yeahbutnobut

TUM!!!! This is honeyed grape juice, sweet and lightly spiced. It's purple-red to me.

The musk in Othello is Arabian, not Egyptian. Sometimes Arabian musk can be 'perfumey' on me, but in Snake Charmer, it is divine...almost like red musk. I've tried a few non BPAL Egyptian musks (DSH and Ava Luxe) they are very light and soft on me, almost like white musk-not really sweet, but fresh and clean. Nile Musk by Dragonfly Blue is wonderfully sweet and incensy though. I would LOVE to try Egyptian Goddess though... Someone mentioned Morocco (which I love) as having Egyptian musk, but that may be speculative.

Buck moon has Egyptian musk???????? *kicks self for not buying it* I adore Egyptian musk too. I love Dragonfly Blue's Nile Musk, it's a gorgeous incensey musk scent. It's wonderful. Oh, and if you're looking for a catalogue Egyptian musk scent other than Debauchery...try Bastet and Salome. I Bastet.

Here's another question. Does the Lab accept Paypal e-checks, even for LEs that will be taken down before the e-check is cleared? I wanted to buy some Beatrice or another Snake Charmer bottle, but haven't got enough paypal funds, so if I send an e-check, will the LE order still be accepted?

Jailbait In the imp: bubblegum! Pure, sweet, pink bubblegum. Yum yum! Wet on skin: now the cherry and orange lollipops come out! I smell like a kid again! A kid in a sweet shop! Dry on skin: now it's pure cherry candy. Dark sweet cherry candy with hints of the bubblegum and orange flitting through every now and then. It's quite a harsh cherry scent too, reminds me of cherry Tunes or Strepsils…like cold sweets or throat pastilles, it has a slight bitter medicinal scent I'm not keen on. I wish it kept the bubblegum scent it had in the imp! After a while: the harsh, medicinal cherry scent seems to fade slightly-it's more like cherryade now. There's also a sweet and sticky orange scent, like orange candy. There's a sweetness underneath this that seems too rich and deep to originate from just candy. This could be the 'womanly perfume'… After about 45 minutes…hmm, this is quite interesting. the scent underneath the cherry and orange lolly scent reminds me of some perfume I smelt before, but it comes after the initial shock of the sweet sticky candy…it's a scent I swear I've smelt before, somewhere else, a soft, deep, sweet scent, maybe a musk or vanilla or amber type scent? It's like old-fashioned perfume…and that's no bad thing. I prefer this phase of the scent to the cherry one! It seems almost metaphorical how a sweet, childish scent gives way to a sensual, grown up, very adult perfume. It seems to allude to innocence lost. Verdict: at first it was pure bubblegum, when it hit my skin, the other lollipop scents came out, but when it dried it reminded me too much of cherry Strepsils or some other medicinal cherry scent. But as time passes, the orange candy and something deep, rich and sophisticated, slightly nostalgic, underneath the sweet candy overload-the 'breath of womanly perfume'-comes out. It's an interesting and very different scent experience, full of fun, sweet candy goodness with a sexier, more grown up undertone. It seems to be a scented metaphor for the joyful playfulness and innocence of youth being stripped away…it's almost disturbing, yet fascinating how such a vivid picture is captured in scent. I'm not sure if I want to keep it. I don't like the cherry pahse of the scent, but I do like the more mature perfume scent that comes in the drydown. Because of the harsh cherry phase, it's not a favourite, but a different experience of perfume to the usual, and another scent that makes me realise how Beth is so brilliant and so imaginative with scent.

