Jump to content
BPAL Madness!

ellebelle

Members
  • Content Count

    2,181
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by ellebelle

  1. ellebelle

    The Court of Honor

    I love this very much - the mixture of orris and tobacco smells very much like tobacco flower which predominates on my skin. It makes this smell very grown up and sexy. As it dries, it sweetens a bit, which I think might be the amber coming out to play! I do not get much sandalwood at all which is a blessing because it typically smells like pencil shavings on me. I wasn't planning to buy a bottle, but then I did. Try this if you like tobacco flower heavy scents - it's most similar to Earth Spider (the Salon LE) in my collection.
  2. ellebelle

    Moon of the Terrible

    This smells absolutely nothing like I was expecting it to smell. I really thought this would be wintery and snowy smelling, but the lychee is really dominant on my skin. It reminds me strongly of the Chinese New Year scents, actually, because of that lychee note. As it dries, I can pick up the lavender faintly until, like a breath on the wind, it is gone. It's pretty, I'm not sure I need to keep it as I have a lot of similar scents in my collection. If you like this, try Earth Ox, Fire Pig, or maybe Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse....
  3. ellebelle

    Saturnian Phoenix

    Am I alone that in the wet stage, this smells strongly of tamarind? I'm surprised so few people have mentioned that. It smells JUST like the tamarind candies you can buy at some specialty grocery stores. As it dries down, I start to get the resins - which is awesome - but then I can also smell the violets, which is much less awesome. Violet always smells like cheap commercial perfume to me. I agree with the person who said that this is on the edge of greatness. I'll keep my imp, but no need for a bottle.
  4. ellebelle

    Lil' Menes' Feline Entertainments

    This has the strangest yellow color on my skin. On me, there isn't much green - mostly, it's a sweet, sexy musk. This was a decant I tossed in at the last minute and it might be my favorite Yule.
  5. ellebelle

    Worm Moon 2011

    WORM MOON Do not smirk as a hearse goes by, For you may be the next to die. They wrap you up in a big white sheet And throw you down six feet deep. They put you in a big black box, And cover you up with dirt and rocks. All goes well for a week or two, Then things start changing; all is new. The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out, The worms play pinochle on your snout. A big green worm with rolling eyes, Crawls in your stomach and out your eyes. Til your blood turns mossy green And oozes out like Devonshire cream. Worm Moon marks the season of rains, when the worms scuttle forth, aerating the earth with their movements and enriching the soil by digesting waste in organic material, which creates organic fertilizer. This is a melding of Victorian Grotesquery and springtime fecundity: mold-crusted dirt, decomposing organic matter, coffin wood, drooping funeral flowers, congealed blood, gloomy lunar oils, and cuckoo flower with something moist lurking underneath. This smells amazingly like dirt; moist, loamy dirt just after the rain. This is perfectly appropriate for Worm Moon. I'm not sure I want to smell like damp dirt, but I'm amazing at Beth's skill in capturing just what it smells like! It makes me imagine mounds of just dug up soil in a graveyard. Oddly, I don't dislike it. Low throw, and it dries down to something a little more wearable. Same notes, but slightly less dirty and more just ... earthy. Some of the floarls come out, with a touch of a metallic edge. The drydown reminds me of the darker, more "adult" florals in the BPAL collection. Least helpful first review ever.
  6. ellebelle

    Witch Dance

    This has skyrocketed to be possibly my favorite red musk scent. I'm not a red musk lover, but something with the incense and the spiciness of the leaves balances the bitterness of the red musk. This is magic, and it my favorite scent of the YEAR.
  7. ellebelle

    Nadie Se Conoce

    I also smelled a lot of smoke in this. It's a strange mixture - sometimes I'd smell my arm and get a wave of fruity citrus, but then I'd get another wave of sulfur. It's interesting, but not bottle-worthy for me.
  8. ellebelle

    Lich's Laboratory Atmosphere Spray

    Overall, this reminds me a lot of the set stage of Brahmin. Lots of clove, amybe other spices as well. It's a bit strong for me for a room spray - gives me a headache.
  9. ellebelle

    Fall SW 2012!

