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La Petit Mort

Seduction, sensuality, the Act, and the aftermath all in one. The scent of warm, damp skin flushed with the glow of passion, touched by the luxuriant potency of ylang ylang and myrrh.

in the bottle: Something a little fake and plastic-y. A blast of sweet almond. Musk, not overpowering. Overtones of ... ? I don't know. Something that puts me in mind of just-dried sweat. Not unpleasant. Maybe the initial musk (or a second musk).

on wet: Plastic and almond with overtones of musk and powder. The fresh sweat smell is gone. So far, this is staying remarkably close to my skin.

drydown: Powdery musk. Something a little resinous and/or smoky. Powdery, mostly. Some catch-in-the-throat smokiness coming through, but just barely.

one hour later: Powder, dammit! Why do so many things end up smelling like powder on me?

end of day: I've tried this oil twice now and haven't made it to the end of the day with it. What I mean is, I lose interest, forget about it, then end up remembering a few days later that I never did my final assessment. I wanted to like this, so it bothers me a little to say this: it fails to make an impression. Quite literally. Can't say it's good or bad. Just ... meh.

compared to official description: No idea what ylang-ylang smells like. See "notes after notes" at the end of this review.

notes: Oddly, the cap of the imp (on the inside) smells overpoweringly of plastic and almond. The liquid in the vial is more fresh sweat and musk. I'm guessing some separation happened, but I can't seem to get it recombined. I think there's too little space in the vial to get a good shaking action going. I'll stand the vial on its head for a week or so to see if that makes a difference. [edited to add: I did this. Made a little bit of difference, but there's still a sense of separation.]

notes after notes: If there are moments that deserve to be immortalized with paint, music, or scented oils, they are the ones where words fail. "Seduction, sensuality, the Act, and the aftermath" would definitely be one of those moments. I admire Beth's courage in trying to capture the moment in scent, but I have trouble imagining how you would even go about that. After all, no one wants to smell, literally, like they just had sex. So what then? "Warm, damp skin flushed with the glow of passion." Whose skin? I won't argue that you can't smell someone's desire on their skin, you definitely can. But it's not a particular scent, it's the difference (in anyone's skin) between normal and flushed, dry and damp, blood running normally or hormones raging. This is a different scent on different people. It's each of us, individually enhanced with the heat and chemicals of lust.

I'm not saying that the moment isn't full of wonderful scents: musky, salty, earthy. I can see trying to turn these into a scented oil, but I suspect that Beth is hamstrung in this effort (to a certain degree) by avoiding true animal musks. Maybe what's being attempted here is enhancement of skin -- any skin -- with scents that deepen the inherent skin-ness of each of us. Are we similar enough for this to be successful? I doubt it. There are threads full of people who find a "skin only better" scent for themselves, only for someone else to say it "smells like burned plastic" on them.

What's being captured here then? A feeling? How do you capture the electric ache of being close ... so close ... but not quite touching? With night-blooming florals? And the shuddery first brush of skin on skin; is that myrrh? What about being pulled tight to your lover and feeling the evidence of their desire? How about almost not being able to breathe, anticipating the moment when you'll feel them inside you? Is that ylang-ylang? My point is, we're talking about a series of events which are too tied to the deepest part of yourself, too complex in potential sensations and emotions, for translation, for distillation into a bottle. What defines the essence of breathless, aching sexual need? Almonds?

I know I'm being too literal, but the experience is going to be very different, not just from person to person, but sexual moment to sexual moment, even between the same people. What is a perfume designed to capture the essence of desire and fulfillment going to be like, really? Sometimes the moment is slow and warm; sometimes it's light and sweet. Then there's frantic, heady, overheated, and on and on. Just the idea of these different feelings, different ways in which the moment can play out, puts me in mind of different scents (different music, different colors, different textures, etc.).

If I'm going to be too nit-picky and literal, I may as well take it a step further and talk about the name. La petit mort isn't "seduction, sensuality, the Act, and the aftermath all in one," it's really only the aftermath; or rather, the climax. Can that be a perfume? So, the oil represents a sensation then? A sensation of pleasure? Of release?

I'm not being argumentative, truly. Though you could say I'm taking it a bit too seriously. I'll accept that. Granted, it's just scented oil. And marketing. I guess I went into this with a certain amount of doubt. I'm coming out of it with a feeling (a lot like certainty) that the only creative expression that could potentially do the moment justice is music. But that's another, um, essay.

Again, I think it's great that Beth is attempting these things. At worst, she'll produce some wonderful oils that give people a great deal of pleasure. At best, for someone, this may put them in mind of a lovely moment.

None of this will prevent me from trying other oils with similar themes, like O, Wanda, Perversion, etc. I'm certain I'll find one that, if not exactly putting me in the moment, will at least put me in the mood.

added to forum reviews

July 15, 2009

allow me to restate

I decided to amend my thoughts from my previous post. The whole "no better than a walking room freshener" bit was harsh. I understand the other side of putting out a particular image (the projecting side, as opposed to the being-projected-upon side). I can't speak for everyone, but I know that we women will, on some occasions, choose our clothes, makeup, hair color, etc. because there's a facet of ourselves that we want to nurture and make prominent. We all have some aspect of bad girl, ingenue, sophisticate, tomboy, fighter, animal, sex toy, etc. And yes, sometimes we want, or need, to focus on that part of ourselves -- to bring it to the fore. Choosing a perfume that announces who (or what) you are is a convenient way to do that. So, yeah, while I sometimes resent being forced to view someone in a certain way based on the temporary choices they've made with their physical appearance or grooming enhancements, that's how the game is played. You are who you appear to be until you've decided that you want to know someone better, then you let them in and you are who you are. Rant neutralized. And my apologies to those who prefer perfume with a lot of throw. While I may not necessarily want to get anywhere near you, I've known your scent to sometimes brighten a room, change the atmosphere, or set a mood. Elevators are quite another thing.

