fairestrocza

In the Bottle: Sharp and slightly bitter (or maybe medicinal?) ginger

 

Wet on Skin: Ginger beer! Followed by something acrid

 

While Drying: It is a very bright, zingy ginger. The medicinal undercurrant is troublesome.

 

After a Little While: The acrid aspect dies down after a while, and it is mainly ginger beer again. I prefer smelling this after popping the cap on a bottle of ginger beer, rather than smelling it on my skin.

 

Later: Softer, sweeter, vaguely lemony ginger.

 

Final Thoughts: I wanted to love this, and I will give it some time before I make any final decisions, but if that acrid note doesn't age out of it, this one will have to go.

 

Mother Ginger earns a 2.5/5 on my skin.

Rose isn't generally one of my favorite notes, but based on reviews from previous years, Rose Red sounded like the rose to try for non-rose lovers...

 

In the Bottle: realistic rose petals, and something odd (The Boy says 'swampwater')

 

Wet on Skin: gum and rosewater?! (The Boy says 'pepper spray and exhaust'). Not just any old gum, but the old, grey gum that I had to scrape off the bottoms of tables in the pre-indoor-clean-air-act days when I had a crappy waitress job. In other words, Not Good, not good at all.

 

While Drying: There is definitely something fresh-cut here, but it smells more like apple or some other fruit. The wintery aspect is a bit odd. The rose scent is better in the throw than it is close, but it reminds me of little girl perfume play sets.

 

After a Little While: The Boy agrees that the scent has improved drastically, but it is still not great. I'm definitely going to let this age a bit before I try it again. That initial stage is BAD on me.

 

Final Thoughts: This seems to contain the same rose note as Whip. That is probably fantastic news for some people, but my chemistry does not like it at all.

 

Rose Red 2010 earns a 2/5 on my skin. (Except that initial wet stage, which earns a negative number).

This was the Bag of Coal scent that worried me most based on the descriptions...

 

In the Imp: Sweet booze, maybe a creamy schnapps of some sort.

 

Wet on Skin: Sweet booze, and a light ground clove (like sniffing the spice jar, not like clove oil).

 

While Drying: Smells like making cookies! This is more the scent of the shortbread dough, before it is cooked. There is a very light butter scent (like slightly chilled butter, in chunks, ready to be incorporated into the batter), and a hint of vanilla extract.

 

After a Little While: Delicious shortbread with a faint breath of baking spices.

 

Later: A delicate shortbread scent with surprising throw for all its delicacy.

 

Final Thoughts: This is such a fantastic scent. I wish it was available in 5ml bottles.

 

Kourabiedes earns a 4.5/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: Caramel-ish, boozy sweetness with a minty feel at the end.

 

Wet on Skin: Minty sweet, with an herbal undertone.

 

While Drying: Mint is dominant up close, but the throw is a nice mix of sweet mint and shortbread.

 

After a Little While: The same delicate shortbread scent as Kourabiedes, with a sweet, soft snow note.

 

Later: Less lasting power, and slightly less throw than Kourabiedes. Otherwise, the later stages of this scent are indistinguishable from Kourabiedes.

 

Shortbread Snowflakes earns a 4/5 on my skin.

This was the Bag of Coal scent I was most excited about in concept...

 

In the Imp: slightly sour chocolate

 

Wet on Skin: I think this is milk chocolate, because I am getting the same sour cream note that I get from some of the milk chocolate box of chocolate Luper scents.

 

While Drying: A powdery chocolate scent starts to emerge and the sour aspect starts to fade.

 

After a Little While: Reminiscent of El Dia de los Reyes, but a bit creamier and with less throw.

 

Later: faint spices and a toned down milk note

 

Final Thoughts: I bet the sour cream note will age out of this blend, because it is already less intense than during my initial test. I want to see what aging does to this one, but so far, it is my least favorite of the Bag of Coal scents.

 

Chocolate Espresso Gingerbread earns a 3.5/5 on my skin.

This had a _powerful_ throw. Heady and cloying.

I was out and about when I tested this, and I ended up scrubbing off as much as I could with baby wipes. The remaining scent was still powerful enough to give me a headache. The lingering scent was powdery and cloying.

Under the Harvest Moon earns a 2/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: An interesting leather note, not harsh at all, with rose underneath.

 

Wet on Skin: very odd

 

While Drying: This seems to be the same rose from Rose Red - I get that weird old-used-chewing-gum scent, but the leather keeps it from being overly nauseating… rather, I assume it is the leather note - it doesn't smell like the other leather notes I've come across so far (probably a good thing - few of the others have worked for me).

