Cape Heartache by Imaginary Authors

Portia 8 Comments

Hi there Posse! Back in April I ordered one of the Surrender To Chance special 20 sample packs for $20. Expecting to get maybe 3 things worth wearing and 17 vials I could pass on or use as extras in swaps or sales. It didn’t quite work out that way. There was some mighty fine stuff in those packs, most of which I’ve not tried. Of the 20 I only put 5 aside for rehoming and three of those because I already own bottles. That’s a pretty good hit rate. One that I have been incredibly impressed with is Cape Heartache by Imaginary Authors. After an initial swipe test to see if I liked it (I do) my decision has now been to pour the whole vial upon myself and do my review from this one major wear, rather than a couple of less intense adventures.

Cape Heartache by Imaginary Authors

Josh Meyer

Cape Heartache by Imaginary Authors Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Fir, pine tree, hemlock, vanilla, big strawberry and woody notes

ALL the woods. Fresh hewn, resinous, torn leaves, bark and smoke. I’m a bit bummed that the strawberry doesn’t seem to show up front for me.

Ahhhh, about 15 minutes in a super sweet, candied strawberry weaves its way through the woodsy undergrowth. Do you remember those Strawberries & Cream lollies? It reminds me a little of that. Suddenly, now I’ve smelt it, the strawberry has taken over the whole scent. Amazing change in direction. When I bring my arm closer to sniff though it’s all dark, birch tarry woods. So interesting.

Cape Heartache seems like a strange name of such a fragrance. Also, I find it quite challenging. Not because it’s awful or ugly, because it is these components that I am so used to smelling in fragrance yet they’ve been put together in such a way that makes them utterly other. Weird, but good weird.

As the fireworks settle a bit the strawberry takes a back seat, still part of the equation but not the domineering note. I really like this midway time. It’s more perfumes, less space oddity.

Longevity is spectacular on Cape Heartache. It’s tomorrow morning and I’m still a woodsy strawberry wreathed in smoke. Fabulous scent.

Are you an Imaginary Authors fan? Do you have a favourite?

Portia xx

 

 

 

Portia also writes for Australian Perfume Junkies

  • rosarita says:
    June 27, 2019 at 7:48 am

    I am very fond of the whole IA concept and own several. Memoirs of a Trespasser is my favorite too, but sad to say Cape Heartache isn’t for me as I get overwhelmed by the strawberry. Everything from the line is worth a sniff.

    • Portia says:
      June 28, 2019 at 3:52 am

      Hey Rosarita,
      Yes, I could see the strawberry taking over on some peoples skins.
      You’re right, they are all definitely worth a sniff.
      Portia xx

  • xxdfarre says:
    June 27, 2019 at 6:50 am

    I have The Soft Green Lawn, but sadly found I was not that mad about it. However, it is lovely sprayed lightly on pillow and sheets! So won’t be going to the charity shop after all.

  • Tara C says:
    June 27, 2019 at 5:17 am

    I love Cape Heartache and it’s my favourite IA. Memoirs of a Trespasser and Yesterday’s Haze are great too.

  • Shiva-woman says:
    June 27, 2019 at 1:52 am

    What Timing!!! I have been enamored of Cape Heartache for a few months and Twisted Lily here in the US has been running a sale. Three hours before I read your review, I hit the buy button and went FB. And now I’m reading this–ha! I do like IA, mostly because of their schtick, and my favorite is probably Memoirs of a Trespasser. I enjoy the smokey-vanilla pipe-like incense and woods in that one. Cape Heartache is a little like Amouage Bracken woman–not the same, and infinitely more friendly, but a cousin.