2024 is flying by, and there are just 9 more days to sign up for March's Surprise Scent!
It's time to give you a mood board hint:
If you are familiar (or were familiar) with the original Twinkle Apothecary skincare (specifically the facial oil and toning mist) circa 2016-2022, then you are probably also familiar with this scent!
Or, if you ever came into my Oklahoma City retail store when it was open - this is most likely what it smelled like. This uplifting scent is very nostalgic for me!
It's a sunny, refreshing, green floral with a light woody base, and this time it's going to be in a 5 ml oil based roll-on bottle.
You have until Thursday, March 14th at noon central to order the Surprise Scent Monthly to get on the list for this one at the special subscription price.
Click to order the Surprise Scent for March ($20-30)
Otherwise, you can order it anytime from the Perfume Archives for $35!
I'm so excited to revisit this one with you. Hope to see you on the list!
Stefanie
]]>Happy (almost?!) Spring!
If you're currently feeling the urge to switch out your heavy, rich, spicy winter fragrances for something to match the upcoming season, I've got some of my springiest favorites to share with you in this post.
Spring has a lot of different moods, but regardless of what the weather is doing, I'm usually wanting to wear something light, uplifting, sunny, sweet, and fresh. And of course I love flowers, (what kind of a perfumer would I be if I didn't?) so I made this little video compilation showcasing my favorite fresh florals for spring:
Each of these -
bloom, mulholland, florcore, sorbet, nag champa, pink mafia, tuberose vert, fancy face, and no. 7 -
can be ordered from the perfume archives.
For more ideas and options, I recommend checking out this post from spring '23 for an even wider variety of good smelly things to match the moment.
Spring alway feels like the perfect time to try something new, so I recommend experimenting with my layering fragrances this time of year to find something that feels totally fresh and unique.
There are A LOT of different options and there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to finding something that you like to wear together, but I did come up with some classic spring combos to use as a starting point:
For something sweet and happy, orange blossom, nectar, and cream is a classic spring composition. Zest, rose, and sandalwood feels warm, grounding, and sophisticated. If you're not big on florals, I'd recommend layering tea, lavender, and soft musk for something herbal and refreshing!
You could pare it down by picking your favorite two scents, or combine them all together - and of course I'd be more than happy to make a custom blend of your favorite 2-4 spring scents if you choose to purchase the build your own scent option.
Or -
you might be interested to know that I have new, 3 ml roll-on bottles in store for $20 each, so this might be a sign that it's finally time for you to collect them all!
I thought these little guys would be perfect for travel, gifting, or, just the right size for anyone who likes to change up their fragrance often.
And who here doesn't like playing around with trying new natural perfumes?
So scroll down to explore all of your options, and I wish you many bright, sunny, warm days ahead, along with the perfect new scent to match!
Stefanie
PS - if you want something truly unique for spring, I'd recommend sweet lavender, orange grove, tea rose, or lavender bud from this collection of solid perfumes in repurposed vintage containers:
]]>Hello!!!!!
If you love good smelling (and good feeling) things, I have some very exciting news to share:
That's right, as of today, you can now order body powder, body oil, dry shampoo, and even wave spray to match your favorite Twinkle perfume.
It's kind of like the good ole days back when Twinkle Apothecary first started...
Only, way better, because I am going to custom-make your scented body care when you order it!
*AND*
Don't worry, you can still choose the new Twinkle signature body care fragrance blend (to match your Twinkle deodorant) if you like.
(This is the new "signature" body care fragrance, btw...)
My point is, there are OPTIONS GALORE NOW.
However...
The first thing I should probably mention is that the perfume archive scents (like the ones pictured above in that throwback photo!) are off the table. Those scents are in the archives because I don't keep them all in stock all of the time.
But you can choose any of the the permanent collection Twinkle Apothecary fragrances to scent your products. This includes the layering fragrances and the stand-alone fragrances!
Amber, Cedar, Cream, Lavender, Nectar, Rose, Sandalwood, Tea, Zest, Dark Woods, Jasmine Dirt, Desert Amber, Rose Cream, Tropic Flora, Earth, Crushed Tuberose, Orange Blossom, Soft Musk, Conifer
So you could get a cream body oil, a lavender body powder, a zest dry shampoo, and an orange blossom wave spray;
or, go head-to-toe in Crushed Tuberose if you're feeling fancy!
The options are ENDLESS.
Body oil
The new scented body oils can be ordered from the perfume product listings.
Like so:
These are a different formula than my Oil for Face, Body, and Hair. These new, scented body oils are made with wildcrafted jojoba oil, with the organic fractionated coconut oil-based fragrance blends mixed in, so nothing gets in the way of the scent.
They are lightly scented and should be safe for sensitive skin. The stronger fragrances will have a nice scent payoff in the body oil, but lighter fragrances will be pretty light. Either way, they'll give you a nice, moisturizing base to layer on a more concentrated matching perfume, or, add a bit of depth and intrigue to your fragrance layering game!
Body & Foot Powder, Dry Shampoo, and Wave Spray:
For these guys, all you have to do is write a note with your order at checkout letting me know which scent you'd like. I'll make it for you and write your scent on the label, like so!
Just keep in mind that I can't make custom-scented samples, so the dry shampoo and body & foot powder samples will come in my signature body care fragrance. I recommend trying a perfume sample of the scent you're interested in if you don't know what it smells like yet!
And, yes, in case you're wondering - I am working on a custom deodorant listing so you can match that too. :)
THIS IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN, RIGHT?!
I don't know about you, but I feel like a kid in a candy store right now...
What do I want to make and wear first?!
And in case you're also wondering - Stefanie, why the big change? I'll tell you!
It was my intention to do this when I rebranded at the end of 2022, but I was so overwhelmed and burned out at the time that I just couldn't think of a way to make it work. I mean, really. My brain was broken. I was worried about taking on too much again, and honestly, I needed a great big break.
It's taken me some time to recover and figure out what I want Twinkle Apothecary to look like going forward, but I'm back on track now.
Being a one-person business is a delicate balance - at times it can be overwhelming, but on the other hand, being small and flexible allows me to offer so much more in terms of quality and variety than I could if Twinkle Apothecary were a big brand with products in stores all over the country. I just have to put a lot of thought into doing things in a way that works for both me and my customers. But I'm so glad to finally be in a place where my creativity is coming back to life, and I'm ready to play again!
By the way - if you're also feeling overwhelmed and wondering where all of your creative ideas have gone off to I HIGHLY recommend taking a great big break from social media. Seriously, I will never be going back. From here on out I'll just be like a little monk (work wise, at least,) in my home studio, mixing up all of the yummy things for you!
Ok - let me just step off of my soap box there...
And now, what can I make for you today?
Leave a note and let me know!
Stefanie
]]>It's almost time to make this month's Surprise Scent, and I have a hint for you:
This is an easy one to guess if you're familiar with the original Twinkle signature fragrances!
It's bright, soft, rosy, and cozy, and it's going to be in a 5 ml spray bottle this month.
You have two weeks left to get on the list to get this perfume for the discounted subscription price ($20-$25, depending on your plan,) or, you can order from the Perfume Archives for $35 anytime!
Click here to order the Surprise Scent Monthly by the 14th at noon to get on the list.
Can't wait to make it for you!
Stefanie
]]>It's that time of year again!
Time to lean into romance by indulging in something that feels decadent and luxurious.
And what better way to do that than with a beautiful natural perfume?
Technically, all perfumes are romantic. I mean, they exist for no other purpose than to celebrate the beauty and the lushness of nature! I can't think of anything more romantic than choosing a bottle filled with the sweetest flowers, herbs, and trees to apply to your body, whether for a special occasion, or just to fill a regular day with a bit more pleasure.
But I do happen to have a few perfumes in my collection that scream:
Because they evoke the scents and sensations of everything associated with a traditional V-Day celebration, like bouquets of fresh flowers, boxes of chocolates, and everything soft, sensual, rich, and sultry.
Even if you're not someone who typically goes for sweet, rich, floral, and sultry kind of perfumes, sometimes it's fun to try them on for a special occasion or date night.
If you're intrigued, check out this video of my favorite Valentine's perfume picks:
First up, obviously, I have to go with Rose. It's a classic!
If you think you don't like rose perfumes, you've probably never smelled one made with real roses. You can also probably stop reading this post now because all of the fragrances I'm going to share with you here contain rose!
Or, you can be cool and try this dynamic and lively blend of Moroccan, Bulgarian, and Rose de Mai absolutes. Rose wears beautifully with many of my other layering fragrances, but my favorites if you're going for *romance* are cream, sandalwood, earth, soft musk, and cedar.
If you're not into layering, you can always choose the build your own scent option instead to design your own custom rosy perfume!
Next up, Date Night.
Oh, la la!
This is one of my personal favorites because it feels so decadent (I'm all about rich, floral, sultry perfumes) without being cloying. Date Night is sweet, spicy, floral, a bit fruity, and sweet - with a fair amount of cocoa absolute and vanilla CO2 - but that little hint of patchouli in the finish really puts it over the top!
Then, there's Adore.
Adore is a very soft, simple, and dear blend of pink grapefruit, vanilla, rose, and cedarwood. This is part of the Twinkle Signature Fragrance collection, which means it's been a favorite since I released it with matching body care products in 2016!
