SAMHAIN (2007)

Lab Description: Truly the scent of autumn itself — damp woods, fir needle, and black patchouli with the gentlest touches of warm pumpkin, clove, nutmeg, allspice, sweet red apple and mullein.

In the bottle: Very sweet, I can definitely smell the clove and other spices. I don’t know what else my nose is catching, but it’s very much an autumn scent.

On me: Very sweet and the clove seems to have moved into the background. A “deep” scent, but not overwhelming. Sweet without being cloying and the spices are delicious. Good throw as well. I’m so glad I ordered a big bottle of this. Definitely a keeper!

Bewitching Brews > UMBRA

Lab description: The deepest, darkest point in a shadow; the area contained within the shadow of an eclipse. East African black patchouli, cedarwood, vetiver and a dribble of cinnamon.

Freebie from the lab with Halloween order.

In the imp: Heavy and heady cedar. I don’t like it, but I’ll give it a try.

On me: Ugh. No, no, no! Lots of cedar. Cedar overload. No cinnamon. Reminds me of cleaning the guinea pigs’ cages. Very strong, phenomenal throw. Not for me.

Excolo > OLD SCRATCH

Lab Description: Old Nick, the Devil himself, as seen through the eyes of Victorian New England. A jaunty, dapper scent, deceptively gentile: a lavender fougere with tonka, amber, rosewood and a whiff of diabolical patchouli.

Another freebie.

In the imp: Just lavender.

On me: Somehow morphs into men’s cologne. Ugh. Not for me.

Illyria > OPHELIA

Lab Description: Wistful and vulnerable: lotus, water blossom, ivy, stargazer lily and white rose.

Smells of insanely strong rosewater. Very strong, even when dry. Almost headache-inducing. I had to scrub it off. Not a keeper.

Wanderlust > NEW ORLEANS

Lab Description: Reminiscent of hothouse blooms on a humid night, ripe, but touched with decay. Sweet honeysuckle and jasmine with a hint of lemon and spice.

Uh oh. Strong floral. After it dries it tones down a bit and the spice comes out to play. I don’t think it’s for me, but it might be nice as a room scent.

Carnaval Diabolique > Faiza’s Companions > DEATH ADDER

Lab Description: Snake Oil with vetiver, black coconut, vanilla, and opoponax.

Very strong when first applied. From reading the reviews of others I think it must be the vetiver. I had written this off based on the initial scent, but when it dries it changes into something delightful and creamy. A little nutty and smoky. I’ll have to try it again to see if it warrants a bottle purchase.

Mad Tea Party > EAT ME

Lab Description: Three white cakes, vanilla, and red and black currants.

Mmmm… yummy. Very sweet. I can definitely smell the cakey goodness. A few minutes later and now I’m getting some of the fruit coming through as well. I think I may need a big bottle of this.