    WISHLIST HELP: BPAL: http://www.bpal.org/topic/127-wishlist/page__st__1900__p__1566904#entry1566904 AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1OASHS9ZEEHNF/ref=cm_sw_su_w ETSY: http://www.etsy.com/people/effluere/favorites THINKGEEK: search my name and email address as listed in the questionnaire. I have one! If you had a fairy for NYCC, what exclusive scent would you kill to own? I have a fairy for everything I want. Thanks! What do you think of Shiro Cosmetics Halloween Collection? (www.shirocosmetics.com) Too afraid to look! The Godiva Halloween Collection: link? All your chocolate will belong to me! Seriously, I love chocolate anything. Would you be interested in comic books and if so what ones do you read or what genre of comics are you interested in? Yes! I am not a big comic book person, but I have been reading the Buffy/Angel comics. I'm interested in the Spike and Illyria spin offs in the Angel series especially as those are the only ones I don't have from that set. I just started getting the Buffy comics and have only have the first softcover volume. WITCHEE, DO YOU WANT ANYTHING FROM CALIFORNIA? I used to live there and go back frequently, so I'm good. IngenuiTEAs? No thanks. Honeycrisp "Apple Crips" (Dried honeycrisp apples, nothing added.) DO YOU WANT SOME WITCHEE????? YESYESYESYESYES!! Design a tea? No thanks. FusionSweets? (etsy) Yummers! I'd love to try anything, really. Poe Day? Dark Del merch in general? I don't know much about it, but if there is something my witch thinks I might like, I'm down. Kombucha? No thanks. Are you dressing up for Halloween, Witchee? If so, is there anything you're looking for to complete your costume? I don't really like dressing up. Do you need any accessories for your smartphone (case, skin, etc)? I really, really want the olloclip or microscope camera attachments that they sell at thinkgeek, but they are a little spendy. Otherwise, I could use a new screen protector. I have the iPhone 4S. Gardening? Not so much. I do like houseplant though. Do you use or would like to try loose eyeshadow pigments? I do not - they are verrrrrry messy. I am too klutzy to use them, I think! Is there anything you might want from the latest update (Lab or TP)? Well, I want ALL the room sprays! But I only ordered Apple Orchard. I ordered decants of the lab stuff I'm interested in. I'll pass on all of the BPTP perfumes - they look too sweet for me. What's a new company to you that you most want to try a product from or what would be a new product to you that you most want to try (make-up, perfume, or bath/body)? Hmm, I don't know. Maybe Moonalisa? Everyone raves about that stuff. If you like necklaces, what are some symbols or images that you would love to have a necklace depict? (ex. spiders, skulls, hearts...?) I have lots of examples of necklace styles I like in my etsy favorites. I'm not so big on iconography in necklaces, but maybe a bird? Lip balm - tube or tin? No thanks, really. People give that stuff to me all the time, and I don't use it often. Would you like to receive a journal or sketchbook? How about other pretty paper goods like post-its, notepads, bookmarks, letter paper/envelopes? Post-its, note cards and little notepads would be much appreciated! I write notes to myself all the time at work and at home. Are you interested in audiobooks? If so, any specific titles? No thanks. Bar soaps with some scrubby bits, yes or no? I can't do bar soaps much. Do you need any small electronic gadgets like flash drives and the like? hmmm. I can't think of anything, but maybe there are awesome things out there that I don't know about! Use your best judgement, dear witch. A small laser pointer would not be amiss. Would you like a pair of knitted socks? Sure! Do you have any use for knitted dishcloths, facecloths, etc, especially if they were fandom related? I use them when they are given to me! Do you subscribe to any sample boxes, and if so, which ones? Would you like to receive some samples? (perfume, eco/"green," skin care, hair, music downloads, cosmetics, soap...) I did Birchbox for a little while - it was fun and I found some stuff that I love. I've been meaning to restart my subscription. do you have a problem with nudes???Male or Female? Nope. People ask a lot of questions about dogs and cats, but I know a lot of forumites have rodent pets. How would you feel about hammocks or toys for your rats/hamsters/gerbils/etc.? Awww! No rodent pets in my house though. My Little Pony... Cute or meh? No thanks - loved it when I was a kid, not into it now. I realize that we had a similar question in the ?aire, but I need you Witchee-s to list at least 5 items, each ranging $20 and