Of course, I have to include Flutter.
This is a classic blend of rose and jasmine, with sweet cardamom and warm sandalwood. All of my favorite things! Pro-tip: layer this one with Amber or Cream for extra romance.
ORDER FROM THE PERFUME ARCHIVES HERE
For something more complex, Rose Cream has it all!
ROSE CREAM STAND-ALONE FRAGRANCE
It goes on bright, refreshing, and sweet, with fresh lemon, ruby red grapefruit and almond. Warm and fuzzy subtle floral notes with spices and coffee make the heart of this scent feel cozy and wearable. Smooth woods with tobacco and vetiver linger on the skin without overpowering. The overall effect is just, YUM. Perfect for V-Day.
Last but not least, I recommend Crushed Tuberose.
This is a sophisticated-yet-soft white floral has a comforting, sweet earthy finish.
CRUSHED TUBEROSE STAND-ALONE FRAGRANCE
This perfume is so intricate that I think it really shines in cooler weather, and if you love florals (as you know I do!) I think you'll appreciate how Crushed Tuberose pushes right up to the edge of being over-the-top without *actually* being too much. Because romance without the drama is what we all really want on Valentines day, right?
Scroll down to explore more of these delicious natural fragrances, and I wish you the happiest of love days!
Stefanie
]]>There are 10 days left to sign up for January's Surprise Scent so it's time for a hint:
I feel like this is a pretty easy one to guess, no?
Fun fact: this scent was the very first scent I designed for my very first perfume subscription back in 2018!
This time it's going to be in a 5 ml oil-based roll-on bottle.
If you'd like one at the discounted surprise subscription price, ($20-$23 for the pre-paid plans, $25 to subscribe month-to-month, or $30 for a one-time purchase,) be sure to place your Surprise Scent Monthly order by January 14th at noon central.
Click here to sign up for the Surprise Scent Monthly
Otherwise, you can order this one for $35 from the perfume archives anytime!
Can't wait to make it for you!
Stefanie
]]>Do you need a little motivation to get back into (or start) a good skincare routine this year?
(In the form of some Twinkle Star rewards points, perhaps?)
Well, this is your sign to join me on Patreon and commit to my January skincare challenge!
Don't worry, it's super simple and low-key, not to mention free.
All you have to do is (1) join Patreon as a free member, (2) print off my skincare routine tracker, and (3) give yourself a checkmark every time you cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply eye serum, acne spot treatment, etc., etc.
Then, report back to me each week with how many checkmarks you collected and I will magically turn your healthy habits into Twinkle Stars, which you can redeem for coupons!
The challenge runs from January 1 - 31st but you can hop in anytime. If you already have a great routine going, just think of it as an easy way to earn a coupon. If you don't have a skincare routine, I highly suggest committing to cleansing, toning, and moisturizing twice a day for a full month to see what happens!
For me, maintaining my gentle, consistent twinkle skincare routine isn't about fixing my face or being perfectly flawless all the time. Instead, I like to think of it as just another thing I do (like exercising, eating my veggies, and getting enough sleep,) to maintain balance and feel my best, no matter what life throws at me!
If this sounds like something you need in 2024, I look forward to seeing you there!
All of the details are on Patreon, here:
Click to Join the January Skincare Routine Challenge on Patreon
And if not, no pressure at all! I've decided that I must be kind of terrible at this whole business thing because I honestly don't care if you wash your face or how. I left caring about what other people do to and for their skin somewhere back in 2022 and life is pretty sweet!
I'm just putting the option out there... just for fun.
(Along with some darn good products.)
If you need me, I'll be here (actually, on Patreon!) with all of the support!
- Stefanie -
and some important things to know for 2024...
What a wild ride Twinkle Apothecary has taken this year!
I gotta say, 2023 definitely made my head spin at times. Some of it felt really hard - like making the decision to close my retail store in March - but some of it felt really great. (Finding the perfect home to work from and freeing myself from social media are definite high points!)
At the end of it all I'm just happy to be here making good things for you, and I am so grateful to have your support.
Here are a few stats from the year, just for fun...
New fragrances released: 6
Crushed Tuberose, Soft Musk, Orange Blossom, Earth, Conifer, Candy Cane Forest
(Not including the vintage solid perfumes!)
Blog posts written: 51
(Not including everything I shared on Patreon! Also, I guess this one makes 52. Haha!)
Speaking of,
Number of Twinkle recipes shared on Patreon: 8
Glowing 4 & 5 star reviews received: 132
Twinkle Stars earned: 444,650 (!)
And here are the top 15 Twinkle products by units sold:
1. Oil
4. Toner
5. Butter
7. Cleanser
8. Filter Balm
9. Deodorant
10. Body Butter
11. Carrier Oils
12. Balm
13. Eye Serum
15. Light Lotion
Wow. My only wish for 2024 is to just keep going with this energy!
As we move into the new year, I want to let you know that I am making a couple of small updates starting in January.
First, my free shipping minimum is moving up to $65.
I hate having to make this change, but my shipping bill has really gotten out of hand lately. Fortunately for you though, it's easy to earn a free shipping coupon through the Twinkle Star rewards program so be sure to take advantage of that perk if you aren't already!
Secondly, I am raising the price of my 5 ml perfumes from $30 to $35. Now that I don't have a store with shelves to stock I make these one at a time, which I prefer because it keeps things fresh, but it takes... well... a lot of time!
I will be keeping my Surprise Scent Monthly subscription at $25 so I recommend jumping on that if you're a natural scent junkie who loves a bargain!
All of the other fragrance sizes will remain the same price, and samples will stay at $5. Someone recently asked me why I price my samples cheaper per ml than the full size bottles - the answer is that I think of it as a way to encourage you to try new things! I've been selling perfume online for 8+ years now, so I like to think that I know what works, but the truth is that every business is an experimental work in progress. (Especially in today's fast-changing world!) I'll see how this goes and re-evaluate if necessary for 2025.
And, that's all!
Phew! Not too painful, right?
Don't forget that it's the last day-and-a-half to earn double points, and to buy Candy Cane Forest before it moves to the archives!
(Not to mention buying all of the perfumes for $30!)
Wishing you all a happy and safe New Year. Thank you for being here in 2023!
Cheers,
Stefanie
]]>Hmm...
What could it be?
Which sweet, spicy, cozy, gourmand scent from the Twinkle Apothecary archives could this image possibly be referencing???
It's a tricky one, I know!
;)
This one is going to be a solid perfume, packaged in a handy and biodegradable paperboard tube.
You can buy just this one for $30, sign up for the monthly subscription for $25, or get a 3, 6, or 12 month pre-paid plan for even more savings.
(And what a fun gift that would be, right? A year of surprise healthy treats?!)
Whatever option you choose, be sure to sign up by December 14th at noon. These ship out on the 15th, so they will arrive in time for Christmas!
Click here to get on the list for December's Surprise Scent.
I've had so much fun making all of the surprise fragrances for subscribers this year, and I'm looking forward to sending more sweet (or spicy, or earthy, or floral...) scents in 2024.
To recap, here's what Surprise Scent subscribers got this year:
January - Dope Queen (roll-on)
February - Flutter (spray)
March - Bloom (solid)
April - Tuberose Vert (spray)
May - Nag Champa (spray)
June - Summer Saturdays (spray)
July - Goddess (roll-on)
August - Tonic (spray)
September - Amber Spice (spray)
October - Cardigan (roll-on)
November - Amber Fir (spray)
I have years and years of Twinkle favorites in the archives to pull from, so there's PLENTY more where that came from.
And don't worry if you missed any of these - you can actually order them any time from the archives, here.
Cheers to a happy December full of sweet, comforting, natural fragrances!
Stefanie
]]>
The holidays are here, and it's time to share the Twinkle love with your friends and family!
The way I see it, gift giving is easy. At least, it doesn't have to be complicated!
If you are here reading this, you probably already know your favorite Twinkle Apothecary products, and if you are a good friend, you probably know who in your life will or won't appreciate them. Haha!
What I mean is - don't stress.
Deodorant can be the right gift for the right person.
Eye serum or acne spot treatment can be great gifts, when given with love.
You might even know someone in your life who would appreciate a whole new skincare routine!
But what about everyone else?
What about the people you don't know so well, or you just aren't sure will appreciate something handmade and all-natural?
Well don't worry - I have some tried-and-true crowd pleasing Twinkle favorites that are perfect for sharing with newbies!
Check out this video to see my top gift ideas in action:
#1 Balm
Everyone needs and appreciates good lip balm. Especially one that's vegan, sustainably packaged, can be used as a body moisturizer, and ACTUALLY WORKS.
Get the small ($8) or large ($25) depending on your budget. At least add that little guy in with another, larger gift, or as a stocking stuffer! This is a great gender-neutral add-on gift for teachers, co-workers... anyone and everyone.
Click here to order Balm for everyone.
A jar of body moisturizer ($35) is a pretty straightforward gift, which everyone needs and appreciates during the winter, if only for their hands.
But this is one of my top-selling, most popular products, so I'm pretty sure they're going to love it all over. It's even possible that this gift will cause them to become completely hooked on Twinkle for life!
