I got on the fragrance train about six months ago and went from five favorites to 35 now. I’m ashamed of my impulse buying, addictive behavior, and lack of self control (for myself, not judging others). Just yesterday I was aggravated because I did not know what to wear and found myself wanting more days to experience all my fragrances. I love great scents and the confidence it gives me. Complements are always the icing on top. Thank you for this video. My goal is to enjoy what I have for the next year and “only buy” when it’s special.
I can relate to your impulse buying, been there and done that on many a late night. The nice thing about the fragrance community though is that you can usually flip some of your bottles and recapture some of your cash. And like Justin, you can also give a bottle to a friend which is what friends are for! 😉
I hear that,I bought a Mancera " Exclusif Jardin" based on the exuberance of another fragrance influencer on here, listen somebody,somewhere likes this not for me ,so here I am out $130 on this dumpsterfire(, heavily ,synthetic," are nt they all though🤷🏿♂️)a mix match of fruity notes and a burning sensation like if saltwater got into your nose, when I could have bought something ,I would have really cherished i.e Dior Homme Intense or saved a few dollars and did Yeau fraiche. THIS was my AHA! moment, I buy samples of more expensive offerings & carefully curate which ones I will keep.Ive set a limit of $500 for this yr, Im not going over that ,so far,Ive spent $48 for the yr .I am so proud of my restraint.I have a tight list that imma get through and after that its gotta really move me .This hobby like my former book addiction is both expensive & space consuming.
@@rickterrance4981 yeah , but so far I' ve been lucky AF , for instance the original L'Homme Ideal from Guerlain,I blind bought in TJ Maxx they had 2 ,I bought the first 1 didnt try until 3 days later, liked it immensely and went bk & bought a backup bottle, the first bottle fell & broke, I said ok lemme see if I can get another bottle.$ was quite affordable..FF 3 yrs..Shit is discontinued and overpriced..
I respect you for this. It’s crazy how much we can all relate in this “collecting.” This goes for ALL hobbies, aka, addictions. As a marathon runner, I used to feel the need to get every single “new” running shoe release…..Thinking it would help me run like Eliud Kipchoge. They don’t, lol. I soon realized it did nothing but hurt my wallet.
💯 with you! I probably have close to the entire line up of runners for 2019-20. Between that & fragrances I can never be fulfilled! Always chasing the next best thing. I’m honestly addicted to the collection of fragrances.
While I’m no marathon runner, I am wondering what the nexus is between running shoes (and sneakers in general) and cologne? I too, resemble this comment! 😆
Real talk, I've been just looking at my collection and have been selling bottles I don't want. I would hear a review and be like I need to get it. I would get the fragrance and force myself to like it. Now, I buy what I truly like and go from there. Justin I respect your honesty and enjoy your videos. Now I'm in the process of starting my collection over. I only own 13 bottles right now but it's 13 I really like and not just because. You're a real one for this video and it's refreshing to see someone other than myself feel this way.
Where would y'all recommend as the best place to sell fragrances you want to get rid of? Meaning they sell in a relatively decent amount of time for a good price for both the buyer and seller?
I can relate. At the beginning of Covid I dove deep into fragrance, picking it up as a new hobby. It became expensive because I was primarily attracted to niche. Now I've leveled off at about 30 bottles. I'm just going to use it up and retain five or six favorites. Sometimes I just stare at the collection and can't figure out what to wear. I've gotten to the point of picking something at random because everything smells great. But I just don't have the same excitement I used to.
This is why I love sampling. Sometimes I’ll get a sample or decant of something a few times before I buy a full bottle. Ministry of Scent is my best friend.
@@tresbonoeuf EXACTLY!! I sample in store, do skin tests, get free samples from stores, buy 5mL & 9mL online before I’ll buy a 100mL. Usually by the time I finish a 5mL of a fragrance it’s already the next season and if I had the full size I’d be pushing it to the back of the cabinet and reaching for the new seasons frags. I only own 11 FULL size bottles and do not want to exceed 15 (full size). I save $$ and experience more (variety) by purchasing decants.
This was refreshing to hear. My main issue was the rack store hunts. Once a week I’d go and grab 1 or 2 $20 cheapies. Wear them once, on the shelf you go. Would wear out the shower once and then done. That shit adds up. Now I have regret and it’s not like I can sell all the cheapies. Had a friend over the other day and I said take some of these home with you lol. Fragrance addiction is real and can honestly be dangerous.
I feel you in that Ken been on a massive Lataffa run recently buying up 5, 10 or 15 bottles a pop.. "they are only 15 bucks who cares" and the shit adds up QUICKLY.. I feel down the YB rabbit hole and glad to see how I'm just buying to buy now I don't even like half the bottles.. good luck to you bro
I got started in fragrance really two year ago and I've totally gone down this road. I am still enjoying fragrance, but realize I have too much redundancy in my collection. Not ready to sell it all off yet, but you've given me quite a few things to think about! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you man! This video needed to be made. I know the feeling of getting fragrances. Then living in guilt for your spending habits. Then buying another to get compliments and feel better. Fragrances is a beautiful thing. But it's impossible to love and enjoy the ones you own. And just because you like a sample doesn't mean you need to buy a bottle NOW. You've got a lifetime. They don't discontinue or dispose that quickly. Be patient. Wear your decant. And buy it at a special time that means something when you've planned to spend that money.
I recently had such a very similar experience to yours, Justin. I ended up having a large collection of 50+ bottles which is obviously ridiculous by most standards and I felt like I was just buying stuff for the sake of buying it. You nailed it with mentioning trying to keep up with the flanker race. That’s what they WANT us to do. So, I went nearly a year without wearing ANYTHING except Mugler Cologne like once or twice a week. Seriously. Then we were packing to move to a new house and I was packing away all the dusty cologne bottles and decided to spray on YSL L’Homme (which I always loved). I went downstairs and got a huge compliment from the wife and then it kind of all started back up for me but THIS go around, I’m doing exactly as you’re doing. Trimmed down the collection and removed redundancies and it’s so much more enjoyable now. I just bought my first bottle in years (2018 Dior Homme new in box) This feels right, and I’m glad to know I can trust this channel to not just hype me up on whatever new EDP/intense/blah blah hits the market that week.
I have over 300 fragrances. I noticed my issues when I realized I've never finished a entire bottle in my life. From 8ml, 30ml not even a 50ml. I can honestly say I love only a handful of them.
I try to only buy true loves now as i have he same problem. Even ones like Sauvage Elixir that i really like i do not love (partly cause of the price) so i am not getting it. Or if the price is to good i may get it cause i can always decant out some later if i ever want to.
This is so true and I've been collecting since the 80s over 300+ spent crazy $ over the years and almost 90% 100mls and find i wear like maybe 20 or 30ish of them all
@@johngregorio9183 that's deep. I find myself giving most away, especially before they go bad. I know I can sell them but I give them to ppl new to fragrances. They really appreciate it.
You aren't applying enough, going out enough or just not wearing them at all to say that. I have a large collection but I definitely finished bottles that I regret but nonetheless. You probably only need 20 bottles....so sale the rest to me 😍
It didn't take long for me to hit the brakes. I have like 10 bottles and I only truly LOVE one of them. Chanel Bleu EDP, it's always appropriate, i get more compliments with it than anything else. plus, it's honestly the most pleasant smell I never get tired of it.
Thanks for being honest. I had about 50 colognes, no niche can't afford them. I sold most of them and kept about 20 that I really love. I realized I can't keep up with all the new flankers and I should concentrate on what I love to wear. Keep making videos man we do appreciate your advise and your opinions.
If you can buy 50 "cheapies" or designers, you can buy niche too. And if you don't like it you can always sell it very easy. Try selling your crappy impulse, blind buys.
Man I'm the exact same way. I have about 100 fragrances I need to get rid of lol. Lots of clones etc as well. I want to build my collection up with stuff that blows my mind.
I had over 100 bottles too. Sold a lot of them and burnt a lot of money 😁 It is an addiction to want to own the new big hit, the new aventus or Dior savauge. For me 10 fragrances in my collection are perfect. 5 warm weather and 5 cold weather fragrances.keep only the great stuff.
I'm literally about 23 or 24 grand into this hobby and I couldn't agree with you more my friend I've got literally 200+ bottles all 100mls that I hardly wear
I’m 20 and got my first fragrance at 15. I will admit I have a tendency to buy fragrances I don’t need, but I’m also picky with what scents I actually end up liking enoguh to wear so luckily I only own about 12. That’s it. Just 12 fragrances I’ve bought over the last 5 years. I have a few for fall/winter, a few for spring/summer, and the rest can be worn year round. I get people’s appeal with wanting the newest fragrances or buying all these ones that RUclipsrs recommend, but I can’t ever see myself owning more than 10-12 fragrances. For some who isn’t a fraghead though I would say 3 is enough. Where’s so fragheads like myself I’d say like 10 is the sweet spot. If you want some more fragrances then no more than 15-20. Otherwise it gets excessive and then you own all those fragrances that you won’t get the chance to wear often.
@@mikecapalungan so true and my son comes to visit often and hes always checking out some old school and newer ones he didn't like before but appreciates them now
@@johngregorio9183 yeah that’s always good. It’s very hard for me to see myself having that many fragrances just because the new ones on the market with the flankers and new fragrances being released just haven’t smelled interesting or grabbed my attention enough to buy them because of the similar nuances that they have to the fragrances in my collection. Some of my favorites in my collection have to be Dior Sauvage (I have elixir as well and it reminds me of a Christmas candle in my home, so it’s a good fall/winter scent but the original Dior Sauvage you can’t beat), PDM’s Percival, D&G The One, Jazz Club Replica, D&G Light Blue (not the eau intense version, but the original), TF Azure Lime, and Artisan Pure. I’ve got a few other scents that I like, but those are the ones I wear the most.
