Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab
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Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, also known as BPAL, Black Phoenix, or simply "the Lab," is an online company selling perfume oil. BPAL is owned by Elizabeth Moriarty and Brian Constantine, and is based in Los Angeles, California, United States.
The Lab is notable for the gothic atmosphere of its website, framing product descriptions with snippets of poetry and category art (monochrome drawings or etchings) by Aubrey Beardsley and others.
While sometimes seen as catering specifically to the pagan and goth communities, the blends are inspired by works of art, mythology, folk superstitions, classical literature, etc. (themes range from Shakespearian characters to Japanese gods), and as such they hold great appeal to a wide variety of individuals not necessarily involved in these groups.
The Lab enjoys what some consider a cult-like following through the Internet. Customers, many of whom make BPAL their exclusive perfume vendor, cite the appeal of the seductive product descriptions, the wide variety of scents, and the tendency of certain oils to vary in scent based on the wearer's unique body chemistry.
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab currently produces and sells perfume oils in two sizes: 1/32 oz sample vials, officially called "Imp's Ears" (or simply "Imps"), and 5-mL (cobalt or amber) glass bottles. In 2006, they discontinued production and sale of oil available in 10-mL (cobalt) bottles. BPAL's sister-company, Black Phoenix Trading Post (which sells officially licensed BPAL-related garments, jewellery, statues, etc) occasionally offers oils in either the 5-mL or 10-mL size.
The vast variety of available scents has lent the product a collectibility aspect. Many customers collect the oils in the 1/32 oz. sample vials. An extensive online community has sprung up around buying, selling, and swapping Imp's Ears and bottles, supplemented by the fact that some limited-edition or otherwise special oils can only be ordered from the Lab in 5-mL bottles.