 

After a Little While: The 'damp' is definitely coming through… it hovers on the border between fresh and dank. It is a bit tingly to my nose. I'm not sure if there is a hidden note in there giving that impression, or if it is triggering a mild allergy. The throw has a nice, but slightly fake, rose scent, but I dislike the skin-close scent because it is a bit sour and musty. The throw is significant. Had I remembered that there was rose in this, I would have used a lighter hand when applying it for testing.

 

Later: Not soapy, exactly, but smells like the lingering traces from washing with an expensive rose-scented soap. Fairly pretty at this stage, but still not really my style.

 

Whip earns a 2.5/5 on my skin... maybe as high as 3/5 for the final drydown.

In the Imp: I can smell at least two rose notes. Unfortunately, one I associate with Grandma's-decorative-bathroom-soaps. The cinnamon has a bit of a chemical harshness to it.

 

Wet on Skin: Interesting. I can smell rose, but it isn't a typical rose scent - more hot, spicy roses. The Boy says it reminds him of lilacs, and I can see where he gets that impression.

 

While Drying: Slightly soapy in the elbows. The faintest tingle of cinnamon, and a touch of red skin to go with it.

 

After a Little While: Cinnamon or another spicy scent may be a necessary component for rose scents to work on my skin. This is a nice spicy rose scent.

 

Later: Smells spicy and slightly floral, almost like carnation. Love it.

 

Final Thoughts: Low throw after it dries, but it is one of those scents that makes me want to glue my face to my wrist every time I catch a whiff. Doesn't last very long. I'll have to try this as a sleep blend and see how that goes. At certain stages it reminds me of Blood Moon 2010.

 

Harlot earns a 3.5/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: Oh god. Yuck. Vetiver.

 

Wet on Skin: Nothing but vetiver. I really despise vetiver. 'Charred/scorched' notes tend to hate me too. This is coming off. Even if it is amazing later, I don't think I'd be able to get past the evil vetiver stage.

 

Other Thoughts: I love amber, carnation and orris. After reading through reviews, I think this might be worth keeping around for a (long) while to see if the vetiver calms down. There have been a few vetiver blends that I couldn't even stand opening while fresh, but had some potential after 6 to 12 months of aging.

 

For now, Prurience earns a 1/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: very fruity

 

Wet on Skin: Same scent as I get in the imp. Fruits - can't determine what variety (wouldn't call them dark, however).

 

While Drying: Fruits are hit or miss on me, and this one appears to be a miss. A very strong scent at this stage.

 

After a Little While: The fruits are a little softer, but I'm still not getting much amber.

 

Later: There is a slightly spicy smell (maybe the amber finally mingling with the fruits?) if I inhale deeply close to the skin. I like this stage, but the throw is minimal at this point. A little musky toward the end.

 

Final Thoughts: This has potential, but I am almost certain that this will be much better on my friend than on me, so I'll pass it along.

 

Hymn to Proserpine earns a 3.5/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: violet more than rose, very feminine

 

Wet on Skin: This is the first time violet (usually not a good note on me) has ever smelled similar to orris (usually a great note on me).

 

While Drying: Nice violet scent (!) but a bit too floral for me.

 

After a Little While: This is turning on me a bit. The orris-like violet is still present, but it is starting to be overwhelmed by a sharp and a semi-artificial scent.

 

Later: I get periodic wafts of orris-like violet, which I love, but I prefer my orris with different accompanying notes... Though I may have spoken too soon…the late drydown is gorgeous, orris with just a hint of warmth, not quite as dry as orris can be. This is worth a full-day test.

 

Final Thoughts: Medium throw. I imagine that this is very pretty on the right person… and I might actually be the right person. I may have to take violet off my don't-even-bother list.

 

Marie earns a 3.5/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: Most of the listed notes seem to be present in the imp. Well balanced, maybe a bit heady.

 

Wet on Skin: Rose geranium, plum and musk are the most prominent notes. The benzoin and jasmine are pretty subtle, and the patch is just a soft base for the rest.

 

While Drying: Rose geranium and indigo musk are still on top, sweetened slightly by the plum. The musk is a little dry for me and I wish the patchouli had a bit more presence.

 

After a Little While: A bit sweeter than in the wet stages. There is something about this that draws me in, but I can't make up my mind how much I like it.

 

Later: The fruity sweetness reminds me a bit of Lady MacBeth. Medium throw. Lasts for quite a while.