The designer trap has us exactly where they want us. My collection is outlandish and I rarely wear the cheaper ones I first purchased when I started my collection. My taste has changed drastically and right now I’ve been enjoying much more challenging scents.
My collection is not "outlandish" because I stopped bying the cheaper colognes after I found myself wearing the same six expensive, high quality colognes over and over. The rest I use as carpet refreshers. Literally.
Brother Justin I know exactly how you felt. In the beginning of my fragrance journey which for a 50yr guy started kinda late in life as far as collecting. I started out just trying to grab any and all recommended fragrances from RUclipsrs like I was trying to play catch up, but quickly realized one: This can become a very expensive hobby and two: Buying a bunch of colognes blindly that I probably wouldn't have bought especially if I smelled them prior to buying them. This is why I always recommend to those starting out to sample first if available. Great video my brother and much success to you. I love your trumpet playing man I'd love to hang and listen to you live wear that Brass & Soul. Peace!
I've watched several of your videos over the last couple of months and for whatever reason have not subscribed, this is the one that's got me committed to your channel. Appreciate the real talk 👏🏻
Awesome video Justin > for this hobby my rules > don’t blind buy ever > test for 1 week straight of the fragrance you may buy > quality over quantity > sell the fragrance if you find yourself got whatever reason not picking it up throughout the year
I now own around 40 bottles and most of them I have bought with coupons and some money I make with a side job hobby example fetch rewards pays for scanning receipts from the store . Also y have a rule I would never buy any fragrance at retail price and I would never ever buy at rack stores . Another rule never buy before trying I would spend a least a week trying fragrances unless is a fragrance that I already know it’s a good one and if it is on sale I would buy it . And decants I’m not into it cause every time you get one you spend at least 20 to 30 that you can save up to get one of the ones you already like .
I totally understand. In January I sold 20 fragrances that I didn't love or reach for much, and brought in 5 bangers: Boadicea The Victorious Ardent Boadicea The Victorious Envious Unique'e Luxury Soscentific Initio Side Effect Initio Musk Therapy From now on, I'm only buying fragrances I love. Quality over Quantity.
Good for you. This is an eye opener for all with this fragrance addiction. This thought is been going on in our minds but all we needed is this confirmation from a fellow fraghead. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I just turned 70 years old and have been using fragrances since I was 9 years old. My mother used to put “Kings Men” on me on my way to elementary school. Needs less to say I only have 5 fragrances due to some of the reasons that you mentioned. It’s like everything else in life, how different can one thing be from another?
I love this, man. I went through a phase of buying every thing that was recommended. But after a while I realised that I was not spending enough time with my fragrances. I barely knew them. I had a vague sense that this was a summer frag or the other a woody one, but usually I was just echoing something I'd watched in a review-I hadn't made up my mind about it FOR MYSELF. I came to realise that I couldn't turn this hobby into something mechanical-I don't wear fragrances for anyone but myself and that meant I need to find what made sense for me, even if a million fragrantica reviews told me it was terrible. So I stopped buying. I slowed way down. I started to build relationships with my fragrances. I find that you have to wear a fragrance in different moods, diverse weathers, various seasons and times to really bond with it. A fragrance that you love may be perfect for just one specific time of year or day and no other time, and that's just its specialist role and you love that relationship you have with it. I decided that Boss Number One is the best office scent for me in the fall, and that's the only time I wear it. But you only discover this when you've spent time with them. I guess it's kinda like a piece of music that only slowly opens itself up to you, but once it does the love is forever and you keep discovering new aspects of it. So I am no longer collecting. I want the best dozen ME fragrances and that's it. I don't want to ever struggle to find what I want to wear because I have too many. Every fragrance I have has to be deeply loved and has to play a specific role in my life, capturing a mood or journeying with me through a certain part of my day. I don't care for the flankers and fillers and the 10 "beast mode" fragrances to get compliments.
I’ve been collecting for more than a year, and only three fragrances I hate myself for buying, Armani code profumo/gentleman boisee/Invictus victory. I hated myself twice, I thought I got duped. I gave them away, bought straight from Sephora, ulta and not a discounter or Amazon. Nope they all still sucked. Why did I buy them? I watched a you tube video, “Beast mode”, “longest lasting”, “room filling” etc etc… I sprayed paper, other people, myself after shower, before shower, hot/cold, etc.. I learned that I can’t trust what most videos say. You are one of the few I trust to recommend me try a fragrance. Not run out and grab it.
It's not so much that you can't trust what others say, it's just people have different individual scent preferences. Listening to others is a great way to get some direction as to what to look for, but it's important to test everything completely before buying.
the best way, in my opinion, is to find a reviewer, that fits your taste. you can not have trust in all of them. it simply doesn't work. and it has nothing to do with sympathy. it's not about oh, that guy is cool, it must be the best scent for me. no! even if he is honest. he has personal preferences. also, a reviewer can't be objective when it comes to fragrances. I have found mine, and I haven't been disappointed a single time by her. I talk about a lot of money which I would have lost otherwise. mine is curly fragrance, and it has absolutely nothing to do with her as a person. it is because her personal preferences are nearly 100% equal to mine.
I’ve definitely been selling the bulk of my collection. My wife asked me why I would sell all my stuff and I told her that if the frag doesn’t wow me or at least make me feel good it’s got to go. I feel you completely on buying the cheapies lol you’ll end up with a closet full of crap that you couldn’t pay someone to take off of your hands
I totally feel your message - having sold off most of my collection. But I kept a 2 ml sample of every bottle I sold. Guess what? Most of those samples are still untouched. I believe endlessly collecting anything is trying to fill an existential void within us. The remedy for this type of consumerism is productivity. When we produce, we feel that we are needed, rather than in need of something. Image putting all of those hours of research, all that money and curiosity into our purpose in life. We as men are designed to build things. Whether tangible or digital. We can teach, create, find our own personal greatness. Once that ship is sailing, we get this aura of success. It’s a certain glance in our eyes. The way we smile. You can’t fake it. It’s there or it’s not. Other people pick up on it subliminally. Not even the best smelling perfume in the world can outshine the attraction of our personal greatness.
So well put brother.. Truly love and related to what you wrote.. Especially the 'it's a void inside of us' and we are trying to fill that with such things or other collections
This is incredibly well said and can be applied to all aspects of life. The perfume is often a finishing note. The cherry on top of the man you’ve sculpted yourself into and who you’re proud to be. It cannot fill the existential void nor mask its presence in the company of others.
I'm only partway through the video but WOW I can relate; as a fellow youtuber who still does fragrance reviews/videos, I totally feel so much of this. The sad part is, the audience doesn't always understand, and it's been a constant struggle for me to find that sweet spot where I have a small collections of perfumes I truly want and will wear, and also having enough perfumes to have content for youtube. That's why I'm switching it up - from now on, I do me and I share what makes me happy. Not what's trending, not what's good for the algorithm or for youtube - what's good for me. Because at the end of the day if I'm not passionate about it - no one else will be.
Ilythia! I just subbed to you, can’t believe I hadn’t seen your channel before. Already loving your content. You’re totally right. We will only be truly happy with the work we do as creators if we lean into our authenticity. It just so happens that it’s also the best way for us to set ourselves apart…it might take time, but when the hype wears off and the smoke clears, we’ll be left standing with sincerity, integrity, and joy. Thank you so much for watching.
This was one of the most refreshing videos to watch! Thanks for posting this. I'm new to your channel and I really appreciate your content, style and delivery. I feel as though your content really helps me get a pulse on new fragrances, as well as a different view points on known fragrances. The enthusiasm in your content is apparent in your delivery style while still remaining relaxed and down to earth.
I totally agree with your analysis of where and how people are trying to fit in the "game". My personal decision right from the get-go has been to pretty much shun the designers and go for what I love - Middle Eastern and Indian Attars ... and I have been very content with that decision because I wear fragrances solely for my enjoyment. I am hardly ever going out, and if I do, I go to a local coffee shop with a book and don't mingle. Hence, in my very own context, fragrances are a personal decision as I could not care less if anyone likes or compliments what I decide to wear - I am too damn old and ugly for that game... The other avenue I am pursuing is that if I wonder about a certain scent profile that I am not familiar with, but want to explore, I will buy a high quality duplicate, which may sound counter-intuitive, but there are houses that create fine parfum extrait or concentrated perfume oils of top niche houses for 1/10th of the small fortune those niche scents cost, smell amazing and represent excellent value. And once you recognize that a $200 or $300 bottle of any niche house has maybe $4 or $5 of ingredient cost in it, you quickly grasp that the fragrance game is purely about hyper-seductive marketing, not the type of seduction you have in mind, but the type of reverse seduction that you fall for when you shell out $200 - $300 for a bottle of Creed or PdM or Roja Dove. This is not to diminish those exceptional artisanal creators, but the cost of 50 or 100ml for some scents has simply gone bananas....due to hype! The extrait or CPO clones that I have familiarized myself with may cost between $20 -$40 and are amazing scents in their own right without me feeling screwed by a short-term hankering for a "cool" product that in the end may not really hit my preferred scent profiles which are largely Orientals, Ouds, Vetiver and Incense based with some Chypres or Aromatics thrown in. And if a certain $20 or $30 bottle of extrait or perfume oil does not agree with me or my skin, I give it away to someone who loves it and can wear it happily. Case closed without a major loss.... Maybe we all should seek such ways in which to still love fragrances, but find those fragrances we really jive with and love and identify more affordable ways to seek out those scents that really appeal to us wthout feeling perpetually played by marketing companies that have long given up on unique scent development. Just my 2 cents and my personal path to continue engaging with what I enjoy in a slightly different, more affordable format, without getting validation from others just because we like and wear exactly the same ridiculously expensive scents... Which is just another form of killing individual tastes.... And I am not pointing my fingers or try to uncover certain RUclips influencers. They are all doing something value-added that a lot of people enjoy during these rather joy-deprived times.... Cheers guys and enjoy your olfactory sensest!!!