Pannychis In the imp: fruity sweet jasmine! Possibly currant adding the fruity scent. Very nice. Wet on skin: still a juicy moist jasmine scent, possibly with some lily and some currants too. it's a waxy white flower scent, but with a touch of something sweet and fruity. Dry on skin: mmm, not bad. This is a soft, white, clean floral with something juicy and rich, like blackcurrants or dark berries. Maybe some sandalwood too, but it's all about the jasmine here. It's slightly powdery, slightly soapy, but that's no bad thing-in here it does smell interesting, like moonlit flowers, there's something nocturnal about this scent. It's a very clean scent, quite fresh and dewy, the currant gives it an interesting, tangy and dark twist. But I do get a feel of freshly washed sheets hung out to dry in the moonlight from this too. After a while: the jasmine and currant get richer, fuller and deeper. It's quite a nice combination-the soft, clean, white florals and sandalwood against a background of sweet blackcurrant. Like the moon or the stars against the backdrop of the night sky, these two dimensions of scent contrast each other nicely. Amongst these, I think the other notes like frankincense and cardamom make fleeting appearances, but still remain barely there. It smells more rounded, yet even more ethereal, as time passes. Verdict: this is an unusual and unique take on a 'nocturnal floral' scent. Thanks to the currant, there's a nice dark juiciness to the scent. But all the while, it has this nice, yet ethereal, scent of white fragrant flowers dappled with dew in the moonlight. It has a slightly powdery and clean aspect, but still with that fruity undertone to make it interesting. It's a lovely scent-but I'm not sure if it's a favourite, as I prefer Nuit and Peitho as my jasmine scents, but I'm keeping the imp for now.

Sol In the imp: spicy sweet fruit! This reminds me of the Tarot oil, The Sun, but spicier. Wet on skin: mmm! Something spicy, possibly cinnamon, and an orange-sherbet scent. Dry on skin: this is nice! It's a bright spicy orange candy scent with something resinous and bright-maybe frankincense? Possibly something herbal here as well, there's a note that reminds me of dried grains turned golden by the sun. And maybe heliotrope too. It's fizzing with solar energy, a cheery, warm scent. It reminds me of many of the other solar oils, like the Sun, Ra etc. After a while: I'm sure there's something herbal or grassy, but it's not a 'green' scent at all…it's like scorched grass, dried in the sun, like hay, or like the desert. I get a feel of intense sunlight here-this is a strong scent, it's got a little hint of something spicy here, and that golden scent of something quite fruity and orange, with heliotrope and something resinous and bright-maybe frankincense and/or pine. Something about this scent hints at the sun's more fiery aspect, it's relentless heat, the desert and heat-waves, dry hot summers when the heat gets a bit too much to handle. Verdict: this is another lovely solar oil. Bright, shiny and golden-orange in scent, this is another scent that encapsulates the sun. It reminds me of the tarot oil, but much stronger, maybe a bit hotter as well. It's slightly fruity, possibly with some resins, spices, heliotrope and something that reminds me of golden hay or sun-scorched grass, or desert herbs. It's a warm, gorgeous scent, with a similar feel to the other sun-themed oils-it's a feel of golden, hot light, the sun at the height of noon in summer-it has a feeling of heat that can be intense as well as welcoming. It's a fascinating scent and perfectly made to recreate the sun's aspects in scent.

Carnivale In the imp: sweet berries and carnation. Has a slightly cherry-candy like scent. Wet on skin: mmm, sweet spicy cherry berries! I can smell the heliotrope in this, and a bit of the carnation. Dry on skin: this is quite nice! A pink-red fruity candy scent, with sweet amber, berries and fruity florals, a bit of musk too. It's a fun scent! For some reason, really reminds me of cherries and pomegranates, which is strange. It's got a dark twist to it, a bit of spice from the carnation, a tangy scent from the berries, a strong heliotrope note. It's got a playful, effervescent feel to it, but with a darker undertone. After a while: black sour cherries. This is what this smells like. It's possibly from a combination of heliotrope (which does sometimes smell like cherries), berries and maybe the musk. It's a bittersweet, darkened scent, but with a tingling effervescence underneath. Verdict: this is quite an intriguing fragrance. It's got a sweet, playful, candy-like feel to it, and yet it also has a dark aspect, manifesting as a scent of bittersweet black cherries on my skin. It's a pink-crimson scent, fruity, juicy, sweet, a tiny bit of floral, but with a bit of tartness and with the slightest hint of musk. A very unique and unusual perfume, fascinating yet fun to wear. Not sure if I'd get a bottle but I'm keeping my imp of it.

