puck_nc

Origin: decant from Trailer Trash Princess' circle

 

Initial Thoughts: I can do white sandalwood without amping. I love vanilla, though I'm not sure about "dry". I have some tea/tea leaf scents around. I know not from orris.

 

In the Vial: Sandalwood and the tea leaf, I think. Maybe a bit of vanilla. Definitely a "dry" scent - the mental image is dusty/woodsy.

 

Wet: A very strong whiff of tea. Something in the background is tilting ever-so-slightly spicy.

 

Drydown: It sweetens up some, probably from the vanilla, but this is still predominantly a quiet tea scent on me. Almost no sandalwood, which is a surprise since it tends to amp on me.

 

Verdict: A dry, understated, unisex blend. I may try it out on my husband - it's kind of a day version to the much sexier Dorian.

Origin: decant circle by Trailer Trash Princess

 

Initial Thoughts: When I started playing with BPAL, I learned that frankincense, patchouli, and sandalwood were serious ampers on my skin. I later learned that *pale* or *white* versions of these didn't amp like a tsunami to the point of drowning out other notes. Having three of the doable versions of these deal-breakers in one scent was super-tempting, and *coconut* snow was the icing on the cake. If I can finally find a patchouli/incense scent that doesn't tip over into too-much territory, I'll be very happy.

 

In the Vial: Definitely dry. Very sandalwood, but with a chilly impression.

 

Wet: Not so dry now, but still very sandalwood. Either the patchouli or frankincense is adding a richness to the scent.

 

Drydown: I am getting a true meld of the incense/patchouli. The sandalwood is still a bit stronger than the others, but they are all coming together into a gentle skin-hugger of a scent. Plus I'm getting the coconut, but not so strongly that it tips the impression. I would call this a unisex blend.

 

Verdict: I'm going to try again to be sure, but this may be almost exactly what I was hoping for when I read the description!

Origin: decant circle by Trailer Trash Princess

 

Initial Thoughts: This was my goofy pick. I love Christmas tree scents and couldn't resist the chance to try Gen-U-Ine Pine© Scent!

 

In the Vial: Sharply pine/evergreen with a definite metallic edge.

 

Wet: Definitely a fake-smelling pine scent. Not quite Pine-sol cleaner level, but definitely not natural-smelling.

 

Drydown: Gradually the "fake" fades, leaving fresh cool pine in its wake.

 

Verdict: On my skin, it lives up to its name at first but finally dries down into a cool evergreen scent. I don't know that I need a bottle - I still have a couple other strongly Christmas-tree scents in my box - but if you're looking for that consider getting this one.

Origin: Decant circle by Trailer Trash Princess

 

Initial Thoughts: I have developed a liking for plum during my BPAL journey. I love lavender. I like some lilies. I like snow scents. We'll see if they all go together well.

 

In the Vial: Wow. Incredibly rich, luscious plum with a hint of a cool edge in the background. On second sniff, I think I'm getting either the lily or the lavender.

 

Wet: On me the lavender comes surging out with a bit of the lily. Still very cool. The plum is now lurking underneath it all.

 

Drydown: Dammit, this has turned to total soap on me! Generic floral soap.

 

Verdict: I am disappointed - this was so gorgeous in the vial. I guess calla lily is the culprit. Well, I got two new scent lockets for Christmas, guess I'll use the decant up there.

Origin: Decant circle by Trailer Trash Princess

 

Initial Thoughts: I generally don't go for foody scents, but the idea of sweet peppermint was worth a decant experiment.

 

In the Vial: More cake than peppermint, but the peppermint is there on the second inhale.

 

Wet: Sweet and cool mint, just sharp enough to clear my slightly stuffy nose a little. The cake is there, but just barely.

 

Drydown: My skin is hanging onto the mint so far. The cake note is getting a bit stronger, and tilting vanilla for me.

 

Verdict: Very like its inspiration. But I'm not sure I need a bottle given how many bottles of Lick It (the original) I have in my stash.

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: I have started pestering Puddin' and the goblins for a minty hair gloss as my bottle of Lightning Storm begins to run low. Something cool and crisp for those hot summer days. This sounds like what I'm looking for.

In the Bottle: Cold and greeny. Spearmint and eucalyptus and a little woodsy. Promising.

On Wet Hair: Very odd. It's still a cold scent, but I think I must be getting 100% elemi - it's cool and woodsy and there's not a hint of mint or eucalyptus anywhere.

