Goblin

[LadyCrow]

Dab a bit behind each ear, and you'll be instantly inspired to alter street signs, shake fruit from your neighbor's trees, and hide your roommate's car keys. Black coconut, gnarly patchouli, and sweet benzoin.

Oh, I am so glad this is a GC... right? Because I now have a new favorite Lab patchouli, even better than Malediction. This went straight from "test and sniff" to "ZOMG I must slather."

In the imp: Straight patchouli.

Wet: Patchouli but with the foody coconut and sweet benzoin sneaking in. This combo almost goes fruity/winey on me, which is a nice complement to the dryness of this particular patchouli.

Drying down: GREAT throw. The coconut retains its nature, but, as others have said, isn't as sweet as in other blends -- Obatala always makes me feel like a piña colada, for example. (Er, feel like I am one, not like I need to drink one.) I do get that dry woodsiness, almost pencilly, but then I like the smell of pencil shavings, so YMMV.

I think the benzoin is the great balancing note in this that makes the other two, seemingly disparate, ingredients work so well together. It's a nice smooth note, close to the skin, a medium-sweet creamy note.

*sigh* One more for the "I can has 5ml pls?" list!

[filigree_shadow]

Sweet, dry patchouli! The benzoin + patchouli combination is very nice. It smells so dark and resiny. The coconut isn't the creamy Obatala or Black Pearl kind, it's more of a dry coconut. Adds beautifully to the scent.

 

If you really like patchouli, definitely try this one.

[sookster]

straight sniff from imp is coconut and patchouli!

 

once applied this is aweseome! the coconut is smooth and thick; the patchouli

is gnarnly indeed and the benzoin rounds it out to perfection...what a fabulously

fun perfume!!

[yeahbutnobut]

Goblin

 

In the imp: vetiver? I have no idea why I smell vetiver in this sweet, dark, patchouli scent…

Wet on skin: ok, not vetiver, but it's the same patch from Malediction, with a hint of sweet coconut.

Dry on skin: dirty, earthy, autumnal patch and crisp, dry, grated coconut husk. Maybe a hint of vanilla like sweetness from benzoin. The patch in here smells just like autumn soil on my skin…wet earth full of dead leaves slowly decaying, with an undertone of the distinct patchouli scent. This wet leaves and soil scent does fade quickly to leave pure patchouli with sweet sugared toasted coconut on top. The coconut is a desiccated scent like grated coconut shavings that you sprinkle on cakes. This is really nice, actually. It's patchouli and coconut, simple as that, and it's a combo that works.

After a while: I think this, and the patch in Smiling Spider, is the most definite patchouli note in all of BPAL. A lot of BPAL patch notes do that autumnal musk/old dusty paper/incense-y earth thing on me but they don't smell too obviously like patch-but this one does. And that's no bad thing, this is a lovely rich patch note which feels like it has aged for a while-a very mature, robust patchouli. The coconut sweetens this shadowy note, adds a dry, snappy, toasted and sugared feel to the dirty patch. The benzoin adds a lovely sweet vanilla scent with a hint of amber to this earthy-nutty scent. The scent gets sweeter and more coconutty, reminiscent of those little coconut sweets, but the patch also gets darker and fuller. I think I also smell more of the benzoin now. It's also one of the few scents that seems to get stronger and more intense over time, instead of fading.

The coconut retreats after a couple of hours or so and I'm left with sweet patchouli, almost like patchouli with a sprinkling of vanilla sugar on top. Lovely!

