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Lightning Moon: Violet and Hay Absolute
Brianna Gemini replied to doomsday_disco's topic in Duets & Menage A Trois
Sister to Violet & Vanilla Chiffon but Drier, less sweet. 70% violet forward., very round, not screeching or powdery on me the way violets can often go. Medium throw & wear - Yesterday
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This is definitely predominantly a rose-sandalwood-frankincense on me, backed by pretty strong creamy coconut and faint vanilla. The rose note here feels like the same one in a number of the Ars Moriendi and Ars Amatoria GC blends, which reads on my skin as what I'd call a more dry, perfumey and less lush rose; it's a soft, pretty scent, but not my personal favorite type of rose that the Lab does. I get a sense of some light musk or perhaps the oud smoothing the blend out and holding it together, and some indistinct plumeria/frangipani, but I cannot pick out the other notes. Overall, this perfume gives me the impression of pale, veiled florals, which is something I also get from a number of the GCs classified in the 'soft floral' category. It's lovely, pleasant and inoffensive, but it doesn't grab me; I'm learning with time that I generally prefer my florals brighter and more intense. I'll keep my imp around for a while and see how often I feel drawn to wear it, but I don't think I'll be wanting a bottle of this one.
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Impressionistically: A wind blows over the desert. It is night, but the heat of the day lingers. Above, the stars shine, below the sand sparkles. You are a hermit, and you are French. The wind brings with it the scent of the formal garden in which you have ensconced yourself, turning a wild oasis into an ordered landscape of stiff hedges. More regular style: Puckery galbanum against a jet black yet somehow airy background. I get a weird peanut butter effect for about 5 minutes shortly after application (the woods and resins doing something weird?) but it dissipates without a trace. Further along in the drydown, the “airy” quality somehow reveals itself to be a play of amber and opoponax—how?! This is one of the lab’s lighter ambers, similar to some of the ambers that were deployed in this year’s Lupers (Lesbian Maidservants, Mars and Venus). And yes there is a subtle sparkly mineralic component, brightening the scent (along with the bright galbanum—black my foot). I would describe the overall mood of this as abstract, detached, meditative but with an active edge. Angular, architectural, but with an atmospheric quality. Slightly masculine, and I have been loving in hot weather. Definitely FB worthy for me, in part because it’s so unlike other BPALs I’ve smelled, almost in line with a CDG fragrance.
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An oil of prosperity poured under the auspices of Venus in Taurus, this blend draws in abundance to nurture joy, ease, and pleasure. It attracts and multiplies the funds for creature comforts: soft sheets, warm blankets, exquisite meals, sparkling trinkets, and playful delights — the things that make life sweeter, softer, and brighter. Pillow Fort and Petit Fours was crafted to invite comforts that delight the senses, a talisman for life’s little luxuries. An oil of indulgence and ease–but not of indolence or waste — it invites and sustains pleasure, encouraging abundance that enriches rather than clutters. Utilize it to draw in the resources that make life sweeter, cozier, and brighter, not merely to accumulate, but to savor. Pillow Fort and Petit Fours celebrates life’s delights, reminding the wearer that ease, joy, and comfort are worthy pursuits. This is Venus smiling upon the joy of living well. Ground allspice and allspice essential oil (Pimenta dioica), cacao nibs, shells, and absolute (Theobroma cacao), cardamom essential oil and pods (Amomum subulatum), red clover from the TAL garden (Trifolium incarantum), wildharvested benzoin gum and essential oil (Styrax benzoin), marshmallow leaf, flower and root from the TAL garden (Althaea officinalis), French jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), motherwort from the TAL garden (Leonurus cardiaca), orris root and absolute (Iris germanica), ground nutmeg and essential oil (Myristica fragrans), patchouli root and essential oil (Pogostemon cablin), red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata), vanilla bean and absolute (Vanilla planifolia), wildharvested blue vervain (Verbena hastata), yarrow herb and essential oil from the TAL garden (Achillea millefolium), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), honey absolute (Apis mellifera), CO2 extract of butter, and ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata). This oil contains honey and CO2 extract of butter and is not vegan.
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Crafted to cultivate loving warmth when the world grows bitter and cold, this oil offers stability where chaos reigns, a steady center in tumultuous times. It is the scent of sanctuary, the gentle embrace of soft light and velveted comfort when sorrow weighs upon the chest. Born for these dark, challenging days, it brings solace, relief, and a grounding presence amid uncertainty. Deeply nurturing and tender, it is an oil of safety and succor, a refuge from the storms of the world. Hearth and heart in perfect alignment, Dulcedo summons love that nourishes, support that steadies, and kindness that soothes. Wildharvested benzoin gum and essential oil (Styrax benzoin), cardamom essential oil and pods (Amomum subulatum), chamomile essential oil and flowers from the TAL garden (Matricaria chamomilla), red clover from the TAL garden (Trifolium incarantum), hops flowers and essential oil (Humulus lupulus), jasmine buds absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), angelica root and essential oil (Angelica archangelica), orris root and absolute (Iris germanica), motherwort from the TAL garden (Leonurus cardiaca), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), vanilla bean and absolute (Vanilla planifolia), yarrow herb and essential oil from the TAL garden (Achillea millefolium), Bulgarian rose absolute (Rosa damascena), honey absolute(Apis mellifera), CO2 extract of butter, and ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata). This oil contains honey and CO2 extract of butter and is not vegan.