At the time of writing, I have one cream body butter left in stock, and will be making a batch of lavender (always a crowd pleaser) next.
I also have a couple of ginger snap and candy cane forest body butters left in the holiday body butter listing for a special, seasonal treat!
Not sure that they'll enjoy a fragrance? Try the unscented Butter, which they can use as a facial or body moisturizer!
#3 Shimmer Balm
It might seem daunting, but these are actually an easy gift for anyone who wears makeup! The colors are sheer-but-buildable, totally clean, and work for a wide range of skin tones. They're also great for all skin-types.
Plus, they're so cute, and fun to use!
At $12 a piece, you can get a couple (or more) so they have a few different colors to try. Ruby, diamond, citrine, and mother of pearl are the most festive colors which should work for a wide range of skin tones.
Click here to order Shimmer Balms.
People tend to stress about this idea, very unnecessarily.
Here are my thoughts on giving perfume, after 8 years in the indie perfume business:
1) Obviously, if you don't think that someone will enjoy or appreciate a natural perfume, don't bother trying. Some people have terrible taste in fragrances, (or just don't enjoy scents in any form or fashion) and that isn't our fault! I'd rather my work (and the precious ingredients involved) not go to waste.
If you know someone who has one signature fragrance that they swear by, love, and will never stop wearing - the gift of any other perfume is a lost cause.
Maybe try a lip balm instead.
But, don't be shy either!
2) On the other hand, if you have a feeling that they might like one of my little perfumes, go ahead and take a chance. If they don't appreciate it, that's not our fault.
Some people are simply not good at receiving - especially not hand crafted items that are full of loving energy and natural earth beauty - because they've internalized a scarcity mindset and don't believe that they are worthy of nice things.
That's definitely not our problem. Give and share beautiful things freely anyway, and let others sort out their own feelings!
All of that said, in my opinion, these are the easiest ways to gift fragrances:
#4 Give A Few Layering Fragrance Samples
Unlike my bold, intense stand-alone perfumes, a sheer layering fragrance is a very non committal, low-stakes kind of perfume gift. You're not telling them to replace their usual perfumes, you're simply offering something new to add to their fragrance wardrobe, which can even be layered with their current favorite fragrance!
Giving a range of 3 ($15) to 5 ($25) samples allows them to mix and match and try a few different things. They might not all be a hit, but they might also find a few that they really love.
Not sure where to start? Notice what they smell like next time you're near them. Do they smell like flowers, woods, musk, earth? If you can't tell, just get a little bit of everything!
Click here to shop layering fragrances.
#5 Go for A Seasonal Scent
If you want to give something full sized instead of samples, a seasonal scent is a super easy option.
I mean, the only thing a perfume like Candy Cane Forest says to anyone is, Happy Holidays.
It says: here you go! Hope you enjoy this delightful little seasonal treat. And if not, what the heck is your problem?
(I'm kidding, but not really.)
The point I'm trying to make, is DON'T STRESS!
In addition to Candy Cane Forest, there's also Cardigan, Amber Spice, Ginger Snap... all available here, in the Perfume Archives listing!
In conclusion, just remember:
Giving anyone anything is a nice gesture.
Giving something handmade from beautiful, natural, quality ingredients is even nicer!
Sharing my handmade work with others is also a gift for me, so THANK YOU!
Be sure to get your order in by this year's shipping deadline: Friday, December 15th. That way I have enough time to make everything and get it in the mail before the post office deadline.
Happy gifting!
Stefanie
]]>Click to listen instead with a free membership on Patreon (14 min. listen)
Well well well.
Here we are, practically December.
If you are like most of my customers, you've probably been wearing the heck out of your favorite fall fragrances for the past couple of months, but perhaps now that the holidays are here, I can interest you in a change?
Perhaps??
Of course, you're always welcome to keep wearing your favorite fall scents, but if you are in the mood for something different, I have a few options for you!
Check out this video to see my top scent picks for winter:
Wondering what it is that makes a perfume winter appropriate?
Well, this isn't a black-and-white or right-and-wrong type of thing! Winter fragrances can be sweet, gourmand, cozy, woodsy, spicy, or fresh. What feels like winter to you? Do you want something warming and rich? Or something cool and crisp? Let's discuss your options!
Available in the Perfume Archives
You can't go wrong with these sweet, warm, spicy, and inviting fragrances. Ginger Snap smells just like a ginger snap cookie. It's gingery, warm, sweet, and a tad bit earthy. This is one of my personal favorites for the season. I love to layer it with Rose and Pétiller!
Stress Baking is a white floral that evokes the coziness of banana bread. If you love sunny florals (as you know I do!) but want a hint of warmth, spice, and sweetness for winter, this scent is the one for you.
If you're going for straight-up Christmas tree vibes this winter, Conifer layering fragrance is your best bet. You can wear it on it's own, or layer it with Cream, Amber, Lavender, Soft Musk, Earth, or anything you like!
Smudge Snow is what you want if you're trying to stay zen and grounded this winter. Palo santo is the star of this one, with a hint of mint, fir, and creamy sweet tonka bean at the base. It's cool, refreshing, and calming.
My favorite winter perfumes are the ones that bring all of these elements together, along with a generous dose whimsy and magic. As a perfumer, I love to play with the juxtaposition between warm and cool, spicy and crisp, earthy and sweet... and the holiday season always feels like a good time to go all out!
Amber Fir was the surprise scent for November. This multifaceted fragrance features fir and spruce for a nod to the Christmas tree, with refreshing spike lavender, green, powdery carnation, star anise, (a cool, wintery spice, if you will...) all in a sweet, earthy base of amber, nagarmotha, and tonka bean.
Speaking of multifaceted fragrances, Forest Fairy is such a unique part of the Twinkle Apothecary collection! This perfume is a lovely blue-green color thanks to herbal, sweet blue tansy essential oil. It also features fir and black spruce, cardamom (another cool winter spice!) basil, ylang ylang, and sweet, woodsy balsam of peru. See what I mean about a little bit of everything? You just have to smell this one!
Bad Hombre (yes, released in 2016 as the companion scent to Nasty Woman,) is the perfect mix of warm, spicy, and woodsy. It's a simple blend of orange, cardamom, coffee, and vetiver, but there's nothing simple about the way it smells.
Finally, there's the most recent addition to my seasonal scent collection, Candy Cane Forest.
This one is a blend of my Conifer, Lavender, Cream, and Soft Musk layering fragrances, with peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen. It goes on very crisp, woodsy, and refreshing, but gets cozy, sweet, and delicious as it wears. Best of both worlds!
So, what do you think? Ready to change up your scent for the season?!
Perhaps???
Well, you know what to do! Click on the links and head over to the Perfume Archives to try some $5 samples.
I'll be back before we know it, probably with my favorite romantic perfumes for Valentines Day...
Until then, Happy Holidays!
Stefanie
And the holiday vibes are coming on strong with this one:
It's woodsy, spicy, cozy, a little bit fresh, and a little bit sweet.
This is a new(er) scent from my perfume archives - I originally designed it for the Perfume Junkie subscription back in December of 2020!
Any guesses?!
Don't worry, subscribers will find out in just a couple of weeks!
There are about 12 days left to get on the list to receive November's scent. Order by 12 pm US central time on Tuesday, November 14th. They'll ship on the 15th! This one will be in a 5 ml spray bottle.
Click here to order November's Surprise Scent Monthly.
You can order just this one for $30, get the recurring monthly subscription for $25, or sign up for a 3, 6, or 12 month pre-paid plan for even more savings!
If you can't make it by the cutoff this month, you can always order from the Perfume Archives too, but signing up for the subscription is a better deal.
I can't believe it's November, but I am very much forward to making this one for you. It's one of my personal favorite seasonal scents. Hope you can snag a bottle!
Stefanie
]]>Have you ever wondered... what is amber perfume?
I know I did! (Before I started making perfume, I mean!)
Amber is a pretty common note in perfumery, but what does it smell like? What is it made out of? What is it that makes an amber perfume an amber perfume?
If these are your questions, I have some answers.
"Amber" is a fragrance term that can mean a few different things. It can refer to a specific ingredient - or a specific blend of ingredients - but it can also be used to describe scents that have amber-like qualities.
What does that mean, you ask?
Well, I once heard someone describe amber as being more of a feeling than a scent, and I think that's pretty accurate! Amber fragrances are typically very warm, rich, earthy, woodsy, and cozy. Many of my seasonal fall and winter fragrances contain amber to bring those deep, warm, earthy-cozy vibes.
I always find it interesting that even those of you who don't typically like rich and earthy scents seem to go crazy for Cardigan - my top-selling fragrance with notes of amber, cinnamon, coffee, and cedarwood.
I mean, it's so rich and earthy! But IYKYK - there's just something about amber!
Traditionally, the "amber" ingredient in amber fragrances was derived from an oceanic substance called "ambergris."
Ambergris is a hard, waxy substance excreted by sperm whales. I'll spare you all of the dirty details, but apparently, after a chunk of this miscellaneous blend of whale waste has aged by floating around in the sun and saltwater, it smells pretty good?
No thank you, I say.
Ambergris is not vegan or cruelty-free, so no need to worry - you won't find it in any of my fragrances!
There's also fossilized amber.