Verdict: a simple yet effective combination, this smells just like what it says-patchouli, coconut and benzoin. The patch in here is powerful stuff, and it is definitely patchouli. It's not the BPAL patch that smells like autumn soil or earthy musk. This is 'Hello! My name is PATCHOULI!' patchouli. No mistaking this patch note-it is strong, potent and dirty (in a good way). It smells almost like matured patchouli, a little darker and less 'hippie' than you'd expect. The coconut contrasts nicely with this dark patchouli, it's a dry, husky and sweet coconut, nothing like tropical coconut but definitely like coconut shavings. Very desiccated in scent, but approachable. On top of that is the vanilla-like benzoin adding a lovely sweetness. The scent overall is sweet and mischievous but with a shadowy undertone. It's definitely not for patchouli haters because that note is very obvious in here. Because of the intensity of the patchouli here, the scent lasts for a very long time on me. I like it, but not enough for a bottle-I like my scents to be a little more complex, but I'm keeping the imp, I think this will age really nicely. I also think this will be fantastic for layering.

Emoticon rating:

Is it a keeper? maybe-I think aging will make it really good.

If you like this, try: Depraved, Smiling Spider, Malediction, Brown Jenkins, Black Pearl

[The_Merf]

In the imp and on my skin, this is a pretty clean patchouli scent (though I really can't pick up on anything else in the blend). It doesn't really do much on my skin, but as it dried down, it gave me the strangest scent association ever. Some of the casinos in Las Vegas (especially the Tropicana) have this sort of "chemical beach" smell to them that is a weird mix of sand and sunscreen--it's really weird, and not everyone picks up on it. For reasons I cannot fathom, on the drydown, this scent started to resemble that smell on my skin. I'm guessing it was the coconut coming out in a weird way as the scent evolved on my skin.

[alicia_stardust]

GOBLIN

 

Wet: Strong patchouli.

 

Dry on Skin: I have to start out by saying that I like the scent of patchouli but that I can only wear it if it's not "swarthy" or a strong part of a blend. Goblin is an exception. This is definitely strong and swarthy patchouli but the black coconut pairs so well with it. It's just... amazing! I can't quit sniffing my wrist. The benzoin adds a sweet touch to the patchouli. I think it's the benzoin and coconut together that act as a counterbalance to the strength of the patchouli. It perfects the scent! Mischievous and fun!

[supremegoddessofall]

Interesting. It simultaneously smells like a touch of all of the notes and yet not really like any of them. Overall effect is kind of indistinct.

 

Score: 3

[LyndaM]

Love it! Dark patchouli smoothed out with dry coconut, and the barest hint of sweetness from the benzoin. Perfect autumn scent. This really smells wonderful to/on me; it just works with my chemistry. An instant favorite...I just wish now that I'd followed my first instinct and ordered a bottle instead of an imp!

[hecate_jones]

In the bottle: Patchouli, patchouli, patchouli... oh, hi there coconut

 

Wet: Still patchouli, but the coconut's making itself known and there's a nice not-quite sweetness balancing out the sharp bite of the patchouli

 

Dry: Still patchouli, still sharp, slowly mellowing out and the coconut makes itself more apparent

 

Dryer: Much more mellow, thank goodness. I have to admit, I am not a patchouli lover, and thought I hated the stuff till I discovered some of Beth's blends, but I was afraid this one was going to be way too much. However, I love coconut, and this is definitely coconutty, the more it mellows down, the more the coconut pokes its head up and says "Hi there!". It's wavering on the edge between sharp and mellow, patchouli and coconut, and one whiff is nearly pure patchouli, the next is coconutty goodness. I'm thinking I have to have a bottle of this, and set it aside to age. I think with a bit of age, the sharpness will mellow out and be absolutely lovely.

[Blood onmy hands]

I was surprised that people were describing this as a patchouli single note, because I'm honestly not sure I would even recognize that it has patchouli in it. I *love* patchouli and I love this blend, but the patchouli in this is wonderful and doesn't overwhelm the other notes at all. On me, Goblin has a smooth, sweet, resinous quality to it that is similar to Midnight Mass on my skin at first, and then the coconut takes over the drydown.

 

The coconut in here reminds me of the fragrance I get from LUSH's Trichomania shampoo. It's a gorgeous, sweet, almost buttery, creamed coconut smell that really amps up on my skin. For a bit I can pick out patchouli that reminds me of the black patchouli that is in Depraved (heaven), but then the earthy qualities take a turn and remind me of something like cedar chips.

