Love Is Nearer Death

Starts with overwhelming bubblegum tuberose (first time I’ve smelled it quite so bubblegum!) when the top edge burns off I smell spicy notes and ylang ylang too. The chocolate supports the mid/base very nicely, while Jasmine peeps out later, freshening the perfume on drydown. Heady, very rich and quite sweet, almost confectionary- at first- becoming more buttery, salty and beachy later. I must second the comments that point out the blending, after the intense initial notes the mid-drydown is very harmonious smelling, with notes melding into each other in a lovely complementary way. This is really nice at that stage but the basenotes smell like white musk. Feminine only.

I don't understand my obsession with this fragrance. It's a big, loud yellow-and-white floral, which is supposed to be everything I don't like, yet I love it. Tuberose, ylang, and carnation are the main players here. I do get a little amber but no labdanum or cacao. What I also get is an uncontrollable urge to constantly sniff myself every time I wear it. UnearthlyApothecary totally nailed it with her review- it's a heady, deep, complex, intoxicating powerhouse. Perfect for nights out in hot, humid summer weather. I've nearly blown through my little decant and am anxiously trying to acquire another.

This is TF Black Orchid for summer. It's positively spectacular, and exquisitely blended!The Ylang and tuberose are the dominant to me. Everything else is such a great composition that it's really not easy for me to pick out the individual notes. To me, it's never cloying (unlike Black Orchid), and brilliant in the heat. I live in Haiti, and this is perfect for here! Definitely a love!

This is one of my favorites of Alkemia. Top notes are primarily white florals but they are grounded by the carnation. I don’t get too much of the rest of the notes; I certainly don’t smell amber or cocoa. I just get a lovely, deep, white floral with just a little bit of *something* added. This is great for sweltering days down here in the South when you want that gothic romantic feel.

This is the scent of (not yet burned) ylang ylang incense sticks from a headshop in the 90s. It’s like being transported in time. I love it!