hand blended lurk natural perfumes are beautiful and wickedly alluring

I couldn't even get near it.  When I went to the Night of Green Beauty event here in NYC, I got to meet so many of the creators of my favorite natural skincare and makeup lines, but there was just one little area that I couldn't get near for the life of me due to the crowds of women reaching for these pretty little bottles.  I finally asked someone, "Who the heck is over there, Buddha?" "No," she answered, "that's LURK."  I cocked my head to the side, "Hmmm...Lurk, you say?"  Duly noted.

Why Lurk?  Everyone has their own taste in perfumes clearly, but I think there's something everyone will love here.  The descriptions on Lurk's site capture the essence of the scents perfectly. Currently, they have five perfumes, all hand blended and made using only essential oils in organic jojoba.  Naturally, there's no chemical preservatives or additives.  At $55 a bottle, I also found Lurk to be really affordable.  I'm pretty obsessed with RSW005 - a rose scent that is so calming and pretty, I just keep inhaling.

Who's lurking behind LURK? 
Anne Sanford of Lurk is very cool.   On her site it says she's a perfumer, product development specialist, interior designer and creative director with a background in beauty marketing branding and brand development.  Well!  Way to make everyone else on the planet feel like we are devoid of the Talent Gene, there, Anne.  Sheesh!

   Q & A: 

Why make natural perfumes?

I have been really into oils for about a decade now and really wanted to create perfumes for a while before I jumped into it.  I like the challenge of “all natural” and I also felt that the market needed something a little bit different. Itʼs fun and def not always easy, but I like aspects of it.

Whatʼs your typical outfit for a day? (You seem to have a great look.  If you were wearing mom jeans, Iʼd leave this one out.)

Def no mom jeans here ;).  My typical outfit is jeans (Iʼm obsessed with denim), Vans Old Skool Slip Onʼs or high tops (Isabel Marant), T-shirt, army jacket or sweater wrap.  I love jewelry so I tend to jam a bunch of crazy stuff on my wrists, fingers etc.

How do you come up with a new scent?

It always starts with a image in my mind or something that I have seen.. I identify scent with imagery so once the flow starts I generally start writing down thoughts, ideas and the scents I am attaching to that process. Then I start getting into the oils and seeing how they flow together. Itʼs really fun and the outcome is not always what I think it will be.

I see a luminizer product in your line now, are you planning on getting into makeup and/ or skincare?

Yes, I am currently working on re-formulating the Luminosity Stick (making it more green) and I am also working on skincare for 2014.

What makes Lurk awesome?

Wow, thatʼs a tough question ;).  I think that LURKʼs commitment to keeping things outside of the box yet really simple and straightforward at the same time is cool.  I also really love LURKʼs commitment to purity and doing things our way.   Weʼre not afraid to take chances and that can be very rewarding. 

*I received samples to test.  All opinions are my own.  Try LURK…this is the real deal, Neil.

ethereal. what else can you say about roxana illuminated perfumes? natural perfumes as art.

Engraved cases manufactured in the USA by a small family business.

This will be an arduous task.  Writing a post about a woman who creates art that you smell? Yes, it's art...olfactory art.

I hesitated writing a review on Roxana Villa's Roxana Illuminated Perfumes for some time mainly because what she does is done so well and with such care and knowledge, I felt as if I wasn't worthy enough to write and review such a product.  How could I possibly do justice to something that someone has been working on crafting their entire life?  

Roxana's handmade perfumes are not just scents, she's created a world here...from the unbelievably gorgeous botanical scents, to the lovely little pink containers and Victorian-esq cases her perfumes are poured into, to the beautiful little cards that come with the scents offering descriptions of what you're about to take in.  

An excellent way to find your own fragrance. 

The gorgeous velvet green pouch I received in the mail held a bunch of pretty pink solid perfumes, each with its own wax seal stamp on the top which was colored-coded to reveal its scent.  As I started to sniff and read the cards, I quickly realized that these were scents unlike anything I had ever experienced before.  If you're a woman who wants a fragrance to be your own...I suggest you get yourself a small set of these and figure out which ones are for you.

