Witch's Dagger

Kali I ordered an imp of this from the lab. Preconceived notions: such complexity, and they are all notes I think I’d like! Plus, I remember diabolique going gaga over it, and we seem to have similar tastes. In the vial: I get the red wine first - it’s somehow both a sweet and dry red wine, perhaps because of some of the other ingredients. It’s definitely chaotic and complex - I can’t wait to see what it does on my skin. On me: Ooh! Wine, tea, and chocolate. I’d never expect to actually be able to distinguish these three in a scent, let alone imagine that they’d smell good together. And yes, there are some sweet blossoms hovering overhead. I’m not getting the cassia or balsam, but surely, that’s honey that’s sweetening the brew. Oddly, I’m not getting any rose in this at all. In a few minutes: Still lovely. The chocolate adds a lovely, warm grounding to an otherwise overly cheery scent (not something I’d think of for Kali), giving it a darkness and sinister quality. It and the wine are the dominant notes on me, though I do smell the florals, which tend to make it somewhat heady and vaguely uncomfortable. Interestingly, my left wrist has sharper florals and a sweeter wine, while my right wrist has a stronger, deeper cocoa, anchoring a very dark red wine. I am also starting to notice the spice of cassia, and, on my left wrist, a wafting of rose. In 15 minutes: This is a lot brighter than I was hoping for. I tend to like really dark, deep scents or soft and sensual scents. It’s not bad, just - really bright. But, the left wrist does soften somewhat, and spice comes up on the right, so maybe the bright phase is a short one. I do hope so. Later: Ah, there we go. Deepening. Darkening. Softening. It is lovely at this stage. I’m so glad I didn’t give up at the bright part. Overall: This was a beautiful, dark, and complex scent as I was hoping for, but a little brighter than I might like. I will keep the imp, but I prefer Blood Rose and Centzon Totochtin for my red wine scents.

Ouija Preconceived notions: Victorian, woody... In the vial: This is a very green scent. I’m detecting some rose, but it’s a green rose. Very green. On me: Ah, cedar. This is a very nice cedar, near my skin, but around me, all I smell is rose. The rose wafts, and the cedar stays by my skin. Now, even my wrist smells like rose. Ah, one of those. There have been a few scents that have gone entirely rose on me, and it seems this might be one of them. I could be wrong though - I’ll give it some more time. In a few minutes: Well, the rose is still what I’m smelling, but it is as more complex rose. I get furniture polish and lemon - a nice good lemon, mixed with the rose. Unfortunately, I don’t think this rose goes with this lemon. They seem to be fighting, and the furniture polish (again, *not* lemon pledge) isn’t helping. In 15 minutes: Well, luckily, the furniture polish has turned back into cedar, but the cedar/lemon/rose combination still isn’t working for me. It’s too sharp. And, as happened in Spellbound, their sharpnesses are enhancing each other, making it the epitome of sharpness. I’ve found this to be true with rose and my skin in general - if something is there to make it go very shallow and sharp, it will. I can tell that this would be a very intriguing and complex scent if the notes weren’t constantly trying to prove to each other which was the sharpest. As it is, I think it’s going to give me a headache. However, I’ll give it a bit more time. . . Later: Yes, it’s calming down, and the rose is sticking to wafting only. My wrists are a lovely combination of cedar and lemon - and now, the cedar is a deep, warm, and somewhat spicy scent, instead of just sharpness. I’m still getting a slight furniture polish scent, but now it’s more dignified. Still, this doesn’t seem to be me. I can’t really think of an occasion on which I’d wear it. Overall: Interesting, but not really for wearing. Or scenting a room/bath/etc. I think I’ll be swapping this one. After reading the description: Why in the world do I get lemon?

Hellcat (That's odd. I thought I posted this already. I guess not, so here goes): This was a freebie from the lab. in the vial: Back story: When I got Samhain, it spilled all over me, and it ended up smelling horrible to me (it has since been swapped). When I opened up Hellcat, it smelled like the worst parts of Samhain. I couldn’t manage to try it for a long time, because I just couldn’t deal with the way it smelled. I think I could have liked Samhain (and Hellcat, by extension) if it hadn’t spilled. However, now I don’t, and I don’t like the way Hellcat smells in the vial either. It’s just way too sticky-sweet. Both of them smell a lot like caramel mixed with cigarette smoke to me. on me: doesn’t change much. It’s barely tolerable. Overall: this one is being swapped.