I almost love your comment. It mirrows my own attitude. Got me Shalimar (girl stuff, but I love it) and Spice Bomb extreme. The whole rest has not been overly expensive. Armaf, Afnan, Rihana, Lattafa, Swiss-Arabian, not all really good, but most are. I never get compliments, too old and ugly (hate that word, but it comes along with old). A good scent compliment is just a hanger to show interrest in a possible partner for a whatever kind of intimacy. Gone, just the pleasure of my own senses remains. Love myself for not buying overpriced originals for vanity. There are losses on the way as well. I can't smell Vetiver anymore. My Encre Noir is not detectable by myself. But my incense reception work still very well, Afnan Supremacy Incense and Lattafa Oud for Glory. Man, I love to wear those stuff. Again I very seldom do agree so totally to a comment like yours. Have a good life!
I knew from the beginning it’d be a terrible idea to buy something I don’t like so I took on learning to sample and understanding how the fragrances makes me feel. My list and collection is definitely very small because of that, but from time to time I get trapped by fomo, or concepts (like wearing a fiery and icy/watery fragrance aka Shoto Todoroki), or my fragrance collection ideas lol
Great video mate, can totally relate. I got into the fragrance game around 6 months ago and at first I went totally crazy. I was buying anything and everything. My budget was up to $100, but I was buying pretty much everything I saw, from designers to cheap ass $7 knockoffs that would last 10 minutes on my skin. I'm ashamed it got to that and that it caused problems with my wife. I have over 100 bottles and most just sit in the cupboard. I look at them and think of how much money I have waisted and could have used it doing more for and with my kids. Again great video, cheers.
I really appreciate this video. I got into fragrance less than a year ago and I'm already starting to notice some of the same things you mentioned. I guess I should follow the idea that "if it isn't a HELL YES, it's a HELL NO".
It’s so easy to get sucked in when you review fragrances for others, because you stop doing it based on solely your own desires and loves! Makes a lot of sense. What you said about designer vs. niche hits home for me, once I began exploring niche I was ruined. I struggle with designer now, which sucks for a perfume reviewer 😩😅
Hey Justin. This is actually the first video of yours I've ever seen. It showed up on my recommended list. I just started getting into fragrances, as in I bought my first ones earlier this week. This was an incredibly helpful video. I've watched probably a hundred youtube videos on fragrances already, and I can already feel that "need" to buy all the new designer fragrances. This video helped me pump the brakes and take a step back and just evaluate what do I actually want, and what is going to make me feel good for myself, not for others. So thank you for putting this out there and saving me from potentially going down a similar path!
@@stayfreshproductions Thank YOU sir! I’ve fallen in love with your channel. I appreciate you keeping it real and not doing the typical hype stuff (although I understand the need to play the algorithm game). The satires are great as well! Keep rocking and stay fresh
Thanks! I appreciate hearing about fragrances that aren't "popular", and have some variety. My rule of thumb: Never blind buy if at all possible. Getting samples and trying testers at the mall has saved me a lot of money and cabinet space. So many fragrances smell like versions of others. So boring.
Hi! Thanks so much for this enlightening video. I'm just about to start my fragance journey by getting my first perfume this year. Thanks so much for the reminder to only buy perfumes that I as a person genuinely enjoy smelling and have meaning to me, and not just randomly get something off a store shelf. Thank you also for sharing this rarely talked about side of the fragance world and perfume reviewing! May you continue to enjoy this newer and more meaningful fragance journey!
Yep! You be right. I have a 26 bottle collection. 18 Niche Beast Mode (because of masks) and 8 Designers that I wanted and love. I own no duds. But I am at the end of my collection journey. The only one I missed and may never own is the original Dior Homme Parfum. I am willing to buy it at premium price but none are available. So I bought Dior Homme Intense. I have enough smell good juice to last the rest of my lifetime. Thanks and be encouraged. And give the Lord some of you time.
Justin, I really appreciate and enjoy your videos. Thank you for your hard work and keeping things fresh. Glad you are sharing your journey with us. Peace and Blessings
I’m subscribed to a fair number of fragrance channels on RUclips but yours has been the most inspiring in that you don’t recommend all the designer brands all the time. I look forward to seeing what obscure niche fragrance I get to find out about because I don’t want to smell like anyone else. I’ve purchased your decantx boxes and actually just got another one based on past niche fragrances you’ve recommended in the past. Thank you for the content and effort you put in. I also love the video openings. Love seeing you display your amazing musical talent !
I saw this video pop up months ago, but ignored it because I was still in my fragrance addiction. I am so many bottles now, probably 30+ and couldn't afford most of them lol. You're literally such a great role model, Justin. Your wisdom, class and confidence is something that is lacking in the fragrance community, and in general a lot of men lack as well. Thank you for being a helpful resource, not just a guy to promote fragrances that put a little cash in your pocket. With your help I am able to go into a department store or browse online without the urge to impulse buy.
Huge respect to you for making this video mate. We are all addicted to something in this life; be it food, shopping, sex, praise/compliment chasing, exercise, substance use, gambling, personal/Spiritual growth (the chase effect).. the list goes on. I am in the early stages of buying fragrances- about a dozen now with several niche fragrances in that dozen.Watching your video has helped me to be aware of not letting this become another addiction. Thanks again!
Almost 50k subs . I was here during the early days . This reminds me of a vid that Joy Amin did . You reviewers are modest and humble to bring about your personal experiences. Bravo J.C. !
Thank you for this, as well as for your excellent videos over the years. I found myself adding up the costs of all the colognes I bought, and I realized it was an unnecessary expense trying to get that new and unique scent. The truth is, I personally like Chanel (Pour Monsignor for the day, and Bleu de Chanel for the evening). I found myself asking why do I have so many colognes, and why does each new video prompt me to buy more? I have given many colognes away, but I’m holding my Chanel collection and my two Creeds ( GIT for the day and Adventist for the evening). I think in the long run, it is better to buy under the influence of wanting quality and personal preference, than to buy in quantity in an attempt to hopefully please others. That all said, I really enjoyed your videos and the cool sophistication you displayed. From one jazz music lover to another, I wish you all the best to you on this amazing journey of life. Once again, a sincere “thank you”.
Oh wow, how refreshing and reassuring to come across a human who can speak English properly and is quite patently familiar with objects called books. Double thumbs up. Off to binge watch videos now, I'm utterly charmed already.
I remember the day you posted that ‘last’ video. So glad it all worked out for the best. I have upwards of 100 fragrances & decided recently to stop buying EVERY DAMN THING & only spend my money on what I love. Who needs 1000 perfumes that all smell the same 🤦🏻♀️ thank you for sharing, this video needed to be made!!
Thank you for this video. It is a much-needed message right now. I'm not all that well off at the moment, so I try to get what smells good instead of trying out a bunch of things that I may or may not like. I think it's important to know and understand that you CAN have a collection of fragrances and choose Not to wear them. Keep them as novelties or collector's items. It doesn't always have to be about wearing ALL your fragrances. Set up a nice shelf with some glass doors/windows and put them all there, BUT always keep your tried and tested fragrances close for regular use. Identifying that signature scent and sticking to it is really important and can keep you grounded.
I literally have started selling mine too. I took a step back....looked and thought....do i REALLY need all these???? So i decided to just keep the most versatile ones. So from almost 100, i have got down to like 10 🙂
Great video! I’m 43 and have been in the fragrance game since 1994. I have hundreds of fragrances and have never cared to become a RUclipsr and share my collection. Honestly I’m burnt out on the fragrance game for the same exact reasons you mentioned. I still like to smell good and I watch fragrance videos from time to time but it’s not what it used to be. Thank You so much for your contribution to the fragrance game. As a fragrance reviewer you’re one of the better ones, your content is good!
This is such a refreshing video, I couldn't agree with you more! All facts. 💯 📣 I always say, I'll review a tons of fragrances, but I will only buy what I truly love ❤️
i am relatively new to this hobby. Still collecting, i am. Not much in my possession.. around 60. and i recently try to look for something new.. not redundant as u said. The way i overcome the issue of having too much frags is by using them all on rotation. i wear everything that i LIKE, not caring that much if i get compliments from others. Even if i LOVE certain frags, i will hold my horses from wearing it. They must wait until their turns.
My advice: 1. Find the notes family that you like, forget the “suits your personality” BS. 2. Buying niche does cost more, but it’s because of higher quality, and natural raw materials. This means longer lasting, rich smelling fragrances. 3. A good hygiene, and maintaining good health beats any fragrance spray to make you attractive. It should be a complement, not a crutch.
Can't say I'm massively shocked by that journey, I've been through a very scaled down version of that myself and tbh I rarely even look at designer fragrances now because most of the ones I had I either sold them or gave them away because they were just boring to me. I've often wondered how many bottles some of these collecters have that they never get to and that may well have gone bad years ago. I'm happy with the 25 or so I have now and I still buy a lot of samples but if If can't get a sample then I don't buy it and thats quite a few because I live in the UK and mostly watch American RUclipsrs.
