Down the Indie Rabbit Hole

[Kelly Silva]

I've gotten my sample sets of the Alchemic Muse Winter fragrances and I have some very strong opinions already. I can't wait to finish testing them and let you know what I think! I am wishing I'd gotten a soap sampler, too, because I really want to try them out, but I might just have to take the plunge and buy some full size soaps.

Oooh let us know! I need to know what to order  /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[ohsailor]

Please consider a purchase of Notroisuoy Morbid's COTM for November.  Proceeds from the sale of Yellow Moon will be donated to the EB Research Partnership.  EB is a horrible disease where your skin does not "anchor".  Something as simple as wearing clothes will cause the body to blister.  I have personally met several children with this disease and their bodies are open, oozing wounds at all times.  They have to undergo daily intensely painful baths and hours of bandaging to care for these wounds.   The open wounds of course put them at great risk for infection, and most do not make it to adulthood as a result of this disease.  They have other medical issues too, but these are the most visible and painful.  Eddie Vedder, from Pearl Jam, is a member of the EBRP board and recently toured the Children's Hospital at The University of Minnesota.  You may have seen YouTube videos of his concert that night where he brought one of the doctors pioneering stem cell transplants to save these children.  Dr. Jakub Tolar is also the doctor that pioneered the protocol for transplant in the disease that my daughter had.  He is probably the most compassionate and brilliant man I have ever met.  He is dedicated to finding not only treatment options for this horrible disease, but an actual cure.  I don't know how or why NM decided to donate the proceeds from this color towards EB Research, but it has really touched my heart that they are.

I've had psoriasis so bad it completely covered my entire body. The doctors compared it to a second degree burn and asked how I had gotten that far without painkillers. I know what it's like to have a horrible skin disease, and I can't even IMAGINE that. I'd never even heard about it. I will definitely become a major supporter for this cause. 

 

[Shalott]

Okay a run down of the Winter scents I got from Alchemic Muse - I ordered two sets of three samples so I have six of the Winter perfumes +1 Fall that was a bonus. Imma add my thoughts on that, too, in case anyone wants to try and get it last minute!

Spoiler

I'm just going to go in alphabetical order with the bonus sample last, and then I will add what I am getting and what I would recommend. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Figgy Pudding - VERY warm and VERY strongly scented of fig, with a little bit of sweetness. If you dislike fig scents, this is not the one for you, but it is a very nice gourmand with delicious hints of nutmeg and spice.

Hearth - This was very warm and sweet, just like it was purported to be. I can smell a little bit of firewood underneath, but it's mostly just a nice, sweet smell. Despite ostensibly being a gourmand, this isn't very "foodie" and I think would make a nice everyday scent throughout the colder months.

Krumkake - All the food scents ended up first! Of the different gourmand scents Alchemic Muse is offering, this is the least spectacular that I tried, but it might be right up lots of folk's alleys. Nutty, sweet, with hints of ginger and vanilla, this one is probably easier to wear than Figgy Pudding, but less so that Hearth. It is also more truly gourmand than either of the other two.

Northwoods - Fresh, clean and completely evocative of walking in the deep woods on a snowy night. There is nothing about the woods in this scent that scream "holidays" and I think it is a lovely fragrance for those who like something very fresh and crisp. Definitely unisex, as well, where the others have all been slightly feminine, imo.

Snowdrift - This is another very clean scent, but the heliotrope doesn't work for me (a it usually doesn't) and it is reminiscent of Black Violet's Ice Queen in that way. The white florals on top and the sandalwood on bottom make a very nice, white scent that is made seasonal by the hint of juniper. Not to my taste, but will be lovely on others.

Wassail - Haaaaaa. If you've gone Wassailing, this is it. Cider, spice, a hint of orange rind in the mix. So delicious, I could drink it but I will have to settle for wearing it for the time being. My favorite.

Bonus! Pumpkin Butter - The epitome of pumpkin scents, this smells just like you would imagine a pumpkin-scent to smell. Pumpkin-y, ginger-y, cinnamon-y, and very creamy and sweet. A perfect fall pumpkin.

Scents I did NOT get: Applewood, Spiked Nog, Sweet Potato. I also (fail) did not get any of the soap scents. I will definitely be picking up full sizes of Figgy Pudding and Wassail, as those were my two favorites. I'm also going to get a Hair Mist of Figgy Pudding, and a Foaming Scrub of Northwoods, because I think that is a good one for revitalizing in the shower. I think I will also pick up a bar soap sampler with Northwoods, Ginger Cake and Pipe Smoke, and Hot Cocoa and Silver Fir Bath Melts.

