Alice Aforethought

The spicy greenness jumps out first, but quickly mellows into a smoother scent with the orris peeking through. Before it finally disappears on me, it turns into Parma Violet sweets. It has a lovely balance between the herbal/fresh and the floral, I just wish it lasted longer. I've just twigged why it's familiar - I have Yardley's 'Orris' scent. It's the orris in Morella that lingers last of all.

First on, the patchouli positively jumps out with a juicy tang, but very quickly becomes spicy-dry, with anise-like overtones. There is a sweetness there too, and I can smell that poppy and rose there, but the rose is unlike any other BPAL rose. The sweet/floral combination here is a bit like old, 'overripe' carnations. Strangely, it reminds me of a trip to the Jorvik centre in York which recreates Viking York, where different smells are pumped out to enhance the experience. I think that's the civet doing that, a dark, musky scent but sweet and warm at the same time. I wish I could get rid of this association. Not for me, though I do actually very much love patchouli and rose, and like poppy. It's a bit too much like the 'decay' promised in the description on me. I'll try it again in two week's time, to see if there's any difference.

Now, I quite like the smell of crayons. But then, they won't let us use pens at work as it's too much responsibility and we might hurt ourselves.

I've tried all of these! Imp is patchouli with a sweet juicy edge, so unless you know she likes patchouli anyway that might not be a goer. I love Imp, it's my only 10ml (will be getting more though!) Haunted...that might be worth trying for her. It's mellow and clear, but warm. O is spiced honey and is lovely and clear, not sticky at all. I can't imagine anyone not liking O! Sin is spicy - another patchouli one. She might prefer Haunted or O if she is after the amber.

Vixen is glorious. It's like a sexier, smooth version of Sin. And Sin is very sexy and spicy. Vixen has ginger, not cinnamon, but it's well worth getting if you like the spicier blends. In Faustus, it's not really that noticeable - it's just a hint. Umbra is very, very dry. I love the darker, more resiny scents, but this was a bit to much for me to wear by itself.

Not really, Sarah - Spellbound is more musky and smooth, whereas Black Rose is sweeter, darker and more floral. They do have the rose note in common, obv, but in Spellbound it's a lot more subdued. They are both very lovely though. Hope that helps!

So, the concensus is not to use old imps even if sterilised, then? Good job I've never followed this arcane practice of decanting... I've only got one big bottle (Imp) and I'm very jealous of it!

Hello, Glampyre! 'Decanting' means that it has been poured from one bottle into another - in BPAL terms, from a 5 or 10ml bottle into an empty imp bottle. 'Tarted up' means one of the old-style imps, that had lovely frayed black raffia on them attaching the name tag. They look beautiful, but were causing delays for the Lab. The newer ones (about a month ago?) now have little sticky labels on them. I haven't decanted anything for anyone myself, but I would sterilise it with sodium metabisulphate that I use for sterilising my wine making things. I don't know what other people do though!

Unseelie would go quite well, but I'm sure I've seen two others mentioned somewhere. My love is a Gavarnie/Flowertub/Jungle fanatic, and he's going to order the scents next time...I'll go and look! ETA, it's on Page4. Spaceprostitute: No one specifically asked for this, but I got a sample of Old Amsterdam thrown in my order and the first thing I thought was Fox in the Flowers, which seems to be love or hate on the LUSH forum. I, personally like it and think it's spot on, though not as headache inducing as Fox in the Flowers. It may also satisfy those Gavarnie/Jungle people Hellesbelle: Add me to the list of people looking for Gavarnie/Flowertub/Jungle smell-a-likes. I ordered Rosalind and Water of Notre Dame in my last imps order, as they both seem to have that grassy element to them...here's hoping!

I'm currently having a related problem - I rubbed my contact lensed eye after applying. Not something to do. Thankfully, it was Zombi and not Pain!

This is like a more feminine version of Burial - the earth and leaves are there, but they are more in the background, and it is definitely sweeter. First on, the earth is prominent, with the scent of rose leaves having been rained on and partially sun-dried. This fades to a more powdery, softer rose scent that is not too sweet - instead, it has the fresh-plucked hint of Rose Red about it! The two elements complement each other very well, neither overwhelming the other.

First on, it's absolutely exquisite - a heady, strong, warm and slightly spicy (in a carnation, rather than cinnamon way) rose. Comforting and melancholy at the same time. As it dries, however, it quickly turns very sweet and light. There's still that carnationy edge to it, but a bit too sweet for me. It's lovely layered with other rose scents such as Zombi to tone down the sweetness, but still retain its quality.

I love Masquerade. Hardly a surprise, as I am a big fan of Lush's since-departed Icon - one of the reasons why I chose this imp! It is similar, but fruitier - the orange is more orange zest than orange blossom, making it tart and juicy rather than smoky and dry. It's more Icon mixed with Orange Spice soap. The patchouli is a proper 'comfy' one - if you put on patchouli and relax right back into it like me, you'll love this one. There is a deeper, clearer, spicy note behind the patchouli that goes very well with the orange - a real mulled-blood-orange scent. I will sooo be getting more of this!

