Review: New Softsoap Black Orchid & Velvet Hibiscus Body Wash

I don't know how it happened, but somewhere along the line I became an "orchid" lover. Any type of fragrance that has the word "orchid" in it seems to get my attention lately, so when I saw this new body wash from Softsoap at my local Vons grocery store recently, I knew I had to have it (well that, and the fact that it was on sale for $3.99 and I had a $1 Softsoap body wash coupon in my purse!):

 Softsoap Black Orchid & Velvet Hibiscus Body Wash 

(retail: around $7, 18 oz)

 Let me tell you right off the bat that this fragrance is not for the timid. If you prefer your body wash fragrances on the soft and mild side, this one's not for you. This is a big bold scent (as most fragrances with orchid notes tend to be) and not only does it take over my shower, but it also lasts a while on my skin after I'm out of the shower. 

I personally love body washes that linger on my skin after I'm out of the shower so that I can layer them with lotions and body mists for a long-lasting fragrance throughout the day.  So I was pretty happy that I could still smell this body wash on my arm about an hour after my shower.

 Black Orchid & Velvet Hibiscus very much reminds me of Bath & Body Works Dark Kiss. They are not identical, but I believe that if you like one, you'll probably like the other. The main difference, to my nose, is that the Softsoap version lacks the sweet berry note that you get with the BBW version. But other than that, they are very similar (I'm smelling them side-by-side as I write this). In fact, I would go out on a limb and say that if you like BBW Black Amethyst, Enchanted Orchid or Dark Kiss, you will probably enjoy Softsoap Black Orchid & Velvet Hibiscus. I think it would be wonderful to layer with any three of those fragrances.

I was already a huge fan of Softsoap body washes (I've been raving about Honeysuckle and Orange Peel for well over a year now on this blog) so I can find no fault with the formula of Black Orchid & Velvet Hibiscus. I get a rich, thick lather when used with a bath pouf, and my skin feels clean, but not dry or tight, after I use this.

If you like velvety, rich florals that have amber or woodsy undertones, I think you might want to check out Softsoap Black Orchid & Hibiscus the next time you're at the drugstore, grocery store, big-box store, etc. I think it makes a perfect accompaniment to the BBW fragrances I mentioned earlier, and if you can get it on sale (with coupons) it's a no-brainer!

Have you already tried Black Orchid & Velvet Hibiscus? If so, how do you like it? If you haven't tried it yet, does it sound like it would appeal to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts!