I dislike synthetic fragrances, partly because I hate how when you use them, you wake up the next day and can still smell the fake, sickly-sweet musky dry down. I also worry about components of the fragrances being absobed into the bloodstream via the skin. Not so with fragrances made from essential oils and absolutes, so I was so happy when Kristen began offering the line of Aromaleigh fragrances again!

I got samples of Dulcinea, Isobel, Madeleine, and Adelaide in my last order. They were all wonderful, but Madeleine was my favorite. There was a definite chocolate note, but I wouldn't call it "foody" (on my skin, anyway.) It was sexy and spicy, and the lime top note was unexpected, but in perfect harmony with the rest of the fragrance. It is a lovely blend. I can't wait to order a full bottle in my next order! If anyone has any specific questions about the 4 I tried, I can try to answer them.

Thanks so much for making these, Kristen!

How would you describe Adelaide? I have and love Isobel and just recently ordered Kristen and Adelaide. Can't wait for them to arrive!

-b.

Hey Bridget, I got samples of Adelaide and Isobel. I like Adelaide best. I'm not good at describing things like green3 but to my nose Adelaide has a fresh, crisp, clean smell about it, I can really pick up on the citrus. I like light fragrances (like body sprays) and I think Adelaide fits the bill.

I'm dying to hear how green3 describes Adelaide...she gave a great description of Madeleine. Now I want to try it too!!

To my nose, Adelaide is more warm and soft than light and citrusy. It is also a bit sweet, though not nearly as much as Dulcinea. At first it smells woodsy, and I can defintely pick out the oakmoss and angelica. That fades quickly though, and then I smell orange blossom with a hint of orange and vanilla. I think the white floral of the orange blossom is stronger than the citrus of the orange, and with the woodsy and vanilla notes, I would classify Adelaide more as a floral-oriental than a citrus, though you can smell the orange.

I like it more the more I sniff it. I might need this in a full-size too!

To clear up any possible confusion in my last post, by orange blossom I meant neroli. I use the two interchangeably. Hope my description helps someone. Thanks for your comments, JulieH!

Thanks, gals - I'm sure I'll love them both!

hehe, See...I told you I'm terrible at describing things!! I think what I smelled most was the orange but now that I think about it I did smell other ingredients at first too. I'm so NOT a fragrance person that I couldn't tell you what ingredients are in anything unless I look at the label!!

I'm a simple soul that likes easy on the nose body sprays (cucumber/melon is my fav) and I love baby powder. haha

Oh, I think scents smell differently to different noses, and smell differently to the same nose on different people (because of skin chemistry). It's definitely possible it smells mostly like oranges on you, Julie.

i'm so excited about the fragrances too! i have been searching for the perfect natural perfume forever. i am definitely ordering a sample of each one with my next order to see which one i like best. i hate traditional perfume because it gives me headaches...

same here... that's why i started wearing oils. right now i wear patchouli with mango and peach oil but i haven't tried all the AL fragrances yet so i'm hoping one of these days i'll find another scent i love.

I am highly allergic to most fragrances if I apply them directly to my skin. I wasn't always, but over the past few years, I have become allergic. I break out in a terrible, itchy rash. I might have to try the AL ones though. They sound devine. I probably wouldn't have a problem with them since they are essential oils. I regularly use lavander, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils in my facial spray and don't have a problem with it. It is the "traditional" fragrances that I have a problem with.

I think you need to try the fragrances, all of them, they are each special in their own way. It is fun to smell them and then to see what they are made of and if you can detect the different notes and how they blend with your own chemistry.

can you at least spray any fragrances on your clothing where you can be sure it won't rub against your skin? or does the smell aggravate you too?

Nadja - yes, that is what I have to do, but if even a smidge of it lands on my skin, I get a rash. Sometimes, I will spray some in my hair, and that usually works out ok.

that really sucks! at least essential oils don't bother you so far. i really don't like many traditional perfumes anyhow. most scents give me a headache and just smell like chemicals. the few i do like don't smell good on me so i buy them for jen (if she likes them too of course). good luck trying the AL ones. they are lovely.

I do like several synthetic fragrances, but the natural fragrances have greater depth and complexity than synthetics. Natural essences can't be reproduced synthetically and maintain their true character. When you start learning about natural fragrances, smelling them, wearing them and then switch back to a synthetic, you will notice the difference.
One of my favorite books on the subject is called "Essence and Alchemy: a book of perfume" by Mandy Aftel. Very quaint little book, a pleasure to read but be sure to have a little hand full of natural fragrance vials while you read this. It is very interesting.
Also with natural fragrance, you tend to forget the "I like it or I hate it" mentality because you have a better understanding on what the fragrances are made up of. What the top note is, the heart note, the base note and trying to detect these essences and their performance in the overall fragrance. You learn to appreciate the fragrances whether you intend on wearing them regularly or not. You find pleasure in the olfactory experience. It is a lot like tasting wines (or teas!) or eating gourmet food.

Sorry for rambling...I just get a little passionate about stuff like this.

i agree... it is quite fascinating. i'll have to read that book. that kind of thing is a lot more engrossing to me than any fictional work.

While I like natural fragrances(essential oil based, no alcohol etc) , they don;t last on me . I have to repeatedly apply during the day/evening and use it all up too fast. Wish it did last on me longer.

quote:

While I like natural fragrances(essential oil based, no alcohol etc) , they don't last on me . I have to repeatedly apply during the day/evening and use it all up too fast. Wish it did last on me longer.

That is my one concern, but I guess I would have to try then to find out

I do like the AL scents. But I have to reapply if I wear for day use.,I used them for just after my bath, going to bed .. Love to smell them as I read in bed, drift off to sleep. Very relaxing.
But day time I use my stand bys.. Ciara ,Chantilly, Chanel #5 , and one or two vanilla scented ones. I'd love to find a really nice lavender scented cologne that is not really expensive and lasts a long time on me. Maybe a vanilla lavender one even.