House of Mirrors In the imp: tangy, salty, lemony marine ozone. Similar to Sea of Glass, but more citrusy. Wet on skin: still a fresh, tangy ozone scent. Reminds me of a perfume I've smelt before…and smells like a sea breeze. Dry on skin: fresh and sharp ozone. Hints of citrus and sea air, it's salty and zingy. I'm not getting any amber here-just that cool aquatic citrus scent. It's very nice though, it's a clear, watery scent. it reminds me of a perfume I smelt somewhere, and it does remind me of Sea of Glass- the 'glassy' reference is appropriate for a scent that evokes mirrors. After a while: it's very consistent on me, a salty marine ozone scent. there's a hint of something resinous, this may be the amber, but it's still all 'glass' on me. Verdict: this is a fresh, clean, bright, salty and tangy aquatic ozone fragrance. A clear and slightly metallic scent hints at the silvery reflection of the mirror with the scent of waves on the sea like the rippled surface of the mirror. It's like sea air, the ocean surface glistening in the sun, warm and yet cool. However, there's only one drawback- it's all ozone on me, very similar to Sea of Glass, which is loooovely, but I was hoping for an interesting amber dimension to this scent. I don't get very much amber at all. So whilst I do like this scent, I don't think I'll get a bottle but I'm keeping the imp.

Bearded Lady In the imp: a soft floral scent. I think it's rose and lily. Wet on skin: mmm, a lovely, sweet soft, fresh floral scent. Rose, crisp lily, and honeysuckle. Dry on skin: oh, this is lovely. The rose in here is quite tart-or is that the lily? There's one floral scent in here that lends an interesting tangy aspect to this scent. There's a soft jasmine-honeysuckle background to this scent as well. It's a gorgeous bouquet of fresh, dewy flowers-this is what the smells like. Very flowery, but not old fashioned, this is a fresh, crisp scent. After a while: is that honey I smell here? I smell something here that reminds me of honey. Maybe it's honeysuckle? Or the tangy rose? I can't really smell the vanilla here, and the tart floral is taking over the blend. It's not bad, but I'm still hoping it softens and sweetens out a bit. After about 30-40 minutes, it changes to a lily-rose scent. Very nice, and oh so feminine. it's also not as tart and tangy as before, the floral scent is more defined, more clear cut. After about an hour, dried rose petals and a bit of violet, lily and jasmine. This scent is one of those that goes through stages, it changes and morphs over time. I'm surprised that I'm not getting strong vanilla from this though, it's a barely there note in this blend. After an hour and a half, it becomes a violet-lily-honeysuckle scent, with a tiny, tiny hint of vanilla coming out. After a few hours, the scent becomes a soft, sweet, ambery floral. Verdict: this is a fresh, crisp floral, quite tangy, but with a smooth background. Moist, tart rose petals and lilies with a soft backing of jasmine. It's not a one-dimensional floral scent, it has many facets. It's an interesting scent, like a big bouquet of flowers. It has a similar floral vibe to Ace of Hearts, but is quite different. It also morphs and changes through different stages of floral. It's a lovely floral scent, though I'm not sure if I'd get a bottle yet. But I'm definitely keeping the imp.

Rakshasa In the imp: woody patchouli with a hint of rose. Wet on skin: mmm, sandalwood! And patchouli, blended nicely together, with just a bit of rose. Dry on skin: the sandalwood is really strong in this, quite 'green' smelling in fact, with the patchouli darkening it a bit. This is a lovely, exotic woody scent. The rose is in the background-it makes the blend interesting by adding just a hint of something floral. After a while: I dunno, but there's something about this scent that's smelling a bit off, a bit strange, for me? It's weird because I normally adore sandalwood and rose, and I like patchouli, but this smells a bit astringent, a bit sickly, on me? Maybe it's hormonal? I dunno, but I really wanted to like this scent. However, this icky stage doesn't last, and it dries down to a nice soft sandalwood scent. Verdict: at first this was a lovely sandalwood-patchouli scent, with a bit of rose, but then it went all weird on me. There was something about it I wasn't keen on, despite the fact that I get on with the notes in this blend. But this doesn't last, and it dries down to pretty much just sandalwood, which is nice, but I would have preferred the other notes to remain. Maybe I should try this blend again at another time in my monthly cycle? Sometimes I hate my skin chemistry-which usually stays stable but tends to surprise me by turning unexpected scents off at unexpected times…I really wanted to like this scent, and maybe I might give it another try another time, but for now, I think it'll be swapped off.

