Thank you for sharing your experience and findings too. It's a shame they did like this. My latest bottle has become much better over time, but that omph is mellow 😔
Just Got my hands on an Old 76% and Im sooooo happy. Have been using my 2023 batch one for some time, and it just wasnt the same as the Old one. This VIDEO IS COMPLETE FACTS
This is so true and not many videos on this. Glad I saw this. I tried an older batch and loved it. It lasted the whole night. Even tried Paragon with it. The longevity was great. Purchased both bottles and I honestly thought I got ripped off. So pissed I probably got fake bottles. Then I watched this video. So I went and checked the batch codes. It was 2023. Now I'm so annoyed with Advent. What do I do?
If you bought directly from an authorized retailer, contact them and they usually have return policies even for opened fragrance bottles. I know Macy's has it, so it's worth taking a chance if you're not interested to keep the fragrance. If you bought it from someone directly (assuming it's a legit source) then I'm sure there's no returning. You can, however, spray and use that fragrance some more then let it sit in a cool dark place. Just leave it undisturbed and a closet will do best. It'll become better over time. This bottle of Side Effect is much better compared to how it did before, but that omph is definitely toned down.
It's funny how the so called big reviewers and influencers never address these things ☹ brands should be held accountable for such activities. Great detailed comparison and touching all bases
Hey. Yes, I've noticed quite the improvement and the scent profile is slowly falling into place. I'll still give it this month and then give it a full wearing. Maybe if it's cold enough tomorrow, I'll do a full wearing tomorrow at work and see. Thank you for reaching out. Once I feel things are looking good, I'll definitely put up an update video. 🙏
I guess there really needs to be a thing called fragrance consumer advocacy group. Man it wqs so frustrating to see not only the whole thing change on the packaging, but also how they diluted the juice too. 😔
Got the 2023 batch (3513335a) atomic rose and thought that it's fake . My bottle is exactly how you describe it. Carton packaging and the smell is nothing like it was, what a shame. Thanks a lot for making the video
Thank you for sharing your experience. I would recommend that you use up some of the fragrance and then let that bottle sit for some time. I've let mine sit for like several months and then noticed some positive changes. Hoping it works for you too. As long as you've sourced it from a legit place, you're all good. Just that the brand is probably making certain changes which of course is not something we expected.
Now i understand that Left batch is more old reformulation than the right batch which left use note rum, tobacco, cinnamon and vanilla. And the right batch rum, tobacco, cinnamon, saffron, sandalwood and hedione version. They change ingredient a lot when i checked at their website.
I dont find the scent any different with my initio bottle 2023 vs a sample (older) I used BUT definitely a noticeable lack of strength. Thr juice in that sample would project heavily with a few spritz, my full bottle is 5 sprays just to smell it for an hour
Exactly what I'm talking about. When I first sprayed from the new bottle, it felt all ok. Later during full wearings, I started noticing the differences and variations. The longevity and projection was too obvious to miss.
Hey man, appreciate it if you could reply to this, has oud for greatness been reformulated as well? And if it has been, whats the performance like on the current batches?
Hey bro, I can help you out. I’m not sure if it had been reformulated but I have a 2022 batch 80% volume. And all the new batches are also 80% vol. This is super beast mode, it projects crazy and the longevity is incredible. It’s a new bottle, as I just opened it. So it’s not brand new or had time to macerate. It’s really good, I recommend it. I got 16 hours with this monster until it was a skin scent. Around the 12 hour mark it was lighter but still good. After 14 ish it was more of a skin scent.
hey, thanks for your video. I wanted to buy this fragrance because I smelled it in a store and I immidiatly fell in love with it. Have you tried it since this video? has it in improved in any way? I am afraid that the performance still sucks because this was like the most beautiful fragrance I ever smelled :(
Yes, I've used this fragrance after letting it sit for many months. Certainly the depth and scent profile has changed. Way better than before. Longevity is better, but that loud projection is missing. Lasts long though.
@ so you would not recommend buying it, right? because I dont think I have any possibility to get an old batch of it. can other people still smell it or does ist become like a skin scent after one or two hours?
First of all, I wouldn't recommend paying full retail especially because of this issue, but remember to source it from a legit seller regardless of where you're located. As for the longevity in general, I didn't find it go poof in an hour or 2. What I observed is that the fragrance lingers close to the body, say like an aura of 1-2 ft max, but that's around 3-4 hours after application. Mind you, I'm referring to the facts based on application on skin only. Not on clothes or a combination. I'm sure if you spray on clothes it's gonna have better longevity. Certainly leaves a nice scent trail cuz my coworkers will mention about a nice aroma when I'm around them or have crossed paths. Hope that helps.