 

Goblin is like an awesome coconut blend on me with a changing cast of characters rotating in the background. It starts off as coconut and sweet resins then morphs into something like coconut and black patchouli and then settles into coconut and cedar chips. I'm not sure if all of those woody notes are actually the patchouli drying down or what, but Goblin never smells like just patchouli or a strong patchouli on my skin. I'm glad this isn't really a dry sort of blend on me either, the coconut is creamy and sweet and the earthy/woody notes are spicy and lively. Gorgeous.

 

I love this and it works out so well on my skin. I'm definitely upgrading my imp to a full bottle.

[gwynethr]

The most interesting discovery for me when I got into BPAL was my love for patchouli. I thought all my life that I hated it, I guess tramatized by nasty incense (when I get around burning incense, I sneeze uncontrollably for hours and hours and my eyes get swollen and itchy) growing up in the era of hippies. (The second biggest discovery was that I actually liked musk, especially red musk. Another note I thought I disliked, but in BPAL, it was something wonderful.)

 

Goblin sounded like a perfect fragrance for me -- coconut? Always good. Patchouli? My new favorite friend. Benzoin? Love it. And it's turned out to be as perfect as I expected. This is a tough little goblin with some bite, but a nice, sweet side that lingers long after the fangs go away. He's wonderful!

[dirtytrip]

I didn't think I was going to like this blend, cause it dawns sharp and cranky on my skin. But if I give it a little while, it mellows out to a soft spice with a bit of crustiness, kinda like Hoggle in that icon somebody has for this scent. Nicely dry, pleasant, probably really good for layering. I like!

[Pottersville]

Oh, soooooo promising!! Goblin started out vaguely foody (could that be the coconut), spicy, earthy. I was in love! But then I think the patchouli marched in to kick *ss and I ended up swathed in pencil shavings.

[tinyvulture]

oh Goblin, i love you! strong, pure patchouli combines perfectly with tropical coconut, and the benzoin adds just the right amount of sweetness. the coconut note really reminds me of Lush’s Skinny Dip. a delightful scent. the coconut is sweet and fun, but the patchouli grounds it and gives it a darker, earthy side. it’s kind of similar to Brown Jenkins, but i prefer this scent because of all the patchouli! i think this is great to wear year-round.

[Jenesis]

Goblin = love. Nom nom nom! Sweet coconut grounded by non-tobacco-smelling patchouli. I have no idea what benzoin is so I don't know what to smell for, but there is something else behind the coconut.

 

A lovely blend and definitely a keeper, maybe a bottler!

[storme]

In the imp: augh strong dry patchouli by the shovelful.

 

On me, wet: so so so much patchouli, with a sprinkling of coconut meat. Kind of sticky to my nose.

 

On me, dry: okay, it's sweetened and smoothed out a little now - it's creamier and less dusty-dry. But it's still very patchouli-prominent.

 

Verdict: Alas, no, I think not.

[theseagrows]

i got this as a frimp from someone, yay! i was surprised when i re-read the notes, i was sure i smelled vetiver in the imp, but perhaps it was patchouli mixing with the benzoin? at first the patchouli is very strong, but once it fades this turns into a gorgeous warm scent and the coconut makes an appearance. lovely, i am definitely keeping my imp, maybe getting a bottle one day.

[Ajila]

In the bottle –First coconut then a hit of patchouli

 

Wet on me – The rubbery vanilla of the benzoin, the dirtiness of the patchouli and the sweetness of the coconut

 

Dry on me – Initially the patchouli grows stronger and stronger, until it dominates the blend, but eventually it fades leaving a lovely real vanilla ice cream sort of scent

 

Overall – I love the final dry down, but I’m less keen on the ‘I am patchouli hear me roar’ aspect earlier on. I’m in a bit of an odd place hormonally at the moment so I think this is probably worth holding on to and trying again when things have settled down

[hkhm]

imp: this is the scent of my most favourite scratch-n-sniff sticker when i was little. (*adds bottle or two to basket*) this is a creamy, nutty patchouli. the sticker was of a trick-or-treating skeleton.

