Elvira’s spooky scents for Demeter

By Ashley Kowalewski

Eye of newt, hair of a witch, tears of a maiden: Is this the scent pyramid of a truly Halloween-appropriate fragrance? This was our wondering as the latest trick-or-treat-season spritzes from Demeter landed on our desks. Imagine my delight as a lover of ’80s horror-comedy flicks at the theme of this collection—Elvira Mistress of The Dark.

Unexpectedly multi-faceted for the normally single-noted company, each of these Elvira-inspired scents surprises: They’re dark florals, dynamic and more than worth their budget-friendly price tag.

ZOMBIE: SULTRY AND MOODY LIKE THE NIGHT
No nuances of rotting flesh and brain-dead walkers, here. This scent’s purported mix: Lush ylang-ylang and red poppy notes are countered with dark tobacco leaves, black vanilla bean, cocoa petals and apparently a frosty methadone accord (counteracting the poppies, no doubt). The meld is sexy and moody, and worthy of a night out with the Mistress of the Dark.

BLACK ROSES: THE DARK SIDE OF THE CLASSIC BLOOM
Naturally, we can’t imagine our Madonna of the Macabre being swayed by any old spritz.  Perhaps a whiff of Black Roses would do the trick. This out-of-the-coffin floral has Bulgarian roses, davana blossom, redcurrant, patchouli, amber and vetiver. Though its olfactory focus remains warm and smoky, there’s sweetness too, proving that even the darkest roses possess a delicacy once you get past the thorns.

VAMP: A JUICY, FRUITY-FLORAL MUSKINESS
A blend of belladonna, Dracula orchid, Nicotiania, peppery maile leaves, ivy, white musk, vanilla and mandarin peel create a zestier impression than the scent’s name suggests. Obviously when you’re exiled to the night, you need a fragrance that brings some citrusy sunshine to your life.

Demeter Elvira Mistress of the Dark collection, $25 (30 ml) each, www.demeterfragrance.com