A djinn is a supernatural creature, a genie in Arabic folklore, that can either do good or evil in the human world. Justine Crane, the woman behind The Scented Djinn, has thankfully decided to use her creative powers for the good of scenting us humans. The fragrances of The Scented Djinn are all natural and several of the ingredients have been handcrafted by Justine herself. When she’s not busy overseeing her fragrant lair, Justine can be found teaching classes, writing her blog Oh True Apothecary!, or tending to the business side of things, which she has been doing since 1996.
Oshiba Eau de Parfum
Oshiba began with a take-charge labdanum and frankincense blend, which created a dark and leathery mood that was familiar yet compelling. Think of a similar atmosphere to Donna Karan’s Black Cashmere, but less wood and more pelt. On The Scented Djinn website, labdanum is mentioned as a basenote, but to my nose, the top was all about this rich and resinous essence. The fragrance meandered effortlessly through its labdanum intensity towards a delicate powdery lavender mélange. Oshiba’s final destination was a soft vanilla, with remnants of a hushed labdanum. Earthy, soil stained sweetness of benzoin kept this finespun drydown grounded and close to the skin. The weather here has been schizophrenic to say the least. A couple of weeks ago it was in the low 100′s but when I wore Oshiba it was 30 degrees lower with a hint of autumn in the air. What a perfect scent to summon crisp air and cooler evenings.
Ianthe Eau de Toilette
When I read Ianthe’s list of notes; violet leaf, rose de mai, ambrette and orris, my gut told me this would be my favorite of Justine’s creations. Indeed, I was correct. She calls it a “violet nymph” and by golly this is an accurate description as I have fallen in love with this beguiling creature. She’s sweet but not too sweet. Ianthe has her hands in the soil, digging for those ambrette seeds, so the fragrance is well-grounded and does not begin delicately. The rose was not apparent to my nose, and the orris seemed only to illicit more of the violet tones of Ianthe, becoming more honeyed and delicious rather than heavy, soapy or woody. And then, my skin was left with a gauzy haze of violet pastilles that was more like a memory rather than a confection in my mouth. A true pleasure for violet perfume lovers, and presented in a darling 10ml corked bottle.
Khamsa Eau Fraiche
Justine’s Khamsa Eau Fraiche is made with cilantro, citrus, patchouli and frankincense. In fact, the frankincense and lemon hydrosols were created by Justine, as well as the fresh lemon essential oil, all used in the fragrance. I loved the opening of Khamsa. The cilantro/citrus kickoff was unique, enjoyable and refreshing. It even allowed for an interesting evolution into the warmth of the next phase; patchouli and frankincense. But then the drydown, on my skin, was exclusively patchouli. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you know I am not a big fan of the patchouli. I wish I were, because Khamsa has one of the most fascinating fragrance openers I’ve experienced in a while and I am loath to have the lovely bottle Justine so generously sent me go to waste. So all of you patchouli lovers, step forth and stake your claim!
I’m doing a giveaway for this full-sized bottle (100 mls) of Khamsa Eau Fraiche. Just leave a comment and you’ll be entered. You have until August 26th 10pm Pacific to enter. Good Luck! The winner has been chosen.
The Scented Djinn fragrances are available at Justine’s etsy shop.
Posted by ~Trish
Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks!
I certainly will!
Good luck
~T
Hi Trish – BIG patchouli lover here!
I’d love to win this little gem of Justine’s – I have sampled Khamsa and could bath in it…. literally.
Many thanks for the draw!
Holly
hollyjae [@] gmail dot com
Holly,
How lovely that you are familiar with Justine’s line. They are fabulous fragrances aren’t they? Good luck in the drawing!
~T
I enjoyed reading about Justine’s lovely sounding scents,off to her blog now;)
Crystal,
Enjoy the blog and best of luck!
~T
I’d love to try this!
Deanna,
I hope you get the chance
Take care and good luck,
T
Trish,
Please enter me in the Khamsa Eau Fraiche giveaway. This fragrance line sounds lovely!!
Thank you!!
Michelle
Michelle,
The line is very lovely…you are entered!
Best of luck,
T
Take me back to my hippie chick daze!
Will do Sharon!
Good luck my dear,
T
I love my Khamsa sample!! Oh, for a full sized bottle!
Please enter me in the draw!!
Oshiba has a bit of metallic in it to my nose…she’s gorgeous and very quixotic!
You got it!
~T
wow, and patchouli, a favorite… Would love to be entered in the draw!
Cheers, Evan
Evan
I’m glad to see patchouli getting so much love here
You are entered and good luck!
~T
These all sound lovely. Thanks for the reviews of The Scented Djinn, I have not sampled any from this line yet. I’d love to be entered in the drawing.
Amy,
They were all new to me as well! Good Luck
~T
I’d be absoutely thrilled to win!! Have a great vacation:)
Jessica,
Just peeked at your blog, it’s lovely!
