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BPAL Madness!

grashopper8

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Everything posted by grashopper8

  1. grashopper8

    Old Moon

    This is what I had expected TP'ed Trees to smell like! In the bottle, it smells like pine sap, straight-up. Once I put it on my skin, it softens into a wearable, green scent. I can smell the juniper, the pine is still present, and there are some lunar florals in the background giving the fragrance an elegant twist. There is something about Old Moon that is fantastic with my chemistry....When I sniff my wrist close up, I smell mostly pine and juniper, but as an aura, one of the floral notes wafts up and smells just beautiful. It really does smell like walking in an evergreen forest dusted with the first snow. Another fascinating scent from Beth! I am not sure if I need a full bottle, but I will surely keep a decant if I decide to pass the bottle along. I'd be interested to see what this smells like once it's aged. 4.2 out of 5
  2. grashopper8

    BPAL Fruit Blends - the many variations

    This is not for BPAL, but rather, for tea.... (?? you say?) Tea of Life Tropical Sorbet smells like Hawaiian Punch to me. If you like trying fruity teas, you should give it a shot, it's yummalicious! http://www.distinctive-decor.com/tea-of-li...cal-sorbet.html I'm drinking it right now. 'S good!
  3. grashopper8

    Cake, cookies, donuts, baked goods, even Cinnabon

    I am seconding aged Chimera for the cinnamon rolls, it has quickly skyrocketed to one of my top 3 favorite BPALs, it's just diviiiiiine *drool* I haven't tried Chimera lab-fresh yet, so I don't know what it smells like new, but I'll know soon enough when I place my next order ; -)
  4. grashopper8

    Antique Lace

    A sugary vanilla musk, with the same "cotton" note as Black Lace. This does smell a lot like Victoria's Secret Vanilla Lace to me, but I said the same about Dorian, so who knows with my nose.... This certainly is sweet, but it's not cakey or buttery like many vanilla scents can be. I do think it's pretty; however, I like Black Lace a little more and will wear BL when i crave this kind of fragrance. If I had tried AL first, maybe I would have bought a 5mL, but since I have BL I don't feel the need to have a lighter, more innocent version. I see why there are so many fans of Antique Lace, because it is so easily enjoyable, soft, and pleasant. Glad I got to try it! 4.2 out of 5
  5. grashopper8

    Nemesis

    Wet, this is sweetly piney from the cypress. The pine disappears almost instantly, and it quickly dries down into a powdery, sweet patchouli. The combination of fig, patchouli, and tonka bean is very interesting, and makes for a scent that's unique but still approachable - and somehow familiar. This would be a great fragrance for patchouli enthusiasts to try out, as it brings out a different edge to patch. The sweetness of the fig really complements the dryness and smokiness of the patchouli and the balance that is struck between creamy/sweet/fruity and woodsy/smoky creates almost a powdery scent. Fascinating. I don't need to keep it, because it's not really my style, but it's a well-executed, finely tuned perfume. 4.1 out of 5
  6. grashopper8

    The Unheavenly City

    I knew I would love this, and Surprise! Delicious red blend - it's Dragon's Blood without cloying smokiness, just smooth, juicy sweetness. There might be red fruits in here, I saw people mention cherry. And, the creamiest pretty gardenia, ooohh! As it dries, the sweetness mellows and the incense quality comes out a bit more. It's absolutely freakin gorgeous, I wish I could get more! Maybe I will try layering Dragon's Milk with some gardenia and cherry. However - The longer I have this on, I do have to echo sentiments that I wish the opening stage lasted longer. The juiciness and gardenia fade awfully fast, and all that lingers is faint incense and a hint of sandalwood. Not awful, but not what grabbed me in the beginning. It's like a flash of red hot passion and it's so good and so completely delectable and then all of a sudden - it's low-key and lazy. Nice, but not making-me-drool-good-times. The opening stage is a 4.8 out of 5, the dried-down scent is a 3 out of 5.
  7. grashopper8

