Bell, Book & Candle

Brief profile

Cassie Nightingale studied Art History at Wellingsly College and used to authenticate art as a hobby.

Can play Scrabble in Farsi.

Speaks six languages.

First marriage to Jake Russell.

Mother to Grace.

Stepmother to Brandon and Lori.

Second marriage to Sam Radford.

Stepmother to Nick.

Cousins with Abigail Pershing.

Birth name: Sue-Ellen Brock.

Cassie's Concoctions, Elixirs & Remedies and other Middleton Merriwick delights

~ For Grandpa George's arthritis 

Dried avocado and soybean with Boswellia.

~ Grace's morning drink

Lemon balm, passion flower and valerian root.

~ Cassie's own special blend of herb tea for relieving stress

~ George's medication

Ginseng, licorice root, yohimbine.

~ Martha's tea blend

~ Stephanie's migraines

Oil to rub in energy points, yoga, no caffeine.

(S1:E1)

~Alternative coffee for Sam

Dandelion, chicory and beet roots.

~ Cassie's own version of aspirin

Acetylsalicylic acid, willow tree bark, meadowsweet and papyrus.

(S1:E2)

~ Shots of beet juice before the 10k fun run

A good source of inorganic nitrates which supply blood flow to the muscles.

(S1:E4)

~ Rumoured to be the scent that Cleopatra wore

Orange blossom, patchouli and honey.

(S1:E5)

~ Sugar beet juice to de-ice driveways

It's odourless, colourless and completely harmless to humans, animals and plants.

~ To settle a guest's stomach (Brian)

A powder made from guyabano fruit.

~ For pregnant Eve who had trouble sleeping

Warm milk with cherries and fermented chamomile.

(S1:E7)

~ For Ben's sister's bad back

It's steam-distilled from the rhizome of plai, wild-grown in Thailand. Widely regarded for it's analgesic, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenative properties.

~ Eclectic Halloween dinner

Brandon's favourite soup

Grace's favourite drink

Lori's favourite pie

Abigail's favourite vegetables

George's potatoes

All to accompany Cassie's famous Eggplant Parmesan.

(S2:E1)

~ Brain power drink to help Grace study

Brahmi: Indian folk medicine known as 'herb of grace.

(S2:E2)

~ For Stephanie's upcoming camping trip with Ben

A natural oil that repels bugs.

~ Brandon's favourites

Greek food and chocolate cake from the Bistro.

(S2:E3)

~ For Stephanie's back ache

Cassie's special blend of frankincense, cypress and white fir.

~ For Stephanie's stress

Rosa Damascena.

(S2:E4)

~ To help with Michael Tinsdale's career

A candle infused with amber which ancient civilisations believe contained rays of the sun. Amber's restorative and has the ability to light a fire under people, so to speak.

(S2:E5)

~ For Stephanie's insomnia

Passiflora incarnata.

~ Sinus congestion

Mullein extract and Cassie's peach tea.

~ Periwinkle crystal agate bracelet

It's very calming.

(S2:E7)

~ Grace buys Cassie a drink

Pumpkin spiced chai.

(S2:E10)

~ Good for Martha's stress and anxiety

Blue vervain tea.

(S2:E12)

~ A mirror for Martha

Used in the early days of Middleton by coachmen to see things they had just passed.

~ Mupcakes for the upcoming book launch

Cherry cupcakes with orange frosting.

~ Middleton as Tarynsville

The Bistro as Dendalls Dining Hall

Abigail's Flower Market as the Garden of Perpetual Joy

Bell, Book & Candle as the Apothecary Shoppe

Nick as Boy Prince

~ Present for Jessica Carrington 

A lighter from Azerbaijan.

~ Tea for customer who likes lamb

Rosemary tea.

(S3:E1)

~ For when you have a lot of thinking to do

Quadrivium candle.

~ Middleton Botanical Garden

The Middleton Merriwick is a very important plant to the town.

