* Slumberhouse is a small independent group based in Portland, Oregon who in their own words “march to our own beat.”

* Rume kicks off with a strong burst of resin (myrrh) and booze. It feels thick and syrupy, yet isn’t overwhelming.

* The scent is inspired by an “explorer’s hideaway” – I get that, but would add to that ‘after the holidays.’  Maybe Rume is a play on room and rune (ancient alphabet with magical significance).  And yes, I did play a few role playing games in middle school.

* The resins stay in focus and are joined by what I would call a mix of nutella and root beer.  Nutella is a hazelnut spread which tastes like chocolate – which perfectly describes the scent.

* Rume may sound really sweet, like something for children’s candy, but it isn’t – there is something robust and manly, kind of like guy who smoke pipes and eat dark chocolate.

* It’s not completely linear, but once you get past the top notes, the heart notes last… and last.  It softens but sticks around for more than 18 hours on my skin.

Summary:  Rume is strong, dark, deep, intense and resinous – all thngs that I like in a fragrance.  I wouldn’t spray it on and walk into an office, but if you can spray it on two hours before going to work, you’ll be fine.  For a Saturday night on the town, this is a great one as the next morning, the base would be amazing to cuddle with.

Rume is available from the Slumberhouse website and from indiescents.com.

* Kicks off with a loud blast of berries – strawberries and raspberries. Very sweet, reminds me of bubblegum.

* Initial projection is quite strong.  People within a three foot radius will want to lick you up.

* Nez a Nez is an independent French niche line.  The name means “Nose to Nose.”

* The berries calm down and are joined by caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla – making this scent even more edible.

* We dubbed this Amber Bubblicious – and that’s a compliment.

* Berries stay present as the resinous amber gradually seeps in to be quickly joined by patchouli.

* The wonderful amber / berry / patchouli base lasts more than 12 hours on my skin.

Summary:  While at Henri Bendel in New York City, I came across the Nez A Nez line which I had never sniffed before.  While there were many delicious fruity scents, this one stood out on first sniff.  I nearly bought a full bottle from the top note, but I knew better to wait until I tested.  As much as I loved the top notes, the journey and base notes made it even better.  Ambre a Sade is definitely not for the office nor for the meek or mild-tempered.  This one screams and attracts attention – which is probably why I love it so much.

Ambre a Sade is available from Lucky Scent , Henri Bendel , and Aedes de Venusta.

* The name is apt as the immediate top note of lavender is strong, intense, and makes a big impact.

* Impact is an Pure Parfum version of the classic Caron Pour Un Homme.

* Lavender stays in the starring role as a smoky vanilla enters the scene as a supporting player.

* Surprisingly, it’s quite rare to find Pure Parfum concentrations of fragrances aimed at men – most Pure Parfum and even EdP are categorized feminine.

* The smoke eventually blows away, while a clean musk and amber form the base with lavender still in the forefront.

Summary:  Impact is a luxuriously focused version of Pour Un Homme.  Gone from the original are the citrus, floral, and wood notes- leaving a strongly focused and intense take on lavender supported by vanilla, amber, and musk.  Scent-lovers often protest when the classics are remixed, so to say, but I actually enjoy Impact more than the original.  It pays respect to the classic and modernizes it with a powerful edge.  Impact is a strong scent that makes a statement and will get you noticed in a crowd.

Caron Impact is only available from Caron Boutiques.  For those in the US, contact the Caron boutique in NYC and ask for Diane.  If you are ever in NYC, make an appointment and stop by for a visit.  Be sure to get directions as it is hidden in the Phyto Universe salon above another store and is difficult to find.

* The Atelier Cologne signature is to blend unique and unexpected notes with traditional cologne elements (fresh citrus) to create a modern take on colognes.

* Ambre Nue starts off with a fresh and sweet tangerine mixed with bergamot.

* As a Cologne Absolue, this scent is stronger than a traditional Eau du cologne and lasts much longer.

* The citrus is joined by dry cinnamon and light white florals.

* This fragrance wears differently on me.  Sometimes I get a light scent of tarragon in the middle development.  Othertimes, the amber starts to come in with the white florals.

* Amber becomes the star in the base notes supported by a clean patchouli and vanilla.  The base lasts for several hours.

Summary:  Ambre Nue starts off like a citrusy cologne and develops overtime into a richer, comforting amber scent.   Although there is a good bit of sillage for the first hour or two, it is never overwhelming making this scent a great one for office wear. The citrus will wake you up when you first put it on in the morning and vanilla/amber base will give you comfort as you finish off a long work day.

Ambre Nue is available from Lucky Scent, Neiman Marcus, and from the Atelier Cologne website.