Dear Dawn

I appreciate your work!

When I compose a blend for my products I use only 100% natural (to the best of my knowledge) aromatics. Ironically two independent perfumers I really admire work with both naturals and synthetics: Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz and Liz Zorn. It's not just about their perfumes either, although they make beautiful compositions. It's about their attitudes. Their character. I don't know either of them personally and I've only gotten a glimpse into their worlds via blogs. Still...I admire them. 

Over the past two days a very unfortunate situation was played out publicly between Dawn and The Natural Perfumers Guild.  In a nutshell, Dawn's membership in the guild was terminated. A member in good standing it was a bit of a shock to read this when it was posted on Anya McCoy's (president of NPG) blog and NPG's Facebook page. Dawn also made the announcement herself on the DSH Perfume Facebook page. After reading I was a bit bummed at Dawn's leaving the guild then it hit me: terminated. What could have gone on? It's seems as though there were complaints about Dawn's website not following the guild code. Dawn's response can be read HERE. What I find unfortunate is that this whole situation could have been played out in a much better way. Basically, it's all a matter of respect. Person to person. Professional to professional. 


This is of course my opinion.

1. (concerning one of the complaints) When visiting the DSH website I never had a problem knowing which perfumes were all natural and which were blended.

2. (concerning another complaint) Since I already knew Dawn was a guild member I never paid much attention to where the logo was on site.

Dawn is a fabulous perfumer and there is no doubt that her success will continue. :^)

UNCORKED ~ Celebrating The Voices of the Natural Perfumers Guild Members

~How I came to love natural aromatics~

When this blogging event was announced I knew I wanted to join in even though I had no idea what it was going to be about. Then the subject was revealed. I thought 'Uh-oh! This is going to be the shortest blog post.' 

Not long ago I blogged about how I felt like the new kid in school when it came to natural perfumery, or rather perfumery in general. Growing up my mother and maternal grandmother didn't grow fragrant flowers. And while my paternal grandmother grew roses I vaguely remember them, even though I was at her house almost every day of the week. I recall areas in her backyard where these roses grew but that's about all. The scent of roses, lilacs and others don't transport me back to my childhood. Neither of them owned any of the more talked about classic perfumes (Chanel No. 5, Joy, Mitsouko, etc). I never received pretty bottles of perfume as gifts. My maternal grandmother was an Avon lady and I remember trying different Avon colognes here and there. My mother had many bottles on her dresser that she hardly ever wore. Red Door, Paloma Picasso and Youth Dew (newer version) are a few I recall.  And while I remember them nothing really stands out that would remind me of her. My experience with scent was purchasing the cheap stuff from drug & convenience stores. Remember Jean Nate and Love's Baby Soft? And I really loved Sand & Sable. Up until 2006 my only exposure to essential oils was keeping a bottle of tea tree on hand in my first aid kit. Even as popular as lavender is I was only familiar with the synthetic fragrance. I never liked the smell of vanilla until I smelled a real vanilla bean.  That was about 12 years ago and I didn't know vanilla absolute even existed. 

In December of 2005 my mother passed away after a battle with cancer. Two weeks later a very close cousin (my mom's niece) passed away suddenly. My family was shocked and saddened. As a result I began to suffer from insomnia. I'm not much of a pill taker. I'd rather try alternative methods first. So I turned to aromatherapy. I searched for websites and articles on the internet that would give me some ideas that would help me to fall asleep. I came across a website that had an offline study introductory aromatherapy course developed by Jeanne Rose. (side note: I didn't know who Jeanne was and remember thinking 'I wonder if she's reputable.' You live & learn.) I read all the material I received and ordered samples of essential oils. Being a book lover I sometimes detour from my planned errands and stop by book stores. One day I came across a used book store and decided to go in just to look around and found a little book on aromatherapy formulas. There was a formulation in it for insomnia. I ordered more samples and blended the oils. I don't really recall if it helped me sleep or not but it smelled really pretty. I started to blend it and add it to an oil burner to scent my home. At that point I stopped blending for any therapeutic affects of aromatherapy and started blending for scent alone. They were really simple blends. Not being very knowledgeable about perfumery in general I had no idea that there was a segment of perfumery dedicated to naturals.  Oddly enough I was introduced to it by a perfumer who blended with synthetics. We both posted on the same soaping forum and he became sort of the forum's perfumery tutor. He posted about the Jean Carles method and explained what it all meant. He pointed me to perfumery groups on Yahoo which is how I found out about the Natural Perfumery group and then the Natural Perfumers Guild. 


