A chittering buzz rises from a small crowd that has gathered around an opulent velvet-draped tent. Some are fidgeting impatiently; others try in vain to peep within the tent. Within moments, a slim, stunningly handsome man emerges from the entryway to the sound of gasps and scattered applause. His face is lit with fierce joy, and he bows almost smugly to the assemblage. Grabbing a flirtatious blonde from the mob, he kisses her in a rush of mad passion, his arm encircles her waist, and he leads her directly to a nearby opium den. The crowd disperses, and curiosity pulls you forward. You push open the fringed, beaded tent-flap and enter the dimly-lit room. A lovely, voluptuous redhead stands before an ornate antique easel. Her luminous alabaster skin and the phosphorescence emanating from her paintbrush seem to be the only source of light. As you adjust to the gloom, you see that the walls are covered with atrocities: an exhibit of dissolution. The myriad canvases show men and women in various stages of rot and decay, a panoply of indulgence, teeth set in fury, mouths leering in lust, hands grasping greedily.
The scarlet woman turns her gleaming sightless eyes towards you and, in a husky, compelling voice, she speaks:
“Why let the years tear at your youthful splendor? Why let the mark of your sins stain your fine features? Will you let the cold, creeping grasp of time and the toil of temptation mar your visage? Why should the pleasures of our flesh wreak such havoc?”
She leans in close to you and whispers, “Let me capture your soul on this canvas in oil and blood, and you will be beautiful forever.”
White tea, sugar cane, orange blossom, rockrose, lemon balm, white mint, and honey.
suzy_darling –
I was having chocolate cravings and The Candy Butcher was calling to me. When it’s fully dried down it smells like dark deep chocolate but the heavy cream note keeps it from becoming too bitter. I was in my kitchen sniffing the chocolate I had, 60% and 70% dark chocolate bars and a tub of baking cocoa powder to compare. The real stuff is a ton more bitter. The heavy cream note in this scent keeps the chocolate scent warm and delicious like cocoa on my skin. I think the scent description and the beautiful artwork of the candy butcher herself is spot on and I adore her. It’s not very sweet but very delicious, dark, and decadent.
Lauren –
Dark, dark chocolate, a little vanilla, a little creme (not the milk note the lab uses, or at least not very prevalent, as that sours on my skin). The exact scent of a flourless chocolate torte I’m fond of making. Begs for a second bottle, because I’m like to be devastated if I ever run out.
Meghan –
There are several BPAL blends that use chocolate (Velvet & 13 come to mind), but this blend is like smothering dark chocolate cake all over. It’s heavenly. It could be boosted with a drop of pure vanilla (not flowery vanilla), but that might be too much. Part of the loveliness of this blend is its rich cocoa that isn’t sweet. If you’re looking for pure dark chocolate, this is the blend for you. Will be re-ordering.