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Showing results for tags 'Yule 2017'.
Found 137 results
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Pale white rose petals frozen beneath a blanket of snow. Creamy white rose and clean, crisp snow. It's not minty or piney. But it's definitely brisk, maybe blue musk involved? Eventually it looses it's chill and gets a little sweeter, but it's a clean snowy white rose. Lovely!
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NES GADOL HAYA SHAM But not long after the king sent a certain old man of Antioch, to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers and of God: And to defile the temple that was in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius: and that in Gazarim of Jupiter Hospitalis, according as they were that inhabited the place. And very bad was this invasion of evils and grievous to all. For the temple was full of the riot and reveling of the Gentiles: and of men lying with lewd women. And women thrust themselves of their accord into the holy places, and brought in things that were not lawful. The altar also was filled with unlawful things, which were forbidden by the laws. And neither were the sabbaths kept, nor the solemn days of the fathers observed, neither did any man plainly profess himself to be a Jew. But they were led by bitter constraint on the king's birthday to the sacrifices: and when the feast of Bacchus was kept, they wore compelled to go about crowned with ivy in honour of Bacchus. And there went out a decree into the neighboring cities of the Gentiles, by the suggestion of the Ptolemeans, that they also should act in like manner against the Jews, to oblige them to sacrifice: And whosoever would not conform themselves to the ways of the Gentiles, should be put to death: then was misery to be seen. For two women were accused to have circumcised their children: whom, when they had openly led about through the city with the infants hanging at their breasts, they threw down headlong from the walls. And others that had met together in caves that were near, and were keeping the sabbath day privately, being discovered by Philip, were burnt with fire, because they made a conscience to help themselves with their hands, by reason of the religious observance of the day. - The Second Book of the Maccabees, 6:1-11 In order to consolidate his power in Jerusalem and Hellenize the area, the Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Judaism and ordered the population to worship Zeus and the Hellenic pantheon. As this was anathema to the Jews, they refused, and Antiochus moved to enforce his religious decree by extreme force. Some origin tales say that the dreidel was used at this time as a method by which the Jewish people were able to continue to study the Talmud in secret under the guise of gambling. Now, in addition to being a light gambling game, the dreidel is also a reminder of the strength, devotion, and perseverance of the Jewish people and the mercy of God. One scent in four parts: Nun, the Snake: nuun, nothing. Naḥš, in modern Arabic, means bad luck. Represented by scents of loss and remembrance: opoponax and lemon verbena. Gimel, the Camel: the Ship of the Desert. Represented by scents of abundance, fortitude, and determination: patchouli, heliotrope, pomegranate, and almond. He, the Window: sometimes used to represent the Unutterable Name of God, this is the window in our souls through which God's light touches us. Represented by scents of clarity and piety: frankincense, myrtle, and hyssop. Shin, the Tooth: also stands for Shaddai, one of the names of God. The hand formed into shin acts as a priestly blessing. Represented by scents of strength, generosity, kindness, and benediction: carnation, myrrh, red poppy, and hibiscus. The essences of Nun, Gimel, He, and Shin are blended to become Nes Gadol Haya Sham. Prominent notes for me are the Heliotrope and Almond. This reminds me of an old favorite, Tzadikim Nistarim, and also a few of BPAL's earlier 13 blends. Probably because of the wide range of notes. Maybe even reminiscent of Cleopatra Testing Poisons. Complex and unconventional from a perfume standpoint.
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Fear of Gaiety Clacking white teeth bared in repugnant, feral upturned leers. Laughter, hideous laughter: bubbling white ginger gurgling through hot red carnations, shreds of orange peel, and cloying globs of honey. In the bottle - Ooh baby. It's sweet-citrus-ginger. I have a good feeling about this. Wet - Yup, that's carnation. Drydown - I want to say that I'm getting something else -- anything else -- but it's alllll carnation. Damn you, skin chemistry. Verdict - Although I like the scent, I didn't need a whole bottle. I might look for an oil burner so I can get that in-the-bottle ginger back in my life.
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Ten Lords-A-Leaping Nine Ladies Dancing Eight Maids-A-Milking Seven Swans-A-Swimming Six Geese-A-Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree Piping out drooping phantoms of kumquat, lime rind, icy lemon peel, and green-white musk. This is a very fun lemon scent. It's kind of like lemonhead candies if you're familiar with those. There is a bit of bitterness that I'm used to in lime rinds. It's more of a bite compared to the sweet tartness of the lemon. I don't get much musk while wearing, but I do get it in the bottle. It lasts all day, and then some, which is nice. I'd actually pin this more as a summery scent because it's so lively. Almost like carbonated lemonade. Lovely!
