AEris

Jasmine and sandalwood is a classic fragrance combination, and it's a great success in Beth's blendy artistan hands. I'm a sucker for jasmine, so Peitho and I are fast friends. The woody undertones complement the almost-spicy jasmine note nicely, and give it a little edge. I like it, but it's a little headache-inducing up close. It's pretty, and overall pleasant. In terms of notes, I am not getting much sweetness or warmth here (I can't pick up on any vanilla or musk). Those creamy notes must be way in the background, but they're not rounding out the blend as much as I expected them to by reading the description. This is a nice jasmine scent, and I'm glad I got to try it, but I have other jasmines that I simply love more. 3.8 out of 5

Hahahaha that's hilarious : -) I thought I liked vetiver until now, but this smells like vetiver with the afore-mentioned wet ashtray smell. It's like being on a damp porch on a cold, cloudy morning, smoking a cigarette with some guy you don't really like and who decided to douse himself in some nasty cologne, with the smell of those wet, stale butts in the air. (They're Parilament Lights.) Oh, and, that guy lit a lock of his hair on fire by accident the night before, and you can smell a hint of burnt hair. There's probably guys out there who would like this scent, but I hope I never have to smell any of them. I really just don't like this blend, sorry! 1 out of 5

I have to start out by saying I usually don't like cherry in perfume, and that's probably why I am not more ecstatic about Hollywood Babylon. Wet, this is red candies - a sweet cherry-strawberry. The heliotrope then begins to come forward, and adds an interesting foil to the fruit, it blends nicely. As it dries, the red musk and amber become more prominent, and the scent develops a Dragon's Blood quality. It certainly begins to smell incense-y. I agree with pensarepink about the strawberry incense - and, yes, such a thing does exist, and it smells almost exactly like this! Cherry-Strawberry-Vanilla Incense. It's strangely appealing. I like this scent, and if someone else was wearing it I would probably approach them and ask about their perfume. I usually hate cherry perfume, but in this blend, it's not quite as fake-smelling and childish. The musk, amber, and vanilla really round things out, and the heliotrope adds a nice hint of floral. I also have to say that Hollywood Babylon matches its scent description perfectly - girly red fruits being eclipsed by an emerging darker side, the scent of lost innocence and yielding to temptation. The longer I have this on, the more I like it. A few years ago, this would have suited me perfectly! However, the days when I wore a strawberry-vanilla perfume while partying in tapestry-draped dorm rooms, incense and pot smoke drifting in the air....those days are behind me now. (I really did wear a strawberry-vanilla oil, and I still have it. It's just too funny, this scent is so evocative!) I will hold on to this imp for the memories (as cloudy as they are hehe). I don't see a 5mL in my future, but it's a great scent. 4.2 out of 5

In the imp, this smells very balanced and interesting - the sweet orange citrus notes and delicate orange blossom blend into the patchouli quite well. On my skin, the scales teeter and then break, as the balance is overthrown by the patchouli. However, it is a wonderful-smelling patchouli. It reminds me of my old signature blend of Body Shop oils - 50% Woody Sandalwood, 50% Patchouli. Brings back great memories, but I already have a gallon of the Body Shop oils, so I don't have a need for Masquerade. I wish it smelled more like it did in the imp! Oh well. It's still a lovely scent. 3.7 out of 5

This is an incredible, delectable sandalwood blend. The red musk adds such an interesting softness, a great idea (rather than more commonplace sandalwood-vanilla blends). The woods are dry yet precious, and sweetened to an almost tobacco/incense quality. I can see myself wearing this, but if my man-bear put some on, he'd better frickin watch OUT, I'd totally be his sheep! I would say that Fenris Wolf is unisex in the sense that some sandalwood scents can be pulled off by either/or. I think he'd amp the rosewood and sandalwood, where I'd amp the red musk and amber a bit more. Sexy! 4.3 out of 5

This smells like Arbor Mist or something. It's nice in its own right, but the champagne note is a little too realistic. I feel like I spilled some bubbly on me, and I'm eating a strawberry candy. If you want strawberries and champagne, look no further. In my opinion, though, that whole idea sounds a lot more romantic than it smells! I will admit that it smells less icky to me after it dries down for a few minutes, but personally, this blend isn't making friends with me. (Maybe it's because I had Victoria's Secret Strawberries and Champagne in my bathroom for...how shall I put this...poop spray. I have to assume that factors in to my impression!) 2 out of 5

Ooooh, wow! I am really attracted to myrrh, despite the fact that it's a little loud for me to pull off.... Anubis starts out warm and honeyed, and then gets deeper as the myrrh develops. It's a deep, resinous blend, very incensey. The herbs take a backseat to the resins with my chemistry. This is a dark, exotic scent. The honeyed softness makes it feminine enough to wear, but it's so intensely dark that I'm not sure if I would wear it again. It's an awesome scent, but doesn't seem to suit me personally....I will try it again at a different time of the month and see if it works any better. 3.7 out of 5

Anyone searching for a BPAL that smells like Givenchy's Amarige (especially the 2005 Millesime edition) should definitely try Shadow Witch Orchid.

