VioletChaos

In The Bottle: Deep, rich beeswax. Yes, please! Wet On Skin: Yeah, this is definitely beeswax and NOT honey. There's a soft skin-musk quality of beeswax- and this one in particular- that honey doesn't have on me. I'm getting a very, very subtle spice in the background, but it reads almost like the kind of spice one encounters with carnation. Not the heady clove or cinnamon I'm used to. Dry Down: Ah! *THERE'S* the clove! But even now, the clove is not the in-your-face clove of, say, Peter Quint or the Smiling Spider. This is definitely held in check by the sweet musky richness of the beeswax. I get no vanilla, sadly, but that might change with age. In All: Delighted to have a bottle, just in time for all the upcoming sultry summer nights!

Diwali is beautiful. It's a really mild, soft skin scent, almost like rice pudding, but without being foodie. It's one of my favorites. A great one for summer, because it's not overpowering in the least.

In The Bottle: The vanilla-cognac-tobacco trifecta that I expect from any good "Lace" scent. Wet On Skin: More of the same, but with the black tea making a distant- but distinct -appearance. It's reminding me quite a bit of Black Lace at this stage. Dry Down: This has the soft, slightly sweet feel of Tattered Lace but the cognac edge of Black Lace, without being a dead ringer for either. In All: I am understanding what others were echoing when Beth talked about this being a "Spring Scent". There's a distinct ennui that comes with the wet cold earth warming up that's altogether different than the dry earth of autumn about to lay fallow. As usual, Mme Moriarty nails it in all the most beautiful ways. A love addition to the Lace family.

I am one of the rabid Snake Charmer obsessives, so picking up a bottle was not a tough decision! I agree that this has a lightness to it- but I recognize that the bottles of SC I have, have all been aging for years, so I am going to assume that that is the reason for the difference. In any event, I'm actually glad that the hair gloss isn't quite as rich as the perfume oils have aged up to be, because I don't wear Snake Charmer much in the warm months for that very reason. I *do* anticipate getting lots of use out the the SC HG this summer *because* it's like a lighter version of the perfume. However you look at it, it's a time for lovers of Snake Charmer to rejoice!

I am in love. This is NOT a surprise as I am one of the devoted followers that has four backup bottles of the DM perfume. Alas, I missed out getting backup bottles of this astounding Hair Gloss, and paid a princely sum on eBay just to obtain the one I now have. Having spent this long day living in a wondrous cloud of Dragon's Milk about my head, I join the chorus to beseech Puddin and the TP Goblins to PLEASE consider adding this magical elixir to the GC catalogue! In the meantime, I shall put this in my hair as often as I dare to, to enjoy it as long as I have this precious, precious bottle. <3

I have this special tea that I spent far, far too much on, called Milk Oolong. the reason- the whole reason - that I purchased an entire tin of this loose tea, is that the first time I opened the glass jar in the store to smell it, this glorious and surprising and delicious scent wafted out. It indeed smelled like milk, as well as like a good, lightly aged oolong. I knew instantly that this tea would be tasty and magical and so I threw caution to the wind and purchased the 8 ounce tin. This perfume is the equivalent, in scent, in feeling, in essence. I keep sniffing my skin where I placed a drop of this scent, this oil that somehow missed me in spite of my obsessive involvement for nearly 9 years, and I find that every time I bring my hand up to my nose to smell again, it has the uncanny ability to be a surprise each and every time. I'm so glad I finally procured a bottle!

in the bottle: yummy, yummy YUMMY coffe and creamy eggnog! wet on skin: same, with the coffee smelling more and more like those coffee candies we ate as kids! dry down: the cream and spice of last year's eggnog, combined with the subtle, beautiful coffee of Pinched With Four Aces, this is a total winner. in all: i predict this to be one of the most coveted BPAL scents of the year, if not all time! :wub2:

Okay, this is wonderful. I ordered a decant of this on a lark, and I think I'm going to have to get a bottle of my own. The rose and the wine kyphi are combining to make something sweet and juicy and beautiful. It's like if roses made edible berries, this is what that berry juice would smell like! Nomnomnom. I will use this as a skin gloss for sure, as well as in my hair. I only request that it comes back later as a perfume so I can slather it all the time, everywhere! LOVE!

