Brand: Common Brimstone
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Luscious red velvet cake blends beautifully with elegant cognac for a delicious gourmand perfume experience
First impression out of bottle: Caramel
Freshly applied: Duncan Hines frosting- really cheap and with a food-coloring aftertaste/smell
Drydown: Stinky BO mixed with Duncan Hines chocolate frosting. Something super stinky and plasticky is making this turn awful on me.
After several hours: I couldn't keep this on for more than an hour.
Longevity: ?
Sillage: Low
Would an [X] lover love this? I'm a gourmand lover who loves almost all food scents. This one sucks and I hate it.
Would an [X] hater love this? A gourmand hater will certainly not be converted by this.
Where am I? I don't even want to talk about it. Maybe eating frosting from the jar at the sleepover after a high school track meet. Where I'm stinky and dirty and I don't even want the frosting, it's just...there.
Where would I wear this? Nowhere!
Showing posts with label Chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chocolate. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2015
Common Brimstone Abhaile Review
Brand: Common Brimstone
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Rich notes of carrot cake and hot chocolate create a luxurious feel, while chestnut and cinnamon keep this from being too sweet. A base of French vanilla completes the gourmand experience
First impression out of bottle: Carrot cake
Freshly applied: Mm, dark sweet carrot cake with a bit of nuttiness.
Drydown: There's something like spicy musk that's making this more than a simple "cake" scent. It's kind of a gingerbread scent but with a little twist. I like it a lot more than Possets' Mrs. Rabbit's Carrot Cake which was kind of rancid/buttery on me. The nuts and cinnamon are more prominent now. It smells like spicecake.
After several hours:
Longevity: Medium
Sillage: Low
Would an [X] lover love this? If you enjoy spicy/sweet gourmands with a twist this is a good one. It smells expensive. I wish the sillage were higher, but that's my only complaint.
Would an [X] hater love this? I don't know if a gourmand hater would like this. It's a little different than a literal cake scent, so perhaps the musky spiciness would be appealing.
Where am I? Eating spiced cake and wearing expensive nighttime perfume
Where would I wear this? Daytime, nighttime, autumn, winter.
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Rich notes of carrot cake and hot chocolate create a luxurious feel, while chestnut and cinnamon keep this from being too sweet. A base of French vanilla completes the gourmand experience
First impression out of bottle: Carrot cake
Freshly applied: Mm, dark sweet carrot cake with a bit of nuttiness.
 |
Drydown: There's something like spicy musk that's making this more than a simple "cake" scent. It's kind of a gingerbread scent but with a little twist. I like it a lot more than Possets' Mrs. Rabbit's Carrot Cake which was kind of rancid/buttery on me. The nuts and cinnamon are more prominent now. It smells like spicecake.
After several hours:
Longevity: Medium
Sillage: Low
Would an [X] lover love this? If you enjoy spicy/sweet gourmands with a twist this is a good one. It smells expensive. I wish the sillage were higher, but that's my only complaint.
Would an [X] hater love this? I don't know if a gourmand hater would like this. It's a little different than a literal cake scent, so perhaps the musky spiciness would be appealing.
Where am I? Eating spiced cake and wearing expensive nighttime perfume
Where would I wear this? Daytime, nighttime, autumn, winter.
Sixteen92 Hecate Review
Brand: Sixteen92
Availability: Limited Edition Halloween 2015
Notes: Tart cranberry, benzoin, fir needle, dark chocolate, smoldering incense, dry leaves
First impression out of bottle: Dragon's Blood and chocolate-covered dried cherries
Freshly applied: Fruity and chocolatey incense. I loooove the Dragon's Blood note in here, it's a very warm red incense, almost fuzzy and slightly musky.
Drydown: While the opening smelled like a jug of Kirkland brand chocolate-covered berries, the drydown is more sophisticated. This is now a combo of kind of fresh tart fruit, a woodsy dark chocolate note, and still that strong incense. I really love this- it's mostly incense on me, with nuances of earthy and foodie notes. The fir and dry leaves provide a slightly darker, earthier background, but they're not super apparent as individual notes. Something about the tart cranberry, which lends some astringency, along with the sweet soft chocolate, wrapped in dusky incense is really magical. This is one of my favorite incense perfumes and I have a ton.
