gloame

Wow, weird and super interesting! It's very herby and it kind of reminds me of Tiger Balm, but not hot. All cold. I really like this.

Ohh. I feel like I finally picked out what ylang ylang smells like, despite having it in dozens of blends that I've tried before. This is a white floral, but not the sneezy kind. The neroli is faint, as is the patchouli. I didn't think I'd like this at first, but I do. Very interesting and pretty.

Soft, low throw, a definite sniffer. Oddly, this goes a little soapy on me. It's not soap soap, but there's this hint. I'm confused because sandalwood, champaca, leather, and resin are usually all A+ winners for me, and I love coconut IRL. I like this, but I don't love it.

This goes rather bubblegum on me when wet, which I suspect is the peony and kumquat together (because Tweedledee went bubblegum on me too and it had kumquat, but it's not entirely a citrus bubblegum). As it dries down, it's much less gummy, but I think it could do with some ageing to firm it up a bit more.

This is very distinguished. It could go unisex, but it's still light and creamy enough for even ladies who like girlier blends. What stands out to me the most is the creamiest of the blend, the cashmere. It smells like a warm sweater feels. Makes me sigh happily.

The patchouli goes a bit tangy on me and stays that way. It's really interesting. Not bad, but unexpected. Soft, warm, amber, tangy patchouli. After aging for a few months (6/17 and again 7/12) this feels like it has a watery-bubblegum vibe like I sometimes get with violet blends. No idea what's causing it. It's soft and sweet floral. Not sure I love.

 

Where I'd wear this: Pussy rallies

So soft and warm. It is a bit quirky, but unlike certain tweets, it makes me happy. I would wear it daily, but I didn't give it 5 stars because it disappeared on me pretty quick.

I didn't love this at first. When it was wet, it was very freesia and very soap, BUT JUST WAIT. Give it 15-20 minutes and it softens into something very lovely. I swear there's a bit of lemon in here with the honey, almost like tea in the springtime. Very lovely choice for anyone wanting to present themselves as sunshine bright, feminine, and quirky.

Bottle straight from the Lab. When it first came in, I did a quick test and was hit with this huge whiff of vomit. I washed it off right away. It sat for a few weeks and now doesn't have as much of a vomit smell when I open it now. On dry down, the sickly scent fades completely and it's a light resin-y, incense-y, floral. It's much prettier to me now, but it doesn't stand out as anything spectacular on my skin. I agree that it does have a medieval vibe.

All juniper all day. Since I'm on a juniper blend streak, I'll compare it:

 

Theoi Nomioi: is softer, more cedar, more amber

Thanatopsis: is greener, chewier, more juniper

Arkham: is sweeter and greener

 

This reminds me of a log cabin in the springtime. It's sharp and brighter than I expected for a juniper scent. I know there's supposed to be amber in here, and usually I can pick out amber a mile away, but I'm not getting any on my skin. I also can usually pick out leather a mile away, and none of that either. I'm honestly kind of disappointed. :/ I was hoping for something that would remind me of my first Lab favorite, Arkham, but newp.

 

Low throw, medium wear.

 

Not a favorite, but it's nice in its own way.

I got this as a frimp in the same order as Theoi Nomioi and there's a definite resemblance at first sniff. Both are sharp, green, chewy pine. Almost like you can squish the seeping sap between your fingers and roll it up into little balls.

 

This is super clean and green. It smells like open windows and spring cleaning. It's fresh and beautiful, but not something I'd wear. It would make a very nice room scent.

 

If you miss Theoi Nomioi, this is a good alternative, but I think Theoi is prettier.

In my eternal quest for a magnolia blend, I ordered an imp of this with my Lupers.

First sniff, it's tangy and brighter than I expected, although not exactly a 'bright' scent. I think that I just have to accept that mandarin (or any orange note) just overwhelms everything else on me and I need to stop trying. I can barely detect some oleander underneath, but it's mostly all orange to my nose.

This isn't my magnolia blend.

I think I finally understand what y'all mean when you say a tobacco note is "chewy". This does smell like you could chew on it! It feels more 'solid' maybe. Deep and brown. IDK if I'm getting the bay rum - it's all tobacco to me - but it's really interesting and delightful. I'm so glad I ordered an imp of this. I'm going to let it age a while and see what happens to that rum.

ETA: After aging, it has the beautiful soft tobacco-ness of Orgy with Nine Women. LOVE.

Where I'd wear this: Holiday in Cuba, walking through a market town.

I ordered an imp of this with my Lupers purchase.

 

At first, it reminded me a lot of ladies' restroom liquid soap. And then it didn't remind me of anything because I couldn't find it after 15 minutes. :/

I really wanted to love this one, but it kept going sour on my skin. I was also hoping for more champaca, but it didn't show up for me. Probably just my chemistry -- I suspect this will smell great on others.

A surprise favorite! It's indeed very resin-y, which I love, but it smells very green. Not fern-y/fougere green, but *alive* green. I don't know what Mage this is modeled after, but it reminds me more of a Druid.

 

ETA where I'd wear it: When I'm studying magic

This is so spunky. The most playful evil. Not your typical Irish Springs, but there is a touch of it in the background. Really unique and worth trying!

 

Where I'd wear this: Brewing potions with Grandmama Addams

I like this one better than The Sea Foams Blood. It's smoother and sweeter, with less of a bite. There's an undercurrent of coconut, and overall a creamy citrus, with just a touch of sea water.

First sniff: green lemons. Second sniff... can't find it. It faded fast.

Smells green and clean. No idea what the notes are! Also smells kinda cold.