Monday, September 15, 2008

Pacifica’s Fall Solid Perfumes

Pacifica has a great many fans, which comes as no surprise: Fabulous, high quality and (most importantly) safe candles as well as layer-able, very affordable spray fragrances in extremely visually pleasing presentations and ever since last spring, wonderful little tins of joy – Pacifica’s solid scents – all make the brand not only popular, but also much loved.

As promised, today we take a look at Pacifica’s brand new solids for fall. Let me start by saying that the presentations, in the usual Pacifica style are simply amazing: The only word to describe them is adorable! So adorable in fact, that I promise you, once you have one, it will be impossible to stop there – you’ll want to have more of these beauties handy. The matchbox-sized boxes are gorgeously designed and the attention to detail is evident - each one bears the following quote by writer Stanislas Jean de Bouffler on its side: “Pleasure is the flower that passes remembrance, the lasting perfume”. The darling, wonderfully tactile tins found within, each contain 10 grams of organic coconut and soy wax solid perfume. If you, like me, take pleasure out of finding little things to give as presents to your friends out of the blue, these will make the perfect little gift idea and are sure to delight. Given their compact size, these are also perfect to toss into your bag (or even evening clutch!) to refresh your perfume during the day. Needless to say, their size, weight and solid nature also make them the ideal travel companion. As is most often the case with solid fragrances, the scents stay quite close to the skin; you will be able to enjoy them on yourself for hours, but only those that sit close to you will be able to detect them, which means that these are also perfect for work and other occasions when you do not wish your scent to overpower those around you.

· Avalon Juniper: This one has a juicy, edible, orange-fruit opening, which soon turns fresh and then slowly progresses to an earthy, spicy sweetness as it blends with light cinnamon and juniper. The aromatic scent of juniper berries brings to mind the warming properties of Jenever, the Dutch juniper berry liquor. As such, Avalon Juniper seems like the perfect scent to provide the sweet, warming sensation needed to fight the late Autumn frost.

· Madagascar Spice: Oh my! For those of you of Greek descent, this gorgeous oriental scent is going to strike a chord: It smells exactly like the absolutely yummy delicacies the Greeks favor during Christmas time, called Melomakarona. These are syrupy macaroons that ideally have a crunchy exterior and a soft interior and are sprinkled with crushed walnuts. Their most defining flavor is clove, which is also the star of this fragrance as the name indicates (Madagascar being the major producer of this wonderful spice). Aromatic orange rind, clove and a hint of crushed black pepper make this probably the most evocative fragrance of the quintet for me!

· Spanish Amber: This lovely bittersweet fragrance is inspired by a scent Pacifica co-founder Brook Harvey Taylor discovered in an old apothecary in Madrid. Especially when sniffed straight from the tin, the scent reminds me a good bit of Westwood’s Let it Rock. Once gently massaged into the skin the scent first blooms into a beautiful resinous earthiness with hints of dusty, rosy geranium and subsequently reveals an even warmer core of creamy sandalwood, dry patchouli and if I’m not mistaken, green cardamom.

· Tibetan Mountain Temple: Smoky vetiver and dark patchouli snake around the glowing core of exhilarating ginger and cloved orange like incense smoke before stained glass. This beautiful scent juxtaposes darkness against the intricate play of light in a rhythmic, absolutely comforting manner. After a while, we’re left with a smooth, velvety sweetness that is the scented equivalent of a cashmere sweater.

· Mexican Cocoa: This absolutely scrumptious gourmand is my favorite of the new Pacifica solids, and the only one with a traditional (albeit rather rapid) development. The opening is a blast of warm bitter almond that combines the delicious smooth sweetness of the paste with the intense bitter fragrance of the essence. It literarily makes me want to nibble on my arm! In the heart notes the warmth becomes spicy, fusing nutmeg with cinnamon and delightful, pearlescent hints of coconut cream. Finally, the delicious base notes are filled with the luscious darkness of chocolate smoothed over with the comforting sweetness of vanilla. I absolutely love this scent – it’s pure goodness!

Pacifica’s Fall Solid Perfumes retail for 8.95$ each and can be purchased directly from the official website, Anthropologie stores as well as select department stores and boutiques which carry the line.

Images: www.pacificacandles.com


16 comments:

ScentScelf said...

Your descriptions make these sound like scrumptious delights. I do enjoy a good solid perfume; must try!

Glad you are back, and hope all is progressing well for you.

Divina said...

Things are a bit stressful, but I'm keeping my chin up! I do think you will enjoy these since you like spicy, warm fragrances if I remember correctly! As with most solids, sillage is minimal, but these last a good long time!

Ines said...

Hey Divina
I just love how I always learn about a new company I never heard of before on your blog. :-)
Hope you're obligations won't keep you too much away - I eagerly await what I'll discover with your next blog.

The Daily Connoisseur said...

I've always loved Pacifica's candles and like that they are good for the environment too- am excited to hear about these solid perfumes as gift ideas... anyone would be thrilled to receive one. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I loved the site!
Please check a brand called Thymes.
I could never really try the fragrances but the packaging is also soo nice.

ScentScelf said...

Yes, indeed, warm &/or spicy is a favorite category...along with iris, and green. :)

Keep the chin up...lots of fans rooting for you...

Unknown said...

Love Pacifica (also California readers, a lot of Whole Foods carry the brand). I can't wait to sniff the Avalon Juniper (Juniper having a very special place in my heart being a scent of my childhood from the ranch I lived on). I'm in the same boat as you Divina with school; you can do it.

Abigail said...

Just a few days ago I purchased Tibetan Mountain Temple and I love it. I knew I already loved Pacifica candles and perfumes. I enjoyed wearing their Nerola (neroli/orange blossom) during the spring and summer. The low price of their perfumes are exceptionally good for the quality of the product. Thanks for the reviews, now I need to try others. :-D

Divina said...

Hi Ines! You're so sweet, thank you so much for the encouragement :)

Divina said...

Daily, yes, exactly! It's just the small thing I would like to bring to a friend when we meet up for a coffee. Just a lovely small surprise :) Also love having mexican cocoa on my bedside table - it's so nice to apply this comforting scent right before sleeping :)

Divina said...

Simone that's a great site! I've never seen an AHA lotion for feet before! I want it!!

Divina said...

Scentself I think you would probably enjoy Madagascar Spice and Tibetan Mountain Temple. If sillage is a problem I think they both also come in spray perfumes! And thank you so much for what you said in your comment.. It warmed my heart :) ((( Hug )))

Divina said...

Hey Jen :) The beautiful citrus is really prevalent in Avalon Juniper, not sure if you are looking for something more straightforwardly juniperish? :) But it's definitely worth a try! Wishing you all the best too with studying! It can be so hard sometimes, right? Still, I am so passionate about what I study, it always feels okay somehow even when I am tired..

Divina said...

Abi, I agree! Excellent price/quality.

Anonymous said...

I know you're really busy but wanted to drop in and let you know this post made me smile. I think the Pacifica line is amazing -- a small pharmacy near me stocks the candles and body products, and their soaps are a staple in our house. They are unusual and beautiful; glad to hear about the solid perfumes.

Anonymous said...

Your article is great.
I agree with you about how delicious their line of solid perfumes. I bring the Avalon Juniper, and sniff it every minute just to enjoy the calming effect of cinnamon on my skin and refreshing scent of citrus when it is applied to skin.