It seems as if the path to naturals chose me instead of me choosing it. Looking back so many opportunities came my way for me to latch on but for whatever reason I did not. Maybe I just moved too slow.  But once I was immersed in it there was no looking back. 


Random tidbit:
I've come across the question many times as to what aromatic(s) I dislike. I can find a place for and appreciate many scents, even those that some find foul. But I have a very hard time smelling fresh cut grass. I simply can't stand it. 

Participating NPG members

Adam Gottschalk Lord's Jester Inc

Alec Lawless Being Led by the Nose

Anu Prestonia Anu Essentials Blog

Anya McCoy Anya's Garden Perfumes Blog

Charna Ethier Providence Perfume

Christine Ziegler A Little Ol'Factory

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz DSH Notebook

Denise Smith Perfume Journal

Elise Pearlstine Bellyflowers

Emily Pienaar The Western Cape Perfumery Blog

Ida Meister Ça Fleure Bon

Isabelle Gelle Les Parfums d'Isabelle

JoAnne Bassett Natural Perfumes

Julie Longyear From The Bathtub
Karen Williams Aromatics International

Laura Natusch Olive and Oud

Noelle Smith Ellenoire

Robert Tisserand I'm Just Saying

Ross Urrere Olfactory Rescue Service

Susan Stype Aromatherapy Contessa

Trygve Harris Absolute Trygve

Outlaw Perfume Samples Arrived

Today I went by the post office to pick up my samples from the recent Natural Perfumers Guild's Outlaw Perfumes Project. The sets were put together by Carol at WaftbyCarol (thanks Carol). As usual I opened the package and sniffed each sample before leaving the parking lot. I was anxious to try them so I randomly selected a vial and dabbed on the liquid loveliness. I am currently wearing Belle Star by Lisa Fong of Artemisia Perfume. I'll post more on it in a few days. In the meantime if you haven't checked out the earlier reviews the bloggers' links are posted here.

'I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!'

The Natural Perfumers Guild is at it again. The latest NPG collective project was announced today. So what's this project all about? Outlaw Perfumes! NPG perfumers have blended compositions using natural essences that are on the list of restricted or banned aromatics issued by International Fragrance Association (IFRA). Check out the links below as participating bloggers will explain more.

Read an intro here at Perfume Shrine: Outlaw Perfume: Revolutionizing the Industry One Step at Time

Nine of the perfumers who participated in the Mystery of Musk project will be submitting perfumes for this one.

Adam Gottschalk – Lord’s Jester
Alfredo Dupetit – BioScent by dupetit
Anya McCoy – Anya’s Garden Perfumes
Charna Ethier – Providence Perfumes
Dawn Spencer Hurwitz – DSH Perfumes
Elise Pearlstine – Belly Flower Perfumes
Jane Cate - A Wing and a Prayer Perfumes
JoAnne Bassett – JoAnne Bassett Perfumes
Lisa Fong – Artemisia Perfume

Participating Bloggers:

Gaia - The Non Blonde

Donna - The Examiner

Felicia - Fragrance Belles Lettres

Carol - WAFT....what a fragrancefanatic thinks

Ida, Mark & Monica - Ca Fleure Bon

Lucy - Indieperfumes

Beth - Perfume Smellin' Things

Pat - Olfactarama

The Outlaws - Natural Perfumers Guild

'I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!'