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I got this as part of my search for a plumeria/frangipani-focused blend - I tend to be a little wary of coconut notes, but was encouraged by reviews here describing this as floral-forward, with the coconut working more to smooth out the blend. Having now tested it a few times, that description seems accurate to me. The coconut is moderately strong at first, but is creamy and smooth rather than aggressively sunscreen-like, and as it dries down the coconut recedes into the background and I get very gentle, subtle florals, primarily frangipani but with hints of gardenia and orchid. The ginger also definitely comes through for me, and has a gently fruity sense rather than being spicy. This is a very calm floral, not at all sharp or indolic, and would probably be a good entry point for people who are wary of florals. I enjoy it, but would also be happy for the flowers to be louder and brighter! It's also quite faint on me, with notably low throw. Now about five hours into wear I still get some soft lovely frangipani when I smell extremely close to my wrist, but I have to really search for it. I'll have to try applying more than I'm accustomed to, but in general I think this is going to be one I keep for times when I want a very subtle low sillage perfume, probably more than something to get me through my whole day.
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A ritual perfume enlivened under the auspices of Venus exalted in Taurus, her throne of verdant abundance. This perfume oil is both adornment and offering, ensuring that your vessel shall remain replenished, that beauty and sustenance may move toward you with effortless grace. A spell of nourishment and provision, crafted so that the needs of your spirit, body, heart, and bank account alike are fulfilled and sustained. Wear to magnetize support —financial, emotional, mental, material, and sensual — so that your needs are not only met, but met abundantly. An ally for those seeking stability, comfort, and a steady inflow of resources without strain. Angelica root and essential oil (Angelica archangelica), wildharvested benzoin gum and essential oil (Styrax benzoin), cardamom essential oil and pods (Amomum subulatum), red clover from the TAL garden (Trifolium incarantum), feverfew from the TAL garden (Tanacetum parthenium), French jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), lemon balm flowers and essential oil from the TAL garden (Melissa officinalis), meadowsweet flowers front he TAL garden (Filipendula ulmaria), marshmallow leaf, flower and root from the TAL garden (Althaea officinalis), Moroccan orris root and absolute (Iris germanica), patchouli root and essential oil (Pogostemon cablin), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), rosehips from the TAL garden (Rosa rubiginosa), red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), vanilla bean and absolute (Vanilla planifolia), wildharvested blue vervain (Verbena hastata), yarrow herb and essential oil from the TAL garden (Achillea millefolium), lemon verbena from the TAL garden (Aloysia citriodora), honey absolute(Apis mellifera), CO2 extract of butter, and ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata). This oil contains honey and CO2 extract of butter and is not vegan.
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I must confess, I bought this only because of it's name and description. I'm not psychodynamically oriented but as a professional of psychology I had to respect the roots of my field, and I could not pass this, even I had no idea what it would be like. Freud's ghost was whispering on my ear and I could not resist. When I got this I sniffed it and rapidly buried it hiding in chamber, it felt too intensive and uncontrollable, and I thought it must wait for the colder months (it was the last minutes of the Yules when I bought this and spring sun was beginning to feel warm). Now I got it out and let's see what's coming there. Wet on skin this is heavy with red musk and black leather, the red musk is really screaming for attention. Or maybe the repressed anger just got released and seen. But yes, it's fierce burst at first. About ten minutes after the red musk and leather softens a bit and I can find the pepper, vetiver and ginger, and I do like the way this is turning. This isn't yelling patchouli but it's definitely grounding that all. I don't know if there's any rose? Maybe there is but it's not flagrant at all. I was already worried I couldn't get any coconut but it seems it only needed some time to show up! And the coconut was just what this needed, bringing some softness beneath. I like this one more and more as minutes pass by. I was very hesitant when this was still wet but now completely dry this is more rich, spicy and dark. Unique. I guess this is still developing with aging.
