I’m not one to beat around the bush – except in long-winded blog post introductions, that is – so let’s get to it. I’ve been the worst blogger, talking about how I was going to blog on a regular basis before dropping off the face of the earth. I had a good excuse this time – I’ve been sicker than I’ve been in years, I had major computer issues and I’m still dealing with this extreme fatigue. In December, I decided to make my first foray into the vendor wax world and I pre-ordered a sampler from Rosegirls in the Spa scented variety. I had heard amazing things about their wax blends and knowing that they shipped to Canada and didn’t charge excessively for the shipments, I couldn’t resist ordering. The base cost for each of the samplers offered in December was $41 US with a shipping cost (this includes the US only) of 9 dollars per order. I was impressed to learn that Rosegirls ships internationally, charging the customer only for the shipping costs incurred in the shipping process. It doesn’t seem like a lot but each sampler promised 2 pounds of wax – which was a really nice amount – and I was astounded by how much when it arrived in person.

To be honest, the shipping to Canada was not cheap, especially when you put our pathetic dollar into comparison. I paid the standard 9 dollars US for shipping along with a 25 US dollar surcharge for the cost of shipping to Canada. At first, I felt that this shipping was rather expensive but once I got the wax and saw its quantity and bounty, I got over it quickly. The shipping was not super fast for me. After the 5-6 week turn around time, I did wait almost two weeks but this was mainly because of the time the package spent waiting in customs on the border.

Despite my beyond picky nose, I had decided that it was worthwhile to try a sampler in Spa-themed scents. I was hoping to try some mint and lavender scents that the vendor is famous for along with some cologne or fresh blends and I got what I hoped for. There’s only one blend that I don’t particularly like in the entire lot and I’m becoming yet another adoring fan of the vendor’s wax. Here’s my lowdown on the particular scents blow and the *s indicate my absolute favourites:

1. Clean Linen and Snuggle Baby – While this scent was not one of my absolute favourites of the bunch, it only missed the mark slightly short of being included among them. It’s a clean and fresh kind of laundry scent with a hint of vanilla sweetness underneath.
2.  29 Olive Street – At first I struggled to grasp what the name of this slightly zesty and refreshing scent was in reference to – I’m usually pretty good at figuring these kinds of things out, after all – but the genius of google informed me that it’s one of the original elusive Lush fragrances – or at least that’s what I’m most tempted to believe. I don’t adore it but I’m sure that I will enjoy melting this zesty lemon-lime but maybe ylang-ylang infused offering. I’m also convinced that it has that brightness that Lush’s The Olive Branch has that many wax brands try to duplicate. If anyone knows anything definite about this scent, I would be thrilled to know…
3. Lavender Peppermint*– At first glance, this is a simplistic scent, largely dominated by that cool peppermint note but with herbal lavender lurking underneath. However, there’s something about it that is a mixture of calming and revitalizing. It’s so good that I couldn’t even resist waiting for it to cure and the throw is all kinds of amazing.
4. Peppermint Ocean* – This peppermint and fresh water cologne scent wasn’t on my radar when I looked at the possibilities for spa scents to get in my sampler, but I cant wait to melt this springy scent. It has that touch of that watery cologne scent that I know and love and it blends nicely with the cool mint.
5. Raspberry Zen – While this berry-infused spa scent might be my least favourite in my sampler, I’d have to say that most people will probably be head over heels for it. I do quite like the calming Zen note but I’m too particular about my berry scents to enjoy this one. I can see the mix of fruity and spa scents appealing to the masses though.

6. Singing In The Rain – From my research in the Rosegirls Facebook group, I have deduced that this scent is a secret blend. It’s a quintessential fresh scent that only leans a bit on the cleaner side of the spectrum and has that beach air sort of quality to it.
7. Lavender Perfect Day – Being a lavender-loving freak, I couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed that the scent is so subdued in this scent. The floral notes are subdued by the zen and herbal lavender and what remains is a fresh feminine floral scent.
8. Zen Goddess – I would describe this scent as a quintessential spa kind of scent that isn’t overwhelming but invokes feelings of relaxation. It’s definitely fresh but it’s softened with maybe a hint of sandalwood or ylang-ylang and a hint of sweetness.
9. Lavender Tangerine Satsuma* – This was another scent that was on the simpler side – classic satsuma with some herbal lavender in the background – but I was so enamoured with it that I had to warm it first. It’s not super intense, but I gave it hardly any cure time and there’s something about it that’s calming but revitalizing. These kinds of scents are my jam, if you haven’t guessed yet.
10. Clean Linen and Pink Sugar – After hearing wax lovers sing the praises of vendor Pink Sugar scents, I was some pleased to be able to try it in the sampler without having commit to a bag, muffin or pie. The sweet perfume scent is comforting but I’m not sure it’s perfect for my likes but I do like how it blends with the classic laundry scent. I’ll be curious to see how my liking for this develops as it melts.

11.Sandalwood and 29 High Street (Type)* – I might not be brilliant as describing scents (in the slightest, in my opinion) but I can usually place the specific category that a scent belongs to with ease, however, this one threw me for a loop. My research clearly indicates that it is a duplication of an elusive perfume that is now difficult to come across that was sold at Lush’s 29 High Street store, blended with sandalwood. My best attempt at explaining it is a warm and musky offering that leans unisex rather than overtly masculine, with lots of sandalwood, patchouli, a blend of essential oils, a hint of jasmine and some citrus lurking underneath. I don’t love all Lush scents but I can assure you that this is one of those intoxicating ones that strikes the balance between tranquil and inspiring.
12. Biolage, Pink Sugar & Cotton Candy Frosting – If it weren’t for the Biolage and Jenny’s blending ability, I’m sure that this scent would be far too sugary sweet for this fresh and cologne-scented lover’s nose. I love the fresh spa scent of Biolage and because I used it for years growing up, I find something completely nostalgic about smelling it, so at first I was disappointed that the note wasn’t more dominant in the blend. However, I do think that it adds a freshness to the perfume-y and bakery blend. I’ll be curious to see if it comes out more when melted.
13. Spring Renewal & Shampure (Aveda Type)* – When I ordered a Spa Sampler, this is the exact kind of scent I expected and hoped to be getting. It smells exactly like an Aveda spa – which is completely unsurprising because it’s a duplication of one of their old-school shampoos – with that subtle and intoxicating herbal and essential oil based blend.
14. Winter Snuggles – This complex scent came incredibly close to being included in my top favourites of the lot. It strikes me as a seamless blend and with a name that gives nothing away about the particular notes, giving a scent description frustrates me to no end. My best attempt is to describe it as a blend of baby powder, sandalwood, patchouli and slightly woodsy warmth. The baby powder and cologne hybrid scent is unique to say the least.
15. Lemon Basil Sage Mint – Thankfully for my sanity, the final blend is a straightforward one with a straightforward name to boot. In a nutshell, it’s a zesty lemon blend that also includes some herbal notes. I can smell the basil, sage and mint in the background but none of these notes stand out in particular – I do note that the mint is a fresh mint rather than a peppermint or spearmint. This would be a great spring or kitchen kind of scent.

I may have placed another order set to ship at the end of this month… Does anyone have any experience or interest in/with vendor wax?

Maggie, x.