under from Amazon.com or Walmart.com. 1. fun pushpins 2. pretty much any book from my amazon wish list 3. soap dish 4. picture frames with mattes for 5x7 photographs (4 of them) for some pictures for my office at work 5. something to organize all of my computer cords My new job is at a consignment store where we have all kinds of designer brands for very reasonable prices. Are there designer clothes/purses/sunglasses that you desire/love? (Give some indication as to your "style" as well. For example, do you like bohemian-style frocks in lavender? Crossbody purses in black? Sunglasses that are round and bug-like?) I love love love purses. I most frequently use clutch/wristlets or purse with long straps that can be worn cross body. I've killed the muscles in my shoulders hauling around heavy bags with short straps so the shorter strap bags start to bother me. I love wristlets or little armpit purses for going out though! The only thing I absolutely do not like is branded prints (i.e. the coach bags that have coach written all over them, or the LV printed vuitton bags). But otherwise, almost anything goes! I like things in neutrals and fun prints and colors. Are there any existing Weenies that you have your eye on, but haven't gotten around to getting? Nope. In the meantime, let me know what you like to do on the Internet to kill time. Flash games? What are your daily websites/blog visits, or favorite YouTube videos? I love the Oatmeal. I read the AV Club all the time. I live in Japan. Anything you would be interested in from there? Candy or stationary! Candy Corn: yes, no? yes yes! You open a box from the post office to reveal the 3 things you want most right now. What are they? (caveats: size doesn't matter, but they have to be tangible/buyable). A car starter, map pillow coverings from mybeardedpidgeon on etsy, one of the iphone camera attachments (note - dear witch, these are all expensive and I DO NOT expect you to purchase any of them. But they are what came to mind right now!!!) The end of this month I'm going to Scarefest, the big horror and paranormal con in Kentucky. (www.scarefest.com) If I were your witch, is there anything you would like from there (skull jewelry, art prints from an artist that catch your eye, etc), or anyone whose autograph or photo or such you would dig? I think I'll probably pass. What is your holy grail "I'd kill to just have one drop in an imp" bpal scent? Elf v4! I have one drop in an imp and I love it. I wish for MOAR! Are there any existing Weenies that you have your eye on, but haven't gotten around to getting? I have decants coming. if you wear earrings, do you have pierced ears? Yes Are you a gamer (of any sort - video, casual, tabletop) and are there any games you want? I am not a gamer at all, unless you count Words With Friends or Trivial Pursuit. Would you be interested in BPTP CANDY? depends on what it is. Would a Starbucks gift card make you happy or do you prefer your local place? Sure, $bux is great. CUSTOM-Made Pottery?? yea or nay? coffee mugs, rustic or more elegant? a set of bowls? soap dish? bird feeder? something alltogether different? and lastly, good colors for glazes...? YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! I would love that. Do you have a forum buddy? Someone who knows you and/or your tastes well enough to answer questions on your behalf? I covered this in thread, but your best bets are invidiana, izile or obsidienne. If you are on Livejournal, would you appreciate LJ stuff like paid time, custom userheads, stuff like that? If you are NOT on LJ but are on other sites that have similar paid-for services (Flickr, for example?) would you, and what are those sites/etc? Sure! I have been a paid member at flickr for a long time - user name is lissaphoto1. I am an LJ user, but I don't want to pay them as I haven't been that happy with the service lately! A question, witchees: if you are into tarot, what is your favorite card? I have never done tarot. If my witch wanted to get me some kind of starter set that told me how it all works, I'd be into that. And another question: would you like your own set of handmade rune stones or worry stones? That is cool, but probably not something I'd use. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider, or none of the above? All of the above (except tea)! For coffee, I do not like fruit flavored or nut flavored blends. All else is a-okay. I have a traditionally coffee maker, no K-cups. I do have a grinder, so beans are fine for me. Cider is awesome and I love any kind of cocoa. Gum, hard candy, soft candy, or none of the above? Soft candies. Brite Crawlers are totally my kryptonite. If you like tea, what kinds? I am all tea'd out. Do you do Goodreads or LibraryThing or a site like that? If so, can I see your to-read list, please? Nope, I do not. Hmm, I linked my read books on my questionnaire, I think. To-reads is a long list - I have a habit of buying more books than I can read at a time! I can try to put them together (maybe). Otherwise, you can always ask sneaky questions to figure it out. There may be some useful answers in the various book swap dead swap cemetary threads. Zombies; Yay or Nay? Yay! If you have cats, do they like catnip toys? If you have doggies, would they like a super-reinforced canvas toy with a squeaker in it? I think I put this somewhere, but my kitties love catnip. Arlith gifted me a whole boatload of little kitty toys and the simplest little crocheted balls with catnip are their FAVORITES. More of those would be welcome as they beat the crap out of them. If you have kids, what are they into? I am childfree by choice. How do you feel about wearable knitted lace? Shawls, wraps, and the like? I love it - however, my mother is a serious lace knitter and I have several lace knit scarves and wraps, as well as lace knit gauntlets. I do really, really like it thought. Looking at the warehouse, I notice that our lovely Greenwoodtree is able to do chart readings and/or forecasts at a very reasonable rate. Is this something you would want? One of my previous, most fabulous witches, gifted this to me already! Songs that you keep meaning to buy but never get round to it? If I want it, I generally buy it. BUT! I welcome new music! For the first time in 1998, I own a car. It has a CD player in it - it does not read mp3s, it does not hook up to my ipod. Dear witch, all of my mix CDs are from 2003 or earlier as they pre-date my first ipod. So, if you want to help me in the music department, I would so appreciate that! Also need something that is easy to get CDs in and out of in the car. Right now, I keep them in the visor and then when I put the visor down, CDs tumble upon me making me swerve and curse at other drivers. And myself. So there you are. Movies that you love but forgot to put in your questionaire? I think I got them all. Name one movie you keep meaning to buy, but just never get around to getting? Lord of the Rings. I only have the second one! Any favorite Bath & Body Works scents/products? I do like the hand soap and could use some for my sink.. I'm open on the flavor. Haus of Gloi is offering custom perfumes - would you like one? What would your ideal blend be? Hmm, I will have to research that. Something with vanilla and egyptian musk and orchid maybe. Any Bath, Body or nutritional type items you would love to try from a Natural and Organic food store (similar to Whole Foods) that you don't buy because they are a bit too pricey? Nope. Tell me of your taste preferences. Dry/sweet? Red/white? Lager/ale/porter/stout? Fruit? Spice? Hops? Sour (brettanomyces, etc)? Mmm, beer, how I do love thee. I prefer sours, brown ales, scottish reds and porters. The only kind of beer that I do NOT like are IPAs. I'm not a huge fan of ESBs either, but that's hit and miss. I love big red and dry white wines. Favorite red are cabernets from California and favorite white is Sancerre (which is basically a drier sauvingnon blanc). I also like chenin blancs very much for whites and merlots and baco noirs very much for reds. are there any if MeiLin's books (e-book or print) you'd be interested in? Sure - I've not read any. I'm about to be near a Lush store next week, is there anything you might like from there? No thanks! Witchee, will you be gone from your normal mailing address at any point during the round? Nope. Are you a Disney fan or does even thinking about Disney make your head hurt? If you're into Disney, would you like something from the Happiest Place on Earth ? No thanks. dear witchee, would you, could you use an electric candle warmer? i'm talking something like this. No thanks. Do you lust after some new socks/tights? I can always use new socks! I like soft ones. Ninjas or Pirates? Ninjas. Sneakier. I have an extra room spray and 2 extra bath oils (one Cephalopod, one Exhibit Hall Fatigue) from Dragon*Con - would anybody like a decant? Nope, I had a pick up fairy! I live near a Mast General Store. It has lots of vintage-y toys, southern foods (jams, jellies, spices) and vintage candy. Is there anything I can get for you? BUFFALO ROCK GINGER ALE. Do you have any Fall or Halloween traditions? My boyfriend and I usually deep fry a turkey on Thanksgiving. a) Are you OK with "special deliveries"? Is the address in your questionnaire the best place to reach you for said deliveries? c) If the delivery requires a phone