Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'Lupercalia 2015'.
Found 76 results
-
SERVING TEA AFTER COITUS Green tea, heady honey, white plum, ambergris accord, and vanilla flower. Fresh out of the mailbox! I tried this lovely oil first because I love the image so much. This is a very light and delicate perfume that evokes a satisfied sigh and sunlight coming through sheer curtains in early spring. The scent hugs the skin and reminds me of honeyed vanilla green tea. Very lovely!
-
With tea leaf and cistus. This is fantastic. When I first spray it, my hair smells like fresh tangerine. The blast of zesty citrus lasts a good long while, and then slowly but surely morphs into something with a little more depth. If I make any sudden movements and my hair swishes around it's all fruity spiciness with a tang to it. Maybe that's cubeb? I'm not familiar with it. White ginger seems far more playful than its regular counterpart. I can definitely see myself wearing this at the park in the spring or at the beach in the summer months. Heck, I'd wear it to the beach today. Living in a coastal town means I will probably be reaching for this one quite a bit in the coming months.
-
With the faintest hint of opium smoke. This smells like Winchesters, for those in the Supernatural fandom. The musk makes it sweeter than you might expect, but it is definitely a saloon-esque scent. I keep expecting leather to be in there, but it's more the idea of it. I sort of love this one a whole lot and I'm very glad I bought a bottle unsniffed! 10/10
-
Glittering, ductile amber wet with carrot seed and bittersweet grey musk. Get this. Get it NOW. The Carrot seed makes this seem like champagne on my skin...but not the nauseating kind. It's slightly effervescent. The grey musk is slightly sweet but not overwhelming and the amber...maybe this is the glittering part...is amazing. Subtle and not overwhelming. GET THIS NOW...you need it. If you love amber and grey musk...you will love it.
-
Champa resinoid, frankincense, red wine kyphi, and myrrh. This reminds me a lot of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Rose Petal Beads bath oil. It smells more hard incensy (like Midnight Mass) in the bottle, but the champa develops on and combines with the red wine to make it significantly fruity. I love it, but I also bought 2-3 bottle of that bath oil, so YMMV. 8/10
-
With a touch of cinnamon, tobacco, and oudh. This gloss is gorgeous, and deceptively simple. Its rich melange of sweet vanilla and softly spiced cardamom swirls around a deep, dark core of tobacco and oudh, creating a warm, beautifully blended scent. It's gentle, even comforting, yet utterly alluring. The throw is lighter compared to some of my other glosses, but it still works its smoothing, detangling, silkifying magic. I get a little cinnamon, but not that much, which is surprising--I'm used to that dominating most blends it's in. Cardamom is one of my most beloved notes, and I can't wait to wear it with some of my favorite cardamom BPALs like Southern Cloudywing, Mama-Ji, Café Mille et une Nuits, or Pumpkin I from this year's Weenies.
-
Ambergris accord, white musk, tobacco absolute, opoponax, and bitter cacao. Reviewing this fresh from the mailbox. This was a blind bottle buy, as I'm addicted to bpal tobacco and like all of the other notes listed for this scent. Freshly applied, this feels like it could go a little perfume-y, a little cologne-y, and it does pleasantly for about twenty minutes before drying down with the tobacco being soft but the strongest note. visions of autumn vii was tobacco and opoponax with a spicy, woody edge, and this is a cousin, only here the scent is made slightly sweet with the cacao and the whole is lightened with the musk and ambergris. Essentially this is a nice treat for tobacco lovers. A non-foodie tobacco truffle. This is baby spanking new, and the throw is low. I wager based on previous bpal experience that this scent will grow stronger with a bit of time and that the ambergris and musk will come forward more, letting this develop into a scent that is more than the sum of its parts. Even if it stays exactly the same, I've no regrets as I like this sort of thing immensely.
-
I worship you like night's pavilion, O vase of sadness, o great silent one, And love you more since you escape from me, And since you seem, my night's sublimity, To mock me and increase the leagues that lie Between my arms and blue immensity. I move to attack, beseige, assail, Like eager worms after a funeral. I even love, o beast implacable, The coldness which makes you more beautiful. Not the desperation, desolation and anguish of unrequited love, but the distant, chill and pitiless scent of the object of that doomed desire. White musk, osmanthus, Nile lily and frankincense. In the bottle More bright and fruity than one would imagine. Thusfar this smells sort of like Blue moon meets..I dunno... Neo-Tokyo maybe a bit. The Lily, osmanthus, musk and frankincense blend together so well that the no one thing really sticks out as primary...yet. On Still smells the same as in the bottle (thank God). The lily and osmanthus are primary now. I can't pick out the frankincense nor the musk any longer. Very pretty blend, somewhat perfumey, and similar to an aquatic. There's a cucumbery mintiness to this underneath the perfuminess. 30 minutes The dry down is even better because it becomes a bit powdery, but this slight powderiness only adds to the loveliness of this white floral. Throw: Yes it does have more than average. Scent category: Floral/Animalistic/Incense Summary To me this doesn't smell like a incensey floral. It smells more bright white floral, aquatic blend. I'm not even able to pick an existing blend to compare it to. I would say a Jasmine Danube or Tulszcha but no, this is not getting at what it smells liek exactly. So pretty and different. I bet some would imagine Snow White to smell like this. It's that kind of scent. Greatest throw of the Lupercalia blends and the longest lasting of the bunch as well Purchase again? Yes. This is beautiful. 1-5 rating (5 being best) 4.5
-
Slender arrows lodged in my heart: red amber, benzoin, red musk, bourbon geranium, oak bark, Atlas cedar, and 13-year aged Sumatran patchouli. In The Bottle: The bourbon geranium is by far the most dominant note when opening the bottle. When I take a few additional sniffs, I also get a trace of the benzoin. but that geranium is hands-down the most dominant note. Wet On Skin: The germanium is still present but *much* less front and center. With this wet on my skin, I'm now also picking up the red amber and red musk (which are playing together in a really sexy way, and the patchouli, which is of the variety that has been in such favorites as Mme Moriarty Misfortune Teller and also Snake Charmer. Patchouli of the 'dirty hippy' variety this is not. Not a patchouli to fear, in other words. Dry Down: Very much the same as when still in the wet stage, and in the same proportions. In All: Medium to Strong throw, this scent has a deep, layered quality. There's a lot going on here, and because of the intensity of the individual notes, I really think this is one that will require some aging. That said, I'm *slightly* uncomfortable with how much geranium is coming through. However, I think there's a strong possibility, given the top-note quality of the geranium, that it'll fade further into the background, once it's had a chance to marinate further with the other notes. I'm really glad I have this bottle, but I think the one bottle will likely be enough. Still, I'm glad I have a few months to order a second, as that will give me a chance to see how this ages at least a little bit.
-
Thick raw honey with a touch of Russian sage and hyssop. While it's in the bottle this is the richest, thickest honey ever and it's gorgeous. Once in the bath it is far more subtle - a gentle hint of honey and a fresh, slightly medicinal quality from the herbs. It doesn't linger though and feels rather ephemeral. I suspect if I used my bath oil as a moisturiser then the scent would stick around much longer.
-
MOUNT FUJI REFLECTED IN LAKE MISAICA An oakmoss chypre with black cypress, wild mint, labdanum, pine needles, white sandalwood, and white cedar. I'm reviewing Mount Fuji Reflected in Lake Misaica because I'm a little worried that it will be lost in the shuffle amongst the other Shungas this year, and I think it deserves a shoutout. This blend is like the palate cleanser to all the sweets and florals in the Lupercalia release. The best way I can describe this is green, as the most prominent notes when wet are oakmoss, black cypress, mint, and pine. The labdanum (which smells a bit like green-brown ambergris here), white sandalwood, and white cedar anchor this blend and come forward on the drydown. Wet, this is a cavalcade of mouthy greens, a little tingly due to the mint and the camphorous spangle of evergreens. As it dries, the oakmoss pushes forward like a marathoner. Fully dry, this is oakmoss chypre with white sandalwood and white cedar—pale woods and oakmoss. The mint and cedar do not amp on me in the slightest—the mint burns off early and the cedar is held in check by the oakmoss. If you love oakmoss...definitely try this one! It's like the cologne version of walking through the woods in early, early spring, when a cold snap is still possible and the evergreens are still bleating their song of survival over the trepidatious spring herbals. I'm going to put this bottle with my husband's collection, and convince him to wear it on our next evening out...and wear it myself, from time to time.
-
White rose marred by oakmoss, Spanish moss, slippery labdanum, and gurjum balsam. Another amazing rose scent from Beth! I usually do not like florals, and until last year I HATED all roses with the fiery passion of a thousand suns. But something happened and while decanting for others, I discovered a few rose scents that I not only can physically tolerate without nausea, but that I indeed enjoy LOL. This is another. I really dig moss and oak moss and they add a great non-quite green but real earthy vibe to the roses here. While there is no mistaking the rose in here, I think those who prefer rose to be dominated by other non-florals will enjoy this one.
-
SIGNIOR DILDO With thanks to Sir John Wilmot. This signior is sound, safe, ready, and dumb As ever was candle, carrot, or thumb; Then away with these nasty devices, and show How you rate the just merit of Signior Dildo. Count Cazzo, who carries his nose very high, In passion he swore his rival should die; Then shut himself up to let the world know Flesh and blood could not bear it from Signior Dildo. A rabble of pricks who were welcome before, Now finding the porter denied them the door, Maliciously waited his coming below And inhumanly fell on Signior Dildo. Nigh wearied out, the poor stranger did fly, And along the Pall Mall they followed full cry; The women concerned from every window Cried, 'For heaven's sake, save Signior Dildo.' The good Lady Sandys burst into a laughter To see how the ballocks came wobbling after, And had not their weight retarded the foe, Indeed't had gone hard with Signior Dildo. A scent of pearls and ivory: orris, violet leaf, narcissus, and Madagascar vanilla. This is a soft gorgeous violet scent. The orris root is not too dry as a matter of fact it keeps the violet from becoming too sweet and too floral. By no means is this a comparison to faith-sugared violets. I don't smell any narcissus either. This is straight up Madagascar vanilla, with hints of orris and violet. Just lovely. If you love vanilla and violet...this one is for you.
-
VENUS VICTRIX Venus the Victorious Peru balsam and aged patchouli with white sandalwood, red musk, red roses, and wood moss. Venus Victrix is much softer than she sounds—on me this is patchouli and peru balsam right out of the gates, with the red musk and red roses coming forward on the drydown. The wood moss and sandalwood keep things grounded. After about 20 minutes, it's still mostly a resiny and woody blend, but the red roses give it a rosy, lush roundness. From the note list, I thought this might be a strong blend, but it's very soft with little throw. Definitely an intimate scent—the victory here is personal.
-
LURID BONBON Dark chocolate dotted by cacao nibs, laced with black currant, Bulgarian lavender, white musk, and thick resins. Terry Pratchett invented a color called octarine, described as "alive and glowing and vibrant, and incidentally a kind of greenish purple." So, if this analogy helps at all, Lurid Bonbon smells like octarine dark chocolate to my nose. Chocolate itself is warm and fuzzy and matte, while lavender and currant and white musk are sharp and scintillating, so you would logically expect this combination to fight itself, but it doesn't at all. The resins marry the two poles beautifully. The chocolate component is dark, and has the same feel as the chocolate in Chocolate Stout Cupcake, but where that was a brutal chemistry mishap, Lurid Bonbon was a bottle purchase after I skin-tested at Will Call. This reads as a musk/resin perfume with a chocolate haze, rather than a foody-forward chocolate blend, though YMMV. Very sexy and adult, with tons of throw. One of the very few chocolate BPALs that succeeds against my weird chemistry.