I love these three notes individually. There are three of my favorite notes. And yet... And yet, I can't place exactly why this doesn't seem to be working out for me. The red musk is not doing the Smut-like thing I thought it was going to do. Instead, it seems to be mixing with the saffron to do a startling impression of powdery myrrh. There's, strangely, a little bit of nag champ that seems to be bringing up the rear. No honey anywhere in sight. I'm truly baffled. I'll re-test in a few days- maybe shipping got it all in a tangle, and I hope that's the case. But I admit I don't have much hope for this one. *Sigh*

In the vial, I get a deep, murky velvety red rose. Once massaged into the skin, it stays pretty true. I expected the wine to be a bit more present, but on me it's more like a whisper, which is surprising- usually wine comes on strong with me. But it's a gorgeous, gorgeous rose. I could see using this as a skin gloss- it seems too good to pour into a bath!

I have waited long- too long- and patiently for this. I cannot wait a moment longer. In The Bottle: Boozy. Chocolate. Frosting. Again, I say Wet On Skin: Oh my. Oh my oh my ohmyohmyohmyohmy. Same as above, but somehow warmer. The warmth of the skin is making it bloom into extra chocolate booze deliciousness. Dry Down: Rich chocolate icing loaded onto a sliver of flourless bittersweet chocolate cake, served with a glass of rich, dry wine. In All: There are hardly words, except: Thank the gods I ordered two bottles.

2015 Version But you know, Red Lantern, like beloved Smut, is one of those scents that changes little from year to year. I used to have a 2006 bottle and I (foolishly!) traded it away. I've waited for several years to get it again and, as before, it doesn't disappoint. Red Lantern is rich and sweet without being foodie. It's a heady, decadent scent, perfect for long winter nights in the arms of lovers or as a finishing touch to being wrapped in heavy silk velvet. Red Lantern lasts. It's strong and warm and a little chewy. It's as thick and captivating as ever. SO glad to welcome it back into my collection.

In the Bottle: It's like a coconut spiced chai steamed milk drink. I die. Wet On Skin: The macadamia is coming out to play, adding a buttery aspect to the scent that's just yummy. Dry Down: I get no amber, which is fine with me. All the rest of the notes come into play and it's seriously delicious. In All: Low throw- I might need to slather this next time. It reminds me of the butter-cream-salt quality that Shill has, and I really, truly adore it. This is what I had hoped Mitzvah would be on me, and sadly was not. I may need backup bottles!!!

In the Bottle: Oh. Holy. Moly. There's apricot and vanilla and and and... Wet On Skin: This is just so incredible. It's sweet without being cloying or candy-like and it's got a little nip of spice at the end, which must be the cardamom. It's soft and just sooooo goooood. Dry Down: Vanilla-apricot ice-cream with a tiny dash of white musk. A little odd, but it WORKS. In All: A close-to-the-skin scent, I could see this being worn for sweet seduction early in a courting. SO glad I got a bottle!

This is for the 2015 version. I just re-read my old review, so I'm curious to see how it compares! In The Bottle: I'm getting a LOT of citrus in this year's version, with a little rosemary tossed in almost as an afterthought. Wet On Skin: Wow. This is really pretty. Whereas the version from 3 years ago was herbal and green-y, this is far more fruity. It reminds me a little of a delicious snack I learned about several years ago, which is basically fresh orange slices with olive oil and seat salt sprinkles over the top. The citrus definitely has the strongest presence, but this isn't foodie or childlike. This is a rather adult interpretation. I hope it stays this way! Dry Down: A beautiful, slightly bitter orange, with some depth. I get no violet or anything else. It's not at all like King Mandarin. This is it's own, beautiful thing. In All: Low to medium throw with a strong citrus presence- this is perfect for welcoming the sun back after a long, cold winter!

In The Bottle: Booze-soaked sponge cake and frosting. NOMNOMNOM Wet On Skin: There's something...lemony in here. It's actually reminding me of the italian sponge cake my family used to get on special occasions when I was a kid. I wasn't a fan then (I just wanted Duncan Hines box cakes!) but the smell now is really rather incredible. Dry Down: Strangely, I get no apple from this. Zero. None. But it *does* smell like delicious sponge cake with delicious, ever-so-slightly booze-laced frosting. In All: Very low throw and a hint of holiday spice, this scent is a lovely day-time foodie treat. Glad I have a bottle!

In The Bottle: Holy moly, that's some serious strawberries and cream! Wet On Skin: Oh. Holy. Cheeses. Yes- this is all donuts, all the time. It's really...it's really just...oh man. Dry Down: Yes. This is fried dough and this is homemade, chunky, strawberry jam. And, for only the second time in BPAL personal history, this is *literally* making my mouth water. I am actually drooling a little. In All: Low throw and it's just as well because with a scent this delectable, it's a slather situation to be sure. On a different note, I just want to say that I normally amp sugar notes like CRAZY put the sweet aspect of this beautiful, yummy fragrance is staying put. Hoard-worthy! Stock up!!!

In The Bottle: YUM. I wasn't sure what to expect from the suet note, but having grown up with a bird-watching grandmother, I have plenty of background in the scent, owing to the frequency with which it's mixed with birdseed. Here, in the bottle, there's a smoky/fatty thing going on that adds something singularly rich and delicious to the sweeter, lighter, somehow fruity notes of the rest. Wet On Skin: Yup, still lots o' suet and, though not specifically listed in the notes, there's quite a bit of fruit going on round these parts. Again, there's a lovely balance here, I don't object in the least! Dry Down: Ahhh, *there's* the baked-sweets aspect I was waiting for! Like the Puddins of Trading Post yesteryear, there's a rather specific...'pudding' note that's present in here. I get no custard, sadly, but it's sugary and a bit buttery and, with the mystery fruits and the suet, it's making me incredibly sad that I can't eat my own hand. In All: Low throw, a nice, spicy-sweet food scent, for all the foodie-lovers out there. If you liked the TP's Puddin scents, get this- you won't be disappointed.

Apples and ale stewed with orange and lemon rind, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, maple syrup, and dark rum. I am a long-time fan of BPTP's candles. Back when I was a retailer, I fawned over the display of said candles in my shop all the time- I wanted them all for meeeeeeee! But, because they were so adored by our customers, I selflessly gave them pick of the litter. So, interestingly, this here Mulled Cider is my very first Trading Post candle that I get to have all to myself. Yay! And boy, am I NOT disappointed! As hoped, this candle brings the holiday season right down into a tangible container full of yumminess. Take the best orange pomander you made as a kid, mix with the best spiked hot cider you've had as an adult, et voila! You have seasonal perfection! Sara does a simply incredible job with these candles, which burn cleanly and are super long-lasting. I purchased this one for the specific purpose of having it to scent my home on the Solstice, which is when I'm having my birthday / holiday party this year, but in the interim, I'll leave it out in my living room because it's fragrant enough that it'll impart a mild scent to the air just with it's mere presence. If I get birthday money this year, I know what I'm spending it on- more candles from the Trading Post!

In the Bottle: Gingerbread and leather. Definitely the same gingerbread note as from last's year's Gingerbread Snake. Wet On Skin: Gingerbread, leather and sea salt. I know it's the ocean note from Jolly Rodger, but I think it's the same note that was in Mother Shub's Squamous Sea Salt Caramel Cookies last year as well. Dry Down: Yup, this is a pretty straight-forward scent on me. I get no morphing, no real changes. It's all sweet gingerbread with leather and sea salt. If that sounds like a yummy mix to you, you will not be disappointed. Sadly, for me, I think I'll need to go swap this out...