Tried this recently (new batch). Honestly Didn’t last on my skin for more than 2 hours. And you are correct. It smells different. It smells like alcohol with a little bit of fragrance. 🥺
If there's no way to return that bottle then I recommend letting it sit. It's gonna take quite some time, but it's gonna get better. Mine did. Nevertheless, that Side Effect omph is missing. Lasts longer than before, but I guess I'm not buying anymore unless they fix it. Thank you for sharing your experience
@@brian19869 this is true. I was just really disappointed. I was about to get it already. My friend has it and i think she has the old batch because that definitely smelt different. I mean it smells the same. But yes. It lacked the oomph to it. Even the guy beside me advised me to not get it because i think he got the new one and told me it didn’t last long. I was so confused at that time so i watched new reviews. 😭😭
If you paid full retail then certainly it's not worth risking. I just wanted to point out how many retailers allow fragrance returns too if someone just does a few test sprays and doesn't like it. Make sure you confirm with your seller in case you wanna go that route.
ok theres something funny about my bottle, 3042302, 2023 batch but 2021 box but performance is 8-10 hrs but 20 hr mark i hit the shower and its still noticeable
Yes, I've seen several people post about how they have different boxes for a 2023. Also, someone reported couple of days ago that their recent bottle performed very well. This was from a freshly opened one and not something that he kept on the side. Maybe, the company is working to fix things. 🤔
Oh no. Mine has been sitting for a long time now and I must say it has greatly improved. But that doesn't justify the fact that such an expensive fragrance will behave like this.
You say the new batch gives 5-6hours before it becomes a skin scent. Mine becomes a skin scent almost immediately. Not sure if it is fake or it just needs to macerate😬
It lasts longer now that it has been sitting for so many months. The longevity is there, but the loudness is certainly toned down. Not like it used to be.
Fair enough. I just scanned the QR code of mine using one of those QR code apps and it brought up an entirely different product. So mine might really be fake omg😭
You'll either need to keep an eye on fragcomm groups if someone is selling. Or if you get lucky and a store nearby has it. Sometimes there are stockists who sell off their goods, but you need to have connections too. Good luck.
Welll, one is to hold a very bright light source close to and behind the bottle in a dark rook. Alternatively, you can keep the bottle in the fridge (not the freezer) for like 5~15 mins (depending on bottle material thickness) and carefully take it out without disturbing the contents of the bottle. Once you take it out, you'll see condensation forming starting at the level of juice in the bottle. It's gonna be like when you pour some cold water in an empty glass and how condensation forms.
I got new bottles of layton and Carlisle and the performance was awful compared to old ones. I was shocked cause I never really believed the reformulation stuff that much.
Reformulation is very much real. We as fragheads know that reforms happen due to raw material scarcity or regulations, but what bothers me is that the performance takes the worst hit and in many cases the whole fragrance is changed. Then they strip off the luxury part and yet keep charging the same price 😞. I was super shocked when i came across this Initio situation. Got several of the older ones with that nice cushion n velvet interiors. The fragrance smells deep and rich. But this 2023 bottle just depressed me.
Hey there. Honestly I haven't cuz that older bottle is finished now. Whatever last remaining juice was there, I already finished it. The new bottle doesn't seem to have a bad atomizer though. Maybe that's why it never caught my attention.
@@brian19869 Thank you for responding! Through time with the new Bottle of yours did you notice any change in terms of scent or performance? I don't believe much in maceration but honestly with my experience with fragrance houses I sometimes doubt their quality control...
Yes, indeed the fragrance has changed. It smells richer than before. Lasts better than before. I'm on the same page as you with the QC thing. Guess they're selling a brand name rather than a product.
This one has a tendency to overwhelm the senses, so if you ask for my personal opinion, then yes, you can wear it in summer nights. Just make sure it’s not a hot and humid day. It’s rather pleasant on those cool breezy summer nights and definitely go easy on the number of sprays.
All good points, there should be a governing body over fragrances like the wine industry. I can care less about a box to be truthful, but to change the juice should be criminal and that’s not hyperbole
Yep. If the just sold the bottle in a brown bag, I'll be totally ok, but changing compromising the fragrance is at a whole different level. I also don't think it's fair that they'll still charge as much and there's always a chance of price hike for compromised items 😔
great one mate,i like how detailed you went into it! as a fraghead i got like 100% info what i need from it :) not quite sure what ill do but probably will try 80% alc batch as 77% cant be found in UK anymore, i did buy 2 oud for greatness 77% and can tell it does differ from 80% batches
Very recently, I've found several fragcomm members who bought the latest batches and say that it performs great. The depth and character is there too. Now, I'm not sure how experienced they are or how long they have been in the game, but I still recommend going to the store and testing on skin thoroughly. Also, I really appreciate your feedback on my work. Helps me stay encouraged.
@@brian19869all the best for you brother, it’s getting hard to get real info from videos nowadays as all of them are made to get views, you’ve done it perfectly 👍👍 thanks for reply I’ll probably leave that thoughts about reformulation and I’ll get 2023 Batch 🤷♂️
@@lovehateemo2183honestly, unless you get very lucky, you're probably never going to score an older batch anyway. So if the company is making ammendments to the quality and product, then it's always a good thing. This I said to try out a recent batch before buying. It's not cheap so spend wisely. Thank you for sharing your feedback. Means a lot.