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Three new talismanic perfume oils have been released by Sphere + Sundry, as part of their magnificent Venus In Taurus launch. Might as well include their full descriptions here, because why not?? ✤ MELLIORA A ritual perfume enlivened under the auspices of Venus exalted in Taurus, her throne of verdant abundance. This perfume oil is both adornment and offering, ensuring that your vessel shall remain replenished, that beauty and sustenance may move toward you with effortless grace. A spell of nourishment and provision, crafted so that the needs of your spirit, body, heart, and bank account alike are fulfilled and sustained. Wear to magnetize support —financial, emotional, mental, material, and sensual — so that your needs are not only met, but met abundantly. An ally for those seeking stability, comfort, and a steady inflow of resources without strain. Angelica root and essential oil (Angelica archangelica), wildharvested benzoin gum and essential oil (Styrax benzoin), cardamom essential oil and pods (Amomum subulatum), red clover from the TAL garden (Trifolium incarantum), feverfew from the TAL garden (Tanacetum parthenium), French jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), lemon balm flowers and essential oil from the TAL garden (Melissa officinalis), meadowsweet flowers front he TAL garden (Filipendula ulmaria), marshmallow leaf, flower and root from the TAL garden (Althaea officinalis), Moroccan orris root and absolute (Iris germanica), patchouli root and essential oil (Pogostemon cablin), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), rosehips from the TAL garden (Rosa rubiginosa), red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), vanilla bean and absolute (Vanilla planifolia), wildharvested blue vervain (Verbena hastata), yarrow herb and essential oil from the TAL garden (Achillea millefolium), lemon verbena from the TAL garden (Aloysia citriodora), honey absolute(Apis mellifera), CO2 extract of butter, and ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata). This oil contains honey and CO2 extract of butter and is not vegan. ✤ DULCELDO Crafted to cultivate loving warmth when the world grows bitter and cold, this oil offers stability where chaos reigns, a steady center in tumultuous times. It is the scent of sanctuary, the gentle embrace of soft light and velveted comfort when sorrow weighs upon the chest. Born for these dark, challenging days, it brings solace, relief, and a grounding presence amid uncertainty. Deeply nurturing and tender, it is an oil of safety and succor, a refuge from the storms of the world. Hearth and heart in perfect alignment, Dulcedo summons love that nourishes, support that steadies, and kindness that soothes. Wildharvested benzoin gum and essential oil (Styrax benzoin), cardamom essential oil and pods (Amomum subulatum), chamomile essential oil and flowers from the TAL garden (Matricaria chamomilla), red clover from the TAL garden (Trifolium incarantum), hops flowers and essential oil (Humulus lupulus), jasmine buds absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), angelica root and essential oil (Angelica archangelica), orris root and absolute (Iris germanica), motherwort from the TAL garden (Leonurus cardiaca), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), vanilla bean and absolute (Vanilla planifolia), yarrow herb and essential oil from the TAL garden (Achillea millefolium), Bulgarian rose absolute (Rosa damascena), honey absolute(Apis mellifera), CO2 extract of butter, and ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata). This oil contains honey and CO2 extract of butter and is not vegan. ✤ PILLOW FORT AND PETIT FOURS An oil of prosperity poured under the auspices of Venus in Taurus, this blend draws in abundance to nurture joy, ease, and pleasure. It attracts and multiplies the funds for creature comforts: soft sheets, warm blankets, exquisite meals, sparkling trinkets, and playful delights — the things that make life sweeter, softer, and brighter. Pillow Fort and Petit Fours was crafted to invite comforts that delight the senses, a talisman for life’s little luxuries. An oil of indulgence and ease–but not of indolence or waste — it invites and sustains pleasure, encouraging abundance that enriches rather than clutters. Utilize it to draw in the resources that make life sweeter, cozier, and brighter, not merely to accumulate, but to savor. Pillow Fort and Petit Fours celebrates life’s delights, reminding the wearer that ease, joy, and comfort are worthy pursuits. This is Venus smiling upon the joy of living well. Ground allspice and allspice essential oil (Pimenta dioica), cacao nibs, shells, and absolute (Theobroma cacao), cardamom essential oil and pods (Amomum subulatum), red clover from the TAL garden (Trifolium incarantum), wildharvested benzoin gum and essential oil (Styrax benzoin), marshmallow leaf, flower and root from the TAL garden (Althaea officinalis), French jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), motherwort from the TAL garden (Leonurus cardiaca), orris root and absolute (Iris germanica), ground nutmeg and essential oil (Myristica fragrans), patchouli root and essential oil (Pogostemon cablin), red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata), vanilla bean and absolute (Vanilla planifolia), wildharvested blue vervain (Verbena hastata), yarrow herb and essential oil from the TAL garden (Achillea millefolium), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), honey absolute (Apis mellifera), CO2 extract of butter, and ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata). This oil contains honey and CO2 extract of butter and is not vegan.
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Initially I get juicy pear and some greenery - definitely the green grass and maybe the Hawthorne too. As it settles I get the wildflowers and amber. I'm sure I could pick out freesia in particular. I don't get any violet or rose here though. On me I would describe this as being a pastel, spring floral. The green notes also make this smell fresh and real. I like how this one subtly changes over time. There's something elegant about this scent, that smells very vibrant. I think its the pear, spring flowers and green notes.