    Nefertiti

    Wow, another winner! I have reviewed like 6 new loves in a row the past few days, this is crazy! The combination of iris, white florals, gentle herbs, and the softest bass note of myrrh and sandalwood...it is just magical. Upon drydown, the florals die down somewhat and the sandalwood and myrrh take the stage. What a lovely morph! Simple and elegant and just makes me feel a little like royalty, myself. I miss the opening stage, but it's still really pretty. My dog just went nuts over the spot where I tested on my finger : -D She likes it, all sniffing and trying to lick it! Hehehe she's never done that before for BPAL (peanut butter maybe, but perfume?) Nefertiti is another perfectly balanced blend. Beth continues to amaze me. BPAL oils are all masterpieces of fine art! Did I say I'm a fan of this scent? Yeah? Good. 4.3 out of 5
  8. grashopper8

    Dove's Heart

    I tend to like soapy florals, so after reading reviews, I had a good feeling about this oil. In the imp, it's reminding me a little of Eos and Bitch...it's herbal, and floral. Maybe lavender? Maybe not? Honeysuckle? Ylang-ylang? Urgh I have no clue, my nose is failing me. On my skin, it goes super-soapy, and ends up smelling a lot like a Plumeria Lei perfume oil that I got from Hawaii. Translation: aaahhhhhh mmmmmm. I know it's soapy, but it's also quite lovely, in my saponified-soul's opinion. I hope I don't have to test it for intent any time soon, but after an argument I will see if it helps get me out of "The Red." I think it's really soothing, and it smells like a morning type scent to me. 4.2 out of 5
  9. grashopper8

    Chimera

    Oh my goodness this is fantastic! The combination of cinnamon and myrrh is just delicious! It smells like cinnamon buns or snickerdoodle cookies, yes, but it's a touch more mysterious than that...I never get honeysuckle out of it, but I don't care, whatever its purpose is in this scent, it's serving it well without being too forward. My decant may be well-aged, as well, and if this is the case perhaps the honeysuckle fades over time. The sweet resins in this scent are just a hint woodsy (maybe the copal?), and as a whole this scent reminds me of that cult scent People of the Labyrinths Luctor et Emergo. Except that with POTL, I got wafts of Play-Doh and cherry, and Chimera does not do the Play-Doh thing at all Having said that, I bet that if Chimera was layered with a dark cherry, it would be even more fun! And, having read some reviews, I might try this layered with Snake Oil today. I hope I can get to work without passing out from scentctasy... I did not expect to like this blend, and I am more than pleasantly surprised....I will certainly hold on to my imp, and the possibility of a 5mL is looking good. !!!! !!!! 5 out of 5 ETA: I've worn this 3 days in a row so far. I never do that with perfume, I have too many things I want to try and I like variety. Chimera is changing me.....It's like a cinnamony Snake Oil with crack in it. Easily in my top 3. True Love!!!!!!!!
  10. grashopper8

    something similar to Chloe Narcisse?

    Try and find an imp of TP'ed Trees. I really really have no idea why, but it reminds me of Chloe Narcisse.
  11. grashopper8

    Gennivre, L’Artiste du Diable

    Oh yes yes yes! This is a beautiful sweet mint tea scent! I love the hint of warm honey and the clean tea note. This is just gorgeous! If you like honey in your tea for a little treat, do NOT miss this scent! Embalming Fluid is a fresh, bright green tea; Gennivre is more low-key and drizzled with honey (but still a green scent). I will wear it in the spring and summer. My kind of tea! ; -) 4.7 out of 5 Edit to add: I finally got a 5mL because I love this scent, it grows on me more every time I wear it. Fresh and sweet and warm and green, I'm really taken!
  12. grashopper8

    Midnight on the Midway (2006)

    I definitely get a hint of grape from this, like what I got from Temple Viper. This is a sugary sweet blend, and the incense and florals really add something special to the sweetness. They're a little more in the background than I would prefer, though... This is just a tad too syrupy for my taste, but it is a pleasant and enjoyable perfume. I will pass my imp along, but I'm really happy I tried it! I bet it would be delicious aged. 3.9 out of 5
  13. grashopper8