After several hours: Sweet incensey chocolate. This is way more complex and nuanced than Solstice Scents' Grey's Cabin, a chocolate incense smell which is one of the only SS scents I don't own in full size because it has a really flat feeling.
Longevity: Medium
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? I think anyone who enjoys berry scents, Dragon's Blood, incense in general, or even red musk (this has a similar warm fuzzy feel) will really love this.
Would an [X] hater love this? I think if you hate incense, this might be a good slightly brighter take on it. It's not ultra fresh or overly fruity, so if you particularly can't stand any incensey notes, this will likely not be for you. I find it far less headshoppy than I Saw Goody Procter With the Devil, so there's that.
Where am I? The cottage of a witch at Thanksgiving.
Where would I wear this? Daytime, weekend, evening. It's not super sexy but it has a dark feel that would work well at night. It feels very autumnal, I don't think I'd wear it come springtime.
Availability: Limited Edition Halloween 2015
Notes: Tart cranberry, benzoin, fir needle, dark chocolate, smoldering incense, dry leaves
First impression out of bottle: Dragon's Blood and chocolate-covered dried cherries
Freshly applied: Fruity and chocolatey incense. I loooove the Dragon's Blood note in here, it's a very warm red incense, almost fuzzy and slightly musky.
Drydown: While the opening smelled like a jug of Kirkland brand chocolate-covered berries, the drydown is more sophisticated. This is now a combo of kind of fresh tart fruit, a woodsy dark chocolate note, and still that strong incense. I really love this- it's mostly incense on me, with nuances of earthy and foodie notes. The fir and dry leaves provide a slightly darker, earthier background, but they're not super apparent as individual notes. Something about the tart cranberry, which lends some astringency, along with the sweet soft chocolate, wrapped in dusky incense is really magical. This is one of my favorite incense perfumes and I have a ton.
 |
| Hot, red, and incensey |
After several hours: Sweet incensey chocolate. This is way more complex and nuanced than Solstice Scents' Grey's Cabin, a chocolate incense smell which is one of the only SS scents I don't own in full size because it has a really flat feeling.
Longevity: Medium
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? I think anyone who enjoys berry scents, Dragon's Blood, incense in general, or even red musk (this has a similar warm fuzzy feel) will really love this.
Would an [X] hater love this? I think if you hate incense, this might be a good slightly brighter take on it. It's not ultra fresh or overly fruity, so if you particularly can't stand any incensey notes, this will likely not be for you. I find it far less headshoppy than I Saw Goody Procter With the Devil, so there's that.
Where am I? The cottage of a witch at Thanksgiving.
Where would I wear this? Daytime, weekend, evening. It's not super sexy but it has a dark feel that would work well at night. It feels very autumnal, I don't think I'd wear it come springtime.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Sarawen Ambrosia Chocolat Review
Brand: Sarawen
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: chocolate, amber, honey, vanilla
First impression out of bottle: Chocolate honey, mmm!
Freshly applied: Oh snoes, it's turning waxy and plasticky on me...mostly fake honey with beeswax and a hint of something like cut green flower stems. No chocolate. COME BACK.
Drydown: Burnt honey with hints of plastic and Band-Aids. Nope nope nope. The chocolate, which was SO lovely in the bottle on cold sniff, is a mere trace here. I'm sure this one will be ok on some but if you have trouble with honey or chocolate notes (I do, and I've tried em all) you should be wary.
After several hours: Honey that is simultaneously waxy/plasticky and sharp. No chocolate. Still with that weird sappy green flower stem note.
Longevity: Medium.
Sillage: Medium.
Would an [X] lover love this? I have heard plenty of people say they enjoyed this, but like Smelly Yeti Not the Bees, this went immediately plasticky and nasty on me. I love chocolate but have a hard time finding good cocoa notes, and this was no exception.
Would an [X] hater love this? Unless you have skin chemistry that melds well with these type of notes (cheaper/simplistic blends IMO) I think you will hate this and find it turns fake-y.
Where am I? Accidentally melting plastic and food together in a kitchen mishap.
Where would I wear this? Nowhere. If it smelled like it did in the bottle on me, I'd wear it for sexy nighttime fun.