I would recommend: Hearth, if you're not sure. Krumkake, if you like Gourmand. Northwoods, if you like clean, and/or want something unisex. Figgy Pudding, if you like fig scents. Snowdrift, if you like white florals. Wassail, to anyone.

 

[Kelly Silva]

Okay a run down of the Winter scents I got from Alchemic Muse - I ordered two sets of three samples so I have six of the Winter perfumes +1 Fall that was a bonus. Imma add my thoughts on that, too, in case anyone wants to try and get it last minute!

Spoiler

I'm just going to go in alphabetical order with the bonus sample last, and then I will add what I am getting and what I would recommend. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Figgy Pudding - VERY warm and VERY strongly scented of fig, with a little bit of sweetness. If you dislike fig scents, this is not the one for you, but it is a very nice gourmand with delicious hints of nutmeg and spice.

Hearth - This was very warm and sweet, just like it was purported to be. I can smell a little bit of firewood underneath, but it's mostly just a nice, sweet smell. Despite ostensibly being a gourmand, this isn't very "foodie" and I think would make a nice everyday scent throughout the colder months.

Krumkake - All the food scents ended up first! Of the different gourmand scents Alchemic Muse is offering, this is the least spectacular that I tried, but it might be right up lots of folk's alleys. Nutty, sweet, with hints of ginger and vanilla, this one is probably easier to wear than Figgy Pudding, but less so that Hearth. It is also more truly gourmand than either of the other two.

Northwoods - Fresh, clean and completely evocative of walking in the deep woods on a snowy night. There is nothing about the woods in this scent that scream "holidays" and I think it is a lovely fragrance for those who like something very fresh and crisp. Definitely unisex, as well, where the others have all been slightly feminine, imo.

Snowdrift - This is another very clean scent, but the heliotrope doesn't work for me (a it usually doesn't) and it is reminiscent of Black Violet's Ice Queen in that way. The white florals on top and the sandalwood on bottom make a very nice, white scent that is made seasonal by the hint of juniper. Not to my taste, but will be lovely on others.

Wassail - Haaaaaa. If you've gone Wassailing, this is it. Cider, spice, a hint of orange rind in the mix. So delicious, I could drink it but I will have to settle for wearing it for the time being. My favorite.

Bonus! Pumpkin Butter - The epitome of pumpkin scents, this smells just like you would imagine a pumpkin-scent to smell. Pumpkin-y, ginger-y, cinnamon-y, and very creamy and sweet. A perfect fall pumpkin.

Scents I did NOT get: Applewood, Spiked Nog, Sweet Potato. I also (fail) did not get any of the soap scents. I will definitely be picking up full sizes of Figgy Pudding and Wassail, as those were my two favorites. I'm also going to get a Hair Mist of Figgy Pudding, and a Foaming Scrub of Northwoods, because I think that is a good one for revitalizing in the shower. I think I will also pick up a bar soap sampler with Northwoods, Ginger Cake and Pipe Smoke, and Hot Cocoa and Silver Fir Bath Melts.

I would recommend: Hearth, if you're not sure. Krumkake, if you like Gourmand. Northwoods, if you like clean, and/or want something unisex. Figgy Pudding, if you like fig scents. Snowdrift, if you like white florals. Wassail, to anyone.

Dammit. I may get it all. I really can't justify more bath stuff though, maybe I should just get the perfumes. Indie hoarder problems  :wacko:

 

[Shalott]

Dammit. I may get it all. I really can't justify more bath stuff though, maybe I should just get the perfumes. Indie hoarder problems  :wacko:

Ha ha, you're telling me! We've got the re-opening of Black Violet coming up, too, and my list is a mile long. h34r: /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Allison H]

@@Shalott, thank you for the reviews! I'll be picking up some hair mist, cream soaps, and bath melts for sure, oh and perfume in hearth!

 

[kawaiiwoofs]

Yellow moon is gorgeous!

 

[Kelly Silva]

HW Visage spoilers!

Spoiler

Eyeshadows - Full Size
Beast: Dark purple toned brown
Garden: Light warm dusty pink shimmer with purple sparks
Eight Days: Satin warm rose

Cheeks - Halfling
Winter Rose: Rose-toned blush with a subtle cool violet sheen

Lips - Full Size
Tundra: Warm coral my lips but better creme

Total Value: $31.25 (not including shipping)

 

[SOSRedAlertSOS]

HW Visage spoilers!

Spoiler

Eyeshadows - Full Size

Beast: Dark purple toned brown

Garden: Light warm dusty pink shimmer with purple sparks

Eight Days: Satin warm rose

Cheeks - Halfling

Winter Rose: Rose-toned blush with a subtle cool violet sheen

Lips - Full Size

Tundra: Warm coral my lips but better creme

Total Value: $31.25 (not including shipping)

JEALOUS!

