Jump to content
Post-Update: Forum Issues Read more... ×
BPAL Madness!

All Activity

This stream auto-updates     

  1. Past hour
  2. VioletChaos

    Beaver Moon: Pink Lime & Coconut Hair Gloss

    This is *exactly* what I was hoping for- a light, cool coconut paired with a delicate sweet lime. It's very similar to the combo of main notes in Tarot: The Star, which is one of my ride-or-die beloveds, and I'm super excited to have this hair gloss to pair with that when I want total saturation- or to at least wear on its own for the next four months of summer. Absolute win. ❤️
  3. VioletChaos

    Kitty’s Little Love Affair

    This proved to be way more spice-forward than I was expecting, but I'm not mad about it. Something about the blend of the vanilla, cocoa powder and biscuits puts me in mind of Sprinklecake from oh-so-long ago. It's a not-aggressive foodie confection. Only here, with that sharp cardamom, it's like Sprinklecake all grow'd up. Cardamom, which I typically love, also sometimes has a habit of getting unruly on me, so that it becomes way too dominant in the mix. Here, it behaves reasonably, to my pleasant surprise, so that all the elements have a chance to shine, even as they work seamlessly together. Glad I snagged this- it's been a minute since I've had a scent like this in my collection!
  4. Today
  5. white_jenna63

    Leather Phallus Bag

    I don't get much amber from the small amount I tested on my wrist. It's a soft leather, with minimal throw and wear (again from a small sample).
  6. white_jenna63

    Heathcliff

    ...I sniffed my arm and literally said 'rowr'. I didn't care for it layered with Catherine (which I like on its own).
  7. VioletChaos

    On Pleasure

    When I heard that this scent was all about the red musk, I was enthusiastically on board, because the Lab's red musk note is a favorite of mine (Smut, I'm looking at you!). Sadly for me, this scent is not that. The berries dominate the blend here, which begins its journey as something I can only describe as a "mystical fruit punch" (side note: Mystical Fruitpunch will be the name of my Grateful Dead cover band )- the berries are very much in the 'melange of fruit juices' genre, and a bit of that red honey plus a tiny splash of the musk, combine to make it more than just "this is a summery fruit drink". As it warms and blossoms, the fruit is magnified, the musk becomes even less of a presence and that candied rose jumps in creating something of a summer sangria. 🤷‍♀️ Others have mentioned summer vibes, and I am clearly in full agreement with that. Given the notes, it's not at all what I expected but if fruity, summer scent are your vibe, don't pass this one up.
  8. Lucchesa

    A Dyer’s Saffron

    In the tiny decant bottle this smells like my local metaphysical store. On my skin it’s a musky tobacco and patch sweetened by the vanilla, with the slightly dusty saffron and amber. I’m not really picking out any nutmeg, and the rose geranium which can be overwhelming on me is gentle and herbal. This seems really classic BPAL to me. You could wear it on a date or to pull tarot cards on your couch. I really like this one.
  9. Amoraexcena

    The Golden Hour

    This is like Amber Lace and And though they are with you had the world's most beautiful love child. On me this is a sophisticated, grown-up version of And though they are with you. I'm almost certain they have a similar warm sandalwood. This is more complex, with sweet golden amber, a gentle, non-foody vanilla, and a whisp of faded florals. I adore this and I'm so glad I was able to snag a bottle off of their Etsy. THANK YOU PUDDIN'!
  10. DiZZysTARdust

    Vinegar Tom

    definitely fit for a lothlario! in the bottle there's a hint of some vinegar-y, acidic note. this turns to on the skin a smooth, well blended cologne scent. #loveit. in the wet phase it's a sweet cologne. it almost seems like a lily of the valley note coming out to me at first but definitely has an overall cologne-y vibe. dry, i almost get a touch of luxe suntan oil. still very similar to the wet phase but less sharpness/cleanness from the note i registered as lily and more smoothed out.
  11. AEris

    Hatshepsut

    This is really special on me! I love BPAL myrrh so I had high hopes. The overall aroma is a dry incense, with the myrrh dominating with its velvety presence. I also sense crackling woods and glowing balsamic resins. It smells quiet yet proud. I think it's meditative and peaceful. The notes are very harmonious and well blended. I can't stop huffing my wrist and letting the liquid poetry permeate me completely. I look forward to upgrading to a bottle!
  12. Yesterday
  13. VioletChaos