After Blowdrying: Some of the eucalyptus comes back and a hint of spearmint, but it's still mostly a cool woodsy scent that's not evergreen or Christmas-tree.

Verdict: I'm going to have to think about this one. It's somewhat cold, definitely bleak, but doesn't have any minty bite that I was hoping for. Guess I'm pinning my hopes on the current Lunacy or an eventual Lick It hair gloss.

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: My parents have a cider recipe that uses red wine and tons of spices. I love the scent. To be honest I'm not sure I want my hair smelling like wine, but I had to try it.

In the Bottle: Rich red wine and orange and cinnamon and honey and... everything's just swimming around in there.

On Wet Hair: The wine is strong. I can't wear this to work if it stays this rich of a spiced wine scent.

After Blowdrying: Okay, it's balancing more and the spices are masking the wine base. That's helpful.

Verdict: This has the best staying power of the Yule HGs I've tried so far. I could still get nice whiffs of spice and fruit late in the day. I think this one might be a keeper.

Origin: Straight from the Post

 

Initial Thoughts: I love the Christmas tree/evergreen note, but wasn't sure about having my hair smell like one.

 

In the Bottle: As advertised. Fresh and green and chilly.

 

On Wet Hair: No morph to speak of. Still fresh and green.

 

After Blowdrying: Still not much morph, thought the "chilly" is not as prominent to my nose.

 

Verdict: It's a nice cool green scent, but it also seems to fade in my hair very fast. I couldn't find it after work and usually I can get at least a hint of my hair glosses after work. I'll play with it a bit more before I decide whether to keep it.

Origin: Straight from the Post

 

Initial Thoughts: I love carnation. I love sweet florals. I love vanilla. This was a no-brainer.

 

In the Bottle: All the carnation! Spicy and fresh, but with a sweetness around the edges.

 

Wet: More carnation! VERY carnation!

 

Drydown: Eventually the other notes step forward to soften the carnation. Vanilla and sweetness and a gentle white floral that tilts ever so slightly toward my dreaded skanky-rose experience but backs away from the edge.

 

Verdict: Glorious carnation settling into a very comforting scent that stays reasonably close to the skin. I'm very glad I got a bottle.

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: I love Christmas/evergreen scents but I'm not sure about my hair smelling like a Christmas tree. Decided it was worth a try.

In the Bottle: Mostly dark red fruits with an undercurrent of green.

On Wet Hair: What the...? Lemons? Yes, of all things I'm getting a strong citrus impression. Maybe it's the cranberry?

After Blow-drying: Well, now it's sort of faded. I'm getting the barest whiff of the lemony impression and maybe the green note again.

Verdict: I'm going to try again in case I didn't shake the bottle enough or something. It's rather nice in the bottle and I want it to be nice in my hair.

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: I have a wonderful black microglitter from an Etsy supplier that is almost gone. I love how the sun will wake up a rainbow in the smooth black and wanted this to be a replacement.

In the Bottle: Shimmery fine purple glitter. Interesting.

One Coat: Now we have an inky black base that is smooth as glass. But we also have microglitter that is very red and copper - I'm not seeing much green as I wave my hands around. A skilled hand could make one coat of this work.

Two Coats: Still that glassy black obsidian base with the copper/bronze/red effect.

Verdict: It's a gorgeously high quality polish. I might use one bottle, but I'm not sure I'd use two. This feels like an autumn/Halloween polish more than a winter one.

 

ETA: Now that I'm wearing it out and about, I've discovered the variations in the glitter seem to depend on what kind of light is around. I get coppery red indoors under light bulbs but greeny-gold in sunlight. Very interesting...

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: It's a glitterbomb in a new shade! I like light blue!

In the Bottle: Light blue with iridescent blue and silver sparkles.

One Coat: A pale blue sheer polish with a ton of silver shimmer.



Two Coats: More blue, more shimmer. Pictures aren't doing it justice.



Verdict: I love it and I think I might need more. This is a great shade for celebrating not only winter, but my Tar Heels. I can see myself wearing this a lot.

Origin: Straight from the Lab

 

Initial Thoughts: I have some great apple-based scents from BPAL. Honey is iffy on me. I hesitated over this one but some of the reviews nudged it into my cart.

 

In the Bottle: Fresh apple, tilting ever so slightly on the tart side.

 

Wet: Still very fresh apple. My mental image is a green apple, but it's sweet. Golden Delicious rather than Granny Smith.

 

Drydown: The sweet finally coalesces into honey. It doesn't drown out the apple, but I am getting something of a "shampoo" impression now.