@@brian19869hahaha I’m not gonna lie mate, I got scammed twice on these 77% batches, got my refund but they do smell different cuz they fake🤣🤔🤣 placebo is a thing to consider
I think that's a possibility since some other fragcomm members did mention it too. Must be one of those situations where they had older boxes, but newer bottles. 🤔. As long as you bought from a legit source, it's all good.
I bought Side Effect and Absolute Aphrodisiac and I am so disappointed. It lasts only 2 hours and it doesn’t smell like the old batches and it’s really boring. Don’t buy Initio anymore.
This is very disheartening to be honest. Mine has been macerating and last week I did 2 sprays and it seems like coming back to its roots. But this is not what is expected from a renowned niche house.
I just sent INITIO a long email telling them how disappointed I am with this situation sent them all the batch numbers that I have compared to the 2023 batch numbers and let them know how I’m livid at that fact that the potency is very weak compared to the 2019 or before batches
It's because the brother and sister that owned initio and perfumes de Marley sold out their companies and so, what do you think will happen?!? They water down the fragrances. On another note, the new 2024 release of narcotic delight, people are saying you might as well buy designer frags, because that is the quality that you're getting in that fragrance. Ugh..... I loved the house of initio and perfumes de Marley was a çlose second.
It's so sad to see such things take place when a brand changes ownership. Ever since this happened with this bottle of Side Effect, honestly, I don't feel like buying another Initio fragrance. Kinda lost trust.
@@FraterIgniUmbra-ci7gv yea idk how they get away with calling these eau de parfums and extrait de parfums. narcotic delight "edp" is 83% alcohol, and versace dylan blue, a "edt" is 79%.
Mine been sitting for about a year. At first I was really disappointed I have 2 10ml decants from the first ever batch 76% so I judged upon that which ofc I have the 2023 batch made in June. And now as of July 2024 it has been stronger and ive compared it to the 2018 it's even stronger now but performance isn't the same still. I get like 12+ hours on the older batch for the 2023 I get no more than 9 hours which is disappointing.
As long as you're not paying full retail and the price isn't hurting you much, then I say go for it. I've left my bottle to macerate since the making of this video and just yesterday, I did 2 sprays to see if there's any change. Good news is that things are looking much better now. I'm going to let it sit for several more months. Probably do an update video too.
I guess it’s totally ok to cut corners with packaging n stuff, but when they alter the fragrance itself, it’s such a sad thing. At first, I thought it was smelling different cuz it’s a brand new bottle. Then over then next couple of wearings, it seemed very obvious.
I'm not getting enough time, but the new batch has been macerating for months now. Did some sprays and it seems to have improved quite a lot. Now, it's too warm in NYC to find out the performance, so I'll just wait for a day when it rains and gets a bit cooler 🤞
I just sent INITIO a long email telling them how disappointed I am with this situation sent them all the batch numbers that I have compared to the 2023 batch numbers and let them know how I’m livid at that fact that the potency is very weak compared to the 2019 or before batches
Can't blame you cuz you have every right to be upset. I mean this is no cheap fragrance. It's an expensive one shouldn't have to go through this trauma of bad performance.
@@dinopalavra876 At first it smells like rubber. It also triggers migraines. However, after 30 minutes or 1 hour, it becomes a more established scent. Cherry is quite dominant.
I've checked other reviewers bottle bottoms and there's were the same as eachother, different from both of your bottles. It might be where you bought it from because your 2021 and 2023 print wasn't the same as theirs. Their font size and batch numbers were totally different from yours, as well as your bottles stickers not being lined up correctly on the bottom, theirs were lined up directly in the middle correctly.🤔
I completely understand what you're trying to say here, but doesn't it become concerning as to why "these other reviewers" had the exact same bottle and font? Well lemme tell you something. How many of those reviewers do you think bought their own bottle? Chances are very high that they were given the bottle for free from the same source so things will easily match. If you go over the comments on this video, you'll soon realize how many normal consumers actually bought the stuff from legit sites/stores and have validated that the changes I mentioned are very legit. I'm not judging you for what you said. Rather I'm mentioning facts.
@@brian19869 yeah me neither, I just found what you were talking about genuinely interesting and did some research. I'm not here to prove you wrong or anything like that. Great review and I appreciate your effort because I needed to know this information about fraudulent business practices with the brand, I literally just ordered a bottle of side effect yesterday.