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2025 Switch Witch Questions
ralenth commented on crescentwench's blog entry in Crescentwench's Switch Witch Blog
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Fresh from Ajevie! I am such a fan of bpal’s caramelized milk scents, and after reading up on BPAL’s “regular” peach milk from 2022 Dragon Con, I decided to go for it. In the bottle, I get a really sweet, fresh, juicy peach that reminds of those Asian gummies that look like large Sunkist fruit gems. There’s a slight note of milk as well, and it makes me think a little of the milk in snake milk, but the juiciness covers it up. On my skin, the milk note opens up and it’s very toasty, very caramel. It’s gotta be the same milk note from snake milk. The sweet peach is here too, and balances it out nicely. As it dries, like with snake milk, the milk note gets stronger and it feels like if Nestle made a peach flavored milk and you made it into a custard for a pie. yeah, that scorched milk note is prominent. I love this because I love snake milk and what it does on my skin, but if there was anyone here hoping for a second chance at this when the 2022 peach milk didn’t work, I wouldn’t get your hopes up. I really love what the sugar is doing here, it makes that peach really bright, but comparing my experience with everyone’s 2022 peach milk reviews, I wonder if it differs at all from that scent.
- Last week
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A greener version of Graveyard Dirt. Super realistic garden center vibe!
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Mercurio Transita Davanti Al Sole
doomsday_disco replied to doomsday_disco's topic in Limited Editions
This goes on as a blast of lavender and citrus. I think the citrus note that I'm getting most prominently is the tangerine. As these two notes calm down, I end up with a metallic musk that actually isn't super sharp or cologne-like like most metal notes tend to be, and during this phase of the scent, the throw is much closer to the skin than the lavender and citrus heavy one (which is weird, as I've never known metallic notes to be subdued). I think I may get a bit of the white frankincense beneath the metallic musk, but I fortunately can't pick out the lilac. I really enjoyed the lavender and citrus phase of this scent, but I didn't like this as much once those two aspects faded away, so I don't think I'll need more than my decant, but I'll retest it after letting it rest for a few weeks just to be sure. -
Interested in anything from Cellar Door's Halloween update? My favourite Halloween soaps from them are Zombie Repellant and Once Bitten, but they’re super local to me (same city, about 5-10 minutes drive to their studio) and so probably not worth your postage to ship to me when I can pick them up either directly from the makers or at one of the many local stores that stock them. Anything from Sock Dreams catch your eye? (https://sockdreams.com) I live in France, and we have some great tea here! Most folks know about Mariage Freres but may I suggest Damman Freres? Here's the link- they're still in summer mode, but I assure you, autumnal teas will grace their pages soon! (https://www.dammann.fr/en/) Spicy Curcuma, Tisane de Noël, Miss Dammann, and Jasmin imperial all sound good, so I’d be happy to try any one of those Do you see anything you need from Paintbox Soapworks Weenie Update? New & Limited Edition - 2025 Weenie Collection - Page 1 - Paintbox Soapworks Hmm, nothing really catching my eye this year. Maybe The Grey Hound soap? I would kind of like to try a little bit of one of their bath streusels, but it looks like they don’t offer it in that scent. Speaking of updates, anything from Haus of Gloi's Fall offerings speak to you? (https://www.hausofgloi.com/collections/fall-1) Maybe a mini size bubbling scrub in Blood Orange Marshmallow or Spider Silk? Also, I know we have barely scratched the surface in knowing what the Lab will release for Weenies, but a wishlist couldn't hurt, so what'll it be? How do you feel about the pastel Halloween offerings that are out? They’re very pretty and I like looking at them in stores, but that’s the extent of my interest in them. I'm one of those crafty sorts that make things. I make things by up cycling sweaters, for example - mittens, slippers, armwarmers (both solid or striped from multiple fabrics ). Could also make a tea cosy with a mat. I make bowls, mats & vessels from rope that I wrap with pretty cloth. So essentially, functional, useful fiberart. What might you like? Long striped armwarmers? A pair of slippers, decadently lined in cashmere? Oooh, cashmere lined slippers sound lovely! (You had me at “decadently” 😁) do you have an amazon wishlist to be sure I don't duplicate a book? Yes, they're in my signature. I just added some more things to it, but don't let the dates fool you. No matter how long ago something was added, if it's still on there I would still like it. I try to keep a variety of stuff on there because my sister-in-law generally does all birthday and Xmas shopping for me direct from my wishlist. Do you have a Halloween Tree? Do you need ornaments? No Halloween tree, so no need for ornaments. Do you have an Etsy wishlist? Also in my signature. I'm chiroptera on Etsy, so I think you can search that way too. As of this writing, Dragon Con Peach Pit scents have been revealed! Anything on your wishlist? I am a bit known for my extremely light-weight hand crafted hair falls (I typically make them out of a combination of yarns, batting, and bits of up cycled silks and lace). Would you like one (for a pony tail effect) or two (for a pigtail effect)? If so, name two or three