I have a pretty large collection and all are stored in a completely dark room, shelved and at roughly 65-68 degrees all year. Aside from some of the cheaper designer offerings that are very old, rarely do I come across a bottle that has gone bad. And the ones that I have found, its mostly the top notes...citrus dominated..that have burned off a bit but the juice still smells at least 90% as it did.
What an incredible presence you have. I really respect how you can speak so intelligently, yet purely from the heart. It’s genuine. Man, you could be be talking about drill bits or fan belts and still manage to be engaging. Good luck on your journey. 🙏🏻
I had dialled down a lot. I bought 5 or 6 fragrances a year and pursued two unicorns: Doblis and Iris Gris. I found Doblis from a fragrance friend and bought Iris de Fath. Instead of ending things, I found myself pursuing a number of fragrances I had bypassed or overlooked. I am pursuing samples first and enjoying some more modern scents. I have been collecting forever and I have a huge collection, a lot of vintage fragrances and some rare and very special scents. I don’t mind sitting on my treasures and I often am drowning in a cacophony of choices. I have maybe four choices I completely regret. I have spent a lot of money over many years. I have purged my collection once and I deeply regret the hundred or so bottles I can never replace. I have about 4500 bottles but I started collecting when I was ten. I am happy to have my tastes change but I am also happy to wear something I bought in 1992.
You hit the bulls eye Justin.. Exactly what I am going through. I found myself going for the perfumes following the most complimented, top 10s, best of the best list from the fragrance reviewers and so on.. This led me to having around a 100 perfumes bottles in my collection. And I just go for maybe less than 10. Its all in the head is what I learned. Less is more and now I believe 5 are more than enough to smell good for any situation. Thank you Justin!
Glad you addressed your departure I started watching your videos in 2017 and you quickly became my favorite reviewer. I was sad to see you go and excited when you returned. Some times we have to take a step back to really see where we are going. Looking forward to your future growth and continuing success!
I got to 30+ bottles in my collection since 2010 and then impulsively dropped about 2 grand in about a year buying a bunch more, then decided to take a break in early 2020. I switched to decants in 2020 (5ml-15ml) and have gotten great deals on them all ($8-$15 each) buying mostly niche and high end designers on the various monthly subscription and other sites. I will at least use them up, but my current 72 bottles...never gonna finish them all. I will probably end up selling more than half of them. But I can at least sample the niche stuff I cant afford to buy bottles of and the new releases, by going with decants. 10-15 ml of a fragrance is actually a lot more uses than it looks like. Its definitely a rabbit hole and can be an expensive one.
I went to Nordstrom and smelled all the tom ford, PDM, creed and none of them were justified for spending $300. I think the designer fragrances at macys smell way better than all the high end ones there. I personally think that clones are the best way to go, they perform better usually and smell the same and way cheaper
Club de Nuit intense EDP is my favorite and best smelling clone I have ever smelled. What's yours? I am also meaning to get Sillage in the near future.
Hi Justin, great advice. I have a 200 plus collection and I'm reaching the point where I'm starting to question my journey. I've taken a break from purchasing any new fragrances and I've even limited watching RUclips reviews. I've realized that I was more into collecting than enjoying my fragrances. After watching your video, I now have a more in-depth understanding of my fragrance journey. Thanks again for your advice. I enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work! :)
I feel ya Justin. I've bought a lot of the same that people have to start reviews too... but I'm trying to buy scents I don't see anybody reviewing and look for fragrances that haven't really gotten out there yet because I like variety and difference.
This is really incredible you put this out now, as I have reached this point just recently. It just got to be too much and I knew I'd never touch most of them again. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the great work and stay well,
I just sold Herod myself 😆. I have fallen into a very similar situation. Where I'm trying to purge a large amount of my collection. Not sure the best way to do that. But the majority of mine are actually niche. I started seriously collecting about a year and a half ago and just went crazy. Chasing Niche ends up being the same game as designers.
Man, in my opinion there is no end for this fragrance thing. You always explore better for your taste. But from what you said you had enough fragrance to see what’s work for you and not. I had nearly 35 bottles of fragrance and I was going forward. Then realised that it was getting so much and I was using the top 5 my favourites. So I understood what I like or don’t like for each occasions. Then I rebuilt the fragrance collection and I have now 12 of them. They are all fabulous and enhance my confidence like a beast. Like for the other things it suitable for fragrance as well, quality or quantity is a key.
this was a great Video, honesty above all. Pleasing everyone else is easy at a great cost Pleasing yourself will shy some viewers due to taste differences but it will be rewarding at the end for you because your collection is unique to you and you love all of it. Lets try decants and make decisions on decants you can always put the image of the fragrance on your videos for illustration purposes. "Buy only what you love" let this be the title of your upcoming videos Thank you so much on behalf of freshsquad
Love the honesty, and definitely not something you hear very often. I can totally see myself becoming addicted to getting more and more; great to hear that it’s not just me…
It's easy to fall deep in this rabbit hole, been collecting for a few years now and have just realized I have close to 90 fragrances, I never bothered to count previously. That was the wake up call for me, thing is out of the 90 there are probably just 20-25 that I truly love and frequently wear. Even 20 fragrances is too much for some people but yeah now I'm looking to downsize to around 20 and will sell to replace so that my collection doesn't go out of hand again.
I also have the greatest respect for this video as everything stated is absolutely true. For several years, I had done the same as yourself by purchasing fragrance recommendations from RUclipsrs, many which were similar to fragrances already owned and most of which sit on my shelves collecting dust. With most of mine being niche and costly, I began thinking of the absurdity in buying flankers of originals already in my collection. At the end of the day, it is myself who matters and needs to enjoy the scents, not others. You are the first person who has been honest in such a revelation and I appreciate that!
Great video and perspective. Much respect. I got caught up early in my journey just buying whatever is new or whatever someone on youtube hyped up and a lot of times I just found it to be okay. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found a lot of great frags from creators such as yourself but a lot of the fragrances I have now, I’ve found through buying random samples of things that sounded up my alley. I’ve really been able to find some unique stuff that way. I’ve always loved fragrances and had around 10-12 before I even knew people collected them which is still a lot for most people but as I grew in my career and was able to afford more, I started buying more to have some for every possible occasion and season you could imagine lol By the time the pandemic hit, I was just buying to buy it seemed. Early in 2020 I had a serious talk with myself and I decided to no longer buy fragrances just to have them, but only if I love them truly. Therefore I redid my whole collection and sold around 85-90% of it. It was the best choice because I re did it with ones I really love and will wear. Every season I go through all the ones suited for said season and if I no longer love it, then I sell it or give it away. I’m not going to hoard anything I don’t use, that’s not why I got into this hobby. Now I have a collection of around 60 currently, mostly niche but I use them all and love them. I buy a lot of samples these days to try out many fragrances so I’m more sure about what to add to my collection but tastes change over time or you might find something similar that’s better and if so, I’ll sell the one I like the least because I don’t want a bunch of fragrances that smell like br540 dna for example because realistically I’ll only reach for 2 different variations of it, the rest would just be clutter and I would get burned out from that scent profile fast. I still do the occasional blind buy, it can be fun not going to lie but I mostly do it only when there is no way I can sample it first. The biggest rules I’ve created for myself to continue loving fragrance and not just buying to buy, is sampling a lot and letting go of things that I don’t wear anymore. Sure you could argue that’s a waste of money since you buy said fragrance, hardly wear it maybe and then sell it for less but that’s part of the journey imo and as long as you have the means to afford it, I see nothing wrong with it. I’m just more careful about what I add to my collection these days. I like looking in my perfume cabinets and seeing fragrances I truly love, fragrances that speak to me, not ones I bought just because someone hyped it up and not a bunch of fragrances that just are there to fill space or just to say “I got it”. That doesn’t do it for me and collecting things you don’t use or even like for that matter, turns it from being a hobby into being an addiction.
This is one of the best Videos I've seen in Fragcomm! I agree with everything you said. Everyone should build their collection how they want to and not how almost every cheap/designer/beastmode/sexy (you get the idea) Top 10 video is build. Redundancy is the killer of anyones collection imo. Thats why I was at almost 100 fragrances a few months ago and now I'm at half of that!
We appreciate your authenticity and bringing to us a diverse explanation of colognes and perfumes. It sets a standard that is a required and an articulation of your viewpoint. Continue with these reviews as its really interesting justin
This is one of your best videos yet. Thank you for being so transparent with us on your journey. I haven't gotten to a point where I sold any of my collection but I have become more selective on my purchases. And I can relate to what you said about flankers....sometimes I feel like there are too many and it can be exhausting trying to keep up on them. Granted, some of the flankers are better than the originals but there have been times where I think a reviewer is about to mention a specific fragrance I'm familiar with but then mentions some flanker I never heard of and i'm like "damn, another one?" (the Allure Homme line to me is the biggest offender). Love your channel bro, you're one of like 5 reviewers I follow on RUclips these days (funny enough I haven't trimmed my collection but I trimmed down the fragrance channels I follow lol) and I love the variety that you have both niche and designer.
