Ina Garten Davita

This was a lovely gift from Vicious Mistress. (Thanks!)

 

First Impression: Sharp and sweet at the same time.

 

Second Impression: As Dissipation blooms it softens and turns into a lovely sasparilla tinged floral. I'm having a hard time describing the scent, but when it's dry on my skin it smells like a sweet and sophisticated perfume with the feeling (though not the smell) of Dior's Poison.

 

Final Analysis: I would never had tried this myself and really pleased that I got to. This is an intersting blend that works well with my skin. This will be a good cool weather fragrance.

First Impression: Light, wispy and green.

 

Second Impression: As Empyreal Mist "blooms" it reminds me of an ultra-sheer version of Veil and I really like it. It has that ethereal yet sophisticated feel to it but for when I'm in the mood to surround myself with something soft and light. I smell white tea, orris and maybe the barest hint of something violet-like.

 

Final Analysis: If you find Veil to potent, this is a perfect alternative. Ethereal, lighter than air and lovely.

First Impression: Pine or fir. Like a girlie version of Black Forest.

 

Second Impression: Yes, still the pine-like woods, some girlie musk and a touch of creamy vanilla.

 

Final Analysis: The longer drydown reveals a lemony scent not unlike that of Van Van. Oh why did this turn to lemon on me? I'll have to try this out with its intended use before I decide to keep or pass it on.

This was a lovely gift from ViciousMistress!

 

First Impression: Sticky, fruity bubble gum...when you first start chewing and all the sugars start melting. A tiny undercurrent of kiddie's strawberry/cherry cough liquid.

 

Second Impression: The fruitiness starts to meld into a spice-like scent, to my utter joy. A dash of clove and a pinch of cinnamon, but still gummy-sweet.

 

Final Analysis: I really like this and I can't wait to enjoy the benefits of it beyond the spicy sweet scent. I think I'm going to layer this with Virgo on my birthday Wednesday. That should make for a super day.

First Impression: Roses blooming in a cold rain.

 

Second Impression: Old London is roses with a touch of hazel. It's very old fashioned...white gloves and bustles, hansom cabs and a posh accent.

 

Final Analysis: Good staying power. Not my favorite rose blend, but lovely. I will enjoy using the imp.

I got Katharina as a gift from the lovely hypothermya

 

First Impression: Juicy, ripe apricots dribbled with thick fresh cream.

 

Second Impression: It's a rare fruit blend that smells good on me and I'm pleased that this is one of them. The apricots are strong and ripe but blended with something so creamy, it almost reminds me of coconut. On the long drydown the orange blossom and musk make their presence known, but the creaminess lasts.

 

Final Analysis: Katharina has good throw and nice staying power. I'll enjoy the imp and may even consider a larger purchase of this in the future.

First Impression: Whoa, knock your socks off tangy cranberry.

 

Second Impression: This is strong. Sharp and tangy cranberry is all I can smell. This may be way too fruity for me.

 

Final Analysis: Me and fruit, we just don't play well together most of the time. I don't get any of the lovely lillies, musks or spices. Just sharp and tangy berries. A bit much for me.

Chaos Theory Fragrant Fractal CXXIII (123) recieved in a swap with blackrayne.

 

First Impression: Sweet oranges.

 

Second Impression: This isn't the juice from a fresh orange, this is the oil that sprays as you tear the skin from the ripe fruit. There is something else here too, something deeper.

 

Final Analysis: It's a mood uplifter but it's just not me. I don't do well with fruity scents, for the most part. I must find this a good home.

Van Van. OMG, it's strong and long lasting. I slathered with Lilith this morning, but because I was going to coffee morning with all my girlies in honor of my birthday, I applied a teeny dab of Van Van between my boosies for an extra boost and it's all I can smell, even now nearly 7 hours later. Even dabbing one had with Chaos and the other with Lampades...still smell the Van Van.

 

And it really does give a total confidence boost when one is going to be the center of attention.