 

[meaganola]

HW Visage spoilers!

Spoiler

Eyeshadows - Full Size

Beast: Dark purple toned brown

Garden: Light warm dusty pink shimmer with purple sparks

Eight Days: Satin warm rose

Cheeks - Halfling

Winter Rose: Rose-toned blush with a subtle cool violet sheen

Lips - Full Size

Tundra: Warm coral my lips but better creme

Total Value: $31.25 (not including shipping)

Eeee!  What's the finish on that first one?  Matte, satin, etc.?

And there were apparently only TWO people who came off the NM VC waiting list for November.  But they're making a *lot* more for December.  I'm not sure whether that's going to be their new number of slots or a special this-month-only deal for December since they're not doing a holiday collection this year.  I'm really antsy to see the whole collection!

(I had more to say, but Ed decided to be adorable and drape himself over my thigh while doing his darnedest to purr, so I forgot it all.  Because SWEETIE KITTY.)

 

[Allison H]

HW Visage spoilers!

Spoiler

Eyeshadows - Full Size

Beast: Dark purple toned brown

Garden: Light warm dusty pink shimmer with purple sparks

Eight Days: Satin warm rose

Cheeks - Halfling

Winter Rose: Rose-toned blush with a subtle cool violet sheen

Lips - Full Size

Tundra: Warm coral my lips but better creme

Total Value: $31.25 (not including shipping)

Yay! So exciting!!

 

[Kelly Silva]

Eeee!  What's the finish on that first one?  Matte, satin, etc.?

Hard to tell, I got these spoilers from the IMAM subreddit and someone's dim swatch photos, it looks like a matte base with possibly some shimmer? Hard to tell

 

[meaganola]

I found the photos!  Aww, the box on the lip stuff!  Both company logos!  So adorable. 

And thanks to this sub, I'm realizing that storing each month's items from across all subs (well, at least the indie ones) in one Birchbox (since I have quite a few of them already, and they're a good size for this) is the way to go for me.  It bugs me to not have all September items together to pull out next September, and it bugs me to use them outside of their month since I have new stuff to use each month, but I can't store them in a bead case because of sizes and shapes of the various items involved.  I *could* buy boxes that aren't as big as Birchboxes so I could fit more of them on a shelf, but, hey, I already have well over a dozen Birchboxes already, so I might as well use them.  I do want a bookcase that will better fit the boxes, but I needed another bookcase anyway, not specifically due to this.

 

[Kelly Silva]

I found the photos!  Aww, the box on the lip stuff!  Both company logos!  So adorable. 

And thanks to this sub, I'm realizing that storing each month's items from across all subs (well, at least the indie ones) in one Birchbox (since I have quite a few of them already, and they're a good size for this) is the way to go for me.  It bugs me to not have all September items together to pull out next September, and it bugs me to use them outside of their month since I have new stuff to use each month, but I can't store them in a bead case because of sizes and shapes of the various items involved.  I *could* buy boxes that aren't as big as Birchboxes so I could fit more of them on a shelf, but, hey, I already have well over a dozen Birchboxes already, so I might as well use them.  I do want a bookcase that will better fit the boxes, but I needed another bookcase anyway, not specifically due to this.

Oh man I need better storage. Since I've been basically expecting to move any time now for the past 6 months or so, I've just accumulated more and more without real storage for it all. Currently all the leftovers that don't fit in my drawers anymore is hanging out in a Birchbox and another big box. I can't see what's in there, and it's just a mess, but I shouldn't buy anything because moving could happen any time. I like your idea though, keep all indie sub stuff in a dedicated box for the month and use it, and then move on to the next month.

 

[ohsailor]

When does The Vanishing Cabinet open each month? (isn't that how it works?)

Also, is anyone else having trouble with the name labels on CocoaPink's perfumes blurring b/c the ink runs? I need to find a way to fix this /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[meaganola]

When does The Vanishing Cabinet open each month? (isn't that how it works?)

It's not opening this month.  It was originally the plan, but after last month's debacle (similar to the one that resulted in this being turned into a sub in the first place), there's now a waiting list, and they're working exclusively off the waiting list until it's gone, but only two people were able to come off it this month.  I think they expect to be able to start having more slots next month, so more people may come off it.  Email them to get on the list!

In related news, I got charged!  And the VC page is supposed to go live today (in about an hour and fifteen minutes, I think), so we will be able to see all of the goodies!