Ave Maria Gratia Plena In the imp: a slightly soapy floral, with a bit of wood and something tangy-the lemon, probably. Wet on skin: soft lily and jasmine. This is really quite nice. There's also a little bit of lemon and wood there. Dry on skin: mmm, this is really quite lovely! Soft white flowers of lily and jasmine with a lemony tang and a little hint of something dry and wooden underneath. I'm also getting a slight herbal vibe from the sage. It's a well-balanced blend, and very ethereal. After a while: this then becomes a gentle musky floral. I think the white musk is coming up now, adding a soft and powdery touch to the lily and jasmine. This is a clean, white fragrance. It reminds me very slightly of Peitho, but not as sweet. Verdict: this is a very pleasant and nicely blended scent of soft, sweet, white florals, a woody base, a bit of lemon and a soft white musk. It's a gentle, ethereal scent, it seems to fit the description of it being an 'angelic' scent. It's surprisingly lovely. Not sure if it's an outright favourite, but I really like it for now.

I adore that smell!!!! I get that smell in Temple: Daoist, which is TAL so it's a bit hard to get. Apparently Gypsy Queen has candle smoke as a note, but I haven't smelt it yet so I'm not sure.

Lionheart Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: mmm…this reminds me of a perfume I've smelt somewhere. It's a sweet, soft, slightly powdery floral scent. Wet on skin: rose! now I can smell rose coming through…there's also a soft floral scent, and something sweet. Dry on skin: this is such a lovely scent. It's a golden rose scent, with another floral I can't quite place. There's also a musk scent in here, I think. This is a wonderful fragrance, it feels warm and welcoming, it makes me think of the sunrise-a pink-gold soft radiance. After a while: the rose strengthens and warms up nicely, like with other rose scents, it blooms on the skin. I think the other floral note may be heliotrope, come to think of it. I don't get lavender and honey mentioned in other reviews, but I get really strong rose from this-but that's a good thing, I love rose anyway! Verdict: this was a pleasant surprise. This oil has a gorgeous fragrance, of rose and maybe some soft warm musk, and some heliotrope, but predominantly golden, sweet rose. It's such a beautiful, glowing, warm and sunny fragrance. I may need to get more of this-not just because of the scent, but also the purpose-I am in need of courage, drive, and positive energy as I often get depressed and need a lift. This oil certainly seems uplifting to me! I love it.

Eleggua Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: bright, clear mint. It reminds me of the mint in some of the tarot blends-maybe its pennyroyal? Wet on skin: sweet and minty. Reminds me of the Fool. Dry on skin: mint. Probably a blend of spearmint and pennyroyal-it's a sweet mint blended with a cooler, green mint. It really does remind me of the Fool. There's a sweet background to this-maybe a floral scent? It's a very pleasant, cool scent. After a while: coconut? I think I can detect coconut here as well! And a slight dusty, earthy smell, but this isn't too bad-it's mainly mint and coconut. Perfect for summer! Verdict: this is a very pleasant, playful mint scent. A sweet mint blended with a green mint, it's cool and bright. After a while, a coconut scent peeks out. It reminds me of the Fool and the Star tarot oils. This is such a lovely, summery scent, cheerful and sweet, but as I am unsure of it's purpose and I know nothing about Eleggua, I might not buy more-though I wouldn't mind getting an imp, but if this was a non TAL scent, I'd get more!

Temple: Daoist Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: not sure what to make of this…a clear, not sweet, resinous scent, maybe a bit of wood? Wet on skin: I think there's frankincense here? Something resinous and bright, that's for sure. And something woody, possibly sandalwood. Dry on skin: mmm, this is nice. This is a clear, bright, resin scent, with a smoky feel, and some woods. I'm not sure but I'm thinking frankincense, sandalwood, maybe some cedar, and even a bit of candle smoke? Yup, definitely candle smoke in here! It's smoky and resinous, clearing yet dark, and I get a feel of polished wood from this. It has an oriental feel, like a scent that would be wafted through an Asian temple, a meditative scent, contemplative, sacred. After a while: the candle smoke scent gets stronger, with the wood-resin scent remaining consistent. This is a dry, smoky incense fragrance. Verdict: another interesting and wonderfully evocative temple blend. When I wear this, my mind is transported to a distant mountain temple, somewhere in Tibet perhaps, where monks meditate peacefully whilst incense and candles burn in the quiet contemplative atmosphere. This is a meditative, calming scent, which is clear and resinous and also smoky. It has the aroma of burning incense, resins and fragrant woods burning gently, and a scent of candle smoke. This is a lovely scent, it makes me feel grounded and introspective, and I think this would make a wonderful room fragrance, especially for meditation.