Same as me, I spent $1000+ maybe over that. What I did is distract myself and unfollowed all fragrance RUclipsrs and influencer. All the groups I added myself that’s related to fragrances. I decided to be more focused on my fitness and bodybuilding stuff
Really appreciate your candidness and your honesty Justin. It's really refreshing to hear and glad you chose to come back and the rest is history. Also glad you chose to build a collection that you love and helps you stand out in a world of flankers. I salute you brother :)
Fragrance purges feel great don’t they? I realized just about every fragrance that was an instant love, I grew to dislike. The ones that have remained over the years are the ones I struggled with in the beginning, fragrances that challenged me and took me a while to understand, and understand why they are held in high regards. Stuff like Fahrenheit & Egoiste, houses like Frederic Malle, Serge Lutens, etc. Speaking of- If I may say- as a jazz musician, I’m surprised you aren’t into more abstract, unique, thought provoking fragrances.
Mad respect for you bringing some of these topics up! Our “why” is so important in anything we do. Intention & impact are something I think of even when selecting what fragrance I’m going to wear or purchase. The alignment isn’t always perfect but giving space for that to exist helps me show up the way I want to in this world. 😎
Same I just felt guilt for owning more than 20 bottles and kept getting the 100 ml and up for the value even though I don’t need it. I like variety too much so i might be only decants from here on out. Glad you found your niche on this platform
This video was very relatable and moved me so much that i subscribed. Like one of the other comments suggested i wouldn't be opposed to you reviewing decants or sample of fragrances you really liked or found interesting. Thanks for making me realize that i dont need to buy fragrances just to please others. I will be gifting some of my redundant fragrances to friends and relatives that need it. Thanks for your honesty. God bless!
My "journey" started in 2019 and by 2020 I had amassed quiet a few bottles and decants, a large portion based on youtube recommendations, then I went through a period of purging by gifting half the collection to family, then have rebuilt it back up with things I really personally love. I think this is a natural progression for many of us frag enthusiasts.
Man, took me around 2yrs to get to this place. Very rare a designer release is intriguing but there are so many independent or niche houses that have such beautiful and interesting collections to choose from. Thanks bro.
This was a refreshing video to watch, and I thank you for sharing because I fell victim for the exact same thing. I got excited too quickly and fell into the terrible habit of impulsive buying, and I think the most dangerous part of it all was that I, at the time, wasn't actually aware of how impulsive I was when it came to purchasing new fragrances. I always sort of shrugged it off and labeled it as "treating myself", when in fact I was downright splurging an uneccesary amount of money. It wasn't until I actually took a step back and saw just how much I had spent over the course of a couple of months on fragrances alone. It's odd because when you buy these fragrances it's like you know that you're spending too much, but your brain automatically tries to rationalize the purchase by trying to shift the way of looking at it, as in instead of looking at the price at face value, you think "well I earn x-amount a month and this is barely a fraction of it soooo..." and obviously just by that alone you can tell it's a pretty unhealthy mindset to have. When I eventually saw just how much I had spent, I, for lack of better words, felt bad. I was disappointed and couldn't understand how it got so out of control. I still considered myself fortunate however, because I think that a lot of people who are "addicted" to fragrances, won't realize this until much further down the line. That's not to say you can't purchase a fragrance once in a while, but please for the love of God just step back for a moment and just look at the number.
Thank you for this bro, I almost started going down this rabbit hole but I stopped myself. I’m really happy with my 5 fragrance collection, especially on bleu de Chanel eau de parfum & Dior sauvage elixir.
Great content 👏🏽 That title alarmed me a little. I thought you were leaving RUclips bro. Don't DO IT!! 😄 I did find myself in an expensive pattern of collecting houses of niche brands. But thankfully my daughter sparked an epiphany within me by making me realize just it shouldn't be that serious. So now I do select for the loyalty of myself and not the house.
Massive respect on this video. I can totally relate to the building a collection that feels like you and not just because it is a new release or popular. I now will only buy a fragrance if it is unique to my collection, or I absolutely love it. I will say, I am a massive sample horder as that is how I wear test before committing to a purchase. I just want to say that I feel your content is really unique and I also trust your recommendations.
Lovely and honest video. I came to the same conclusion and I am about to trim down my 50+ collection to just keep 5 that I really love. I used to follow many fragrance reviewers but it’s annoying how they come with a “new” top 10 every couple of days just for the sake of views 😂.
You are not alone - I totally agree with you. My fragrance journey started out similar Now I’m on fragrances that only make me feel good or has a wonderful story behind it (when I wore it, where I was etc) As a bourbon fan too I’ve come to appreciate not just the product but the story with it - it sparks conversation, not just complements. So now I’m on what you wonderfully described as “diversifying” - purchase ones that are “different” and outside the norm. I’ve been following you for a minute and I truly appreciate the thoughts. Keep doing your thing. 👍🏾👍🏾
I feel so lucky to have discovered this video early on in my niche fragrance journey.. Compared to others, you look really honest and you are not doing it for money or "content" (some youtubers do). I will take these tips for the next next purchase, thank you very much man!
Justin... I remember this video. I had actually just found out about u and your channel and I remember commenting as a new subscriber to not leave because you brought something new, unique and fresh (no pun intended) to the RUclips frag com. Fast forward to now... Im glad you're back brotha. One of if not THE BEST Fragrance channel on here. Definitely on the Mount Rushmore. Hands down!!! 🙌🏾 🙌🏾 🙌🏾
Another great content Justin, on my fragrance journey I'm on a somewhat a hiatus, I stopped posting SOTD on fragrances FB groups, I do have over close to 230 plus ish bottles, so I'm looking closely more on my collection either too add to which I will gravitate more and probably downsize my collection things I don't need/redundant and again Thank you for sharing your experience on your fragrance journey and have a great, wonderful, blessed, positive, productive and safe week
Bruh, you're a real one...and a good thinking man with a conscience. Kudos. I'm glad you put this out here because it's so easy to get caught up like you said. This is why I paired down my reviewers to you and about 5 others and the brands I like to about a good 10 and I'm sticking to that and I'm all good.
I got on the fragrance train about six months ago and went from five favorites to 35 now. I’m ashamed of my impulse buying, addictive behavior, and lack of self control (for myself, not judging others). Just yesterday I was aggravated because I did not know what to wear and found myself wanting more days to experience all my fragrances. I love great scents and the confidence it gives me. Complements are always the icing on top. Thank you for this video. My goal is to enjoy what I have for the next year and “only buy” when it’s special.
Just buy decants dude..
I can relate to your impulse buying, been there and done that on many a late night. The nice thing about the fragrance community though is that you can usually flip some of your bottles and recapture some of your cash. And like Justin, you can also give a bottle to a friend which is what friends are for! 😉
I hear that,I bought a Mancera " Exclusif Jardin" based on the exuberance of another fragrance influencer on here, listen somebody,somewhere likes this not for me ,so here I am out $130 on this dumpsterfire(, heavily ,synthetic," are nt they all though🤷🏿♂️)a mix match of fruity notes and a burning sensation like if saltwater got into your nose, when I could have bought something ,I would have really cherished i.e Dior Homme Intense or saved a few dollars and did Yeau fraiche. THIS was my AHA! moment, I buy samples of more expensive offerings & carefully curate which ones I will keep.Ive set a limit of $500 for this yr, Im not going over that ,so far,Ive spent $48 for the yr .I am so proud of my restraint.I have a tight list that imma get through and after that its gotta really move me .This hobby like my former book addiction is both expensive & space consuming.
Three maximum. F the Rabbit whole
@@rickterrance4981 yeah , but so far I' ve been lucky AF , for instance the original L'Homme Ideal from Guerlain,I blind bought in TJ Maxx they had 2 ,I bought the first 1 didnt try until 3 days later, liked it immensely and went bk & bought a backup bottle, the first bottle fell & broke, I said ok lemme see if I can get another bottle.$ was quite affordable..FF 3 yrs..Shit is discontinued and overpriced..
I respect you for this. It’s crazy how much we can all relate in this “collecting.” This goes for ALL hobbies, aka, addictions. As a marathon runner, I used to feel the need to get every single “new” running shoe release…..Thinking it would help me run like Eliud Kipchoge. They don’t, lol. I soon realized it did nothing but hurt my wallet.
💯 with you! I probably have close to the entire line up of runners for 2019-20. Between that & fragrances I can never be fulfilled! Always chasing the next best thing.
I’m honestly addicted to the collection of fragrances.
Hobbies and addictions are not the same thing, although people can get addicted to their hobby
While I’m no marathon runner, I am wondering what the nexus is between running shoes (and sneakers in general) and cologne? I too, resemble this comment! 😆
@@bojax3434 Looking and good and smelling good, dude.
ASICS Kayano - only running shoe you'll ever really need.
Real talk, I've been just looking at my collection and have been selling bottles I don't want. I would hear a review and be like I need to get it. I would get the fragrance and force myself to like it. Now, I buy what I truly like and go from there. Justin I respect your honesty and enjoy your videos. Now I'm in the process of starting my collection over. I only own 13 bottles right now but it's 13 I really like and not just because. You're a real one for this video and it's refreshing to see someone other than myself feel this way.
What 13 fragrances are they ? You own
I have about 4,5 cheapies to sell right now
@@AirMal23 GO DUKE!
Same here. I have 5 currently out for sale. Going to sell more after them. Will reduce the collection by half. About 100 bottles now..
Where would y'all recommend as the best place to sell fragrances you want to get rid of? Meaning they sell in a relatively decent amount of time for a good price for both the buyer and seller?
I can relate. At the beginning of Covid I dove deep into fragrance, picking it up as a new hobby. It became expensive because I was primarily attracted to niche. Now I've leveled off at about 30 bottles. I'm just going to use it up and retain five or six favorites. Sometimes I just stare at the collection and can't figure out what to wear. I've gotten to the point of picking something at random because everything smells great. But I just don't have the same excitement I used to.