number (as say, some florists do) would you be OK with that information being tracked down by your Witch or asked of you anonymously? Yes, all of that is fine. Would you be interested in beer, wine, or other specialty beverages from your Witch's area? For sure! Are there any crafts/skills you've wanted to learn but haven't gotten around to? And if so, would you be interested in supplies and tutorials? Probably no - many of my crafting projects fall by the wayside. Who here would be happy to get a lil' sumthin sumthin from Adagio Teas? I am more of a coffee drinker. Do you Ravelry? And if so, what's your handle over there? Would you be interested in gift patterns from your queue? Nope, not on ravelry - although my mom is a moderator over there. Who likes Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses? No thanks. Put your iPod/MP3 player/what-have-you on random and list the first 10 songs it plays!. 1. Words - Kate Miller-Heidke 2. Always Leaving - Cowboy Mouth 3. Mr. Therapy Man - Justin Nozuka 4. Big Yellow Taxi - Counting Crows 5. Jonathan - Fiona Apple 6. Dirty Little Secret - Kelly Clarkson 7. Black Magic - Magic Wands 8. Rags to Rags - the Eels 9. Save Me San Francisco - Train 10. Not the Doctor - Alanis Morisette Witchee, what are your favorite quotes? I have a TON. http://la_boheme_.livejournal.com/ But ... For the first time I actually felt like I owned my skin, like it was me and I was it. - Junot Diaz, The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao I am envious - though I'm not sure I'm envious - of those about whom one could write a biography, or who could write their own. In these disconnected impressions, I indifferently narrate my factless autobiography, my lifeless history. They are my Confessions, and if I say nothing in them, it is because I have nothing to say. - Fernando Pessoa Why is it we want so badly to memorialize ourselves? Even while we're still alive. We wish to assert our existence, like dogs peeing on fire hydrants. We put on display our framed photographs, our parchment diplomas, our silver-plated cups; we monogram our linen, we carve our names on trees, we scrawl them on washroom walls. It's all the same impluse. What do we hope from it? Applause, envy, respect? Or simply, attention, of any kind we can get? At the very least we want a witness. We can't stand the idea of our voices falling silent finally, like a radio running down. - Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin What's one random thing you really like and one random thing you really dislike? Dislike: Tuna fish in a can. Like: penguins. Are there any herbs that you haven't been able to lay hands on that I could send you? There's an herbal shop I really like here in NYC called Flower Powerthat has quite a wide selection. Nope, I'm good. If there are no "witchy" shops near you, is there anything I can pick up for you from Enchantments? Not much for spiritualism. Is there a GC scent that's been on your list for ages but keeps falling off the bottom of your order because of the LEs? Hmm, I don't think so. But check my wishlist! I've been getting into indie nail polish brands recently. What's your favorite indie brand of nail polish? Or what's your favorite mainstream brand of nail polish? Or are you not big on polish? I don't have an indie favortie brand. My favorite is OPI, but I like anything that doesn't clump too much. Stuffed things: yea or nay? Nay - I have too many already. mix-in-a-jar? How to you feel about cookie or cake or soup mixes that come in jars and you just add, like, an egg or water or what have you? That would be awesome, and exactly as much as I could reasonably do to cook something. I live near this very cool Retro store (you can order online too) - are there things from it that would make you squee if your witch sent them? Sure, I love retro stuff. Some of your favorite artists? Classic and modern? Brassai, Jack Spencer, Michael Kenna, Bernini, Rafal Olbinski, Vassily Kandinsky, Audrey Kawasaki, and so many more. If you could have an image or certain subject painted for you on any type of "canvas" (on a box, on paper, on a canvas, and so on) - could you point your witch to some of these images? Well, I'd suggest checking out all of the photos of my apartment. I think that the art I have gives a pretty good idea of what I like. I especially like art deco designs. I live near a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Penzeys! What does your little heart desire from any or all of these places? Nah. Are home made foods acceptable or does the idea of eating strange mailed food disturb you? Bring on the strange. I just gave you $20 and sent you into a "has everything" store