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: chocolate, amber, honey, vanilla
First impression out of bottle: Chocolate honey, mmm!
Freshly applied: Oh snoes, it's turning waxy and plasticky on me...mostly fake honey with beeswax and a hint of something like cut green flower stems. No chocolate. COME BACK.
 |
| None of your beeswax. |
Drydown: Burnt honey with hints of plastic and Band-Aids. Nope nope nope. The chocolate, which was SO lovely in the bottle on cold sniff, is a mere trace here. I'm sure this one will be ok on some but if you have trouble with honey or chocolate notes (I do, and I've tried em all) you should be wary.
 |
| Like this, but more chemically and dirty |
After several hours: Honey that is simultaneously waxy/plasticky and sharp. No chocolate. Still with that weird sappy green flower stem note.
 |
| I really fucking hate this smell, if you can't tell. |
Longevity: Medium.
Sillage: Medium.
Would an [X] lover love this? I have heard plenty of people say they enjoyed this, but like Smelly Yeti Not the Bees, this went immediately plasticky and nasty on me. I love chocolate but have a hard time finding good cocoa notes, and this was no exception.
Would an [X] hater love this? Unless you have skin chemistry that melds well with these type of notes (cheaper/simplistic blends IMO) I think you will hate this and find it turns fake-y.
Where am I? Accidentally melting plastic and food together in a kitchen mishap.
Where would I wear this? Nowhere. If it smelled like it did in the bottle on me, I'd wear it for sexy nighttime fun.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Solstice Scents Cocoa Absolute Review
Brand: SOlstice Scents
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Natural Single Note Chocolate in Organic Cane Sugar Alcohol
First impression out of bottle: Chocolatey coffee
Freshly applied: Mmm bittersweet dark chocolate. Yes this is just cacao absolute in alcohol, but I'd buy anything Angela produces. I could make this myself but it wouldn't be the same. Watch out this stains the skin light brown. (I have medium/light skin on my arms.)
Drydown: Soft dark chocolate scent, like you made truffles with a bit of cream and sugar, but still mostly dark cocoa.
After several hours: Softer dark chocolate scent.
Longevity: Medium. It's all-natural which means it generally is less powerful/shorter-lived than synthetic/natural blends.
Sillage: Low medium.
Would an [X] lover love this? Yes a chocolate lover would go apeshit for this scent. If you love the smell of real cocoa absolute, you need to try it.
Would an [X] hater love this? Meh, depends. If you like real chocolate but hate the smell of perfumey chocolate, you should sample this. If you hate the smell of realistic chocolate, this will be bad news for you.
Where am I? In that shop in Chocolat, sampling fine French chocolates.
Where would I wear this? Nighttime, daytime, layered with other perfumes.
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Natural Single Note Chocolate in Organic Cane Sugar Alcohol
First impression out of bottle: Chocolatey coffee
Freshly applied: Mmm bittersweet dark chocolate. Yes this is just cacao absolute in alcohol, but I'd buy anything Angela produces. I could make this myself but it wouldn't be the same. Watch out this stains the skin light brown. (I have medium/light skin on my arms.)
Drydown: Soft dark chocolate scent, like you made truffles with a bit of cream and sugar, but still mostly dark cocoa.
After several hours: Softer dark chocolate scent.
Longevity: Medium. It's all-natural which means it generally is less powerful/shorter-lived than synthetic/natural blends.
Sillage: Low medium.
Would an [X] lover love this? Yes a chocolate lover would go apeshit for this scent. If you love the smell of real cocoa absolute, you need to try it.
Would an [X] hater love this? Meh, depends. If you like real chocolate but hate the smell of perfumey chocolate, you should sample this. If you hate the smell of realistic chocolate, this will be bad news for you.
Where am I? In that shop in Chocolat, sampling fine French chocolates.
Where would I wear this? Nighttime, daytime, layered with other perfumes.
Solstice Scents Heart of the Night Review
Brand: Solstice Scents
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Moroccan & Bulgarian Rose, Chocolate, Vanille, EoTN Base (Edge of the Night Base: blend of amber, oakmoss, aged patchouli, bergamot, black vanilla, a touch of red musk and buddha wood and a delicate blend of organic clove EO, star anise EO and cinnamon)
First impression out of bottle: Soft rose like in Rose Mallow Cream.