I'd like to tell you about some of the different perfumes Roxana offers so perhaps you could find what appeals to you and order a few.  Her perfumes come in both liquid and solid.  This is my take on the scents I received:

Vera

Lavender and sage...if you love lavender, you will love this.  

Chiaroscuro

An earthy Jasmine

Fig. 10 BLANC

Vanilla orchid bean.  This will smell like heaven to those of you who love a true vanilla.  A favorite.

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Another favorite.  I keep it on my desk to sniff.  Jasmine like you've never smelled it before.

Fresh, sweet and pretty.  I love this.

Cimbalom

Jasmine with amber and resin.  Warm and gorgeous.

Blossom

A true citrus with some fresh herb.  Fresh and happy.

Roxana at work.  Sometimes she uses the beeswax from her own hives of feral honey bees.  

I hope you give these a try as I don't think there's anything quite like having someone hand make a fragrance for you that's natural and made the way fragrance used to be made before the introduction of toxic chemicals.

*I received these fragrances to review.  All opinions are my own.  

better than boys: tsi-la organics...one of the best natural perfumes.

TSI-LA ORGANICS...just wow.

I'm not sure what happened, but Tsi-La (pronounced "chee-la") Organics never made it to me in time to get into my big post about natural perfumes.  Initially I was bummed, as I'd heard great things about them, but I actually think it's quite fortuitous as this organic perfume line is fully deserving of it's own conversation. 

Yes, everyone has their taste perfume-wise, but I have to say that I think these scents are just so modern, I can't imagine anyone turning them away. They are fresh, super pretty and just, well, happy-making.  In fact, after having sniffed the samples silly for days, I couldn't take it anymore and went and ordered Fiori D'Arancio (it's rather unreal). But, I must admit, it was a tough choice between that, Ilang Ilang and Fleur Sauvage...yes, I was in love with three perfumes from one company.  Total record, there.  Scent is very personal and I was shocked that each perfume was appealing to me.  

*Oh, and shhh...but the inside scoop is that Annie and Natalie (creators of Tsi-La) are closing in on a vanilla scent (L'Absolu Vanille) that they've been working on for some time now.  It's in the final stages, but you didn't hear it from me...well, you did, but...

WHAT'S IN 'EM?

First off, let me say that these perfumes are oils, which I love.  It feels so great when you're rubbing them into your skin.  

Let's get to it, what are they made from?  USDA Certified organic ingredients, pure extracts, vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, essential oils, plant botanicals and food grade ingredients.  Beat that...I dare you.

WHICH ONE WILL YOU LOVE?

CITRUS

Fiori D'Arancio - defined as "Happiness" 

Sheer Candied Citrus

Notes: Orange Blossom, Tangerine, Vanilla & Lemon Grass

Kizes - defined as "Joy"

Elderberry Lemonade

Notes: Citron, Elderberry, Orange Blossom & Jasmine

FLORAL

Fleur Sauvage - defined as "Passion"

Creamy White Floral

Notes: Tuberose, Jasmine, Sandalwood & Neroli

Ilang Ilang - defined as "Love"

Sun drenched exotic floral

Notes: Ilang Ilang, Jasmine, Vanilla & Citrus

WOOD

Kesu - defined as "Calm"

Meditative smoky incense

Notes: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Amber & Davana

GREEN

Misaki - defined as "Tranquility"

Green Lavender Forest

Notes: Lavender, Moss Bergamot & Vanilla

If you visit their site, you'll see they sell mini perfumes for $44.  It's cool because you can get mini-sets, as well.  Their prices run from $44-$95.   

*I was sent these perfumes for review.  All opinions are my own.  Love the stuff.

Some Of The Best Non-Toxic Perfumes...Woman, You're Gonna Smell SO Good!

