Indie line Kerosene will launch Broken Theories, a new unisex fragrance, next month…
Kerosene Unknown Pleasures ~ fragrance review
The Michigan-based indie fragrance line Kerosene released Unknown Pleasures in 2013. I first read about this fragrance with mixed emotions. The notes sounded appealing — Earl Grey tea, lemon, bergamot, honeycomb, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla and waffle cone. On the other hand — could it really be an homage to an iconic album by British post-punk group Joy Division? Yes, apparently: Kerosene’s product description continues, “You’re walking down a cold street in Manchester, listening to Joy Division, sipping on a warm cup of London Fog…”
For two years I’ve postponed trying this fragrance, partly because Kerosene isn’t widely available, and partly because I’m always hesitant to try anything inspired by a favorite work of art. Unknown Pleasures was integral to my college years and twenties, playing on steady rotation in my various dorm rooms and apartments (all decorated with a large poster of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis). I love everything the band recorded…
Top 10 Spring Fragrances 2015
At last, spring! It’s taken long enough, and if your local weather has been anything like mine, you might be wondering if winter is not quite done playing games with you yet. Here are 10 perfumes (and another 10+ alternatives, because everyone needs choice, right?) to cover the full range of (crazy) spring weather, from boots to sandals and back again. As always, do add your own picks in the comments, or go read the lists at Bois de Jasmin, Grain de Musc, Perfume Posse and The Non-Blonde.
Sonoma Scent Studio Forest Walk: When I reviewed Forest Walk, I said you could wear it year-round but that the outdoorsy blend of earthy notes and pine-y woods was perfect for chilly fall evenings. Turns out it suits a brisk spring night just as well…
5 perfumes: consider the creamsicle
I’ve never been overly fond of the creamsicle (for the uninitiated, it’s a vanilla popsicle covered with a fruit-flavored ice, usually orange).1 Creamsicle perfumes, on the other hand, are a favorite, and they’re perfect for this time of year, when the sun finally comes out and the bulbs start to peek out of the soil — it feels like winter might finally be over (knock on wood) but it isn’t really spring just yet. Until the temperatures reach at least the high 50s (or preferably, the 60s), your favorite summer citrus might not have enough heft, but add some cream and sugar to the mix, and voilà. Spring is just around the corner.
Anné Pliska ~ Anné Pliska is a three season creamsicle…
Kerosene Unforsaken ~ quick perfume review & quick indie poll
The description for indie house Kerosene’s new fragrance, Unforsaken, tempted me right away, from the “decadent dessert sprinkled with warm coconut shavings and topped with cool clementine slices” to the vanilla cream, ginger and benzoin. I imagined something over-the-top, similar to what their Black Vines did for licorice and spice.
This is not that at all. Still, the first spray captured my heart: shimmering citrus over a pale, creamy backdrop, not quite strong or distinct enough to register as warm coconut shavings or vanilla cream…