This movie quote came to mind when I read about the next project announced today by the Natural Perfumers Guild. Yes, NPG is at it again. If you recall back in June-July perfumers of the NPG participated in a collective effort based on natural musk. I was lucky enough to have been able to participate as an evaluator/blogger. This time around I'm not evaluating but excitedly awaiting the reviews by other bloggers. This next NPG group project is all about taking a stand against the strict regulations imposed by IFRA & laws by EU. Many aromatics have been restricted or prohibited based on what may happen. Yes, there are some who are sensitive to certain natural essences but that doesn't mean everyone is or even will be at some point in the future. NPG stands behind the idea that a warning label is good enough to give consumers the choice to wear or not wear a natural perfume. I like this idea as well. What can I say? I'm a label reader anyway. To keep from going on a tangent about this subject I suggest you visit the links on the sidebar of articles written more eloquently than I could attempt.

OK, so what's this project all about? Outlaw Perfumes! NPG perfumers have blended compositions using natural essences that are on the list of restricted aromatics issued by IFRA. Check out the links below as participating bloggers will explain more.

Read an intro here at Perfume Shrine: Outlaw Perfume: Revolutionizing the Industry One Step at Time

Nine of the perfumers who participated in the Mystery of Musk project will be submitting perfumes for this one.

Adam Gottschalk – Lord’s Jester
Alfredo Dupetit – BioScent by dupetit
Anya McCoy – Anya’s Garden Perfumes
Charna Ethier – Providence Perfumes
Dawn Spencer Hurwitz – DSH Perfumes
Elise Pearlstine – Belly Flower Perfumes
Jane Cate - A Wing and a Prayer Perfumes
JoAnne Bassett – JoAnne Bassett Perfumes
Lisa Fong – Artemisia Perfume

Participating Bloggers:

Gaia - The Non Blonde

Donna - The Examiner

Felicia - Fragrance Belles Lettres

Carol - WAFT....what a fragrancefanatic thinks

Ida, Mark & Monica - Ca Fleure Bon

Lucy - Indieperfumes

Beth - Perfume Smellin' Things

Pat - Olfactarama

Thoughts On The Mystery of Musk Project

It has been very enlightening, to say the least, participating in the Mystery of Musk perfume project. First and foremost I have learned a LOT.

• I have gotten to know new-to-me essences and witnessed how those I am familiar with that I wouldn't have thought would blend well together can...well...blend well together.
• I've learned about nyctanthes abortristis and if my rational side overrides my impulsive side I won't try to grow one in my living room. :^D
• There are natural perfumers who I'm familiar with and have wanted to try their perfumes for some time. This gave me that opportunity.
• I was also introduced to other perfumers I wasn't familiar with.
• I learned that really reviewing someone else's work is hard.
• Several of the same raw materials were used by the majority of the perfumers yet each composition was so different from the others.

I really enjoyed reading some of the reviews posted so far. There are many varying opinions and impressions made. I tried not to read too many reviews before I posted my own so I have a lot of catching up to do.

A big thank you to Anya & Elena and the NPG perfumers! And also to all the bloggers for their creative reviews.

The Mystery of Musk - Temple Of Musk

Temple of Musk by Alexandra Balahoutis of Strange Invisible Perfumes

The last of my Mystery of Musk reviews is of Temple of Musk. This perfume intrigued me right from the start. The first sniff smelled of a gingery citrus then turned, briefly, astringent. Different from the other MoM perfumes as there were no sharp spicy or sweet floral notes. It was powdery and somewhat woody (although it could just be a personal thing but I kept seeing images of twigs). And clean. There was a meditative or spiritual feel as if it were part of an ancient ritual except for the fact that it is an especially soft perfume. Temple of Musk didn't last long. Maybe an hour before it faded.

one word: fantasy

The Mystery of Musk - Verdigris

Verdigris by Elise Pearlstine of Bellyflowers Perfumes

Verdigris opens with a bold spicy cinnamon-like note paired with a wet "green" note that fades after a couple minutes into a warm sweet mildly spicy earthy scent. Fresh cool fir balsam absolute is sweetened by green mandarin, clary sage and ylang ylang essential oils. As the heart steps in violet leaf & lavender absolutes begin to bloom. Clary sage and opoponax absolutes round out the middle. Verdigris really has that outdoors feel to it. Contrary to the warm spiciness the more I sniff the more I picture hiking through a forest taking note of all the flora, resting by a cold stream, the heat of the sun shaded by the tall trees and sitting quietly as a furry forest resident peeks its head out to see if it is safe to move further.

