perfume

Demeter Fragrances ½ oz. Purse Spray

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Demeter Fragrances now offers a half-ounce purse spray for girls who can't have just one, need variety, and find it impossible to make up their minds. With over one-hundred scents to select from, the small size is in this case a positive—these petite cylinders are both portable and convenient. At a reasonable ten bucks per "flavor," you can choose to reek of anything from angelfood to ylang ylang (a much-missed pal once had an allergic reaction to some ylang ylang in a massage oil, and the subsequent rash... nevermind). They do not use unnecessary packaging, and they don't test on critters.

Demeter has always appealed to me because they're willing to offer a scent of the unconventional, the suggestion that females need not be "sugar and spice and everything nice." The world also contains bamboo, beet root, black pepper, dry champagne, cypress, dust, hay, smoke, lobster (everyone: read David Foster Wallace's collection of essays Consider the Lobster while listening to “Rock Lobster” by the B-52s) and smoke and tobacco. What is the scent of a feminist? You get to choose. Their plain label and basic design also always struck me as a pleasant respite from some of the insulting fairy-tale frippery the pervades the fragrance industry. Wear Demeter to smell good in a variety of ways, either scent du jour or eau de moment: this purse size slides conveniently into bookbag, backpack, or pocket.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, May 12th 2009

Kasia Perfume Oil

admin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:12:00 +0000

By VMagique

Vanilla-infused Kasia is musky, warm, sweet, and sensual. What’s not to like? It’s the perfect understated scent to wear with jeans or to dab on a drop or two before leaving for work. You’ll smell spiffy for a few hours, and it won’t send people fleeing from the elevator like the heavier, “old lady” perfumes.

Vanilla scents are highly popular and when you take a whiff of Kasia it’s likely that you’ll think, “I’ve smelled this scent somewhere before.” Wearing it won’t make you smell unique and special, but it’s a nice and elegant scent for daily use. It’s also a bit pricy. $54 for a .50 oz bottle is steep when you consider that there are less expensive versions of musky vanilla fragrances at brick and mortar stores and online venues like Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. But if you’re flush with a few extra dollars, and you adore vanilla-based musky scents, go for it! Wear it to Starbucks and you’ll smell great while you’re sipping your latte.

Written by: Rachelle Nones, April 26th 2008

Nyx Eau de Parfum

admin — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:57:00 +0000

By Mandrake Apothecary

When I first received this vial of scent, I was disappointed. It was a tiny little pamphlet with a small vial of the scent attached. The vial itself wasn’t even full. The pamphlet's cover lacked interest, and on the inside were the contents of the vial in great detail. I recognized some ingredients—like jasmine and ylang ylang, black pepper and grapefruit—but when it came to the last ingredients, I was confused? What were ecstatic dance, intoxication, and prophetic sleep? Was this the fantasy aspect of this concoction?

On the following page was a description of the perfume. "Nyx" apparently is a primordial goddess of the night who was born of Chaos and the mother of atmosphere and day. It goes on to state that the perfume is the deeply sweet slumber of night with intoxicating florals and musk ambrette. The back of the pamphlet stated that Mandrake Apothecary was a woman- and pagan-owned business. It also stated the perfume could be bought by the bottle or vial and gave a website address. I was intrigued. I wanted to open the vial and see what this magical scent would smell like and what it would do for my senses.

It was hard to get the vial open, and I struggled with it. When I did get it open, I found the scent overwhelming and too powerful. In fact, the scent was making me kind of sick! I did persevere though and decided to put some on anyway. After a while the pungent aroma did dissipate and became milder, softer scent.

In the end, the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. If the other products and scents are like this one, I don’t think I will be having a sweet slumber wearing these products any time soon!

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, November 27th 2007

Kiss Refreshing Body Splash

admin — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:36:00 +0000

By Pure Romance

Kiss is a pheromone-based body splash, used to enhance a woman’s natural sexual scent. Pheromones are specific compounds within our body that can potentially affect the physiology and behavior of others. Infused with an erotic blend of green and white tea extracts these sprays are pure bliss in a bottle!