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Poured from grapes frozen on the vine and infused with sweet winter apples and a hint of red currant. Crisp, refreshing Winter fruits encased in ice. "Frozen on the vine" seems very accurate. It even smells cold, but there's no hint of menthol or other "snow" notes to my nose. How do they do that? I could see this working well as a "cooling" room mist on sweltering summer days. Not something I would have blind bought, I got it as part of a sampler set, but I'm glad I have my little spritzer of it.
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A midwinter mystery: a perfume of intrigue, passion, and longing. Rose Oudh and Myrrh hair gloss is definitely a rose that telegraphs intrigue, passion, and longing. There's something mysterious created when the rose, myrrh, and oudh notes intersect here. The point of concurrency ends up being rose-focal. The myrrh and oudh submit and are pulled through the rose's lens. The sillage is a darkened rose, with a subtle 'barnyard' note in the oudh bringing it to a softly animalic place. I'm someone who tends to amp oudh and it's hit or miss on me, but in my hair, it remains nicely in check. This reminds me of classic roses from earlier ages, although it wears beautifully now. A fierce, restrained floral, for those who enjoy roses that have lived a little.
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The discomforts of royalty: a pearl as large as a spinning wheel. Golden rose oudh and saffron swirling over opalescent orris root and a twinkle of translucent petals. In the Bottle: the dusty rose of the oudh and the sweet-spice of the saffron come through quite strongly! Wet On Skin: The rose gains in intensity, but I get a faint dust from the orris root in the background. Dry Down: A lush dried rose incense. I don't do many florals, but this is pretty compelling. And the oudh has given it a lovely incense quality that just might win me over
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Laotian oudh, labdanum, bourbon vanilla, red benzoin, and myrrh. In the Bottle: Beautiful oudh and a slight red musk vibe (red musk not a listed component) On the Skin: The oudh is immediately tamed by the other components, especially the bourbon vanilla. It's a gently spicy oudh forward resin blend. The labdunum lends a softness as it dries down a bit more. On the Drydown: In the end, a very nice spiced oudh/resin blend. I like a lot
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Bundled in blankets by a roaring fire. No reviews yet?? Ok...here goes... So, for me, leather notes can be either full on amazing or absolutely NO for me. I ADORE Snake Skin and Western Diamondback. I tried to like Whip, and Riding Crop, was too strong. So, with that being said, I thought I would try this... thinking the nut note might be an interesting co-star to the leather. (nut notes are the same for me as leather notes). In the decant, sniffing....I get a little whiff of the leather... the chestnut is also present, but neither are overwhelming. In my damp hair, it changes.... it really smells like there is a smokiness to this... a bonfire smoke added. The leather and the chestnut are not front and center, but they are there... so that with the smokiness, is actually quite lovely. It has a good throw for me, so this is one that would be perfect for an outside campfire, but not sure it would be welcome in any work-place setting if you have to be in close proximity to someone. As it dries a bit, it is a leather, (not suede) that was hung near a fire...the leather is surprisingly not over-cloying, but still can smell it around my head!! if you are a leather fan and love the bonfire smoke smell, this is for you!
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Sweet oudh, Bulgarian rose, chamomile, and frankincense. Fresh from the mailbox, this is like a slightly less loud Baghdad. It's a scent for nighttime, to be worn sparingly. About five hours ago I dabbed a small amount on one wrist, rubbed my wrists together, and still have a waft of slightly heady, resinous, spicy rose that is plenty potent for me. One bottle of this will last me forever. I bought this because I like Baghdad, and because I have an ancestor named Melchior. It's not the sort of thing that I will wear most of the time, but if I want something sophisticated with a lot of presence, this should be excellent.
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Perfectly warming, spiked with a splash of spiced rum. I was nervous about buying this. It sounded beautiful, but I was worried it would become overwhelming as time wore on. Luckily, that doesn't happen. This is heavier on the gingerbread than eggnog, and it works perfectly. It smells like your kitchen on a winter afternoon when you're baking for a holiday party. Rich and cozy without being too sweet. And it lingers beautifully - the following day I could still smell it. Really glad I got this.
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And an extra dash of cinnamon! Got this for Christmas! In the bottle, very light milk chocolate. I don't smell any cinnamon, so a dash must be correct! In my damp hair, at first, it reminds me of El Dia Los Reyes, but then it quickly just fades... got milk chocolate at first, and then, after like 30 seconds, I don't smell anything. Even pushing my hair in my face. Oh well.... that's the way it goes.
