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My Friends Obsess Over This Perfume—I'm Finally Ready to Share the Details

By Swedan Margen

My Friends Obsess Over This Perfume—I'm Finally Ready to Share the Details

We all know that choosing the best perfume can be tricky, especially with numerous Christmas events on the horizon. No matter what time of year, I always tend to lean on those soft, delicate, skin-like scents in the daytime, as I don't want anything too overpowering while I'm sitting at my desk. However, when it comes to winter date nights or festive parties, there's one fragrance that I rely on every single time for non-stop compliments. The perfume in question? Dark Rum by Malin + Goetz.

A woman taking a selfie of her outfit wearing a black blazer, black trousers, black heeled boots and an oversized black clutch bag

I've already written about my love for this brand, but if I could only ever wear one Malin + Goetz scent, it would have to be this one. So, when my friend texted me asking for my party season perfume recommendations, I told her to buy this fragrance immediately. The minute her order arrived, she had a go at me for not recommending it sooner. That's how addictive it is.

After hearing how much she loved it, I thought it was time to stop gatekeeping and share a full review with you guys, too. Below, you'll find all the reasons why I can't get enough of this particular perfume. If you're looking for a new scent this season, I highly recommend that you keep on scrolling.

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Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Perfume Review

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Eau De Parfum 50ml

Malin + Goetz

Dark Rum Eau de Parfum

Key notes: Bergamot, plum, leather, rum, vanilla, patchouli, amber, milk

Best for: Winter date nights

Smells like: A sweet, syrupy cocktail in a dimly lit bar

If it were an outfit: Head-to-toe leather

If it were a makeup product: A smoky black eyeliner

If it were a bag: A Rabanne chainmail pocket bag

The Scent

As the name suggests, this is a somewhat boozy scent. However, it's not overpowering in that sense. Instead, it has a sweet, syrupy undertone thanks to notes of rum, vanilla and plum, perfectly balanced with a fresh, zesty opening of bergamot. Amber and milk add a warm, skin-like element, while leather gives that cool-girl edge that lingers all night long.

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay holding the Malin + Goetz Dark Rum perfume

In my opinion, it contains every single element I'd want from an evening fragrance. It's lively, warm, sweet and musky, and takes you on an olfactory journey as it settles on the skin. It's this complexity that makes it so complement-inducing, which is why I reach for it time and time again.

The Bottle

In true Malin + Goetz style, this perfume wouldn't look out of place perched on top of a coffee table in a stylish West Village apartment. It's minimal and chic, giving you an insight into all the cool-girl, New York energy that's bottled inside. I rarely leave the house in winter without first throwing this into my handbag.

Shop Malin + Goetz Dark Rum

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Eau De Parfum 50ml

Malin + Goetz

Dark Rum Eau de Parfum

If you buy one perfume this season, I couldn't recommend this enough.

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Perfume Oil

Malin + Goetz

Dark Rum Perfume Oil

This rollerball iteration is so great for on-the-go use, and the oil-based formula provides a long-lasting aroma.

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Candle 260g / 9 Oz

Malin + Goetz

Dark Rum Candle

One of my favourite candles to burn in winter.

Malin + Goetz Rum Hand and Body Wash 250 Ml / 8.5 Fl Oz

Malin + Goetz

Rum Hand and Body Wash

When I want to layer my scent, I love using this alongside the matching body lotion.

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Body Lotion 250 Ml / 8.5 Fl Oz

Malin + Goetz

Dark Rum Body Lotion

I slather my limbs in this stuff come winter.

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