colors and any allergies to fibers I should know about. They sound fun, but really not my style at all. Do you have use for witchy supplies? Herbs, oils, crystals, etc. If so, what types and for what purpose(s)? Not really. I really like crystals, but I really don’t need any more. Would you be interested in custom artwork, such as a painting? If so, what mood, theme, colors, style, etc. would you be excited to see? If there's a dream, a dnd character, a favorite fairy tale, deity, etc. you'd love it to capture, spill those deets - including anything you wouldn't want (nudity, size restrictions, whatnot). I have a stack of framed artwork sitting on my dining room table right now waiting to be hung up, plus another stack sitting in the family room, not to mention the stacks of as yet unframed artwork, so I really think I’d better pass on this. Welp, the list of what will fully be available over the Dragon Con weekend (and a preview of Weenies!) is now available! I already asked the Peach Pit question, but now there's heaps more, so gimme your wishlist!!! I'm in Japan, anything specific you would want from here? I just got back from Mongolia and brought a bunch of small souvenirs, how do you feel about small things from random countries? Sounds fun! I’m sure I’ll never get to Mongolia, so a little something from there could be cool. I make custom ita rosettes/cases (pics here to explain what I mean https://tinyurl.com/mwtwmvfm. Is that something you might be interested in? If so, what type/colors/size/etc. etc. The Gothic Lolita style hairclip is so pretty! I really like the rosettes with tails, too. Colors I guess would be blacks, purples, maybe some magenta and/or lime. None of the fandoms shown are any of my fandoms, but one with Akutagawa or Kunikida from Bungo Stray Dogs would be really cool! Snorg tees (http://snorgtees.com) has some hilarious and awesome new shirts. They are also reasonably priced. Please give me 3 of your fav designs and tee size/color if available for a color option. BloomChic (http://bloomchic.com)has some pretty fun plus and smaller size halloween fashions. If you so desire, give me your top 3 favs with sizes! I like making little flower arrangements with fake flowers; would you be interested in a mini bouquet (think, something that would fit in a bud vase)? If so, any seasonal/color scheme requests? Feelings on candles/wax melts? Candles I would use (eventually – I’m so overstocked on candles right now!), wax melts I probably wouldn’t. Feelings on crocheted wall art/mandalas? Color scheme requests? I think I’d best steer away from wall art – I already have more art than I have walls to put it on. Jumping in as *I think* the only Australian, is there anything specifically Australian you might like? I think Tim Tams are probably the most commonly coveted/procured goodie I could offer. A postcard from Australia would be great! Bonus points if it has a cute Australian animal on it. (But I wouldn't say no to Tim Tams either!) I also have a local tea blender just down the street from me if there is anything from there you might like to try https://teahouse-the-tea-specialty-shop.myshopify.com/ The Rose Grey sounds good, as does the Organic Liquorice Root. I have a wonderful coffee roaster near me, wood-roasted, small batch, regular and decaf, all roast types. It's so good, I won't buy coffee anywhere else, and I only drink dark roast decaf. IF this sounds good, whats your coffee desire, and beans or grind size? They are also a FULLY geeked out space with every video and arcade game known. so I would also send a sticker from them, so also include your favorite old 70's-80's cartoons or fandoms. I don’t drink coffee at all, so great coffee would be wasted on me. I’m dying to knit my Witchee something lovely, as long as it would be appreciated. I can’t commit to a big project in the time frame, but socks, a hat, a cowl, arm warmers, or a shawlette for your neck and shoulders could definitely be doable if that would be enjoyed. Just let me know colour preferences, or fibre preferences/allergies. Socks would be fun, and just about any color would be great. A shawlette sounds so cute, too! If a shawlette, then probably black or maybe purple? I sew clothing and costume, if you could have any garment made just for you what would it be and what would it look like? You can include reference links/images or just describe it. Ok, I think it would be way too much to do in the SW timeframe and you'd need to get my measurements and all, but since you asked, it would be a coat like this one: https://blackmilkclothing.com/products/black-cursed-bats-velvet-trench-coat?variant=49172287881497 I would have gotten it already but when I looked at the sizes it looked like it would run too small for me to comfortably wear. Do you enjoy stim toys or other fidgety items? I work near an amazing store called Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe that caters to neuroduvergents as well as employing entirely Neurodiverse staff and supporting lots of ND and disabled artists. I live buying stickers, patches, art fidgets and kicknacks. Would you be interested in anything? Website is here but there's way more in store: https://www.madamclutterbuckets.com/ No, thank you. What is your size in say Tshirts? Pajamas? Do you like Halloween socks? Any particular style or image/character? I love Halloween socks! Crew style is best; anything with bats is an immediate win, but I’m up for just about any Halloween images. I was fortunate enough to be gifted an entire collection of the Flower Letters-Lily Clara series. It's a story told through beautifully illustrated letters, pictures, diagrams, post cards etc. One snail mail