Collect your pollen. Fly away inspired.
Posted in Soivohlé/Liz Zorn on Mar 8th, 2010
Liz Zorn might be the most intriguing perfumer I have come across. Her fragrances are complex, unexpected and have a definite intelligence behind them. Never have I applied one of her perfumes and thought, “Ah yes, that’s what I thought this would smell like.” Pink Praline is no exception. The first time I wore [...]
Posted in Ayala Moriel Parfums on Feb 10th, 2010
Tropical florals like tuberose, gardenia, and jasmine can easily overwhelm a perfume with their intense headiness. Sometimes the intensity is beautifully crafted, such as in Fracas, but that iconic tuberose perfume is challenging for many people to wear and still feel like they are in their own skin. Ayala Sender, the nose behind Ayala Moriel [...]
Posted in DSH/Dawn Spencer Hurwitz on Jan 29th, 2010
Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes flew under my naturals-loving radar until a few months ago. One of her purely botanical gems that I discovered is Chinoise. Dawn refers to this perfume as “a quiet and contemplative moment amongst groves of whispering camphor trees; a grounding aroma.” I have yet to experience such a moment in [...]
Posted in Tallulah Jane on Jan 18th, 2010
Now that the world of natural perfume has really taken off, there is speculation regarding the “greenness” of some of them. For those of us who prefer naturals, we have our own individual barometers as to what is “green” enough. Only you can decide what works best for you in terms of your lifestyle and [...]
Posted in Anya's Garden on Dec 31st, 2009
I’m writing this review on the eve of the blue moon and the new year. This is also the day I decided to try MoonDance from Anya’s Garden for the first time. Coincidence? If it was, it was a subconscious bleary-eyed one this morning. Reaching for my sample I thought I was going to experience [...]
Posted in Aftelier on Dec 28th, 2009
Mandy Aftel, creator of Aftelier Perfumes, is a true artist. Her fragrances are interesting, thought provoking, and ultimately beautiful, and each time I wear one I adore her fragrances just a little more. I’m certain Mandy’s Fig has more than the listed notes of fir absolute, jasmine sambac and yuzu in its blend, but knowing [...]
Posted in DS & Durga on Nov 22nd, 2009
My maternal grandfather made my grandmother a cedar chest when they were fifteen years old. He had the interior quilted and lined at a funeral parlor which I find both fascinating and macabre. (Where else would you have that sort of thing done I wonder?) Both of my grandparents are dead now, all of them [...]
Posted in Artemisia Natural Perfume on Sep 25th, 2009
Ondine. An ondine is a water nymph, beautiful and immortal according to German folklore. Ondine is also the namesake of a natural fragrance worthy of adorning that nymph. That is if the water girl likes to be anointed with milky blossoms washed over transparent woods.
Lisa Fong, creator of Ondine and her line Artemisia Natural Perfume, [...]
Posted in Roxana Illuminated Perfume on Sep 21st, 2009
FIVE A.M. IN THE PINEWOODS
I’d seen
their hoofprints in the deep
needles and knew
they ended the long night
under the pines, walking
like two mute
and beautiful women toward
the deeper woods, so I
got up in the dark and
went there. They came
slowly down the hill
and looked at me sitting under
the blue trees, shyly
they stepped
closer and stared
from under their thick lashes and [...]
Posted in Essentially Me on Sep 17th, 2009
Essentially Me is a one stop shopping website for all things perfume. If you need botanical extraits, they’ve got ‘em. Pure absolutes… they’re available there also. Are you in need of a pipette, some smelling strips, or a blending bottle? They’ve got all that too. Basically, if you’ve ever wanted to become a mad perfume [...]
Posted in The Scented Djinn on Aug 16th, 2009
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 [...]
Posted in Persephenie, Yosh on Jul 31st, 2009
Los Angeles Report Part II brings us to my enchanted evening at Blunda where Yosh, Persephenie, and many botanical gems were discovered. Before I get to Yosh though, let me tell you about the benzoin! I had never smelled benzoin until this past weekend and could hardly pull my nose out of the jar that [...]
Posted in Maoli Perfumes on Jun 7th, 2009
Maoli Perfumes loves a giveaway as much as I do, and they have generously offered to share their Aloha sweetness with Scent Hive readers. One lucky reader will receive a 1oz bottle of Colonia Dulce, a 100% all natural and organic perfume.
To enter, check out my review for Colonia Dulce here or the Maoli Perfumes [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on May 25th, 2009
Sharon! Congrats on winning this lovely natural perfume. And thanks to everyone who commented on both Part I and Part II of my Rose Series. It was a pleasure to focus on one floral note, especially one that I had not fully appreciated or thought I was particularly fond of. Please keep your eyes on [...]
Posted in Body Care, Demeter Vintage Naturals, In Fiore, Pacifica on May 20th, 2009
I’m continuing with my mind expansion, opening my world to new roses and the ones I didn’t know I loved so much. So read on for some lovely roses, as well as a great giveaway!
Demeter Vintage Naturals: Rosebush
Demeter has joined the natural perfume ranks with a fragrance line made from 100% natural essential oils. In fact, [...]
Posted in Face Care, Roxana Illuminated Perfume, Uncategorized, Velvet and Sweet Pea on May 17th, 2009
I have never considered myself a rose type of gal. Certainly I enjoy strolling through our rose gardens here in town, and in our front yard we have the most gorgeous rose bush and its fragrance is one of my anticipated summertime pleasures. But while I have a nature lovin’ appreciation for this classic flower, [...]
Posted in Ayala Moriel Parfums on May 10th, 2009
A FLOWER PARTY
Blunda Aromatics in Los Angeles is an exquisite olefactorium/ artisan enclave/ scent school/ alchemical collaboration run by Persephenie Schnyder. Blunda’s website describes its store hours as Saturday: 11-5, Monday – Friday: By Appointment or Chance. It truly was a magnificent accord of chance, serendipity, a dash of divine intervention, and a dear college [...]
Posted in Ayala Moriel Parfums on Feb 22nd, 2009
Palas Atena is the creation of Ayala Sender of Ayala Moriel Parfums. Ayala is an incredibly gifted parfumer who is dedicated to using only natural ingredients in her line. This means that there are no synthetic or petroleum derived ingredients in her perfumes. Her products are also cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and she uses organic and ethically wild [...]