Flame of Desire Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: something floral, something that smells slightly ginger beer like…and something animalistic. I think that may be civet. It's a bit farmyard-ish, but not too off putting. Yet. Wet on skin: yup, it smells very animal indeed. But still not too 'ick-inducing'. There's a floral scent there-not sure what, and some red musk too. Dry on skin: now I think there's something more floral coming through. Not sure what though-it reminds me of something I've smelt in someone's garden, but I can't remember what! Maybe it's carnation? But then there's that musky-animal scent. This actually reminds me of Madini's Musk Gazelle, which was the most intense and animalistic musk I've tried-that was like a cross between red musk and civet. This is that same fragrance mixed with a floral scent, and surprisingly, it's not making me gag! It does remind me of Sin, slightly, and there may be some patchouli in this. Possibly the same cinnamon from Sin, as well. And maybe some incense, or something deep and dirty. But it's predominantly dark, animalistic musk and earthy sweetness. After a while: I wish I knew what the floral note in here is-it's bugging me, because it doesn't seem jasmine like to me. I know I've smelt it somewhere though. And yes, this still smells like red musk and civet to me. I think I'm getting a hint of spice, or patchouli, or smoke, but I'm sure there's something spicy in here as well. Aside from the dark musk, it's hard to pin down the notes in here. Verdict: I'm not sure what the purpose of this oil is, but I think it's related to love and/or sex. This is another unusual fragrance…and I think it could be my first proper brush with a civet scent. This definitely has an animal scent to it, but surprisingly, it's not too bad. It's predominantly an intense red musk and civet smell, but there's something else here too which I can't really put my finger on-it's floral, earthy and spicy. It reminds me somewhat of Sin, but with dark musk/civet added. This scent has a primal, raw, intense feel to it. Not an outright favourite, but then again, not something I hate either. Maybe civet and I are not worst enemies, as I had feared! I don't know if I'd want to get more of it-especially since I'm not entirely sure of it's purpose yet.

Aunt Caroline's Money Bag Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: cinnamon orange. Very similar to Money Draw, but more orange than cinnamon. Wet on skin: sweet, candy-like orange and cinnamon, mmm, smells like Christmas! This is very yummy! Dry on skin: now the fruity note has strengthened a bit more. It's not a tart orange, it's very sweet, sugary, like sherbet powder, it even has a hint of something chocolatey. And the cinnamon adds a nice festive twist to it. Whilst Draw was all about dry spice which had a slight savoury or curry like aspect to it, Bag is fruitier and much sweeter. This scent makes me smile. After a while: the scent becomes drier and dustier, the cinnamon bark coming through more, without losing that sweet sherbet orange scent. Yum! Verdict: this is so delicious and festive smelling! It smells of sweet candied orange and cinnamon…it makes me think of Christmas and it feels very positive and effervescent. It bears a definite similarity to Draw, but is more fruity and sweet. It smells so yummy and zingy and makes me smile. As for it's effects…I'm not sure yet, but one thing is for sure, I would love some more of this, because of the smell, and maybe to help curb my sometimes obsessive spending! (Not sure it'll stop me buying BPAL though!!!!!!!)

Catalyst Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: this smells odd. A bit like dragon's blood, though it can't be as the oil isn't red-it's clear. It smells clear too, and metallic-the scent is hard to describe, but it smells almost like alcohol-like a clear booze, maybe vodka like scent? Wet on skin: still the same, that clear alcohol like scent, and I think there could be cloves here too, or maybe it's anise? I now also smell something rather lemony coming out, maybe verbena? Dry on skin: now it smells like fresh cologne! It smells quite lemony and bright, piercing-but not lemon fruit, this is more like a lemony herb, like verbena or citronella. It's not the same piercing lemongrass scent of Concentration though, this one is more bright and cold, slightly distant, fresh like a spritz of cologne and a gust of winter wind. It has an airy, metallic, almost ozone like feel to it. That and something spicy, but only slightly. It's unusual, I can tell you that! After a while: it still has that fresh lemon-ozone scent, but it's now starting to remind me of freshly washed laundry. It smells quite soapy now, and very clean, but still with a hint of cloves or anise. Verdict: this is one of the strangest smelling TAL oils I've tried. At first it smells oddly chemical, almost like alcohol, or metal. Then, on the skin, it smells like cologne, fresh and zingy, and lemony. There's also a metallic, or airy ozone scent in this, it feels cool, even cold, clean and bracing, with a dark spicy scent, possibly anise or clove. Purpose-wise, this is an oil that I need, because I am looking for a bit of creative impetus, determination, and the drive to finish projects or start new ones. I might need to get more of this oil.