~ Tea for Eve

Malabathrum (cinnamon) grown in northern India. For those days when nothing seems to be going right. Also has anti-inflammatory properties.

~ Middleton. We grow magic.

(S3:E3)

~ Tea that Jim and Annabel both like 

From Skagit Valley.

(S3:E5)

~ Stephanie's popcorn flavours

Parmesan garlic, salted caramel, bacon-cheddar.

(S3:E6)

~ Abigail's new product

The finest hand crafted chocolates from Venezeula individually wrapped with the Abigail Pershing special flair.

(S3:E8)

~ To boost your immune system and get energy back up

Dried reishi mushrooms. Can be eaten in their own or in a soup.

(S3:E9)

~ Sams favourite type of cake

Yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

(S3:E10)

~ For boosting physical energy 

Oatstraw tea.

~ For restoring bone and cartilage 

Red Clover tea.

(S3:E11)

~ For boosting the immune system and slowing down the degeneration of brain cells

Ashwagandha extract.

~ Wedding reading

They’re about to say 'I do.' 
Three little letters, two little words. 

It’s the simplest part of the day. But there’s nothing simple about the things that will remain unsaid.

'I do' means I do know I could be hurt, but I’m ready to be healed with you.

It means I do want to try even when the fear of failure holds me back.

And I do not know the future, but I’m ready to be surprised along the way.

And 'I do' means, I do want your love and I do give you mine, and nothing we do will ever be the same because you and I will be doing it all together.

(S3:E12)

~The Perriwood prophecy written by Cotton Perriwood

In the hall of sustenance found, 

the Halloween faces stare up from the ground.

While others pass to get their sleep,

Within the fount the creatures leap.

Behold the rare foreboding sight,

The chilling horde that soars by night.

Friendships will be tested and we'll all be thrust into darkness,

and love will struggle to survive.

They stumble where the pumpkins set,

and purchase not their fair regrets.

And the winds of change shall blow that night.

Form the healers hands, all hope will be brought,

As this intertwined, all secrets be taught.

And in that year the people shall come together like never before.

The gentle server will sit down with she who sells fragrant beauty and differences will be forgotten, fading into the light of day.

The hands of the healer and the hostess shall forever be entwined.

And the Halloween spirit will last long after the last candle has burned so bright filling the town with all that is beautiful, all that is true and all that is good.

~ Good for circulation and lowering blood pressure

Gabaron oolong tea.

(S4:E1 & E2)

~ Cassie's dream engagement ring

The Merriwick Gimmel Ring.

(S4:E3)

~ Cassie orders a takeaway drink

Green tea with honey and almond milk.

~  The lake house WiFi password

RaDford329$!

~ Cassie's all natural soap

Made with coconut oil, almond butter and grapefruit seed extract.

(S4:E6)

~ The sound of Cassie's favourite colour

A flute (magenta).

(S4:E8)

~ Martha's secret pumpkin pie topping

Fresh ginger root, brown sugar, sea salt, cayenne.

(S5:E2)

~ Grace's favourite tea 

Orange chamomile.

~ Drink Cassie orders when she is exhausted 

Organic ice-strawberry green tea.

~ Cassie and Sam's wedding

Under the Forever Tree.

Elizabeth Merriwick's antique wedding dress.

Honeymoon at a country vineyard.

~ Steph serves Martha the ultimate comfort food

Coconut cream pie.

(S5:E4 & E5)

~ Food that makes people open up

Strawberry crepes.

~ Donovan Davenport's favourite chocolates

With cherries in the middle.

(S5:E6)

~ Necklace that symbolises friendship 

Jade pikorua necklace made by the Maori of New Zealand.

(S5:E7)

~ For Cassie's Teaching Assistant who had the flu

Elderberry tincture.

(S5:E8)

~ Lavender 

It clears the stressful emotions from your life and reminds you to smile.

(S5:E9)

~ Martha's gift for Dottie Davenport 

Lemongrass and jasmine candle.

~ Abigail's favourite chocolate

Peanut butter cups, dark chocolate.

