Nia

I agree with everything except the last line That is: this blend smells very strongly of melon. Up to now, I have tried many BPAL blends with a note that I classified as "melon-candy". Earth Rat, Fairy Market, Dian's Bud... this is the first time that a blend smells of real, fresh melons. To me, that's not a bad thing as it is fresh enough to use in summer. This is the OX: Peony, bamboo, plum blossom, tangerine, orange, lychee, pine resin, kumquat, quince, narcissus, King mandarin, peach blossom, oakmoss, plum, tobacco, dragon's blood. And the RAT: Peony, bamboo, plum blossom, tangerine, lychee, orange, pine resin, golden kumquat and quince, narcissus and King mandarin, coconut, candied melon, dragon's blood. There isn't a lot of difference, so I guess that unless you're a collector, or the greatest fan of fruity scents, you're not going to really appreciate the differences. To me, the ox is simply fresher than the rat, and the rat is just a bit sweeter. I'm glad to have a bottle of each, but then, I haven't tried a fruity BPAL I didn't love.

This blend is one of my greatest disappointments. It's ok, it's pleasant, but less than the sum of its parts. I just don't get it: myrtle appears in some of my favourite blends (Aglaea! Wanda! Brisingamen!!), pomegranate has a very distinct smell, "aquatic" shouldn't smell perfumey... and that's what I get, just a generic floral. Off to the swap pile.

I'm a big fan of lotus scents and Undertow is probably my favourite, because I can wear it in more occasions than the rest. I amp up lotus, which can become bubblegum-like on me if it's surrounded by any other sweet note. Besides, it lasts forever and ever. So, lotus blends are definitely not work-safe (I'm surrounded by teens and I want to smell like an authority figure, not like a candy shop!). Here, the lotus becomes much milder and certainly aquatic thanks to the mint and the juniper. I have no idea of how juniper normally smells because it is too often combined with cedar, cypress, patchouli or dirt/soil/loam/earth, notes that don't work on me at all. So, here, the usual dark and sober character of juniper is perfectly balanced with the happy, sweet lotus, with mint for freshness. A perfect sweet/herby balance. If you don't like aquatics but you like BPAL descriptions and you want something related to water or the sea, this is perfect.

Reading this recomendations I find out that I have been a chypre fan without knowing! Aelopile: a sexy, classy man's blend. Very woody and slightly spicy. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn: it really smells like a forest. If this is chypre, other scents in a similar line are Robin Goodfellow, Oberon, Black Annis, maybe Hamadryad (I can't really say as my skin hates cedar), maybe Burial (strong on the patchouli), and maybe Caliban (like a forest.... near a beach). Oakmoss & musk = Crowley. (it has very strong musk). Also, = Salome. Faiza is wonderful. Do yourself a favour and buy a bottle. It is the most unclassifiable smell in the whole catalogue. Floral? Fruity? Herby? Spicy? I would only recommend The Emathides if you like lavender very much. No. 93 Engine is nice but the frankincense is probably the most dominant note. If Vicomte de Valmont is chypre, I guess tat then Casanova is too. Valmont is cleaner, Casanova is sexier (it must be the leather). St Germain = amber & moss. It's very much on the Valmont / Casanova line. Fae might smell too fruity to feel chypre, and at least in my case it didn't last more than a few seconds. Pollution smells very fresh. It is probably the freshest of all the scents in this post. Have fun sampling!