Veil always gets compliments from the other girlies husbands. And my chiropractor *loves* just about every BPAL I've ever worn during an appointment...Veil, Love Me, Desire and Old Morocco to name a few.

First Impression: Carnation and cloves, smells a bit like Alice.

 

Second Impression: On, Carnivale is a whole different story. I wanted this because of my love for heliotrope and it has not disappointed. The clovey carnation smell soon steps back and lets bright heliotrope, warm amber and juicy berries play wonderfully together.

 

Final Analysis: This wasn't love at first smell, but the third time's the charm. Bright, juicy...warm and charming. Beautiful!

First Impression: Sweet warm spices.

 

Second Impression: The cinnamon note in Chimera is sweet and honeyed, winter wonderland rather than red hot candy. Sometimes cinnamon blends fare better as room scents then as perfume, but Chimera would stand up to double duty. It's a bit foody and not at all "craft-shop-y". The honeysuckle is adding honey sweetness, the myrrh brings depth.

 

Final Analysis: This will be a fantastic winter perfume, I only wish it had more oomph on my skin.

The lovely paperdoll decanted an imp of Leo for me. I had to try it as I adore heliotrope.

 

First Impression: Sweet lime and juniper. An interesting and lovely combination.

 

Second Impression: The orange and the heliotrope go to work as the initial hit of juniper vapors begin to subside. It's sweet and juicy. I love it. The sandalwood is very subtle, keeping the sweetness' feet on the ground.

 

Final Analysis: I'm ill favored by lemon but it seems that I'm lime's good graces. Heliotrope is one of my favorite notes and it sings in this blend.

 

Sidebar: Some Leo layered with coconut would yield a similar version to Lady Latemar's glorious Chaos Theory XXI.

First Impression: I can't believe this has only 3 reviews. This should be on everyone's love-it list!

 

Second Impression: Phantom is deep and mysterious but also the height of elegance. This has to be the single most elegant of Beth's blends. A perfect warm myrrh note blending with a sexy but not sexual musk refined by lush rose and sweet ylang ylang. I've never smelled anything like this.

 

Final Analysis: I wouldn't consider myself elegant (way too short) but this makes me feel positively "night at the opera".

First Impression: I can't smell the leather! I can't smell the leather!

 

Second Impression: Perversion has left me a bit speechless really, it's *that* good. Creamy coconut, a hint of smoky tobacco and sweet vanilla. The wine and oakmoss, barely there- keep the sweetness grounded and if I detect the leather at all, it's just adding a touch of musky warmth. Addictive.

 

Final Analysis: On my skin Perversion is the girlie-sexy counterpart of Black Forest. I'm so glad I have another imp on the way. I won't be waiting too long to get my hands on a bottle.

First Impression: For the landlubber that wants to smell like a pirate!

 

Second Impression: Ye be warned, wearing Jolly Roger makes you start spouting lines from Pirates of the Caribbean. Spicy bay rum tinged with fresh salt air, very nice indeed.

 

Final Analysis: This smelled nice on me, but this is one gent's blend that is getting passed on to a man friend of mine. It will suit him ever so well.

First Impression: Hollywood Babylon is sweet and creamy.

 

Second Impression: Don't you hate it when the one note that doesn't like you, ruins the whole scent? Well it didn't happen here. The strawberries add a touch of fruity sweetness but stay well in the background and let all my lovely faves take center stage. This is a very balanced scent in that no one note overpowers. It's a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, naughty and sexy.

 

Final Analysis: I'm thrilled that this smells lovely on me. It reminds me a long of LUSH's creamy candy bath. Very sweet and luscious!

First Impression: Tintagel...leather.

 

Second Impression: The leather takes a long time to calm down and it is totally ruining this scent for me. It eventually becomes spicy mulled wine with a faint touch of dragon's blood and bayberry. It's really nice once the leather dies down, but it never completely goes away.

 

Final Analysis: The leather note doesn't agree with me and this one is no exception. I'm gutted, because all the other notes are so nice.