@brian19869 Update, just got my Side Effect bottle from OlFacturyfactury for 200 and my bottle is exactly the same as your newer 2nd bottle with the exact same label with batch number 3042301. I've been wearing it for 6 hours, it stopped projecting after 3 hours on clothes, but it's still going strong on skin with a magnificent silage. If someone steps in my personal space, they will be in for a pleasant surprise. It may just take well to my skin, but this thing is a beast on me. Again, thanks for the video.🫡
Thank you for sharing your experience in detail. Was your newer batch box loke mine as well? As in the newer batches have all paper material for the presentation. Older ones had a plastic box inside
Bro, initio will release a new one, the notes remind me of SIDE EFFECT. Its call NARCOTIC DELIGHT , notes : cognac, cherry, tobacco, etc.. This why they ruin side effevt for the new one??? Man, i need you be the first eprson to get narcotic delight, and make comparisson, SIDE EFFEVT VS NARCOTIC DELIGHT... THANKS MANN
I guess a lotta people already got their hands on the new release of Narcotic Delight. Almost all of them are saying it's great, but none have mentioned about Side Effect for comparison. The people I'm talking about are fragheads and not reviewers so, I kinda trust their judgment. I'll wait a bit for the prices to cool down a bit with my connects. 🤞
One thing with mine is, i have the 3042301 batch code, however my box is the 2021 batch box. I have the velvety box feel and the booklet, but the performance isnt great at all. Is it possible to have a 2023 batch code with a 2021 box?
@@brian19869 sorry for the late reply. the number below the box and the bottle match. they both have “3042301” as the code. is there anyway i can show you what i mean through pictures?
Thank you for review. I have Atomic Rose from 2023. Everything is like in your video. Until I found your video, I thought it was fake parfum. I will never buy Initio again.
Bro thanks for the video but you literally say same things over and over again like you're talking with a first grade student and ngl that irritated me a lot.
I understand what you're talking about. I will try to improve on this part. Thank you. The reason why you find it repetitive is because you probably understand these things easily. Someone who's very new to the game migh be confused. So I just try to put the info in different ways so that they understand. I'll bear your feedback in mind gojng forward. 🙏
Is it normal that i have an A on the end of the Batchcode? Got a new bottle and the batchcode says: 3483149A I have a 10ml decant of Side Effect wich smells really good. From my new bottle i think it smells a bit rubbery.
I haven't come across one that has an alphabet at the end of the batch code. At least none that I have in my collection have an alphabet on it. Where did you buy yours from? For sure it shouldn't smell "rubbery".
I have the new batch that was made 5/2023 - smelled incredibly good (purchased yesterday). Sprayed it at 5pm and it's now 7am and I can still faintly smell it. Projection + longetivity of this is absolutely wild not sure if it's because I don't have the January batch though. LOT 3193001 (80% alcohol). Deffo my best fragrance I bought mine in Mexico and paid 450 usd which isa bit of a scam - but I won't be visiting EU again for another 6 months
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for this useful comparison, and I strongly agree with everything you said. I have 021901 version (2020-5) and i’m really enjoying it (:
Thank you for sharing your experience and findings too. It's a shame they did like this. My latest bottle has become much better over time, but that omph is mellow 😔
Just Got my hands on an Old 76% and Im sooooo happy.
Have been using my 2023 batch one for some time, and it just wasnt the same as the Old one.
This VIDEO IS COMPLETE FACTS
That's great to see you acquired an older batch of Side Effect. They really shouldn't have done this with the newer batches.
How did u find a 76% version
This is so true and not many videos on this. Glad I saw this. I tried an older batch and loved it. It lasted the whole night. Even tried Paragon with it. The longevity was great. Purchased both bottles and I honestly thought I got ripped off. So pissed I probably got fake bottles. Then I watched this video. So I went and checked the batch codes. It was 2023. Now I'm so annoyed with Advent. What do I do?
If you bought directly from an authorized retailer, contact them and they usually have return policies even for opened fragrance bottles. I know Macy's has it, so it's worth taking a chance if you're not interested to keep the fragrance.
If you bought it from someone directly (assuming it's a legit source) then I'm sure there's no returning. You can, however, spray and use that fragrance some more then let it sit in a cool dark place. Just leave it undisturbed and a closet will do best. It'll become better over time. This bottle of Side Effect is much better compared to how it did before, but that omph is definitely toned down.
@brian19869 i should return it to maxorama?
@@brian19869 it's legit. It's just a reformuled batch. The company was sold in 2023.
It's funny how the so called big reviewers and influencers never address these things ☹ brands should be held accountable for such activities. Great detailed comparison and touching all bases
I appreciate your feedback on my works. Thank you for your support.
@@brian19869I know you said you were letting it macerate.
Has it gotten better?
Hey. Yes, I've noticed quite the improvement and the scent profile is slowly falling into place. I'll still give it this month and then give it a full wearing. Maybe if it's cold enough tomorrow, I'll do a full wearing tomorrow at work and see. Thank you for reaching out. Once I feel things are looking good, I'll definitely put up an update video. 🙏
@@brian19869thank you! Don’t feel too comfortable spending that much now..
@@brian19869how is it doing now?
It’s crazy How they cut corners on everything but the prices stay the same. Wow
Yeah. Proving that we only pay for brand value.and not the product.