    Roselight

    "Balm" is a perfect descriptive word for Roselight. As with all TAL oils, I procured Roselight not for fragrance, but for intent. That said, the fragrance is *gorgeous*. A soft, soft natural rose and a lush overarching "greenery" behind it (I suspect a combo of the violet, lavender and sampaguita are mostly to blame). As for the intent, yes. It's ever present. From the second I sniff the oil to well after I've anointed my palms, that feeling of wellbeing and being cared for is all around me. It feels like being kissed on the forehead, wrapped up in a snuggly blanket. I am sure to get a lot of use out of this. ❤️
  14. VioletChaos

    Beaver Moon 2025

    In the bottle and when initially applied, the Key Lime note is most evident. I'm not super into standard lime notes on their own, but I often like when they are paired with something else (One of my all-time favorite BPALs is Tarot: The Star, which is all lime and coconut on me.) Key lime is less abrasive and a more mellow citrus overall, and that really comes through here. Once it settled into my skin, the classic Beaver Moon cheesecake note popped out, as beloved as ever. The combination of the two delivered as promised in the description. Even hours later, a nice quiet version of the scent remains, and I'm really pleased to add this to my vast Beaver Moon collection! In all: low-medium throw and a nice twist on a popular standard. If you're a fan of the Beaver Moons of yesteryear, definitely grab this one to keep the party going. 💚
  15. Thuy

    Wobanakik V2

    lab frottle 2026! Not my jam (as a perfume)! very green and like splendidissima, Irish Spring-like and would be better for a bathroom spray or spa day. It lasted a bit longer on me than I'd have cared for (2-3 hrs).
  16. Assimbya

    Hope is the Thing With Feathers

    This is a smooth, delicate, honeyed floral, and really lovely on me. I get the liquid translucence which for me is characteristic of bpal's white honey note specifically, along with a restrained osmanthus and subtle jasmine; the orris and amber for me create a organizing base rather than being so prominent as notes unto themselves. I like this a lot, and it fits squarely into a family of bpal's honey + florals which consistently works really well on me. However, it's very light, with almost no throw, and fades rather quickly. For this reason, it's one I wear pretty much only at home, when I can reapply and smell right up against my wrist. I am wearing it right now for a rainy morning alone indoors and am enjoying its understated elegance without distraction, but will certainly put on something a little more vivid when I go out later today.
  17. I want to love this one, but the campfire smoke takes over the blend...and I accidentally used it as a hair gloss the one day LOL. I get the bitter chocolate and smoke, and I don't know if I ever pick up on the black fig (I reeeeeeally want it)... Glad for a decant but unsure of if it'll....smooth itself out.
  18. Last week
  19. doomsday_disco

    Ilsée

    Ancient and unhurried, warm and resinous incense smoke curls through a palace that has stood since before the dawn of history. Amber sparkling like Byzantine beadwork, poppy petals, sweet frankincense smoke swirling into ornamental flourishes, feathery white orris. Gilded with ancient tales, this perfume dries into something akin to the inside of a forgotten reliquary box: sacred objects, old wood, petals pressed flat by the weight of centuries.
  20. doomsday_disco