Yup! You can make perfume from fossilized amber resin. Fossilized amber smells very earthy, dry, a bit smoky, a bit leathery, and slightly salty/mineral.
Fossilized amber is plant-based and cruelty-free, and I use it in a few of my fragrances to add a subtle, dry, earthy amber note. It's also included in my Amber Layering Fragrance.
But my signature amber blend - the blend of ingredients that make up the main portion of my Amber Layering Fragrance, as well as most of my scents where "amber" is listed as a note - is a blend of three different natural ingredients: benzoin, labdanum, and vanilla.
Check out this video for a brief overview:
I designed my amber blend based on a memory of an amber candle that I smelled in my hotel while visiting Paris ages ago - well before I ever dreamed of becoming a perfumer! The heady, deep, smoky-sweet scent of that candle (I don't know the brand!) was my first introduction to "amber." However, when I got home I was surprised to learn that there's a wide variation in what's considered an "amber" fragrance - because none of the (supposedly) amber candles that I smelled at home smelled anything like the one I remembered from France!
Once I started making perfume, I knew I had to recreate the amber fragrance that I had been searching for in every candle I picked up to sniff since that trip.
After a bit of research and a few experiments, I settled on this blend because it evoked the same rich, smoky, earthy sweetness that I remembered as real "amber."
Now, is this really real amber? Who knows. There doesn't seem to be a true industry-wide standard - but I think my blend is pretty darn close to the "real" thing.
Ah... memories!
Unfortunately, (or fortunately?) although I like to think that you are getting a peek into my heart while wearing my perfumes, you can't get inside my head. So let's break down what this smells like.
First, there's Benzoin.
Benzoin is a resin extracted from trees in the styrax family - although it is not to be confused with another natural fragrance material called "styrax!"
I know... it is a bit confusing!
Benzoin has a soft, woody, slightly sweet, and powdery aroma, with subtle spice undertones. It's a bit vanilla-y but not overly rich or creamy.
Fragrances that contain Benzoin as a base note are usually included in the "amber" family because they bring the soft and fuzzy, cozy notes that are typically associated with amber fragrances. It's also a commonly used incense base.
Next, Labdanum.
Labdanum is a resin extracted from the leaves and twigs of the Cistus plant - not to be confused with Cistus essential oil - which is distilled from the tops!
Labdanum smells very rich, deep, animalic, woodsy, sweet, and a bit leathery.
I think of labdanum as the main note that makes amber amber. It's not the main ingredient, but it is the strongest and most prominent. Fragrances that contain labdanum as a base note are also usually included in the "amber" category for their rich, earthy qualities. For instance - although it doesn't contain benzoin or vanilla, I call Desert Amber an "amber" fragrance because it contains a fair amount of labdanum.
Labdanum is also a commonly used incense material. You may find that there is a bit of crossover between the smoky, sweet earthy qualities of incense and most amber perfumes.
Finally, vanilla.
My amber blend contains a small amount of vanilla, to soften and sweeten the rich, earthy qualities of the other two ingredients.
Most amber fragrances contain a bit of vanilla, but fragrances that only contain vanilla aren't typically included in the amber category - instead, they're usually found in the "sweet" or "gourmand" scent families! Vanilla is in amber, but vanilla alone does not an amber fragrance make!
Don't worry - it will make more sense once you smell it!
Amber contains just three little ingredients - but boy, do they have a lot going on. It's multifaceted, deep, rich-yet-soft, sweet, but not too sweet... but always warm, comforting, and a bit nostalgic in that it evokes a familiar feeling that you can never quite put your finger on.
That's according to my take on amber, at least. Other notes commonly found in others' amber blends can include frankincense, sandalwood, vetiver, ambrette, cistus, patchouli, myrrh, styrax, agarwood, and liquidambar. There's so much variety out there to explore!
If you're curious to give my amber blend a try, I suggest ordering samples of:
and
Amber Spice, Cardigan, Amber Fir, Pétiller, Bad B*tch, or Ceremony from the Perfume Archives.
And I'm sure there will be many more to come!
Enjoy your scentsploration!
Stefanie
]]>And, there's just one week left to order October's Surprise Scent.
Can I offer you a mood board hint?
This month's scent is a top-selling Twinkle tradition that's cozy and woodsy, with notes of coffee and cinnamon. It will be an oil based roll-on.
Any guesses what this is? If you're reading this, I bet you know!
Place your order by Saturday, October 14th at 12 pm central to get on the list for this classic fall favorite. They'll ship on Monday, October 16th!
Click here to order the Surprise Scent Monthly
You can get just this scent for $30, the recurring monthly subscription for $25, or a 3,6, or 12 month pre-paid package for even more savings.
But no worries if you miss it this month, because you can also order this scent anytime from the Perfume Archives.
(Yep, anytime! You can get your fall on anytime of the year!)
I'm so looking forward to sending this one out to all of my subscribers soon, and I hope you can join in on the fun, because I've got more cozy scents to come in November, December, and January!
- Stefanie -
PS: For more fall fragrance inspiration, be sure to check out this post.
]]>
If these three words don't describe your current skincare routine, I'd like to help change that!
It may seem like I only ever talk about perfume here on the blog these days, but that's because when it comes to skincare, I believe that less is more. There are just a handful of products in the Twinkle Apothecary skincare collection, and my skincare advice never changes.
That's all you need to do for healthy, glowing skin.
Get yourself a routine that feels simple and joyful to you, and stick to it. Twice per day, every day. The completely natural products in my collection work because they support your skin barrier and gently cleanse while allowing your skin to do what it's meant to do - balance and heal itself.
The following (very lo-fi) graphics are based on my personal AM & PM skincare routines, which have basically been my same skincare routines for the past 7+ years, ever since I made my first powder cleanser, toner, and facial oil!
Morning routine products: Eye Serum ($14) / Oil ($4-168) / Toner ($15-56) / Filter Balm ($5-30)
My personal morning routine consists of just these four products, but you can substitute or add whatever you like. I oil cleanse every morning, but will occasionally do a morning mask on the weekend with my powder cleanser.
Filter balm is my go-to moisturizer for day, because it takes the place of foundation/makeup by leaving my skin with a soft glow. If you prefer, you can use butter, just leave it at oil, or mix a bit of oil into your foundation!
You can even DIY a filter balm-esque glow by dipping a finger into your jar of highlight shimmer powder and mixing it up with an application of butter in your hand.
(Oh, and in case you're wondering about SPF - I would sandwich that in between the oil and filter balm.)
Nighttime routine products: Oil ($4-168) / Cleanser ($4-75) / Toner ($15-56) / Butter ($5-45)
This has been my basic nighttime routine for years. Never gets old! In fact, it never fails to make me happy. I just love the soothing scents, textures, and the feeling of putting myself to bed with clean, moisturized skin. My nighttime routine is like my own personal spa night, every single night. The only way to live!
That said, I do like to keep it simple. If I haven't worn makeup that day, I'll skip step 1 and go right for the powder cleanser. Personally, I use the cleanser base on its own most nights, mixing in the pore refining boost 1-3 times/week, and the exfoliating boost about 2-3 times/month. (My skin doesn't love being over-scrubbed - I suspect that it also doesn't need much scrubbing because it's SO well moisturized!)
You might notice that I'm including toner in step 2: cleanse. That's because I consider toner to be a second (and very necessary) step in the cleansing process. I don't cleanse without toning. And, I never skip moisturizing after!
One thing I love about my skincare collection is that it's customizable. It can be so simple, but there are also so many ways to change it up, depending on what's happening with your skin.
However, don't let all of the options confuse or overwhelm you - all you need to remember is cleanse, tone, and moisturize - and know that it doesn't really matter how you do it, as long as you do do it. Get a good routine going first. You'll discover how to make any necessary updates or tweaks over time!
In case you're curious, here are a few examples for changing it up:
You can always minimize and pare things down, or get fancy amp it up.
You can change the essential oil blends in your toner and oil, or go without.
You can substitute a hydrosol in place of a toner.
You can spot treat with or sub out a carrier oil.
You can make a pore refining mask or an exfoliating treatment out of the powder cleanser.
You can use the filter balm at night if you prefer it to the butter.
You can skip the oil and make butter your one-and-only moisturizer.
Acne spot treatment is always nice to have on hand.
You can get fancy and add massage tools or led light wands, mix fresh fruits and veggies into your powder cleanser to make a mask... whatever you think your skin needs!
My recommendation to everyone is always to start with the Starter Skincare Set ($55,) because it gives you at least a month (depending on how much and how often you use!) to test the full cleanse, tone, moisturize routine. Smaller individual samples are available for $4-$5 if you'd like to test out different versions of the oil and cleanser instead of, or in addition to the set!
For more information, or if you have more questions and need answers, I encourage you to sign up for my free Patreon membership and join in my monthly Q&A chat session! I answer questions from all members on the last weekend of every month, and it's totally free to join. The next one will take place October 27-29th and I hope to see you there!
But really, it can be so simple. Just cleanse, tone, and moisturize.
Try these routines and tell me what you think!
Stefanie
]]>I'm now able to offer a completely free membership tier on the Twinkle Apothecary Patreon page, so you're all welcome to join!
Free members have access to all of my audio posts and are invited to participate in a monthly "ask me anything" Q&A session.
