Smell Like a Dream

Black Phoenix brings alchemy to all.

By: Charlene Jimenez

Have you ever read a book by Neil Gaiman and wished that it were scratch and sniff? Then you should plan on stopping by hand-crafted perfume oil purveyors, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, at their upcoming open house. These aren’t the chemical concoctions you’ll find at the department store cosmetic counter, sprayed at you by some white lab-coated soldier of scent. These are the kind of exquisite smells that inspire a cult-like following, and for good reason.

Each month on the night of the full moon, they showcase their wares at Dark Delicacies in Burbank. It’s appropriate that BPAL’s creations be situated among stacks of goth and horror books, as many of their blends are directly inspired by these terrific tomes. Browse bottle after bottle of fragrant delights with names like Epitaph, Witchblade, Yvaine (Stardust) and more. It’s like being Alice in Wonderland, without the beckoning to imbibe.

You’ll find perfume oils from modern comic books like Hellboy and dramatic classics like Shakespeare; it’s not every day you can say you have the aroma of both Abe Sapien and Macbeth The Scottish Play about you. Stop in at the next proper lunar alignment to find out which bottle suits you. (Those in the know wear short sleeves in order to have plenty of scent-testing real estate.) And if your kind can’t leave the house during a full moon, you can still peruse BPAL’s entire selection at the store during regular hours.

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