Kiss from Pure Romance may have just become this woman’s favorite scent of all time. Sent the Plumeria for review, it is delicious and has turned more than one head! After the first application, I received multiple compliments and was inspired to purchase the Sweet Pear and Raspberry Bliss based sprays.

It is a light scented body spray, yet it stays strong throughout the day. It is not overbearing, yet it does not fade into the background. As promised by Pure Romance, this product seems to react to your own body chemistry and enhance your mood, not only does it make this woman feel sexy and confident, it attracts others to sit up and take notice.

The first time I used this product, my husband felt the need to cuddle up on the couch after work—ten hours after application. I have found this to be a scent that inspires him to want closeness, and as a woman, I will not complain! However, I would like an explanation; no other product has this affect. I have not tested it with other men, but I know the one in my life is infatuated with my new scent!

One thing I would like to add, this is the most relaxing scent when left at room temperature, but for a quick cool down, refrigeration make it a wonderful break in the day. For a quick make up after that fight, it might be the needed cool down technique…

Written by: Angie Dobson, October 20th 2007

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods: Bilquis

admin — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:48:00 +0000

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has created a line of perfume oils inspired by the characters, places and ideas from Neil Gaiman’s best selling novel American Gods. In addition to always being animal testing-free, 100% of the proceeds from the American Gods Collection go to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund which protects the First Amendment Rights of the comic book community. I dabbed on the Bilquis scent that was inspired by the Queen of Sheba, the half demon, half goddess from the novel and waited.

A blend of honey, lily of the valley, myrrh, rose, fig leaf, almond, ambrette (an herb grown in the rainy season in India with a musky scent and used as an aphrodisiac), red apple and warm musk, Bilquis is neither too flowery nor too musky. I noticed the almond, musk and honey immediately and after a few minutes on the skin it turned softly floral and powdery. Just go easy with it. Like most oils, it can be so intense no one will be able to come near you and that would defeat the purpose. But if you are very careful, it’s a soft, earthy and warm scent.

It would be perfect dripped in an unscented oil and used for a sensual massage. It would also make a great gift for your friend who is a Neil Gaiman fan, a comic book reader or your roommate, the closeted Tori Amos groupie. Or, of course, this scent is perfect for you: a classy babe with a mysterious side who likes to indulge in a beauty ritual where a spritz of Electric Youth just doesn’t cut it.

Written by: Lauren Clark, July 15th 2007

Arachnina, The Spider Girl Perfume Oil

admin — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

Only three days ago I started wearing Arachnina. And since then, my life has changed completely. As I leave my house in my everyday attire of corsets, hobble skirts with crinolines and feather hats, I notice strange looks and dangling tongues from my intrigued neighbors. While this type of attention never came my way before, this lady must confess that she finds it quite pleasing.

In fact, the other day I went for my daily walk along the beach with my English Spaniel and my lacey umbrella and was approached by a very nice lad with a wooden leg and a sweet breath of rum. He suddenly started winking his only eye and calling me "love." We are now seeing each other, and that wooden leg more than makes me happy.

Yesterday, after I powdered my nose, I went to the deli shop to get some fish and chips and mushy peas and my usually nice toothless fish guy was nicer than ever; I got haddock instead of cod! Now I am seeing him too.

I love Arachnina. It brings to mind a walk in the dark, dirty streets of Whitechapel in 1888 – paranoid, foggy, foreboding London. Dark, dangerous and sinister, it is the best of scents. Its black currant, poppy, red and black musk, lilies, nicotiana and patchouli tones meld into a macabre love spell that only Satan himself could have made.

Written by: Laura Koffler, July 6th 2007

Mama-Ji Perfume Oil

admin — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:28:00 +0000

By Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

If you're looking for a new fragrance, then look no further. Do these folks ever make scents! Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's Mama-Ji perfume oil is very different from my usual Dior perfume. By the end of my first day wearing it, I couldn't stop smelling my wrist; one day later I purchased two others, eager to find out if their other scents are as addictive. So far Mama-Ji is still my favorite. Though it seems (to my nose) heavy and candle-like at first, Mama-Ji softens into a spicy, warm scent with subtle chocolate and flower notes.