 

wet: (*eyes roll back in head*) yep. this is such a memory jolt i must buy a bottle asap. creamy coconut over gritty patchouli.

 

dry: this is a very deep, dark patchouli, the coconut is much more a hint once dry.

[rhiannonsanchez]

I really wanted to love this one because Ive just got a thing for goblins, but it didnt work for me Going on it was nothing but patchouli. Very hippie. As it dried down, the patchouli was still there but this earthiness came out and I smelled like a hippie that had been rolling around in the dirt. The patchouli stayed strong as long as I wore it, and I didnt get any of the coconut scent that I wanted. Maybe I will wear this again if Im feeling kinda retro, but its not one of my favorites.

 

ADDED Feb. 6:

 

I just wanted to amend my review. After weraing it again, its really grown on me. Its hippie, yes, but for some reason its starting to work. Go figure! But Im pleased and will continue to wear Goblin!

[djsiberia]

more coconut than i would like. the patchouli is amping and reminding me of umbra which has that dirty hippie stench.

 

i was hoping the coconut would be more if a back drop, at least its not like the sun tan oil.

[greenranger]

This was a frimp. I am slowly working my way through all the frimps that were in my order. =)

 

In the imp, Patchouli.

 

Wet on me, patchouli and coconut. Nice! My favorite one so far, I think(out of three tried, hee! Yes, I am very new).

 

A few minutes later, the patchouli seems to be getting the upper hand.

 

Darn. I'm sniffing, hoping the coconut will come back. I don't mind the patchouli, but, I liked the scent better when the coconut was apparent. So far, my skin seems to be amping the patchouli or resin in the scents that I have tried, and hiding everything else. I may have to try a few of the scents again in a scent locket to see if I have better luck.

[mooncityminx]

Oh yeah! I just got an imp of this in the mail and I just love it.

 

In the vial: At first I thought it wasn't going to work for me. There is a lot of patchouli in this. *the goblin sneezes* "PACHEW-ly" I mean, this is serious wood shavings and pungent something that reminds me of a stable with horses, maybe leather? Whew!

 

Wet: I smell caramel and coconut. This is sweet but there is still an earthiness to it.

 

Dry: The patchouli and the sweets harmonize nicely. The throw is decent. The patchouli is different than other BPAL patchouli's I have used, but it is really nice. It reminds me of the single-note patchouli perfume I used to buy from Crabtree & Evelyn to fragrance my home. It adds a peaceful earthy feeling to the caramel and coconut. It makes the patchouli non-threatening. I could see this as something I would wear a lot of in the summer, and would be absolutely wonderful as a home fragrance. *puts it on GC wishlist*

 

[mazaru]

Wet: This smells delicious. The coconut and benzoin are fantastic together, making a really interesting and dark mix, slightly woody, slightly sweet.

 

Dry: On me, this dries to a single note (and very strong) patchouli - the smell of head shops and incense, rather than goblins. I absolutely loved the wet stages, but this one isn't for me.

[phoenix1558]

If Malediction and Black Pearl met each other in some smoky little club one night, while drinking absinthe as they listened to French existential poetry and awaited John Coltrane's arrival, and then spied each other across the crowded room, and one thing led to another, Goblin would be their love child.

 

There's enough of the happy coconut from Black Pearl to sweeten the patchoulli a bit and mellow it out for public consumption, but not enough that it turns into some tropical drink. And yet this baby is full out patchoulli also; dirty, earthy, dark, and uber sexy in its own patchoulli way.

 

For patchoulli lovers only. But if you do love your patchoulli, this is magnificant.