Make reformulation illegal!
I guess there really needs to be a thing called fragrance consumer advocacy group. Man it wqs so frustrating to see not only the whole thing change on the packaging, but also how they diluted the juice too. 😔
Got the 2023 batch (3513335a) atomic rose and thought that it's fake . My bottle is exactly how you describe it. Carton packaging and the smell is nothing like it was, what a shame. Thanks a lot for making the video
Thank you for sharing your experience. I would recommend that you use up some of the fragrance and then let that bottle sit for some time. I've let mine sit for like several months and then noticed some positive changes. Hoping it works for you too. As long as you've sourced it from a legit place, you're all good. Just that the brand is probably making certain changes which of course is not something we expected.
Has it gotten better after macerating?
I'm definitely seeing some positive changes. 🙂
@@brian19869could you please tell me the longevity and projection for you now? i have a new bottle but idk if i want to let it sit
Now i understand that Left batch is more old reformulation than the right batch which left use note rum, tobacco, cinnamon and vanilla. And the right batch rum, tobacco, cinnamon, saffron, sandalwood and hedione version. They change ingredient a lot when i checked at their website.
You provided some good insight. Thank you for sharing
I dont find the scent any different with my initio bottle 2023 vs a sample (older) I used BUT definitely a noticeable lack of strength. Thr juice in that sample would project heavily with a few spritz, my full bottle is 5 sprays just to smell it for an hour
Exactly what I'm talking about. When I first sprayed from the new bottle, it felt all ok. Later during full wearings, I started noticing the differences and variations. The longevity and projection was too obvious to miss.
Hey man, appreciate it if you could reply to this, has oud for greatness been reformulated as well? And if it has been, whats the performance like on the current batches?
Hey bro, I can help you out. I’m not sure if it had been reformulated but I have a 2022 batch 80% volume. And all the new batches are also 80% vol.
This is super beast mode, it projects crazy and the longevity is incredible. It’s a new bottle, as I just opened it. So it’s not brand new or had time to macerate. It’s really good, I recommend it. I got 16 hours with this monster until it was a skin scent. Around the 12 hour mark it was lighter but still good. After 14 ish it was more of a skin scent.
@@Fragaddictx56I appreciate the info man 👌
hey, thanks for your video. I wanted to buy this fragrance because I smelled it in a store and I immidiatly fell in love with it. Have you tried it since this video? has it in improved in any way? I am afraid that the performance still sucks because this was like the most beautiful fragrance I ever smelled :(
Yes, I've used this fragrance after letting it sit for many months. Certainly the depth and scent profile has changed. Way better than before. Longevity is better, but that loud projection is missing. Lasts long though.
@ so you would not recommend buying it, right? because I dont think I have any possibility to get an old batch of it. can other people still smell it or does ist become like a skin scent after one or two hours?
First of all, I wouldn't recommend paying full retail especially because of this issue, but remember to source it from a legit seller regardless of where you're located.
As for the longevity in general, I didn't find it go poof in an hour or 2. What I observed is that the fragrance lingers close to the body, say like an aura of 1-2 ft max, but that's around 3-4 hours after application. Mind you, I'm referring to the facts based on application on skin only. Not on clothes or a combination. I'm sure if you spray on clothes it's gonna have better longevity. Certainly leaves a nice scent trail cuz my coworkers will mention about a nice aroma when I'm around them or have crossed paths. Hope that helps.
Tried this recently (new batch). Honestly Didn’t last on my skin for more than 2 hours. And you are correct. It smells different. It smells like alcohol with a little bit of fragrance. 🥺
If there's no way to return that bottle then I recommend letting it sit. It's gonna take quite some time, but it's gonna get better. Mine did. Nevertheless, that Side Effect omph is missing. Lasts longer than before, but I guess I'm not buying anymore unless they fix it. Thank you for sharing your experience
@@brian19869 this is true. I was just really disappointed. I was about to get it already. My friend has it and i think she has the old batch because that definitely smelt different. I mean it smells the same. But yes. It lacked the oomph to it. Even the guy beside me advised me to not get it because i think he got the new one and told me it didn’t last long. I was so confused at that time so i watched new reviews. 😭😭
I read that the new batches are 5% more alcohol. Maybe they worded it different on the new bottles.
That straight up means less perfume oil. Then of course the fragrance is gonna be different in many aspects.
Could you tell when reformulation occured? Do 2022 batches have been reformulated?
I don't have a chronological record. Sorry about that. Up until 2022 I believe they were still selling the same juice.
Hello brother!
Which camera, lens and light combo do you use?
