Alexandra Balahoutis

I think I am ending the year very close to where I began it. In January at the Elements Showcase I was introduced to the series of fragrances Alexandra Balahoutis was creating for her botanical perfume line Strange Invisible Perfumes based on the Zodiac. I really enjoyed the first five releases and now as the calendar days are disappearing I received the two newest signs Leo and Sagittarius. Ms. Balahoutis is quoted in the press release, “Interpreting the essences of each astrological symbol through botanical essences has been more fun than anyone should ever have at work."  That sense of fun shows and these fragrances burst with the activity of an engaged and lively mind at play.

Leo as a sun sign is known for being outgoing, dominant, and creative. Leo the Strange Invisible Perfumes fragrance shares all of those qualities as it is full of extroverted notes all shouldering their way to the front of the line in a joyous hurly-burly of olfactory delight.

Lemon and mandarin spread a citrusy sunniness which is only enhanced by the appearance of neroli and bergamot. Jasmine sets the heart beating at the core as it adds some of that dominant floralcy jasmine is known for. The base is ambrette seed adding the botanical muskiness that reminds you underneath it all a Leo wants to be the boss everywhere. Leo is a happy, sexy fragrance just like most of the Leos in my life.

Sagittarians are known for their intelligence, good judgment and their love of starting new things. Is it any surprise that EIC Michelyn Camen is a Sagittarius? (As an aside it is her birthday today December 13 so this seems to be perfectly timed dontcha think?). Sagittarius the perfume starts as bright as Leo but it quickly turns warmer and deeper as it plumbs the depths of a complicated perfumed soul.

Neroli and lime are the openers and they convey the same fire as the citrus in Leo did. From here Sagittarius takes a more introspective turn as cypress turns it lightly woody. Then a warm mix of honey and creamy sandalwood provide the base of Sagittarius. The woods feel like the honey is being drizzled over a sun-baked version of those notes. It feels like olfactory heat waves are rising off my skin. Sagittarius is a creative intelligent scent with the contained energy of a banked fire.

Both Leo and Sagittarius have average longevity and very little sillage, these are skin scents.

I think it shows when a perfumer is really having fun making their creations and the whole Zodiac series has shown Ms. Balahoutis firmly in her inner happy place. I’ve liked the entire Zodiac series and until Scorpio is released I think I’m going to be stealing Michelyn’s Sagittarius, even if it is her birthday.

Disclosure: This review was based on samples provided by Strange Invisible Perfumes.

Thanks to Strange Invisible Perfumes we have a very special draw of a sample set of all seven Zodiac fragrances so far released. To be eligible leave a comment wishing Michelyn a Happy Birthday and tell us your sign, baby. The draw will close on December 16, 2012.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

-Mark Behnke, Managing Editor