July 14, 2009

scent is a strange thing -- 2

Another scent dislike -- an odd one, perhaps, for someone on this site -- is strong perfumes, no matter their components. By strong I mean something with a lot of throw. Perfume, to me, is something you should pick up when you're close to someone. Maybe it's the romantic in me, but I think of it as something that should make you want to lean in and and take a deep breath. If it's swirling around you at ten paces from the source, it's irritating and pointless. People with strong perfume are no better than walking room fresheners. And why would you ever want to stand close to someone with a wall of scent around them? Actually, "wall" strikes me as a good word; a person loaded with perfume has a built-in defensive perimeter of scent. It isn't inviting, it's prickly and thick, like a rank of shields and spears. I think my preference here is because I'm very aware of how much of my feelings for people are affected by scent. This may be something from the survival-based category, as I seem to rely a great deal on my sense of smell to really get a feel for people. Unfair or not, how someone smells can weigh heavily in my judgment. We may be talking about pheromones here, as well as grooming scents. An example: I've known many people that make my whiskers stand up, for better or worse, before I've seen or heard anything from them that should give me a strong opinion. (BTW, I'm not a fan of simplistic application of the word 'instinct' -- instinct is merely the functioning of our five natural senses at a threshhold below conscious recognition. It isn't magic, it's just some part of us that resists being affected by the frontal lobe.) I know a few people that are pleasant, well-liked, and easy to get along with but that raise my hackles. Pheromones? Psychological? I don't know why it would be the latter. There are people that I really want to like, but for no apparent reason can't summon anything better than mild dislike for. If that isn't bad chemistry (quite literally), I don't know what it is. Well, and let's be honest: Conversely, I've known people that were absolutely no good, but that I was instantly comfortable around. People that were definitely not companion material, but that gave me an almost instant feeling of kinship, or ... well ... desire. I know there are plenty of psychiatrists out there that would argue that every bit of that is software, and that it feeds a need for rebellion, or that it's hardware and feeds a need for adrenalin-pumping danger, etc., but that doesn't explain instant attraction to someone who's perfectly suitable as a companion, and yeah, I have those moments too. As an aside, I fully believe that we don't know enough about how our brains function to be able to properly distinguish between impulses that are software-driven, hardware-driven, or both. I genuinely believe that some part of my olfactory-system-to-primitive-brain process can detect and make me understand when I'm too alike or too unlike some people (in all the wrong ways) at a basic, genetic level. It seems farfetched when stated "out loud" like that, but I'm not claiming to be any different than anyone else. I think we humans have many potentially strong, primitive subconscious interactions with our environment that have, for many people, gone rusty with disuse (or with being ignored). So what am I saying? Can we subconsciously detect when we're a good "chemical" (i.e. genetic) match, sexually? What about when we're judging a person of the same sex? (Speaking, obviously, from a heterosexual point of view.) Are we able to subconsciously understand that someone is very different from, or similar to, us in makeup, and do we then become more or less comfortable with them because they're "of our clan" or "other"? Did human senses ever allow our species to correctly judge such things, and do they still? Is it all written in our pheromones? Another example: I know a few men that I don't particularly like or dislike, but that make my skin tingle when they're close. Seen at a distance: nothing. Sound of their voices: nothing. Thoughts of: not the least bit inappropriate. Close up: strong, unreasoning response with a deep desire to get close to their bare skin. What is that if not pheromones? I can't actually smell anything, but I'm responding from head to toes to someone that I'm otherwise completely uninterested in. As far as grooming scents, I've never had a chance to research it, but there are men's scents that instantly leave me feeling mellow and ... pliable. I've never gotten that straight from a bottle of cologne, but warmed on the skin of a few men, it's hypnotic. My significant other is a good example of both: Freshly showered and without added scent, when I'm against his skin I feel like I want to just cling to him, breathing deeply, and stay that way forever. With cologne, I want to nibble every inch of him. With hot skin and a fresh, light layer of sweat ... oh. my. god. Pheromones. Definitely. Sorry. Wandered off track there. Ahem. So ... my point being: When I'm talking to someone and all I can smell is a thick layer of perfume (or cologne), I'm irritated by it in the same way I would be if that person required me to converse with them blindfolded. I feel like I'm being manipulated. It's as if they're projecting who they want to be, forcing me to have a specific impression of them, instead of just letting me get to know them. They may as well be wearing a costume, or talking with a fake accent. Ugh. It wrecks my sense of who they are and makes me uncomfortable. I literally feel like one of my senses has been stripped away. Deliberately. And as innocuous as the perfume wearer's intentions are, I end up resenting the olfactory masking.

July 14, 2009

Andrea912's Blog

I love you Witch~

Dearest Witch Your ecard yesterday made me so happy! I printed it, as I did the first one you sent I did answer the first ecard but via the Wicked Moon site, so it probably got ate in transit. This is my first time to SW, so I'm still learning where to post public answers So, my answers to your qs were... do you have a favorite Shakespeare work or character? Well, I'm partial to the plays I've had the luck of seeing firsthand in London and Stratford-upon-Avon, of course Probably my favorite of those would be Titus Andronicus (where at the London Globe Theatre, at the end of the performance, the acting troupe got off the stage, came and mingled with the groundlings, grabbed my hand, and danced with me around the room! I danced with Shakespeareian performers in London!!) and Midsummer Night's Dream. I wrote my thesis over The Merchant of Venice, so that's special to me, as well. My fave characters are Iago, Richard III, and Shylock. - where are you hoping to go next if you have a chance to take a big trip? I'm planning my next big trip for May of 2010; should be buying airfare next month to .... Ireland!!!! yay!!!! - are the items on your BPAL wishlist bottles or imps? I updated my wishlist to discern which are which - do you have a favorite color or group of colors (like warm shades: reds, pink, orange or cool shades: blue, green, purple etc)? Well, I love any color that's just intense and bold, but I guess I'm drawn to oranges, yellows, and reds... - can you point me to a etsy or amazon wishlist? I added an Amazon wishlist link!! Oh thank you for sending me that adorable postcard and happy thoughts! I spoke to the police, AGAIN, last night; these people have been calling me nonstop (really, like 45 times a day!) begging me not to press charges as they don't want their four month old daughter taken away. Um, sorry. Not my problem. As of yesterday, they no longer beg; they threaten to come back and finish the job, including me. I had to go and get a gun last night, per recommendation of the officers and the detective. This really sucks. I mean, I don't live a soap opera life and I don't want to, either! The stress is unbelievable. Meganola sent me a PM apologizing for forgetting the card, so no worries! The surprises inside were AMAZING; I mean, a 4 year old aged imp of Samhain? How lucky am I!!!?? And, I am now addicted to the butts of bunnies; thanks my witch!!!