Camera: Sony ZV-1
Main Light: Godox SL-60Y
Ambient Light: Godox TL-30
Thanks for the heads up, ill be returning my order for a full refund shame
If you paid full retail then certainly it's not worth risking. I just wanted to point out how many retailers allow fragrance returns too if someone just does a few test sprays and doesn't like it. Make sure you confirm with your seller in case you wanna go that route.
ok theres something funny about my bottle, 3042302, 2023 batch but 2021 box but performance is 8-10 hrs but 20 hr mark i hit the shower and its still noticeable
with 1 spray
Yes, I've seen several people post about how they have different boxes for a 2023. Also, someone reported couple of days ago that their recent bottle performed very well. This was from a freshly opened one and not something that he kept on the side. Maybe, the company is working to fix things. 🤔
guess what, i got the same exact problem, same batch code too
Oh no. Mine has been sitting for a long time now and I must say it has greatly improved. But that doesn't justify the fact that such an expensive fragrance will behave like this.
You say the new batch gives 5-6hours before it becomes a skin scent. Mine becomes a skin scent almost immediately. Not sure if it is fake or it just needs to macerate😬
It lasts longer now that it has been sitting for so many months. The longevity is there, but the loudness is certainly toned down. Not like it used to be.
Fair enough. I just scanned the QR code of mine using one of those QR code apps and it brought up an entirely different product. So mine might really be fake omg😭
Hi I have the newer batch where can I order the older batch from
You'll either need to keep an eye on fragcomm groups if someone is selling. Or if you get lucky and a store nearby has it. Sometimes there are stockists who sell off their goods, but you need to have connections too. Good luck.
Bro, how do you know ,how much juice left on side effect bottle???
Welll, one is to hold a very bright light source close to and behind the bottle in a dark rook. Alternatively, you can keep the bottle in the fridge (not the freezer) for like 5~15 mins (depending on bottle material thickness) and carefully take it out without disturbing the contents of the bottle. Once you take it out, you'll see condensation forming starting at the level of juice in the bottle. It's gonna be like when you pour some cold water in an empty glass and how condensation forms.
I got new bottles of layton and Carlisle and the performance was awful compared to old ones. I was shocked cause I never really believed the reformulation stuff that much.
Reformulation is very much real. We as fragheads know that reforms happen due to raw material scarcity or regulations, but what bothers me is that the performance takes the worst hit and in many cases the whole fragrance is changed. Then they strip off the luxury part and yet keep charging the same price 😞. I was super shocked when i came across this Initio situation. Got several of the older ones with that nice cushion n velvet interiors. The fragrance smells deep and rich. But this 2023 bottle just depressed me.
How did u get a hold of the old ones??@@brian19869
Did you notice any difference in the atomizer of how it sprays?
Hey there. Honestly I haven't cuz that older bottle is finished now. Whatever last remaining juice was there, I already finished it. The new bottle doesn't seem to have a bad atomizer though. Maybe that's why it never caught my attention.
@@brian19869 Thank you for responding! Through time with the new Bottle of yours did you notice any change in terms of scent or performance? I don't believe much in maceration but honestly with my experience with fragrance houses I sometimes doubt their quality control...
Yes, indeed the fragrance has changed. It smells richer than before. Lasts better than before. I'm on the same page as you with the QC thing. Guess they're selling a brand name rather than a product.
Do all batches come with a 7 digit code? I've seen a matching batch code with 6! Please respond!
can side effect work in summer nights?
This one has a tendency to overwhelm the senses, so if you ask for my personal opinion, then yes, you can wear it in summer nights. Just make sure it’s not a hot and humid day. It’s rather pleasant on those cool breezy summer nights and definitely go easy on the number of sprays.
All good points, there should be a governing body over fragrances like the wine industry. I can care less about a box to be truthful, but to change the juice should be criminal and that’s not hyperbole
Yep. If the just sold the bottle in a brown bag, I'll be totally ok, but changing compromising the fragrance is at a whole different level. I also don't think it's fair that they'll still charge as much and there's always a chance of price hike for compromised items 😔
@@brian19869Absolutely
great one mate,i like how detailed you went into it! as a fraghead i got like 100% info what i need from it :) not quite sure what ill do but probably will try 80% alc batch as 77% cant be found in UK anymore, i did buy 2 oud for greatness 77% and can tell it does differ from 80% batches
Very recently, I've found several fragcomm members who bought the latest batches and say that it performs great. The depth and character is there too. Now, I'm not sure how experienced they are or how long they have been in the game, but I still recommend going to the store and testing on skin thoroughly. Also, I really appreciate your feedback on my work. Helps me stay encouraged.
@@brian19869all the best for you brother, it’s getting hard to get real info from videos nowadays as all of them are made to get views, you’ve done it perfectly 👍👍 thanks for reply I’ll probably leave that thoughts about reformulation and I’ll get 2023 Batch 🤷♂️
@@lovehateemo2183honestly, unless you get very lucky, you're probably never going to score an older batch anyway. So if the company is making ammendments to the quality and product, then it's always a good thing. This I said to try out a recent batch before buying. It's not cheap so spend wisely. Thank you for sharing your feedback. Means a lot.