Mantle of Venus Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: floral cloves. Mainly cloves, but with a hint of something floral, not sure what. Wet on skin: still spicy-there may be some pepper in here as well as cloves, and I think there's lavender here as well. Dry on skin: mmm, this is a very soft, gentle scent. it's still spicy, but mildly spiced now. It's become more herbal now. I think it could be lavender, and possibly camomile, or something herbal and soothing. It smells very relaxing and unthreatening, and the cloves add a nice warmth to the scent. After a while: violets. I think there's a very soft violet scent here. But it also has a slight cherry-like aspect that reminds me of heliotrope flowers, so maybe that's in there too? but it's a soft, purple flower scent, gentle and quite sweet. Verdict: this is a gorgeous scent. at first it starts of spicy, with cloves and possibly some pepper. Then it dries down to a soothing herbal-floral scent which could be lavender and/or camomile, then changing to violets, or something else. It's a very soothing scent, calm and approachable. I have yet to see whether it brings love or money my way…I hope it does though! I wouldn't mind getting more of this.

Temple: Greek Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: herbs and honey. There is something very Greek/Mediterranean about this scent. Wet on skin: yup, still herbal honey. I think it's thyme, maybe some rosemary and sage, soaked in honey. Dry on skin: this is lovely!! It's herbal honey, but it definitely makes me think of Greece. I have been to Crete and Corfu on holiday, and I remember the evening air being scented with thyme and other herbs. This is very much like that, but with sweet Greek honey, and something that reminds me of grains or bread. I think I can also smell olives. After a while: I think there's a hint of wine here as well, and something smoky, like burning incense, and something woody, perhaps pine or juniper. The scent darkens as time passes, becomes more mysterious. Verdict: I love the way that the temple blends can transport you to the places evoke, helping you enter that state of mind for ritual. I've only tried two so far-this one and Egyptian. Temple Greek really does evoke Greece, I think. It's like a warm breeze of herb-scented evening air, mingled with sweet honey and olive oil, and a hint of smoky incense, maybe some wine. It reminds me of holidays in parts of Greece, or even ancient Greece. Whilst I haven't got as much of an affinity for the Greek pantheon as I do with the Egyptian, it is one of the most familiar and the one I first learnt about (I used to be obsessed with Greek myths when I was a child). This is a wonderful blend truly evocative of that time and place, fit for the gods of Olympus.

Uranus In the imp: cloves! Yup, it's cloves, but with something else-not sure what though. Wet on skin: still cloves, with something else that I think could be ozone. But mainly cloves. Dry on skin: fresh cloves. Possibly cinnamon too. This has the warm, sweet spice of cloves, but it's fresh and airy, or liquid rather than flat out spicy. I can't actually tell what the scent is, but I think it's ozone of some sort. But it's mainly sweet festive spice on me. After a while: I think there's cinnamon coming out now. Dry, hot cinnamon bark, with whole clove buds, but still with something salty and fresh. After a few hours it changes to...leather? Yup, I'm getting leather here! Verdict: Uranus is, to me, a planet full of surprises, and this scent was a pleasant surprise. The scent is predominantly cloves and maybe cinnamon-that strong, sweet, spicy scent, but it's coupled with a slight saltiness, which I think could be ozone. This isn't as sweet as Three Witches because of this strange salty angle, it's an unusual combination but it seems to work. I love the smell of festive spices anyway, and this is a very nice scent. The ozone like salty scent makes it more interesting than just plain spice though. I like it a lot.

