Honey Rose v45

[suki]

When you need to be reminded of the kindness in the world - of the small daily acts of heroism, selflessness, and compassion that surround and sustain us.

Rose otto, rosehip oil, honey, beeswax absolute, honey myrtle, jasmine sambac, coconut oil, crushed rose petals and tiny red rosebuds.

When I was looking at descriptions of the 45-specific scents, this was one of the ones I *knew* I needed to have. In dark times, it can be incredibly difficult to hold on to hope.

 

Although TAL oils aren't about fragrance, I happen to be a person for whom sense of smell plays a factor in lots of aspects of my life, well beyond what perfume I decide to wear for the day. To that end, Honey Rose smells like roses, just passed their prime, wilting gently in a summer garden, surrounded by other signifiers of high summer, like errant greenery that sprouts, tenaciously, in sidewalk cracks, and maybe a touch of something more herbal, which I'm betting the honey myrtle in the mix.

 

Whether because of this complex scent or -at least as likely- the intent meant to be invoked, wearing a bit of this on my skin conjures strong feelings of empathy but also a bittersweetness that comes from feeling gratitude when life has been especially hard. This oil is the delicious cake, home made and frosted with care, that someone brings you when a loved one has crossed over. The warm hug given by a sweet neighbor when they hear you lost your job. It's a reprieve that casts no illusions that "everything is going to be just fine so look on the bright side" but rather that in the midst of tremendous adversity, there is indeed a port in the storm.

 

Which is intense, but a truthful solace we need.

[zankoku_zen]

So Honey Rose v45 smells like coconut and roses, and a whiff of honey. And while it smells delicious, its effects are ultra powerful. It's about compassion, empathy, and believing the better in yourself and others. This is the smell of generosity of spirit. It's the affirmation of life, human potentiality and the ability to say, YES WE CAN. Because we will.

 

There's no looking backwards, only moving forwards.

[theseagrows]

i experience this scent as strong, yet comforting, like a strong mother or crone archetype woman. sweetness and strength. i smell rose, beeswax and coconut the most. the other scents are background players. i would love to try this in an oil burner, as i think it would create a comforting and strengthening, supportive atmosphere.

[Ghost of a Rose]

I'm really only reviewing the scent. The effect depends on the situation, a person's mood, expectations, beliefs, etc., so it would be different for everyone and even for one person at different times. But I can certainly use an oil to remind me of, and give me hope for, kindness. Can't we all?

 

Bottle fresh from the Lab.

 

In the bottle: Pretty much exactly what it says. The only note I don't get is jasmine. I don't notice the tartness I would expect from rose hips, but that could be blending in with the other rose elements. The myrtle is interesting, a savory herb note somewhat like bay leaf, in a blend of otherwise sweet things.

 

On me, wet: It takes a minute to warm up. At first there is no scent. But the notes quickly come up, the same as in the bottle but lighter. Mostly rose, honey, and coconut, with that edging of savory herb.

Still no jasmine that I can detect.

 

At 5 minutes: The myrtle is stronger now, almost equal to the sweet scents. It's pleasant and so intriguing. Definitely not your typical rose perfume.

 

At 10 minutes: The whole scent is suddenly much lighter, but the same in character. The throw is heavier on the rose, but not particularly heavy overall - medium.

 

At 20 minutes: Rose has become the main event on my wrist as well now. Very lovely.

 

At 30 minutes: Already, this has become a rosy baby powder. But still very lovely! And if I keep sniffing, I can still pick up the myrtle underneath.

 

At 45 minutes: Same as above

 

At 1 hour: The same scent, but softer.

 

At 2 hours: Rosy baby powder with . . . Um, dill pickle? Must be the myrtle summoning up a last hurrah. It isn't unpleasant in the least, and certainly is interesting!

 

After 3 hours: Soft rose baby powder. The herbal note is gone.

 

At 7 hours: Still a presence on my wrist. And now it's a distinctly honey fragrance, backed up with a pleasant light powder. It's a surprise finish!

 

Verdict on scent: A very pretty and somewhat unusual fragrance that is identifiably but not aggressively rose. Long-lasting, and consistent up to the surprise twist at the end.

 

5.5 out of 6 stars.

Edited September 16, 2018 by Ghost of a Rose