This is one beautiful, elegant scent - floral without being sweet or powdery, overlying a strong base of deep, woody notes which creates a decadent whole. First on, there's a hint of something almost like leather in there - dry, spicy and oily. This lady draws herself up tall and smokes using one of those cigarette holders. She is incredibly self-assured. Later on, she relaxes a bit - she is wistful and softer, drooping a little more towards vulnerability, but she still retains that dagger in her eye, daring you to suggest otherwise. It stays incredibly well, and is a real special occasion scent when a confidence boost is needed.

The cinnamon in this one is a warm, vital addition to the luxurious sandalwood, while the amber (which I don't always get on with) binds it into a heady mixture which is ever so slightly sweet. This is foody, but more in a gloopy drinking way than eating something hard and biscuity - it reminds me of dark cinnamon cordial to add to mulling wine. It has very good staying power, and has something alive and energising about it - very good if you're feeling down!

I love this! The juniper is strongest at first, but fades to reveal the patchouli and myrrh. This is a robust and selfcontained scent which has a dark earthy dryness, with a hint of gin from the juniper. Fierce summer sun, dark shadows. Anyone who likes patchouli should love this.

This is proper leafmould in mixed woodland, the sunlight coming through the high branches, as me and my dad put it in sacks as mulch for the garden on a dry summer's day! First on, the juniper is very potent, and all but drowns out the earth element. As it dries down, however, it fades into the background a little more so that bitter sap and rustle peeks through. It's quite dry, but with a pungent sharpness from the juniper to round it out a little and make it fresh. It has a hint of floral, but in such a way as to smooth and flatter the other comonents, rather than be sugary. Very subtle and gentle as it dries and whisps away, a touch of the fragility of true beauty; beautiful because it fades and decays.

This is a spicy, creamy scent that is pure pumpkin pie. Enough said, really! I can't wear it as perfume (foody smells just make me feel hungry!) but it will make a fabulous room scent. This would be perfect when selling a house - put this in the oilburner! Warm, comforting smells agogo.

This is beautiful. Rich and complex, yet still fresh and clean. The violet here is completely at home and natural, with the neroli providing a brighter face but never overwhelming. It is sweet, yes, but in a floral, not a sugary way, with that hint of darkness keeping it from being at all cloying. I think this is my favourite of all Beth's violet scents. I'm in love!

I love this, before it dries. There is an intense yet still sense, with a perfect balance between the myrrh and violet, and the lily of the valley rich and complex and very elegant. However, on drydown, there's a smell like curry on my skin! As much as I like curry, I'd rather not wear it. A beautiful and haunting scent, but my skin doesn't like it. Maybe one for a locket!

Imperious and impulsive...to me it's mostly smooth, sharp spice with a little frankincense underneath, and cool violet gliding smoothly above. It is very sexy - out of all the violet scents I've tried, this one is the deepest, and most exhilarating and alive. This would be perfect for cold, rainy November days in front of a fire, but you'd still get the draught and shiver of the rain on the windows.

Wow. Green and mossy, yet deep and sweetly floral at the same time. This violet isn't shy and retiring, it has turned into an ivy-violet, creeping almost imperceptively upwards, and then rampaging with an unseemly strength amongst the twisted undergrowth, only halting at the edges where the sunlight filters through. There's an almost giddy feel to this one, the violet exhilarating and soporific at the same time, with the bitter, clear vetiver providing an unusual backdrop.

There's a dark fruitiness in this one that reminded me of blackcurrant chewy sweets - it's dark, fruity and juicy all at the same time. It's a little sweet, but not too much so. It's like looking through a glass of low alcohol wine - it has that same clarity and strength of bright colour, all cheery and bright but not giddy However, I get strange smell associations with this one, though I like it and it's a good wearable, adaptable scent for day or night - I get the sharp, dry smell of the empty coal bucket, and an almost plastic air to it too. My wierd nose.

This makes me smile, because it reminds me a bit of home. I come from the North Yorkshire Moors, with bilberries and then the moor top less than five minutes (very steep) walk away from my old house. But this scent isn't my moor, with its rugged, fierce, bleak beauty, but a gentler, tamed, rolling moor sleepy in the hazy evening sunlight. It is a sweet scent with a lovely deep, rounded quality to it which calms that tendency into something slightly wistful. Every time I think the scent has disappeared from my skin, another faint waft emerges - it has a subtle staying power that surprises.

I ordered this as I love Imp (peach and patchouli.) This is like Imp's sweeter, cheekier younger sister. Instead of Imp's love of the mysterious and the come-hither sideways look, Depraved calmly steps up and gives a big grin. First on, anyway - as it dries down, she becomes more earthy. It is sensual but direct. This lass want her tumble, and she's chosen you lol! There's more of a dry kick of myrrh or something about this one to its fuzzy firm fruit, rather than the slightly overripe headiness and juiciness of Imp. Depraved goes so well with my body chemistry, I think I actually prefer her to Imp! And I love Imp!