IndieAna- In Search of the HolyGrail

Thanks to Dee for kindly sending me some Arcana samples, it has not only allowed me to try this brand, but also fill that indie perfume sampling void. They couldn't have come at a better time, because I had finished my stash of oil samples. Still determined to not buy any perfumes in the near future, it has been great to sniff some different perfumes. How cute is the design of Frilly Underpinnings label!  Described as "Pink, white and black pepper laced delicately through sweet cream, bourbon vanilla, caramel amber, 2 sugars, spice and everything nice" Sound good? Well, it smells even better. Yes, it's gourmand and sweet, but it's also grown up with the amber, bourbon vanilla and pepper spices preventing a toothache. After wear, I get a smoky, tobacco type note, which I love.  This fragrance is sexy, rich and so delectable. Yes, a full size is a must! :)

Well, after trying just a couple of perfume oils from Arcana Soaps, I am really loving this brand. I have enjoyed each one, and am already compiling a wishlist for future purchase. The one I am wearing today is Genteel. Described as "Aniseed, 2 vanillas, dry amber, sugar, and cashmere musk with wisps of fine sandalwood and cedarwood" Yes, it really sounds like a complex mix, but in reality, each note blends together beautifully. Upon application, the musk and amber are first to emerge on me. Not harsh, but kind of aftershave-like, not quite the scent that I was expecting. But, then the aniseed becomes more noticeable, but not in an overpowering way. The fragrance is smooth, creamy and sweet. The aniseed note is divine, then again, I do love the smell of this note. I really like how the slight smokiness of the woodsy notes give extra depth and richness. Mmmm, nice and warm, great for the cooler months. I am a little on the fence as to whether or not I need a full si...

Among the Arcana Soaps samples that Dee had sent me, was one called " Vulgar ". I must say that with a name like that, I had no idea what to expect.  I just love the description "Vulgar is the tatted up housewife who swears like a sailor and plays punk rock at all times so the kids will be smart. Dirty cherry with dark chocolate, vanilla infused marshmallow, honey, pepper, patchouli, and a hint of smoky bacon" What a combination! But, it totally works. At first application, I got the bitter dark chocolate, that was also sweet and syrupy. Just when I thought that it was going to be too much, the scent began to soften, revealing the spices and smoky quality. After wear, the dirtiness of the patchouli is detectable. I find that this fragrance could be unisex. Yes, it's sweet, but there's some masculine notes in there, too.  I loved sniffing this perfume, although it's not something I'd wear, I'd certainly like to smell it on my man. Let's jus...

The 3rd sample of Arcana perfume oils that I reached for is Estella, from The Great Expectations collection. Described as: " Quietly stunning ambre blanc and vanilla bean with a kiss of cognac ." With this description, it probably goes without saying that I like it... really, really like it! With these notes, this fragrance wears sweet, rich and delectably foodie. However, Estella manages to be feminine, which doesn't get lost in the gourmand notes. My review is short and sweet, but doesn't reflect on just how much I adore this perfume. Thanks Dee , I need a full size of this one, too! :)

Today's Scent of the Day is another Arcana perfume oil, thanks to Dee . What Larks! is a limited edition oil from The Great Expectations Collection. Described as "A happy blend of English strawberries and salted milk caramels strewn across polished wood." On me, this oil is rich, creamy, indulgence. The strawberries lift the fragrance, a touch of fruity sweetness, not tartness, but almost like strawberry jam. Over time, I noticed a smokiness emerge, wood perhaps? When I wear this perfume I am reminded of the wafting scent of a delicious candle, when it has just been blown out. This scent lingers nicely, not loud, but it does last. I'm not sure that I need a full size, but I am going to enjoy the rest of the sample vial. Thanks again, Dee :)

Hmmm, should I thank Dee , or curse her? Just kidding, thank her of course, but I can BLAME her for wanting, no needing, another perfume oil. Among the decanted samples that Dee had kindly sent me, was Arcana Cake Lust . Described as " Golden bakery cakes spiked with blonde tobacco, pipe tobacco, Basalm of Peru, cardamon and mace. " Now I can't tell you what mace and Basalm of Peru smells like, however, cakes, the gourmand spice of cardamon and the smokiness of tobaccos, oh yes, my nose detects those for sure!  This foody fragrance is blended to perfection, with the added tobacco giving richness and a sexy smoky touch. This perfume is heavenly delicious and so naughty with seduction.  Upon application, imagine me like those cartoon characters floating towards an irresistible smell. I am in gourmand heaven with this oil, it's INSANE. If only I could bathe in it!  If this wasn't enough, do you want to know the best part? It lasts, like I mean hours! When...