That's me ☝️☝️☝️
This is why I love sampling. Sometimes I’ll get a sample or decant of something a few times before I buy a full bottle. Ministry of Scent is my best friend.
@@tresbonoeuf EXACTLY!! I sample in store, do skin tests, get free samples from stores, buy 5mL & 9mL online before I’ll buy a 100mL. Usually by the time I finish a 5mL of a fragrance it’s already the next season and if I had the full size I’d be pushing it to the back of the cabinet and reaching for the new seasons frags. I only own 11 FULL size bottles and do not want to exceed 15 (full size). I save $$ and experience more (variety) by purchasing decants.
This was refreshing to hear. My main issue was the rack store hunts. Once a week I’d go and grab 1 or 2 $20 cheapies. Wear them once, on the shelf you go. Would wear out the shower once and then done. That shit adds up. Now I have regret and it’s not like I can sell all the cheapies. Had a friend over the other day and I said take some of these home with you lol. Fragrance addiction is real and can honestly be dangerous.
Damn that is Beta.
Buying Cheapies is stupid anyway.
They smell tacky.
@@magacop5180 BEEEYYYYTAAAAAAA
I feel you in that Ken been on a massive Lataffa run recently buying up 5, 10 or 15 bottles a pop.. "they are only 15 bucks who cares" and the shit adds up QUICKLY.. I feel down the YB rabbit hole and glad to see how I'm just buying to buy now I don't even like half the bottles.. good luck to you bro
It can be dangerous it you dont have the proper funds haha but it is interesting. I just have like 15
I got started in fragrance really two year ago and I've totally gone down this road. I am still enjoying fragrance, but realize I have too much redundancy in my collection. Not ready to sell it all off yet, but you've given me quite a few things to think about! Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
@@stayfreshproductions Apparently you haven't left yt and are still posting vids. 🙄
Thank you man! This video needed to be made. I know the feeling of getting fragrances. Then living in guilt for your spending habits. Then buying another to get compliments and feel better.
Fragrances is a beautiful thing. But it's impossible to love and enjoy the ones you own. And just because you like a sample doesn't mean you need to buy a bottle NOW. You've got a lifetime. They don't discontinue or dispose that quickly. Be patient. Wear your decant. And buy it at a special time that means something when you've planned to spend that money.
I recently had such a very similar experience to yours, Justin. I ended up having a large collection of 50+ bottles which is obviously ridiculous by most standards and I felt like I was just buying stuff for the sake of buying it. You nailed it with mentioning trying to keep up with the flanker race. That’s what they WANT us to do.
So, I went nearly a year without wearing ANYTHING except Mugler Cologne like once or twice a week. Seriously.
Then we were packing to move to a new house and I was packing away all the dusty cologne bottles and decided to spray on YSL L’Homme (which I always loved). I went downstairs and got a huge compliment from the wife and then it kind of all started back up for me but THIS go around, I’m doing exactly as you’re doing. Trimmed down the collection and removed redundancies and it’s so much more enjoyable now. I just bought my first bottle in years (2018 Dior Homme new in box)
This feels right, and I’m glad to know I can trust this channel to not just hype me up on whatever new EDP/intense/blah blah hits the market that week.
I have over 300 fragrances. I noticed my issues when I realized I've never finished a entire bottle in my life. From 8ml, 30ml not even a 50ml. I can honestly say I love only a handful of them.
I try to only buy true loves now as i have he same problem. Even ones like Sauvage Elixir that i really like i do not love (partly cause of the price) so i am not getting it. Or if the price is to good i may get it cause i can always decant out some later if i ever want to.
This is so true and I've been collecting since the 80s over 300+ spent crazy $ over the years and almost 90% 100mls and find i wear like maybe 20 or 30ish of them all
@@johngregorio9183 that's deep. I find myself giving most away, especially before they go bad. I know I can sell them but I give them to ppl new to fragrances. They really appreciate it.
You aren't applying enough, going out enough or just not wearing them at all to say that. I have a large collection but I definitely finished bottles that I regret but nonetheless. You probably only need 20 bottles....so sale the rest to me 😍
That’s a ton. I’ve narrowed mine down to 19 and plan to just wear what I have unless a decant knocks my socks off.
It didn't take long for me to hit the brakes. I have like 10 bottles and I only truly LOVE one of them. Chanel Bleu EDP, it's always appropriate, i get more compliments with it than anything else. plus, it's honestly the most pleasant smell I never get tired of it.
Thanks for being honest. I had about 50 colognes, no niche can't afford them. I sold most of them and kept about 20 that I really love. I realized I can't keep up with all the new flankers and I should concentrate on what I love to wear. Keep making videos man we do appreciate your advise and your opinions.
If you can buy 50 "cheapies" or designers, you can buy niche too. And if you don't like it you can always sell it very easy. Try selling your crappy impulse, blind buys.
Spending more on Niche amounts to less bottles of non niche but you will have better quality of cologne.
@@ryanrattray3199 exactly. I learned this the hard way. Now I have several niche and love them.
Man I'm the exact same way. I have about 100 fragrances I need to get rid of lol. Lots of clones etc as well. I want to build my collection up with stuff that blows my mind.
I had over 100 bottles too. Sold a lot of them and burnt a lot of money 😁 It is an addiction to want to own the new big hit, the new aventus or Dior savauge. For me 10 fragrances in my collection are perfect. 5 warm weather and 5 cold weather fragrances.keep only the great stuff.
I'm literally about 23 or 24 grand into this hobby and I couldn't agree with you more my friend I've got literally 200+ bottles all 100mls that I hardly wear
I’m 20 and got my first fragrance at 15. I will admit I have a tendency to buy fragrances I don’t need, but I’m also picky with what scents I actually end up liking enoguh to wear so luckily I only own about 12. That’s it. Just 12 fragrances I’ve bought over the last 5 years. I have a few for fall/winter, a few for spring/summer, and the rest can be worn year round. I get people’s appeal with wanting the newest fragrances or buying all these ones that RUclipsrs recommend, but I can’t ever see myself owning more than 10-12 fragrances. For some who isn’t a fraghead though I would say 3 is enough. Where’s so fragheads like myself I’d say like 10 is the sweet spot. If you want some more fragrances then no more than 15-20. Otherwise it gets excessive and then you own all those fragrances that you won’t get the chance to wear often.
@@mikecapalungan so true and my son comes to visit often and hes always checking out some old school and newer ones he didn't like before but appreciates them now
@@johngregorio9183 yeah that’s always good. It’s very hard for me to see myself having that many fragrances just because the new ones on the market with the flankers and new fragrances being released just haven’t smelled interesting or grabbed my attention enough to buy them because of the similar nuances that they have to the fragrances in my collection. Some of my favorites in my collection have to be Dior Sauvage (I have elixir as well and it reminds me of a Christmas candle in my home, so it’s a good fall/winter scent but the original Dior Sauvage you can’t beat), PDM’s Percival, D&G The One, Jazz Club Replica, D&G Light Blue (not the eau intense version, but the original), TF Azure Lime, and Artisan Pure. I’ve got a few other scents that I like, but those are the ones I wear the most.
@@mikecapalungan the ones you named are real good a decent collection in itself bro be safe 🙏
The designer trap has us exactly where they want us. My collection is outlandish and I rarely wear the cheaper ones I first purchased when I started my collection. My taste has changed drastically and right now I’ve been enjoying much more challenging scents.
My collection is not "outlandish" because I stopped bying the cheaper colognes after I found myself wearing the same six expensive, high quality colognes over and over. The rest I use as carpet refreshers. Literally.
Omg.. The rabbit hole is real.
Brother Justin I know exactly how you felt. In the beginning of my fragrance journey which for a 50yr guy started kinda late in life as far as collecting. I started out just trying to grab any and all recommended fragrances from RUclipsrs like I was trying to play catch up, but quickly realized one: This can become a very expensive hobby and two: Buying a bunch of colognes blindly that I probably wouldn't have bought especially if I smelled them prior to buying them. This is why I always recommend to those starting out to sample first if available. Great video my brother and much success to you. I love your trumpet playing man I'd love to hang and listen to you live wear that Brass & Soul. Peace!
I've watched several of your videos over the last couple of months and for whatever reason have not subscribed, this is the one that's got me committed to your channel.
Appreciate the real talk 👏🏻
Awesome video Justin > for this hobby my rules > don’t blind buy ever > test for 1 week straight of the fragrance you may buy > quality over quantity > sell the fragrance if you find yourself got whatever reason not picking it up throughout the year
Thank you!
I now own around 40 bottles and most of them I have bought with coupons and some money I make with a side job hobby example fetch rewards pays for scanning receipts from the store . Also y have a rule I would never buy any fragrance at retail price and I would never ever buy at rack stores . Another rule never buy before trying I would spend a least a week trying fragrances unless is a fragrance that I already know it’s a good one and if it is on sale I would buy it . And decants I’m not into it cause every time you get one you spend at least 20 to 30 that you can save up to get one of the ones you already like .
I totally understand. In January I sold 20 fragrances that I didn't love or reach for much, and brought in 5 bangers:
Boadicea The Victorious Ardent
Boadicea The Victorious Envious
Unique'e Luxury Soscentific
Initio Side Effect
Initio Musk Therapy
From now on, I'm only buying fragrances I love. Quality over Quantity.
This is my approach from this year too
I'm considering buying Side Effect
Where did you sell your fragrance?. I also wanna get rid of some
Good for you. This is an eye opener for all with this fragrance addiction. This thought is been going on in our minds but all we needed is this confirmation from a fellow fraghead. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I just turned 70 years old and have been using fragrances since I was 9 years old. My mother used to put “Kings Men” on me on my way to elementary school. Needs less to say I only have 5 fragrances due to some of the reasons that you mentioned. It’s like everything else in life, how different can one thing be from another?