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Sword aloft, eternally resting beside Andromeda, Algol flickering in the gorgon's head. Greek sage and iris, leather, and ambergris, with a dark gleam of patchouli-soaked blackcurrant. The sage dominates in this muted, close-wearing blend. I expected the leather and ambergris to be prominent, but even after several days of testing I can't pick it up on my skin. The patchouli has the very faintest hint of fruity purpleness to it, and stays in the background. I love this because the sage note is truly beautiful, soft-edged and grey-green, cozy rather than harshly herbal. Sage is one of my favourite notes and there aren't enough BPALs that bust it out. But I wish there was more throw or lasting power, and in fact I'm puzzled that there isn't, given the notes. Aging might bring out some more depth.
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MIDNIGHT MASS I will wash my hands among the innocent; and will compass thy altar, O Lord: That I may hear the voice of thy praise: and tell of all thy wondrous works. I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth. Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts. But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me. My foot hath stood in the direct way: in the churches I will bless thee, O Lord. In Roman Catholic tradition, the Christmas season begins liturgically on Christmas Eve, though it is forbidden to celebrate the Christmas Mass before midnight. The most devout attend Midnight Mass, celebrating both the Eucharist and the drama of the Nativity. This perfume is a traditional Roman Catholic sacramental incense, most often used during a Solemn Mass. Traditionally, five tears of this incense, each encased individually in wax that has been fashioned into the shape of a nail, are inserted into the paschal candle. This is, of course, represents the Five Wounds of Our Risen Savior. Symbolically, the burning of the incense signifies spiritual fervor, the fragrance itself inspires virtue, and the rising smoke carries our prayers to God. Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est. Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen. at first: soft resins and incense. on: sharper than in the bottle, but still softer than i thought it would be. very lovely. exactly like church incense. half an hour later: this is still pretty much the same, maybe a tiny bit sweeter. 1.5 hours later: still the same. amazing! the sweetness is pretty much gone. 2.5 hours later: yeah, i don't know what else to say. overall: lovely stuff. this was the only yule LE i ordered and i'm glad i chose it.
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Yet one smile more, departing, distant sun! One mellow smile through the soft vapoury air, Ere, o'er the frozen earth, the loud winds ran, Or snows are sifted o'er the meadows bare. One smile on the brown hills and naked trees, And the dark rocks whose summer wreaths are cast, And the blue Gentian flower, that, in the breeze, Nods lonely, of her beauteous race the last. Yet a few sunny days, in which the bee Shall murmur by the hedge that skim the way, The cricket chirp upon the russet lea, And man delight to linger in thy ray. Yet one rich smile, and we will try to bear The piercing winter frost, and winds, and darkened air. Autumn leaves damp beneath the first snowfall. This is one of those "how did she do it??" scents, for smelling November virtually paints a picture in my mind. In the bottle and upon initial application, I thought November smelled very much of pine, and reminded me a lot of other forest-in-the-snowstorm scents. Then, after 5 minutes, the fragrance of leaves arrived, and I was astonished! November smells exactly like wet leaves and snow-laden trees after the first snowfall, before the leaves and the plant life have utterly frozen and died away for the winter. On my skin, there's also a heavy element of ozone in this scent, evoking for me a late autumn storm, when rainfall turns into heavy, wet snow. Finally, I get whiff of wet earth underneath the leaves and the the snow. November is unisex-to-masculine without being dark and heavy, and I think this scent will please greatly anyone who loves fragrances that smell just like the outdoors. I think it is an utterly precise and lovely olfactory evocation of walking through a park after the first snowstorm in November.
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Hot cocoa swirled with a candy cane! This starts off as a deep rich, dry cocoa with light spike of peppermint. As it settles the cocoa gets lighter and more milk chocolate-y, with a gentle sweet peppermint. Light and not overpowering at all.
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Sweetened with brown sugar. Pecans are among my favorite nuts, and as such I was looking for a scent containing them during this holiday season. This smells less blatantly like pecans and much more like some Christmassy candle I know I've smelled somewhere, albeit much more genuine and full-bodied, as Black Phoenix does. I can't pick it apart very accurately, but the 'caramelized' effect is most dominant for me. I feel like you can't go wrong with this. I wouldn't call it generic, but there is very little that is niche about it - I imagine most would like it quite well. Inoffensive yet still undoubtedly seasonal.
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With apple bourbon. This is very apple-y and boozey! Not getting as much of the honey or maple as I had hoped. It is almost caramelly though, and quite yummy. I would describe it as a caramel-sweet apple hot toddy. It's lovely, but no sign of the maple I was so hoping for.
