Zoologist Perfumes is an innovative fragrance house that captures the unique characteristics of animals, transforming them into peculiar yet fun scents. Known for being divisive and controversial, this brand challenges traditional perfumery and may not appeal to everyone.
As the name suggests, all of these perfumes have an animalic note that may smell sexy or fetid depending on your perception. Regardless of how many reviews you read, nothing can fully prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster these fragrances will take you on!
This is a review of the Slickboys Zoologist Sample Set, which includes the "ten most popular Zoologist fragrances" in 2ml dabber vials. These samples are decanted in-house, so they lack official Zoologist branded packaging.
I chose to buy from Slickboys because it offered an affordable way to sample a range of Zoologist fragrances. Official sets are hard to find from UK suppliers, and I wanted to avoid expensive shipping or customs fees. Plus, getting 10 2ml samples for £36.95 felt like a bargain.
Delivery was quick, with my order dispatched the same day and arriving via Royal Mail within 48 hours. The sample set was packaged in a bubble wrap pouch inside a black padded envelope. Each vial was clearly labelled, with no damage or spills.
Dabber vials are controversial, with many people preferring sprays. However, I found no difference in fragrance quality between dabber and spray. For opening dabber vials without spills, wiggle the lid open instead of trying to 'pop' it using the lip.
I've reviewed each fragrance based on first impressions (on a blotter) and how they perform on the skin after wearing each for a whole day. Longevity was based on how long they lasted on the skin, though spraying onto clothes will yield better results. These perfumes undergo dramatic transformations throughout the day, so I took the time to review each one thoroughly.
I've already sampled Bee and Harvest Mouse, both of which I really like. From this set, I was most excited to try Seahorse, Moth, and Camel based on their notes, though my favourites turned out to be quite different!
I rated each perfume on a scale from "this is vile" to "let me bathe in it." I also played a game with my partner where he guessed the animal based on the perfume I was wearing that day, which was super fun and highly recommended!
1 - I hate it and want to get rid of it
2 - I dislike it and I won't use the sample up
3 - I'm neutral; I neither love nor hate it
4 - I like it and will wear it
5 - I love it and would buy full size
Zoologist Perfume Reviews
Rabbit: 3/5
First impressions: Like sticking your head into a rabbit hutch with sweet grass, green apples, and biscuits scattered over hay. The fruity note cuts through the almond biscuit scent, creating a funky sweet aroma.
On the skin: It turns into a creamy floral vanilla scent. The biscuit note fades, leaving a blend of leaves, apple, and bergamot with a rich cinnamon undertone. It starts as a beautiful floral green perfume but quickly dries down to a simple fresh vanilla skin scent. Average longevity requires reapplication for all-day wear.
Penguin: 2/5
First impressions: An aromatic blue fragrance with a balance of fresh and woody notes. The ice note gives it a crisp, cool smell, but it leans too much toward menthol rather than iceberg.
On the skin: A wearable aquatic perfume with the strong suede softened by floral and berry notes. The iciness keeps it fresh and light, preventing the leathery musk from becoming too heavy. Longevity is good, with the fragrance remaining consistent from application to the end of the day, albeit fainter.
Squid: 3/5
First impressions: A full-bodied aquatic fragrance with potent ink and sea salt notes, evoking a swim to the ocean's depths.
On the skin: Sweet and salty with a musky incense note, creating a cosy and inviting scent. A balmy smokiness adds complexity. It's beautiful and sexy but not something I'd wear. Strong and punchy with great longevity, lasting all day without reapplication.
Moth: 3/5
First impressions: A strong, sharp, musty, and acrid scent that clings to everything. The honey and floral notes are barely detectable as that intense note overpowers everything. I really didn't want to test this one on my skin…
On the skin: I feel very different about this perfume now. The smoke and mixed florals create a musky sweet scent, with clove and black pepper adding spice. It evokes a wilted bouquet in an abandoned house, sensual and mysterious. Excellent longevity, but it starts to smell like dusty flowers in stagnant water after several hours.
