Perfume Reviews: Rosarium Blends Dom and Manifestation (Catamara Rosarium ) + Preparing for 2017 Draw

Photo for Dark Beauty Magazine by Ekaterina Belinskaya

“How strange that the nature of life is change, yet the nature of human beings is to resist change. And how ironic that the difficult times we fear might ruin us are the very ones that can break us open and help us blossom into who we were meant to be.” – Elizabeth Lesser, Broken Open – How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow

After teaching piano for 40 years I can't help but look at life from a musical perspective.  The difficulties I've found performing or composing music, as well as the challenges I encounter as part of my daily life, seem to cluster around modulations, transitions and cadences.  In other words, difficulties are directly related to change.  When music or life changes key, moves to something different or a section ends, extra concentration and preparation are called for.

From Pain I Rise by Rafael Tavares

Of course, any piece of music will be much easier to play than the song we call "Real Life".  In a written composition, even one that is open to extensive interpretation, the path is notated and the plan is clear.  In life, however, there are countless variables and many important things are hidden.  From moment to moment living is as much about free improvisation as it is about goal setting.  Despite my best-laid plans, serendipity always seems to reign supreme while reason and linear logic play a limited role. I tend to look on my life – past, present and future – as a kind of magic.  This is not hard for me to do, as I believe that everything in the world around me, the "animate" and the “inanimate" (whatever that means), carries a unique vibration, a kind of energetic or musical signature that can be ignored or modified for good or ill.  How we relate to the world around us determines the magic of our lives. If we are sensitive to these vibrations we can tweak the modulations, transitions and cadences and make them work for us.

Photo for Dark Beauty Magazine by Ekaterina Belinskaya

 And of course – perfumes can be chock full of the exact vibrational magic that we need.   I especially love Indie fragrances, because I think I can sense the personas and intentions of the artisans in their perfumes.

Photograph for Dark Beauty Magazine

Today I am reviewing two fragrances that have helped me through recent "real life" transitions.  Both are by one of my favorite perfumers and magical practitioners, Catamara Rosarium of Rosarium Blends.  I can't think of a better way to usher in 2017 than with one or both of these magical creations.  They are designed to provide strength to cope with change and to bring important hidden matters to light – perfect perfumes for transitioning to a New Year.

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe

Photo for Dark Beauty Magazine by Ekaterina Belinskaya

The first fragrance is Dom, my power suit perfume.  I love wearing Dom as I find people are drawn to me -or to the scent of Dom! A dab of Dom and problems and misunderstandings just seem to melt away or are resolved with gracious good humor. The single issue I have with this fragrance is that whenever I wear it I tend to lose focus. I find that I am drawn to myself, fixated on the scent, continually sniffing my wrists, completely under the spell of the smell. Dom opens with a thick, rich blend of vanilla, smoke, styrax and myrrh.  As the fragrance dries it effervesces to a breath of tangy lemon, Artemisia  (mugwort) and neroli, supported by the styrax, vanilla, vetiver and bit of patchouli.  This luscious and distracting combination stays in place, easily for eight hours.  The sillage is moderate to strong.  I have been able to smell it on clothing up to 18 hours after application, very unusual for an all-natural fragrance.

Photo for Dark Beauty Magazine

To paraphrase Catamara: "Dom perfume is for domination in all manner of ways and can be worked with different intentions.  It can be used for dominating a problem in your life, your boss perhaps or coworker or maybe to dominate a spirit. The perfume can also be used to repair the damage done after having been dominated by something or someone else.  Dom renews confidence…" Fragrance notes: Vanilla, Smoky Vetiver, Neroli, Lemon, Patchouli, Myrrh, Mugwort and Black Storax.

Photo Appearance KNAS for Dark Beauty Magazine

I love how Catamara describes the second fragrance – Manifestation:"This is a sweet and gentle spirited perfume, but it is not defenseless. Like a fairy wielding a hammer, or a beautiful woman who carries an axe, at the core of this composition is strength… from the center the wearer will wait, as a cloud of cherry and dark almond billow outward. Inside this perfume you can sit upright and declare your intentions from a rooted core while the fragrance carries your message. Like gentle voice that finds it’s way through the darkness, jasmine slowly dries down into a bed of Lady’s Mantle and Frankincense."