Is there a fashion style you have been lusting over? Not really. I always think that fashionable clothes won't look good on me. Well actually, I really wanted a new Gujarati dress and also a mauve sweater and I just got both. I would love new shoes but I see nothing I like. Favourite artists or art styles? Klimt, the classic Spanish ones, impressionism (Monet, Toulouse Lautrec and Van Gogh in that order), anything that has to do with Glasgow / Scotland. What I like the most about modern / abstract art is sculpture. What magic superpower? Multiplying myself. Necklaces or bracelets? Earrings. What do you want from the Lupercalia update? I asked for everything in a decant circle because right now I don't want to look carefully at the whole list for days, pick three or four very slowly.... I'm suprised at how many nice things this update had. No Bony Moon for me though - cedar and I don't get on. How often does untested BPAL work on you? According to my database, I have tried 388 scents, of which I have swapped 133 away. I gave away 13 others to The Boy. That means that about 80% works well. Having said that; I only swap away the absolute disasters. Do you like mythical/fantastical creatures? Which ones? I love mythologies, but I tend to prefer creatures with a name and a role in a story (say, Greek gods). I must be the only person in the whole forum who is not very interested in fairies. Incense: I'm curious about the handmade, thick sticks. I like experiments and I prefer warm scents. Candles: I like to use them, so I hate candles that don't burn properly (decorative candles that melt badly). Disney: I think I'm the average person of my generation (I'm 31). I loved Disney classics as a Christmas treat, and then I grew out of it. I still like some of the classics, particularly musicals (Mary Poppins, Snow White and Fantasia are probably the only Disney classics I wouldn't mind watching this evening). I have no interest in any Disney post-Beauty and the Beast, excluding Pixar. Who is your favorite villain of all-time? Phew.... It's hard to choose. I owe some letters after my name to Sikes and Mr Murdstone, so let's say them. And Iago. And Richard III. And Humbert Humbert. And Desire in Sandman. And every character in Trainspotting. On different ways to scent a room: for some reason, I don't like the idea of room sprays, but maybe I haven't found the right one yet. Some scented candles give me headaches so I'm scared of them, in general. I like to scent plain candles with BPAL (my favourite decadent way to use up old imps). The Boy loves incense; I like it. If you could subscribe to every magazine you wanted, money no object, what would your list of magazines that would decorate your coffee table be? I think that the same magazines I mention in the original questionnaire: the English editions of Good Housekeeping and Marie Claire, Good Food, may be something else about food or feminism. Do you speak any languages besides English? How fluent are you? Would you be interested in literature in a foreign laguage - phrase books, fiction, childrens stories? Spanish is my native language. My English is good enough to look native, most of the time. I can read in French but I don't like it. I want to be able to read in German and I would love any Michael Ende books to do that, especially the Neverending Story; or other children's books; or cookbooks. Keyrings? I have four different sets of keys: school, home, car, second set for the same car. Only the Home ones have a keyring. How do you feel about winter-themed but not really holiday type decorations? Things like snowflakes and fake icicles and the like? They will probably be really pretty, but my currrent home has yellow walls and my Christmas tree is decorated in gold and black. Do you have a personal 'Good Luck' charm? Maybe you have a goddess figure to remind you of your Inner Goddess, or maybe you have a beautiful Cross to represent your faith...Or maybe you wear a Hand of Fatimah for protection....That kind of thing. I don't have one, yet. I don't wear the same jewelry every day, or use the same handbag. I'm a Christian but I don't like the Cross as an ornament (it is an instrument of torture after all). I have an altar of sorts with several tiny Nativity scenes. If you were to attend Hogwarts, into which House would you be sorted? Ravenclaw, the House of Geeks. Would you be interested in some knitted wire jewelry, like this? Yes, absolutely. This is kind of a getting-to-know-you-type-thingie, but I always find it illuminating--what's on your computer desktop? Images? Color scheme? A Jessica Hagy cartoon: http://thisisindexed.com/2007/04/verbs-of-being/ http://bp3.blogger.com/_FBXGhy-QmVw/Rh8aMA...0-h/card795.JPG I began using it because I needed the motivation. I haven't changed it because I like the relatively empty background for my fish, animal, and LOTR icons What do you collect...besides BPAL? If "collect" means "accumulate, even if you use it up", jewelry, tea, silk scarves, gloves (people keep giving me gloves because I always lose them), tea, spices, candles... I try not to hoard things too much as I try not to become my parents (mother: impulse buyer, comfort shopper, and hoarder; father: hoarder). Anyone a fan of Goddess art? Yes. Anyone else a Luis Royo fan? No. What are your favorite websites (i.e., the ones you visit every day, or almost every day)? I'm subscribed to about forty blogs: the most informative ones in the Spanish belly dance scene, the American "Bellydance Paladin", and then, American feminist ones: Feministe and Shakesville. I don't like Feministing for some reason. How do you feel about Lush? Anything you want to try? I love Lush but I hate their new soap base (the one with rapeseed oil). I don't use bath-only products, ever. How do you feel about home made lip balm, salt or sugar scrubs, soap, bath salts, etc? Yay! if you were to receive a hand-knitted item, what color(s) would you prefer AND are there any types of yarn that you just cannot handle (e.g. wool, llama, etc.) Nothing scratchy. The only colours I dislike are yellow (yes, the house is painted yellow but I don't have any yellow clothes) and all shades of brown. What is one REALLY expensive, completely outrageous thing you would LOVE to get but totally don't expect to ever get from anyone? Maybe jewelry. Maybe a trip to New York including a retreat in a monastery near Poughkeepsie. Do you like coffee mugs? Travel or stay at home? How big? Do you like ones from Starbucks? I like the standard, 250 cl (half-pint) size, and I like them colourful, decorated. Pretty ones. Not Starbucks. Do you like tea? What kinds of tea (green, red, white, black, decaf, herbal infusions)? Feel free to get specific on brands and tea types. Loose or bagged? Do you need any kind of tea accessories? Pots/cozys/presses/strainers? No accesories needed. My favourite American brand is Celestial Seasonings (except the blends with carob and chicory). I like flavoured and strong black tea for breakfast, flavoured green, plain green, white and herbal teas during the day. Sometimes I have English Breakfast. I'm a great fan of Les Palais du Thé, a French Franchise. I like loose tea (to choose strenght myself as I cannot use a bag and a half!) and herbal in bags (for convenience). What is your favorite hot chocolate or drinking chocolate? Do you need Vegan or no? It must be either Colacao or thick cocoa made from a bar and cooked. I'm Spanish: I may not drink it often, but this is a question of national pride. Do you need any decanting supplies? Pipettes? Vials? How about any wand caps? Roller bottles? Some spray bottles (for oils mixed with alcohol?) Pippettes and wandcaps would be fantastic. I wanted to ask a question: are there any rare (or even uber-rare) scents that you'd really like to try? The original 13. Does your forum name have a special significance? Refer to something or someone you admire? Reflect your interests? It is the name I use with foreign people, as they get very confused when they hear my real name, Eugenia (eh-oo-hen-ja). Then it became my online name. And because most bellydancers know me online before meeting me, it is also my bellydance name. I have another easily searchable online nick, laguiri ("the foreign woman", in the local slang). I'm a national, but my friends call me guiri because I have lived for long periods in English-speaking countries. What's your favorite texture? Crunchy! What's one luxury item you want to pamper yourself with but haven't yet? Any BPTP; Villainess whipped. I have tried the Villainess Smooch only once and I would love more. Do you prefer arm warmers to the wrist, to the base of the fingers, or half fingered? half-fingered. Any favorite cartoon characters? Disney, Sanrio, etc? Mafalda. Are there any witchy type supplies you're in need of, or would like to try etc.? Herbs, smudge sticks, resins, tarot/oracle cards, incense burners, pretty tools, stuff like that? I think I need the books about Wicca and paganism on my wishlist, and a ritual knife. In that order. I'm open to other