I have enough imps -- and plan on getting enough more -- that I should really start figuring out what works for me and what doesn't. I've learned that some things I like to smell don't necessarily work well on my skin (no surprise), and so far, nothing I dislike actually works on me (again, no surprise). Other conclusions follow. (This is an entry that I will be coming back to and modifying over the years.)

avoid these elements:

Dragon's Blood

elements which may work very well for me, but which I need to try in other combinations before I'm sure:

wax

look for these elements specifically:

tobacco

leather

these may or may not be deal-breakers in that they're scents I like (or don't dislike) but that amp to a point where they thuggishly take over a scent:

amber

sandalwood