 

Photo for Dark Beauty Magazine by Ekaterina Belinskaya

This is exactly how I perceive the fragrance myself.  The opening is a sparkling cherry coke laced with almond.  Manifestation is gentle, as Catamara says, and the sillage is discreet, but insistent and expansive in an airy, billowy sort of way.  Manifestation is invigorating and eye opening.  It is THE fragrance I go to when I feel there are hidden elements and agendas that need to be revealed.  I have to say that while these revelations and manifestations have not always been pleasant, the information brought to light has been absolutely vital for the success of necessary transformations in my life and the manifestation of my dreams and desires.  Fragrance notes: Frankincense, Blessed Thistle, Lady’s Mantle and Jasmine.

RedForest for Dark Beauty Magazine

"The perfume itself is the base for many forms of magic…The only limitations are the ones we create ourselves." – Catamara Rosarium

Disclosure:In 2014 Catamara and Rosarium Blends generously provided me with a full set of samples.  Since then I have purchased several bottle of her fragrances, including Dom and Manifestation.  My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Sr. Contributor

Art Direction: Most of th photography can be found in Dark Beauty Magazine. I chose these photos to illustrate the magic of Catamara's perfume and they are not ffiliated with CaFleureBon nor Catamara Rosarium

Dom photo via Rosarium Blends

Thanks to the generosity Catamara and Rosarium Blends we have a draw for a choice of 1 oz of  Dom

or

Photo via Rosarium Blends

Manifestation (1 oz)

 This draw is open to one registered reader worldwide (be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible for the draw please let us know where you live in your comment and tell us what appeals to you about Dom and/or Manifestation, where you live if you believe fragrance is magic and what you are hoping to bring into your life for 2017. Draw closes 1/4/2017

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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36 comments

  • GrandmaGaga says:

    I think both of these sound lovely but the jasmine in Manifestation appeals to me most, not to mention the bottle is gorgeous! I think perfume can be magical if both parties are open to it….I think to be affected by something you must welcome it in some way. I am hoping for health and peace for my loved ones in the coming year. I am in the US and would like to thank you, Catamara and Rosarium blends for this giveaway.

  • MikasMinion says:

    Do I believe that perfume is magic? I don’t disbelieve it, certainly. Anything that has such an effect on mood and memory must have an aspect of magic. Don appeals to me because of the notes and because I could probably stand to be more dominant.
    For 2017 I hope for good health and financial stability for my family and for as much good sense and tolerance is possible in the general public. I’m in the US. Thank you.

  • acquiredtaste says:

    Dom appeals to me because it can melt stress away as if it transport you to another world. It also contains myrhh which I have been looking for in fragrances. I believe that perfume is magic. I used to think it was a waste of money but my first sniff of a few vials of perfume made me crazily in love with perfumes till now. I live in Malaysia.

  • Steve A says:

    A great description of both. Hard to choose as both sound so enticing. Love vanilla though. I’m not sure if fragrance in and of itself is magic or not. For 2017 I want to maintain health. I pick Dom if I’m chosen. US

  • Claudia says:

    There seems to be something forbidden and secretive, maybe dark yet appealing about these fragrances. I think Manifestation had me at sparkling cherry coke and almond. Fragrance can be magic and transform your mood. I am hoping this year will be filled with Peace and acceptance across the world. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I am in the US.

  • fazalcheema says:

    I am more intrigued by Dom because it is the perfume to feel confident just as a powersuit makes you confident. My choice for this draw will be Dom as well. I am in the US.

  • doveskylark says:

    Dom sounds wonderful, to help face the year and its challenges with gracious good humor. I wish for that humour to help guide me through 2017. I also want to explore indie and all natural perfumes this year. I love the stories that indie perfumers express with their fragrances.
    When I need strength to face difficulties, I usually wear Equipage by Hermes. It helps me feel put together when most likely I’m falling apart.
    If I were to win the draw, I’d choose Dom.
    I live in the USA.

  • Timea says:

    Wonderful review! I think, that I would love both of this perfumes, but I prefer the bottle of Dom. I believe that fragrance is magic, because it could be give us happiness and better mood. I hoping that 2017 will bring health, luck and happiness into my life and my family’s life. Thank you very much for the draw. I live in the EU.