@@brian19869hahaha I’m not gonna lie mate, I got scammed twice on these 77% batches, got my refund but they do smell different cuz they fake🤣🤔🤣 placebo is a thing to consider
where can i get the older batch?
Your best shot will be of you buy from a legit seller directly or able to work with any supplier who can confirm they havenolder batch for sale.
@@brian19869 any suggestions?
@@brian19869 any suggestions?
I recently bought side effect and i have the same batch code as 2023 but my box is like the 2021 batch. Is that possible?
I think that's a possibility since some other fragcomm members did mention it too. Must be one of those situations where they had older boxes, but newer bottles. 🤔. As long as you bought from a legit source, it's all good.
My batch is 3483152A , is it ok to have letter in batch code
Nope. I think they're changing things a bit. Remember how Prada L'Homme's batch code changed once the brand ownership changed?
@@brian19869 my perfume seens original , so i think maybe its because they change things
Yes, for sure. If you're confident that you purchased from an authentic seller, it's all good.
I bought Side Effect and Absolute Aphrodisiac and I am so disappointed. It lasts only 2 hours and it doesn’t smell like the old batches and it’s really boring. Don’t buy Initio anymore.
This is very disheartening to be honest. Mine has been macerating and last week I did 2 sprays and it seems like coming back to its roots. But this is not what is expected from a renowned niche house.
@@brian19869what does macerating mean?
I just sent INITIO a long email telling them how disappointed I am with this situation sent them all the batch numbers that I have compared to the 2023 batch numbers and let them know how I’m livid at that fact that the potency is very weak compared to the 2019 or before batches
Did they respond yet?
Did they respond budy ?
It's because the brother and sister that owned initio and perfumes de Marley sold out their companies and so, what do you think will happen?!? They water down the fragrances. On another note, the new 2024 release of narcotic delight, people are saying you might as well buy designer frags, because that is the quality that you're getting in that fragrance. Ugh..... I loved the house of initio and perfumes de Marley was a çlose second.
It's so sad to see such things take place when a brand changes ownership. Ever since this happened with this bottle of Side Effect, honestly, I don't feel like buying another Initio fragrance. Kinda lost trust.
@@FraterIgniUmbra-ci7gv yea idk how they get away with calling these eau de parfums and extrait de parfums. narcotic delight "edp" is 83% alcohol, and versace dylan blue, a "edt" is 79%.
Mine been sitting for about a year. At first I was really disappointed I have 2 10ml decants from the first ever batch 76% so I judged upon that which ofc I have the 2023 batch made in June. And now as of July 2024 it has been stronger and ive compared it to the 2018 it's even stronger now but performance isn't the same still. I get like 12+ hours on the older batch for the 2023 I get no more than 9 hours which is disappointing.
Thank you for sharing and confirming the facts I mentioned. Always good to hear back experiences.
@@brian19869Have you noticed any huge changes while it’s been mancerating?
@@JoseRamirez-rb7qd it gets Better if you let it sit for a LOONNNGGG time. But it will NEVER be the same sadly:(
Is it still worth buying 2023 batch under 200€?
As long as you're not paying full retail and the price isn't hurting you much, then I say go for it. I've left my bottle to macerate since the making of this video and just yesterday, I did 2 sprays to see if there's any change. Good news is that things are looking much better now. I'm going to let it sit for several more months. Probably do an update video too.
There owned by like some major company and are cutting corners
I guess it’s totally ok to cut corners with packaging n stuff, but when they alter the fragrance itself, it’s such a sad thing. At first, I thought it was smelling different cuz it’s a brand new bottle. Then over then next couple of wearings, it seemed very obvious.
@brian19869 supposedly there doing it for pdm too same company owns both
Yes. I keep seeing many recent purchases getting flagged for the same reasons. 😔
You are 100% right just looked at my bottle THIS IS ASHAME !!!!
I'm not getting enough time, but the new batch has been macerating for months now. Did some sprays and it seems to have improved quite a lot. Now, it's too warm in NYC to find out the performance, so I'll just wait for a day when it rains and gets a bit cooler 🤞
I just sent INITIO a long email telling them how disappointed I am with this situation sent them all the batch numbers that I have compared to the 2023 batch numbers and let them know how I’m livid at that fact that the potency is very weak compared to the 2019 or before batches
Can't blame you cuz you have every right to be upset. I mean this is no cheap fragrance. It's an expensive one shouldn't have to go through this trauma of bad performance.
@@los842did you get an answer?
Exactly broh, I opened my new AA box & found its a 2023 batch & same as u mentioned above, frustrating In the 1st place I thought I've got a fake one.
I know, right? Really frustrating
Same
yea, me too. my batch code is 3483152A. What is the A? I even went to the store afterwards and asked if it was fake.
@@dinopalavra876 At first it smells like rubber. It also triggers migraines. However, after 30 minutes or 1 hour, it becomes a more established scent. Cherry is quite dominant.
@@dinopalavra876 It's sad that such a smell has become like this :( But I will still keep it and use it.