-
A PECULIAR SPIRIT Tobacco absolute with neroli, oudh, benzoin, and black tea leaf. Black tea leaf = Licorice/anise. I sniffed the decant and knew it would go wrong because it always does. Interesting that black tea doesn't smell a bit like any black tea i've ever smelled. :-/ I had to atleast sniff it though, since the other notes sounded like a nice combo.
-
Unhallowed passion. Weirdly, in the bottle this smelled salty! But in the air all I get from it is frankincense. Luckily, I like frankincense. 6/10
-
MARS RIGONEMETIS Mars of the Sacred Grove Dark musk entwined with ivy, black pine, birch tar, cypress, black cedar, and black pepper. This one's a morpher. Wet: Starts out smelling like Rubber and Camphor. But, It quickly starts mellowing out during the dry down. Dry: I'm getting the musk, pine, tar, cedar and a touch of pepper. Smells like dark woods in the distance with a kick of spice. What really surprises me is the role Ivy plays. Not because its the dominant note but because it elevates this blend from dark and brooding to dark and contemplative. My mind is associating this scent with a dark green color. A lovely scent that is unisex and stays close to the skin.
-
A big bud of moon hangs out of the twilight, Star-spiders spinning their thread Hang high suspended, withouten respite Watching us overhead. Come then under the trees, where the leaf-cloths Curtain us in so dark That here we’re safe from even the ermin-moth’s Flitting remark. Here in this swarthy, secret tent, Where black boughs flap the ground, You shall draw the thorn from my discontent, Surgeon me sound. This rare, rich night! For in here Under the yew-tree tent The darkness is loveliest where I could sear You like frankincense into scent. Here not even the stars can spy us, Not even the white moths write With their little pale signs on the wall, to try us And set us affright. Kiss but then the dust from off my lips, But draw the turgid pain From my breast to your bosom, eclipse My soul again. Waste me not, I beg you, waste Not the inner night: Taste, oh taste and let me taste The core of delight. - DH Lawrence The loveliest darkness, the core of delight: Moroccan black musk, white tea leaf, Indonesian black sandalwood, frankincense, honeycomb, jonquil, and clove. in the bottle: musk and clove, yet this somehow feels MUCH lighter than other scents with those notes. kind of odd. wet on my skin: baby powder. all baby powder. dry on my skin: no change, just baby powder. i had someone else confirm that it wasn't just my nose...damn my skin chemistry! i am so sad...based on the notes this should be amazing on me. perhaps it's the honey/clove combination?
-
Osmanthus, linden, tuberose, carnation, ylang ylang, and lemon tree blossoms with Himalayan cedar and a drop of tobacco absolute. This is so beautiful. All flowers present and blended seamlessly...perfect for spring! I need another bottle. This reminds me of the Primavera atmo spray from a few years ago, which i also love. Bravo.
-
RIDING IN THE PALANQUIN Lacquered wood, mother of pearl, bamboo, silk, ho leaf, and jasmine blossoms. In the imp: Bright and fresh, slightly lemony, with echoes of jasmine and bamboo (I think). It really does convey the impression of lacquer, which I think is awesome. Wet: Straight out, it is still very green and crisp, although the lemon seems to be just about staying in check. Somewhere in the depths, I can catch the animalic undertones of the jasmine. It's very strong at this stage (indeed, it seems to be clearing my cold somewhat...), but luckily it starts calming slowly and getting more multi-dimensional rather than just GREEN. Drying: Jasmine is hiding somewhere inside the thick veil of greenery. It definitely brings to mind green bamboo shoots; there are also undertones of other unidentified grasses somewhere in there. I'm not very good at identifying green notes yet, but I find this mix sophisticated and reminiscent of some classic perfumes. I think at this stage it is also rather unisex. I got some of it smeared on my fingers and here, while on my wrist it is still overwhelmingly green, I am getting a sweeter, polished kind of white flower scent. Dry: This really morphs! This is where the 'mother of pearl' and silk kick in. Somewhere in the drydown, a creaminess appears and suddenly, it's no longer a green lacquer scent but something very smooth, sophisticated and a touch sweet. I'm having trouble identifying this accord - it's cream with something animalic underneath so at first I thought it might perhaps be ambergris. Equally, however, it might be a combination of some tonka over a really earthy, woody base (like damp earth or driftwood - but dry at the same time.. :/). I feel like I should really know what this is, but can't quite put my finger on it. This blend stays quite close to the skin, strangely I think even in the intense opening stage (although this might be my cold). It's unusual in all the best ways - clean, sophisticated, complex and above all surprising. I'm really liking it!