The base, which is made up of several heavy hitters such as patchouli, labdanum absolute and Africa stone tincture is suprisingly light. With ambergris and benzoin completing the base the animalic note is there, just very faint. Verdigris puts me in a relaxed state of mind.

one word: nature

The Mystery of Musk - Musk Nouveau

Musk Nouveau by Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co.

The inclusion of a natural isolate Phenyl Ethyl Acetate, in the top note lifted the perfume out of it's musky dark base and made it sing with bursts of lemon and sherry. I included black pepper to spice it up. The heart blended champaca, jasmine and aged beeswax with a musky sweet drydown of oud, angelica, coffee and amber.

Aged patchouli, angelica and oud add to this blend. The drydown is warm and slightly sweet & smoky. Musk Nouveau is a beautiful perfume.

one word: enchanting

The very first whiff of Musk Nouveau transported me to the wild. The tease of an animal scent is brief though. The perfume becomes something warm and sensual. Smoke and flowers. Very inviting. There's a faint fruity note in the background and although I am able to pick it out as a separate component it blends well with the other essences. After an hour or so the animalic aroma returns blending well with the rest of the composition.

As noted on Charna's blog:

The Mystery of Musk - Drifting Sparks

Drifting Sparks by Lisa Fong of Artemisia Natural Perfume

Drifting Sparks opened strong with the quickest burst of citrus. The citrus note appeared and disappeared so fast that if I hadn't sniffed right away I might have missed it. It flowed right into sweet soft florals with head notes of mastic & beeswax absolutes, rose otto, bois de rose and cedar wood. It reminded me of a couple Artemisia perfumes I've tried in that there is an exotic floral feel to it. As the heart notes started to move forward the citrus note made a subtle reappearance. Rose, orange blossom and jasmine sambac absolutes form the heart along with nyctanthes abortristis blossom essential oil. The heart is interesting. Rose & jasmine took turns peeking through ever so lightly. One moment I felt as though I was walking through a fragrant rose garden. The next moment I smelled the sweet warmth of jasmine (and possibly nyctanthes aborttristis as the blossoms are described as being highly fragrant and sweetly scented). As the base notes started to come forth it became less sweet, more woody and earthy, still with a faint floral. The base is composed of ambergris, agarwood, angelica root, ambrette seed & black current absolutes, oud, motia attar, sandalwood and siam wood.

Drifting Sparks is a lovely fragrance with a tropical feel. It's not a very strong perfume, aside from the initial citrus blast. It lasted about 2 hours before fading. I didn't get much of a musk "kick" rather something more warm & woody and not so "dirty". That said Drifting Sparks is a fragrance that I'd love to add to my collection.

one word: exotic

The Mystery of Musk - Musk Eau Natural

Musk Eau Natural by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Parfum des Beaux Arts

In formulating Musk Eau Natural perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz set out to create a natural musk soliflore by using only those essences that were listed in the brief as botanical and animal musk-like scents. A challenging task, to say the least, considering the list contained only 21 essences. Even further, 4 animal essences were listed and she chose to use only one: beeswax. I think she pulled it off. From the very first drop Musk Eau Natural brought the heat. Spicy, animalic, sensual. At first raw & edgy then becoming surprisingly soft, powdery and lightly floral. A spicy sweetness adds to the body of this perfume while lifting the floral notes. It clings as if it were a natural layer of my body. It is warm and sweet with just enough spice to give it a kick yet gentle enough to coax an admirer in closer to get a better whiff. I could definitely wear this.