letter at a time. This one is a story of a entreprenurial woman during the silver rush in the West and a bit of a mystery. The letters and details are gorgeous. I've finished reading it, would you like me to pass it along to you, witchee? I make junk journals and paper crafts. I would probably have time to make a mini journal or a paper folio type thing. It would come decorated but with space to write and add your own touch or I could make a folio complete with address labels, stationery, stamps etc. to organize your writing goods. Would you like to receive one? My style is generally vintage but I could also do a Halloween one, winter holiday one, shabby chic or something of your suggestion. A vintage Halloween one sounds like it could be fun. A mini journal would be fine; not really sure what a folio would involve, but open to finding out. Snag tights have released their Halloween lines. Is there anything there that tempts you? https://snagtights.us/collections/halloween Unfortunately the one I want (Dark Night) is out of stock in what I think would be my size (F). I guess my second choice would be the Hallow-Queen ones. Is there anything you'd like from Lush? I will link to their US site, but obviously different countries have different versions. https://www.lush.com/us/en_us No thank you. I will be placing my Dragon Con / Black Moon order *tonight* (8/31/25) -- PLEASE mention now *anything* you would like to receive from this or any recent updates so I can add it to my order! This will be the ONLY chance to get something from the Lab with enough time to receive it and send it on to you!!! I go to Disneyland Paris a few times a month as I have a pass- is there anything I can get for you? There are exclusive enamel Trader Pins, for instance. Of course, all the other types of goodies as well. Maybe something Haunted Mansion related? Want any of the DragonCon Claw Polish? I have a Daiso opening near me next weekend. I'm going to the Grand Opening. Is there anything you want me to be on the lookout for? I'll be placing a Nocturne Alchemy order asap, anything from the Halloween update catch your attention? (https://nocturnealchemy.com/collections/limited-collection/products/new-halloween-limited-2025?variant=47186703188182 ) Would you be interested in a handwritten journal, filled with things about some of your favorite things, birthday lore, recipes, pretty pictures, stories, quotes, etc.? Probably not, sorry. Is there anything you absolutely DO NOT want, that hasn't come up elsewhere? This could be anything from "please, no more plush unicorns, I am drowning!" to "I have trypophobia." I hesitate to specify anything, in case my Witch should manage to find me the perfect (whatever I've said) and it would be unfortunate that I said no, but I am drowning in mugs and have absolutely no good place to put even one more (I already need to rotate some out to the dining room table for part of the week) since there's no room in the cupboard for all of them. If I were to send you a physical book, are there any genres/themes/authors you'd prefer not to encounter? Nothing comes to me. Is there a charity you would like me to donate to in your name? A bat charity (Bat Conservation International, Bat World Sanctuary, your local bat charity) or rabbit rescue? Or any wildlife rescue in your area? If I could make you my fudge (not currently selling it, btw, but willing to make for SW witching, nacho witching, etc!), which of these flavors makes you drool : Chocolate & Peanut butter, white chocolate berry, plain chocolate with or without nuts, Old fashioned penuche with or without nuts, peanut butter fudge, Chocolate with montmorency cherries, pumpkin pie fudge. Also possibly taking special flavor requests. I’d love to get fudge! Chocolate without nuts or old fashioned penuche without nuts would be fabulous! Chcolate & peanut butter would probably be a close follow-up, and my special flavor request would be cinnamon fudge. I had one once that was like the cinnamon red hots kind of cinnamon, and it was delightful. It was a holiday seasonal and the store I got it from has never stocked it again that I’ve seen. anything from Dryad teas pique your interest? https://dryadtea.com/collections/all-tea I do canning and make lots of tasty condiments. Would you like to try some? Give me some flavor ideas. How do you feel about peach? Rhubarb? Tomato? Spicy or sweet? Spicy and sweet? I love the idea of canning, but I really don't use fancy condiments and I prefer my fruit fresh rather than canned. Poesie Tea - what would you like? poesieperfume.com Would you enjoy overtly Australian things in your gift? Like indigenous spice blends, or Vegemite, I already mentioned Tim Tams, but there are lots of other fun things I could send. Also, if I were to include chocolate in your gift, would it be milk, dark, or white? Or is all chocolate good chocolate? No thank you to the Vegemite, but Tim Tams would be good. I love the idea of an indigenous spice blend, but I really don’t cook, so it would kind of be wasted on me. Milk chocolate is my favorite. I can do a lighter dark chocolate, especially if it’s mixed with some other flavor (I love dark chocolate lemon creams), but not the really dark chocolate. White is fine also. Is there anything here that appeals? https://www.erstwilder.com/ Maybe one of the enamel pins? Cal the Giant Squid, Percy the Puffin, or The Resourceful Raccoon? The Radiant Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, the Magnificent Monarch, and the Boisterous Blue Jay are all very nice also. Cal's my favorite, though. Are you interested in having some of this year's homemade peach jam? Fresh peaches are my favorite fruit, so I’d be