Stamford Aromatherapy Collection (Tulasi)

Second review - scroll down for earlier

An intensely perfumed pack - these do smell interesting and pleasant on the stick, even if the mood doesn't generally relate to the one stated on the box; however, on burning, they tend to smell old, oily, smoky, rubbery, and generally not as pleasant as the stick. The best two are Relaxing and Refreshing; the worse two are Sensuality and Meditation.

Date: January 2014   Score: 24

First review

A set (or "gift pack") of six different incense sticks by Stamford - the quality brand for the UK distribution company Aargee. These  were picked up very cheaply as part of a double special offer from buyallmeans shop on Amazon.The sticks are hand-rolled with some masala ingredients, and are also dipped in perfume. They are made by Tulasi  -  (Sarathi International). I bought four of these sets -  the others are Floral, Moods and Exotic. All the packs are intensely perfumed - I have to keep them in the plastic bag they arrived in because the sweet, slightly cloying perfume dominates the room if they are left out. Even though I bought them a little while ago, rummaging in the plastic bag is still an intense experience.

Relaxing
A blend of cardamom, cedarwood and patchouli, intended to soothe away cares, and create a restful home. Quite a lively spicy aroma on the stick - the cardamom coming through clearly. Not sure how relaxing this is. Indeed, not sure how much the aromas relate to the descriptions! The aroma on burning is cedarwood and cardamom, and is pretty decent, creating an awakening mood. Best of the set.
Score: 27

Refreshing
These sticks have a blend of mint, sage and clove aromas, and are designed to revitalize and refresh. The clove aroma is very present on the stick, and that is quite promising. When lit there are notes of burning herbs, licorice, and the clove - though nothing minty. I assume the mint and sage are part of the masala ingredients, and are responsible for the burning herbs notes. It's pleasant enough, and is fairly cleansing, though doesn't gain much attention. Useful to clear a space of negative aromas or as a morning freshener.
Score: 26

Stress Relief
A blend of lavender, orange blossom and thyme, intended to be a restful fragrance and to give the home an instant lift. There's a volatile and tangy perfume on the stick which is underpinned by lavender and thyme. On burning it's mildly smoky with notes of burning herbs and rubber and benzoin. It's a damp, slightly musty, slightly chalky, slightly old smell. Not offensive, and not as unpleasant as it sounds, but it's not much use in the living room or kitchen, and is best used in the dark, unpleasant places of the house.
Score: 22

Energising
A blend of lemon, lime and grapefruit, intended to wake up the mind and ready the body for another day. A bright, lively, lemon aroma on the stick. Oily, smoky aroma on burning. All these sticks have the same message - decent aroma on the stick, which correlates to the stated  ingredients (if not to the aromatherapy intention), but moderately unpleasant when burned. Score: 22

Meditation
A blend of camomile, vanilla and sandalwood, intended to help unwind and open the mind. Pleasant floral aroma on stick - hint of violets and vanilla. On burning smells damp and indifferent. Some vanilla. Not good. Score: 22

Sensuality
A blend of ylang ylang, patchouli, and spicy nutmeg, intended to be relaxing and indulgent. There's some cleansing notes on this - hints of pine, lemon soap, and clove. The aroma on burning is not as clean and inviting - indeed, it's a bit smoky and rubberish, and smells a bit old and stale. Not impressive.
Score: 21


Date: Sept 2013   Average score: 24 

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