Villain Preconceived notions: Dashing! In the vial: lavender, citrus, and musk - lovely. On me: Oh, this is lovely, enchanting, dignified, snobbish, and utterly charming. Forget the specific notes, the effect is aristocracy at its finest, most aloof, and most seductive. Truly, "dashing" is the word. Over time: It mellows and softens, and the gentler musks come out (at least, it reminds me of the thing I thought was vanilla but was musk in another scent). It's very soft and sweet in the drydown. Plus, I had a very strange dream afterwards (see in the "Dreams of BPAL" thread...)

Glasya Preconceived notions: dark, violent, and powerful. In the vial: This is a sweet, smoky, dark scent. On me: Wow. Very powerful. The civet, and I think vetiver are coming to the fore, yet the sweetness is still there. This is an old, dark, dangerous forest. Unnatural things make their homes here, along with vicious wild animals, and angry trees. It is very strong, but the wafting scent is dark, sweet, and seductive (in a dangerous, not playful way). In a few minutes: The wafting scent has definitely sharpened. This is a very feral and ferocious scent. It’s still very foresty, and still in a dark and brooding kind of way. You don’t need a lot, though, because it’s very sharp, and kind of hard to breathe - you keep having to breathe in this very sharp scent. At the same time, the scent on my wrists *is* softer and sweeter. It’s like they traded places Later: The sharpness has cooled down - it’s not quite so brash and in your face. It’s still the same scent though. I like it. It’s interesting and unusual, and very foresty. The wrist scent is growing to be a combination again - of the sweet soporific softness and the sharp, violent forest. Very nice. Overall: I think I’ll only be able to really stand this in ritual situations where the scent would enhance the feelings of power and mystery, rather than in daily life where it would be distracting. It’s very original, unique, and powerful, but too much for daily wear. I’m keeping the imp, and I’m not devastated that I can’t get a bottle. Edited during first post: Wow. I'm wondering if I got a different scent - I didn't get any rose, ylang ylang, or dragon's blood. I *can* tell the red musk, now that it's been pointed out - that *is* the part of the scent I don't like (reminiscent of Loviatar). It wasn't sensual at all on me, unlike what others have experienced. Very odd... must be that red musk (which tends to go sharp and unpleasant on me, rather than sensual and warm, as it seems to on most people).

Vicomte de Valmont Preconceived notions: I actually got this for a friend of mine, but when I smelled it in the bottle, I had to keep it. In the vial: a lovely, pungent lavender (yes, I like pungent lavender). I can’t pick out any other notes, except that it seems piney and strong. It vaguely reminds me of the Yankee Candle Midsummer Night, which I love. On me: Yes, Midsummer Night. Mmm... In a few minutes: This softens slightly as it dries, but at the same time, it has incredible throw. The throw is much darker and spicier than the closer scent. Definitely fitting for our vicomte. It is lavender over a dark, green core. It is perfectly named in my opinion - smelling exactly the way I’d imagine an elegant, aristocratic rascal to smell. This man is a professional seducer, a sexual predator in the old-fashioned sense (one who lures innocent maidens into the evil temptation of desire - NOT a rapist) Later: vanilla? Mmm... very sensual, and still quite seductive. The vanilla is stronger than the lavender at this stage, but the lavender is still there. In half an hour: It has mostly faded by now, but I’m getting some musk, I think - some “generic” note that speaks of sexual tensions under the current. But it’s very, very hard to smell at this point. I thought it was gone, but an hour later, I smell something wonderful in the air. I checked my hair - no, not that. I checked my skin, since I took a shower, but this doesn’t seem to be the same scent as my soap. . . It suddenly dawns on me - it’s the Vicomte! This is the original scent, as in the vial, and it’s wafting all around me, yet my wrists (the only place I put it), still don’t smell. Oh, this is delightful. Overall: I love it. This is definitely a dashing scent, for women or men (in my opinion). There’s a charming, outgoing lavender, hiding a deep, underlying sexuality and a hard core of an uncompromising will. Fantastic.

Yerevan (Apologies: this is one of my longer reviews, because I had a lot of trouble figuring out how to word it, plus, there were three definite long stages, instead of just a quick initial scent followed by two longer states. Also, I hope I'm not being redundant - I haven't read any other reviews) This was a gift from the lab. Preconceived notions: I like plum and pomegranate, and with the musk, this could be quite sensual, but I’m not sure about apricot and florals - it might make it too light. In the vial: Mmm... nice - very sweet and lush smelling. This brings to mind a sensual young woman offering a basket of overripe fruits with juices that spill down your chin, throat, and all over your hands. On me: The fruits suddenly gain back their tartness, but it’s still a very decadent fruitiness. The florals are staying in the background, and adding a layer of veiled greenery. This is a decadent fruit orchard/garden, and I’d almost think this could be called Forbidden Fruit. However, the actual Forbidden Fruit is better for that name, as this one has too many different fruits in it. Still - I get that sensual, naked-people-sharing-fruits sense to this. Over time: the florals gradually come out more, and perhaps the “sweet roots”, but I’m not sure entirely what those would smell like. I really like this - the flowers, like the fruits, are decadent, exotic, and sensual. This is perfect for a hot, sultry, summer day when everything is in full bloom. I know there’s no vanilla in this, but I’m getting something that’s warm and sensual that isn’t floral. Maybe it’s the musk or sweet roots. Later: Yes, the fruits are falling into the background as the florals and musks come to the forefront. It’s still decidedly sensual and exotic, yet not spicy. Now, it is much softer and gentler, moving from the intoxicating first kiss to a comfortable intimacy sitting in the shade of trees with large, dark green, shiny leaves. (Oh, and everyone is still naked, with sweat gleaming on their stomachs). I don’t smell any rose, wild or cultivated, nor have I throughout this. I almost forgot they were supposed to be there. Still later: It’s settling into a creamy fruit blend. Like a really good sherbet with extra thick cream, yet somehow still very warm. Overall: This is a perfect sultry summer day scent. I’m definitely keeping the imp, though I probably won’t get a bottle. I like more darkness and spice.

Baobhan Sith (Note: I read neither the lab description nor other reviews before writing this) I got this as a freebie from the lab Preconceived notions: None. In the vial: Wow - it’s really a strong fruity sweet floral. Doesn’t seem to be my thing. But I’ll give it a shot. On me: Grapefruit! Oh my the grapefruit! It’s making me cough it’s so strong. I hope it softens a little. In a few minutes: Yes, it’s softer now, but still mighty grapefruit... Holding on... Later: Aha! Lily of the valley has taken over. I didn’t even smell it sneaking up, but there it is. Alas, I’m not sure I like the lily of the valley much more than the grapefruit. Overall: It’s not really me. I like dark, complex, and warm scents; this is bright, clear, and cool.

Yggdrasil This was a freebie from the lab Preconceived notions: I don’t remember the lab description. Woody, maybe? In the vial: Yes, woody and a little floral - like a clearing in the center of the forest where some flowers grow. Flowers no one has ever seen before that only grow right here. It’s a very secretive scent. On me: I get a lot of cedar right away. Good cedar, too, the green, growing kind. I love cedar. I’m not smelling much else, though, and I have a huge bottle of cedar essential oil, so I’m hoping it’s going to be more than just cedar. In a few minutes: I think I smell something citrus - verbena, maybe? - in the background. It’s not a sharp citrus, but more of an herbal citrus. It has a very good throw to it, and though it keeps threatening to go soapy on me, so far, it hasn’t. It’s very intriguing. Despite being so woody and down to earth, there’s something in there making it somewhat dreamlike and delirious. Once again, I’m thinking of an enchanted clearing in a forest, where the flowers are somehow brighter than they should be. A little later: Is that rose? I think it is... There’s a wild rose climbing up the cedar tree. Uh-oh... is this rose going to take over? I hope not. Normally, when that has happened, it’s happened immediately, so I’m crossing my fingers. Ooh yay! It’s backed off and let the cedar come through again. Later: Pretty much straight cedar again. Overall: I like it. It’s a very unique and complex cedar blend. Definitely keeping the imp.

Zephyr This was a freebie from the lab Preconceived notions: None, except that the name made me think of warm, gentle winds. In the vial: I think I’m catching some carnation (remembered from Alice and Morocco), as well as something fruity, and something very sweet (vanilla?) On me: This is a gentle citrus, somewhat powdery, with herbs in the background. It fits its name well. There’s a hint of spice and soap. After a few minutes: The citrus is still there, and I’m thinking it might be verbena, but the overwhelming scent now is a really good lavender soap. Normally I don’t like the smell of soap, but it’s actually very nice in this blend. After 40 minutes: Still soapy, but it’s fading quickly, and picking up some sweet floral notes. Overall: This is very cheery and calming, but it’s not really me. I’ll probably be swapping it.

Sophia (note: I wrote this before reading any other reviews or even the site description) Freebie from the lab Preconceived notions: none In the vial: It seems to be a clear, aquatic, citrusy floral. On me: At first: Wow - bright citrusy florals... I think I’m smelling a few petals in a huge bowl of orange juice. In a few minutes: It becomes a very powdery orange, and I still am not getting much else - I can sense that there *are* flowers in the background, but they aren’t coming out much. Some sweetness is entering the picture, which does help make it less powdery, but it’s still predominantly orange. In half an hour: gone. Overall: Not for me. Oranges are fine, but this is only orange, and it disappears in half an hour. -------- Added while pasting this into the post: Lavender? (sniffs it again)... No, I'm still getting orange. Weird. I'd love it if I had lavender.

Centzon Totochtin: (I hope I'm not being repetitive - I haven't read any of the reviews of it) Preconceived notions: bittersweet cocoa, red wine, blood? I must have it! I just hope the rum isn’t too strong. In the vial: wow, this is really complex. I can’t pick out any particular scent, at first, but eventually, I notice the dragon’s blood-red wine combination I love so much in Blood Rose. I guess the rest must be the cocoa and rum, but it’s not nearly that obviously foody. Smells wonderful. Now, how does it work on me? On me: This is amazing. Hands down, just amazing. This is a dark, decadent, dangerously seductive ritual. The rum is being good and not overwhelming things, though I can tell it’s there. And although I don’t *like* the rum note, even in this, for some reason I like it because I don’t like it - it makes it nearly painful in a good way, since the other notes are strong enough that it’s only in the background. Over time: This is a very dry scent. I’m not entirely sure what I mean by that, just that the scent seems like enhanced cocoa powder. It also stays very close to my skin - not much wafting, as far as I can tell. It’s also definitely very dark - probably one of the darkest scents I’ve tried (just shy of the darkness of Mystery - Mystery was black - this is espresso-brown). 1 hour later: Still going strong, and still about the same scent, though the wine is starting to peek through a little more. Overall: To sum up, I’d say it’s Blood Rose for chocolate lovers. I really like that wine-dragon’s blood combination, and it works marvelously here with the cocoa and rum. I may well get a bottle of this.

Morocco Preconceived notions: I figured it would be exotic, spicy, and sexy - yay! in the vial: Yep, I’m definitely getting spices, and there seems to be something sweet, and something citrusy. On me: It is definitely very spicy. There’s a bite to the spice, as well, something green and bitter, and a general sensuality behind it. I see why this is one of many people’s “sexy” scents. It’s definitely inspiring me to walk slowly, languorously, looking over my shoulder to see who might be following. In a few minutes: The first thing that happens is that the sweetness comes out more, making it almost heady, but in general, it doesn’t seem to morph much. And every time I smell my wrist, I think “mmm” in that closed-eyes, cat-lying-in-sun kind of way. It’s incredibly complex. I can’t pick out any of the notes. Over time: You know that thing I said above about it not morphing much - this is one of those I didn’t give enough time to. It actually morphs drastically. It softens into a very gentle floral. I can pick out the carnation from Alice, and there does seem to still be something warm and soothing in the background (vanilla? milk?). The spice is still there slightly, though hardly discernable, and the whole effect is that of a warm and creamy floral blend. Overall: I like it a lot. I’ll have to try it a few more times to see if it goes into the “I want more!” category, but I can solidly say it’s one of my favorites.

