Dark Moon (Holiday No.16)

DSH Perfumes Dark Moon is a holiday release from late 2016, and I’m trying it in Voile de Parfum form. It was one of the offerings Dawn’s catalogue that caught my eye early on, given its interesting array of fun winter notes, led by none other than chocolate. Interestingly enough, though, chocolate does not seem to be an ingredient, yet I still get hints of it through. The blend is really what makes Dark Moon interesting, however, as it’s not a chocolate-heavy fragrance, even though I’m reminded of chocolate a lot when wearing. The “red wine” note figures in prominently as well, so it’s a bit like mixing red wine and dark chocolate, as the DSH website states. Still, there are some resinous and boozy qualities to it, as well, the labdanum, amber, vanilla, and cognac providing a bit of bridge between the contrasting accords of chocolate and wine. The result is a mix of relatively heavy-handed, mostly sharp cold-weather notes that work very well together. This one will really shine in the cooler weather. Its projection isn’t dramatic but its density and longevity are very satisfying. As far as availability, it’s sold via the DSH website at $145 for 60ml VDP or at Tigerlily Perfumery at a $125 for 30ml EDP. Dark Moon certainly one I’ll have to consider adding to the collection, as it’s not really redundant with more chocolate-dominant scents like 4160 Tuesdays Over the Chocolate Shop, but really has a sharper, more blended character, overall. Another winner from this house. 8 out of 10

I absolutely love it!!! It's so delicious! Beautiful things in this! Delicious chocolate, glorious cognac and wine, and spices, with amazing and gorgeous myrrh and labdanum, and soft smooth sweet soothing honey and some lovely velvety rose, and strong jasmine - and gorgeous oakmoss too. I think it's an amazing perfume. I love it. It's dark and sensuous and potent. Very very sensual, and very very gorgeous! And it lasts for about 14 hours, with fantastic sillage and draws people to me, who want to hug me more than usual! It's one of my all time favourite perfumes! And the name is very wonderful. I love the moon on a deep dark night, the mystery, the deep emotion of it. This perfume has that for me. Deep emotion. And the colour is gorgeous! And the bottle is such a gorgeous design, and so gorgeous!!! (have I said enough gorgeous's?) I absolutely adore Dark Moon (Holiday No. 16)!!!! It's GORGEOUS!!!

Surprisingly good cocoa! It is more woody and spicy than truly cacao, making for perfume illusion magic, but for once it works on me. This is really sensuous and sweet, powdery like chocolate ice cream. The tootsie roll comparison below is also spot on. I really love it, and appreciate that this house offers so many sizes and formats.

This is a very comforting, full bodied, multilayered fragrance that really focuses on the warm, slightly bitter quality of chocolate amplified by some sweet and spicy notes. This perfume is warm and deserves to be tried in the winter time (so I have a while to wait) but even in the sweltering heat it was still very beautiful. Overall just a very likable fragrance. 7.5/10

this starts with a ton of cacao and a hint of nutmeg, followed by woods. after awhile i get a lot of beeswax and some smokiness. it's dry, warm and cozy but not sweet. i am trying in winter and it's perfect for cold weather. i don't seem to get any of the florals. this is a comforting winter scent, for sure.

Dry dusty cocoa pod with a touch of brandy.

Cloying melted chocolate! it's the nesquik cocoa powder at MAX. It's as if having a cereal breakfast with hot milk then pour that nesquik cocoa powder on and have a drink! it is like children meals! Cacao powder, nutmeg, honey, & slight sandlwood. Gourmand at max, and the melted chocolate style rather than the assorted delicious one. Is this really the smell of dark moon!!

I wanted to love this because the notes are amazing! But it doesn't really work for me. I do get the chocolate, leather and ambergris, but the salty sea notes with smooth chocolate aren't favorite, and the leathery aspects remind me of English Leather plus chocolate. Just not quite where I was wanting to go.

I do really like this, I've never smelled any perfume like it. Deep, dark and unique, chocolaty but not delicious. Hate to say this, but there is a bit of Tootsie Roll to this, but not in a bad way, even though I'm not a tootsie roll fan (is anyone? not sure why there are still in production).

To my post COVID nose, dark moon smells like After Height chocolate, but with red wine instead of mint. There isn’t a lot of sweetness to the scent and it’s not loud or cloying. I LOVE it. I find it unique while being wearable. I bought a full bottle after getting a sample.