    Queen Elizabeth Root

    Among the many botanical curiosities that populate the traditions of Hoodoo, folk magic, and conjure, few possess the quiet majesty and enduring reputation of Queen Elizabeth Root. Known botanically as Iris germanica and commonly referred to as orris root when used in perfumery and herbalism, this humble rhizome has long been regarded as a potent spiritual ally. Beneath its unassuming exterior lies a symbol of feminine sovereignty: a root associated with love, authority, charisma, and the cultivation of personal power. The dried root itself offers a small lesson in patience and transformation. Hard and unyielding when whole, Queen Elizabeth Root does not readily reveal its fragrance. Once cut, grated, or pulverized, it releases the soft violet-like sweetness that has made orris root prized in perfumery for centuries. Within Hoodoo and related folk traditions, Queen Elizabeth Root is revered for its association with attraction and magnetism. It is most frequently worked by those seeking to draw love, deepen romantic attention, or cultivate passionate connections. Yet its influence extends beyond the sphere of romance. The root is also valued as a charm for increasing charisma and popularity, encouraging eloquence in communication, and strengthening one’s authority in relationships or negotiations. It is believed to help its bearer command respect and secure favorable outcomes in situations where influence and presence matter. Because of these qualities, Queen Elizabeth Root has traditionally been regarded as an emblem of feminine power. Carried as a talisman, it is said to enhance personal magnetism and reinforce one’s ability to shape the circumstances of one’s life. In folklore, the root is sometimes linked with figures such as Queen Jezebel, another symbol of commanding presence and irresistible allure. Beyond matters of love and influence, Queen Elizabeth Root is also associated with inner perception. Some traditions hold that it may aid in prophetic dreaming or support divinatory work, subtly opening the mind to intuition and symbolic insight. In this role the root becomes not merely an instrument of outward magnetism but also a key to inward awareness, encouraging the practitioner to listen more carefully to the quiet language of dreams and omens. The iris plant itself has long carried associations with nobility and elegance; its flowers appear in royal heraldry and classical gardens alike. In sorcerous lore, this regal imagery becomes concentrated in the root. To carry it is, in a sense, to carry a fragment of symbolic sovereignty: a reminder that presence, dignity, and charm are forms of power that can be cultivated and consciously directed. Thus Queen Elizabeth Root occupies a distinctive place within the landscape of folk magic. It is not a tool of aggression or coercion but one of magnetism and influence, working through attraction rather than force.
  21. Deliciousness

    Two and a Half Meters of Cloth

    On initial application, this blend is reminiscent of pear jelly belly beans. So far the blend is sweet and ever so lightly green. Will report back with more deets as this wears 6 hours later … Well, it was a pretty scent when first applied, but the wear time was quite short and silage non existent, at least on my skin, although ymmv.
  22. VioletChaos

    Lucky Hand Root

    In the bottle and upon application I get all deep roots, all the time. It reminds me a bit of valerian root, actually. As it warms and blends with my skin chemistry, I get those tendrils of orchid in the mix, but this isn't an orchid-forward scent. It's very much "root first, orchid distant 3rd". As I stated elsewhere, my purpose in obtaining oils from this line are for root working purposes, so scent is secondary. I'm an artist and craftsperson, which is why I snagged this, and in that regard, I have full confidence in how well it'll boost those energies. The scent itself is quite subtle, with exceptionally low throw (still, mileage varies, so test before slathering!). I see wearing / anointing / utilizing this really for its magick properties mostly. If I *do* choose to wear it, I will likely layer it with something else that has a little more aromatic presence. But it's unassuming enough that layering options are nearly endless.
  23. VioletChaos

    Angelica Root

    In the bottle and when initially applied, I mostly get something quite soft and round in feeling and scent. Based on the description and above review, I was not expecting this at all, but here we are. Shortly after application, as the scent warms and blooms I have a most peculiar association- that of a house-made Samhain incense that I used to always pick up from a witchy shop in the East Village called Enchantments. I've NO idea what is in their incense, but the resemblance- though fleeting- is truly uncanny. As the spicy-incense-y vibe begins to fade, it is replaced by a fresh resurgence of the "soft, round" scent I experienced initially. I'm generally very good at picking out individual notes but here they are so well blended that I am unable to get much beyond "gently peppered; vaguely floral". Since I anticipated getting the At The Root scents really to boost by own footwork, fragrance is far less important to be than intent. I feel strength and well-being from the small amount I've anointed myself with, so as far as I'm concerned, this bottle is exactly right. ❤️
  24. VioletChaos