 

ADDED Sept. 30:

 

Tintagel revisited: I tried and swapped my first imp, too much leather. I generously received another imp in today's order. It looked quite a bit lighter in color and slightly less viscous in the vial so I thought I should give it a try.

 

First Impression: Juicy dragon's blood and mulled wine.

 

Second Impression: I was right. It's different this time. I'm only getting the faintest impression of leather that is just adding some background of warmth. Dragon's Blood, warm mulled wine, bayberry.

 

Final Analysis: I'm really pleased that I got a second chance with this. The nature of Beth's creations allows for variations and I'm thrilled with this one. I will enjoy wearing this scent for fall and winter. Wonderful

First Impression: Violets!

 

Second Impression: I was hoping for a third violet blend to wear but it's not to be. Other than Veil and Le Serpent, violets smell terrible on me. It's gone from headache inducing violet knock out to dirty dishrag in about 5 seconds.

 

Final Analysis: Not for me and I think I've learned my lesson not to tempt the violets, they don't like me.

First Impression: Jailbait smells like children's cough remedy (Triaminic or perhaps Robitussin).

 

Second Impression: Ok, now I smell the bubblegum and cherry lollies. This one is morphing and changing often, now I smell a touch of cinnamon and floral that reminds me of Hamadryad. And there is the tiniest hint of that crystalline champagne note from Shattered.

 

Final Analysis: While I did not enjoy the smell of this wet, the complete drydown is quite lovely. I was *not* expecting the complexity of the blend nor the radical changes. Not sure I'd buy a bottle, but I'll enjoy the imp and keep one on hand.

Chaos Theory Fragrant Fractal XXI, from the generous heart of Lady Latemar

 

First Impression: Juicy coconut water and tangy lime verbena.

 

Second Impression: Oh.My.God. This is divine. It's juicy and tangy and creamy at the same time, like a wonderful frozen virgin cocktail served to me by a waiter in all white as I laze on a secluded palm lined beach. There are also cocoa butter notes and the barest touch of a tropical bloom.

 

Final Analysis: I'm over the moon to have an imp of this treasure in my clutches. I will enjoy every drop of this and mourn when it's gone.

Chaos Theory Fragrant Fractal XCVIII (98)

 

First Impression: Melon, chilly melon.

 

Second Impression: This blend reminds me a bit of The Unicorn, Titiana and Shattered with melon binding it all together. Unfortunately those three blends didn't work for me and melon does not do good things on my skin.

 

Final Analysis: It was a wonderful concept and I'm thrilled to have gotten a chance to order and try this blend. I have found it a new home with blackrayne and I hope she loves it.

I've been begging for this and the Lab so graciously indulged me by throwing this in with my order.

First Impression: Wet this is all dragon's blood in all it's thick, juicy perfection.

Second Impression: As it dries it warms and sweetens with glorious golden amber. This scent is truly burnished red and deep gold like the leaves in the height of the fall season.

Final Analysis: This is everything that I had hoped it would be; balanced, warm, sweet. I am eternally grateful.

EDIT: Moved thread from Up-and-Coming and added new site category --Shollin

First Impression: Jasmine and ginger.

 

Second Impression: This is a potent floral, beautiful. I'm not sure how to "use" this, but it sure smells great on.

 

Final Analysis: The jas and ginger stay strong and true. A very self assured smell. I think I'll wear this when I want to feel just that way.

First Impression: I got this in a swap from Pekeana. I couldn't wait for my bottle to arrive so I nabbed it. Dead ringer for O but softer.

 

Second Impression: Oh this one is morphing, the longer it dries the more it changes and the more strength it gathers. I smell honey and myrrh and ylang ylang. It has elements of O, Desire and Snake Oil. Simply irresistable. I do like this much better than O. It's sexy without being dirty.

 

Final Analysis: So glad I ordered a bottle of this. It's sexy and sweet and second skin-like. Well done.