Though their website is a bit tricky to search through, each department offers such lovely- sounding fragrances that time spent poring over the odoriferous offerings is pleasantly passed. In addition to listing the oils used, each fragrance is given a name and a short, story-like description. This of course, makes these oils perfect for gift giving. They come in tiny bottles and you can pick fragrances for your friends based upon the story-lines. Wearing Mama-Ji was that much more satisfying when I reminded myself that I was channeling the creative and destructive energies of the great mother-goddess.

Written by: kristina grob, June 6th 2007

Basic Instinct Sex Attractant

admin — Mon, 14 May 2007 23:21:00 +0000

By Pure Romance

Pheromones: gimmick or aphrodisiac? Pure Romance would tell you the latter is definitely the case. “Next time you are headed out, dab a little Basic Instinct behind your ears, on your neck, and wrists and watch as people are drawn to you!” the company’s website exhorts.

I decided to put Basic Instinct Sex Attractant to the test. I applied it liberally and headed to the mall, where I was immediately approached by a man in the food court. It’s actually working! I thought. Turned out he was just handing out teriyaki chicken samples. They were good. I had two. No one else seemed “drawn” to me in any way.

Pure Romance, a company that sells sex toys and accessories through in-home parties, names Basic Instinct Sex Attractant is one of their top sellers. The power of the cologne is based on pheromones, chemicals emitted by living organisms to send messages to individuals of the same species. I’ve read that waitresses get better tips while wearing pheromones, but I sure didn’t attract any sex the week I wore it.

The cologne, which has a roll-on applicator, has a light, citrus-y, summery scent, and while it could be worn as a pleasant fragrance, I don’t put much stock in its ability to get you in the sack.

Written by: Anne Wilmoth, May 14th 2007

Carnival Diabolique Perfume Oil

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:09:00 +0000

By Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is the purveyor of assorted lotions, potions, and oils. Carnival Diabolique arrived in a small amber vial. Seeing as I was about to go to an event that I suspected would be attended by an individual with whom I have been flirting sporadically, but who apparently lacks the insight to realize that I am instantly and entirely adorable, I decided to test the allure potential of the concoction. I twisted off the black cap and applied sploshes behind my ears, on my nape, wrists, behind the knees, ankles, belly, top of mons pubis, and a dollop in my belly button. I probably reeked of opium smoke, lemon flower, tuberose, heliotrope and black musk.

Upon arrival, said individual held the door open, greeted me civilly, and promptly walked over to another female and planted two long ones on her as a greeting. A fellow guest squeezed my shoulder in sympathy. Don’t you love small, public communities? I wanted to flee, but soldiered on, confident that I smelled fantastic, and made it through the evening with only one bummed cigarette and a single bitchy comment. Get something at Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab if only to support such a lavishly designed and well-written website. Perhaps their products serve as soul-saving repellents to tasteless dorks.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, April 27th 2007

The Lion Perfume Oil Blend

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:20:00 +0000

By Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

When I first opened the vial of "Lion" perfume oil blend, I admit I expected to be olfactory swept away into a sultry, musky, jungle fantasy. I actually had to really poke my nose in the bottle to experience this scent. Though subtle, it does possess a darkly romantic, mysteriously gentle musk. I doused my wrists and went off into my day to test how long this whispery oil could last, especially in the windy dryness of winter. I was delightedly surprised that it not only held its scent for hours, but seemed to release subtler incense-like aromas—though the thick amber bottle is plenty sturdy to toss in your bag for re-applications throughout the day.

The other three oils that I sampled are "Séance," a uniquely pungent blend that smells a little like cough syrup (but not in an entirely bad way!); "Whip," which reminds me of those classic feminine perfumes my grandmother wore; and "The Reaper and the Flowers," a delightfully bold floral blend evoking lilacs and wildflowers.

Curious about their gothic, black, flaming phoenix packaging, I visited their website and was immediately intrigued! They boast an impressive assortment of love potions, voodoo blends and tarot oils; many of their product descriptions include dark, erotic poetry and incantations. I know you shouldn't buy your perfume based on its name or its packaging, but I'm fascinated by this company, and it might not hurt to order some "Fire of Love" oil!