Port-au-Prince Warning: this review goes into some long stream of thought rambling... This is because the scent morphed wildly on me, and just as I noticed one thing, three other things had changed. Preconceived notions: good for ancestor rituals because of the rum, plus Haiti is interesting to me, so seeing Beth’s impression of its capital (shoot! is my geography right?) is equally intriguing, though I worry it might have too much rum for a perfume for me. I’ve had a lot of bad luck with booze in general (Hellcat, Hearth, Samhain) In the vial: Ooh! I like the scent in the vial. There is some rum, but it’s not so ungodly sweet, and the floral and spice notes tone it down nicely. The spices remind me a lot of Morocco (which, ironically, I just reviewed (though this review is going up first)). On me: In the first 5 - 10 minutes: Wow - are you sure this isn’t just Morocco with a hint of rum? No, in a couple of minutes, the floral notes come out again, much more strongly than they did in Morocco, and it’s also not nearly as spicy. It definitely evokes a place of humidity and mystery to me, as it’s very sweet and now I can detect some tropical fruits, yet the spice is there, and it’s a very exotic and mysterious spice. Ooh! Is that almond? This is lovely. Yes, it’s a spicy, floral, sweet almond. It’s very complex, similar to the complexity of Blood Rose. While I can smell all the different notes, I can no longer really pick them out, and trying to separate them makes me lose the entirety of the scent. Unfortunately, I can’t put that into words without separating them out. Plus, the spice keeps going in and out of prominence. I’ll smell my wrist, and get a floral-almond scent, and two seconds later get nothing but spice. The wafting scent is definitely less spicy, more warm and fruity-floral than the scent close to my wrist, which is where the majority of the almond and spice stays (when the spice isn’t in hiding). I really like this. Over time: It doesn’t morph much more than it did in the first 5 - 10 minutes, but that’s quite enough, thank you! It eventually fades- not the longest laster I have, but it does do well. Overall: This is definitely a keeper!

All Saints Preconceived notions: incense, flowers... sounds good too me, but I hope it’s not too floral... In the vial: I kid you not, this smells just like dishwashing detergent to me. On me: Dish soap with the caramel gooey-ness of Samhain. The dish soap isn’t leaving, which means it’s somewhat tolerable. Why do I have such bad luck with Limited Edition scents??????????? (Okay, enough with the excessive punctuation). Later: Okay, good, the caramel goo is gone, and now it’s dish soap with spices. Later (less than 1/2 from applying - maybe even less than 15 min.): Fading quickly to watered down dish soap. I can tell it’s going to be nonexistent in 5 minutes from now. Overall: Dish soap.

Yuletide Preconceived notions: Hmmm... I wonder what holly berries smell like. in the vial: Oh - really sweet piney Christmas spice stuff. The scent in the bottle isn’t me. It smells almost fake, though I know it’s not. It’s like over-the-top Christmas potpourri. on me: Yikes! It’s even stronger. The name is perfect, but this is not what I thought holly berries would smell like. It seems to be more of a Christmas potpourri - I’m getting a lot of “holiday spices” mixed with greenery. I don’t think I really like that combination. Plus, I think there’s some allspice, which I’ve discovered is the note I detest in every “spiced” thing I smell/taste (candles, Pumpkin Spice/Holiday Traditions coffee, etc.). Now, the allspice is even stronger. I know many people like that smell, but it’s just not me. It’s better than Samhain and Hearth, though. Still, I don’t want to smell like a table decoration. Conclusions: I need to be less trigger-happy when it comes to ordering Limited Edition scents. I’ve had more bombs here than with the regular scents. I have to learn what really works for me.

Hearth Preconceived notions (when ordering): I think I’ll like all the notes, and I really like the idea of a hearth scent. I think I thought it would smell like crackling flames, though... in the vial: Oh my goodness, it smells like the Scotch my dad drinks at Christmas. Plus, it’s got the boozy-sweet-cigarette smoke thing I don’t like in Hellcat or Samhain. I’m not sure I can even test it. taking the plunge: at first, ugh, it’s even worse - Scotch with extra smoky caramel. I can’t breath, I need to wash it off... Sorry, Hearth, I just can’t do it. Final conclusions: I need to avoid sweet boozy scents. Wine is okay, and I think non-sweet booze would be okay, but this thick, cloying stuff undoes me, especially when paired with tobacco.

Samhain I hate to say it, but Samhain was the worst Black Phoenix experience I've ever had. Like others have mentioned, I get strong boozy butter with a little apple and a lot of caramel. The apple, though, is very, very sweet, yet biting at the same time. I recoiled slightly, and I must have moved my arm funny, because a whole bunch of it spilled all over me. I left (for Borders) hoping that it would grow on me, but it just got worse and worse, and now I can't even open the bottle without needing some coffee beans to "erase" the smell. It's way too sweet, in a drunk kind of way. Not for me.

