Runestone

I have fallen head-over-heels for Runestone and will require a FB pronto. I don’t know what it is about the combination of herbs, but it transports me home to San Francisco. More specifically, the coastal sage scrub whose scent I miss so dreadfully now that I live in the South. My favorite trail is the Bear Valley trail, a breathtaking hike through forest and fields until you reach the Pacific ocean. The scent of coastal sage scrub is so precious to me. I never thought I would encounter it again unless I visited home. At first the fragrance is all about herbs and a hint of dirt. I notice lavender, which lends an interesting fabric softener edge to the fragrance, as though I just pulled a fresh shirt out of the laundry for my hike. Something about this combo of laundry and outdoors is incredibly comforting, like waking up in your sleeping bag after a night spent camping under the stars. The lavender doesn’t smell like typical lavender to me though. In fact the first time I wore Runestone, I didn’t even notice lavender. It’s very well-blended and doesn’t seem “masculine” nor “barbershop” to me. It’s sweet. I suspect it adds to my perception that there is coastal sage in this fragrance when, in fact, there isn’t. Coastal sage smells a bit like white sage, but it’s sweeter and more delicate. A bit like yarrow too. It lasts several hours on me, and in the drydown, after about 5 hours, I feel the herbs recede just a bit as the woods seem to deepen. Highly recommended if you are into outdoorsy, naturalistic fragrances. This would be wonderful for yoga or hiking if you’re a fumehead and *need* to wear fragrance, even for things like that.

This one took a bit to grow on me but I now love it and have a FB on the way. It does seem unisex but at the same time like a classic men’s cologne. I find it to be very lavender and patchouli heavy. This definitely hits the scent experience description. Stone ruins on a misty dirty hillside. I really love the dichotomy of the dirty soil and the fresh green herby coniferousness together. Yet it still smells clean and sophisticated. I’ve tried this in several settings but I found that it really comes to life on a cool rainy day. EDIT. Upon applying this heavily and again on a rainy day, it comes off more unisex than I originally stated. Also it’s not patchouli heavy. It’s oakmoss heavy. Not sure why I didn’t recognize that earlier.

Runestone is an incredible atmospheric experience to wear. The blend of notes is complex and full. The oakmoss in it is fantastic. For me, this fragrance evokes a stone circle like Stonehenge in an impossible forest that is a mixture of trees from every climate around the globe. Runestone has the most wonderful blend of woods in it's base (Muhuhu?!). The hint of lavender stays through the drydown and serves as a familiar accent that keeps it from becoming too strange even as the scent opens the senses toward the unknown mysteries of Nature Herself. This is wearable art.

Damp earth uncovered by lifting a stone, among coniferous trees—pine or spruce or fir or similar. There’s something pleasantly numbing-fresh in there, in the style of eucalyptus or mint. A dark green forest, with some sophistication. Musty and yummy at the same time (I mean that in a good way!). Subtler than many of the SS; doesn’t throw as far. Herbal-mystical feel. I am thinking this is the scent of the fae realm. Thus I rather love it.

It opens with an intense ammount of patchouli and then it dries down to a sweeter and ambery version of pine scent with a bit of a earthy and warm spicy accord. Unique, very good sillage and longevity. Note: If you are looking for something similar go explore the Pinewards brand, they have a whole forest collection.

SS notes: Natural Earthy Forest Blend With Aged Patchouli, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Cedar, Violet Leaf, Dirt, Leaves, Cypress, Spruce. Extrait/EDP. Alcohol based extrait. Not safe for pregnant/nursing. EARTHY/FOREST/WOODY. General Catalog. This is the forest floor right after a big storm. It is cool and earthy, musty, a bit funky and medicinal. My first impression was menthol, frankincense, and dirt. SS has such a specific DNA of wet earth and soil, which runs the gamut of just wet dew, to dry soil, to muddy forest, to dusty desert, and it's mind boggling how realistic these atmospheric scents can be. For me, this is a little too grungy to be wearable. but I can appreciate the artistry.

the pine and dirt is HUGE, those two notes certainly stand out the most. the rosemary lingers in the back of the smell which gives it this minty and fresh smell alongside them. this is very strong and very much leans more masculine for me. the smell dries down into a softer, more feminine version of the smell that isnt as overwhelming. this doesnt fit my tastes and is way too strong for me but i can appreciate it, its really a beautiful foresty smell

Sadly, this fragrance no longer appears on the Solstice Scents website. I fear it has been discontinued.