one word: Sensual

The Mystery of Musk - Kewdra

Kewdra by Anya McCoy of Anya's Garden Perfumes

Kewdra was inspired by Kudra, "the highly-fragrant Hindu heroine of the Tom Robbins novel Jitterbug Perfume." Blended around Pandanus odoratissimus, or kewda (kewra), a native flower of India, Kewdra opens with the distinct sharp fresh floral of kewda next to a sweet syrupy boronia. Both of these essences are separate and blended at the same time (if that makes sense). Other essences used were green gardenia, angelica root, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla, ambrette seed, beeswax and ambergris. Initially, as if each one was taking a turn dancing for the other, there was a contest between kewda and boronia, vying for the top spot (the separate part). Yet they tamed one another (the blended part). On their own I think of kewda as being cool and boronia as being warm. A situation where opposites attract. Oddly enough my first whiff brought pictures of fire to mind. Plumes of reds, oranges and yellows.

It wasn't long before the back & forth of kewda and boronia ended and Kewdra softened and became more rounded, maybe thanks to the beeswax. There was a faint sweet floral that peeked through that I didn't recognize. Having no experience with green gardenia I'm guessing that is what it was. I can also smell the patchouli early on. It seems it is the patchouli that gives boronia a bit of a lift.

The list of essences in Kewdra is fascinating in that there are several strong aromatics that can pretty much stand on their own yet, other than the competition between kewda and boronia in the beginning, no essence overpowers this blend. Patchouli & ambrette seed lend a mild musk and earthiness while sandalwood & vanilla lend a sweet creaminess. Sweet & tart, floral & herbal, woody & earthy.

The dry down is fabulous on me. Sweet, woody, musky. Kewdra was still very strong after 2 hours and detectable at least 5 hours later.

one word: mystical

The Mystery of Musk - Graines de Paradis

Graines de Paradis by Nicholas Jennings of Sharini Parfums Naturels, France

Let me get this out of the way. Graines de Paradis is gorgeous!

Two strengths of this perfume were sent in, 8% and 16%. This review is of the 16%. My first thought was "Wow this is strong!" Graines de Paradis opens warm and citrusy. At first I wasn't sure I'd like it but was I ever wrong. As I drew in more of the scent both citrus and floral notes filled my nose. The citrus faded rather quickly leaving behind mildly spicy floral and earthy notes. The base is simply beautiful. Its place in this composition is established right from the start and holds through to the end moving from head to heart to base effortlessly without losing any of its character. First as a background for the florals and citruses then as a partner to the florals before taking center stage. Along with organic corn alcohol and organic orange blossom hydrosol 19 essences were used to build this beauty.

Top notes:

white grapefruit, ginger CO2, green mandarin, cognac, wild cherry and rooibos red tea tincture

Heart notes:

white rose flower CO2, linden blossom flower CO2, tiaré flower, néroli, jasmine, genêt flower

Base notes:

ambrette seeds, angelica root CO2, iris CO2, Australian sandalwood, aged agarwood, olibanum CO2, patchouli, vanilla tincture

This is one long lasting perfume. I sprayed it on one afternoon and it was still detectable the next morning when I woke, surprisingly through all my hand washings.

one word: captivating

The Mystery of Musk - Sensual Embrace Eau de Parfum

Sensual Embrace Eau de Parfum by JoAnne Bassett of JoAnne Bassett Perfume

Sensual Embrace...she's a captivating little thing. Sensual Embrace is a temptress on a mission and in all likelihood will succeed. She teases you with her beautiful scent. From the very beginning the citrus of clementine & orange blossoms and floral of jasmine, tuberose and rose de mai hold each other as they dance 'round and 'round. Sensual Embrace is warm and enchanting lifting the spirit while calming the soul. Ambrette seed & patchouli contribute to the muskiness, tobacco to the smokiness, sandalwood and an amber accord to the sweet warmth. There's also a faint spiciness to this composition. The citruses from the top seem to linger a little longer than I expect of citruses before fading, making way for intoxicating florals to dance with a glowing base. This is a good thing in my opinion as I love citruses but most often they are fleeting. It's very well blended moving from top to bottom with ease. Sensual Embrace is a classy, "grown up" fragrance.

one word: seduction

The Mystery of Musk - Dionysus

Dionysus by Adam Gottschalk of Lord's Jester Inc

There was no list of notes sent with this perfume so I'm going to make a complete boob of myself and guess at what's in it.