Freshly applied: Sweet lush red roses and chocolate.
Drydown: This is like a more assertive version of Rose Mallow Cream, with a kick of sexy amber and spice. It's like Rose Mallow Cream was Sandra Dee at the beginning of Grease and then morphed into Heart of the Night (all-leather-clad Sandy at the end of Grease.) There's the teensiest bit of chocolate, but not much. The chocolate keeps darting in and out but it's not a major player.
After several hours: Still sexy creamy rose with hints of cocoa. Lovely amber and spice base which becomes dominant after a few hours (as in all SS Night perfumes.)
Longevity: Medium
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? I think a rose lover would fall in love with this. I was expecting a deeper, richer chocolate scent but after it dried I didn't get any. So chocolate lovers would be disappointed.
Would an [X] hater love this? Rose haters would probably dislike this, unless they had only smelled very powdery/fake roses. But if you dislike Rose Mallow Cream, chances are you will not enjoy this.
Where am I? Laying in a bed of rose petals
Where would I wear this? Nighttime, date, but it would be good for daytime too. It's honestly not that strong or brash, just very lush and pretty.
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Moroccan & Bulgarian Rose, Chocolate, Vanille, EoTN Base (Edge of the Night Base: blend of amber, oakmoss, aged patchouli, bergamot, black vanilla, a touch of red musk and buddha wood and a delicate blend of organic clove EO, star anise EO and cinnamon)
First impression out of bottle: Soft rose like in Rose Mallow Cream.
Freshly applied: Sweet lush red roses and chocolate.
Drydown: This is like a more assertive version of Rose Mallow Cream, with a kick of sexy amber and spice. It's like Rose Mallow Cream was Sandra Dee at the beginning of Grease and then morphed into Heart of the Night (all-leather-clad Sandy at the end of Grease.) There's the teensiest bit of chocolate, but not much. The chocolate keeps darting in and out but it's not a major player.
 |
| Incredibly lush sexy rose |
After several hours: Still sexy creamy rose with hints of cocoa. Lovely amber and spice base which becomes dominant after a few hours (as in all SS Night perfumes.)
Longevity: Medium
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? I think a rose lover would fall in love with this. I was expecting a deeper, richer chocolate scent but after it dried I didn't get any. So chocolate lovers would be disappointed.
Would an [X] hater love this? Rose haters would probably dislike this, unless they had only smelled very powdery/fake roses. But if you dislike Rose Mallow Cream, chances are you will not enjoy this.
Where am I? Laying in a bed of rose petals
Where would I wear this? Nighttime, date, but it would be good for daytime too. It's honestly not that strong or brash, just very lush and pretty.
Cocoa Pink Linda’s Molten Fudge Cake
Brand: Cocoa Pink
Availability: General Catalog Autumn/Winter (N/A in Spring/Summer)
Notes: Rich gourmet dark chocolate fudge cake made for the true chocoholic
First impression out of bottle: Fruity, synthetic chocolate
Freshly applied: Pure dark chocolate cake
Drydown: Getting a little fruity again, almost like maraschino cherries. Noooo, I didn't want another cherry chocolate scent. I already have and love SS Black Forest. I wanted a TRUE dark chocolate cake with nothing else added!
After several hours: Still with that weird spicy red fruit smell. This is officially a chocolate fruit cake smell, not a chocolate cake smell.
Longevity: High
Sillage: Medium high
Would an [X] lover love this? Meh I don't think this will fly with true chocolate lovers. It's a nice scent for a beginner, but it doesn't smell like real true dark chocolate.
Would an [X] hater love this? Chocolate haters need not apply. It's not a good approximation of luxurious chocolate, so it will smell cheap to you.
Where am I? Eating airport cake that I paid too much for.
Where would I wear this? Daytime, weekend, maybe nighttime because the cherry/red fruit thing is kinda sexy, though it's not to my taste.
Availability: General Catalog Autumn/Winter (N/A in Spring/Summer)
Notes: Rich gourmet dark chocolate fudge cake made for the true chocoholic
First impression out of bottle: Fruity, synthetic chocolate
Freshly applied: Pure dark chocolate cake
Drydown: Getting a little fruity again, almost like maraschino cherries. Noooo, I didn't want another cherry chocolate scent. I already have and love SS Black Forest. I wanted a TRUE dark chocolate cake with nothing else added!
 |
| Goddammit. |
After several hours: Still with that weird spicy red fruit smell. This is officially a chocolate fruit cake smell, not a chocolate cake smell.