(Plus whatever other free content I come up with to share in the future, of course!)
I'm so happy to be able to open up my Patreon to everyone, because I have so much to share with you, and I've thought about it... I've tried... but I can't.
I can't go back to Instagram.
I've been off of social media for about 6 months now, and I love it. I LOVE my freedom and I LOVE living my life without scrolling through ads, weird algorithms that think I care about the most annoying, random stuff that I don't care about at all, and toxic ego-centered tech bro cage fight energy. (Gross gross gross!)
I mean, what, am I supposed to live through another Trump election, online?
No thank you.
I've read like, 10? (15?) books since I quit scrolling. I've started meditating again. (Twice a day!) I do yoga for 30 minutes every day instead of a quick 10-15. I am back to working on writing my own book. I rebranded my business. I've got multiple new perfumes in the works. I have a LIFE again, y'all. One that I'm very excited about, especially because I'm not comparing it to anyone else's.
Now, I'm not saying that you also have to dislike Instagram, but I am definitely, 1000% saying that I shouldn't have to run my beautiful little business the same way that everyone else does.
Because, ew, when have I EVER done anything the same way anyone else does?
So, I hereby officially invite you to connect with me in a place where I actually LOVE to be - my Patreon community!
Stefanie Speaks Twinkle
Over the coming weeks, you'll notice that I'm adding links to audio posts in all of my product pages. I'm calling this new free audio post series: Stefanie Speaks Twinkle, because I'm going to talk you through all of the product details and add as much additional information about each product - the inspiration behind it, the ingredients, how to use it - as I can think of!
It's kind of like a very simple (low budget) podcast, where I'm just talking all about my very favorite things. (Yes, I'm extremely late to this game, I know!) It's also kind of like the Instagram IGTV videos I used to make during the pandemic, except I've discovered that audio is so much easier - I don't have to worry about the lighting, or where to prop up my phone, or keeping the posts under 10 minutes, or what some random anonymous reddit user thinks about how my hair looks - but most importantly it's on a platform that actually cares about the mental health and success of its content creators. It's not about being "on" or being in your face 24/7. It's simply another way to share about what I love with as many people as possible.
To listen, all you have to do is click the link and sign up for a free Patreon membership. No strings attached. I think you'll get an email or a notification on the Patreon app when I make a new post, but you can always turn those off if it's too much.
I've already posted about my acne spot treatment and amber layering fragrance, so check those posts out and let me know what you think!
If you have questions about those products (or anything at all!) you can also join me during my monthly Q&A session and pick my brain.
The first one is happening right now, so head on over and send me your questions.
I hope to see you there!
Stefanie
]]>It's finally here...
PERFUME SZN!
I mean, fall.
It's for the cozy, woodsy, warm, spicy, earthy, rich, gourmand, and amber fragrance lovers. These are some of my very favorite fragrances to make, and I have so many scents in my collection that are the perfect compliment to the changing leaves, pumpkin patches, and crisp, cool air to share with you in this post.
I know that many of my customers look forward to getting a fresh bottle of their favorite scent around this time each year, which makes me so happy. I'm touched to be a part of your seasonal traditions! If you don't yet have a scent to celebrate the beginning of the festive season, read on to learn more about my top picks and to try some samples!
Just a heads up though - the following video may cause intense cravings for pumpkin spice lattes.
Amber Spice
(Available in the Perfume Archives)
Amber Spice was the first fall scent I ever designed, way back when I first launched Twinkle Apothecary in October of 2015, and it's still my personal favorite from my seasonal collection.
I originally made this warm, bright, and spicy blend of amber, sweet orange, clove, black pepper, patchouli, and vanilla into deodorants, dry shampoos, and body powders!
Cringey throwback picture alert:
That amber spice deodorant was actually pretty great, but I've learned that it's better to keep it simple with body care products so that I can go all out with my perfumes! That said, I do reserve the right to include a seasonal deodorant in my Off the Menu box at some point in the future...
Cardigan
(Available in the Perfume Archives)
Fun fact: Cardigan is my number 1 selling scent of all time. It's topped the list every year since 2017! (Originally released in 2016.) Amber, cedarwood, coffee, and cinnamon. It's warm, slightly sweet, woodsy, spicy, cozy, and deep. So simple, but so... dreamy.
Dark Woods was the first fragrance I designed that wasn't for a body care product. My first real perfume perfume. I released this one in the fall of 2017 right before I opened my first brick and mortar shop. Today when I smell it, I'm instantly taken back to that moment in time - I feel the anticipation of a new adventure, the magic of my business dreams all coming together, and the joy of diving into my newfound passion for perfumery!
Dark Woods is like a journey into a magical forest. The top notes (basil, pine,) are green and coniferous, the heart (jasmine, clove, cardamom,) is very warm and cozy, and the base (amber, oakmoss, patchouli,) is very earthy, mysterious, and deep. I think it's the perfect halloween scent!
Pétiller
(Available in the Perfume Archives)
Pétiller was one of the first four scents I launched with in 2015. (Originally called French Girl.) It's based on my scent memories of a trip to Paris, taken about a decade before I ever made my first perfume!
Pétiller (pronounced pet-ee-yay - which is French for to twinkle) is bold-but-soft, warm, and earthy, with rose, patchouli, amber, and sandalwood. (All of my favorite things!) It's one that I always reach for when the weather gets crisp, or, whenever I want to feel cozy and grounded. Or, whenever I want to pretend like I am in Paris, bien sûr!
Basic Witch
(Available in the Perfume Archives and pictured here as a room/body spray!)
Basic Witch might be the sweetest scent on this list. Instead of rich, woodsy, earthy, smoky amber, Basic Witch is a vanilla-forward kind of cozy scent.
It's a play on one of the original Twinkle Apothecary fragrances, called Basic (vanilla, sweet orange, lavender, lemon,) to which I've added the most delicious fall spices - clove, cardamom, nutmeg, with mandarin, and tobacco. It's so delicate and lovely, and warm!
Bad B*tch
(Available in the Perfume Archives)
Last but not least, Bad Bitch is the boldest of them all. It's made with everything bad that smells SO GOOD. It's got a deep, dark, smoky base of amber, oakmoss, and patchouli, with dirty-but-fresh green cannabis, rich, sweet coffee, spicy clove and black pepper, all topped off with a generous splash of cognac. Like the yummiest and naughtiest fall cocktail.
Finally, some honorable mention layering fragrances, not listed above because I've already included them in other seasonal scent posts this year: Cream, Cedar, Earth, and Tea.
Of course, there's also Amber! Which I didn't include here because A) most of these scents contain Amber, and B) I have a whole post devoted exclusively to Amber coming soon!
So... are you in the mood for that latte yet? I know I am!
Scroll down (or click on the links above) to find your new signature fragrance for fall. Samples are just $5, and all of my fragrances are available in oil-based roll-ons, alcohol based sprays, and vegan solids.
I'm looking forward to making these for you!
Stefanie
]]>Shop update!
Twinkle Apothecary's single-note perfumes are now called
Why the change?
Well, I've been in the perfume business for 8 years now, and I'm realizing that my customers still tend to get anxious around the word "note." Y'all are like, "what is this? What does it mean? Am I breaking the rules or doing it wrong if I don't know what a note is or which ones should go together?"
And, it's so not your fault that the world of perfume has traditionally been gatekept and made to seem so elusive and haughty by other brands over the years, but it's also sooooo not that complicated.
As I've said a million times before,
There is no perfume police secretly watching to see if you make a faux pas, or judging you for thinking that one thing should or shouldn't go with another.
Fragrance is totally subjective. Every nose is different.
I mean, how else does one explain all of the terrible fragrances floating about in the world?
(On second thought, maybe there should be a perfume police. And it should obviously be me! Haha!)
But, no.
So, I feel like "layering fragrance" is a better way to describe what these scents are, and how they're meant to be used.
They are sheer, multifaceted accords that are substantial enough to wear alone, but can also be layered together to create your own personal signature fragrance.
Side note if you're hung up on the note thing - think of it like music! A perfume note is like a single music note - in perfume, it's like, one scent, or one ingredient. In music, you put different notes together to make a chord. Right? In perfume, that's called an accord. In music you put all of the chords together to compose a whole song, and in perfume, you combine all of the accords to compose a fragrance. They can be simple little combos, or extremely complex and multidimensional, just like music! Some are little ditties, and some are symphonies, but it's all valid and all good. Some days you're in the mood for something simple, and some days you want to go all out. Just like how you have different playlists for different moods, right?
Now, I've also learned that many of my customers get a bit freaked out by the idea of fragrance layering. How do I do it? How do I know what to put together? How do I not mess it up?
Again, I say: THERE ARE NO RULES!!!
I'm not yelling by the way, I'm just trying to encourage you to have fun with this stuff. Because it is just for fun!
And it's so easy. It's impossible to mess it up. But the only way to know what you like and how you want to wear it is to buy samples. I price my organic, handmade samples at just $5 a pop to encourage creative scent experimentation!
Now, if the thought of layering different fragrances really does stress you out, maybe it's not for you. That's ok! I have plenty of other great natural fragrance options for you to choose from.