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Hot buttered rum with a touch of molasses, lightly spiced and swirled with a touch of cream. I love rum notes, and this one is delicious, the same one in Captain Lilith, to my nose. However, the cream I think is somewhat ruining this for me. Cream is not always my best note, and this is turning slightly sour, and also slight "scorched" to my nose, while also somehow being kind of plastic. Butter is often not good for me either, so that could be the problem too. I guess this one is not for me, despite how amazing the rum note is.
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It freezes - all across a soundless sky The birds go home. The governing dark's begun: The steadfast dark that waits not for a sun; The ultimate dark wherein the race shall die. Death, with his evil finger to his lip, Leers in at human windows, turning spy To learn the country where his rule shall lie When he assumes perpetual generalship. The undefeated enemy, the chill That shall benumb the voiceful earth at last, Is master of our moment, and has bound The viewless wind it-self. There is no sound. It freezes. Every friendly stream is fast. It freezes; and the graven twigs are still. - Hilaire Belloc The steadfast dark that waits not for a sun: opoponax and myrrh, gum Arabic and frankincense, blackened juniper and bitter agarwood. In the Bottle: Juniper, resins and a tinge of agarwood On the Skin: The juniper is forward but pleasant. Eventally the frank and opoponax come forward to merge with the juniper and tame it somewhat On the Drydown: The agarwood adds a rich resinous woodiness. This dries down to a golden resin with a juniper overlay. If juniper isn't your jam you might want to reconsider purchasing this one but I quite like it and some age would benefit
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No additional description provided. Scent description for Jersey Devil is here.] This one is mainly Jersey Devil with a touch of snow. I get mainly notes of frosted cranberries and blackberries. And a background of cedar. Good throw and wear length.
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No additional description provided. Scent description for Blood Amber is here.] Creamy Snow White and amber. It's a very creamy almond snow with amber, and a touch of dragon's blood which sweetens it up. Medium throw and wear length.
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What else could possibly be more lickable at Yuletide? This is a candy cane perfume, minty, sweet and sugared. (Don’t lick the hair gloss, don’t lick your hair, don’t lick anyone else’s hair.) Origin: Straight from the Post Initial thoughts: How many bottles can I afford? This is one of my top five BPAL scents of all time and I have been hoping for a HG version for years. In the Bottle: Sweet and sugary vanilla mint, just like the original. On Wet Hair: The mint is STRONG at this stage. Which is fine by me - it helps wake up my brain. After Blowdrying: Wow, this one seems to have nearly vanished. A little sweet vanilla, a trace of mint. I'm a bit surprised, given how strong it was before. Verdict: I'll try again and see if it keeps fading in my own hair. On the one hand, I do want it to be a bit stronger. On the other hand, what I have now is subtle enough for the workplace.
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JOULUMUORI Old Lady Christmas, the sweet, smiling wife of Finland's Joulupukki. Her scent invokes the comforts of Christmastime and the warmth of love and cheerful companionship: a glowing hearth, luumukiisseli, riisipuuro, and sima. Ok, so luumukiisseli, riisipuuro, and sima translate to prune soup, rice pudding, and mead. I had to try it. It was so nice!!! Very warm and foody and boozy. It's just starting to fade on my skin, and I put it on 4 and a half hours ago, so it's got a decent longevity. It's kinda what would happen if Hellcat came over for christmas dinner, got drunk on mead, and passed out in the rice pudding. I will be getting some of this, most definetly. Oh, and I have no idea what happened to the prune soup.
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There's a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons - That oppresses, like the Heft Of Cathedral Tunes - Heavenly Hurt, it gives us - We can find no scar, But internal difference, Where the Meanings, are - None may teach it - Any - 'Tis the Seal Despair - An imperial affliction Sent us of the Air - When it comes, the Landscape listens - Shadows - hold their breath - When it goes, 'tis like the Distance On the look of Death - Thin, tinny ozone with frankincense, white sandalwood, white amber, hyssop, bitter violet leaf, and shadowy wisps of smoke. Was most looking forwards to this scent because of the amber and violet leaf... sounded like parts of my beloved Darkling Thrush. Wet in the bottle this has a slightly peppery warm kick to it, on my skin there's a shift immediately to a cooler pine-like aroma, not quite minty but there's definitely a green herb in this mix. I can start smelling the violet giving a little bit of a rough push to the green base, and underneath it all there's a creaminess. This does smell somewhat similar to The Darkling Thrush of past years except without as much frank mintiness - this is more of that deep violet-like floral, with a hint of peppery bite from the smoke at first, evolving into a dusky floral hanging out over a sandalwood amber that is more on the lighter side. It's nice. I'll keep my bottle but I don't know about hoarding... yet.