(S5:E11)

~ Grace's favourite tea

Wild berry hibiscus.

(S5:12)

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The town of Middleton was founded by Nathaniel and Meredith Merriwick on October 12, 1794.

Personal Fragrance Wardrobe 2025

Joyful to wear any time, any season

Libre EdT by YSL

Awesome professional combo

Molecule 01+ Black Tea by Eccentric Molecules

CK One Essence by Calvin Klein

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Mystery Arabian Perfume Oil

N12

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Honourable mentions

English Pear & Freesia by Jo Malone

Scarlet Poppy by Jo Malone

 

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* This list is subject to change at any time *

Frivolous October

In October 2025, the Domestic Goblin treated herself to three items from Victoria Beckham Beauty.

Perhaps it was the Netflix documentary that motivated DG to show some support for our former Posh Spice or perhaps she's just worth it.

~ Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Cocoa

Described as a creamy, smudge-free and waterproof kajal eyeliner in a high performing, decadent rich matte brown colour.

DGs comments: Does what it says on the tin.

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The perfumes were rather pricey so the Domestic Goblin opted to buy the hand creams that are infused with the scent instead. 

~ Portofino '97 Hand Cream

Inspired by the Italian seaside.

Notes include: Calabrian, bergamot, black pepper, white sheets, incense, amber, patchouli and vetiver. 

DGs comments: A non-greasy hand cream with a surprisingly delicate and sparkling scent.

Although an enjoyable hand cream to use, there are much more affordable options with similar performance.

Will not repurchase due to size of tube and price.

~ 21:50 Rêverie Hand Cream

The luxuriant ambience of Java nights.

Notes include: Tobacco leaves, plum, vanilla pods, tonka beans and cedarwood.

DGs comments: A non-greasy hand cream with a scent of chocolate digestives biscuits. 

Although an enjoyable hand cream to use, there are much more affordable options with similar performance.

Will not repurchase due to size of tube and price.

~ Bonus Green Velvet Pochette 

This was the best part of the purchase and it was free.

Overall verdict on Victoria Beckham Beauty: Good quality products but too pricey and not enough wow factor to continue repurchasing.

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June 2026 update: 

During a heatwave, the scent of the Portofino '97 hand cream really elevated off the skin and sung beautifully. If only the actual bottle of perfume was more affordable.

Smelling Zara

Dark Romance

Notes: Jasmine flowers, Chantilly cream, tonka bean, toffee and vanilla.

DGs verdict: Polite sweet milk tea. Won't repurchase.

Cocoa & Latte

Notes: White chocolate, whipped cream and white suede.

DGs verdict: Weak milkshake. Won't repurchase.

A Sweet Pastry in Paris

Notes: Fresh lemon, sweet sugar cane and velvety vanilla.

DGs verdict: Nutty lemon meringue cake.

Fashionably London

Notes: Bergamot, rose and musk.

DGs verdict: All musk and no rose according to DGs nose. Non-binary rose. Won't repurchase.

Magnificently Dubai

Notes: Bergamot, saffron, oud, leather and vanilla.

DGs verdict: Headache inducing incense. Won't repurchase.

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The Super Sniffer

~ Follow by Kerosene

"Warmth and bright new mornings collide when passersby glance. Eyes close as they take in dark-roasted coffee, vanilla, and amber. Their usual route is abandoned; it's you they follow."

Notes: Coffee beans, vanilla, benzoin, tonka, sap, and amber.

Comments: The Domestic Goblin had such high hopes for this one because Aaron Terence Hughes gave it a 10/10.

Verdict: A delicious coffee opening and then an ashy incense and bonfire dry down with nothing else inbetween. Disappointed.

~ R'oud Elements by Kerosene 

"An orange bitter sun is setting beyond the trees, a small oud and sandalwood fire smolders. The scent is soft, deep and longing for invitation."

Notes: Oud, Cedar, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla, Lavender, Iris, and Orange Bitters.

