Review: Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab - Sachs

A sensual scent, compelling and passionate, that stays close to the skin: Roman chamomile, bourbon vanilla, and smoky vanilla bean. 

Definitely a scent that took me by surprise but in a good way! I was expecting a pure vanilla scent but I was surprised to find hints of the chamomile coming to the forefront as my body chemistry blended with the oil. This is another one I bought at Dragon*Con 2010 and have been thoroughly pleased with. It does indeed stay close to the skin which is something I like. There are times when I am close to that special someone and they've complimented this fragrance that it is my go to for those times when I need to feel a little... Actually, very sexy.

To order a bottle visit Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

Review: Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab - Heroine

I bought this perfume oil from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab at MidOhioCon this past year. Yet again the proceeds of the sales benefit the Hero Initiative so how could I refuse?

Nepalese amber, East African patchouli, dark musk, apple blossom, petitgrain, aged leather, skin musk, and rhubarb.

When I put this fragrance on, the musk and leather seem to come to the forefront. This is my Quintessential Steampunk fragrance even in lieu of Violens. I think it's because of the leather in addition to the 2 different musks. There's so much depth to the fragrance. The rhubarb and apple blossom aren't the most apparent on me but I am perfectly fine with that. Knowing my luck, they're in the background silently influencing my nose and teasing it.

Like I said in my other review, please make sure you try perfume oils on before purchasing a full size. Black Phoenix has what they call Imp's Ears in most (not all) of their fragrance oils and they are quite affordable. Especially when for most oils you're spending $26 for 5ml. Still worth it to me when I find that amazing fragrance.

Review: Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab - Violens

This was one of my first purchases from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. I purchased this from the Hero Initiative booth at Dragon*Con 2010. For those of you who are unaware, the Hero Initiative is a charity that assists for hire artists in the comic book industry with various medical bills. I have a friend who is being helped by them due to his ongoing battle with a rare form of Spinal Cancer.

With that out of the way, here is the description of the fragrance from Black Phoenix's site:

Scents based on the title characters from George Pérez andPeter David's groundbreaking comic book mini-series, 'Sachs and Violens'!

Part of Marvel's Heavy Hitters line, "Sachs and Violens" was a 4 issue comic book miniseries written by Peter David with art by George Pérez. The series was published by Marvel's Epic Comics imprint from 1993 to 1994.
George Pérez is one of the most popular and influential comic book artists currently working. He is best known for his work on Crisis on Infinite Earths, New Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, Superman, and the Avengers, and has most recently worked on DC's Final Crisis.
Peter David is an Eisner Award-winning Writer of Stuff, including epic runs with the Incredible Hulk, She-Hulk, Aquaman, and Spider Man.

Rugged and understated: five sandalwoods, dusty leather, and light musk.  

First of all, I want to note that when you are trying out new fragrances, always test them on yourself and see how they wear. Just because it smells one way on me doesn't mean it will on you due to body chemistry being different.

When I wear Violens the leather and musk come to the forefront. It reminds me of sitting in the corner with an old leatherbound book. It also evokes memories of what I think some things smell like in old pulp adventure stories. Indiana Jones' whip and leather jacket, as well as other similar items. These all bring about a sense of whimsy to me. I've also gotten compliments from other people around me when I wear it which makes me feel even better.

I love the packaging and label because I'm a huge comic book fan and even got to speak with George Perez a little after I bought it. He is a charming, wonderful man and very talented. I will definitely be buying more once I run out (IF I run out) and for a perfume oil, I don't mind paying the extra cash because it lasts me for so long.