Update: I located the blog for Lord's Jester and there were indeed several essences listed. I'm going to leave my guesses anyway. According to the Lord's Jester blog there are 17 notes to Dionysus including ambergris, africa stone, cognac and jonquil.

Dionysus: the ancient Greek god of wine.

Dionysus opens with a strong spicy wine note (allspice or clove? cognac?) that starts to dissipate almost as fast as it appeared, leaving behind an earthy, wet, smoky (hay?), musky, animalic (hyraceum?) aroma. The initial spiciness was an olfactory jolt but Dionysus moves seamlessly into a smooth, sexy, sweaty, animalic extension of my own body scent. The hyraceum (?) jumps out and dips back into hiding again and again. There is nothing timid about this perfume. It is fleshy & raw and develops into something sweet & balsamic (peru balsam?), yet still very primal. There's something floral but I can't pinpoint what it is. Dionysus gave me at least 2.5 hrs of its time and the spiciness lasted the duration, albeit on a softer scale. This perfume is pure heat.

One word: sex

The Mystery of Musk - Where Are Those Giveaways?

So far listed:

Yahoo Natural Perfumery Group is giving away Sensual Embrace from JoAnne Bassett

winner selected: congratulations Johanna

Basenotes is giving away Drifting Sparks from Artemisia Perfumes

Ca Fleur Bon is giving away Temple of Musk from Strange Invisible Perfumes

winner selected: congratulations MimiGardenia

Perfume Shrine is giving away Musk Eau Natural from DSH Parfums des Beaux Arts

winner selected: congratulations Dionne

Olfactarama is giving away Verdigris from Bellyflowers Botanical Perfumes

winner selected: congratulations Dionne

The Non-blonde is giving away Kewdra from Anya's Garden Perfumes

BitterGrace Notes is giving away Musk Nouveau from Providence Perfume Co.

winner selected: congratulations Kjanicki

indieperfumes is giving away Tallulah B2 from A Wing And A Prayer Perfumes

winner selected: congratulations La Bonne Vivante

Olfactory Rescue Service is giving away Craving from Perfume By Nature

winner selected: congratulations Dionne

Grain de musc is giving away Graines de paradis from Sharini Parfum Naturels

winner selected: congratulations Disteza

Not listed yet:

First Nerve

I Smell Therefore I Am

The Mystery of Musk - Craving

Craving by Ambrosia Jones of Perfume By Nature

There's a thin line between confidence and conceit. Even the most confident person may take a step back away from Craving, giggling before finally building up enough nerve to try it. This perfume makes a bold statement and anyone wearing it better be ready to walk the walk. Craving announces "I am here! Let the fun begin!" This potent potion opened with a boozy kick that caused me to draw my head back. It teased my nose with a hint of chocolate before giving in to a delicious cocoa delight and buttery caramel. Honestly, I'm not a fan of gourmand fragrances but Craving has captured my attention. It is rich and decadent bringing out the wild side. It is warm and honey sweet demanding closeness. Craving is beyond enchanting, beyond seductive. With notes of cocoa liquor, roasted nuts, Australian sandalwood, vetyver, ambrette seed, oud and hyraceum, it is lusciously hypnotic.