Andrea912

July 14, 2009

Freckles' Blog

Imps I have (incomplete list)

2008 Halloweenies A Blade of Grass
Chant d'Automne
Day of the Skulls
Meditation in Autumn
Mictecacihuatl (I hope I spelled that right!)
Samhain
The Goblin Rider
The Witching Time of the Night
2008 Graveyard GHOLHEIM
THE LADY ON THE GREY
THE MACABRAY
MISS LUPESCU
THE OWENS' TOMB
THE POTTER'S FIELD
2008 Yulies Butter Rum Cookie
Frau Holle
The Head of Holofernes
Jacob's Ladder 2008
Larentalia
Lick It Like You Mean It
Lines Written Among the Euganean Hills
The Magi
Midnight Mass 2008
On Darkness
Perchta
Rose Red 2008
Snow White 2008
There's A Certain Slant of Light
Visiting the Temple of Auspicious Fortune Alone On the Winter Solstice
Winter of Our Discontent 2008
Wind in the Willows Mole
Nowhere In Particular
The Sea Rat
All They Had See, and All They Had Lost
2008 Small Spirits, Phoenixes, Res'ed MOON OF SMALL SPIRITS
METAL PHOENIX
WOOD PHOENIX
WATER PHOENIX
FIRE PHOENIX
EARTH PHOENIX
CANDY PHOENIX
BEAVER'VERSARY
SNAKE CHARMER
2009 vday BONY MOON
EARTH OX
Dark Chocolate and Cherry
White Chocolate and Sugared Violets
EPISTROPHIA
EUSTEPHANOS
KHRYSEÊ
MAKHANITIS
MELAINIS
MORPHÔ
PHILOMMEIDÊS
PONTIA
POTHÔN MÊTÊR
PSITHYRISTÊS
SYMMAKHIA
GLUKUPRIKOS
Shunga COUPLE CONSULTING AN ENPON
LOVERS IN A RICEFIELD
MAN WITH PHALLUS HEAD
VOYEURS AMONG THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS
2009 MARCH 13/FLOWER MOON/IDES ETC. March 13
THE IDES OF MARCH 2009
THE DESERTED VILLAGE
THE DOLE OF THE KING’S DAUGHTER
EANACH DHÚIN
THE HOST OF THE AIR
FLOWER MOON 2009
2009 CT RESURRECTED CHAOS THEORY V: RECURSIVE SELF-SIMILARITY V1 -The Dorian Series
CHAOS THEORY V: RECURSIVE SELF-SIMILARITY V2 - The O Series
CHAOS THEORY V: RECURSIVE SELF-SIMILARITY V3 - The Penitence Series
FULL! CHAOS THEORY V: RECURSIVE SELF-SIMILARITY V4 - The Snake Oil Series
2009 Velvet Paintings/Le Mat VELVET CTHULHU
VELVET PANTHER
VELVET TIKI
LE MAT
2009 Warrior Queens BOADICEA
HUA MULAN
JINGU
SEMIRAMIS
TOMOE GOZEN
YSABEL
ZENOBIA
Strawberry Moon 09
=========== Other imps I have (list incomplete!!) I'll update with the rest I have once I get my collection back. Bess
The Deep Ones
Morgause
Elegba
Reindeer Poop
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies & Egg Nog
BPAL CT3 MCXCVIII
Privilege