Written by: Dana Edell, March 20th 2007

Smut Perfume Oil Blend

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 19:55:00 +0000

By Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

I’ve heard so much from friends and acquaintances about Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab’s scented oils that I jumped at the chance to review one. They describe their scents on their website as intriguing, compelling blends with a dark, romantic Gothic tone, and I couldn’t agree more. "Smut," a limited edition scent, is musky and sweet, all at the same time. It’s a more masculine scent than I would normally wear, but I love it nonetheless. It really lives up to its name, as when I am wearing it, I feel inexplicably sexier, in a Victorian boudoir kind of way. The scent stays with you all day, and I would get wafts of it from time to time during the day. I recommend this scent highly for those looking to spice up their normal scent routines.

Written by: Dana Reinoos, March 8th 2007

Anne Bonney Perfume Oil Blend

admin — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 18:16:00 +0000

By Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

This intense, rich oil is listed under the Bewitching category on the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab website with this description: “Named in honor of the most notorious female pirate to ever set sail. Wicked, cruel, beautiful, intelligent, resourceful and dangerous: a true role model. A blend of Indonesian red patchouli, red sandalwood, and frankincense.” I found it to be heady, sensual and altogether delightful. A very small amount lasts for several hours, and it would be far too easy to overdo application for the office. For after work hours, go wild as a pirate on the high seas.

The website was interesting, and fairly easy to navigate. It is a treasure chest of riches, with dozens of oils listed. If you know exactly what you are looking for that’s easy to target with the search feature. Browsing takes a bit more time, but is well worth it.

Anne Bonney as a role model may make for a trendy, flip ad campaign, but her reality was far from admirable. She was from all accounts bloodthirsty, violent and abandoned at least one child. No doubt she lived the life she wanted, but it should not be overlooked that she was a murderer and a thief. She escaped hanging for her escapades only because she was pregnant at the time of sentencing. Buy the oil and eschew the idealized portrait of Anne Bonney.

Written by: Pamela Crossland, March 3rd 2007

Black Lily Perfume Oil

admin — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 19:15:00 +0000

By Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

Holding the tiny brown bottle in my hand, I felt like an adulteress. After all, I had remained faithful to my own “signature fragrance” for the past five years. As I twisted the cap on Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab’s “Black Lily” perfume oil, I could still smell the hint of my own perfume on my skin. How could this nondescript bottle compare to the perfume I had already grown to love?

Almost two weeks have passed since I tried the “Black Lily” perfume oil. Although I have not broken off my relationship with my signature fragrance, I am no longer a one-perfume woman. In fact, more frequently than I care to admit, I have found myself slinking to my medicine cabinet in search of my new fragrance.

I have, you see, something of an unresolved love affair with “Black Lily.” After all, temptation was inevitable since this fragrance is one of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab’s Rappaccini’s Garden line. Every time I hold the little brown bottle in my hand, I can’t resist the fragrance’s edge of sweetness and irresistible undercurrent of danger.

Written by: Misty McCormick Chisum, February 21st 2007

Snake Oil Perfume Oil Blend

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 04:10:00 +0000

By Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

With the right concept, packaging alone can sell a product. Bath & body products are my favorite for this – in fact, my bathroom décor is mostly comprised of attractively packaged products. If the bottle looks neat, they've probably won me.

“Snake Oil” is produced by the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, which carries a line of popular perfume oils aimed at goths. The label looks like a carnival poster, asserting, “Cures what ails ya. Accept no substitutes.” The advertising is ingenious: my fragrance came with an Ouija board-shaped magnet.

But the contents are just as appealing as the bottle. A musky scent with vanilla overtones, it's hippie-ish fragrance makes me feel like I'm in an alternative bookstore. The perfume is long-lasting, and after you've worn it for a few hours, the vanilla becomes more pronounced. As a result, I was sniffing my wrists all day. Accept no substitutes, indeed!

Written by: Beeb Ashcroft, February 14th 2007