one word: lust

The Mystery of Musk - Tallulah B. & Tallulah B2

Tallulah B. by Jane Cate of A Wing And A Prayer Perfumes

Tallulah B. has a very soft and feminine opening with a burst of fresh cut flowers and a bit of powder. It brings to mind something old, something vintage. Not in a dusty, musty, moldy sense but rather a perfume worn in a time long past by a woman who is very comfortable in her femininity. Tallulah B. is quiet, clean, fresh and sophisticated. The florals of jasmine, muguet tincture, rose and linden blossom play well together and last from head to heart before taking a step back to allow the rich base including warm sandalwood and sensuous vetyver to come through. The florals are never far behind though. The freshness and femininity is ever present. Tallulah B. is an intriguing scent. Quite different from the other more earthy musks I've tried Tallulah B. catches you off guard. She sneaks up on you when you least expect it and beckons you to come closer.

one word: romance

Tallulah B2

Warm sweet cream infused with rich plump vanilla beans and fragrant rose petals. This is the impression I get when wearing Tallulah B2, the revised version of the perfume submitted by A Wing And A Prayer Perfumes for the Mystery of Musk Project. The florals of Tallulah B2 are not as intense as the first version yet very much in play. It is warmer, sweeter, creamier with an underlying earthiness. Head notes include grapefruit, mandarin & sweet orange with heart notes of rose and mimosa and base notes of vanilla and botanical musk. There is also a bit of rosewood. Tallulah B2 wraps its arms around you and makes you feel comfortable and at ease. The scent remains close to the body and hugs you gently. Tallulah B2 is quiet and pretty. Naturally pretty.

one word: alluring

The Mystery of Musk Project

What is the Mystery of Musk project? Get all the details here: Anya's Garden blog

Tomorrow is the big day to start posting reviews of the submitted musk perfumes from the perfumers of the Natural Perfumers Guild. I have thoroughly enjoyed this process and am grateful to have been able to participate. Thank you to all the perfumers for your wonderful creations. My reviews will be posted in no particular order. I can hardly wait to read what the other evaluators have to say.

If you're on Twitter search #momusk for The Mystery of Musk Project tweets. Below are the links for the perfumers and bloggers.

And don't forget...

There will be one full bottle sent to the bloggers from one of the perfumers for a giveaway. Each blogger will receive only one bottle. Basenotes will receive one bottle for a giveaway, chosen randomly from the perfumer’s selections. The Natural Perfumery Yahoo Group will also have one bottle given away, bottle size at the discretion of the perfumer, and may vary from 4mls upwards.

Participating Perfumers (site and blog):

Adam Gottschalk – Lord’s Jester - blog

Alexandra Balahoutis – Strange Invisible Perfumes

Alfredo Dupetit – BioScent by dupetit

Ambrosia Jones – Perfume by Nature - blog

Anya McCoy – Anya’s Garden Perfumes - blog

Charna Ethier – Providence Perfumes - blog

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz – DSH Perfumes - blog

Elise Pearlstine – Belly Flower Perfumes

Jane Cate - A Wing and a Prayer Perfumes

JoAnne Bassett – JoAnne Bassett Perfumes - blog

Lisa Fong – Artemisia Perfume

Nicholas Jennings – Sharini Parfums Naturels

Participating Bloggers:

I Smell Therefore I Am - Abigail Levin

Perfume Shrine - Elena Vosnaki

The Non Blonde - Gaia Fishler

Indie Perfumes - Lucy Raubertas

Bitter Grace Notes - Maria Browning

CaFleureBon - Michelyn Camen

Olfactarama - Pat Borow

First Nerve - Avery Gilbert

Olfactory Rescue Service - Ross Urrere

Grain de Musc - Denyse Beaulieu

Yahoo Natural Perfumery group evaluators (those without blogs will be posting to the group)

LisaA [that's me ~ you're already here ~ all is well :^) ]

Marla Robb

Chris Morrison - Joie Botanicals

Alfred Eberle

Pueblo - Mystery of Musk Perfumes

Basenotes evaluators (I'm not sure who the evaluators are) are blogging on the Basenotes site. Visit here to see the reviews.