ZOOLOGIST
DRAGONFLY

2017

PERFUMER
Juan Perez

Rain Notes
Heliotrope
Aldehydes
Peony
Lemon

Rice
Lotus
Iris
Clover
Cherry Blossom

Musk
Papyrus
Sandalwood
Oakmoss
Amber

This review is for the original 2017 Dragonfly release and not the 2021 re-release.

Dragonfly has an interesting note list, with rice and ‘rain notes’. It’s mainly floral however, with a slightly green and almost sharp floral accord. Lotus, iris, clover, peony, cherry blossom and more are listed, but the one that pops out is the heliotrope.

The heliotrope adds a nutty, almond or hazelnut touch to the bright florals. There’s a hint of citrus as well. I have to say, from the first moment I smelled this, I knew what kind of fragrance it would be, and it’s clearly a feminine leaning, soapy or rather, shampoo like fragrance (not unlike Hummingbird, but much lighter). Some wafts really remind me of a certain smell, but I can’t put my finger on it. It’s very familiar and I’m pretty sure it’s something that my mother used to use, along the lines of a suntan lotion, hand moisturizer or maybe even a laundry softener. It’s a bit powdery, but not overly so and it’s more ozonic than aquatic in my opinion.

Rice was the most voted note on Fragrantica, but to be honest, I get none of it on first impression.

Dragonfly takes you on a journey. It does change up on you several times, starting sharp and green, maybe a bit aquatic/’rainy’, followed by a more powdery and airy texture. The almond like heliotrope is the saving grace for my personal taste, because otherwise, despite the non-linearity, it’s a soapy scent in all stages. Unfortunately, I don’t pick up on many of the listed notes that could’ve changed that.