Helping Hand Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: mint! This smells very minty, yet sweet. It reminds me of a cold remedy, it's a menthol-mint scent. There's also a resin or sugary smell in the background, or maybe some pine? It's hard to tell… Wet on skin: oh I know what this is-I think its vetiver! And mint, of course. And possibly some camomile? But it's sweet mint with vetiver and a dark sweet scent-dark chocolate or syrup maybe. Dry on skin: very piercing, camphor-like mint, vetiver and something dark, sweet and deep, something herbal, something smoky. This is an unusual, yet pleasant scent. It smells quite medicinal, healing even. Like an old fashioned herbal remedy. After a while: there is a hint of something herbal and soothing here, as well as the prominent vetiver. I think there's a little waft of tobacco smoke there as well. And it reminds me of After Eight mints now!!! Like After Eights in a smoky lounge after dinner, and some vetiver oil is being burnt to fragrance the room. It's the scent of relaxing and lounging out, and makes me feel calmed. Verdict: this is a very unusual scent. At first, this smells powerful, medicinal, and you can tell this isn't a perfume. And yet, it's pleasant-there's a fresh mint scent with a soft dark vetiver base, possibly some pine or camphor, maybe some herbs, something smoky-possibly tobacco, and dark, dark chocolate-at one point, it even smells a bit like After Eight mints! It's a very interesting scent, and it does calm me down. I am not involved in any rocky relationship, but I do need some peace of mind…so maybe one day I shall get more of this.

Oshun Courtesy of the TAL circular swap. In the imp: fruity rose. yes, it does remind me of Persephone, but more 'grown up', like there's wine in there as well. Wet on skin: fruity rose, with a twinge of tartness, like the petals of the rose are dried, and the fruit juice has fermented into wine. Dry on skin: this is nice! Very rosy, with a bit of fruit. Not sure what-possibly pomegranate, or grape maybe? This is a very feminine scent, it's fresh and moist, yet has a tangy bite to it. The roses in here smell drier and crisper than most rose blends, and there's that fruit note too. After a while: I'm wondering if there's lotus here too, as this is now starting to remind me of Kurukulla. There's a sweet, candy-like scent in this now, which could be lotus or maybe that fruity note. It's also got that tart, tangy, wine like scent balancing out the smooth sweetness. It's very pleasant. Verdict: I'm not too familiar with the Orishas, but I do have the story of Oshun in one of my old children's story books…it states that Oshun is a goddess of love, wealth and beauty. (and indeed, the description given above confirms this.) And this scent is very appropriate for such a deity. It's a feminine, floral-fruit scent, rich and full, juicy and tangy. It's similar to Persephone and Kurukulla, however, whilst those two scents are youthful and girly, this scent is more grown up, more mature, very womanly. The dominant note in this is rose-and lots of it. A good thing, since I adore rose. There's also a fruit scent I cannot place-it seems almost wine like. This is a lovely scent, which resonates with wholesome, plentiful femininity. If this wasn't a magical oil, I'd get more of this.

Snake Charmer In the imp: spicy, sweet and exotic. A bit plummy as well. Reminiscent of Snake Oil (yup, it's Snake Charmer all right!) but more exotic and fruity. Wet on skin: still a gorgeous scent of plum, spices, amber and a bit of musk. It's like Snake Oil, but upgraded. Dry on skin: omg, this is so beautiful! It's so sensual, sexy, and exotic! A heady sweet scent of all sorts of wonderful fragrances mingling together. There's juicy plum and dark vanilla and just a hint of coconut, sweet glowing amber and a sexy musk scent, plus an assortment of warm spices-I swear that one of the spices is cinnamon, as this reminds me a bit of Sin as well as Snake Oil. After a while: the blend has sweetened and smoothed out a lot-but the good thing is that the vanilla isn't amping up to cloying levels in this-it stays stable and mixes nicely with the amber, musk and coconut and also hints of the spices. Verdict: this is like Snake Oil, but updated and improved. A wonderful, magnificent scent, so exotic, spicy and slinky. There's a great assortment of notes here-from fruity plum to sweet amber and vanilla, warm, precious spices and musk. This is so beautiful, complex and rich. And another good thing-with Snake Oil, the vanilla took over all the other notes. The vanilla in here doesn't do that. All the scents are so nicely balanced to create this sexy, mysterious scent. Fantastic work, Beth!