ala Walmart and told you that you have to come out having spent it all, and none of it on anything you need. What would you buy? Be as specific as possible! Well, I don't shop at walmart. But I'd probably buy little office supplies (sticky notes, pens, pads of paper and the like) and maybe some shower gel. What kind of cuisines do you like? (I mentioned this in my ?aire but curious what my witch may like)And, what are your favorite restaurants? I am not picky - I like just about everything. The only thing I really don't eat is fast food, and I don't really like most large chain restaurants unless I'm on a road trip. I prefer smaller, more independent places. I'm from Canada - is there anything specifically a witchee might like that is only available here? Coffee crisp what are your "fandoms" and would you like a t-shirt from TeeFury if an appropriate one came up? Oh hey, I think I answered this question in the thread! But I usually buy my own if I like it so better stay away. Do you have an eReader and if so which one? I have an iPad, but I never read books on it. Do you like candles, or tart burners, or something? If so, what's your favorite scent to burn? I don't have a tart burner, but I do like candles. I like all kinds of scents, but prefer soy candles whenever possible. In the fall, I especially like baking kinds of scents. Marzipan? Yes, in moderation. Would you be interested in washable/reusable muslin “paper” towels (basically muslin squares hemmed around the edge)? Maybe in some sort of box to put on your kitchen or bathroom counter? Definitely! That would be awesome. Do you drink alcohol and if so, would you be OK with your witch sending you homemade infused vodka? Also, does your state allow alcohol to be shipped through the mail? I absolutely do drink alcohol, Michigan is generous with their alcohol shipping laws and I'd happily sample some infused vodkas or any other alcoholic beverage you might want to send my way. If you get me (or a fellow Aussie, if there are any playing this round) as a witch or witch's minion, would you like to try some Australian specialties, such as TimTams (delicious chocolately cookies), Caramello Koalas (koala shaped chocolates filled with gloopy caramel), Australian native spices or anything like that? TIMTAMS NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM. I LOVE them. LOVE. If your witch is a knitter, crocheter or sewer, is there a particular type of garment you would love to receive (hat, scarf, wrap, cowl, socks, fingerless gloves, arm warmers etc)? Hats! I only have one. Fingerless gloves are great too. Is there anyone else in your house (kids, pets, partner) that would really appreciate a small gift being included for them in the switchwitchy haul so they don't feel left out? The kittehs always love their gifts. I think arlith made me a bunch of cat toys once and they love those toys more than any other toy in the world! Since it's been mentioned several times, and I've also offered to nacho witch some, would you you like to receive wild rice and or maple syrup? I promise to include recipe ideas with the wild rice. Definitely. I have 5 bushels of tomatoes sitting in the kitchen right now that are supposed to turn into red sauce tomorrow, so would anyone like a basic red sauce (spaghetti sauce) to make its way to them? I'm not so big on tomatoes, so it depends how spiced it is. How would you feel about a taste of (insert witch location here) box Sure! Gifts of food are never amiss. Last year, my wonderful witch Alethia adopted a bat for me from batworld.org, a bat rescue and sanctuary. Bat's World Would you be interested in having a bat adopted in your name? Sure! I love that kind of stuff. Do you like s'mores and s'mores-flavored things? Yes! What's the neatest freebie you've gotten? It can be cool or thoughtful or just totally unexpected, and not limited to BPALdom. An etsy seller once included a bonus pair of earring with my order! I thought that was pretty awesome. Would you enjoy receiving cute but useful items like colorful kitchen utensils/gadgets, or bento supplies? (boxes, chopsticks, accessories, etc?) What about things like spice mixes (homemade, or Penzey's for example) Sure, I like all of that stuff. Maybe not so much with the spices as I have a lot and not a lot of space. Do you like cute, seasonal or fluffy PJ bottoms? Like they sell at Target, Old Navy (they have had cute Halloween ones!) If so, what size do you wear? Yes - XXL. What kind of chocolate do you like? Nuts, no nuts, white,dark, etc? ALL NOM NOM NOM. White is my favorite, followed by milk. Nuts is my least favorite, but if you give it to me, I will do it justice.
  10. ellebelle