tools, herbs, etc. but not to anything that may be used for seeing the future. On nut intolerance - does it include things like almond/coconut oil bases and essential oils in perfume oils, skincare products, scented candles and the like? I'm not intolerant to any food that I know of. Well, raw bananas give me heartburn, but you're not going to send me bananas, are you? If you are a fan, who were your favorite Buffy and Angel characters? NOT a fan. Do you like Shakespeare? Which plays? Yes, I like him although I like my poetry short. Maybe my favourite play by him is Othello. Maybe. Question for the Class: Favorite Musical? I love Gene Kelly with teenage passion. How do you like your chocolate? White, milk, bittersweet, as dark as possible? Plain, with flavoring, with chunks of stuff in? Fairly traditional, or weird and experimental? I like it posh, dark or extremely good quality milk, Fair Trade preferred. Chunks of stuff? chocolate-coated marzipan, combinations of chocolate and toffee, dark choc and ginger. I miss Thornton's less sickly sweet inventions, and Green and Blacks. Favorite animals? Least favorite? Faves: Tigers, penguins, butterflies. If I had to attribute to them human qualities tigers are sexy, penguins are happy families, butterflies are simply decorative. Least favorite? apart from the usual insects, seals. And I'm not a big fan of pets. How do you feel about Heifer International? Or do you have other favorite charities not mentioned in your application? I am concerned about whether the money we give to charities is well spent. I sponsor a child in India and the causes I care about the most are childhood, women's rights and food-related causes, so on a superficial look the Heifer International website seems good. So for all witches of the shimmying types- would you like tassel belts/jingle belts/ ect and if so, how big are your hips? Interesting!! My hips are about 39 inches. I don't like coin belts. I don't like coins (they break the thread), and I'm open to anything else, including tribal. I have a big problem with tops: I want to wear a real bra underneath the dance top, so my choices for clothes are restricted to dresses and cholis. What are 3 places that you'd like to visit, or re-visit? Glasgow (again), New York City (again), Finland (haven't gne there yet) Literary erotica. Who doesn't love it? I'm picky. Are you planning on buying anything off your BPAL wishlist during the round? Do you read graphic novels/comics? Which ones? Yes. Neil Gaiman, like everyone else. Guy Delisle, Marjane Satrapi, and stuff in Spanish you've never heard of. Which witches would want Bpal boxes? Or imp cases? I have just run out of space in my two boxes to keep bottles.... I don't know if that means I need another box, or selling off stuff. How about a short - or longer - piece of fanfic? That would be fun! What is the weirdest and/or most practical thing you are not buying for yourself right now? The thing that you probably should be buying, but have been putting off in lieu of something else? Unusual: a bellydance bra. Practical: a dryer. Would you like handmade piece of calligraphy as a gift? I'm not sure. What jewelry are you wearing now? What jewelry do you wear everyday-or do you change jewelry all the time? Right now I have gold little balls on my ears because my right ear's piercing is a bit sore and I don't have anything more original in gold. And a silver ring with a biggish moonstone. Boxes, baskets, etc.? Again, not sure. Chia Pet, do you need one? I'm not good with plants. Houseplants and/or things to put them in: thoughts? I'm trying to make three plants survive. If they're still alive in February, I'll sow seeds of edible stuff. Do you like baskets, jars and other interesting containers? Filled or Empty? I'm not sure. Who are your forum friends, person or people your witch can contact for ideas? The two people that know me best here are probably Baitu and Lilirose. What cartoons did you grow up watching? Any animated shows you still watch? I was more a muppet person than a cartoon person: Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, La Bola de Cristal (no, you don't know that one). Do you like honey? Will you like to try creamy honey with black sesame or with cinnamon powder? I love honey, but wouldn't it be too heavy for you to post all the way to Spain? What is the biggest problem or sad thing in your life? Of course, I mean the saddest or worst thing you can confess here. Chronic pain. It's mild, but I'm terrified it will get worse. Also, the constant feeling that I don't have enough time to do everything I need to do... and stupidly, the one thing I keep postponing is exercising (vital for my health). And.... what fashion item or style do you like, but never wear? Belts. I love obis, and all sorts of decorated belts in theory, but I'm relatively short and I have no waist to speak of (measures on a bad day: 100-80-100 = 40-32-40), so I think they don't look good on me. Do you like to cook? if so, what? Would you like things like spices, cookbooks, recipes, tips? Yes, anything, yes. The only spices I don't like are hot peppers. I love Christmas music even though I'm pagany -- how about you? I love Christmas, and Christmas music. Anyone else have a sudden and unexpected favorite BPAL lately? A craving for lavender! And, is there a rose & lavender scent??? It's cold outside - what are your favorite drinks to keep yourself warm and cozy? My own chai blend, scented black tea, tea with a shot of whisky. Colacao (drinking chocolate / cocoa mixes are probably the worst gift you could send me: a Spanish childhood means I won't drink anything but colacao). Would my potential Witchee be up for some music stuff they'd never heard before if they couldn't understand the words? I think my questionnaire implies the answer, which is yes. What kind of candy/sweet treat would you like to receive? I'm not sure there is any food I wouldn't like. Would you personally rather get handmade jewelry or the beads to make something yourself? Something made would be lovely because it's coming from you. I would like beads if they are very original, you know, things like decorated Murano glass. Speaking of which, how many Browncoat witches do we have?? And if you are, would you be interested in getting a Kaylee parasol? If not, would you be interested in getting a paper parasol hand painted with your favorite colors? Ermmm... no, thanks. D&D/roleplay? No. Which witches would like hair accessories: clips, scrunchies, hairsticks, headscarves, etc? My hair is long, and thick, I want it even longer, and I have never had the talent to do pretty things with it. icon_sad.gif I do wear lots of different clips, etc and I tend to prefer hairdos that keep it outr of my face. I need elastic bands, or scrunchies, or something like that, that is thick and soft but in colours that go well with my work clothes (dark red, black, very light green, any shade of blue....) it is very hard to find scrunchies that don't go horribly bad with formal clothes. Hand beaded jewellery, yay or nay? Yes!! To make up for the fact that I probably won't be able to send my witchee homebaked goodies, will Tim Tams in any number of varieties be an acceptable replacement? Food is good. Is there any time during the holidays (or the rest of the round) when you'll be away from home for a significant period and it'd be best not to send anything by mail? not really. Cat hair? not a problem. Who (of course excluding Schackjj ) would like a pair of handknit socks? Size? Color preference? Cabled, ribbed (for your pleasure), stranded colorwork, etc.? I wear conservative black socks to work, but something thick and warm to be at home would be nice (stone floor, no carpet!). My boyfriend would love them more than me - he has huge feet, I think his American size is 12. Would you like to receive ATCs (artist trading cards) or would you prefer something more usable, like bookmarks or something? I've never seen ATCs, but what I see online sounds good. What witch would like a cloak? I have too many coats already. Since we're talking about warm winter wearables, who likes hats? Mittens? Arm warmers? a hat would be nice, specially something like a beret. Other stuff sounds good too. If your witch were to send you cookies, what kind of cookies would you like? I don't like very rich and oily things. I am more used to (European style) biscuits. When I lived in the States, I liked oatmeal and raisin cookies, and the ones with Smarties, and I didn't like peanut butter or white chocolate ones. I don't know if carrot cake transports well but I love that. Who likes tshirts? What about homemade tshirts? Painted or printed? It sounds nice. I just bought Maple Syrup and Candy from this website. Another question! How does everyone feel about steampunk? Is that stuff like The Difference Engine? I hate William Gibson, but my boyfriend loved that book. So, question all- how do people feel about unusual ornaments? As in, for holidays other than Christmas? As long as it's not Halloween.... I don't like Halloween very much.