I love this, man. I went through a phase of buying every thing that was recommended. But after a while I realised that I was not spending enough time with my fragrances. I barely knew them. I had a vague sense that this was a summer frag or the other a woody one, but usually I was just echoing something I'd watched in a review-I hadn't made up my mind about it FOR MYSELF. I came to realise that I couldn't turn this hobby into something mechanical-I don't wear fragrances for anyone but myself and that meant I need to find what made sense for me, even if a million fragrantica reviews told me it was terrible. So I stopped buying. I slowed way down. I started to build relationships with my fragrances. I find that you have to wear a fragrance in different moods, diverse weathers, various seasons and times to really bond with it. A fragrance that you love may be perfect for just one specific time of year or day and no other time, and that's just its specialist role and you love that relationship you have with it. I decided that Boss Number One is the best office scent for me in the fall, and that's the only time I wear it. But you only discover this when you've spent time with them. I guess it's kinda like a piece of music that only slowly opens itself up to you, but once it does the love is forever and you keep discovering new aspects of it. So I am no longer collecting. I want the best dozen ME fragrances and that's it. I don't want to ever struggle to find what I want to wear because I have too many. Every fragrance I have has to be deeply loved and has to play a specific role in my life, capturing a mood or journeying with me through a certain part of my day. I don't care for the flankers and fillers and the 10 "beast mode" fragrances to get compliments.
Yeah man! We gotta find OUR collection!
I’ve been collecting for more than a year, and only three fragrances I hate myself for buying, Armani code profumo/gentleman boisee/Invictus victory. I hated myself twice, I thought I got duped. I gave them away, bought straight from Sephora, ulta and not a discounter or Amazon. Nope they all still sucked. Why did I buy them? I watched a you tube video, “Beast mode”, “longest lasting”, “room filling” etc etc… I sprayed paper, other people, myself after shower, before shower, hot/cold, etc.. I learned that I can’t trust what most videos say. You are one of the few I trust to recommend me try a fragrance. Not run out and grab it.
It's not so much that you can't trust what others say, it's just people have different individual scent preferences. Listening to others is a great way to get some direction as to what to look for, but it's important to test everything completely before buying.
the best way, in my opinion, is to find a reviewer, that fits your taste. you can not have trust in all of them. it simply doesn't work. and it has nothing to do with sympathy. it's not about oh, that guy is cool, it must be the best scent for me. no! even if he is honest. he has personal preferences. also, a reviewer can't be objective when it comes to fragrances. I have found mine, and I haven't been disappointed a single time by her. I talk about a lot of money which I would have lost otherwise. mine is curly fragrance, and it has absolutely nothing to do with her as a person. it is because her personal preferences are nearly 100% equal to mine.
That's the thing with fragrances everyone has different preferences and tastes what's one man's trash is another man's treasure
I’ve definitely been selling the bulk of my collection. My wife asked me why I would sell all my stuff and I told her that if the frag doesn’t wow me or at least make me feel good it’s got to go. I feel you completely on buying the cheapies lol you’ll end up with a closet full of crap that you couldn’t pay someone to take off of your hands
Thanks for sticking around man! Love your chill vibe and alternative style of fragrances. Keep up the good work!
I totally feel your message - having sold off most of my collection. But I kept a 2 ml sample of every bottle I sold. Guess what? Most of those samples are still untouched.
I believe endlessly collecting anything is trying to fill an existential void within us. The remedy for this type of consumerism is productivity. When we produce, we feel that we are needed, rather than in need of something. Image putting all of those hours of research, all that money and curiosity into our purpose in life.
We as men are designed to build things. Whether tangible or digital. We can teach, create, find our own personal greatness. Once that ship is sailing, we get this aura of success. It’s a certain glance in our eyes. The way we smile. You can’t fake it. It’s there or it’s not. Other people pick up on it subliminally. Not even the best smelling perfume in the world can outshine the attraction of our personal greatness.
So well put brother.. Truly love and related to what you wrote.. Especially the 'it's a void inside of us' and we are trying to fill that with such things or other collections
This may be the greatest comment in the history of RUclips 🔥❤️
This is incredibly well said and can be applied to all aspects of life. The perfume is often a finishing note. The cherry on top of the man you’ve sculpted yourself into and who you’re proud to be. It cannot fill the existential void nor mask its presence in the company of others.
This was probably the MOSt profound videos on fragrance I’ve ever watched. Real. Honest. Insightful. Love it.
Wow, thank you!
I'm only partway through the video but WOW I can relate; as a fellow youtuber who still does fragrance reviews/videos, I totally feel so much of this. The sad part is, the audience doesn't always understand, and it's been a constant struggle for me to find that sweet spot where I have a small collections of perfumes I truly want and will wear, and also having enough perfumes to have content for youtube. That's why I'm switching it up - from now on, I do me and I share what makes me happy. Not what's trending, not what's good for the algorithm or for youtube - what's good for me. Because at the end of the day if I'm not passionate about it - no one else will be.
Ilythia! I just subbed to you, can’t believe I hadn’t seen your channel before. Already loving your content.
You’re totally right. We will only be truly happy with the work we do as creators if we lean into our authenticity. It just so happens that it’s also the best way for us to set ourselves apart…it might take time, but when the hype wears off and the smoke clears, we’ll be left standing with sincerity, integrity, and joy.
Thank you so much for watching.
@@stayfreshproductions thank you for taking the time to respond!!!:) 😊 I totally agree.
This was one of the most refreshing videos to watch! Thanks for posting this. I'm new to your channel and I really appreciate your content, style and delivery. I feel as though your content really helps me get a pulse on new fragrances, as well as a different view points on known fragrances. The enthusiasm in your content is apparent in your delivery style while still remaining relaxed and down to earth.
Thank you Nick!
I totally agree with your analysis of where and how people are trying to fit in the "game". My personal decision right from the get-go has been to pretty much shun the designers and go for what I love - Middle Eastern and Indian Attars ... and I have been very content with that decision because I wear fragrances solely for my enjoyment. I am hardly ever going out, and if I do, I go to a local coffee shop with a book and don't mingle. Hence, in my very own context, fragrances are a personal decision as I could not care less if anyone likes or compliments what I decide to wear - I am too damn old and ugly for that game...
The other avenue I am pursuing is that if I wonder about a certain scent profile that I am not familiar with, but want to explore, I will buy a high quality duplicate, which may sound counter-intuitive, but there are houses that create fine parfum extrait or concentrated perfume oils of top niche houses for 1/10th of the small fortune those niche scents cost, smell amazing and represent excellent value. And once you recognize that a $200 or $300 bottle of any niche house has maybe $4 or $5 of ingredient cost in it, you quickly grasp that the fragrance game is purely about hyper-seductive marketing, not the type of seduction you have in mind, but the type of reverse seduction that you fall for when you shell out $200 - $300 for a bottle of Creed or PdM or Roja Dove. This is not to diminish those exceptional artisanal creators, but the cost of 50 or 100ml for some scents has simply gone bananas....due to hype!
The extrait or CPO clones that I have familiarized myself with may cost between $20 -$40 and are amazing scents in their own right without me feeling screwed by a short-term hankering for a "cool" product that in the end may not really hit my preferred scent profiles which are largely Orientals, Ouds, Vetiver and Incense based with some Chypres or Aromatics thrown in. And if a certain $20 or $30 bottle of extrait or perfume oil does not agree with me or my skin, I give it away to someone who loves it and can wear it happily. Case closed without a major loss....
Maybe we all should seek such ways in which to still love fragrances, but find those fragrances we really jive with and love and identify more affordable ways to seek out those scents that really appeal to us wthout feeling perpetually played by marketing companies that have long given up on unique scent development.
Just my 2 cents and my personal path to continue engaging with what I enjoy in a slightly different, more affordable format, without getting validation from others just because we like and wear exactly the same ridiculously expensive scents... Which is just another form of killing individual tastes....
And I am not pointing my fingers or try to uncover certain RUclips influencers. They are all doing something value-added that a lot of people enjoy during these rather joy-deprived times....
Cheers guys and enjoy your olfactory sensest!!!
I almost love your comment. It mirrows my own attitude. Got me Shalimar (girl stuff, but I love it) and Spice Bomb extreme. The whole rest has not been overly expensive. Armaf, Afnan, Rihana, Lattafa, Swiss-Arabian, not all really good, but most are. I never get compliments, too old and ugly (hate that word, but it comes along with old). A good scent compliment is just a hanger to show interrest in a possible partner for a whatever kind of intimacy. Gone, just the pleasure of my own senses remains. Love myself for not buying overpriced originals for vanity. There are losses on the way as well. I can't smell Vetiver anymore. My Encre Noir is not detectable by myself. But my incense reception work still very well, Afnan Supremacy Incense and Lattafa Oud for Glory. Man, I love to wear those stuff. Again I very seldom do agree so totally to a comment like yours. Have a good life!
Any site recmmendation for oriental oils and frags?
I knew from the beginning it’d be a terrible idea to buy something I don’t like so I took on learning to sample and understanding how the fragrances makes me feel. My list and collection is definitely very small because of that, but from time to time I get trapped by fomo, or concepts (like wearing a fiery and icy/watery fragrance aka Shoto Todoroki), or my fragrance collection ideas lol
Great video mate, can totally relate.