If you've ever said that you can't replace your favorite perfume with a natural one because you don't know where to look for one, I hope I can guide you in the right direction.  I've gotten so many emails from women saying that fragrance is the one thing (along with mascara and concealer) that they can't seem to replace.  Nonsense, I say!  Not only will you find something you'll love, but once you start wearing a natural perfume, your nose will get itchy when you smell someone get on the elevator with something you used to think smelled so darn good. 

THEE FLORALS

Jasminas by Intelligent Nutrients - Must love Jasmine. We're talking serious Jasmine here. Pretty and super concentrated, this opaque amber perfume comes in the perfect little bottle.  You need just the tiniest bit to smell so pretty and fresh.  Apply behind the ears or in the hair.  $45

Prima Ballerina by Strange Invisible Perfumes - I'm constantly sniffing my wrist while I'm wearing this as I keep getting a faint hint of rose and I'm liking it.  With rose, sage, lime and botanical musk, it's a gorgeous rose powderish perfume with a modern twist!   $150

EARTHY & HERBAL

Prima by Osmia Organics - Okay, I'm highlighting Prima, but I have to say that I found all of Osmia Organics' perfumes to smell earthy, herbal, fresh and just full of nature.  Sarah, the line's founder, definitely gets inspired by her Colorado surroundings.  If you're an Earthy girl, put your bags down as you've arrived, woman.  $75

Woodland by Forager Botanicals - This unisex fragrances has notes of cedar wood, high alps lavender and sweet, rich herbs.  Casey Coyle, the woman behind Forager Botanicals, is a Brooklyn-based graphic designer who longed for more natural, simple fragrances. $120

FUN, PLAYFUL & SEX-AY!

Love Coconut by  Honoré des Prés - My favorite perfume.  No, you won't smell like you've just slathered on tacky sun oil from the Eighties.  It's light, subtle and just so pretty...ah! 100% natural and organic.  $95

Vamp `a NY by Honoré des Prés -  How to explain?  Hmmm...fun and feisty, it's described as having Tuberose and rum.  Allow me to just say that if you can get your hands on a sample, chances are you'll fall in love pretty fast & will be getting yourself a bottle, you sexy woman!  $98

CHAMOMILE

333 by Tallulah Jane - If you like chamomile and lavender, you're going to love this.  I got hooked as soon as I tried a sample and have been through many bottles.  Eleanor, the creator of Tallulah Jane, also has these available in awesome body oils and Eau De Parfum.  $58

CITRUS

Halona by Tallulah Jane - Lime, fresh ginger and spices.  This is a gorgeous scent that is uplifting and happy.  If you like citrus and peppy scents, you'll love Halona.  I also have the body oil...I highly recommend.  $48

Urban Organic by A Perfume Organic - With lemon sorbet, bourbon, lime peel, basil ginger and smoky vetiver, I think this is next on my list to purchase.  I'm a citrusy girl, what can I say?  $65

Trip by Honoré des Prés - 100% natural and organic, this delish perfume is all about pure tangerine extracts, Mediterranean oranges, yellow and green lemons and spicy pepper taken from trees in the Philippine Islands.  Although I love this, keep in mind that citrus scents don't last very long and will need to be reapplied.  $84

WARM & SPICY

Trusque by Osmia Organics - Fruity, Spanish lavender and plant-based musk. Perfect for the upcoming cooler months...seriously well-made perfume here.   $150

Mejica by A Perfume Organic - I'm smelling gorgeous spices (clove?) mixed with Vanilla...but real Vanilla, not what synthetics have made us believe it smells like.  This is the real deal.  I'm thinking this is going to be perfect for Fall/Winter.  $65

ELIXIR/BODY OIL

Aiyana by Tallulah Jane - Pure Moroccan Rose,Vanilla, hints of pear and Rock Rose all brightened with a delicate scent of Italian Lemon. This is super feminine and hard to describe.  I love wearing it.  Also comes in a perfume, but I covet the body oil!  It's hydrating and feels amazing on the skin...you'll love sniffing your forearm during the day!  $38

Lina Hanson Global Body Serum - Again, not a conventional perfume, this body oil smells so good that I had to add it in here.  With Vanilla, Yuzu and grapefruit, I'm looking forward to Lina making this a perfume soon...and if I'm correct, I think she's doing just that!  $63

Nuture by Intelligent Nutrients - Not a conventional perfume, this is an anti-aging total body elixir serum and it smells just wonderful.  Lavender, sweet orange and geranium.  Subtle, pretty and relaxing.  $30

super cool osmia organics...like rockstar cool. yeah, like that.