Verdict: The oud dominates. Disappointed.

~ Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene

Description: You're walking down a cold street in England, listening to Joy Division, sipping on a  warm cup of London Fog. This fragrance opens up with the smooth sweetness of honey with Earl Grey tea, with a zing of lemon. It dries down to a cozy vanilla, sweet tonka bean and waffle cone base, sure to make any gourmand lover smile.

Notes: Earl Grey tea, Lemon, Bergamot, Honey, Tonka Bean, Caramel, Vanilla and Waffle Cone.

Comments: The Domestic Goblin decided to revisit this fragrance in the hopes that her nose would appreciate this fragrance more after eight years.

2024 verdict: Polite waffles and a fleeting lemon drizzle cake. Too polite and too fleeting.

~ Cerutti 1881 Pour Femme by Cerutti

A fragrance that pairs the essence of femininity with timeless elegance. Authentic, subtle and sensitive. Woody | Floral.

Top notes: Linen Flower, Mimosa, Freesia, Violet.

Heart notes: Linen Flower, Orange Blossom, Jasmine.

Base Notes: Sandlewood, Vanilla.

Verdict: Smells like a ballerina washing their hair with vintage shampoo. Too pretty to repurchase.

~ Signature by Mont Blanc 

This fragrance tells the story of a creative woman. The feminine contrast between oriental vanilla and white musk brings exotic holiday feelings into everyday life.

Top notes: Clementine

Heart notes: Magnolia, Peony, Ylang-Ylang
Base notes: Benzoin, White Musk, Vanilla

Verdict: Smells like nectarine ice-cream and burnt plastic.

~ Cypress & Grapevine by Jo Malone

The aromatic notes of cypress trees unite with the warmth of grapevine and the sensuality of amber. A fresh and woody scent that leaves a lasting impression. Refined, distinctive and bold.

Verdict: A pleasant masculine citrus.

Se7en

Evening imprinting:

L'instant de Guerlain by Guerlain

Scarlet Poppy by Jo Malone

Onyx by ATH

Overall joyfulness:

Cloud by Ariana Grande

English Pear & Freesia by Jo Malone

Summer / office safe:

Au The Vert by Bvlgari

Gender subversion:

Sartorial by Penhaligons 

Happy People Use Perfume

The Domestic Goblin only discovered the house of Teo Cabanel in February 2023 via perfume loving members of the YouTube community.

In March 2023, DG decided to purchase and test out the Discovery Set and her thoughts are below...

~ Je Ne Sais Quoi

Smells more like steamed rice than the scent of toasted rice/savoury popcorn most commonly associated with gemaicha. 

~ Tres French

Generic green perfume scent.

~ Encore

All carrot and soy milk. No cake.

~ Et Voila

Musky soap.

~ Oh La La

DG appears to be anosmic to the notes.

~ Cafe Cabanel

Linear coconut latte.

~ Ca Boum

Salty and sweet.

~ Oha

Leather and oakmoss that lingers.

~ Rendezvous

Polite blossoms.

~ Alahine

Pink musk.

~ Kasar

Clove and patchouli domination.

~ Barkhane

Cumin and oud and nothing else.

Overall thoughts: Contrary to the YouTube reviews, the DG found the majority of their fragrances does not live up to the 'beast mode' claims. In reality, the projection and sillage is gentle and disappointingly, the scent itself disappears after a couple of hours. 

Alas! Due to longevity issues and lack of the joy factor, the DG won't be purchasing full sized bottles of any of these scents.

This such a shame because the customer service team at Teo Cabanel are quick to respond and helpful! 

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Renewed Love for Jo Malone

English Pear & Freesia

The essence of autumn. Luscious and golden.

Top notes: King William Pear and Melon.

Middle notes: Freesia and Rose.

Base notes: Musk, Patchouli, Rhuburb and Amber.

Scarlet Poppy 

Inspired by the wild steppes of southwest Asia. Ravishing and moreish.

