changeling

In the bottle: Lily-of-the-valley Wet: Lily-of-the-valley with just a touch of something that keeps it from being simply the "muguet des bois" of my childhood. Dry: The resin comes out now and warms it. It's a shade powdery, but the lilies come in strong, giving it a strong cool flavor.

Another frimp from the Lab! In the bottle: Musk and sweet and something richer, more fruity *checks description* Ah, that would probably be the wine. Well, this is interesting. I admit I feel a little uncertain about wearing a scent inspired by the essence of a "gleefullly hellbound soul". Here we go! Wet: Yum. Wine and honey, but not too sweet or strong. Dry: This scent grows more complex as it dries, but from a short distance remains largely a dark, sweet scent. Up close, the tobacco and musk peek out and keep it well rounded. I'm glad I got this as a freebie--I never would have ordered it myself, but it's really rather fun. Thanks, Lab!

A frimp from the wonderfully generous Lab! In the bottle: Lovely, lovely lily-of-the-valley, a particularly favorite scent from childhood. Wet: FLOWERS! I smelled lily-of-the-valley, I expected lily-of-the-valley, but on my skin, this is loud. Dry: This dries to a stronger, more generic floral--not my favorite scent family. This might make a lovely bath salt mix, though--oooh, or a dusting powder. Hmm... It lasts quite a while, surprising for one of the florals. They usually fade rather quickly on me. Of course, my skin is less dry than usual, which makes a difference.

In the bottle: Spicy. An eye-opening, biting ginger tang that hits the back of my throat. Wet: Very metallic. I know the spice is there, but the effect is metal and blood, so strong I keep swallowing, trying to wash out the taste. Dry: Iron Phoenix stayed strong for a long time through multiple washes. It remained primarily a rust-metal-blood scent. I know that doesn't sound appealing, but oddly enough, it is. I doubt I will keep the bottle, though. The associated imagery is--not good for me. Such is life.

In the bottle: A knock-me-down dark, delightful, nutty scent with a hint of something sweet reminiscent of my childhood. Wet: I am trying this two ways, on bare skin and over a carrier oil. Bare skin: A dark, nutty aroma reminding me of an old-fashioned chocolate shop from my childhood when they were engaged in making a batch of dark chocolate almond bark. It progresses to become dark and warm with delicious apple highlights. Frankly, it makes my mouth water. Carrier oil arm: A much quieter, less complex blend, just a plain warm dark aroma. I find this interesting because the other scent I'm trying over skin and a carrier oil for comparison showed a more complex form initially on the carrier-oiled arm. Dry: For me, at least, To Autumn does not come out well with a carrier oil. I can barely detect the scent on that arm. On the bare skin, on the other hand, I still have that apples-and-nuts-in-warm-darkness aroma that I am enjoying intensely. A lovely autumn blend, especiallly for a gloomy day like today!

In the bottle: Currents and sunlight and juice, a lovely blend of red and green. Wet: I am trying this two ways: on bare skin, and over a carrier oil. On the bare arm: FRUIT. On the carrier oiled arm: A more complex scent; the dandelion is evident, as well as something...something I can't quite put my finger on...honey! That's it. As time wears on, the fruit note tames down on my bare arm and the honey starts to come through, along with a fine warm note I can't quite place. Dry: Faint, fruity and fun on both arms. This scent is a little lighter than I prefer but I think it will mix in well with other scents, allowing me to 'lighten' up a darker scent for brighter moods.

In the bottle: gardenia very definitely, some roses, and I agree with jwhxtna that there is a slight, sharp note, something like a citrus note. Wet: Gardenia and vanilla are the prominant notes on my skin. This is delicious, and all the better, the rose doesn't seem to be turning to soap on my skin! Drydown: The vanilla comes to the front, with gardenia and rose backing it up. This is a delightful, bright scent with good throw. I do not find it too 'foody' or too 'floral'. I think it will be wonderful to wear on days when I need or want to be more light-hearted. This was a freebie from the lab, and I thank them a thousand times for it!

In the bottle: Initially heavily almond. I smelled it again two or three days after receiving it and it had mellowed. I suspect the heat of the day it arrived had something to do with the almond amp-up. Wet: Nice, very evocative of marzipan but nice On drydown: Marzipan calms down and leaves a complex, warm scent behind. A few hours later the scent has dimmed but is still warm and spicy. Final thoughts: To me, this scent says, "I've got your back". It's great for times when I need a little extra confidence.

In the bottle: Apple! Real crunchy juicy apple, not fake apple-esque aroma. The oak smell gives it a strong base, and there is a lighter note I can not identify that adds a nice overtone. Wet: Apple. After a few minutes, with a little imagination, I can smell mist. Drydown: A faint, berry-like aroma that faded after about three hours. The oak seems to completely disappear on my skin. Oh, well. This is a fine scent but not exactly my style.

In the bottle: Dark and strong; the patchouli comes in loud and clear. Orange blossom seems to waft lightly around it. Wet: Ye Gods and Little Fishes, talk about throw! The scent seems to fill all my "personal space" and then some. Wet smells much the same as in the bottle for me; strong patchouli but with a nice undertone. On drydown: The ambergris is starting to come through. I can't detect much of the carnation note at all. It still has plenty of throw, and overall reminds me of an old favorite sandalwood fan. Final thoughts: Just a dab of Masquerade lasts a good 18 hours on me. As time goes on, the spicier notes calm down and let the florals come out a bit. Good for extroverted moods, never wear on a plane, train, or (long) automobile ride.

I would just like to join in the praise for the Lab's customer service. It's one of the best on the planet. When I made my second order, I was so nervous because I suddenly realized I wouldn't be in town when it would most likely come--and for the first time, I wanted an LE, so I couldn't wait and order later! I asked the Lab what to do. The response came in very quickly and was extremely nice, explaining that if I put a note in my order form, they would hold the order until I was back in town. Worked like a charm!

It sounds delightful! Cream and green...hmmmmm. I would go with Ides of March or Two, Five, and Seven. I can't say why, really; they just seem to 'fit'.