    Terrible Moon: White Sandalwood and Cacao Lotion

    I get equal parts of sandalwood and cacao but neither are what I was expecting. The scent is, indeed, quite bone dry as already mentioned. So much so that when first applied there's something akin to a cologne undernote that I found a bit jarring the first time I applied this. But that evaporates pretty quickly and the duo settle more into themselves. This scent like some other recent releases with cocoa or vanilla notes is in no way foodie, so if that is your whole jam, you might not be into this without forewarning. That said, I have found this scent to be an absolute delight on its own terms. In fact, I've taken to putting it on just before bed both to moisturize my skin (as with all of the Lab's lotions, this one absorbs and moisturizes with ease, and I only require a small amount, so I forsee this bottle lasting months!) and also to act as my bedtime fragrance. It's present in its scent but not overpowering so that it would keep me awake. I could also see putting this lotion on after, say, a day at the beach, and that it would likely mix beautifully with remnants of SPF cream, saltwater and sun.
  25. VioletChaos

    Coyote Moon: Cacao Dust and Ashes

    In the bottle and when first applied, the cacao reads almost exactly like the creamy confection that is Bliss: all milk chocolate, all the time. But pretty quickly upon warming and merging with my skin, it starts to shift. I honestly had no idea what to expect from an "ash" note, and after reading doomsdays's review it makes sense that it would be related to embers in a fire, but when I ordered it, I was just thinking "I've never experienced an ash note, so I really need to know what that would be like!". As with the other Coyote Moon duet I tried (Vanilla Incense and Tonka Bean), this is a study in contrasts and also in wiping out preconceived expectations. As with that Duet, one of the most immediate things to take note of is this: whatever your experience with gourmands, toss those out entirely, because that will NOT be present here. In the same way that a child will be deeply disappointed by taking a bite of baker's chocolate, so too should you forget everything you know about chocolate scents. all final vestiges of Bliss vanish and are replaced by another bone-dry version of a typically sweet note. The ash swoops in acting very much like the dying embers of a campfire, and the combination of the two feels like sitting in the desert at midnight, tendrils of a remaining smoke from the camp riding a soft breeze of creosote and moonlight. low to medium throw, I will wear this in the ensuing months on breezy summer eves and layered with woodsy scents for hotter summer days. ❤️
  26. VioletChaos

    Coyote Moon: Vanilla Incense and Roasted Tonka Bean

    I didn't get Coyote Moon itself but the idea of a vanilla and tonka scent was too compelling to pass up, and I'm glad I didn't. The vanilla is definitely a "dry" one- gourmand fans are likely to be disappointed if they're hoping for something skin to frosting or cake. But if you can take this vanilla on its own terms, it can very much appreciated. I agree with the previous review that there's nothing head-shop-y about the incense note here. It really does remind me of exactly what it says it is- a bone-dry vanilla that is neither powdery in its dryness nor sweet in its vanilla. The tonka here is a treat. I love Tonya's ability to smell vanilla-like, resinous and like sweet grass all at the same time, and it accomplishes all three here in the mix. It's got a slight cologne vibe in the bottle and for about an hour after application but then it settles fully into being a nice, understated, slightly sweet but also groundedly earthy scent that lasts all day. Low to medium throw and a good scent for this looking to broaden their vanilla horizons.
  27. nikaida

    Zombi

    What a pretty rose! There is definitely some dirt here, but there is also so much lovely rose happening. The scent mostly stays quite close to my skin, but I do get gentle wafts of it occasionally and go, "Wow that's gorgeous. What did I put on?" it is not sweet or fluffy, and I definitely get a dusty quality which I love and fits so well with the concept of a dried rose 🥰 this only has a skiff of dirt at any given time for me, rather than fistfuls, but I have Graveyard Dirt Redux to bump that up with a fun layering opportunity if I desire. Feels a tad cold, so nice.
  28. Mufasa

    Honey Milk Tea Boba

    The very floral honey is for sure the strongest scent note and the tea while present is very meek and only shows itself well into the dry down but it’s lovely very similar to the tea note in London fog cream pie which is amazing. And while I don’t know that I get boba I do get a hint of a molasses-y smell that kind of reminds me of the brown sugar syrup that boba typically lives in.
  29. Mufasa

    Honey Cream and Spiced Fig

    This is all about the spice for me, aggressive fall spices in there, cinnamon for sure maybe nutmeg as well. I don’t get any fig but the cream is putting in work to temper it so it’s not just a fall yankee candle smell. Its sweet and the honey isn’t floral which is what I was afraid of but the spice is much more the forefront than I would have preferred.
  1. Load more activity
×