  • Filip__ says:

    Wow, Dom sounds great and appears to be a much needed type of a fragrance for me, since my 2017 will be a year full of change and challenges and a perfume helping to dominate all these new situations would be something perfect. I believe there can be magic in perfumes!

    Thank you for the draw. I live in the EU and I’d choose Dom.

  • Isabel says:

    I have used Catamara’s Manifestation oil for almost a year & it has been a transformational time for me. So yes I absolutely believe perfumes are magical substances. I think it’s a kind of synergetic effect, being attracted to a certain scent at a certain time in your life, which then proceeds to help the process along. Manifestation to me definitely smells of change.

    Now that I have another year with change for the better before me I could certainly use Manifestation as a perfume! I live in the EU.

  • cinnamon tree says:

    I love this part of the description of Manifestation: “Manifestation is invigorating and eye opening. It is THE fragrance I go to when I feel there are hidden elements and agendas that need to be revealed. I have to say that while these revelations and manifestations have not always been pleasant, the information brought to light has been absolutely vital for the success of necessary transformations in my life and the manifestation of my dreams and desires.” Sounds like something I would love. Thank you for the chance! I live in the EU.

  • Patty P. says:

    I was drawn to Manifestation at the mention of cherry coke. At times wearing perfume can create magic. 🙂 Please if chosen I’d like the Manifestation. USA

  • Ellen M says:

    I’m drawn to Dom for its notes, but also for its power to dominate situations. That sounds like something I could certainly use right now. I believe we are surrounded by magic and that fragrance is only one of its many attributes. I’d like to bring more harmony into my life for 2017. Thanks for the draw. I live in the USA.

  • Ellen says:

    The effects of perfume are most definitely magical if we think of “magic” as anything that cannot be completely explained by science or logic. I live in the USA and, for obvious reasons, just hope we can all get through 2017 without any major disasters. Gail’s amazing review has made me want to try DOM!

  • hvit says:

    I fully agree that “perfumes can be chock full of the exact vibrational magic that we need”. Both Dom and Manifestation sound great and full of energy. I’d love to win Dom, I like the notes and the idea of dominating a problem or an obstacle in life.

    Thanks for the draw and greetings from Norway.

  • aire says:

    Apart from my beliefs in any form of undetectable energy (also called ‘magic’) I am so much drawn to both of these scents because of their notes! And the bottles look so beautiful. If I have to choose one of the perfumes, I will pick Dom. The mix of vanilla, styrax and smoke must be really powerful. I live in Europe. Thank you so much for the draw.

  • mozaik says:

    It’s difficult to believe that all natural perfume can have so great longevity. If this is not magic, then what is? but on a more serious note, I feel I need a strong, pronounced fragrance to achieve in 2017 what I’d planned to. DOM sounds like a perfect choice (and so beautiful one). Thank you for the draw! EU.

  • cressit says:

    I absolutely believe in magic and the power of scent to influence surroundings! The description of Dom seems to align with what my intentions are for the new year. The structure in my work world is being turned on its head and I have the chance to forge a new path for myself if I can keep strong with vanilla, myrrh and storax at my back!
    I live in NYC.

  • sea says:

    I’d be delighted to win Manifestation because I believe in its soft but meaningful power: “This is a sweet and gentle spirited perfume, but it is not defenseless. Like a fairy wielding a hammer, or a beautiful woman who carries an axe, at the core of this composition is strength… from the center the wearer will wait, as a cloud of cherry and dark almond billow outward. Inside this perfume you can sit upright and declare your intentions from a rooted core while the fragrance carries your message”. I can almost see myself wearing it and growing in subtle strength. Thank you for the draw. I am in Europe.

  • Cynthia says:

    I would like to try Dom. I like the idea of a perfume that draws people to you. I very much believe that scent can affect the wearer in a positive manner and go so far as to lift your mood. I have not heard of this brand so it was interesting to read about it. USA.

  • psebi101 says:

    Based on the review for both fragrances, I think Dom is more to my style, I like the description. Yes, I believe in the magic of perfume because it has the power to invoke a mood and to change my state of spirit. For 2017, I hope I will bring a calm and happy life to my newly formed family. I live in Europe.