This is pretty great. I know that some purists will argue, but I'd go so far as to say that this is *better* than the original Silkybat. I know! That seems somehow slanderous! But really, after a time, I felt totally okay about trading my bottle of Silkybat away and I can already tell you, this will NOT go into some random swap pile, no. Perhaps because it's for the hair, the frost note, first of all, stays put, and doesn't amp to the heavens as they do in all perfumes on me. Second of all, there's this beautiful internally between the frost and the sugar with the patchouli that makes some moments almost seem...chocolately. I am strangely reminded, just a bit, go Therry Mugler's perfume Angel. This, too, has that sweet, deep sexiness that that scent has. But Frosty Silkbat is it's own thing, don't get me wrong. Also, although my hair is shorter since the last time I procured a hair gloss, the second I put this on my chemically damaged ends I was reminded that even with shorter hair, it's quite nice to have some gloss around to smooth out all the rough edges. I anticipate this being quite popular.

Oh my groodness, I love this SO. HARD. I am already a huge fan of the Lab's Sugar Plum note, and this is just...wonderful. It's sweet and twee and yes, adorable. I want to dress this scent up in fluffy pink bows, that's how cute it is. And now, the TMI Review: I do this thing that I've been secretly referring to as the "Cat Poop Test", which, as you may have guessed, involves sprayed a scent near a freshly pooped litter box. (I use sprays to manage those odors pretty regularly, actually) and so I took tis opportunity to test out Sugar Plum and Vanilla Bean. And behold! Like magic, the poop smell has VANISHED! Huzzah! So, not only delicious and cute and cuddly, but a serious defense against certain varieties of chemical warfare

In The Bottle: I'm reminded heavily of the sweet juniper note in 21 when I put the bottle up to my nose. Nothing but juniper. It's very holiday-like, don't get me wrong. Just not what I was expecting the 'frost' note would be like. Wet On Skin: I'm still getting nothing but the snow note at this wet stage. I like it, but I hope to see the vanilla and sandalwood soon... Dry Down: Oh, you pesky water and ozone notes. I thought for sure it would be held in check by greater forces but...nope. There is nothing but frost on me. Forever and ever. If the Lab decides to do a vanilla-sandalwood scent on their own, I will be very, very happy. But with my skin chemistry, those more subtle notes simply can't fight their way through the total amping of frost. Sigh. Off to swaps you go...

In The Bottle: Yummy hazelnut softened by some vanilla. (In the bottle there's something reminiscent of Banshee Beat. The warm sweetness, I'd guess.) Wet On Skin: The sandalwood immediately begins to take this scent out of the realm of foody and into something more musk-and-wood oriented. Still warm and sweet, but the 'food' vibe I got from the bottle is already gone. Dry Down: The myrrh has done it's annoying powder-thing on me, which makes me a not-happy camper. I am having an extremely vague memory of trying this many years ago and having the same thing happen. *However* that was before I know about the importance of aging resins, and there's enough good in this bottle, with enough promise, that I'm completely willing to age this puppy for 6 months to a year, as that's usually what's required for myrrh to play nice with me In All: Medium to high throw- use sparingly!- with little morph once dry. A promising array of notes keeps me anticipating what will happen when this ages.

I haven't gotten a Lunacy scent in quite a while, but the notes in this sounded too hard to stay away! In The Bottle: I get vanilla-honey-almond-rose all in a rush. It's sweet, light and very "pink". Wet On Skin: The tangerine and rose are doing something kind of ghastly at this stage, one pretending to be floor cleaner, the other insisting on becoming nail polish remover. I hope this stops right away! Dry Down: Hmmm. That mugwort-and-musk combo might be the culprit behind the above cleaner/acetone mashup on my skin. But the longer it sits, the more the unpleasantness seems to move away, leaving behind a rosewater/almond combo that reminds me of Victorian Rose Milk. In All: Medium to High throw- go easy in application with this, and expect changes. I don't know that this scent is 'me', but I'll hold onto it, at least to test another few times before I toss in the towel.