Sarah Villafranco, creator and founder of Osmia Organics...gorg or what?

I tweet back and forth with a lot of green beauty goddesses who run their own companies, but I have to say, Sarah Villafranco of Osmia Organics is pretty damn cool.  The kind of cool where you wish she lived in NYC so you could yap green with her and watch her create all of her awesome skincare products.  I mean, this woman even discusses the recyclability of each of her products here.  I wanted all of you to get an idea of who Sarah is as a person, so I asked her a few questions which follow my review.  

DETOX EXFOLIATING MASK  Dare I say it's the best mask I've ever used?  Yes, I dare.  Please don't think this mask is for oily skin because it's got the word "Detox" in its name.  I have skin that can easily become dehydrated and I found this to not only clear my skin and make it bright and fresh-looking, but also leave it hydrated.  It comes in a bottle along with a little ceramic mixing bowl and spatula (love).  I find myself reaching for this whenever my skin is looking a little dull and clogged.  This is a favorite.
Key Ingredients:  Purifying clay, raw cacao, manuka honey and activated bamboo charcoal. $50

FACIAL CALIBRATION SERUM  This serum is pure, the consistency is light and not at all thick.  This serum is designed to help skin become more even and smooth and assists in regulating sebum production. It's a serum is for all skin types, but I love the fact that it will calm down skin that's acting up...something that happens often with women and our hormones!  $50
Key ingredients:  Olive squalene, kukui oil, powdered acai and organic black seed oil.

LIP LUSTER  I'm a sucker for a lip gloss or lipstick, so when I had read that Osmia's gloss that gets its color from beet root, well I just HAD to know about this company.  The scent is a subtle vanilla and I would say the color is like you were eating some blackberries.  You can make it as deep or light as you wish, depending on how much you apply.  I loved the consistency of this - not too thick, not sticky.  $15  Key ingredients: Beet root, Castor bean oil.

FOREST BODY OIL First off, this body oil comes in several scents, I just tested Forest.  One thing that strikes me about Osmia is that many of their products have an Earthy scent...creating scents in Colorado will probably inspire that!  This scent smells exactly like a bunch of evergreen trees in a forest.  It's bold and rich, but softens when on the skin.  This oil gave me that glow that celebrities have on their legs when they cross them on Dave Letterman. You know what I mean...just a pretty glisten, not oily.  It absorbed quick and was wonderful to wear.  I would love to try the Flower oil one day! $20
Key ingredients:  Ambrette seed oil, evergreen oils.

MY Q  & A WITH SARAH:

What new products are you working on now...if they’re not Top Secret, of course!  They are SO top secret, but I'll tell you anyway.  I'm working on a vitamin C lifting serum and a beautifully simple, organic exfoliant, both of which are pretty divine. 

What do you have in your makeup bag?   I have an eyelash curler and tweezers, my two most important items (I'm 40 now - I get whiskers).  I have our Luster lip gloss, RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, and some Chantecaille eyeliner.  The next on my list to try is Kjaer Weis mascara. 

What green beauty industry women would you love to sit around and talk shop with?  I'd love to chat with Rose-Marie Swift, Gwyneth (does she count?), Mandy Aftel (smart and funny), and pretty much every green beauty blogger out there - you guys keep it real, keep our egos in check, and seem to find as much joy doing what you love as I do!  When should we do it?

Name three adjectives to describe yourself.  Go.  Motivated.  Fun.  Alive. 