A quick breakdown:
I love making, wearing, and playing with different ways to wear the layering scents, and I love offering them, because to me, fragrance should be a way to celebrate everyone's uniqueness rather than another path towards bland, homogenized algorithmic consumerism, where everyone ends up looking and smelling the same.
That's why you're here, shopping from an independent, handmade brand instead of buying whatever is trending on TikTok, right?
So here's how to layer your twinkle fragrances and make an all-natural scent that's all your own:
1. Apply one scent, wait a moment for it to dry, then apply another scent on top.
It really is that simple. I like to apply the strongest, or base-note (I label this in the product descriptions!) scent first, and layer scents over it in order of lightness. You could apply the lightest scent first (again, no rules!) but the lighter scent will probably be buried by the stronger, heavier of the two. And, you can do this with more than two scents. As many as you like!
2. Apply one scent on one wrist and one on the other and gently pat together.
Yes, you can gently dab your wrists together. No rules, remember?! You could also do elbow to wrist, wrist to neck... alternate as you wish.
3. Roll one on your pulse points and spray one in your hair.
So, yeah - you can apply different scents to different areas of your body. Why not?
4. Wear one on your skin and another over your clothes.
One on your pulse points, and walk through the other. You know the walk through, right?
5. Wear one (or two) during the day and layer on a third at night.
Is it weird that I'm spelling it out like this? I mean, you get the gist, right?
6. Claim one as your signature scent and layer on different complementary fragrances seasonally.
Like, say you're a lavender lover - you could pair it with cream when you're feeling cozy, earth when you're feeling dark and mysterious, zest when you need a lift... and so on and so forth.
7. Mix up the media by choosing one scent as a solid and layering a roll on or a spray over it.
Bonus cool points if you get yourself one of these:
Vintage solid perfumes ($48-$98)
8. Layer it with scented body butter or oil.
You could do the same scent for extra oomph as above, or mix and match!
9. Don't layer it at all! Be a rebel and wear it as a stand alone scent.
You have my permission to do this. I promise not to tell the perfume police.
10. Put two or more layering fragrances together in the same bottle by choosing the build your own scent option.
Say you have 2-4 layering fragrances that you love, but you don't want to buy individual bottles of everything. No problem! I am happy to put them together in one bottle. It's such a fun way to create a one-of-a-kind scent, and I love making them for you!
You can choose any size or material (oil, solid, spray,) but I do recommend starting with a small bottle first, as I'm not able to make sample sizes of these.
And these are just ten of the many ways there are to layer your fragrances. The options really are limitless! If you're intrigued by the idea of creating your own unique scent (and then changing it up whenever the mood strikes!) I hope you'll enjoy trying samples and experimenting with putting them together.
I have new layering fragrances in the works too, so stay tuned for even more scent combos to come!
Stefanie
]]>
There are 10 days left to sign up for this month's surprise scent, which means that it's time for another mood board hint:
That's right, beginning this month the Surprise Scent Monthly will be diving right into some Twinkle fall favorites, and the hits will keep coming through the end of the year.
I highly suggest getting the 3-month pre-paid subscription plan, if fall scents are your thing. At $69.99 it comes out to just $23.33 per perfume!
September's Surprise Scent is very warm, bright, and spicy - this one will be in a 5 ml spray bottle.
You can get on the list to receive this scent by placing your Surprise Scent Monthly order by September 14th at 12pm US Central. They ship the next day, on Friday September 15th!
Click here to order the Surprise Scent Monthly
Can't wait to make this one for you!
Stefanie
]]>So it's still 1,000,000 degrees outside, but you want to smell like fall.
Easy!
You just need a transition scent.
What's a transition scent, you ask?
Well, it's not an official perfume term. It's just how I describe the scents I make that are not quite seasonal. They're more neutral, or just kind of have a vibe that fits this in-between period where it's hot like summer but we're in the mood for fall. If you're feeling ready for change about now, adding a transition scent to your wardrobe could be just the ticket!
This year I've given you round-up posts of my favorite spring and summer scents, but I have so many more that are perfect for this pre-fall season that I thought they deserved their own post.
So, here we are!
(Also, wow. This year has gone by SO FAST!)
The scents that come to my mind for this time of year are the ones that toe the line between fresh and earthy. They can be herbal, woodsy, or even sweet. Maybe there's a hint of spice, but nothing overly cinnamon-y or pumpkin spice-y.
The first one on my list is OKC.
I designed this scent to smell like an Oklahoma thunderstorm in September. So, obviously.
Pictured here as a body spray, which you can order in addition to roll-ons, perfume sprays, or solids from the perfume archives!
Next, Sundays.
Ceremony is a light, refreshing woodsy scent with notes of tea and just a hint of rose.
Desert Musk is quickly turning into one of my top-selling fragrances, (woo!) with notes of sage, tobacco, and earthy caraway seed.
For a simple-yet-multifaceted single-note, I'd choose Cedar for this time of year. It smells exactly as described!
And if all of these herbs and woods aren't your thing, don't worry. I highly recommend my newest stand alone fragrance, Crushed Tuberose, to bridge the gap between summer and fall. It goes on refreshing and green, but turns into a luscious, sweet floral musk as it wears. So luxurious.
Finally, Desert Amber. To me, this one smells like a bright, clear fall day in New Mexico, with notes of fresh pinyon wood, sage, lavender, and incense.
YUM.
Do yourself a favor this year - don't skip ahead to fall. Instead, soak in the beauty of this in-between season with a gorgeous scent to match!
$5 samples are available for every scent at the links above and below.
Enjoy!
Stefanie
]]>Click to listen to the audio version instead with a free 7-day trial on Patreon.
If you're into natural beauty, you've probably already heard of the oil cleansing method, and you might have already tried it! But if you're just beginning to tip your toe into the (green) waters, you might be thinking... "Nope! Oil on my face does not sound clean!! Where's my soap?!"
But you can totally wash your face with oil, if you know how.
Don't worry, I'm going to give you all of my tips and tricks!
Oil cleansing is so much better for your skin than soap because it doesn't strip your skin of it's natural protective barrier, and it doesn't alter your pH balance. (This can lead to over-production of oil, which causes breakouts, or dryness, which can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.) It might sound crazy to add oil to your face if your skin is already oily, but applying natural plant oils will help balance your skin because they send a message to your skin letting it know that it doesn't need to produce more of its own oil.
I think a lot of people are drawn to the idea of oil cleansing because it sounds like a one-step beauty routine, but no, I always recommend following with toner and moisturizer after any kind of cleanse. (You can use more oil, or a combination of oil and butter to moisturize after cleansing.)
I usually oil cleanse twice per day. In the mornings, I do a quick oil cleanse followed by a gua sha massage, toner, oil, and filter balm.
At bedtime, I do an oil cleanse to remove my makeup, which I wipe off with a makeup eraser cloth before doing a powder cleanse. I follow that with toner, oil and butter. (Plus a quick massage with my facial roller!)
1. Choose your oil
There are some (probably) well meaning people out in internet skincare land who will try to tell you that you can't use a plain carrier oil to cleanse and that it must contain some sort of sudsing, or water-based rinsing agent to get your skin fully clean. Not true. Any oil can be used for cleansing as long as you rinse, or thoroughly wipe it off afterwards. Again, I always recommend following any cleanse with toner to ensure that your pores get sparkling clean!
Obviously, I recommend my one and only oil for cleansing. (And for moisturizing your face, body, and hair!)
But you may want to try something different. Which is why I also offer a range of carrier oils, which you can use alone, or in combination with my oil.
Some of my favorite oils for cleansing include jojoba, kalahari melon, grapeseed, and argan. These all have a light, somewhat slippery texture and glide over the skin easily while dissolving makeup, dirt, and oil buildup.
2. Use a generous amount.
You'll want to use a full dropper, or perhaps two. Start with one and add more as needed, if it feels too dry or isn't gliding around easily.
3. Start with your (dry) face.
By this I mean, if you're wearing eye makeup, save your eyes for last. You don't want to be rubbing mascara all over your face.
4. Give your face a really good massage.
Like, really, really good. You want to work all of that oil into your pores. Focus on your trouble spots and blackhead prone areas and give them a good (but gentle!) rub. Oil cleansing works because like dissolves like, so you want to think about replacing that old, dirty hardened oil in your pores with fresh clean oil. And don't forget your neck.
After you've sufficiently massaged your face and neck, go for the eye makeup by working a small amount of oil into your lids and lashes.
5. Finish with a mini steam.
Take a wash cloth and run it under hot water. Squeeze out the excess water and lay the cloth over your face for about 30 seconds to one minute. This will open up your pores and help release all of that old trapped oil.
6. Wipe it off.
Use the damp wash cloth to wipe all of the oil off of your face. This is also the best way to remove your eye makeup. You want it to be pretty warm and damp, so rewet it with more warm water if necessary.
There! You just washed your face with oil.
Follow with toner and your favorite moisturizer, or, do a double cleanse by following your oil cleanse with the powder cleanser, then toner and moisturizer.
Then, enjoy your clear, glowing skin.
- Stefanie -
]]>Well, here it is, mid-August, the kids are heading back to school, and I'm about to be busy making all of the fall fragrances...
But I couldn't let this summer go by without giving a little love to my personal favorite perfume, Tropic Flora!
And this one is a perfume perfume. Tropic Flora might be the most bold, luxurious, and just-plain-pretty fragrance in my collection.
