st_emma | bpal is my pal, part deux (Reply)

Now that I've tried a couple of the Lovecraft-themed aquatics, I have to admit that they were nowhere near as dark as I had feared/hoped. They are, in fact, quite lovely, even if they lack, say, the ethereal evil of Nyarlathotep or the delicate sylvan menace of Arkham. I must admit that the Picnic in Arkham collection is shaping up to be a favourite, and I look forward to trying more of it in the future.

Whitechapel. What starts out as a cavalcade of alarming furniture-polish lemons soon regains its balance as the other notes blossom. The end result is a refreshing, genteel citrus/musk blend, with lilac adding a sickly sweet, not-quite-rightness that lets you know that the gentility is only a mask. It's reminiscent of Phobos, which I adore, but more twisted.

Haunted. This may be, in honesty, one of the most beautiful scents I have ever encountered, and yet is is nigh-indescribable. An exquisite sadness, highlighted by a sweet yet unbearable longing for things which are just out of reach. So, so perfect.

Lady Macbeth. Berries. Grasping, ambitious, conniving berries. The kinds of berries that want to help you screw your courage to the sticking place. Lovely, decadent, ruthless, dangerous berries. Yum.

Crossroads. Jasmine and herbs, beside a dirt road, nearing midnight. It's lovely enough, but a little too floral for my taste.

Y'ha-nthlei. Subtle and disarming, and very well-balanced. It starts out light - blue-green shallows and ocean breezes - before plunging deeper, into something that's murky green and fathomless. I want to pair this with The Deep Ones and wear them all summer long.