Who's Smells Faintly of Delicious Coconut? ME! Honoré Des Prés Love Coconut

Honoré Des Prés' Love Coconut Perfume

Let me start off by saying that I would never, ever, ever dream that I would end up buying a perfume that smelled faintly of coconut.  I'd always equated coconut with some cheesy-smelling tanning oil - an outdated, cheap scent straight out of the 80s.  But that was before I got a sample of Love Coconut from Honoré Des Prés from my all-time favorite natural beauty shop, Spirit Beauty Lounge.

This scent is beautiful...and 100% natural.  It's made from the pure extract of white coconut milk and coriander leaf.  The scent is subtle, so fresh and pretty and best of all, you can spray away without the worry of chemicals because their perfumes are 100% organic and natural.   I've already gone through my first bottle and am dipping into my second.  

By the way, each time I hug someone, I get a "Hmm...you smell so good!"  And that is never bad.  $98

Tallulah Jane Natural Perfumes & Body Oils - YUM!

I stopped wearing perfume shortly after being with someone who didn't like the citrusy scent I was wearing at the time. Looking back, I'm actually really thankful for that because it saved me years of breathing in the nasty chemicals that make up most of the perfumes that are out there. 

Tallulah Jane 333 was the first natural perfume that I fell in love with after getting a sample from Spirit Beauty Lounge. I've always loved the smell of chamomile, citrus and lavender. Not surprisingly, I found out that 333 is made from a blend of three different types of chamomile, lavender and three citrus essences. I was hooked. So, I bought several bottles and always have someone saying, "Your hair smells so good." (I've got a habit of spraying in my hair - lasts longer).  

Not long after that, I got a sample of their Halona Body Oil and immediately loved that, too.  It's got such a citrusy smell (lime and ginger) and the oil absorbs really fast, so you don't have to stand around waiting to get dressed.  The other day my Halona perfume arrived (different packaging - small with a roller ball) and I love it. About the size of a lipstick, it's so easy to carry around.

I haven't tried their other fragrances, but I'm sure they're all amazing and you'll find one or several that you'll love. The company uses only 100% natural ingredients, no synthetics, all products are Vegan and are free of parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals.

Oh, cute story: one day I was in Bigelow Chemists in NYC and as I was exiting, the owner of Tallulah Jane, Eleanor Jane, attempted to stop me to chat about her brand as they were new to Bigelow. I was in a bit of a rush as I had an appointment and quickly said, "Oh, yes, I have several bottles of the 333 at home and of your body oil that starts with an 'H'." "Halona?" she said surprised. "Yes." She was beaming and told me how much that made her day and I knew exactly how she felt. I find that there's nothing cooler than buying from small, local companies making great, natural products. Being an independent musician myself, I understand how good it feels when someone gives you a chance...and loves what you do.

I purchased these products myself and all opinions are my own!

Lovin' Me Some Lotus Wei Infinite Love Perfume

LOTUS WEI'S DELICIOUS PERFUMES

Have you tried Lotus Wei yet?  I've fallen deeply in love with the stuff.

To be honest, I wasn't sure exactly what these products were until they came out with perfumes (in addition to their mists and serums) and I decided to give them a try.

I purchased Infinite Love Perfume, Inspired Action Mist and Joy Juice Energy Mist and I absolutely love them! I find myself reaching my wrist up to my nose several times a day to get a sniff of my Infinite Love perfume and spraying my mists whenever I get the chance.

Without getting too detailed here, Lotus Wei uses the power of flower essences to increase happiness, productivity, calm the mind, give added energy and the list goes on.  I stopped using artificial perfumes and products with chemicals about two years ago and I'm always on the lookout for something that smells great and isn't harmful to breathe in. These are perfect. To find out more about Lotus Wei (they explain themselves waaay better than I ever could) please visit them here.  

Oh, and I have yet to try it, but they also incorporate their flower essences into chocolate...oh, my!

I purchased these mists and perfumes myself.  All opinions are my own, sister!