freckles42

July 13, 2009

Summer '09 SW round: extra questions part 5

What's that one thing you keep meaning to get but keep forgetting or passing over? For me, it's a wallet. I really need a new wallet. And I could use an aluminum water bottle. Like a Sigg bottle but I don't care what brand. What kind of mythology are you interested in? Egyptian and Greek are pretty interesting Puddin' posts ebay sales of older stuff every now and then - what of the current lot are you dying for? I've always wanted to try Pinched and Bah.... less so All Souls and Beaver Moon '05. But please, dearest Witch, don't get involved in a crazy Ebay bidding war with ridiculous prices involved just for my sake. The internet makes stalking 2000000000000000 times easier than it ever has been. Do you tweet? I have, thus far, avoided the Twitter movement. Do you like coconut? To eat? Not really. With all this talk of chocolate, do you prefer milk or dark? Both. What of the summer update (Egyptian, Lawn Ornaments, etc.) appeals most to you? Weeelllll.... I got Lawn Gnome (love it! ) and Nonae Caprotina (jury's still out) and Feast of The Greatly Revered Ones (another love ) I kinda want a backup of Feast of The Greatly Revered Ones, but I probably won't buy one. (I got Smoky Moon too and it's great!) Of the ones I didn't get I'd like to try the Egyptian themed ones and the other two lawn ornaments. I probably won't actively seek them out though. What is your favorite classic fairy tale or children's story? I really enjoyed reading the original Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass. I loved the illustrations too! I can never find my favorite one anywhere (granted, I haven't looked very hard). It's the one of Alice sitting between the two queens (red and white) and they're asleep, leaning on her. No fairy tales really called to me... If I think of something I will amend that statement. If your witch goes to Convergence (or is bestest friends with someone, same thing), is there anything you'd love to have? I guess something with some combination of my love or like notes would call to me. I'd actually really like an event-exclusive scent; I don't think I've ever had one. Do you have an electric stove, and would you like a bowl and tarts to use the residual heat (and for extra safety)? I have a gas stove Lip Balm: Yes, yes and more yes! I love lip balms and an constantly losing the ones I have. There are some on my Etsy wishlist. Usually I prefer tubes over the stick-your-finger-in-it pots, but it doesn't really matter. I really like Bunny Butt Apothecary lip balm. I have one and I'd like others. Are there any etailers you haven't tried yet but would like to be enabled (e.g., a company you haven't tried but would like recommendations from your witch, based on your likes and dislikes)? I'd like to try some Violette Market. Also LUSH. I've never tried anything from Haunt. I'd always be up for random enabling that my witch would like to bestow on me. Some other Etailers I'd like to try: Arcana, Cobalt Blends, Blooddrop, Villainess Who out there is equally challenged and would appreciate icons/banners as witchy gifts? I can't make icons or anything so that would be cool. A witch wants to cheer you up. What are we cheering you up from? In other words, what are the most pressing problems you're facing right now? Hmmm... I'm pretty stressy about learning to drive right now. I'm scared about trying to get my license. I'm stressed about going back to school but I'm sure once I get back in the swing of things I'll be fine. Are you freaking out over any of the discontinued scents, dear fellow Witches? yes!!!! I was just thinking about upgrading to a bottle of Succubus and look what drops into my inbox. But the money, I do not has it... Does my witchee like hats, a floppy summer sun hat or something more stylish? Would you like a hand knit cap or hat? I think a knit cap would be more my style. What kind of shopper are you? Do you make a budget? Planner, or compulsive? Do you like to buy what's new, special offers, only the usual? Totally compulsive. That's why I have no money now. What styles of jewelry do you like? Bold and funky? Delicate and dainty? Short necklaces, long ones, chokers? Bracelets or anklets? I like all kinds of jewelry, really. I wear everything from chokers to long necklaces to beaded stuff, to really delicate things... I'm all over the place. Do you like coffee and/or wine? Coffee is a big yes! Wine, I like but I don't drink it. What are your thought on World Market? I don't know what it is... I guess it's a store and it sounds pretty cool from what people are saying but I've never heard of it before. What are your favorite Yankee Candle scents? I don't really burn candles that much but the flavors I tend towards when I do are the "fresh baked cookies" or "cake batter" or "buttercream" or whathaveyou. Only if they smell realistic though. Sometimes I go for the fruity scents like orange or lemon/lime or something like that. Chocolate Gecko: The Poodles, Orange, French Kiss, Espresso (Hand rolled truffles), Tropical Tree Frogs, Chai Buddha, Starry Night, Tropical Storm, Cafe con Crema (Molded Truffles), Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (Dipped Fresh Fruit), Nibby Bar, Rocky Road Bar (Chocolate Bars), Green Fairy (Gecko Specialty Chocolates) Do you mind receiving partials, imps, full bottles, sniffies of oils from BPAL and other companies? Nope, that's fine. What are you happiest about (besides SW)? What makes you feel good this summer? Any summer? I just came back from seeing fireworks with my boyfriend, so that made me pretty happy. I'm looking forward to the beach trip I'll be taking later this summer. Have you any desire to read Hannibal? Sure, why not? What's your favorite summer activity? Just sittin' around. Reading a lot. Watching movies too... Swimming is pretty fun but I don't do it much. Would you like a recipe booklet (homemade) for homemade smoothies and shakes? I'm sure they'd be quite tasty, but I don't know where the blender is so it probably wouldn't work out so well. What's your favorite vacation spot? A cabin in the mountains. Doesn't matter what cabin, doesn't matter what mountains. Would you like anything nostalgic? Things you loved from their childhood or maybe things you've always loved that were from a time before your own? Hmmm, nothing really comes to mind. What are your thoughts on J.R.R. Tolkein? Amazing writer. Love his books. I own The Lord of The Rings series and The Hobbit and a bunch of the associated Middle Earth stories. Do you like musicals? What have you seen? What do you want to see? Any you'd like to own? I love musicals! I had a huuuuge Phantom of the Opera obsession for a while and I saw it on stage (not on Broadway but it was still amazing! it was a traveling company.) I own the movie and the soundtracks (movie and stage production). I even read the book that the musical was based off of. You can imagine my squeeage when the Erik and Christine BPALs came out. Others I like: Evita, Chess, Avenue Q (saw it on Broadway!!) There is another Ebay update from Puddin. What appeals to you there? Snow White, All Saints '04, Valentine of Rome (in that order) ZOMG update!!! I'll be buying Berry Moon, no question. Others that I want but probably won't end up getting, at least right now: Stinky Aperotos Eros Whoso List to Hunt (just to test. I'm leery about the rose) Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bat (teehee, I love the name!) Imperious Tiger Lily High Strung Daisies Brusque Violet How Doth the Little Crocodile Against Idleness and Mischief 'Tis the Voice of the Lobster And I always wanted to try Tiger Lily but now they're discontinuing it. Ah, well. I have easy access to Asian candies, tropical fruits(mangosteen, mango, durian, jackfruit) flavored biscuits/chips/snacks, dried tropical fruits, Japanese/korean/taiwanese cosmetics brands and music/CDs. Is there anything you will like from Singapore or Asia in general? Nothing like this really calls my name but I'm sure if my witch finds something she really thinks I'd like then I'd like it. Lol. Do you play any musical instruments? Which ones? If not, are there any you'd like to learn? What styles of music do you play, and are you interested in learning any different styles? I used to play the Celtic folk harp. I don't anymore and haven't in years, but it would be fun to pick it up again. Are you partial to any kind of comedy? I really can't handle most "stupid comedy" does that make sense. (I'm not trying to insult anyone's choices in comedic entertainment, it just seems that "stupid comedy" really is a genre) And I literally get sick to my stomach watching people hurt themselves or other people. (ie, Jackass) I'd like to know if my witchee likes Rasputina, and would like any music by them? I've never heard of them, but I'm always up for new music. Do I try to find out who my Witch is? I haven't so far... Who has a Kindle? If you do, would you like a Kindle gift card, Kindle accessories, etc. as a gift? Whadda you need? I don't have a kindle or any other electro-book type thingie. What about other electronics (Blackberries, iPhone, etc.)? Do you need any accessories, etc. for those? Nope. Question...do you fret or take it personally when your witch or witchee gets too quiet? Like they figured you out and don't like you? If I haven't heard from my witch or witchee in a little while I just assume they're busy. What if, anything, are you interested in from the DD Trunk show? Psychological Horror and Zombie Apocalypse! Gothic Horror and Diabolical Offspring! Comic-con scents/WKAP: I've pretty much resigned myself to not being able to get any of them (due to lack of money on my part and their limited release). The reviews for Sunbird sound very interesting but I'm not even going to try to get one. And Blackberry Jam and Scones sounded pretty drool-worthy especially with my super foody tastes. But it's not the end of the world if I don't get them.