Longevity: High
Sillage: Medium high
Would an [X] lover love this? Meh I don't think this will fly with true chocolate lovers. It's a nice scent for a beginner, but it doesn't smell like real true dark chocolate.
Would an [X] hater love this? Chocolate haters need not apply. It's not a good approximation of luxurious chocolate, so it will smell cheap to you.
Where am I? Eating airport cake that I paid too much for.
Where would I wear this? Daytime, weekend, maybe nighttime because the cherry/red fruit thing is kinda sexy, though it's not to my taste.
Cocoa Pink Peppermint Hot Cocoa Review
Brand: Cocoa Pink
Availability: General Catalog Autumn/Winter (N/A in Spring/Summer)
Notes: A steaming mug of creamy hot chocolate infused with a peppermint stick.
First impression out of bottle: Altoid chocolate mints
Freshly applied: Medicinal salve and bandaids
Drydown: Real minty smell coming out now, it was definitely turning medicinal/bandage-y in the opening, but it's sweet and good now. I can detect a hint of chocolate, yes but it's mostly sweet peppermint. This smells like those "chocolate" candy canes that have a bare hint of chocolatey flavor. So I'd say this is a foodie, gourmand mint but it's not a true chocolate mint.
After several hours: Sweet peppermint with a teensy bit of cocoa. A little watery though. The same way Sixteen92 Grimm is watery-chocolatey on me.
Longevity: High
Sillage: Low medium
Would an [X] lover love this? Meh, this is a little watery for a true mint lover. Nothng super gourmand OR super fresh/earthy, it's just sort of...there.
Would an [X] hater love this? This is not going to be The Mint Scent that makes you a believer.
Where am I? Sitting in my 7th grade classroom, eating shitty candy canes on the last day before Christmas break.
Where would I wear this? Daytime, maybe. I wouldn't wear it though, it's not quite punchy or special enough.
Availability: General Catalog Autumn/Winter (N/A in Spring/Summer)
Notes: A steaming mug of creamy hot chocolate infused with a peppermint stick.
First impression out of bottle: Altoid chocolate mints
Freshly applied: Medicinal salve and bandaids
Drydown: Real minty smell coming out now, it was definitely turning medicinal/bandage-y in the opening, but it's sweet and good now. I can detect a hint of chocolate, yes but it's mostly sweet peppermint. This smells like those "chocolate" candy canes that have a bare hint of chocolatey flavor. So I'd say this is a foodie, gourmand mint but it's not a true chocolate mint.
After several hours: Sweet peppermint with a teensy bit of cocoa. A little watery though. The same way Sixteen92 Grimm is watery-chocolatey on me.
Longevity: High
Sillage: Low medium
Would an [X] lover love this? Meh, this is a little watery for a true mint lover. Nothng super gourmand OR super fresh/earthy, it's just sort of...there.
Would an [X] hater love this? This is not going to be The Mint Scent that makes you a believer.
Where am I? Sitting in my 7th grade classroom, eating shitty candy canes on the last day before Christmas break.
Where would I wear this? Daytime, maybe. I wouldn't wear it though, it's not quite punchy or special enough.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Possets Capezzoli di Venere Review
Brand: Possets
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Start with a perfectly roasted chestnut for a smooth and proper base for the softer things to come. Around that wrap ganache made of buttercream and gardenia kissed mocha which will melt your heart as it expires from love in your mouth. Enrobe with bitter dark chocolate.
First impression out of bottle: Hazelnut mocha frosting.
Freshly applied: Sharp nutty frosting mixed with something sweet and floral
Drydown: The notes start to blend a little better, I get a beautiful mocha cream with a creamy white floral note. Unfortunately, I think it's the buttercream aspect, it gets a bit sharp, almost like cherry or something, and I wish it would smooth out a little because it's getting synthetic and plasticky.