Phantom This was a freebie in one of my orders. Preconceived notions: The notes to me sounded dark, but the reviews made it sound like a sweet floral. Guess we’ll see! In the vial: I get a spicy, citrusy myrrh, right off the bat. Again (I’ve written several of the same type of review today) it’s got a kind of soporific feel to it. I could see using it to help fall asleep, or to make someone else fall asleep against their will. Unlike the others with this “in the vial” effect (Ulalume, Despair), this one doesn’t seem to be luring anywhere except sleep. It does seem sinister, though. On me: Ooh! Curry! I love this. This reminds me of a much better “Femme” by Rochas, which I discovered when I lived in France. I really like the curry note, though I should note that I don’t smell exactly like Indian cooking. It is still nicer than the dry powder on its own. I could keep smelling my wrists for days. I should also note that I’m not getting any of the ylang ylang, nor the rose as such, though something about the quality of the spice reminds me of Harlot, and I think that’s the rose. Very nice. Extremely well blended. Later: It’s starting to fade - I’m not sure how much time has gone by, but it’s been long enough. The scent really didn’t morph much on me. Overall: It’s a keeper! I’m not sure I’ll get a big bottle, but this one will definitely be on my “wear occasionally” list.

Ulalume I think this was a freebie, but I’ve been wrong before. At one point I had several outstanding orders (around 8), and at the same time, I was away from the forum. When they arrived, I couldn’t remember what I had actually ordered and what I had just considered ordering. Preconceived Notions: From the reviews I thought it would be ethereal, and either dark and foresty or sunny. In the vial: Lovely - this is definitely an almost-too-sweet, “come closer so I can lure you into fairy enchantment” kind of scent. Probably not something I’d wear every day, since it is so sweet, but it plays at the edges of mystery, and it does have something dark and seductive about it. On me: Sadly, it is gone in less than a minute. Overall: I’m not going to use it as perfume, but I’ll keep it around. I think it would be great for visionary uses, particularly in a bath. (this was supposed to be a short review...)

Despair I got this in my order of Discontinued Scents Preconceived notions: I have no idea why I ordered this one - it’s not on my wishlist at all. I don’t remember the lab description, either. Maybe it was a freebie??? In the vial: sweet, poisonous... I smell something very sweet (honey? ylang ylang?) and lavender. Like Ulalume, this seems to be a “come let me take you away”, but in this case, it’s less ethereal and more “negative” - “let me take you into oblivion” rather than “into my lair”... On me: Ugh. On me, unfortunately, this turns to very strong pee. A few minutes later: Ah, much better. Luckily, the pee stage didn’t last very long - only a couple of seconds. Now, it’s a very deep, earthy lavender. Not bad, but probably not for me. A few minutes later: On the other hand, I have been looking for a good “poison” scent, and this one really does that. It’s a very pungent, green lavender, and there’s some lemon in there, I think, too - reminds me slightly of the way borshch smells, but more herbally. (I know herbally isn’t a word, but I like it.) Overall: I’m not sure. I think I’m going to have to try it again sometime.

Bats on All Saints?! *squeals in excitement* I got my Samhain order, but I ordered All Saints later Anyway, I just checked out Mabon and Wildfire - they both have little symbols on them. Wildfire does look like a torch, but I can't make out Mabon... I'm guessing it's supposed to have something to do with scales, though.

Mystery today And since I was a gypsy and wanted to be orangey and spicy (and gypsy-like), I added some Decadence (for orange and spicy) and Harlot (for gypsy and spice). Mostly Mystery, though. Mmm...

I never thought I would hear that outside of class, nevermind understand it....linguist? Or like me are they making you learn this for teaching and/or voice? Although I believe defining the consonant would depend on the context. If we go with the "proper" pronunications given isn't it a different type of sound? voiced bilabial glide? Something? Moo. This is also on the pronouncing BPAL thread somewhere... basically, I read that in some places it's "sow-wen" and in others "sah-ven", so when I learned about the possibility of a 'voiced bilabial fricative' and when you think that 'm' is already a bilabial - perhaps the 'h' made it a fricative... That could explain how it became a 'w' or 'voiced bilabial glide' in some places and a 'v' or 'voiced, labio-dental fricative' in others.

I don't like the reducer caps, but in the flurried excitement of actually placing an order, I always forget to ask them to use bottles without reducer caps... Anyway, I use either my fingernail or a regular butter knife to get them out. I agree, though, that I don't like losing all that oil, small amount though it is.