July 13, 2009

Summer '09 SW round: extra questions part 4

Who knits? Do you also spin and dye? What supplies, that you wouldn't buy for yourself, would you just love to have for that activity? I don't know how to knit. I wish I did. *pout* Are you interested in Tarot or Tarot art? hmmm... I don't really do Tarot but some art I've seen on some cards is beautiful! What would you think of soap samples/shampoo bar samples? (I believe the latter can be used as soap if you are not shampoo bar inclined). Or other sample sized bath/beauty products, for that matter? Any sample sized product would be welcomed just the same as it's full sized counterpart. What about burnables as in candles, tarts and/or incense? Weeellllll... I don't have a tart burner, and I don't really burn incense (even though I think it smells really good and I'm sure I have a burner around here somewhere *searches through piles of stuff in my room*) and I like candles but I just never get around to burning them. Do you want to know when you have something coming in the mail, or would you rather it be a complete surprise? Either way. If my witch tells me I will squee and squee and squee again and stalk my mailbox until it comes. If she doesn't tell me then I'll squee extra loud when it gets here. It's really up to her... And part 2.. What's your mailbox situation? I have a pretty big mailbox. The mail people have fit multiple packages in there before (if it won't fit in the mailbox they usually just walk it up to my porch anyway.) so I think you're good sending whatever you want. And there are almost always people at my house to bring in the mail so things shouldn't be sitting out there for too long. What kind of a car do you drive and would you want something you could use in your car? I don't drive... Are you a good witch or a bad witch? That all depends on who I'm talking to. Is your abode a palace covered in fur, a disaster area, or a neat freak's delight? heh... with 8 cats and a dog in the house it's hard not to have fur everywhere. And the house is... lived in but not a wreck. Except for my room. That's a wreck. I can find my clothes and the things I need to find but yeah. It's a huge mess in there. The cat's aren't allowed in. Literally, the most organized thing in my room are my BPAL boxes. It's sad. What one item would you just love to have that is made by a Switch Witch? Examples: Art by strangemodegirl Jewelry by coldfire box by Delphine Quilt by scotchgrrl etc. you mean I'm supposed to choose just one? How are you doing for BPAL storage? Need any boxes? Yes! Decorated box(es) would be wonderful!! Is there any place you've visited where you feel like you left your heart there? Hmmm. Nowhere I can think of off the top of my head. If you have music or DVD's on your wishlist, do you mind getting a burned copy? How about if it is original packaging but previously used? Or do you only want it new? burned or used is fine Are you a candles person, incense person, or just a BPTP spritzer for room scents? BPTP sprays, definitely. Are there any phobias you have that you absolutely, positively, do NOT want anything from your witch referencing? no phobias. I doubt there's anything my witch would want to send me that would bother me. What do you like to snack on? All sorts of stuff... If we're talking sweets, I like cookies and brownies and candy and, and, and.... There has been much talk of salted caramels and that sounds quite tasty. And whoever it was that mentioned Starbucks salted caramel hot chocolate, I like it too... a lot. Not-sweet things. I like crackers and pretzels and stuff like that. Also, cut up veggies. Is there something that would offend you if you received it in your mail/gift/email)? (as in profanity, a bad words in an email/card/music ... or a card or something with a scantily dressed man/woman pictured on it, crude/immature humor tshirts, etc ...) Profanity and nudity wouldn't offend me. It depends on the crude or immature humor but I'm starting to have less and less tolerance for that sort of thing. If you could make your perfect scent (or at least most desired at the moment!) what would be in it? Whew... this is tough. I've been going for darker, more incense-y things lately so it would probably have patchouli or something smoky or incense-ish. Also, spices (think Snake Charmer). But with some sweetness thrown in. OR something super foody with cream and fruit and berries and maybe some cake or something... (mmmm, cream) OR Something dark and sexy with leather and smoke (not vetiver though! ) and hot spices... maybe some myrrh or something. Gah! My scent tastes are all over the place so it's so hard to choose just one combination! List things you DO NOT need any more of: Beaded jewelry. I make it, so yeah. Other jewelry is great! But beads, I've got covered. Do you wear makeup or nail polish? Need brushes, containers, storage, mani/pedi supplies? What colors and brands do you like? I don't usually wear makeup, but I've been looking at some going, "Hmm, I wonder, if I had that would I wear it?" Usually the things I look at are jewel toned eyeshadows with a bit of shimmer (some neutral colors too) and I love lip glosses and such things and lust after them with a passion. Other makeup... sure! Why not! I actually really want to start wearing it more often and if I actually had some I liked I might... Nail polish = yes please! I love to paint my nails! I don't have many colors, so whatever you want to give me would be appreciated. Do you like shiney hanging porch decorations like windchimes or those things that spin and swirl in the wind? They're pretty but I doubt they'd get much use around my house. Hair adornments? Headbands and little clips would be nice. I just cut my hair to chin length from below my shoulders and all the hair bobs I have are for much more hair than I have now. Which flavors are you interested to try from the Chocolate Research Facility? *drool* As well as, ya know, the various kinds of milk, dark and white chocolate they have... Coffee with Nescafe powder, Cardamon with Almond, Ginger with Ginger Crystal (Spring/Summer '09 Series), Caramel, French Vanilla, Tiramisu, (Exotic Series), Green Apple with Dried Pear, Strawberry with dried Strawberry, Orange with dried Orange (Double Fruit Series), Lemon Peel, Mango, Apricot, Strawberry, Wild Berries, Pineapple, Sweetened Plum (Fruit Series), Irish Cream (Alcohol Series), Cappuccino, Latte, Cafe Mocha, Espresso (Coffee Series)

July 13, 2009

Summer '09 SW round: extra questions part 3

Good Books Recently Read? Just finished Nammah's Kiss. (As one can see from my questionnare, I'm a huge Jacqueline Carey/Terre d'Ange fangirl.) I put The Mists of Avalon aside to read it and it seems I just can't get back into it, so now I'm reading Peony in Love by Lisa See. What are your favorite animals? Or, what animals resonate strongly with you? Ya know, I was waiting for a question like this, because I forgot to include any info like this on my questionnaire. I have a special place in my heart for frogs and snails. (I have a giant stuffed snail that I love named Big Petey after my pet snail and a little flourite frog that my mom gave me on my first day of college.) I'm the girl who saves the snails. And pretty much anything with snails or frogs will get an "awww" out of me. Historical figures: hmmm. There's no one in particular I can think of. Chips: Eh... they're okay. But I don't eat them that often. Beer: I don't drink, so nope. Posters: I have no space! Is there anything you've been wanting to learn that your witch might be able to help you with? I’d like to learn how to knit and crochet. Are you obsessed with honey? If so, is there a particular kind you like best? Spun honey, flavored honeys, certain types of honey.... etc. Honey’s okay but I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed. Are there any kinds of books you collect? I don’t have any specific collections. I’d love a book of pinup art. (I don’t have one) So... favorite kinds of woods (as used in wood art ect.)? Ummm. I don’t know. I do like art made of wood, but I don’t know enough about it that I can of differentiate between the types of wood. Any part of art history/ style of art that you can't get enough of? (eg: Baroque, ancient Egyptian, Victorian, steam punk, modern?) I like some steampunk stuff. Otherwise, I don’t really know enough about art to say what it is I like. It usually I see something and say “Ohhh! I like it!” Do you like coffee? Whole bean or ground? Bold/Medium/Mild roast? I love coffee. You hear me? love. Get that from my dad. I don't have a coffee grinder in my house though so no whole bean for me. All the orphan coffee can come live at my house. So you have enough socks and wraps... (shush, VCW!) Are there any other knitted goods you might like? Lap blanket? Fingerless gloves? Arm warmers? Little knitted animals? Silk scarf? Head band? Wrist cuff? Dish clothes? Yes to everything but dish clothes... I'm not exactly sure what that means... I'd love some arm warmers (I used to have some, dunno where they got off to) and little knitted animals = love!