    The Wretched Rose Window

    This smells like fancy soap.
  11. ellebelle

    Third Charm

    I had high hopes for this one. I love honey as note and I hoped that the honey and champaca flower (favorite notes) might balance my less favorite woods. Sadly, that is not to be. When I first put this on, I definitely got the Snake Oil kind of vibe from it, but the sweetness wore off quickly in favor of WOOD. This becomes a strong wood + patchouli scent on me - and boy does it have throw! I had to scrub it off.
  12. ellebelle

    Zmey Gorynych

    Sweet resin-y snowbank, I <3 you! The intial scent is most definitely the BPAL frost note, but right from the beginning it is warmed by the all of the resins. I particularly get a lot of amber, which is just what I hoped for! As the frost note fades, the dragon's blood note comes out but its not sickly sweet or in your face. I get little to no leather from this.
  13. ellebelle

    Cuélebre

    On the other hand, I LOVE pomegranate and I LOVE cognac, so I was most exicted for this scent. But alas, it was not to bed. The pomegranate is a nice juicy note, but there is something in this that smells rancid, like burning. Perhaps the black myrrh or saffron is ruining this for me? The notes smell discordant and ugly to my nose. Into the swaps box it goes.
  14. ellebelle

    Lindworm

    No beach balls for me either! In the bottle, this smells astringent enough that I was worried about putting it on. I shouldn't have worried though! Wet (on me) is dominated by a green, grassy scent that is very fresh. I suspect that the crushed grasses have some kind of dandelion in there. That grassiness wears away leaving behind a smoky, leather scent reminiscent of the leather in Liz and a smoke like in Smokey Moon. Eventually the smoke blows away leaving just leather. This is nice, and I suspect will age into a leathery-er scent.
  15. ellebelle

    Dreadful Lies v5

    (I don't see a topic for this anywhere - if there is, mods delete!) This does not resemble the released version of Dreadful Lies in the slightest. The predominant note (to my nose) is the light resinous note that is present in Ra and Cat Allingham. In fact, of the bottles in my collection, I think this most closely resembles Ra, but without any of the spices. That sweet, resinous note is tempered with something else - I smell a kind of spicy green, which might be tagetes (a note in the released formulation). The throw is very, very low and it seems to fade quickly. That being said, it's actually quite a pretty scent if you enjoy scents in this family.
  16. ellebelle

    Singing Moon

    I waffled A LOT on a bottle of this, but I'm so glad I risked it. Ambergris is often an iffy note for me, but it plays well with the others. On first whiff, it's definitely a lemony floral, but as it dries the scent deepens with the boggy more earth-like notes into something sexy and sensual. I anticipate wearing this frequently on warm summer days.
  17. ellebelle

    Poisson d'Avril

    On me, this is fabulous. I wasn't going to order a bottle then I got a decant on a whim and rushed to order a bottle. On me, the honey and sugar blossom are reminiscent of the sweetness in Fairy Market, one of my favorite scents. The florals are sweeter than Fairy Market which sweetens this blend more, but I don't find it candy like. If Fairy Market is the dewy morning, this version of Poisoom d'Avril is the bright light of day. I love my bottle.
  18. ellebelle

    The Cold Hour of Dawn

    This is a surprise hit for me. Do NOT fear the eucalyptus! It is not super strong, but a nice frosty note that reminds me of the snow note in Okayaki. Light flower with a cool winter chill, this is wonderful.
  19. ellebelle

    Mischievous Spirit

    Sugared fruits? Definitely don't get any carnation or coconut from this. It is mostly a berry scent with a spicy backdrop given by the red musk.
  20. ellebelle

    Lady in Speckled Pink Kimono

    This scent is as advertised - peony + vanilla. But I thought it would be more floral than it is. On me, there is a candy sweetness to this scent that reminds me vaguely of Agape. This is a pretty scent, but I would have preferred heavier florals I think. This also has extremely low throw and fades quickly.
  21. ellebelle

    Medical Procedure

    Tobacco flower is one of my favorite notes, and this doesn't disappoint. It is heavy on the tobacco flower with a smooth backing of sandalwood. I don't get much of the dragons blood or the linen. This is a sophisticated scent to me and wordier than I thought it would be.
  22. ellebelle

    Water Dragon

    This has a different character than the other Chinese new year scents. It is very heavy on the peony and other florals, and lighter on the bright tangy fruits. I agree that it is heady, and probably too much so for me.
  23. ellebelle

    Peach Champagne

    I thought I'd like this one best of all, but I'm not sure. The peach note is the same one from Agalea which reminds me of the Bath and Bodyworks peach scent from my youth. I think that this is not for me, but it is a lovely scent.
  24. ellebelle

    Blood & Champagne

    Me and dragon's blood, sometimes we get along and sometimes we don't and I'm not fond of the sticky sweetness in dragon's blood. IF this is dragon's blood (and I think that has to be at least one of the components), the champagne is keeping the sweetness in check. The wet stage does have almost a vanilla/amber feel to it and it dries down to a rich, fizzy scent with a hint of cola. Really pretty and I'm glad I took a chance here!
  25. ellebelle

    Mango Lychee Champagne

    This is wonderful! On me, it is quite heavy on the champagne note (which I like!!) with rich fruitiness in the background. I read some reviews elsewhere that said this smelled "candy-like", but I honestly don't get that at all. On the far drydown, it does head into "sweet" territory, but not in a foody way. I would say that there is more lychee than mango in this blend, but I think it is lovely and will certainly be in heavy rotation, particularly in the summer months.
×