After several hours: Ok I do like this, but with reservations. It's a beautiful, unexpected foodie-floral blend that marries the disparate sugary frosting notes with white gardenia. Unfortunately something about the mix does have a hint of sunscreen/plastic about it that prevents it from being a total knockout. I think this is a case of the gardenia being a tad bit cloying. It's sort of straddling the line of meh and pretty. Kind of like Solstice Scents Nightgown is on me too. Some days I adore it, some days I detest it. Very confusing.
Longevity: Medium-high
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? Gourmand-floral lovers who like Nightgown should try but with caution.
Would an [X] hater love this? If this sounds at all icky or you hated SS Nightgown, run away! This is a tricky one.
Where am I? At a bridal shower with too-sweet/girly decorations, food, and floral arrangements.
Where would I wear this? I probably won't, but if I do it'll be strictly for daytime during not-too-hot spring months.
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: Start with a perfectly roasted chestnut for a smooth and proper base for the softer things to come. Around that wrap ganache made of buttercream and gardenia kissed mocha which will melt your heart as it expires from love in your mouth. Enrobe with bitter dark chocolate.
First impression out of bottle: Hazelnut mocha frosting.
 |
| Just the frosting |
Drydown: The notes start to blend a little better, I get a beautiful mocha cream with a creamy white floral note. Unfortunately, I think it's the buttercream aspect, it gets a bit sharp, almost like cherry or something, and I wish it would smooth out a little because it's getting synthetic and plasticky.
After several hours: Ok I do like this, but with reservations. It's a beautiful, unexpected foodie-floral blend that marries the disparate sugary frosting notes with white gardenia. Unfortunately something about the mix does have a hint of sunscreen/plastic about it that prevents it from being a total knockout. I think this is a case of the gardenia being a tad bit cloying. It's sort of straddling the line of meh and pretty. Kind of like Solstice Scents Nightgown is on me too. Some days I adore it, some days I detest it. Very confusing.
 |
| White florals and chocolate with something a bit artificial like sunblock |
Longevity: Medium-high
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? Gourmand-floral lovers who like Nightgown should try but with caution.
Would an [X] hater love this? If this sounds at all icky or you hated SS Nightgown, run away! This is a tricky one.
Where am I? At a bridal shower with too-sweet/girly decorations, food, and floral arrangements.
Where would I wear this? I probably won't, but if I do it'll be strictly for daytime during not-too-hot spring months.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
13 Gypsies Xocolatl Review
Brand: 13 Gypsies
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: cocoa absolute, patchouli, coffee
First impression out of bottle: Bitter roasted coffee with a hint of dark chocolate.
Freshly applied: DARK chocolate with earthy espresso and a twisted patchouli base.
Drydown: Dark chocolate coffee with more prominent chocolatey patchouli. This is an exquisite chocolate/coffee scent. It's not quite gourmand and not quite earthy. It smells like a very expensive 90% dark chocolate bar from Europe.
After several hours: Still the same expensive bitter cacao scent, much less coffee than when it was first applied. The coffee manifests as a bitter, roasted gritty dark smell, so it's almost indiscernible from the chocolate/patchouli. It's all just well blended together.
Longevity: Middling. lasts for 4ish hours before it turns soft.
Sillage: Medium until the 4 hour mark, then quite low. Never disappears completely though, which is nice.
Would an [X] lover love this? I think any patchouli lover will cackle like a happy witch over this blend. It highlights the awesomeness of patchouli without falling into the trap of mustiness/rubbery scents.
Would an [X] hater love this? I don't think of myself as a lover of patchouli, but this made me fall in love with it (along with Sixteen92's Wicked.) The patchouli makes this a true, earthy chocolate scent, where so many indie chocolate scents turn into Cocoa Puff/dusty Hershey bar nonsense.
Where am I? This smells EXACTLY like an expensive gift shop around Halloween time. The scent of some dark witchy candles and decorative herbs, mixed with expensive boxes of chocolates and the smell of freshly-ground coffee beans drifting over from the attached gift shop.
Where would I wear this? It's work-appropriate as it's not too strong, but it's also wicked and twisted enough for a night out. I love this for cooler weather, but since it's got a nice earthiness, it doesn't smell weird in hot weather either.
Availability: General Catalog
Notes: cocoa absolute, patchouli, coffee
First impression out of bottle: Bitter roasted coffee with a hint of dark chocolate.