happy to try a very small jar of peach jam! Do you like bracelets? Can you wear soft stretchy polyester ones, like zox? (zox.co) If so, what size would you prefer? (s / m / l) I like bracelets, but hardly ever wear them. The zox ones might work because they look like I could wear them at work and it wouldn’t hurt them to repeatedly hit against the desk while I’m typing. I like the True Story one but it’s out of stock. The pink sharks (You’re Great) one looks fun too. I think I’d wear a medium? Do you need any supplies or notions for any of your hobbies? Hmmm, I don't really need anything, unless you find Aida cloth in 14 ct. (or 18 ct. at most) that matches the color scheme for this design: https://www.etsy.com/listing/632877360/wicked-witchcraft-pdf-halloween-cross. My eyes just can't deal with anything smaller than 18 ct. any more, and that's pushing it. Small Halloween items (like sticker type stuff) from Doodlebug Design would be nice; I love Lawn Fawn stuff but if you're going that route a gift card would be the best because I already have so much that I can't keep track myself of what I have without referring to my checklists. Do you like plushies, like Squishables? I love Squishables, but I really don’t need any more big plushies, much as I love them. Do you like caramels? We have a local caramel maker who vends at our farmers markets. Any of these flavors sound good? https://jonboycaramels.com/collections/buy Both the Ceylon Cinnamon and the Molasses Ginger look very intriguing, but it doesn’t seem that they’re available right now. Of the ones that are listed for sale, the Fleur de Sel seems like a very safe bet, but I must admit that I am very curious about the Absinthe with Black Salt. I do quite like black licorice, albeit the unsalted kind. As a side note, I also really like licorice scented soap. Once in a while I find someone selling it and I always buy a bar or two. My son makes mead, would you like to try a sample? I’m not really into mead, so I think it would be wasted on me. We made rose petal liqueur and lavender vanilla liqueur; are you interested in having a sample of either? I’ve had the rose petal before; it was lovely! Is there anything specifically Pacific Northwest or Seattle themed that you would like? Nothing comes to mind. Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolates) has "seconds" bags; are you interested in some imperfect chocolates? Which flavors? https://maevechocolate.com/collections/truffle-chocolate-bars? “Imperfect chocolates”? I would say that I don’t believe there is such a thing, but I’ve messed up a big batch of what were supposed to be molded Halloween chocolates, so I guess it happens. But that’s a different kind of imperfect that these, and this “seconds” kind of imperfect sounds just as good as perfect! I’d be most interested in trying the Moon Rocks, Nutbutter Pretzel, San Juan Salted Toffee, or Mexican Hot Chocolate. Trader Joes is getting their seasonal things in. If you don't have a TJ's by you, is there anything you want? https://www.traderjoes.com/home/discover/stories/fall-products-2025 I have a TJ’s nearby. Just drove past it today, in fact. Wyrding Studios just posted a new update. Do any of these appeal to you, witchee? https://wyrdingstudios.com/collections/in-the-waiting-woods The tricksy leaves necklace and the red & purple cascade necklace both strongly appeal to me, but I’d consider these way too expensive to receive for SW. Tis the season for planner people. Are you one? If so what is your planner poison of choice and do you need/want supplies and if so, what type do you want? I am so not a planner person, unfortunately. Do you feel like you need some leggings, dearest witchee? https://shopnatopia.com/collections/halloween-25 Dearest Witchee, I'll be in London shortly- anything specifically British you'd enjoy? This could be marmalade or tea or Marmite or gothy clothing or a Union Jack something or other. Literally anything- name it! Do you prefer things to be individually wrapped so you can open them when you need a boost, or is putting them in one box unwrapped okay? Whichever way you way to handle it! I know I find that individually wrapping things can be a pain for me, but some people enjoy doing it, so do whichever way you enjoy! I’ll be fine with whatever you decide. 😊 I’m about to make myself an order here, and was wondering if anything might also appeal to you, dearest of witchee’s https://www.etsy.com/shop/khallion Postcards! I really like the banned book raccoon, the murder cat, and the humbug Grinch! The murder cat cross-stitch pattern is tempting, but I’m already sooooo far behind on my cross-stitching that the patterns I already have should last me for several lifetimes. Dearest witchee, is there anything here that catches your eye? https://ateliercoco-store.com/en-au Cute, but nothing really calls to me.
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I would never have chosen a dragonfruit scent but @Teamama gave me her decant.
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currently, this smells like a peach jelly belly (which i LOVE). sweet with a bit of spice. I'll update in the future when it's settled a bit but it's a beautiful scent to ease from the bright, sweetness of summer into a spiced, warm drink fall
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This really wasn’t working for me when I first put it on. I usually jive really well with leathers but this felt almost…lacquered? Sickly sweet. After about an hour of that, it softened way down to a smooth, vintage leather with old book pages. Almost powdery, almost vanilla. Really beautiful. But damn that first phase might keep me from trying it again.
