A Fragrance That's More 'Till Death Do Us Part' Than Advertised

I've fallen head over heels for Library of Scents. Their fragrances are so captivating and unique that they're on par with high-end perfumes. From the scent of a sun-kissed kitten to zombie and wine sediment, their fragrances are truly one-of-a-kind. They've also introduced some more familiar notes like magnolias and roses, and recently even launched some limited-edition versions of popular luxury fragrances.

What really draws me in, though, are the unusual and intriguing scents. During one of my online shopping sprees, I picked up the 'Girlfriend' fragrance in the form of a perfume oil.

I'll be upfront – it completely stole my heart!

General Info

I should mention that Library of Scents is a relatively new brand. Before, it was just Demeter, but after the SVO started, the American owners left the market, and the brand was acquired by Russian investors. This change might have affected the fragrances, possibly due to sanctions, so I'm reviewing the current version of the scent I purchased after the SVO began.

The price of my 3ml bottle was around 336 rubles, and at the time, there was a discount system for sets and a loyalty program. Now, a 3ml bottle costs a whopping 480 rubles. However, you can buy this fragrance in various sizes: 30ml, 6ml, 3ml, and 1.5ml. Library of Scents now sells sample sizes individually, so the minimum price for the fragrance in the form of an odourant is 189 rubles. In my opinion, it's better to buy 3ml of oil and avoid the hassle.

Oils and their features

I've got the 3ml format of oil-based perfumes, and if it's available, I always go for it. There are a few reasons for this.

Firstly, the oil lasts longer. Secondly, it's cheaper. When it comes to perfumes, I prefer to get a few more bottles: you never know when you'll want to try a new scent.

Unfortunately, there are some downsides to oil-based perfumes. Specifically, the rollerball gets clogged and leaks, leaving my perfume bottle a mess.

I wouldn't say the perfume pours out like water, but it's still a bit of a problem.

Luckily, the bottle lasts a long time, even considering the leak. I apply the perfume to my pulse points: behind my ears, near my neck, and on my wrists. This helps the scent unfold and smell richer.

Just keep in mind that we're dealing with oil here, so there's a chance you'll stain your clothes: it takes a bit of time for the oil to fully absorb into your skin.

However, within three minutes, it's fully absorbed and there's no risk of staining your clothes.

The pyramid and my expectations

I have to admit, I had no idea what to expect from the scent. I didn't really have any preconceived notions. I just bought it because the name was intriguing.

Here's how the manufacturer describes their creation.

Do you hear that? As the high windows swung open, crashing into the stone walls of a medieval castle. This scent is like the icy ozone of high gates with sharp peaks, seeping into your bones with the dampness of underground tunnels and that thick fog. Look, it's like it's alive - it's trembling nervously, flickering in the moonlight that breaks through the cracked stained glass. Or is it? Take a closer look at the fog's outline - you'll see the silhouette of a dress and a hand reaching out to you. The cloud seems to want to tell you something, share its terrifying secret and find salvation. Why has the ghost of a girl been wandering the empty halls of the old castle for centuries, searching for peace, but can't find it?

We managed to capture the secret of the castle's ghost and bottle it up. Can you muster the courage to unscrew the lid?

I just couldn't resist buying it. It's something otherworldly, mystical, and interesting! The 'pyramid' really caught my attention.

Ozone and steel notes

Mint and frosty undertones

Wet earth and stones

Right away, I pictured a cold scent with a mystical chord.

Image

I have to admit, as a girl, I love a good story, so tales of a castle with underground tunnels, where there's a mysterious apparition, really drew me in.

I have to admit, the earthy scent was a bit of a concern for me. I was worried it would smell like dirt, a garden, a graveyard, or construction work. But I wouldn't have ordered it if I wasn't confident it would be okay.

I thought it would be perfect for a certain mood, and overall, I wasn't wrong.

But the scent turned out to be something entirely different.

Unveiling the scent

Here's the thing: almost all the scents in the Library are mono-aromats, with no top, middle, or base notes. They smell the same and sound the same all the time, so it's not really possible to talk about a scent unfolding. If you don't like that, you might want to skip it.

I'm actually a fan of this style, which is why I keep buying from the Library.

As for this scent, it's more of an exception to the rule. At first, I'm hit with frankincense. It's not mentioned anywhere, but I can definitely smell it. And I'm not the only one – others on me can smell it too, but I don't smell it on them.

On my mom, it opens up to herbal notes, while on my friend, it's a cool, crisp sensation.

For me, it's all about the frankincense. And that's normal – it's just how skin chemistry works, as the famous perfumer Baccarat once said.

Next, I get a metallic note, like the smell of a palm after holding a handful of old coins.

Finally, there's a damp stone note, which is very subtle. It's like the smell of a wet pavement after a rain shower – it's damp and dusty, but not dirty or moldy. Luckily, this dampness is very delicate and actually enhances the scent rather than overpowering it.

I have to say, I'm starting to pick up on some earthy, herbal notes. Witchy herbs, almost.

It's like stepping into an old castle, which I think the creators nailed. For me, it's also reminiscent of a church.

The combination of stones, frankincense, metal, and herbs creates this otherworldly, unsettling feeling that I really enjoy.

But one of my friends said it smells like death, graveyard stones, and a funeral. I can see why she'd think that, but for me, it's more about the castle.

Associations with the scent

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: to me, this scent smells like an old, mysterious castle.

It conjures up images of its damp stone in the dungeons, rusty ironwork, and dried-out grass in a long-neglected garden. The frankincense reminds me of death and that ghostly girl who was recently laid to rest.

But after someone mentioned it smelled like a graveyard, I felt that too. It was a flashback to the past: granite slabs, old fences, and a priest who'd long since passed away, surrounded by wilted flowers and dry wood on abandoned graves.

I have to admit, the scent of this place is a bit morbid, and it's exactly the kind of smell that puts people off – the smell of fear and bad memories. It's a melancholic and hopeless vibe.

I'm not a fan of myrrh in general, it's overwhelming and suffocating, but in this scent, it's actually beautiful! It completes the picture and adds a more atmospheric theme.

However, the scent remains quite sweet and bright. It's loud and noticeable, just like all myrrh-based scents, so I don't think it's suitable for summer – it might be a bit overwhelming. I associate this scent with autumn, though – it's got a mystical, dark, and melancholic feel to it.

Staying Power

As for the scent's longevity, I've got to give it another thumbs up. It's incredibly long-lasting.

It starts off strong, enveloping me in a sweet, dense cocoon, and it stays that way until the end. It's weird to say, but this scent lingers and makes a statement, even after three hours. I can still feel it on my skin six hours after application, but by eight hours, it starts to fade, although the aftertaste remains. I can even detect its echoes the next morning, which is unusual for the Library.

When it comes to fabrics, the scent lasted almost five days on my sweater's collar. And for those five days, my whole closet reeked of it.

I have to admit, some people might find the strong scent a turn-off, but I'm a fan of robust fragrances, so the longevity of this oil is a major plus!

Pros and Cons

So, let's summarize:

👍 Budget-friendly

👍 The scent matches the name and experience

👍 Excellent longevity

👍 Absorbs quickly

👍 Very atmospheric

👎 Issues with the roller, might leak

Conclusion

This scent won't appeal to everyone. I know people who find the whole 'girl-ghost' vibe to be a smell of death, cemeteries, and decay. And I partially agree with that description, but... I really enjoy this scent. I got exactly what I wanted: mysticism and eeriness. Yes, I don't feel the ozone and menthol as stated: I didn't get them on me, but others did, so... perfume is very individual, so it's a good idea to test the scent beforehand.

Image

Mind you, I do enjoy it, so I'm giving it five stars. It's got everything I love!

🥃Other reviews of perfumes from this brand that might interest you🥃

Jennifer Perfume from The Witcher

The Rotten Fruits and Mold in Her "Zombie" Scent Left Me Impressed or Is It Just Like Zombie Breath from the Library

What I Thought I Was Getting When I Bought This Scent with a Beetle and Muddy Earth Smell Is Really Repulsive

How Sweet and Light a Pina Colada Can Be Straight from the Seychelles with This Epic Brand's Tropical Aroma

A Woman of Refinement or Is It Just Over the Top? A Scent with a Wine Residue Smell for Alcohol Lovers