I expected this to smell a little different than it actually does. I've learned that plumeria can be hit or miss on me, and this blend is a miss. It's bright, clean, and fruity, but it's just not working. It's a little too fresh for my taste, but I can see how other people would love it as a perfume. It's okaaay, but it won't get any love from me. This is the first BPAL with pear in it that didn't turn into a 5mL consideration. Oh well, onto the next one! 2.5 out of 5

Wow, this is an intense floral.... I am reminded first and foremost of Givency's Amarige. This is so similar to my nose, it's striking. Amarige tends to go a bit sour on me, but this doesn't quite go there. I think it smells like tuberose, really. It's attractive, but I'd have to be in quite a ravenous mood to pull it off. This is a likeable scent, but it's not quite "me." 3.3 out of 5

I get incense resin, citrus peel, spice/woods... There's a hint of something unpleasant in this blend, I think it's carnation - a note that I just don't jive with at all. This is earthy and spice rack-y, and is kind of masculine in my opinion. I don't really like it, though. It's just not doing it for me as a perfume. 1.5 out of 5

Umm..... This certainly is a strange one. I would agree that there's clove in here, for sure. Other than that, it's a mysterious blend. I can understand the mentions of chamomile, dandelion, sage, and resins. I am thinking frankincense or myrrh? In my opinion, it is a spicy masculine blend. It reminds me of the Sportive Sun, but sharper and spicier. I'm glad I got a chance to try it before it was discontinued, but I think I will pass the imp along for others to sample as well. 2.5 out of 5

This is YUMMIE! It reminds me a lot of Beaver Moon '05. I smell delectable vanilla buttercream frosting. I can't pick out berries at all (I have only touched on a dab), perhaps if I slather I'll get berries.... For now, since it reminds me so much of delish BM '05, I'm going to be stingy with my decant (until I can get some more - maybe then I'll pour it on)! 4.7 out of 5

Yum! Fruity plumeria fun times! I was really excited to try the Yule '07 Noche Buena because of the plumeria. (And yes, that is totally because of Bath and Body Works. Sue me ; -) When I tried Noche Buena, the plumeria was so dominant and fresh that it was a little too high-pitched (so to speak) for my taste. Thalia is what I anticipated Noche Buena to be - a bright, sparkly, yet soft, plumeria blend. The clean fruitiness of the pear and champagne really round out the fresh floral, and it blends together into a happy little scent. I am getting a hint of light musk here as well. I'm finding out that every BPAL with pear in it is made of gold on me. (here's lookin' at Juliet, my favorite GC so far!) I am naive for wanting Noche Buena to smell like this, because for someone who wants a true plumeria scent, they should find it in Noche Buena. Thalia, however, is just glorious on me, and I totally love it! I knew I would, just from reading the description. I see a 5mL in my future : -) It's an energetic, cheerful blend. 4.7 out of 5

Lilac fougere, white musk, and leather accord. I got a half decant of this as a frimp from the Fantastic dpoulsen21 : -D At first, I smell a powdery lilac that is softened by the white musk. It takes a little bit for the leather to come out, and it is very subdued to my nose - I can't really smell it. This is mostly lilac and musk on me, and does not strike me as masculine, but after it's on for a few minutes, I can see how it can be interpreted as manly. A very interesting scent, although it is familiar enough for me to feel like I've smelled it before. Lilac fans should absolutely seek this out, it's soft and clean - not headachey, sharp, intense, or fake. 4 out of 5

(This review is for Midway: Resurrected.) I began by testing a drippy drop from the cap, and it smelled just like I had hoped - a sugary, yummy goodness, almost-caramel but not sickeningly so, almost-cake but not really.... So then, I slathered the hell out of it, and only then did I catch a whiff of the "plasticky" business that people have mentioned. It's almost rubbery, actually. I can only smell it with my wrist in my face, and it fades and disappears completely within five minutes. Then, it's back to sweet, carnivalley goodness. I don't get funnel cake at all (sadly), but I get cotton candy and smooth, sugary yum-fest - yo yeah - morselized niblets of love. I also get the deep scent of candied apples, without really smelling the apples but for cryin' out loud this stuff is fun!!! It really does smell like a carnival. Not like a Six Flags park, but like a warm summer night at a rural fair, with soft yellow lights everywhere and the scent of warm, sticky goodies hanging lazily in the air. Midway is a decadent, fun-filled, sugary-sweet indulgence. It reminds me of the commercial perfume Pink Sugar, but 100x better (PS makes me ill, it's gross on me). I'm so so happy Beth resurrected it for BPALversary, it's freakin delish! My wrist is going to be chained to my nose for the day : -D Yes. Nom nom nom indeed. 4.8 out of 5

I find this to be a fruity scent. (?!) Wet, it's papaya and cucumber to my nose, with some other green freshness in the background. It smells like a juicy green smoothie. Honestly, I'd rather drink this than smell like it. As it dries, the fruit calms down a little bit, and it acquires an almost floral quality. A fruity, young scent - a little too fruity for me to hoarde, I think. I'm really amping the papaya, and I didn't expect that at all. This is reminding me a lot of the discontinued Victoria's Secret Tranquil Breezes, actually. I'm feeling a little waffley about Green Phoenix, I think it's pleasant but it's not love at first sniff for me. Ergh! I can't decide if I love this or not! It's sweeter than what I wanted it to be, I was hoping for something a little more green and grassy. It's quite pretty after it dries down, though, and it really is reminding me of the aforementioned VS:TB, one of my favorite nostalgic 'fumes. I will rock this in the springtime. 3.9 out of 5