 

[kawaiisofoxy]

It's not opening this month.  It was originally the plan, but after last month's debacle (similar to the one that resulted in this being turned into a sub in the first place), there's now a waiting list, and they're working exclusively off the waiting list until it's gone, but only two people were able to come off it this month.  I think they expect to be able to start having more slots next month, so more people may come off it.  Email them to get on the list!

In related news, I got charged!  And the VC page is supposed to go live today (in about an hour and fifteen minutes, I think), so we will be able to see all of the goodies!

OMG SO EXCITED.  Although we've seen swatches of 3 colors, right?  Northman, Stop Thinking So Loud, and Merlotte.  So, we'll see the 4th color and find out any NM extras (like glitter or lippies)?  I am hoping SO HARD for a lip gloss or something really pigmented!  

 

[Lolo22]

Okay a run down of the Winter scents I got from Alchemic Muse - I ordered two sets of three samples so I have six of the Winter perfumes +1 Fall that was a bonus. Imma add my thoughts on that, too, in case anyone wants to try and get it last minute!

Spoiler

I'm just going to go in alphabetical order with the bonus sample last, and then I will add what I am getting and what I would recommend. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Figgy Pudding - VERY warm and VERY strongly scented of fig, with a little bit of sweetness. If you dislike fig scents, this is not the one for you, but it is a very nice gourmand with delicious hints of nutmeg and spice.

Hearth - This was very warm and sweet, just like it was purported to be. I can smell a little bit of firewood underneath, but it's mostly just a nice, sweet smell. Despite ostensibly being a gourmand, this isn't very "foodie" and I think would make a nice everyday scent throughout the colder months.

Krumkake - All the food scents ended up first! Of the different gourmand scents Alchemic Muse is offering, this is the least spectacular that I tried, but it might be right up lots of folk's alleys. Nutty, sweet, with hints of ginger and vanilla, this one is probably easier to wear than Figgy Pudding, but less so that Hearth. It is also more truly gourmand than either of the other two.

Northwoods - Fresh, clean and completely evocative of walking in the deep woods on a snowy night. There is nothing about the woods in this scent that scream "holidays" and I think it is a lovely fragrance for those who like something very fresh and crisp. Definitely unisex, as well, where the others have all been slightly feminine, imo.

Snowdrift - This is another very clean scent, but the heliotrope doesn't work for me (a it usually doesn't) and it is reminiscent of Black Violet's Ice Queen in that way. The white florals on top and the sandalwood on bottom make a very nice, white scent that is made seasonal by the hint of juniper. Not to my taste, but will be lovely on others.

Wassail - Haaaaaa. If you've gone Wassailing, this is it. Cider, spice, a hint of orange rind in the mix. So delicious, I could drink it but I will have to settle for wearing it for the time being. My favorite.

Bonus! Pumpkin Butter - The epitome of pumpkin scents, this smells just like you would imagine a pumpkin-scent to smell. Pumpkin-y, ginger-y, cinnamon-y, and very creamy and sweet. A perfect fall pumpkin.

Scents I did NOT get: Applewood, Spiked Nog, Sweet Potato. I also (fail) did not get any of the soap scents. I will definitely be picking up full sizes of Figgy Pudding and Wassail, as those were my two favorites. I'm also going to get a Hair Mist of Figgy Pudding, and a Foaming Scrub of Northwoods, because I think that is a good one for revitalizing in the shower. I think I will also pick up a bar soap sampler with Northwoods, Ginger Cake and Pipe Smoke, and Hot Cocoa and Silver Fir Bath Melts.

I would recommend: Hearth, if you're not sure. Krumkake, if you like Gourmand. Northwoods, if you like clean, and/or want something unisex. Figgy Pudding, if you like fig scents. Snowdrift, if you like white florals. Wassail, to anyone.

Figgy pudding sounds awesome!

 

[meaganola]

Ooh, the VC is five shadows this month, and four of them are lipsafe, so even though there's not a lip color, you can DIY! And since this is based on the books, there's a Quinn shade!

ETA: I really like how cohesive this collection is. There aren't huge contrasts between the shades like last month. The contrasts were appropriate last month and very reflective of the source material, and I think the lack of contrast is appropriate this month.

 

[Anne Questra Sutkoff]

Merlotte looks gorgeous /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  I'm so happy I managed to get myself subscribed last month.

So much Yule perfume/bath stuff I want, but I just found out I'm going to be having some unexpected medical expenses over the next month, so it looks like I'll be limiting myself to orders I already have out.  On the plus side, I've been taking a leatherworking class, and I'm making a gorgeous leather box which will become my perfume storage!  What I have will take up maybe a quarter of it, but there will be plenty of time after I finish fixing myself and get a new job to fill it up.