Stereoplasm - Ogopogo

with indie perfumes, i really love it when a scent has a perfectly-fitting name that creates a bridge and introduction to the culture and folklore of the perfumer behind it - the story and context just adds that extra dimension to the scent as more than just a smell, but an experience.

that was the case for me with today's scent: the first time I had heard of the legendary Canadian lake monster Ogopogo was when i came across a secondhand bottle of Stereoplasm's perfume of the same name. Both the name and notes of Ogopogo (cool rippling lake, water lily, seaweed and snake skin) really piqued my curiosity, so i just had to try it out.

and surprise surprise, it was awesome.

in the bottle, Ogopogo proudly showcases its aquatic lineage with a soft and mildly-sweet scent. it comes across quite gentle, like a quiet lake in the springtime with only the sound of nature around you, and still water as smooth as a mirror on which pure white water lilies float near the edge. the scent also comes across as being light and cool, conveying an almost surreal peace and tranquility.

on application, Ogopogo largely stays the same as it was in the bottle, but additional nuances begin to come out on my skin after a short while. the water lily and cool aquatic remain dominant, but an undercurrent of something a bit more dark and slimy starts to emerge slowly. the transformation takes a while - the sliminess is considerably reticent about coming out of the shadows, but even after its two hours of wear or so, it merely adds a different tone without compromising the cool lightness of the perfume as a whole. i didn't get as much of this other aspect for the four or so hours that I wore it in my hair though. 

the one downside of the scent though is that it has quite a low throw (less than a foot). it does make the perfume quite wearable in a confined space like an office, but i do wish i could enjoy it better without actually having to bring my hair under my nose each time as if it were a stand-in for my non-existent moustache.

that said, the whole scent experience is beautiful. it's like taking a one-person kayak out alone one afternoon into the middle of a tranquil lake. the water is clear with sunsparkles dancing across its surface, and the only sounds and movement in the entire lake are from your paddle dipping into the water with gentle rhythmic strokes. after a while, the surface of the lake becomes more grey and the sparkles disappear; you look up to find that white clouds have partially obscured the sun and a chilly wind rises, making you shiver a little. out of the corner of your eye you glance a brief flash of movement, something large in the water which is definitely not a fish. but when you turn the kayak to investigate, there's nothing there, no matter how hard you try to peer into the depths. as you turn around and paddle back to shore, all is still again and you wonder if you had just imagined it... but you can't be completely sure.

that's Ogopogo to me - true to the inspiration behind its name, it's a great scent which brings to mind a picturesque lake landscape, with just that slightest hint of mystery and the possibility of something more lurking beneath the depths. 

8.5/10 i'm really glad i took a chance to buy this one and will enjoy finishing the bottle - it's one of the first aquatics i've tried, but it won't be my last. i may pick up a replacement bottle once i finish my current one, but given that it's currently not in stock any more, i'll have to revisit that thought again at a later date. until then, Ogopogo has made it into my general rotation collection, for days when I just want to feel tranquil and serene with a subtle edge of mystery.

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this review is of a product that i had purchased secondhand with my own money. i wasn’t asked to review this scent as a condition of receipt and didn’t receive any incentives for writing this. i’m not affiliated with Stereoplasm and as always, all opinions remain my own.

Ogopogo is not in the general catalogue for Stereoplasm at present, but it may make a return with their Cabinet of Curiosity or may be available for purchase as an unlisted fragrance – just need to drop them a note in advance to check if they can make it for you. 

Stereoplasm is also celebrating their 2nd birthday by giving birthday freebies with purchases from now 'til july 4, midnight eastern standard time, so now's as good a time as any to check them out!

all information correct at time of publishing.