If you love luscious, bright, warm, creamy florals in a rich woody base, you must give this one a try!
It goes on warm, spicy, and fruity - with pink pepper, citrus, galangal root, and ginger. I think it smells a bit like bubblegum, (my son says Froot Loops!)
That sweet, candied, fruity quality leads to the most heavenly, lush white floral accord, comprised of plumeria, jasmine, and champaca. This is the part that makes me want to call it a perfume perfume - because these classically elegant flowers are so beautiful that they border on being over-the-top - but then the rich, creamy, woody base of vanilla, sandalwood, and vetiver anchor them, keeping the composition warm and wearable.
These are my favorite kinds of perfumes to make (and wear!) Fragrances that are almost too pretty to be allowed, but turn out to be perfectly wearable and never overpowering. As a perfumer I just love to play around in that little Goldilocks sweet-spot where nothing is too much or too little. It's all just right.
And I think this one is just right for right now.
Click here to order a $5 sample and keep the summer vibes flowing a little longer!
Hope you enjoy it as much as I do,
Stefanie
]]>August's surprise scent is crisp, woodsy, minty, and refreshing - basically the perfect scent for cutting through this late summer heatwave.
I can't wait to make this old favorite from 2018 for you!
Can you guess what it is?
To get one, just order the Surprise Scent Monthly by August 14th at 12pm central. They'll ship the next day, on the 15th!
You can buy just this one for $30, sign up for a recurring monthly subscription to get a new perfume every month for $25, or buy a 3, 6, or 12 month pre-package for even more savings.
Or, you can wait until after the reveal and order this one as a roll-on, spray, or solid from the Perfume Archives anytime!
Either way, you're going to get a much deserved, refreshing little all-natural treat to cap off your summer.
Cheers!
Stefanie
]]>I've been working behind the scenes all month to craft a new collection of one-of-a-kind solid perfumes in vintage containers, which will go live tomorrow, July 27th at 8:00 AM Central.
I'm posting the product details here on the blog tonight so you can make a game plan and decide which one(s) you'd like!
I also made quite a lot of freebie samples, which I'm not going to sell because by the time you get it to try it out, the perfume you want could be gone. BUT - good news: you'll be able to request any of the scents that have sold out through the Build Your Own Scent listing.
Scroll down for all of the details, then set your alarm for tomorrow morning!
I'm so pleased with how these turned out. I had so much fun making them, and I truly hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
- Stefanie -
This one is a classic Twinkle Apothecary signature fragrance* from 2016.
It's zesty, refreshing, herbal, and earthy, and just perfect for the height of summer. I'm making oil-based roll-ons this time!
*Signature fragrances: this is what I call the original Twinkle Apothecary scents that came with matching body care items. They're simple blends containing just 4 notes, but are still some of my most popular, best selling perfumes.
I do hope all of the people who got mad at me for retiring this one can get a bottle this month. Ha!
You have until this Friday - the 14th of July - at noon central to place your order. They'll ship on Monday, July 17th.
Click here to order the July Surprise Scent.
And if you do miss this batch, no worries. You can order a bottle of your own from the Perfume Archives any time.
Can't wait to revisit this favorite with you!
- Stefanie -
]]>It's about time I made this one, right?
I've been holding a space for it in my collection for years, just waiting for the right time - to have the time - to make my perfect orange blossom single-note, and here it is!
Finally!
Does anyone here *not* know what orange blossom smells like?
I feel like it's one of the most popular perfume notes ever, and with good reason.
It's refreshing, sunny, happy, juicy, fresh, slightly green, orange-y, and sweet - but not overly so. It's floral, but I find that even people who don't like floral fragrances love orange blossom, because it's so light and uplifting!
It layers well with just about everything, and traditionally has been used in fragrances for all genders.
This single note version is on the lighter side, so don't expect it to stick around all day or overpower anything, but boy, will it add just the right amount of fresh, fruity, floral sweetness to your life - whether you keep a roll-on bottle on your nightstand to brighten your mornings, or invest in a great big spray bottle to refresh yourself and get happy throughout the day.
And if you want to incorporate Orange Blossom into your very own bespoke fragrance, I have a few ideas to get you started:
Again, this is just three of many, many ways to enjoy Orange Blossom. It really does go with anything and everything, so feel free to put your own spin on this fresh, citrusy floral.
Click here to try a $5 sample.
I can't wait to make a bottle for you!
- Stefanie -
]]>Off the Menu Monthly: A new exclusive, off-the-menu Twinkle treat that ships on the 15th of each month.
Because I want to keep my collection minimal, but what can I say - maker's gotta make!
Also, this month, I desperately needed a bug spray.
A little backstory:
I used to make a bug away spray (and perfume, and a lotion stick!) which smelled absolutely lovely, and worked great, until it didn't. Sometime around 2020, I swear the mosquitos in Oklahoma City mutated. There was a particularly disastrous 4th of July followed by a midday mosquito attack (in broad daylight, what?!) where I realized that I could no longer offer a product that didn't hold up. I don't think it was my bug away spray's fault, but rather, climate change - summer keeps getting wetter and hotter, leading to more ideal conditions for mosquitos to thrive. (I also wonder if the fact that everyone now sprays their yard is causing them to mutate into something bigger, stronger, and more aggressive than ever before?) Purely unscientific speculation here, but, I mean, they're HUGE now, right?!
And I'm always the person who gets bit. You know how there's always at least one person in the group who gets all of the bites while most everyone else is unbothered? Well, that person is me. Always has been, even before I started making and wearing all of the pretty natural perfumes! But I don't just get bit - I get pummeled. The bites can even swell to golfball size around my joints. I'm a highly sensitive person with an overactive histamine response, so I really struggle. This summer especially. I realized pretty quickly that I need to wear bug spray pretty much every time I go outside, but, ughhhhh! I hate the smell, feel, and thought of dousing myself in chemical insecticides from store bought brands.
And, look - safety first disclaimer: there are instances (like hiking or camping in deep woods, or traveling to mosquito carrying disease prone areas,) where chemicals like DEET are necessary, but personally, I can't bring myself to use them when I'm just taking out the trash or meeting friends on a patio. (Two instances where I have indeed been pummeled!) So I wanted to make something that felt (and smelled) more, me.
So, I did what I do. I made something effective, pretty, and all-natural.
Bug Away Spray 2.0
This version of bug away spray features lemon eucalyptus essential oil, which is technically not the same thing as the oil of lemon eucalyptus recommended by the CDC to repel mosquitos, but I've found that it is much more effective for me this summer than my previous bug away spray.
If you're reading this, I hope you understand that I am very small beans. I call what I do "lo-fi" for a reason. I'm a one person business so I don't have the resources to run clinical trials on my products, which is also why I never make outlandish, sweeping claims. (Actually one of my biggest pet-peeves about this industry!) Use common sense, follow the C.D.C. guidelines, and wear E.P.A. approved chemical repellant products when you truly need to be protected. This bug away spray "2.0" is my just-for-fun attempt at making something that works and feels (and smells) good to me. It features lemon eucalyptus as the main ingredient in the blend, but also a whole bunch of other essential oils that are said to repel mosquitos - like basil, geranium, cinnamon, patchouli, clove, and lavender - to create a more Twinkly scent profile, which I personally don't mind wearing daily. Or, I should say that the scent is growing on me - at first it felt a little bug-spray-y but I am enjoying it more the more I wear it!
Again, follow the CDC's recommendation when needed, but I think that this spray is a lovely option to keep on hand for your average backyard, after-dinner-walk-around-the-block, urban park, or patio.
And I'm excited to offer it as a limited edition product for this month only!
And to get the recipe to make it yourself at home, consider joining my Patreon. I'll be sharing it there very soon!
Also, here's a little bonus mosquito-repelling tip, based purely on my own personal experience: I hate to say it, but you've got to wash off your pretty, sweet, floral perfumes before you go outside. I find that I get into the most trouble when I'm wearing my favorite floral fragrances, so I try to stick to herbal, citrus, or woodsy scents. My Zest, Cedar, or Lavender single note fragrances are all more appropriate "summer perfumes" and will all layer well with this new version of Bug Away Spray. Consider your body care fragrances too: unscented Oil or the acne blend would be a better choice than the more floral rejuvenating blend, and Zest body butter would be a better option than, say, Nectar (if you were able to snag a jar of that in the spring!)
The perfume I'm sending out in this month's Surprise Scent Monthly also has some natural mosquito-repelling properties too. Just gotta put that out there!
If this sounds like something you'd like to try, I hope you can snag a bottle by the 14th at noon! I'm having so much fun coming up with and crafting these limited-edition products for you, and I sincerely hope that they add to your summer fun!
- Stefanie -
]]>What is Zest?
Zest is a citrusy single-note perfume that smells like fresh lemon juice and lime peel, with bergamot, yuzu, and lemon verbena.
Oh, and what's a single note perfume, you ask?
A single note perfume is a perfume that smells like just one thing. It can be made of only one ingredient, or note, (like my single-ingredient essential oil rollers,) or it can be a blend of several different ingredients (this is called an "accord" in perfume terms,) that evokes the idea, or essence of a single scent.