 

Final Thoughts: I think I'll have to hold on to this imp and give it a few more test runs. It will be interesting to see what happens with a bit of age. I enjoy this blend, but I'm not sure how often I would reach for it over other blends.

 

The Night-Raven earns a 3.5/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: Very woody. I think there is vetiver in here.

 

Wet on Skin: Yup, definitely vetiver. Not as harsh as it can sometimes be. There is something else here too - not menthol or eucalyptus, but something that gives a similar feel.

 

While Drying: Hmm… picking up what I think might be sandalwood, and a hint of warm musk.

 

After a Little While: Very woody and sedate. Vetiver is usually a death note on me, but here it seems to be working.

 

Later: Vetiver picks up again in the late stages, but there is a brightness behind the woody scent that adds a nice dimension.

 

Final Thoughts: After my initial misgivings sniffing the imp, this was a happy surprise. Not quite my style, but could be amazing on the right person.

 

Wolfsbane earns a 3.5/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: Ugh. Leather and vetiver.

 

Wet on Skin: Black leather. More musk and less vetiver than in the imp.

 

While Drying: Not me at all. It is an interesting scent, in spite of a bit of a chemical tinge, but none of these notes are favorites of mine.

 

After a Little While: The chemical aspect has toned down. This scent makes me think of a dance club on fetish night. Leather is dominant, with a bit of musk. The vetiver is (surprisingly) being swamped by the other notes.

 

Later: Hmm. I am somewhat intrigued by the final stage, but I'm not sure I like the beginning stages enough to justify waiting. I think I'd prefer smelling this one on someone else.

 

Iago earns a 3/5 on my skin.

In the Imp: Citrusy ozone.

 

Wet on Skin: Slightly soapy, citrusy ozone.

 

While Drying: Less soapy. Heavy citrus. No incense to speak of.

 

After a Little While: There is a sweet aspect to the citrus that might be the incense trying to get through. I like the citrus scent, but ozones just don't work on me.

 

Later: Never got any incense. Still citrusy ozone.

 

Final Thoughts: Unfortunately, all ozone scents are pretty much interchangeable on my skin. This one is nice, but not my style.

 

Nyarlathotep earns a 3/5 on my skin.

In the Bottle, WILF smells amazing - a Snake Oil vibe, plus added oomph.

Unfortunately, something went terribly wrong the second it hit my skin. I'm not sure which note(s) to blame, but I'm heartbroken that the skin scent was so vastly different from the scent in the bottle. Scent locket potential, but no more skin time for this one!

In the Bottle: Ozone

 

Wet on Skin: Ozone, slightly sweet

 

While Drying: clean ozone (but The Boy says herbal and earthy… odd, that)

 

After a Little While: ozone tending toward soapy rather than citrusy; the metalic aspect actually seems to keep the soapy aspect in check a bit

 

Later: a slightly sweet, slightly soapy ozone

 

Final Thoughts: Not my style, but could be nice on someone who likes this scent category.

Marley's Ghost earns a 2.5/5 on my skin.

Quick Summary: It gives the impression of the lingering scent one would be able to smell on oneself after snuggling up with a pipe-smoking, leather-jacket wearing man. But it doesn't smell like any of the men in my life, so I've been summarizing this as "Smells like adultery."

 

In the Bottle: sweet and slightly fruity

 

Wet on Skin: Not at all what I expected. This smells familiar (The Boy agrees) but I can't quite place it. The main scent is a slightly lemony wood (though the boy smells evergreen).

 

While Drying: The lemony scent gradually dies down. None of the other scents are really standing out. This has a comforting feel.

 

After a Little While: This is sweeter on me than it is on The Boy. It turns rather bitter on his skin. I can catch a hint of the pipe smoke now (and a bit like a cheap cherry cigar).

 

Later: It reminds me a bit of wearing my dad's jacket when I was little.

 

Final Thoughts: Leather is usually a doom note on me, but it behaves here. Linen can be hit or miss, but I'm not picking it up in this. On me, this isn't distinctly leather or smoke, but is a warm-man-scent. I like it, but it isn't anything I see myself wearing regularly.

Herr Drosselmeyer earns a 3/5 on my skin.

In the Bottle: Very boozy and slightly sweet

 

Wet on Skin: Brandy with underlying sweetness

 

While Drying: Something reminds me of Bocal de Sang for a bit - must be the booze and spices.

 

After a Little While: The Boy says it smells like baked goods. To my nose, it smells foody, but a little odd, and not really like egg nog.