Scent: Ouroboros has a fresh, citrussy beginning, and when it dries (on skin) or warms up (candle, etc), vetiver comes out. It doesn't smell in a way that could pass as perfume; you could anoint yourself or an amulet in White Light and just get about your day, but I don't think you'd want to do that with Ouroboros. Use: I have used it a couple of times to make spiritually and ritually mine an object previously used and "charged" by another person, in one ritual to end a bad habit, and in another ritual to give an end to several months of on-and-off illness. The first ritual didn't really work; I didn't focus enough, wasn't ready, or didn't have the right intentions. The second ritual.... I did it a couple of days ago. I anointed a candle, did work related to my health such as stretching for more than an hour, wishing the pain away, anointed my chakras and all pain points and took a long shower with a soap that was a get-well gift. The ritual was supposed to involve only me, but the next day, a problem in my relationship with my partner came to a head and exploded. So, now two problems, and two phases in our lives, are over. On the one hand, my health is a lot better. A lot. Overnight. On the other hand, the undercurrent of discomfort in our life as a couple is hopefully over. So, my conclusion is that Ouroboros works best in concentrated, somewhat ellaborate ritual and it can have effects in more areas in your life than the one you are concentrating in. In my experience, its use on its own it is not enough to overcome addictions or change bad habits.