Freshly applied: DARK chocolate with earthy espresso and a twisted patchouli base.
Drydown: Dark chocolate coffee with more prominent chocolatey patchouli. This is an exquisite chocolate/coffee scent. It's not quite gourmand and not quite earthy. It smells like a very expensive 90% dark chocolate bar from Europe.
 |
| Bittersweet, earthy dark chocolate and coffee |
 |
| Dark, expensive chocolate with earthy herby patchouli |
Longevity: Middling. lasts for 4ish hours before it turns soft.
Sillage: Medium until the 4 hour mark, then quite low. Never disappears completely though, which is nice.
Would an [X] lover love this? I think any patchouli lover will cackle like a happy witch over this blend. It highlights the awesomeness of patchouli without falling into the trap of mustiness/rubbery scents.
Would an [X] hater love this? I don't think of myself as a lover of patchouli, but this made me fall in love with it (along with Sixteen92's Wicked.) The patchouli makes this a true, earthy chocolate scent, where so many indie chocolate scents turn into Cocoa Puff/dusty Hershey bar nonsense.
Where am I? This smells EXACTLY like an expensive gift shop around Halloween time. The scent of some dark witchy candles and decorative herbs, mixed with expensive boxes of chocolates and the smell of freshly-ground coffee beans drifting over from the attached gift shop.
 |
| Smells like a Halloween emporium |
Monday, September 21, 2015
NAVA Black Diamond Review
Brand: Nocturne Alchemy/NAVA
Availability: Limited Edition (Studio Limited)
Notes: Egyptian and Belgian Dark Chocolate, imported Nahuatl Xocolatl perfume, blended with vanilla cream musk and cocoa
First impression out of bottle: Cocoa absolute, dark and a teensy bit alcoholic
Freshly applied: Same slightly alcoholic bitter cocoa absolute note. Reminds me a lot of the chocolate in Black Star. Not super sweet, but like DARK chocolate truffles. Dark and creamy like true dark chocolate ganache being swirled and melted over a flame.
Drydown: Same true dark chocolate scent, but the throw decreases on this pretty quickly. It's still complex, but it feels a lot softer and muskier
After several hours: Soft vanilla musk with smooth cocoa, like expensive flaked hot chocolate.
Longevity: High
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? Yes, a chocolate lover would find this to be a true dark chocolate, not cloying or dusty, just like the real thing.
Would an [X] hater love this? This is a straight-up chocolate scent, so I don't think it would be interesting to non-gourmand lovers. True, it's not super sweet, but it has no patchouli or wood notes that might make it more palatable to someone who prefers earthier perfumes.
Where am I? Eating truffles and drinking hot cocoa in a Belgian sweet shop.
Where would I wear this? Everywhere, all the time, layered with everything. It's subtle enough for any season, and I think it's kind of sexy, so it would be a great nighttime scent.
Availability: Limited Edition (Studio Limited)
Notes: Egyptian and Belgian Dark Chocolate, imported Nahuatl Xocolatl perfume, blended with vanilla cream musk and cocoa
First impression out of bottle: Cocoa absolute, dark and a teensy bit alcoholic
Freshly applied: Same slightly alcoholic bitter cocoa absolute note. Reminds me a lot of the chocolate in Black Star. Not super sweet, but like DARK chocolate truffles. Dark and creamy like true dark chocolate ganache being swirled and melted over a flame.
 |
| Chocolate ganache |
After several hours: Soft vanilla musk with smooth cocoa, like expensive flaked hot chocolate.
Vanilla cream musk and soft cocoa
Longevity: High
Sillage: Medium
Would an [X] lover love this? Yes, a chocolate lover would find this to be a true dark chocolate, not cloying or dusty, just like the real thing.
Would an [X] hater love this? This is a straight-up chocolate scent, so I don't think it would be interesting to non-gourmand lovers. True, it's not super sweet, but it has no patchouli or wood notes that might make it more palatable to someone who prefers earthier perfumes.
Where am I? Eating truffles and drinking hot cocoa in a Belgian sweet shop.
Where would I wear this? Everywhere, all the time, layered with everything. It's subtle enough for any season, and I think it's kind of sexy, so it would be a great nighttime scent.