Oh my Goodness! This is so pretty! On me, White Phoenix is a beautiful white musk scent backed up by soft, gentle white florals. The musk really stands out the most, with everything else in the background. I can't pick out any florals separately, because the bouquet is so well blended. It's pillowy soft!!! Any musk fans should try this one, it is so gorgeous! Akurarei, I have to second your comment about Snow White - I was hoping for SW to smell more like this on me. I'm so glad I have a 5mL!! This is my first BPAL musk lurve. It reminds me a little of China Musk. 4.6 out of 5

In terms of fragrance, Peace smells like a soft, citrusy lavender, with perhaps some eucalyptus. It's subdued and soothing. In terms of efficacy, I just put it on so I will add to this review later - but it imparts a sense of positive energy. It's peaceful, but doesn't make me feel like taking a nap or anything. Quite the opposite, it makes me feel like going about my day with a calm energy and lightness. Fabulous. I am in love with the TAL blends so far. They have all been gorgeous! 5 out of 5

I will edit this review in good time when I've used White Light in a more ritualistic fashion, but I have to explode with love right this second after smelling it for the first time. As a fragrance, it's absolutely perfect. It smells exactly like I hoped it would. It's just delicate, soft, gorgeous. I dabbed on my wrists (and then my palms) and it just feels so positive and peaceful. I feel very relaxed and focused. I can't wait to see how effective it is when I use it properly! 5 out of 5, for sure. Absolutely lovely, I'll use every last drop of my bottle.

Yay labbies, thanks for the frimp! I finally tried this today.... It's a cherry scent, for sure. It's got some sweet-rum sass, and some spicy cakey goodness, but the predominant note is cherry on me. The throw and wear are moderate. I like it, but I'm not obsessed. There's something about it that makes me think of scented candles, rather than perfume. It would make a wonderful room scent! I'm sure I can find a more loving home for this little guy, he has a lot of fans making grabby hands! 3 out of 5

Wow.....this is different. At first, it's a strong caramel, with some tobacco and coconut. Then, the sexy opium comes forward. Carmelized opium? Come on, now, Beth. Are you trying to kill me? Well, congrats, I've died and gone to heaven. I usually hate caramel notes, and coconut and I don't always get along. Red Lantern has made itself an exception. I freakin love opium blends, and this is such a creative twist! A rich, sexy blend. Intense. 4.6 out of 5

Wet, Ace of Hearts is a lovely rose with a pretty bouquet of fresh flowers blending together in the background. As it dries down, the rose dims to allow itself to be balanced, and the freesia, orchid, and gardenia step forward and dance. This is a very pretty, well-blended scent. I really love the freesia especially; it's a note I haven't yet smelled in a BPAL and it's very fresh and bright. This is exactly what I would expect the Ace of Hearts to smell like. Weird! I continue to be blown away by how Beth can take an image or a symbol and assign a smell to it. She's a master of her craft! A soft, springy floral. I will probably resign myself to wearing this in the springtime months. I am very picky with rose, and this is a winner. 4.6 out of 5

Wow, I didn't expect this to work on me this well! Black Lace starts out a little too strong with the cotton note; it smells a bit too much like a laundromat. I am almost relieved, because there's a little part of me that is hoping not to love something that is hard to get a hold of. Then, it starts to dry down. The softest whisper of vanilla, the swirl of sweet tobacco and musk, it's an understated, lovely, drifting scent. I knew it. I'm getting sucked in.... It reminds me of Snake Oil a little bit, because of the combination of vanilla, musk, and that hint of smoky sweetness. However, Black Lace is not so bold. It's Snake Oil's laid back, quiet but not shy, even more mysterious counterpart. If Snake Oil has matched eyes with you from the bar and looked away with a sly grin, Black Lace is behind her, face masked in shadows, with just one sexy stockinged leg draped in candlelight - luring you closer.... This is very elegantly blended. It is difficult to pick out individual notes, and my brain doesn't want to. It's balanced so well, it's like every component is complementing the others. I just want to swim in the whole experience at once and enjoy. This ends up being a very soft, sly, sweet, musky, smoky perfume. I am drawn to it strongly. It is sexy and stimulating without being in-your-face. I love the subtlety of it! So sexy! I want The Boy to come close.... 4.7 out of 5

Hrrrm. This does smell a little like Irish Spring to me. Kinda citrusy and soapy. Some musk in the background too, I think. This scent is very masculine, although it loses its 'edge' when it dries down a little bit. It reminds me of Singing Moon after the thundery crash of pharmacy-men's-cologne calms down. The grass note smells more like sweet hay on me. This is Singing Moon with more Dude in it, with my chemistry anyway. It's alright. Doesn't smell anything like a New England thunderstorm, though. 2.8 out of 5