I am fascinated by independent perfumers.
The internet opened unique possibilities of getting into “personal” contact with people, you would otherwise never even hear of. (Not meant as an insult to these people, but alluding to the fact, that I live in Austria, which is on almost nobody’s priorities list when it comes to establishing a brand presence. My beloved Puredistance, being the notable exception!)
American indie perfumers like Mandy Aftel, Alaya Moriel, Dawn Spencer Hurwitz or Serena Ava Franco are amazing talents and following their work is something I am very interested in. Thanks to the internet those wonderful perfumes are also available in my neck of the woods.
For my first indie experience, I took the plunge and ordered unsniffed (this is a case of “What else can I do?”) a few gems by Ava Luxe, the brand of perfumer Serena Ava Franco from Providence, Rhode Island. They arrived lovingly packaged, with samples added.
I fell in love with one name first.
Love’s True Bluish Light – what´s not to love here? It is an amazing name. Turns out it is a lovely fragrance that bears it.
Ava Luxe Creme Brulée, Love´s True Bluish Light, Madeline
Love’s True Bluish Lights smells like cookies and cream, that’s what the men in my life say, at least. It is sweet, soft, the ultimate comfort scent. Notes include white vanilla, white amber, milky notes and musk.
It won’t bowl you over with either sillage or longevity, but that is not what it is meant to do after all. It is not meant to be a complicated, multi-layered perfume that challenges you and makes you follow its development over hours.
I like to wear it to bed, like a soft, enveloping embrace of sweetness, to fortify me against cold winter nights. And to put a smile on my face…
The bluish light of the name conjures up the inner part of a flame, the most steady part, but still evanescent, possibly fleeting, just like love itself. You have to take it as it is, enjoy it while it lasts and bask in its soft, warm bluish light, preferably without getting burned by the surrounding yellow flames.
Love’s True Bluish Light is available as perfume oil or Eau de Parfum (that is what I tested) at Ava Luxe’s website.
Olfactoria's Travels 
I’m glad that you’re trying these! I’ve been curious about Serena’s perfumes, and LTBL sounds sniff-worthy. I can’t wait to hear about the rest of the batch 🙂
I find the variety and pricepoint at Ava Luxe really impressive.
I completely agree with you, thanks to internet forums and blogs, I discovered many interesting indie lines. They can be so refreshing and unusual. I have not tried this particular fragrance, but it sounds very nice. “enveloping embrace of sweetness, to fortify me against cold winter nights…” what could be better! 🙂
xo
What could be better, indeed 🙂
I just discovered another Indie brand that only gets glowing reviews, Sonoma Scent Studio, have you heard of it? Looks very promising…
I heard of it, but did not try anything yet. Next year! 🙂
I’ve worn this for a couple of years now, I think. I’m totally in love with it. It’s soft and more milky to start with, but dries down beautifully on me, without losing any of its elements. And I would have to say I’ve been very pleased with its longevity, though I tend to have luck with that. I highly recommend that anyone interested in these notes try it out. Just lovely!
It is indeed a lovely perfume, I like to wear it to sleep, it is so cozy.
Welcome Pamela, thank you for commenting! 🙂
As you might guess, my favorite part of the perfume universe. There are so many wonderful things being made right now, and everyone has sample programs if they primarily are etail-ing, as they must, so it’s affordably possible to explore.
You are right, indie lines provide choice, easy access and sampling options and wonderful perfumes as well.
I always look to you when I want to research what to try! 😉
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