July 13, 2009

Summer '09 SW round: extra questions Part 2

Would anyone like bath bombs or bath melts scented with one of their favorite Bpal scents? I do these for myself sometimes and find them to be quite enjoyable. I don't have access to a bathtub unfortunately... but I am on a huuuuuge scented soap kick right now and I would love soap scented with BPAL! Would you like homemade cinnamon buns or sticky buns? yes, yes, and more yes! Is there anyone here that likes Hello Kitty or any other Sanrio Characters? not really... Do you play any online games, like World of Warcraft? If so, what server do you play on, what's your character's name, etc.? I used to play FFXI but it got too expensive... Is there a program you might have missed or show you love which is gone from the airwaves which might be found (or burned) for you by a Witch? Ohh! Six Feet Under! I got, like, halfway through the series before my Netflix subscription got canceled and now I hardly remember any of it since it's been so long since I've seen it. But I loved it. Would you like any recycle/upcycle supplies for your crafting? The only crafty sort of thing I do is bead, so I would love beads. Ok, for all you shower people, would you like BPAL scented soap? I'm out of soap stuff right now, but if I can get any anytime soon, would that be something that you'd like? Or how about BPAL scented massage bars or solid scrub bars? Soap, soap, soap! yes, please! I've never tried a massage bar but I've been wanting some LUSH ones for a while, so a BPAL one would be awesome! Basically any bath & body thing that isn't bathtub exclusive will be most appreciated and well-loved. If you were to make a seasonal mix CD for this summer, what would you name it? Probably something boring like "Summer Music Mix" or something like that. I'm not very creative when it comes to being clever with titles and such. Do you collect dolls or miniatures? newp. Are there any single notes (likely non bpal) that anyone is dying to have/try? For wearing: Neroli, Patchouli, Honeysuckle, and Sandalwood and Red Musk come to mind. A lot of my "love" notes on my note likes and dislikes list would probably have SNs floating around out there that wouldn't be too hard to track down. For sniffing: I would find it very helpful to smell many, many SNs since I usually have a hard time picking out specific notes in blends. My fiance sent me an early dvd rip of Coraline that he was given (pretty sure it's not been released yet, but I sometimes have a hard time keeping up) and I was wondering if anyone would like a copy of it? I never saw it but my sister would probably like it... net flick or the likes gift subscriptions? A month of Netflicks vs a DvD? I used to have Netflix and didn't use it all that much. I usually just run up to Blockbuster when I'm in the mood to watch something. I'd rather get a DVD of something you think I'd like than a subscription. Are you in need of decanting supplies, wand caps, or other scent-related paraphernalia? yes to wand caps! always yes! I have enough pipettes for now but I could use more roller bottles. Also, imp sized vials to decant into. I would definitely love some of those. As for Carnaval stuff... I think my favorites right now are Mme. Moriarty (aged of course), Agrat-Bat-however-you-spell-it, Doc. Constantine... hmmm... Zarita has a place in my heart. I just got myself a bottle of Inez and I think she has some potential but I think she need some age on her first. I have a bottle of The Illustrated Woman but I have yet to test it. (I know, I know! The horror!) There's sooooo much of the Carnaval I haven't tried and want to. (just look at my wishlist ) I'm sloooowly working my way down the list. When I read descriptions of the prototype of Alley of Games I did squee pretty loud. It sounds like just the sort of thing I'd like. And the sword swallower teaser art? That's the sort of art that makes you buy a bottle of the perfume no matter what it smells like. Does your feline like catnip? yesssss Salt soap bars (soap made with a large quantity of salt, like salt-scrub-in-a-bar)? yes! that sounds wonderful! How would you feel about homemade jelly/jam from home-grown berries? :) Homemade dill pickles? Made from cukes, beans, snap peas, baby zucchini? I don't really like pickles... Would it bother you if you are not the first person to receive the same gift? Imagine a Witch who always sends her favourite book, for example. If it's something I'd like then secondhand gifts are welcomed and loved! icon_biggrin.gif Pets: What do you have, and do they need/want anything? 8 cats and a dog. They're pretty set for now. The cats just play with stuff around the house so they don't really need special toys or anything. My poor dog is too old and arthritic to get any enjoyment out of toys and such. Poor thing. Steampunk jewelry? Yes. Twilight? not so much... Tea. How do you feel about it? I like it. Though I usually think I'll drink more than I'll end up drinking, if that makes any sense. I'd love to try some new styles/flavors/kinds/brands. I usually like fruit flavors or spices, but I'm open to pretty much anything. what is your favorite anime, or if you don't like that what is your favorite animated series? I'm not really into anime. I used to be a lot more than I am now. (I still go to Otakon though, and I'm going again this year.) ETA: anime series I used to watch a lot: DNAngel... erm, I think that's about it actually. My sister is a HUUUGE Full Metal Alchemist fanatic fan and my friend used to love Fruits Basket so I saw it all thanks to her. Cowboy Bebop was pretty good too.

July 13, 2009

Summer '09 SW round: extra questions

What kinds of crafts does everyone either enjoy making or enjoy getting? Do you have a certain type of handmade item that you love to collect? Socks, boxes, jewelry, dolls etc? About the only crafty thing I can make is beaded jewelry... which all the people I've made it for seem to like so, awesome. As for crafty things I like to get... whooo boy, I could go on. A BPAL box would rock my proverbial socks. The ones I have now are boring. I love knitted and crocheted things: socks, hats, scarves, arm/hand warmers, etc. To echo bubblefish, homemade bath & body stuff is awesome!! Like scrubs, lotion, massage bars, soap, body wash/shower gel. However I do not have access to a bath tub so bath bombs and other bathtub-exclusive bath goodies are out. Jewelry also gets a big thumbs up in my book. Clearly, vegans are not into soaps with honey or milk, etc. But, if you're not a vegan how would you feel about soaps made with emu oil? Squicked out/concerned about animal cruelty, or willing to try them? (The woman I buy them from uses the whole emu. She sells the meat, sells the feathers, and uses the oil to make soap.) I'm cool with soap made with milk, honey, emu oil (that sounds interesting)... yeah. Are there any of the BPTP bath oils you adore (particularly ones that you cannot get anymore). What about the room sprays? I've never tried any any of the bath oils but I'd really like to try Luxuria and Castitas. (I know, they're the ones you can get all the time, I've just never gotten around to it.) As for atmosphere spray, my favorite that I've tried so far is Goblin of Yuletide Present. I really like Doc. Constantine's Medicine Show too (I'm out of that one, actually), and I'd like to try Okiya and Cathouse at some point. I know you didn't mention the massage oils but I've had my eye on the TKO massage oil for quite some time now....... How would you feel about an ultra-girlie shawl or wrap in summer-weight (lace)? wow! Those are beautiful! I would love to own one of those. (I would just have to keep it in my room, out of the reach of cat claws >.< ) what would you think of hand-dyed items? I don't usually go for tie-dye so much but those are cool. (Especially the black/green/yellow one on that page.) Though if someone had hand dyed it especially for me, I would me much more inclined to wear/use the item in question. So, I hear you don't like lacy wraps! How do you feel about hand-knit socks? Socks are lovely and I would feel quite honored if someone knitted some just for me How many potential witchees have an iPod, or download MP3s? I have an iPod Nano, and buy some tunes from time to time. I still have a butt-ton of CDs that need to be burned into my computer, I just haven't gotten around to it. I got a new iPod recently... and it's far too big for me. You see, I wanted a Classic. And the Classics only come in 120 GB apparently. *grumble* So some awesome mix CDs or something of the sort would be greatly appreciated.