    TP'd Trees

    ? This is a light, gentle, Chloe Narcisse on me. Not what I expected at ALL! I was expecting pine sap, and instead I got cottony florals with a hint of musk. It's not bad, but it's a total surprise! This is a parfum blend - calling all ladies! It's not what I'm into right now, but it is very very pretty. Still shocked : -) 3.8 out of 5
  14. grashopper8

    Egg'd Mailbox

    This is a light, creamy, custardy, honeyed blend with a dusting of powdery white florals way in the background. It reminds me a little bit of Hony Mone, with less intensity and complexity (although it's not a flat scent by any means). There's a hint of sweet spice, and an almost almondy/coconutty tone. This is a very pretty scent! It's not quite "me," but I could see layering it with caramel and vanilla and making some creme brulee.... There's something a little plasticky going on too...nothing overtly so, but I am reminded of playing with dolls as a kid. Seriously, if you like Hony Mone, grab a decant of Egg'd to try on. 3.3 out of 5
  15. grashopper8

    Heavenly Love & Earthly Love

    This is a masculine blend on my skin. I'm amping mostly the teakwood, benzion, and sandalwood. It's totally as a sexy man-fume, but not something I would choose for myself. This could also be worn by a woman who loves intense, woodsy, perfumey scents. For me, it's just too much....something....It's a little harsh to my nose, honestly. From the rave reviews, I'm sure I can find a loving home for my decant : -) Not my thing though 2 out of 5
  16. grashopper8

    Cake, cookies, donuts, baked goods, even Cinnabon

    Monster Bait: Tokyo Stomp smells like mint-chocolate cookies, but some people (including me) get a plastic note from it. For this reason, even though it's a Limited Edition, you may not have much trouble finding a sample. Good luck with your yum-yum search, and welcome to the forum! Edit to add: jinx on posting with maribouquet at almost the same time, and I would also recommend her suggestion - not having tried Penthus personally, but Bliss is chocolate brownie batter heaven, and layered with something minty, it would be a winner!
  17. Um...yeah, I love you all!!! Thanks for the suggestions, I'm glad to see that some are already loves of mine! Man, you guys are the best : -) Wishlist-amending I go!
  18. grashopper8

    Monster Bait: Underpants

    Yes, this is delicious, and yes, I'm pissed that I like it : -) It's a perfect blend of sweet sandalwood, creamy vanilla, and an almost honeyed, mimosa-esque note that I'm assuming is saffron. Holy crap, I need more saffron. (I just Wikipedia'ed it, and it supposedly smells like honeyed hay/grasses.) Holy crap, I wish I didn't like this so much. If it wasn't limited, and if it wasn't a cult BPAL craze, I'd still try to get some more. I have to say, and I won't admit why I know this, but MB: Underpants dries down to a scent very similar to Hilary Duff With Love. (Except MB is fantastically superior, that goes without saying, right?) Underpants is more intense than I expected. I thought it would be more foody, and it's more of a woodsy, sweet, creamy floral. It's a scent that I would have to be in the mood for, I think. Very nice perfume, I'd like to see saffron again! Don't seek it out if you don't like sandalwood, though - maybe I'm amping it like crazy, but sandalwood is the primary note for me. 4.7 out of 5
  19. grashopper8

    Egg Nog

    Um, yeah.....YUMMAH YUMMAH YUMMAH want it in my TUMMAH TUMMAH TUMMAH Whoa, what just happened? I blacked out from scent-joy overload.... This totally smells just like eggnog in the imp. It needs a bit of slathering, but on my skin it turns to just creamy yummy foodie goodness. It loses a bit of the completeness that makes it smell like eggnog at the beginning, but it still ends up smelling "wicked frickin good." It does smell like vanilla cake batter, pensarepink! This is on par with Beaver Moon '05 and Monsterbait: Closet, in my book. Delicious! I wish the throw was a little stronger, but other than that, it's great. Nom nom nom! 4.6 out of 5
  20. grashopper8