Thanks for stopping by and best of luck,
~Trish
Sounds lovely!
Indeed!
~T
OOooohhh!
I love patchouli!
I like Justine’s exotic combinations. Nothisn is monotonous, all her perfumes are alive and full of colors.
Oh I want to have this big full bottle!!!
Ane*
Good luck in the drawing for the big full bottle
~T
oh how fun, I’d love to be entered. Thanks!
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
~T
Hi, wow, what a wonderful review! I have never heard of this brand until now and I thank you for introducing it to us. I love artisan perfumes and her line of oriental themed fragrances put me on cloud nine! The way that you describe the fragrances, makes me feel as if I am experiencing them without them even being here in front of me.
As for the Khamsa Eau Fraiche, I love patchouli, especially when is done right, and frankincense puts me in swoon mode, the kicky lemon reminds me sipping a cooled Darjeeling with a slice of lemon in it on a balmy summer day. These elements all together, well what a delighful summer fragrance, and a pick me up on those drab wintry day! It sounds like a perfect scent to share with my husband, as we sometimes share fragrances, such as Black Cashmere by Donna Karan, he loves it!
Please enter me into the drawing so I can have teh chance to experience the fragrance
Grace,
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I think that Khamsa could definitely be worn by both women and men for certain! I love that your husband wears BC…such good taste!
Good luck in the drawing,
Trish
Hi Trish,
Thank you for such a wonderful review of my perfumes. Good luck to all the entrants in the giveaway.
Thank you again!
Justine
Thank you Justine!
Hugs,
T
I love citrus & frankincense. Thank you for entering me into the giveaway.
Appreciatively,
Lynn
Lynn,
You are very welcome! Thanks for visiting
~Trish
mmm, patchouli…….
Felicia,
~T
this scent sounds quite intriguing. i’d love to win!
Good luck!
~T
I would also love to be entered in the draw. Thank you and have a fun vacation in NYC!
Thanks so much! I was in the city today and had a wonderful time
~T
please add me to the drawing. regardless of the outcome, i look forward to trying this fragrance. the cilantro note is very intriguing!
A,
The cilantro was my favorite part
Best of luck,
T
Could you enter me in the give away? I love all of Justine’s stuff! Her scents release all your stress and take you away to a world all your own.
Kim,
Consider it done! Just a comment and you’re entered.
Best of luck,
~T
Sounds lovely! Please add me to the drawing. I hope you are enjoying your vacation in NYC!
Hi J,
We are having a great time! I had fun sniffing adventures in NYC, going back tomorrow. Party for B&E is tonight.
Lots of family of course
But the heat and humidity is brutal! So whatever is going on in the NW, enjoy it!!
See you soon,
~T
Lovely blog you have here Trish – I’ll be sure to check back often. I am also familiar with some of Justine’s work, and think she is a phenomenal NBP’er.
Warm salutations from Denmark!
Dimitri.
Thank you so much Dimitri, glad to have you here
Justine’s work is lovely and I am glad to know there are so many people already familiar with her fragrances.
Love your blog as well!
~T
Mmmm. Sounds divine! Please enter me. Thanks.
O,
Excellent! Good luck.
~T
Hi,
I was a lucky participant in one of Justine’s classes just yesterday. I am new to natural perfurmery and am completely hooked. Justine is a great teacher and has introduced me to a new obsession I’m sure. She really knows her stuff!
Thanks for the chance to win her lovely creation.
Julie
How wonderful that you got to take a class with Justine! Sounds fantastic. Welcome to the amazing world of natural perfumery
~T
Wonderful reviews. Sounds like the Ianthe Eau de Toilette would be my favorite too. Congrats to Justine!
Ruth
Ruth,
Ianthe is a gem, I love it. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing!
~T
hi, please enter me in the giveaway. i love that scent and many other’s of the scented djinn’s! enjoy ny!
thanks~
lisa
Lisa,
I’m still in NY and it has been a fabulous trip so far, thanks! I’m so glad you are already a fan of Khamsa and best of luck
~T
I would love to be included in the giveaway. Thank you! Irena
Great! Thanks for reading Irena
~T
Ohhh, I’m so glad I’m not too late for this! This line sound amazing. Thank you for the wonderful review Trish!
Nope! Not too late
~T
Hi Trish — so nice to see you in NYC!
Please enter me in the draw, who knows, perhaps I will be lucky this time…
best,
Lucy
Fingers crossed!!
Hugs,
~T
mmmm-I want I love frankincense-it sounds earthy and wonderfull-perfect for autumn/winter.
Sinead,
You are right….perfect for the fall. In fact, I think it would be wonderful for the transition from the warmer days into the cooler ones.
Good luck!
~T
me me me! i wanna win!
Tina,
Thanks for visiting! I’ve been eyeing your products for a while now….must try them soon
Best of luck,
Trish
yes yes, here’s my entry & thanks!
You’re welcome Linda! Just in time
~T