightly to the skin. I wish it lasted longer, though.

Warm, pine and resin wrapped in red musk. As Lucy, Kissed dries, she morphs into a sharp, green powdery scent. Oh, how roses loathe me. Sadness.

Wet: Warm spices and freshly crushed sage. Drydown: As it dries, Vespillo goes really green on my skin. It's sweet and almost grassy. Dry: Warm and musky, but rather subdued after an hour has passed. It still has tinges of sweetness, but at this point I can't pick out notes. Overall: Dry stage is very nice, but I wish it had retained more of the delicious spicy sage of the initial application.

Wet: Sharp, sweet tobacco with a woodsy background. Mmm, cigar shop. Drydown: Super sweet for the drydown, eventually it mellows to a nice honeyed tobacco. Dry: Warm, soft tobacco. Slightly smoky as well. Overall: Very nice feel. Reminiscent of Fledgling Raptor Moon, but less fluffy.

Wet: Hot bitter herbal, with dark overtones. Drydown: Spicy, earthiness following into the drydown, then a blast of something akin to sweat. Then, it shifts again to sweet, but bitter sweat. Dry: Sweet, sour and hot all at the same time. I suppose I should have expected that this blend might be a bit jarring, but it does not work on me at all. Overall: A little goes a long way here. I'm sad this one smells so off on my skin as it really appealed to the Classicist in me.

Sharp, herbal lavender, but it seems sweeter than my bottles of the released version. TKO v.3 also knocked me out, much like I would expect, but I didn't sleep as hard or as long as I do when I use the released TKO.

Bright, brassy mandarin, Carnal smells like I stuck my face in a freshly peeled orange. As it dries, there's a bit of depth to it, but it never really gets too figgy. It would make an interesting room scent, but I don't think I would get much wear out of this blend.

Sweet, creamy beeswax with a hint of vanilla. As it dries, it cans a subtle soft skin musk, reminscent of Tamamo-no-mae, but creamy instead of fruity. I will need a bottle of this for sure.

Soft blackberry, dripping beeswax candles over a soft backdrop of snow. As it dries, it gains a bit of a sour sweet milky note on my skin. I had such high hopes for this.

Source: Lab bottle. Wet: Dark stone, slight damp with deep resinous notes. Midnight Bell is ominous and foreboding and just a wee bit sexy. Drydown: MB takes on a smoldering twigs aspect over the stone note. Dry: Smoky-sweet woods - MB has completely morphed out of the original aspect on my skin. Overall: If it had remained like it did in the wet stage, I would have been all over this one.

Source: Lab bottle. Sharp, aggressive green tendrils. It sweetens up a bit on the drydown, but it is still mostly greenery. I catch traces of violet in the background. It doesn't really smell like most other BPAL violet blends that I have experienced. It's far too sharp for my tastes, though.

Source: Lab bottle. In Bottle: Warm, crumbling sandalwood, slightly sweetened. Wet: Hot and gritty, woodsy musk. Drydown: Powdery overtones begin to emerge and a strange sourness that I had not anticipated. Dry: Baby powder laced vomit. I have never encountered this sort of reaction to a skin test before. Wow. Overall: Definitely a skin chemistry failure for me.

Source: Lab bottle of 2009 Resurrection. In Bottle: Hawaiian Tropic like whoa. Wet: Coconut with a hefty dose of peppermint. Drydown: The peppermint recedes, but the coconutty sunblock remains, though slightly sweeter than I would expect. Dry: Super sweet coconut - just not meshing right with my skin chemistry. Overall: Coconut blends are hit and miss with me. Unfortunately, this one fails on my skin.

Warm, smoky and sweet - it's the scent of a spice market built on scorched sand.

Source: Lab bottle. Wet: Almost sweet pea single note. Light, delicate and airy. Drydown: Berry infused lemonade, for the most part. The sweet pea has receded into the background. It's a very realistic, juicy berry note, not the weird plasticky sort that I get out of most perfumes. Dry: Soft, powdery, feminine. Overall: Not my speed, but very pretty.

Source: Secondhand bottle. Wet: Sharp, salty aquatic. I can taste the warm sea water with a single sniff. Drydown: Burgeoning green floral, tempered by the saltiness, with bright flashes of ozone chasing across the top. Dry: Sweet, salty aquatic floral with tinges of powderiness as the day wears on. Overall: A little goes a long way here. City in the Sea is a nice aquatic, but I have similar enough ones already in my collection.

Source: Secondhand bottle. Wet: Sweetened cinnamon with an underlying earthy musk. Drydown: Still warm and spicy - reminiscent of Saw-Scaled Viper without the cassia bite or the Snake Oil. Dry: Dark, a little dusty, with a warm softness menacing underneath. Killer teddy bears waiting to grab your ankles from beneath the bed, perhaps? Overall: It certainly isn't the haunting, macabre perfume I was expecting, but it seems nice enough to linger in the "retest later" pile.

Age: Brand new lab imp arrived last week. Preconceptions: Dark, sexy, but probably will fail due to rose. Wet: Super fruity, wine note! Drydown: Sultry myrrh takes the reins, with swirls of deep muskiness. Lilith certainly isn't for the faint of heart. The wine note lingers in the background. Dry:Sharp, green roses take over everything. I was really hoping I would finally escape, but alas. Overall: Dratted roses ruin everything.

At first, the Curator was sharp and medicinally herbal. After a few minutes, it settled into a spicy resiny yumminess. It isn't particularly dusty on my skin, but smells like a spicier version of Ü.The throw is decent. I may need a bottle of this.

Wet: Softly effervescent white wine with tropical fruit undertones. Drydown: As it dries, it smells a bit like fizzy satsumas. It's light and bright, and not at all boozy. Dry: sweet, with little bits of bubble, but a tinge powdery. Overall: Lovely and summery in the initial stages, but unfortunately, it isn't quite me once it's dry.

Amber, saffron and bergamot with mandarin, nutmeg, Bulgar rose, musk and sandalwood. In the bottle, Baghdad is a warm, sensual incensy night in a hot desert. Unfortunately, on my skin it smells much like in the bottle except with a sharp green tinge. I didn't realize there were roses in this! As it dries, it's a muddled spicy green mess. Sadness.