    Embalming Fluid

    This is a very nice scent, and although it's not something that I would choose for myself, I can still appreciate why it has so much appeal. I get mostly lemon and green tea, and it makes for a scent that's super-fresh and soapy. It's reminding me of Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea, except (obviously) much nicer. It's a little too lemony for my taste when wet, but after a minute it smooths out and smells really pretty. I think the musk (which I can't really pick out unless I squint and concentrate) gives the blend a nice grounding. It's a little high up on the "zing" spectrum to be something that I'd reach for, but if someone else was wearing this I would be sniffing at them trying to be discreet about it. This is a BPAL that everyone should try on their skin, just to experience, and I understand why it's such a popular fragrance. 4.2 out of 5
  21. grashopper8

    The Lady of Shalott

    Haha I had to quote that because not only is it true, it's hilarious - I've never had a word for when florals go high-pitched, and now I have it and I may recycle it : -) In the imp, Lady of Shalott is more aquatic than I expected, and once it hits my skin, the fresh gardenia and gentle musk round it out a little. The ginger is there in the background adding a little extra sumfin-sumfin. This is a prime example of Beth's crazy ability to perfectly balance notes in her blends. It's not too floral (twee!), not too aquatic (zing!), not too green (for my taste, I should say)....It's fresh but not in the icky way department store 'fumes try to be. This is such a pretty, clean scent, and I love all the notes in it so it's no surprise. I love how it's complex yet pleasant and friendly as well. Very nice, I will wear this when I want something happy and bright (even though that's not what this scent was trying to evoke, it makes-a-me smile!) 4.4 out of 5
  22. grashopper8

    When you need something comforting or cheering

    Comforting: Sleepy Moon, or Bliss Cheering: Carnal
  23. grashopper8

    Hungry Ghost Moon 2006

    The blend of notes in Hungry Ghost Moon creates a crisp scent with quite a bit of complexity. The juxtaposition of citrus/spicy/herbal/woods (which is usually a complete scent on its own) with a swirl of warm vanilla sugar is very interesting and different. The bittersweet grapefruit complements the ginger very nicely as well. This experience fades fairly fast on my skin. I love the concept and the execution is fascinating. I can see how this is a 'love it or hate it' blend. I am somewhere in between, because although I appreciate the unique combination of notes, I am not craving it as a wearable perfume. Definitely glad I got the chance to try it, though! 3.7 out of 5
  24. grashopper8

    Blood Phoenix

    Blood Phoenix actually reminds me more of Mme. Moriarty than anything else. This is probably because of the red musk and juicy red fruit. It's a juicy incense-y scent, and I can pick out the mimosa floral if I concentrate really hard. It smells like grape or cherry candy when wet, but once it dries, the juciness becomes a little less distinctive because the other notes rise to blend in around it. It's an attractive scent, and juicy/fruity fans should definitely give it a sniff, especially because it's got more going on than just "grape" (which was what I had expected from reading reviews). Try this if you like Mme. Moriarty, Midnight Kiss, or Bloody Mary ~ 4.5 out of 5 Edit to add: I slathered this on yesterday, and I was sniffing at my wrist the whole day! It's totally delicious. It's still reminding me of Mme. Moriarty - It's like Mme. without the patchouli, or Bloody Mary without the custard. I really really like it!
  25. I've been here for a few months now, and I've come to terms with the fact that I'm obsessed out of my BRAIN for Sleepy Moon! I also like Ode on Melancholy, New Orleans, Veil, Ultraviolet, and White Phoenix. And, I'm crazy-go-nuts about TAL White Light and Peace (they smell gorgeous and really make life better)! Notes I seem to like include lavender, opium, jasmine, violet, musk, gardenia.... Any recs for more scents along these lines? I figure, give Beth some more money, you know, for the bibby and all.... Thanks in advance, lovies!
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