  • teresa310 says:

    The choice is going to be difficult. Both fragrances seem to be very intense in a spiritual sense and, of course, well-blended perfumes. When thinking about the intention I need for this new year, I’d rater choose Dom and its potential of dominating over problems. I hope this year will bring the end to several health problems in my family. For myself I wish for more self-confidence. I believe there is magic in perfumes that could help with it. Thank you for the draw.

    (EU)

  • Hikmat Sher Afridi says:

    Fascinating reiew for both the fragrances which make difficult choice. However MANIFESTATION is more appealing to me. Everyone faces problems & to overcone need confidence & tolerance and I believe wearing perfume brings confidence & boost in a magical way to resolve in 2017.
    Thanks for the generosity & draw.
    Peshawar, Pakistan

  • Pine says:

    This is the best recommendation: “A dab of Dom and problems and misunderstandings just seem to melt away or are resolved with gracious good humor.” My most important wish for 2017 is to end conflicts and bring more peace into my personal life and among my most loved ones. Thank you for the draw. I live in Poland, EU.

  • Amber says:

    The notes in Dom sound wonderful and who couldn’t use a bit more courage to face the unknowns of the New Year. I’m in the US, thank you!

  • Miss Almond says:

    My first answer to the question what I am wishing for in 2017 is very down-to-earth: a better, new job and a basic financial stability. Of the two perfumes mentioned, I think Dom would be more helpful in achieving this (“dominating your boss…”) and I’d be very happy if I could win a bottle.

    Do I believe in magic in perfumes? I am sure there is a lot of energy, on a psychological level and not only, carried by scents. So yes, there is something irrational and unpredictable, and beautiful, about perfumes. Is it magic? Who knows?…

    Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • karo says:

    I live in the US and fragrance is definitely magic. I hope to bring more happiness into my life. I think fragrance can help with this. What appeals to me about Manifestation is some of my favorite notes are in it. The cherry coke and almond sound like something i’d absolutely swoon over. I like the imagery Rosarium’s Blends uses with their house and fragrances. Thank you so much for the draw.

  • Dusk says:

    Dom sounds good to me because that kind of “power suit” perfume always appeals to me, and with the vanilla and the dark smoky notes it sounds fantastic. I agree fragrance is magic, it can evoke so many emotions and alter my moods and attitudes. In 2017 I’m hoping to gain more confidence and independence. I live n the US. Thank you for offering this giveaway!

  • Iphigenia says:

    Both perfumes Dom and Manifestation sound amazingly beautiful each one in it’s own way! If I was to choose I would go for Dom for the notes of vanilla smoke styrrax and myhr which promise a strong sensual scent so hard to resist! I also loved it’s bottle!
    For me perfume is magic for it affects peoples mood and can easily evoke emotions that even we ourselves can not easily explain nor perceive.
    I am a registered reader living in EU, Greece.
    Thank you for the lovely review and generous draw!

  • echinacea says:

    I love the description of Manifestation as gentle and powerful at the same time. I need to be more persistent and powerful this year, so I am choosing this scent and hoping it will help me. Thanks for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Lauren says:

    Love this post! Both perfumes sound interesting but the cherry and almond in Manifestation sound very nice to me. I’m not sure if fragrance is magic but who knows?! Oh and I don’t know what I would like to bring into my life in 2017… that is a good question! I live in the US. Thanks!

  • Toblerone says:

    The idea of a scent that magically can give the power to achieve one’s goals is wonderful. I agree that “the nature of human beings is to resist change”, at least in my case it’s true. I want a lot of changes – being stronger when dealing with problems and unfriendly people is one of them – and yet it’s so difficult to make it happen.

    If I win, my choice would be Dom. Thanks so much for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • openmind says:

    I like the idea of a fairy with a hammer, it’s brilliant! I’d choose Manifestation, Dom is also very interesting but the fairy wins!

    In 2017 I’d like to have more time for myself and my friends.

    Thank you for the draw. I live in EU.

  • Lubulla says:

    “I especially love Indie fragrances, because I think I can sense the personas and intentions of the artisans in their perfumes.” (reviewer) Interesting description of both fragrances, I like mostly how Dom can change and make situation more relaxed and how it attracts people to Dom s wearer. It would be great to have it! My life in 2017 could be probably a bit easier. I expect that new year brings me a new job! Thanks. I am in EU.