Tyrannosaurus Rex: 1/5
First impressions: A deep amber fragrance with the heavy leather note balanced nicely by the floral notes, though it smells a bit like cough medicine. I was expecting it to be overpoweringly funky and animalistic due to the reviews I've read...
On the skin: Funky at first but quickly dissipates into a fresh and spicy perfume. The fir and incense notes give it a menthol smell, while the florals add sweetness. The combination of patchouli, civet, and cade oil creates an unfortunately pungent, unpleasant odour. Excellent longevity, but it dries down to a bitter, sharp scent that gave me a headache.
Bee: 5/5
I've already sampled this perfume and absolutely love it so I can't give first impressions here. This perfume smells exactly like raw beeswax and sweet honey mixed with wildflowers. Bold, bright, thick, and heavy, it has a rich, syrupy smell with a musky, animalistic note. It projects strongly and lasts all day, making it quite an intoxicating fragrance.
Chameleon: 4/5
First impressions: Subtle, light, and fruity with a blend of citrus fruits, mixed florals, bergamot, and vetiver. Sweet, woody, and fresh, it blooms beautifully in warm weather.
On the skin: It smells like a spa at a 5-star hotel on a tropical island. A summery perfume with jasmine, cashmere, coconut, lemon, and sea salt notes. Soft and delicate florals with non-cloying fruit notes. Dries down quickly, becoming a barely detectable skin scent after a few hours. Poor longevity is its only drawback.
Camel: 3/5
First impressions: Intoxicatingly sweet like dates with a rich, caramel smell. Medicinal but enticing with a balance of ripe fruit, florals, cinnamon, and oud.
On the skin: Strong civet note gives it a funky animalic smell, but it settles into a beautiful amber fragrance. Dark, warm, and spicy with a funky undertone, reminiscent of a camel that's been stood in the sun. Poor longevity, drying down quickly to a simple musky amber fragrance. It would make a lovely evening perfume.
Seahorse: 2/5
First impressions: Initially it smells like a dental practice, then becomes a sweet aquatic fragrance. Lighter than Squid, it evokes swimming alongside an overgrown riverbank.
On the skin: A traditional blue cologne with overpowering vetiver. Retains some sweetness and algae notes but ultimately smells like shower gel. Good longevity, lasting from morning to evening.
Panda: 3/5
First impressions: Green apple with citrus and floral notes, creating a light and refreshing grassy fragrance.
On the skin: Sweetness gives way to musky, woody notes with a spicy twist from Sichuan pepper. A heavier green fragrance with a floral presence. Longevity of 3-4 hours with a rollercoaster of notes during the dry down.
Harvest Mouse: 5/5 (Bonus Review)
This isn't part of the set but I have nowhere else to review it! Creamy, woody aromatic perfume with sweet grassy notes from chamomile and vanilla. The blend of hay, sandalwood, clove, and beer, give it a mellow, well-rounded fragrance. Pleasant, vanilla ice cream scent with great longevity, wearable year-round. Not as complex as other Zoologist fragrances but as a result, it's much more wearable.
Final Thoughts
Sampling this set was a lot of fun. It challenged me to try fragrances outside my usual preferences and helped me better understand the notes I enjoy.
You certainly have to take your time with these perfumes though! Zoologist perfumes are about evoking feelings and capturing moods, so these fragrances do require time and patience to fully appreciate. Initial impressions can change quite dramatically.
Despite Zoologist's reputation for creating unwearable perfumes, I found many of them quite accessible and enjoyable—even if I wouldn't personally wear many of them. They particularly appeal to those who view perfume as an art form and a source of entertainment, rather than merely something to wear.
Most of the perfumes aren't ones you would wear regularly, as they have very unique scents. Unless you find one that matches you perfectly, they are better suited for special occasions or when you're in the mood for something distinctive.
To enjoy Zoologist, you need to appreciate scents that straddle the line between beautiful and repulsive, and be comfortable with smelling unusual to those around you if you plan to wear these perfumes outside the house.