In this case, Zest is my attempt at capturing the scent of, well, fresh citrus zest!
Specifically, I wanted to make the perfect lemon-lime accord. The perfect, refreshing, mouthwateringly-tart blend of fresh, juicy lemons and limes.
I wanted to do this for two reasons.
One, to wear it. Obviously.
Two, to use it in my stand-alone fragrances!
(Stand-alone fragrances: this is what I call my other perfumes that aren't single notes - the ones that have lots and lots of notes!)
That's right. Zest is a single-note perfume, and it's also an ingredient in a few of my other perfumes.
Sunday's and Summer Saturdays (in the perfume archives) both contain Zest. As does No. 10 (also in the archives,) and I've used it in a few custom fragrances too!
Zest isn't the only single note scent that I use in other fragrances. I also use my Lavender single-note and Rose single-note fragrance blends in all of my body care items. Lavender is also in Desert Amber... Rose is in Madam VP...
Yup! I made these scents to serve many purposes. For me and you!
You can wear them alone, layer them together, or use them to build your own perfume.
Zest is pretty light, so it's not the most long-wearing perfume when worn on it's own, but it does make a lovely morning wake up call or uplifting midday refresh!
And a spritz of Zest over pretty much any of my other single note fragrances will add a burst of liveliness that will elevate whatever you're wearing.
(Really, Zest goes with EVERYTHING. You absolutely cannot go wrong!)
In case you're also wondering how to layer your perfumes - it's easy. I suggest applying the scent that feels the heaviest, or longest wearing first (look for the ones that say base note in the product description,) then applying the lighter scent(s) on top of your base.
But truly, there are no rules. You can do it however you want! Put one (or two) scents on one arm and one (or two) scents on the other... apply one to your neck and one to your wrists... apply one to your pulse points and do a light "walk through" with the other... spray one in your hair and the other under your sweater... whatever works for you.
Because I really made these single-note scents for you to get creative and HAVE FUN trying something new!
And if you love the idea of having your own unique scent combination, but prefer to have it all in one bottle, I will happily make you a bespoke blend with my Build Your Own Scent option.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
All of these would be absolutely perfect to wear on this extremely hot summer's day.
Oh, and you know what would make it even better?
Applying your perfume over a layer of Zest body butter, which I just happen to have in stock right now!
What do you know?
So convenient.
Click here to get a jar of this limited-edition body butter scent,
and click here to try a sample of Zest perfume!
Because no matter how you wear it, I know it will brighten your day.
- Stefanie -
]]>I've been using the term "microbiome friendly" skincare lately when I talk about my products, so I thought it would be helpful to post a basic overview of what that means here on the blog.
This concept is why my completely natural, minimalist skincare products work - because they effectively cleanse and nourish your skin without disrupting its delicate microbiome.
When I talk about the microbiome, I'm talking about all of the good bacteria and microbes that live on your skin. Did you know that your skin is crawling with little microscopic creatures? And that they're helping to keep your skin balanced? Crazy, right?
These beneficial bacteria strains fight potentially harmful bacteria that can cause infections or inflammation (as well as breakouts,) so it's essential to keep the good bacteria protected and happy if you want healthy, glowing skin. And all of this good bacteria lives in your skin's barrier layer - so any skincare that you use needs to protect and support the skin barrier.
The skin barrier is the layer of oil (sebum) that your skin produces naturally. This is where the good bacteria live, so it's essential to keep this protective layer of oil on your face. (Yes, this is the opposite of what we learned about skincare growing up in the 1990s.) Science has come a long way in understanding the microbiome, even just over the past few years, so once and for all, please forget everything you think you know about oil being the enemy and ditch any product claiming to remove oil from your face. Oil is good. The oil IS the skin barrier. Healthy skin barrier = beautiful, healthy skin.
Very important note: the skin barrier is acidic. Sometimes it's also called the "acid mantle."
The skin barrier, the protective layer of oil that houses your microbiome, has a slightly acidic pH level. The good bacteria thrive at a pH of about 4.5-5.5, so the skincare products you use should never create an alkaline environment on your skin. (By the way, pH is the potential hydrogen of a substance. It's how we measure if something is acidic or basic. On the pH scale, which ranges from 0-14, 1-6 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and 8-14 is alkaline.) Alkaline cleansers strip the skin barrier, creating an inhospitable environment for the microbiome to thrive.
Now, it's important to note that your skin doesn't exist in a vacuum. Many environmental and biological factors can affect your skin's pH level, and it's constantly working to balance itself. It's impossible to keep your skin at a perfectly acidic pH level all the time, but when it comes to skincare, there are some simple choices you can make daily that will hugely impact the integrity of your skin barrier layer.
In addition to housing the microbiome, i.e., all of the good bacteria that fight infection, your skin barrier keeps your skin protected and moisturized by preventing transepidermal water loss. A damaged skin barrier leaves your skin prone to problems: like extreme dryness, irritation, eczema, allergic reactions, breakouts, rosacea, psoriasis, and premature aging. Chances are, if your skin is dry, sensitive, reactive, and breakout-prone, you've actually got a weakened skin barrier. This is why microbiome and skin-barrier-friendly skincare is a must!
Here's a short and non-exhaustive list of things that damage your skin barrier and microbiome:
Here's a short and non-exhaustive list of things that can repair your skin barrier and microbiome:
I recommend that everyone start with a gentle, basic 3-step skincare routine and my starter skincare set ($55) which contains everything you need for a microbiome and skin-barrier-friendly routine.
First: cleansing.
Cleansing is essential for removing dirt, harmful bacteria, and environmental pathogens from your skin daily, but it needs to happen with the microbiome in mind. To protect your skin barrier, (which again, houses your microbiome,) you must ensure that you're cleansing with gentle, non-alkaline cleansers. My non-foaming powder cleansers are perfect for this task. Trust me. I've been washing my face with natural flours and clays (and nothing else) for over seven years now, and my skin is better than ever, so I promise you don't need any foam or bubbles to cleanse your skin effectively! Oil cleansing is also very effective at dissolving dirt and the old, hardening oil buildup in your pores, while nourishing and replenishing your skin's natural, protective oils. I recommend double cleansing to remove makeup, or to anyone who struggles with easily congested pores and breakouts.
Next: toning.
Toning is also essential! Toning is the skincare step that makes all the difference for most of my customers. So if you only take one thing away from this post: add toner to your routine after cleansing. Toner is slightly acidic, so it helps re-balance your skin's pH after mixing and rinsing off your powder (or oil) cleanser with too-alkaline tap water.
Finally: moisturizing.
Oil-based moisturizers (like my Oil and Butter) are full of moisturizing fatty acids and antioxidants that repair and heal the skin barrier and fight the free radicals that cause premature aging. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing with oil will balance your skin's oil production. (Often, too-oily skin is just a result of your skin trying to self-correct and re-balance itself after you've cleansed with a too-alkaline product!) Remember: your skin barrier is oil. Oil is your friend. Moisturizing with oil can help replenish the barrier layer and protect your skin.
Yes! No fancy serums or extra, overpriced products are necessary. Keep it simple, as gentle as possible, and stop washing away your skin barrier so it can do its job - to balance, protect, and heal your skin, naturally!
I don't think so! As I said, I love offering a minimalist, sustainable approach. No need to keep shopping around. But, if you have a microbiome-friendly routine and you just have to try the latest thing, feel free to experiment with other products. Do you! Just stay barrier-aware and lookout for products that cause sensitivity, dryness, and other negative reactions. But I think that if you keep it simple with a gentle routine, you'll find that you don't need much more.
I started learning about the microbiome and skin barrier after experimenting with my powder cleansers for the first time back in 2016. I'm not a scientist or a doctor, but I wanted to understand why it happened that washing my face with a simple blend of rice flour, tapioca, and kaolin clay was so much better for my skin than anything I had tried before! After years of research, a lot of this knowledge is kind of second nature to me at this point. I try to summarize everything I've read to make it simple for you on my blog, but here are a few of my favorite resources if you'd like to learn more and have actual scientists and doctors back up my claims:
That depends - are you asking just to shop around, or are you willing to actually take my advice and apply it to your life? Because I pretty much just covered everything I have to say about skincare! As far as I'm concerned, the same rules apply to everyone. Truly. So, my advice is always the same for everyone: start with my starter skincare set, and use it daily!
You're always welcome to leave a question on the product pages of my website, and I'll respond there ASAP. I'm also available for questions anytime to members of my Patreon community. Of course, there are samples of all of my skincare products available online, so I always recommend giving them a try to see how they work for you!
Thanks for reading. But your skin thanks you, especially!
Stefanie
]]>This is a light, fruity floral that smells like a day at the pool.
Any guesses?
(I bet a lot of you haven't tried this one because it's pretty new!)
It was previously only available as a solid, but this month I'm making it as a spray.
(Now do you have any guesses? Haha!)
But that's not all!
I now have a second, non-perfume subscription which also ships on the 15th.
It's called Off-the-Menu Monthly,
because each month I'm making you something special that can't be found in my shop regularly.
This month I'm making my original green tea + aloe facemask!
I thought it'd be perfect for the season. (Think: full of skin-repairing antioxidants to balance all of that fun in the sun!)
Click here to get that one too.
Can't wait to send them to you!
Stefanie
]]>