ModderRhu

The Antikythera Mechanism I can't distinguish between the two woods (teak and oak) in this blend, but I get an overall feeling of "woodiness" that I like. The mix of tobacco and vanilla is very nice, and fortunately I don't get much of the ash tray smell that other BPALers have gotten. I'm not sure that I agree this is a unisex scent. On me it turns sweet and the vanilla dominates. I think my skin tends to "amp" vanilla. The throw is VERY strong so be careful if you wear this one to work. It lasted over 12 hours on me. I would give this one a 4 out of 5.

Ladon Pre-conceived notions: No idea what dragon's blood smells like. Love apple. Love hyacinth! In the imp: WHOA. It's like a fresh, crisp apple with hyacinth in the background. Something else is there, too...another flower? The dragon's blood? Hmm... Wet on skin: I LOVE IT. It's sooooo fresh and springy and fruity and just wow. Love. Dry on skin: The "something else" in the imp comes out more on my skin and it smells like a greenhouse. Soily, humid, sweet. Is that dragon's blood? I'll have to try other dragon's blood blends to find out, as this is my first. Whatever it is, I like it. Very much. The hyacinth and apple are there, too. Mmmm... Hours later: The hyacinth is the only note I can still detect and it's very soft, but definitely there. Verdict: I love it. Never smelled anything like it. Can definitely see myself getting a bottle after I slather the rest of the imp 4.5 out of 5 Edited for clarity.

I don't like this anymore...smells way too perfumey!

The Malignant Dreams of Cthulhu in Love Pre-conceived notions: Incense, kelp, salt, ocean plants, and chocolate. I hoped it would smell like salty chocolate + men's cologne + some kelpy coolness. This is my first BPAL ever! In the bottle: CHOCOLATE. A little incense, but CHOCOLATE. Even with the lid closed. From a foot away. Wet on skin: Mmmmmmm...this is very very chocolatey. Complex and deep and yummy. The incense gives it a medatative feel right alongside the yumminess. It reminds me a bit of Thierry Mugler's Angel, only MUCH better. Dry on skin: Yep, I definitely smell the salt! Still chocolatey. No sign of any kelp, but I still really really love it. It smells like evil cupcakes and incense. I feel slightly evil and mischievous when I wear this. (Think Professor Chaos.) Hours later: Most of the chocolate and incense has dissipated and left behind...honey? Curious. Very nice, though. Good staying power. Verdict: I was hoping for foodiness juxtaposed with the freshness of the sea and men's cologne. What I got, though, I still really like. (Salt + chocolate= ) Not sure it's love, but it's at least like. I can't see myself buying a second bottle of this, but I will gladly finish the first! 3.5 out of 5 stars ETA: A general catalog equivalent is Tezcatlipoca. It's almost identical to my nose.