NAVA Trick or Treat Review
Brand: Nocturne Alchemy
Availability: Limited Edition Halloween 2015
Notes: Black Vanilla Caramel, Black Raspberry Sugar, Black Sugar, Bastet's Black Amber, Candy Corn, Black Cotton Candy, Blue Sugar Cream, Vanilla Flesh, Hot Cocoa Accord, Chocolate Sugar, Angel Food Cake and French Vanilla
First impression out of bottle: Alcoholic raspberry chocolate, like a cherry cordial truffle but with raspberry instead!
Freshly applied: Super sweet chocolate ganache and raspberry syrup
Drydown: A little less chocolatey (boo) with a little stronger raspberry and a fluffy note that I think is the cotton candy. NAVA cake/gourmand notes tend to go a bit plasticky/dusty on me, which is so unfortunate. This seems to be straddling the line of perfect- sweet and plasticky.
After several hours: This is like a gentler soft cocoa raspberry with a strong vanilla character after a few hours. I feel like the initial scent and the ultimate scent are DA BOMB, but the middle part is a leeeetle bit cloying. I can tolerate it though. The drydown is perfect soft vanilla wrapped around a chocolate raspberry heart.
Longevity: High
Sillage: Medium. I can smell this very strongly when first applied but it dies down to medium throw and turns into a subtle sweet fruity gourmand.
Would an [X] lover love this? Chocolate lovers would probably be all over this, though the strong chocolate dies down early on and becomes a background player. I think if you have a fondness for raspberry this would be the perfect perfume for you. It's definitely syrupy/jammy, like the inside of a bonbon. This is no "sun-ripened raspberry," it's candy and syrup.
Would an [X] hater love this? I think a gourmand hater would probably dislike this. It is very candied and a teensy bit sickly sweet, though as a foodie perfume lover, I don't find it overwhelming. This won't convert gourmand haters.
Where am I? Eating bonbons in an expensive candy store
Where would I wear this? I would wear this to work, for a night out layered with something else (maybe another chocolate scent), and definitely as a fun weekend scent. It's not quite bright and not quite dark, kind of right in the middle. Good for daytime or night, and I can definitely see this in mid-winter or as a nice summer scent. It's quite playful but not super young.
Availability: Limited Edition Halloween 2015
Notes: Black Vanilla Caramel, Black Raspberry Sugar, Black Sugar, Bastet's Black Amber, Candy Corn, Black Cotton Candy, Blue Sugar Cream, Vanilla Flesh, Hot Cocoa Accord, Chocolate Sugar, Angel Food Cake and French Vanilla
First impression out of bottle: Alcoholic raspberry chocolate, like a cherry cordial truffle but with raspberry instead!
Freshly applied: Super sweet chocolate ganache and raspberry syrup
 |
| Substitute raspberry instead of cherry |
After several hours: This is like a gentler soft cocoa raspberry with a strong vanilla character after a few hours. I feel like the initial scent and the ultimate scent are DA BOMB, but the middle part is a leeeetle bit cloying. I can tolerate it though. The drydown is perfect soft vanilla wrapped around a chocolate raspberry heart.
 |
| Fluffy vanilla-raspberry with a hint of chocolate |
Longevity: High
Sillage: Medium. I can smell this very strongly when first applied but it dies down to medium throw and turns into a subtle sweet fruity gourmand.
Would an [X] lover love this? Chocolate lovers would probably be all over this, though the strong chocolate dies down early on and becomes a background player. I think if you have a fondness for raspberry this would be the perfect perfume for you. It's definitely syrupy/jammy, like the inside of a bonbon. This is no "sun-ripened raspberry," it's candy and syrup.
Would an [X] hater love this? I think a gourmand hater would probably dislike this. It is very candied and a teensy bit sickly sweet, though as a foodie perfume lover, I don't find it overwhelming. This won't convert gourmand haters.
Where am I? Eating bonbons in an expensive candy store
Where would I wear this? I would wear this to work, for a night out layered with something else (maybe another chocolate scent), and definitely as a fun weekend scent. It's not quite bright and not quite dark, kind of right in the middle. Good for daytime or night, and I can definitely see this in mid-winter or as a nice summer scent. It's quite playful but not super young.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)