Top note: Ambrette (Musk Mallow).

Middle notes: Orris, Fig and Poppy.

Base notes: Tonka Bean, Heliotrope and Barley.

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The Perfume Gal

The Domestic Goblin had taken a hiatus in terms of fragrance sampling/sniffing but has now renewed her interest...

~ Bal d'Afrique by Byredo

Warm generic perfumey skin scent. Unable to decipher specific notes.

Verdict: ❌

~ Philosykos by Diptyque

Linear tomato stems.

Verdict: ❌

~ Another 13 by Le Labo

Strong saline nothingness.

Verdict: ❌

~ Oud Wood by Tom Ford

Polite oud.

Verdict: ✅ but probably won't purchase a full sized bottle due to longevity issues and the price.

~ Tobacco Oud by Tom Ford

Sweet oud.

Verdict: ✅ but probably won't purchase a full sized bottle due to longevity issues and the price.

~ Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone

The clove dominates and overpowers everything else. It's like eating sweets in the middle of a petrol station.

Verdict: ❌❌

~ English Pear and Freesia by Jo Malone

Smells like you're eating a ripe, floral pear.

Verdict: ✅✅

~ Scarlet Poppy Intense by Jo Malone

Smells gloriously sweet, floral and nutty at the same time. 

Verdict: ✅ ✅ DGs only hesitation is the price.

ATH Unicorn: Project, Imprint & Last

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 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: ✅✅ Will repurchase as a gift for others.

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January 2025 purchase/update:

~ Oud Noir

Top notes: Cinnamon, Saffron.

Middle notes: Plum, Amaretto.

Base notes: 5% Oud, Benzoin, Vanilla.

DGs comments: Non-alcoholic boozy sweet oud.

DGs verdict: ✅ Will repurchase as a gift for others.

~ Onyx Extreme

Top notes: Rose Absolute (4%).

Middle notes: Vanilla Absolute, Plum, Chocolate, Raspberry, Ylang Ylang.

Base notes: Amber, Oakmoss, Patchouli, 7.6% Thai Oud, Ethical Ambergris, Sandalwood, Musk.

DGs comments: On warm, just got out of the bath skin, this fragrance goes straight to the base notes. As your skin cools down, you smell the middle and top and notes. A perfume in reverse.

DGs verdict: ✅✅ A smoother version of Onyx and attracts the right sort of person.

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October 2025 purchase/update:

~ Onyx Air

Top notes: Rose Absolute, Ozone.

Middle notes: Amber, Jasmine, Fig, Truffle.

Base notes: Thai Oud 2%, Vanilla, Ambergris, Cinnamon, Clove, White Musk, Oakmoss.

DGs comments: DG loves the fact that the notes in both Onyx Extreme and Onyx Air develop in reverse on her skin.

DGs verdict: ✅✅ A sweeter and, dare I say it, more innocent version of Onyx.

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November/December 2025 purchase/update:

~ Censored Elixir (previously known as Hard Candy Elixir)

The Domestic Goblin purchased this scent to show her support for Aaron and in rejection of unfair censorship.

Top notes: Mint, Lavender, Sweet Orange, Lemon,  Mandarin Orange

Middle notes: Strawberry, Vanilla, Tonka, Amber, Honey, Nutmeg
Base notes: White Musk, Musk, Patchouli, Oud, Ambergris, Sandalwood.

DGs comments: On DGs skin it smells like a musty old library book and fleeting out-of-season strawberries and nothing else. This particular scent performs better in the cap and on paper. 

DGs verdict: ❌ Disappointed. Over hyped.

~ Supersonic

Described as Supernova taken to the extreme.

Top notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Lemon.

Middle notes: Apple, Pineapple, Sea Notes.

Base notes: Ambergris, Ginger, Oakmoss,  Patchouli, Haitian Vetiver, White Musk.

DGs comments: Purchased as a Christmas present for someone else. Fresh and citrusy.

DGs verdict: ✅ Will repurchase as a gift for someone else.

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