 

Later: Lovely lingering subtle nutmeg; Much later, there is a skin-close but incredibly delicious, sweet, creamy scent. I wish it smelled like this from the start!

 

Final Thoughts: I have never been a huge fan of drinking egg nog, in spite of our Famous Family Recipee, but the scent in the bottle smells like real, home made egg nog, not the crummy stuff from the grocery store. Unfortunately, my skin does something odd to this scent, and I'm not patient enough to wait around for the final delicious scent.

Egg Nog earns a 2/5 during the early phases, and a 4/5 for the final scent.

I had a similar experience as several of the previous reviewers. I used three coats because two didn't seem to offer enough coverage. The polish took *forever* to dry (and was still soft until sometime the next day), and as a result, I had ended up with numerous imperfections. Hell's Belle seems to chip and wear off fairly quickly. Fortunately, being such a subtle color, the wear and tear aren't super obvious unless you get a close look.

I like the color, but I don't love it. I was hoping for a bit more of the gold shimmer. The color is a bit too subtle for my toes, and not practical for my fingers. I will probably wait until summer to wear this again, because I think frequent sunlight will improve my opinion of the color.

After the glorious perfection that is Bordello claw polish, Hell's Belle was a disappointment.

ETA: I think the quick-dry top coat someone mentioned above is a good idea for this polish.

This polish is absolutely gorgeous.

I added a bottle of this to my first Trading Post order after reading a review somewhere, and it was everything I hoped for and more. Others have done a pretty good job of describing the color. Nobody has mentioned how easy this is to apply - it just glides onto the nail. The coverage is amazing. A single coat was enough for perfect coverage. It dries quickly and the color lasts forever without chipping or wearing off. The color is a bit bold for me for use on the hands, but I usually wear polish only on my feet anyway, and it is perfect for that. I can't wait until sandal weather!

I am so glad I got a bottle of Samhain Atmo Spray!

 

When I first tried the perfume oil, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I had to "test" it about 15 times before I realized that I was obviously entranced by it. I ordered a backup of the oil the same day I ordered the atmo spray, and promptly ran out of the partial bottle of oil. The atmo spray is keeping me going while I wait for my perfume oil to arrive.

 

I don't get individual notes out of the oil or the spray, they just combine into one distinct Samhain smell (though when I get compliments on the oil, the most frequently used descriptor is "spicy"). To my nose, the atmo spray smells exactly like the oil. I've used the spray to scent bedding, a jacket, and as a room spray. My only complaint is that sheets get a slightly oily residue unless I spray from a great distance. (This is easily remedied by standing on top of my bed before scenting the sheets).

SOBO is amazingly good.
I've used it as intended, and also as an after shower/bath moisturizer, mixing a small amount of oil with unscented lotion.
My back tends to be prone to clogged pores. I enjoy using SOBO as an actual bath oil, but can't use it that way too frequently or my back starts to hate me. The previous post mentioned a scent change with hot water. I also think the scent changes a bit if I use it as a bath oil versus as a moisturizer. Fortunately I like it both ways (though for some reason I like the throw, but not sniffing close to my skin after using SOBO in the bathtub). Used with lotion, SOBO does double duty, locking in moisture (it is SOOOoooo dry here in the winter!) and providing a wonderful layering scent base. I've received so many compliments when wearing SOBO as a moisturizer.

Rocza, I would go ahead and e-mail the Lab about it now. You may just hear from them "oh, no problem, we just got one order from you," but if CCNow did screw up and send your order to the Lab twice, they would probably appreciate knowing about it as soon as possible too The earlier they hear about the potential problem, the more they can do to help you solve it.

 

I haven't used CCNow in several years, so I don't know how long they take to respond - but hopefully they will soon!

 

Good point! I hadn't considered the possibility of the lab filling an extra order. I just mailed the lab to give them a heads up.

 

ETA: The problem seems to have sorted itself out. Neither CCNow or the credit card company could explain what happened, but my records are now showing the correct totals, so I assume that either, a) CCNow sent the charge through twice, then reversed the extra, or there was a reserve placed on the card, and both the reserve and the actual charge were registered as a combined charge for a while. In any case, all is well now.

It looks like CCNow double charged me for my epic Yule order. I discovered this when my credit card company called to see if there were unauthorized transactions.

Has this happened to anyone else?

I have contacted CCNow (still waiting for a response) but I am wondering whether or not I need to contact the lab too? (I know the order confirmation says to contact CCNow for billing questions, but I am wondering if I need a bigger paper trail?)

How long does CCNow usually take to respond to billing inquiries?

Thanks!