I've checked other reviewers bottle bottoms and there's were the same as eachother, different from both of your bottles. It might be where you bought it from because your 2021 and 2023 print wasn't the same as theirs. Their font size and batch numbers were totally different from yours, as well as your bottles stickers not being lined up correctly on the bottom, theirs were lined up directly in the middle correctly.🤔
I completely understand what you're trying to say here, but doesn't it become concerning as to why "these other reviewers" had the exact same bottle and font? Well lemme tell you something. How many of those reviewers do you think bought their own bottle? Chances are very high that they were given the bottle for free from the same source so things will easily match. If you go over the comments on this video, you'll soon realize how many normal consumers actually bought the stuff from legit sites/stores and have validated that the changes I mentioned are very legit. I'm not judging you for what you said. Rather I'm mentioning facts.
@@brian19869 yeah me neither, I just found what you were talking about genuinely interesting and did some research. I'm not here to prove you wrong or anything like that. Great review and I appreciate your effort because I needed to know this information about fraudulent business practices with the brand, I literally just ordered a bottle of side effect yesterday.
@upsetuloss it's really sad to see such practices by these brands.
@brian19869 Update, just got my Side Effect bottle from OlFacturyfactury for 200 and my bottle is exactly the same as your newer 2nd bottle with the exact same label with batch number 3042301. I've been wearing it for 6 hours, it stopped projecting after 3 hours on clothes, but it's still going strong on skin with a magnificent silage. If someone steps in my personal space, they will be in for a pleasant surprise. It may just take well to my skin, but this thing is a beast on me. Again, thanks for the video.🫡
Thank you for sharing your experience in detail. Was your newer batch box loke mine as well? As in the newer batches have all paper material for the presentation. Older ones had a plastic box inside
Bro, initio will release a new one, the notes remind me of SIDE EFFECT. Its call NARCOTIC DELIGHT , notes : cognac, cherry, tobacco, etc..
This why they ruin side effevt for the new one???
Man, i need you be the first eprson to get narcotic delight, and make comparisson, SIDE EFFEVT VS NARCOTIC DELIGHT... THANKS MANN
I guess a lotta people already got their hands on the new release of Narcotic Delight. Almost all of them are saying it's great, but none have mentioned about Side Effect for comparison. The people I'm talking about are fragheads and not reviewers so, I kinda trust their judgment. I'll wait a bit for the prices to cool down a bit with my connects. 🤞
One thing with mine is, i have the 3042301 batch code, however my box is the 2021 batch box. I have the velvety box feel and the booklet, but the performance isnt great at all. Is it possible to have a 2023 batch code with a 2021 box?
Is that number same under the bottle?
@@brian19869 sorry for the late reply. the number below the box and the bottle match. they both have “3042301” as the code. is there anyway i can show you what i mean through pictures?
Sure. You can DM me the picture to my Instagram. Link in description.
@@brian19869 done, i sent everything in details.
@@brian19869i had the same situation. What did you find out? Thx in advance
Thank you for review. I have Atomic Rose from 2023. Everything is like in your video. Until I found your video, I thought it was fake parfum. I will never buy Initio again.
I'll be making an update video soon. Had left that bottle to macerate and I can see changes...good ones. But yes, I have lost faith in them.
Bro thanks for the video but you literally say same things over and over again like you're talking with a first grade student and ngl that irritated me a lot.
I understand what you're talking about. I will try to improve on this part. Thank you. The reason why you find it repetitive is because you probably understand these things easily. Someone who's very new to the game migh be confused. So I just try to put the info in different ways so that they understand. I'll bear your feedback in mind gojng forward. 🙏
@@brian19869 That made sense :) Thanks a lot for checking your comments for consideration! I appreciate it!
Of course. Constructive criticism is always welcome. You provided a reason for your thoughts and it's for my betterment.
Is it normal that i have an A on the end of the Batchcode?
Got a new bottle and the batchcode says: 3483149A
I have a 10ml decant of Side Effect wich smells really good.
From my new bottle i think it smells a bit rubbery.
I haven't come across one that has an alphabet at the end of the batch code. At least none that I have in my collection have an alphabet on it. Where did you buy yours from? For sure it shouldn't smell "rubbery".
same
Mine is the sane, I’m suspecting it is fake. But I’m not sure
Oh no. As long as you bought it from a legit source you should be good about the authenticity.
Mine have A too
I have the new batch that was made 5/2023 - smelled incredibly good (purchased yesterday). Sprayed it at 5pm and it's now 7am and I can still faintly smell it. Projection + longetivity of this is absolutely wild not sure if it's because I don't have the January batch though. LOT 3193001 (80% alcohol). Deffo my best fragrance
I bought mine in Mexico and paid 450 usd which isa bit of a scam - but I won't be visiting EU again for another 6 months
If they fixed the issue with a later batch, then I'm very happy for you. Really appreciate you sharing the details too.