The Domestic Goblin only discovered Aaron Terence Hughes in February 2023 via a YouTube fragrance review video.
Aaron used to be a Cosmetic Chemist and has since evolved into a Perfumer and launched his own independent perfume house.
Some information from his website:
Aaron does use ethical ambergris in some of his fragrance. But does not use any other animal biproducts.
Aaron Terence Hughes is passionate about ethics and deeply cares about the world he lives in. His perfumes will never be sold in countries that demand animal testing. He will never use a secondary company to test his products on animals on his behalf.
"I create perfume to suit my mood. All my perfumes have been created from direct experience. I am never directed by anyone other than my intuition and love for creating beauty."
"I feel that perfumery sits beautifully on the edge of art, chemistry and maths. It utilises all my abilities and constantly ignites my creativity and passion."
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After some careful consideration, the Domestic Goblin decided to buy Carbon and Onyx, followed by Ozone and Tabac in the 10ml Extract de Parfum.
~ Carbon
Described as Clean, Fresh, Light and Airy.
"Carbon has been designed to increase the longevity and projection of the fragrances you already own and love, but which might need a little help radiating and lasting. Carbon can now be worn on its own for a very clean scent that lasts!" (ATH)
Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: White Floral Notes, Amber, Ylang Ylang, Radiant Woods, Heliotropin, Vanilla
Base notes: Musks, Clean Skin Accord, Ethical Ambergris.
DGs comments: When sprayed onto warm skin after a hot bubble bath, it is how DG imagined Suskind's baby to smell like: milky caramel. When sprayed onto cold skin, all DG gets is clean musk.
Works better layered underneath other scents that need help projecting/radiating.
DGs verdict: ❌ as standalone scent.
DGs verdict: ✅ will only repurchase to help with projection and longevity of other scents.
~ Onyx
"Dark, brooding and very sexy. When I created Onyx I wanted it to do three things. Project, imprint and last. Onyx lasts over 12 hours, projects in a huge way and touching another person imprints Onyx onto them making this a perfect date or sex fragrance. You will get noticed wearing Onyx." (ATH)
Top notes: Rose Absolute.
Middle notes: Vanilla Absolute, Plum, Chocolate.
Base notes: Patchouli, Thai Oud, Ethical Ambergris, Sandalwood, Musk.
DG's comments: Creates a beautiful aura around the wearer.
DG's verdict: ✅✅ Worthy of a repurchase, however, it attracts the wrong kind of people.
~ Ozone
"Ozone is my first 'commercial' fragrance. Ozone is bright, ozonic, massively projecting and long lasting. Ozone is fun and packed full of summer." (ATH)
"ATH wanted to bridge the gap between designer and niche fragrances. So it's got designer sensibilities (easy to wear, very mass-appealing) but it has the quality and complexity of a niche fragrance." (FRAG-MENTAL)
Top notes: Bergamot (blended for the house of ATH), Lemon, Lime, Spearmint.
Middle notes: Ozone, Coconut, Mocha Accord, Ambroxan.
Base notes: Ethical Ambergris / White Musk / Driftwood / Patchouli
DGs comments: Smells like drinking a milky coffee straight after brushing your teeth.
DGs verdict: ❌ Not a bad scent, but DG did not want to pay money to smell like toothpaste and cappuccino.
~ Tabac
"I developed Tabac for people with class and who understand what a well crafted fragrance smells like. This fragrance is suitable for all occasions from a day off walking your dogs, to the office to going out for a drink. I designed Tabac to be a signature scent for all people." (ATH)
Top notes: Tobacco Leaf
Middle note: Madagascan Vanilla Absolute, Tobacco, Turkish Rose.
Base notes: Burmese Oud, Cedar Wood, Ethical Ambergris.
DGs comments: The oud dominates for hours. Can't detect any tobacco or vanilla. Smells like temple incense inside a gentleman's club, but not in a good way.
DGs verdict: ❌❌
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April 2024 purchase/update:
~ Aurora
Described as Sweet, Clean and Evocative.
Top notes: Bergamot, Pear, Neroli.
Middle notes: Peach, Vanilla, Rhubarb, Jasmine Sambac.
Base notes: Amber, Blond Wood, Sandalwood.
DGs comments: On cold skin, it smells like a clean jasmine solifore with no drydown. On warmed up skin/in warmer weather, the fruity notes come through which was a pleasant surprise after the first few days of underwhelming performance. Like a totally different scent.
DGs verdict: ✅ but won't repurchase.
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October 2024 purchase/update:
~ Red Fever
"My own personal fragrance. I wear this a lot under clothing over the top of the red fever body butter and over the top clothes. On my skin the sillage and projection is amazing." (ATH)
Top notes: Bergamot, Pear.
Middle notes: Lily, Raspberry, Plum, Peach.
Base notes: Almond, Vanilla, Amber, Oakmoss, Ambergris, 2% Rose Absolute.
DGs comments: A pleasant fruity vanilla that turns into an intimate skin scent. Doesn't project much on DGs skin.
DGs verdict: ✅ might work better for someone else.
~ Blue Fever
Described as: Easy to wear, lots of projection and sillage, perfect for all occasions.
Top notes: Lemon, Mandarin, Bergamot.
Middle notes: Amber, Grapefruit, Green Apple, Lily of the Valley, Sea Notes.
Base notes: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Elemi Resin, Peppermint.
DGs comments: If mermen existed, they would smell like this.
DGs verdict: ✅ would purchase as a gift for others.
Next on Domestic Goblin's wishlist:
~ Oud Noir
Top notes: Cinnamon, Saffron.
Middle notes: Plum, Amaretto.
Base notes: 5% Oud, Benzoin, Vanilla.
DGs comments:
DGs verdict:
