Arcanum

Two phrases that I hadn't imagined being combined in the same sentence, but here we are: this is an easy / dumb reach straight incense scent. Usually I think of incense as being semi-challenging, or needing certain colder weather, or it's often mixed with other notes that make a fragrance difficult to pull off in multiple situations. Not Arcanum--it's a little swiss army knife incense bebe. Solid 3 season scent, could probably even wear it in the summer if you really wanted to. Not too heavy, not too light, just right. I debated between "like" and "love" on this scent for a few days, but the more I wore it, the more I realize that it deserves the "love". It's not as head-turning or immediately swoon-worthy to my nose like some other Alkemias are, but I can't think about anything to nitpick about this scent. Solid longevity, went for about 5-6 hours, which is pretty impressive for an oil-based scent. I'll probably end up with a full bottle next fall or (heaven forbid) if it ever ends up on the Last Chance page--whichever comes first.

I find this one an excellent, witchy headshop scent. There's a gorgeous frankincense note that mellows as it dries down to become more of a smoky/powdery incense scent. There is also something of a vintage perfume vibe here that makes this a bit more elegant than the usual headshop scents.

Mmm the perfect witchy headshop scent! The dragons blood incense is in the forefront. It’s sophisticated and classic if you love incense and hippie scents.

Very nice, I don't get any offensive notes out of this. I got the rollerball and when I was testing this out I initially just put some on my wrist, which I don't normally do because I feel like anything I put on my wrist gets rubbed away immediately, but Arcanum held up surprisingly well. This fragrance makes me feel like I'm walking through the downtown area of a small town and have been lured into a cramped, hidey-hole of a shop by the scent of the incense being burned inside. Projection is good enough that my sister, who was sitting across the table from me while we ate, smelled it and complimented it. I've also gotten compliments from other people. I actually initially liked the fragrance but wasn't really "wowed" by it, but it quickly grew on me.

If you like incensy fragrances, this one is for you! Earthy, woody, and smoky with sweet dragon's blood, frankincense, and patchouli. A soothing and relaxing scent for me. A great offering from Alkemia!