 

Verdict: I'll play with this some more, side-by-side it with my other apple scents, and see.

Origin: Straight from the Lab

 

Initial Thoughts: I like pumpkin when it's spiced. I like sugar.

 

In the Bottle: Hello, Jack from the GC. Who threw you into a vat of honey?

 

Wet: The second it hits my skin, the spices come running up, screaming for my attention. Very foody and baking impressions right now.

 

Drydown: The spices calm down and let the pumpkin back in. A little buttery, very foody, sweet without making teeth ache.

 

Verdict: This is terrific and I am glad I have a bottle. I'll do a side-by-side to be sure, but this seems to be a lighter option to Pumpkin Spice Everything and includes some actual pumpkin.

Origin: Straight from the Lab

 

Initial Thoughts: I love cider. I love the aroma when I make it every Christmas. I thoroughly enjoy the Apple Cider SN from a previous Weenie collection. I wasn't sure I needed another cider scent, but when the time came to order, I threw it in.

 

In the Bottle: Definitely cider. Kind of like the recipe I use that includes wine and muscadine cider. Rich and fruity with the hint of spices in the background.

 

Wet: Rich and sweet wine, dark and delicious.

 

Drydown: The spices come out to play and everything is wonderful. On me this is Pumpkin Spice Everything on top of a port wine single note.

 

Verdict: This is a lovely scent. I'll side-by-side it with my Apple Cider SN to be sure, but I expect I'll want to keep both.

Origin: Straight from the Lab

 

Initial Thoughts: I like marigold flowers. I hope to like this. I tried Flor de Muerto when it came out a couple of years ago and it did not like my skin. Trying one more time.

 

In the Bottle: Hm. That is...not pleasant. Super-sour something over greenery. *girds loins*

 

Wet: A really big blast of the sour something, but it fades pretty quickly and starts settling into something else. Lots of leaves-in-a-garden going on. I've never tried anything with tomato leaf in it, but this is kind of what I imagine it would smell like.

 

Drydown: It finally settles down into something that is at least pleasant to my nose. I still don't get anything that would suggest floral or marigold to me, but it is garden-green with hints of dirt and a spiciness lurking in the background.

 

Verdict: It ends up pleasant, but I don't love it. I will almost certainly rehome this to someone who can do it better justice than I.

Origin: Straight from the Post

 

Initial Thoughts: The only note that gave me pause was the hops. That was what made me wait on a few reviews and Weenies before ordering.

 

In the Bottle: Sharp and strong lavender, almost overwhelmingly so.

 

On Wet Hair: Almost immediately something - I think it's the vanilla but it could be the hops - is softening the lavender and making the overall impression sweet and gentle. This is the stage that makes me think of TKO a bit.

 

Blow-dried: It settles down into lavender tempered by the other notes and I think mainly the white musk is doing that job now. It's a very gentle scent.

 

Verdict: I think I may need another bottle or two of this. It's a perfect work scent and very soft and soothing.

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: The photo of the bottle looked like terrific fun: deep purple/black with bright orange glitter shot through it.

In the Bottle: Plenty of big orange glitter and tiny rainbow microglitter floating in the dark.

One Coat: Definitely not enough for full coverage. I'm not sure that it would be a good top layer for another coat, given the dark shade of the base here. If someone is gifted at getting the glitter to apply evenly, the smoky base is kind of interesting.



Two Coats: A thick, inky shade of blue/purple that is nearly black, with sparkly orange glitter everywhere.



Similar to Fires of Love, this is hard to photograph well. It's prettier than the photo would suggest, with the orange glitter kind of glowing out of the dark polish.

Verdict: I think I'm going to take this to the nail salon this weekend and let a professional apply it so I can wear it through Halloween and see if I need a second bottle. It's most definitely a Halloween thing - I don't see myself wearing it much at other times of the year.

 

ETA: A big photo of the polish when a pro is handling the brush. Still doesn't quite do the shiny glitter justice, but better than my own attempt:

 

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: My favorite Claw Polishes so far have been the glittery ones. The picture of a lovely lavender glitterbomb was all too tempting.

In the Bottle: Shades of purple from light to dark twinkling with tiny rainbow glitter.

One Coat: A practiced hand might get full coverage with one coat. For me it was a pale purple base flecked with rather coppery glitter.



Two Coats: This brings out the full plum effect, with a rather bronze shimmer from the glitter.



The surface is much smoother than that photo suggests. For me this went on very nicely and I didn't feel the need for a top coat.

Verdict: Gorgeous and I will be buying more before the Weenies go away. It's definitely a suitable shade for fall, but I can also see wearing this for any number of glitzy occasions.

[No additional description given.]

Origin: Straight from the Post

Initial Thoughts: I've never been interested in the "dead leaves" note. But I like cedar and the notion of cinnamon incense (which I could not wear on my skin due to the incense amping and possibly the cinnamon irritating) was a strong pull to try this.

In the Bottle: Musty cedar. Like a stale cedar chest. Oh dear.

Wet in hair: Okay, at least the "musty" is not showing up, but it's still strongly just cedar. There's maybe the slightest hint of cinnamon in there.

After blow-drying: Harmony of a sort has been achieved. The "dead leaves" still seems to be mostly hiding in the cedar or incense, which has come out and brought a bit more cinnamon with it.

Verdict: I think I like it well enough to finish the bottle, but I'm not 100% sure I'd look for more. It's got the same natural, slightly quiet vibe of "Departing Like Smoke" but with a decidedly "forest" or "fall" character.

Origin: Frimp from the Lab

 

Initial Thoughts: Originally when I went exploring through the Lab's catalog as a newbie, I probably backed off because of either the plum or the musk. I have since learned that plum can be very good and that *white* musk does not amp horribly on me. So let's seize what the fates have dumped into my lap.

 

In the Vial: Musk and light, airy florals. I'm not sure any one is standing out. At this point the plum is adding a richness, but not necessarily a lot of fruit.

 

Wet: Mostly daffodil & orchid at first. Sweetly airily floral.

 

Drydown: The plum emerges, surrounded by the florals. The musk is behaving nicely and playing backup rather than center stage.

 

Verdict: I think I like this quite a bit. Definitely hanging onto the imp and maybe there's a bottle in my future.

Origin: frimp in a Lab order

 

Initial Thoughts: Early in my BPAL journey, I was avoiding tea scents because I didn't want to smell like food. The pepper also probably put me off. At this point I'm more experimental than I was, and there's nothing in here that is an amper on me.

 

In the Bottle: Tea mostly, with hints of pepper, honey, and ginger.

 

Wet: Lots of pepper in that tea! At this point it's elegantly masculine to my nose.

 

Drydown: The linen comes out to complement the tea, laced heavily with ginger and honey. The pepper is hovering in the background.

 

Verdict: It's a very pleasant scent, but it does read to me as masculine - I imagine I would not wear it much. If I could get my husband into BPAL, I'd push this on him.

Origin: Straight from the Lab

 

Initial Thoughts: Honeysuckle is one of my true loves in scent. With no danger notes, I had to try it.

 

In the Bottle: A glorious noseful of honeysuckle and jasmine, with an outdoorsy feel that is probably the grass.

 

Wet: Hmm. Now it's almost pure grass with some floral backing. I will be disappointed if the florals run and hide from me.

 

Drydown: It takes a little while, but the florals do take front and center. I think I'm getting equal parts honeysuckle and jasmine. But together they are a super-strong and sweet floral.

 

Verdict: I think this is likely a keeper.

Origin: Straight from the Lab

 

Initial Thoughts: I love coconut in many of the Lab's scents. I even have a tiny bit of the first run of SN Coconut. Of course I was going to try this.

 

In the Bottle: Sweet coconut, on the foody side - like opening up a bag of shredded coconut. It's a bit more foody than the original Coconut SN when I sniff one after the other.

 

Wet: Not quite as sweet as before but I still think kitchen more than beach.

 

Drydown: The sweetness is gone at this point and the scent is a dry coconut, much less foody than before. It's a more in-its-natural-state coconut, but there isn't anything tipping it into tropical/suntan oil territory.

 

Verdict: I think I like the wet stage better, when there's still a bit of sweetness in it, but I'm curious to try layering this with other things. Experimentation will happen.

Origin: A wonderful fairy helped me with Dragon*Con.

 

Initial Thoughts: This was the only 2016 Peach that didn't have a deal-breaker note, and I hesitated, but since the very kind fairy was getting me lovely claw polishes, I decided to try it.

 

In the Bottle: Very peach, very lemon, and very, very candy-like. Bright and girly.

 

Wet: Very, very lemon candy. It skates toward, but never crosses into Lemon Pledge territory.

 

Drydown: The lemon calms down and lets the peach emerge again, but it is still old-fashioned-candy-shop-with-fruit-drops all over the place.

 

Verdict: It is a beautiful, light and fizzy scent. I'm not 100% sure it's me. I'm going to play with it a little and see what happens.