-
Love always finds shelter in the gentle heart. Dolce Stil Nuovo is a 13th & 14th century Florentine literary style that celebrates love and womanhood through heartfelt, delicate, and melodious sonnets, ballate, and canzones. This is fin'amor, Courtly Love, in its most moving form, and the emotions that these words express reflect love that both spiritual and idealized. Within this literary movement, earthly love reaches for the Divine. Who is she coming, whom all gaze upon, Who makes the air tremulous with light, And at whose side is Love himself? that none Dare speak, but each man's sighs are infinite. Ah me! how she looks round from left to right, Let Love discourse: I may not speak thereon. Lady she seems of such high benison As makes all others graceless in men's sight. The honor which is hers cannot be said; To whom are subject all things virtuous, While all things beauteous own her deity. Ne'er was the mind of man so nobly led Nor yet was such redemption granted us That we should ever know her perfectly. Our interpretation of Dolce Stil Nuovo is a blend of rose otto, carnation, vanilla flower, lavender and jasmine with the clarity of crystalline white musk and the warmth of golden amber. In the bottle: A very clean floral. On my wrist, wet: Sweet and floral with an almost candy-like muskiness. After 20 minutes: Creamy, subtle floral with the amber providing a little warm powderiness. This doesn't smell like flowers as much as it smells like the ghosts of flowers. After 40 minutes: Dolce Stil Nuovo is primarily a subdued floral, but there is also a warm creaminess to the blend that adds an entirely different dimension to it in all stages of drydown. The choice of muted floral components is complimented by the subtle musk and amber notes. This is a blend that suits a woman who is feminine, understated and confident. Lovely!
-
IVORY VULVA Marshmallow root, coconut, macadamia milk, cream accord, and a drop of golden amber. This is definitely a creamy coconut scent. I've had it on for about 30 minutes and it's stayed the same. The other notes don't stand out to me but I think they're what's making this a warm coconut as opposed to just coconut. If you like coconut you will like this. It reminds me of the coconut in Goblin without the patchouli.
-
Deceptively sweet: bourbon vanilla oleoresin and benzoin resinoid. I tested this one out in the shower, and I'm in LOVE! In the bottle, It didn't seem very strong, almost like I could barely smell it. In the shower, I poured a little in my hand to rub in on my skin, and I could smell the sweet rich vanilla! It's not a buttery vanilla, it's a gourmand, grown up vanilla. On my skin, (not sure if this is just my skin chemistry) but there is almost the slightest undertone of sassafrass! It's absolutely DIVINE!
-
Honey streaked with red musk and saffron. Utterly perfect. The hair gloss really has some shine and scent power to back itself up. This is what I wish the Sin Hair Gloss had been more like in its usage of red musk and throw. This one has an amazingly strong scent for me, even in this cold weather. The red musk is very smooth, enhanced with the usage of honey to it. The saffron adds a warming quality, but also something unexpected. It makes it almost have a dry woody vibe like I find in Shiny Furball. Despite that particular Halloween HG being a cedar wood note. It really utilizes what I love about those other hair glosses quite well. I may have to get a back-up as I may use this practically daily.