My first impression is that it smells like a forest. I asked for a ml in a decant circle for the name alone, because I was scared of the pine smelling synthetic, medicinal, or like house cleaner, but fortunately it is not like that at all! The warm and sweet ingredients control and balance the pine. When it's completely dry, the pine almost disappears and what remains is extremely evocative of a forest. I love linden tea and this smells quite a lot like it. The feel is similar to Robin Goodfellow and Oberon, or like Yggdrasil without cedar.

I wanted so much to like this blend, but after a initial, brief explosion of orange, there's just a strong, medicinal, bitter smell. The final result is orange-flavoured cough syrup. Horrible.

Just a word of warning in case someone is ever in my situation. I don't have sensitive skin and I don't have a problem with any BPAL ingredient, except maybe repeated use of blends with lemongrass. The other day, I put on some Erato or Chuparosa, I can't remember which. And late that day, I went to a shiatsu session in which the therapist applied moxibustion (local heat). After a while, I had a swollen, itchy red track on the areas of skin where I had applied perfume. It lasted for three days. So, remember: BPAL and local heat don't mix.

Out of the blends with apple or apple blossom in the lab's description, I have tried almost all of them: Brisingamen, Desire, Lilium Inter Spinas, Ladon, Delirium, Hesperides, Agrat-bat-mahlaht, Coral Snake, Eve, Terpsichore (discon), and Eden. Verdandi and Mock Turtle lesson are probably the only GC with apple I haven't tried yet. Nothing beats Ladon. Lovely, spicy apples with a hint of caramel.

I know there are threads for cooling scents, citrussy scents and relaxing scents. I hope this thread isn't a duplicate, as I'm looking for suggestions about an intersection of those. I love to wear perfume when I go to bed, but it's really hot in here (we are hitting 100 F before noon and afternoons easily reach 110, nights around 80) and all I can think of is lemony, herbal stuff. Things that would no doubt wake me up if I wear them in bed. I don't have any lavender blends around, and something like TKO "feels" too hot right now! Do you have any recommendations of oils that feel fresh and relaxing? ETA: I would use Catherine if I hadn't run out, and Belladonna would be good but not with my skin chemistry.