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Smells like a fancy mocktail from a fancy bar that carefully restored and reconstructed historical fixtures when it renovated its Victorian-era building to bring it up to code for the modern day. So this does smell quite a bit like a brandy/cognac cocktail to my nose, but non-alcoholic. Warm, smooth, autumnal liquor.. woody-nutty undertones, reminiscent of dried fruits, tobacco, and earthy soft spice. A mixed drink with plenty zhuzhing it up... some lift from lemon peel, twisted over the glass to express the refreshing citrus oils. Lavender and lilac are present in a way that makes me think of floral-herbal syrups and cordials rather than fresh cut flowers. There is quite a lot of dried fig, but I have to work hard to pick out plum... it's more like it is in the background to make things more purple. I can envision a glowing golden-brown cocktail that used butterfly pea flower infusions to create a pretty purple gradient towards the bottom of the coupe glass. After it wears for a while in my hair, the main notes I can smell are brandy, fig, and lavender. This smells very festive, like an autumn/winter scent to me, especially Thanksgiving and Yuletide. Flame-of-Burnt-Brandy Dragon feels like a perfect pairing for winter holidays, but I will reach for this all throughout the cooler months when I want to indulge in a particularly fun hair gloss. I think the official description is a great indicator of the vibe of this particular dragon.
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Coucher de Soleil, Ciel Orange
citharadraconis replied to doomsday_disco's topic in Limited Editions
Exactly as I hoped, on me this is a more sophisticated sibling of the GC Akuma (blood orange, neroli, and raspberry). Akuma was one of the first scents I ever loved from BPAL, but I ended up swapping my bottle away--it was pretty much straight-up orange Tic-Tacs on me, and while orange Tic-Tacs are in fact my favorite and a personal comfort scent, I rarely want to go out in public smelling like them. Coucher de Soleil has Akuma's juicy citrus-candy notes, tempered and blurred by the musk, ambergris, and myrrh into a scent that remains cheerful and bright, but more complex and more wearable. I adore this. -
I’m delighted to say that my narration of “The Liar” by the brilliant Darcie Little Badger is now available on Episode 651 of the Cast of Wonders podcast. ALT Cast of Wonders 651: The Liar | Cast of Wonders View the full post.
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Halfway between a classic gentleman's amber cologne and a holy church/temple frankincense smoke smell, Gamboge Dragon gives the impression that a hot but holy man or androgynous cloaked figure just passed through the room in which you sprayed it. The saffron reads as a leathery spice embedded in the ancient golden resins. Just a tad ominous and smoldering, it's got character despite being a mellow scent with no high or sharp edges. Would be an ideal atmo spray for an office/study/library if you wanted to create a dramatic backdrop for silent reading or hushed whispers.
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I wore The Woman at the Edge of the Woods for the first time today, and I have to say, it is such a fascinating blend that I've pretty much spent the entire day thinking about it off and on. BPAL is truly taking over my life! (I can't say I mind much.) It goes on wet quite strong, and instantly feels like it embodies its name--WOODS, dark damp woods, with some witchy kitchen herbs. It's all pine-camphor, earthy patchouli, a little bitter and a little sharp, almost minty, almost but not quite medicinal, and just a little bit smoky. After maybe half an hour the vanilla started to come out to soften it a little, which had a kind of really delicious effect. I would describe it as dark and warm, though there is a slight astringency peeking through that's almost citrus-like (after some googling, it would appear this could be the nettle? or perhaps the chamomile). At the end of the day the headiness of the herbaceous/camphorous swirl is gone, and I'm left with a sharp but softened piney pepperiness that is simpler and more straightforward than the Woman at the height of her power. It feels more like I'm sniffing a bouquet of dried herbs I've taken into my house rather than standing outside in the thick of a forest, in a way that's making me excited at the thought of getting lost in the forest all over again. (I don't think I got a single note of berry at all, unless it was contributing to the astringency? I was also very surprised to see so many forumites mention rose, as I came on here specifically to see if anyone could describe what the "rose thorn" note is like, since I couldn't identify it. I can't smell any rose at all on me! I'm not sure I picked up on any floral aspects whatsoever.)
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I don't get the pumpkin or incense. It smells like fresh baked crusty bread and dead leaves. I like it, but it's nothing like what it's supposed to be.
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In the bottle, the aldehydes glitter true to the description of dazzling kleig lights. Applied, I get fizzy, sparkling bubbles, a syrupy golden amber soda. Sometimes frankincense and labdanum have a cola-like aspect so maybe they're part of the proprietary golden resin blend, helping extend the aldehydic glitter effect, pushing the effervescent special effects to the limit. I feel like there may also be benzoin folded into the formula because there's a vanillic creaminess turning this into a curiously NON-gourmand cream soda. Brown sugar is toasted until it melts and starts bubbling along the edges, it's not like a typical brown sugar scent. The soda-like ambery scent bubbles along for hours on end with above-average sillage... a little goes a long way here. In the drydown there is a waxy candle-like feeling that emerges on my skin, but it's not unwelcome. We're dimming the "lights, camera, action!!!" lights on the movie set and transitioning into candlelight after hours. I think this will age really well and I'm curious to see how it settles over the months and years to come, if I can make my bottle last all that long.