July 13, 2009

Forum Updates and News

Banning and our forum...

In the past, there's been a lot of speculation and false assumptions made concerning the banning of member accounts on this forum. Among many there seems to be a lot of false impressions over how often and how easily it is to get banned here. This may be in part our fault, as we have never drawn attention to the banning process, nor did typically discuss member banishments after the fact. This was because we felt it unfair to speak out about someone when they're not able to return and make a counter argument in their defense, because often the person still had friends on the forum and we didn't want to put them in an awkward position, and simply because we didn't want to further the unpleasantness of the situation. It was a decision we thought sound for a time, but clearly our silence on the subject has allowed people to believe that this is something we do far more often than we actually do and that we do it for simpler or pettier reasons than is the truth. So, to try to clear up any confusion or misconceptions about this touchy subject, we've decided to be more open about it and have all past and any future bannings presented in the public record. We hope this will help demonstrate that this not something we do often or lightly. And because of the sensitive nature of the subject, we're posting this information here rather than in the announcements area of the forum. To this date, we have banned 9 individuals: Unseelie, diabolique, BlueStar, wax, AngelFireHeart (aka: RainDropAngel), Black Medicine, wichapi (aka: ShyinChi, aka: MaineEvent), MissAnthropy (aka: InanimatusConjurus, aka: paintahappylittletree, aka: SeeYouNextTuesday), and tehriaz (aka: asunderpants, aka: omgriri). Details on the events leading up to each of these decisions will be posted as I have time to go through the various records. UPDATED 6 Oct 09: We have since banned 2 more individuals: beneathglass (aka Lia, aka loviatorthertip, aka herokitty) and ebonykawai (aka httpoo, aka raineygirl)

ipb

July 13, 2009

Freckles' Blog

All Bottled Up

Okay, this is my bottle collection. Not much, but it's growing! Privilege
Paris
Frau Holle
Libertine
51
Glasgow
Lovers in a Rice Field
Eris
Succubus
Madrid

freckles42

July 13, 2009

Forum Updates and News

[BANNED] Unseelie, Wax, AngelFireHeart

UNSEELIE On December 12, 2004, Unseelie sent a brand new member a harassing PM and blocked her from being able to respond and received a 30% warning and a notice that further similar actions would be taken seriously. On April 17, 2005, she created a topic devoted about how "horrible and wretched" another member's signature was, and received a warning because her tone and words again violated the good manners rule. One month later, she altered her profile to verbally attack a moderator, and because she had already shown a pattern of harassment (both member and moderator), she was banned. (Incidentally, if this happened now, it would probably have been handled differently; these days, we prefer to give a suspension before banning.) WAX On May 31, 2006 after registering a new account here, wax attempted to hack our forum. As a result, he was banned. ANGELFIREHEART/ET AL On June 26, 2006, Rain Drop Angel (RDA) posted that AngelFireHeart (AFH) at committed suicide. After noticing that AFH had been logging in after her so-called death, we started doing a little investigation into her forum activity, and discovered AFH had been using the PM system after her "death," and that the person known to be behind the AFH account had made at least one account elsewhere (specifically on lost.fm) as RDA. Because of our suspicions, we did contact her local coroner's office, and was told that nobody had died at that address on or around the date we were told AFH had died, making this a case of pseudocide. As a result, on July 23, 2006, both accounts were banned for their outrageous abuse of our community. Note that if this happened today, our duplicate account tools would be able to catch any account switching and new account creating, so the extent that was gone to prove to ourselves that this really was a case of pseudocide would be unnecessary.

ipb

July 13, 2009

scent is a strange thing -- 1

I wonder sometimes why I like some scents that should probably seem overpowering or obnoxious: gasoline, used engine oil, wet paint (high VOC, yeah baby!), fresh asphalt, just-snuffed matches, hot metal. Especially hot metal and black engine oil. My ideal mate would probably be a mechanic (though I was seriously considering being a mechanic myself 20+ years ago). Why would any of these appeal to me? Scent is so deeply wired into our brains, that you'd think the only scents that would appeal to us would be the ones that somehow enhanced our chances of survival (and reproduction). We're quick to pick up the scent of a pending storm, decay, lack of cleanliness, etc. Granted, many scent likes and dislikes are purely psychologically-driven. You could argue that my liking for oil and gasoline had to do with watching my dad work in the garage when I was very young. I don't know that to be the case, but I'm positive we all have associations that invite instant like or dislike, but that we can't necessarily put a name, face, time, or place to. What about sour, bitter, acrid, or chemical smells? I like the smell of hospitals. How weird is that? I like quite a few natural scents that are, apparently, generally disliked, like bruised marigold foliage (astringent, chemical). Love! But everyone I know who smells it recoils. And tomato foliage (astringent, oppressively herbal). I could seriously see wearing a perfume that had tomato foliage at its base. Oddly, I also like the smell of damp, dusty places, like old houses or barns that have been abandoned. How could the latter possibly be a benefit to survival? It's probably not, but I remember often playing in an old abandoned barn when I was a child, and so must have positive associations with the smells inherent in such a place. More psychological underpinnings. I'm beginning to think that psychologically-based scent preferences easily (and sometimes completely) override the hardwired ones. My animal scent likes and dislikes are pretty distinct. I like the smell of cats, but not dogs. Horses, but not cows. Allow me to rephrase: it's not that I dislike the smell of dogs (except wet ones) or cows, but that I get no reaction from them other than internally taking note of their scent. Cats and horses give me a real physical reaction, a pleasant one. (Don't read too far into that; I'm talking warm fuzzies here not Catherine the Great.) I also love the smell of many objects that are found around horses: leather, wool, denim, hay, and weathered wood. I'll categorize this as psychological. I grew up around horses and cats. Childhood = good, therefore ... etc. I have a few scent dislikes, but none that drive me out of a room, with one exception: citrus mold. Agh! And the odd part is, I can smell it before it's even evident. I'll start smelling this nauseating scent a day or two before the first powdery bloom appears on an orange or lemon. And I can walk into a room and instantly tell if there's newly-molding citrus in it, even if I can't see the fruit. The strong scent usually goes away (for me) on fruit that started molding some time ago, even if there's mold still on it. This scent ... it isn't just unpleasant, it's something I really can't take. I have to get away from it. This has me wondering if I'm allergic to the type of mold that forms on citrus fruits. Why else would I have such a strong visceral response to it? Do we finally have here an example of a survival-based scent preference? I haven't done a proper scientific study of the reactions of other people, but my significant other can't smell it at all, whereas I can smell it in eensy-teensy-parts-per-million at a hundred paces and it gives me an instant headache. Continued ...

What ever happened to Generation X?