I find that Long Night Moon is the only perfume I've ever tried that smells of night-blooming jasmine, which to me is the exact smell of summer nights. Yvaine is also a good pictre of a quiet, clear night. Like an airier Zorya.

This is my Carnival wishlist: Gennivre; Hyson tea leaf, pale mint, sugar cane, orange blossom, lemongrass, and honey. Xanthe: Guava, orange peel, white pepper, spun sugar and apple blossom. Candy butcher: Dark chocolate with a heavy cream undertone. Theodosius: Earl Grey tea leaves, a white fougere, jasmine leaf, pearlescent white musk, and vanilla bean. Zarita: white carnation, iris, orange blossom, and sugared cream. Agrat-bat-mahlaht Amber, cream accord, white honey, apple blossom, skin musk, caramel, and teak. Daiyu: Moroccan jasmine, chrysanthemum, tea leaf, white musk, and acai berry. Eisheth Zenunim: Honey, ambergris, neroli, white peach, patchouli, and cocoa absolute. Gwyneth Rose otto, tonka, orchid, Calla lily, skin musk, coconut, and Spanish sage. Torture Queen. White amber, vanilla musk, white tea, ambergris, gardenia, and chrome. The carnival will be over in roughly six weeks. At the time, I won't be able to justify spending $200 in perfume, so I need to reduce this list. Can you tell me which of these are similar enough to a GC scent, or too similar among each other, in order to leave them out? For example: is Theodosious too similar to Dorian?

More Bell eh-pock, I think. I'll give a try to explaining l'heure verte. Try to say "leg vegt". But the E in "leg" is long and you round your lips. And for both G's, give the sound some... extra vibration. as if you were trying to say gggg and a rolling R at the same time.

Cordelia: lilac, lemon, green tea, wisteria, osmanthus, white cedar, and Chinese musk. I find that lemon and green tea amp each other, and who knows how sweet and creamy lilac and musk will turn on you. I hate Delirium, but it does smell lemony. You could layer this one. Embalming Fluid is soft, and good for layering. Twedledee: Kumquat, white pepper, white tea and orange blossom. Smells exactly like lemon cream pie on me.

wow, what a lot of quick suggestions! Thanks!

It's very, very nice, althou I don't detect any of the ingredients. Like others, I must be amping up the lilac, and a lot, because everything else is blending discreetly as the lilac's background.

Bottled Tarte Tatin. Sorry the review is so short, but honestly, it's bottled Tatin. Maybe Tarte Tatin duing really dirty, sexy stuff on a Teak Table.

The first review nails it: this is a feminine and Asian Dorian. The acai berry makes it smell very fruity. The overall impression suggests lotus.

I can't believe that this combination of amazing, unusual ingredients turns into a simple, nice, generic fresh. no coconut, tonka, or sage, just lilly-orchid-rose, more or less in that order. It's nice, but not worth buying. Thanks a lot to ahania for the partial!

Wet, there is a wonderful mixture of foody and floral. Maybe it's the beewax or the nectarine that makes it initially very sweet. Then, it settles into a nice-but-generic-floral. And then it fades, and that's all. It's ok, but I'm glad I got just a decant.

This was the blend that taught me, in a clear but painful way, that I amp up red musk in a way that kills any other element in a blend. It annoyed me, because the ingredient list sounds fantastic, but I get a little herby-chocolate flash and then it's red musk all the way. Sigh. At least I found out with a GC imp and not with a rare and much sought after LE.

Thanks, Nia. Wow, we've got a lot more than I thought we had. I added your take on Anthelion to the first post. Not sure what other BPALs have gardenia, though, so I wasn't sure what to put up with White Light. MV I make that comparison from fresh live gardenias, not from a perfume . There are many blends with gardenia as a note: http://www.bpal.org/search/index.php?term=...=1&search=1 I have tried eight out of thirty and none smell remotely close. I have hopes for Pepper (which I haven't tried yet).

Two discoveries: Anthelion is, to my nose, a sweet lavender. TKO is a creamy lavender. They have a very close "bedtime scent" feel. I think that gardenia is the most dominant flowery / sweet note in White Light.

People, there is a TAL /GC recommendations thread over here: http://www.bpal.org/index.php?showtopic=31901