July 13, 2009

ViolaVanWilde's Blog

the SW questions just keep on comin'!

What are your favorite types of baked goods? How would you feel about candied citrus peel, chocolate-covered or not? Would you be interested in the mix version of the baked goods or perhaps a spice mix, something along those lines? I like muffins and scones and cakes and brownies and cookies and....are you getting the idea here? Yes to all of the other questions there! Have you found any new loves since the beginning of the round that you wished you'd known to include on your questionnaire? Nope! ***7/12*** Question...do you fret or take it personally when your witch or witchee gets too quiet? Like they figured you out and don't like you? I sometimes worry a little if my Witchee drops out of sight for a while, but I know everyone has life stuff going on, so I don't get too hung up on it beyond hoping people are okay. Do you try to figure out who your witch is? Do you want your witch to give you clues? I like it when it's a surprise, but it can be fun to try to figure it out, too! Who has a Kindle? If you do, would you like a Kindle gift card, Kindle accessories, etc. as a gift? Whadda you need? I don't have one. What about other electronics (Blackberries, iPhone, etc.)? Do you need any accessories, etc. for those? I just have my stupid crappy cell phone. ***7/8*** I've recently been listening to Rasputina's 'O Perilous World' album and am particularly enamored by '1816: the Year Without a Summer'. So I'd like to know if my witchee likes Rasputina, and would like any music by them? I have How We Quit the Forest (I *think* that's what it's called - haven't pulled it out in a while) and think they're pretty good. Haven't listened to much of them, though.

mhickle

July 13, 2009

Switch Witch Help, 7/13/09

OK, I am not doing well at all keeping up with questions. So what I'm going to do instead is to list stuff that I like and don't like. I may update this list as I think of more things. LIKES: -Handmade or e-tailer soap of almost any kind. Love Villainess, LUSH; would love to try ones I haven't heard of. Prefer musky, incensey, woodsy or milky/foody scents in soaps. Don't like floral or citrus or fruity or minty scents in soaps. -Candles. Again, woodsy, spicy or foody scents are best. Aromatherapy candles are great. Don't like florals, oceanic, fruity scents. -Incense. LOVE Fred Soll and anything with chunky resins. Also, I am HUGE nag champa fan and I like that brand that comes in the blue box ("sai" something or other) -Body creams/lotions in musky or vanillic scents -Rich, thick hand cream -Lip balm -Dark chocolate (but not uber-dark or bitter -- 55% or so is ideal). Or medium-dark chocolate with other stuff in it. I love Vosges Red Fire bar and Barcelona bar. -Tea, but not anything too minty or fruity -Vintage advertisements, especially for cosmetics -Books and magazines -Things I can share with my kids -Just about anything handmade; someone once sent me a handmade bookmark in a swap and I still have it -Cookies or anything crunchy -NUTS! No nut allergies here. -Organic/boutique skincare lines. My skin is normal/combo or normal/dry. -Anything relating to Miyazaki films or good quality anime -Anything relating to Jane Austen or 18th-19th century British literature -Pottery. Handmade mugs, small bowls or plates, etc., I love that stuff. -A homemade box or pouch to put BPAL in would be a welcome gift. DON'T LIKE: -CDs. I am not as into music as the average person is. I don't even own an iPod. I rarely listen to anything other than the radio while I'm driving to work. If you do send me a CD, though, I'll listen to it It's just not my most wished-for item. -Bath bombs and scrubs. I rarely use them. -Etailer shampoo and conditioner. My hair is easily damaged so I am pretty careful what I use in it. -Large, colorful jewelry; wire-wrapped pendants, steampunk themed jewelry and the like. I only like subtle, delicate, simple jewelry. -Mineral makeup. I just make a mess of loose powder. -Large hair ornaments. My hair is fine and can't hold most of them. -Possets, HAEE, Haunt or most e-tailer perfume oils. I do wear stuff other than BPAL, but those brands don't appeal to me. I do like Yosh Han and Ava-Luxe. -Tarts. I don't have a tart burner. -Nail polish. It's OK but I rarely wear it. -Fantasy or vampire fiction. It's just not my thing. Sometimes I think I am the only BPALer who *isn't* into Neil Gaiman or the Twilight series! -Hershey's Kisses (or any type of Hershey's chocolate)

parrot_suspect

July 13, 2009

Darkness

Bottled gloom; the essence of oblivion. Blackest opium and narcissus deepened by myrrh.

in the bottle: Clean scent, some kind of wood. Slight smokiness. Pleasingly warm and dry in a resinous kind of way. Something smooth running behind.

on wet: Incense. More incense. Truly, incense. But somehow not obnoxious.

drydown: Still wood-y. Still incense, with a hint of sweetness behind; a kind of fresh, floral sweetness that isn't perfume-y, but more warm and heady.

one hour later: The slightly resinous, dry quality has returned, but I can't pin a scent on it, it's more of an impression. The light but warm and heady floral is still there. This is turning into what I would think of as perfume in a more classic sense, but not like any perfume I've smelled before.

end of day: Dry, resinous floral, with the floral barely in evidence. The dry quality is more pronounced, to the point of making me feel like I have a catch in my throat. Gives me the urge to drink water. I believe that the dry, resinous quality comes from the same component that I was reading as smoky while still in the bottle.

compared to official description: I don't get the morbid bleakness suggested by the official description; but then again, I'd be hard-pressed to describe the smell of oblivion.

notes: I'd have to say that, overall, I like this, but being ridiculously picky, I'm not convinced I want it. It doesn't scream "wear me!"

I commented in my last review that I don't know the scent of myrrh well enough to identify it. I wonder now if the slight smokiness I smelled in the bottle would be the myrrh, since Velvet had a smoky quality to me and also contained myrrh. Having said that, the smokiness wasn't pronounced, and may have snuck in later as more of a dry warmth.

A number of times during the day when I was moving around I picked up a wafting scent which made me think of a faintly sharp, non-spicy lily, but I could never smell it on my wrists, only when my hands were moving around at a distance. Except for the odd waft every now and then, this stayed exceptionally close to my skin, but didn't fade completely. Another potentially good second-skin type scent I think, but not for me.

ETA: This one is really variable on me. At certain times (ahem), like when I reviewed, it's too strong and floral. The rest of the time, that wonderful smokiness really comes through and it becomes a scent I enjoy. I'm waiting on receiving and testing the dozen imps currently on order before I decide to get it, though. This is close, really close, but I'm thinking that if I can get this close, I can get even closer. I have high hopes for some of the oils described as smoky now.

ETA, again: I mixed the whole imp with a vanilla-based after-bath oil and got something that makes me feel naked in my clothes. After I've spritzed and smoothed it, I get the urge to ruuuuub against everything, like a kitty demanding affection.

added to forum reviews