I got into the fragrance game around 6 months ago and at first I went totally crazy. I was buying anything and everything. My budget was up to $100, but I was buying pretty much everything I saw, from designers to cheap ass $7 knockoffs that would last 10 minutes on my skin.
I'm ashamed it got to that and that it caused problems with my wife.
I have over 100 bottles and most just sit in the cupboard. I look at them and think of how much money I have waisted and could have used it doing more for and with my kids.
Again great video, cheers.
Thank you Sean!
I really appreciate this video. I got into fragrance less than a year ago and I'm already starting to notice some of the same things you mentioned. I guess I should follow the idea that "if it isn't a HELL YES, it's a HELL NO".
Haha, I love that. Makes it simple!
It’s so easy to get sucked in when you review fragrances for others, because you stop doing it based on solely your own desires and loves! Makes a lot of sense. What you said about designer vs. niche hits home for me, once I began exploring niche I was ruined. I struggle with designer now, which sucks for a perfume reviewer 😩😅
I know what you mean, Steph! It can be difficult to balance your own journey with the interests of your audience!
Just subbed to you!
@@stayfreshproductions thank you 🥰🥰
Hey Justin. This is actually the first video of yours I've ever seen. It showed up on my recommended list. I just started getting into fragrances, as in I bought my first ones earlier this week. This was an incredibly helpful video. I've watched probably a hundred youtube videos on fragrances already, and I can already feel that "need" to buy all the new designer fragrances. This video helped me pump the brakes and take a step back and just evaluate what do I actually want, and what is going to make me feel good for myself, not for others. So thank you for putting this out there and saving me from potentially going down a similar path!
Thank you so much! Your comment really moved me.
@@stayfreshproductions Thank YOU sir! I’ve fallen in love with your channel. I appreciate you keeping it real and not doing the typical hype stuff (although I understand the need to play the algorithm game). The satires are great as well! Keep rocking and stay fresh
Thanks! I appreciate hearing about fragrances that aren't "popular", and have some variety. My rule of thumb: Never blind buy if at all possible. Getting samples and trying testers at the mall has saved me a lot of money and cabinet space. So many fragrances smell like versions of others. So boring.
Hi! Thanks so much for this enlightening video. I'm just about to start my fragance journey by getting my first perfume this year. Thanks so much for the reminder to only buy perfumes that I as a person genuinely enjoy smelling and have meaning to me, and not just randomly get something off a store shelf. Thank you also for sharing this rarely talked about side of the fragance world and perfume reviewing! May you continue to enjoy this newer and more meaningful fragance journey!
Thank you Giovanna!
Yep! You be right. I have a 26 bottle collection. 18 Niche Beast Mode (because of masks) and 8 Designers that I wanted and love. I own no duds. But I am at the end of my collection journey. The only one I missed and may never own is the original Dior Homme Parfum. I am willing to buy it at premium price but none are available. So I bought Dior Homme Intense. I have enough smell good juice to last the rest of my lifetime. Thanks and be encouraged. And give the Lord some of you time.
Justin,
I really appreciate and enjoy your videos. Thank you for your hard work and keeping things fresh. Glad you are sharing your journey with us.
Peace and Blessings
Thank you!
I’m subscribed to a fair number of fragrance channels on RUclips but yours has been the most inspiring in that you don’t recommend all the designer brands all the time. I look forward to seeing what obscure niche fragrance I get to find out about because I don’t want to smell like anyone else. I’ve purchased your decantx boxes and actually just got another one based on past niche fragrances you’ve recommended in the past. Thank you for the content and effort you put in. I also love the video openings. Love seeing you display your amazing musical talent !
Thank you Darrell!
I saw this video pop up months ago, but ignored it because I was still in my fragrance addiction. I am so many bottles now, probably 30+ and couldn't afford most of them lol. You're literally such a great role model, Justin. Your wisdom, class and confidence is something that is lacking in the fragrance community, and in general a lot of men lack as well. Thank you for being a helpful resource, not just a guy to promote fragrances that put a little cash in your pocket. With your help I am able to go into a department store or browse online without the urge to impulse buy.
Thank you man. It’s never too late to gain control of this hobby.
@@stayfreshproductions Yes sir! That's all it is. A hobby, not an addiction anymore!
Huge respect to you for making this video mate. We are all addicted to something in this life; be it food, shopping, sex, praise/compliment chasing, exercise, substance use, gambling, personal/Spiritual growth (the chase effect).. the list goes on. I am in the early stages of buying fragrances- about a dozen now with several niche fragrances in that dozen.Watching your video has helped me to be aware of not letting this become another addiction. Thanks again!
Thank you Luke! I'm glad it helped!
Almost 50k subs . I was here during the early days . This reminds me of a vid that Joy Amin did . You reviewers are modest and humble to bring about your personal experiences. Bravo J.C. !
Thank you!
Thank you for this, as well as for your excellent videos over the years. I found myself adding up the costs of all the colognes I bought, and I realized it was an unnecessary expense trying to get that new and unique scent. The truth is, I personally like Chanel (Pour Monsignor for the day, and Bleu de Chanel for the evening). I found myself asking why do I have so many colognes, and why does each new video prompt me to buy more? I have given many colognes away, but I’m holding my Chanel collection and my two Creeds ( GIT for the day and Adventist for the evening). I think in the long run, it is better to buy under the influence of wanting quality and personal preference, than to buy in quantity in an attempt to hopefully please others. That all said, I really enjoyed your videos and the cool sophistication you displayed. From one jazz music lover to another, I wish you all the best to you on this amazing journey of life. Once again, a sincere “thank you”.
Thank you Patrick!
Oh wow, how refreshing and reassuring to come across a human who can speak English properly and is quite patently familiar with objects called books. Double thumbs up. Off to binge watch videos now, I'm utterly charmed already.
Thank you! Wow. I'm honored!
I remember the day you posted that ‘last’ video. So glad it all worked out for the best. I have upwards of 100 fragrances & decided recently to stop buying EVERY DAMN THING & only spend my money on what I love. Who needs 1000 perfumes that all smell the same 🤦🏻♀️ thank you for sharing, this video needed to be made!!
I'm so happy to be back Kimilie!
Thank you for this video. It is a much-needed message right now. I'm not all that well off at the moment, so I try to get what smells good instead of trying out a bunch of things that I may or may not like. I think it's important to know and understand that you CAN have a collection of fragrances and choose Not to wear them. Keep them as novelties or collector's items. It doesn't always have to be about wearing ALL your fragrances. Set up a nice shelf with some glass doors/windows and put them all there, BUT always keep your tried and tested fragrances close for regular use. Identifying that signature scent and sticking to it is really important and can keep you grounded.
I literally have started selling mine too.
I took a step back....looked and thought....do i REALLY need all these????
So i decided to just keep the most versatile ones.
So from almost 100, i have got down to like 10 🙂
Great video! I’m 43 and have been in the fragrance game since 1994. I have hundreds of fragrances and have never cared to become a RUclipsr and share my collection. Honestly I’m burnt out on the fragrance game for the same exact reasons you mentioned. I still like to smell good and I watch fragrance videos from time to time but it’s not what it used to be. Thank You so much for your contribution to the fragrance game. As a fragrance reviewer you’re one of the better ones, your content is good!
This is such a refreshing video, I couldn't agree with you more! All facts. 💯 📣 I always say, I'll review a tons of fragrances, but I will only buy what I truly love ❤️
i am relatively new to this hobby.
Still collecting, i am.
Not much in my possession.. around 60.
and i recently try to look for something new.. not redundant as u said.
The way i overcome the issue of having too much frags is by using them all on rotation.
i wear everything that i LIKE, not caring that much if i get compliments from others.
Even if i LOVE certain frags, i will hold my horses from wearing it.
They must wait until their turns.
My advice:
1. Find the notes family that you like, forget the “suits your personality” BS.
2. Buying niche does cost more, but it’s because of higher quality, and natural raw materials. This means longer lasting, rich smelling fragrances.
3. A good hygiene, and maintaining good health beats any fragrance spray to make you attractive. It should be a complement, not a crutch.
Great to see you again and appreciate your honesty!
Can't say I'm massively shocked by that journey, I've been through a very scaled down version of that myself and tbh I rarely even look at designer fragrances now because most of the ones I had I either sold them or gave them away because they were just boring to me. I've often wondered how many bottles some of these collecters have that they never get to and that may well have gone bad years ago. I'm happy with the 25 or so I have now and I still buy a lot of samples but if If can't get a sample then I don't buy it and thats quite a few because I live in the UK and mostly watch American RUclipsrs.
I have a pretty large collection and all are stored in a completely dark room, shelved and at roughly 65-68 degrees all year. Aside from some of the cheaper designer offerings that are very old, rarely do I come across a bottle that has gone bad. And the ones that I have found, its mostly the top notes...citrus dominated..that have burned off a bit but the juice still smells at least 90% as it did.
What an incredible presence you have. I really respect how you can speak so intelligently, yet purely from the heart. It’s genuine. Man, you could be be talking about drill bits or fan belts and still manage to be engaging. Good luck on your journey. 🙏🏻
Thank you Michael!
I had dialled down a lot. I bought 5 or 6 fragrances a year and pursued two unicorns: Doblis and Iris Gris. I found Doblis from a fragrance friend and bought Iris de Fath. Instead of ending things, I found myself pursuing a number of fragrances I had bypassed or overlooked. I am pursuing samples first and enjoying some more modern scents. I have been collecting forever and I have a huge collection, a lot of vintage fragrances and some rare and very special scents. I don’t mind sitting on my treasures and I often am drowning in a cacophony of choices. I have maybe four choices I completely regret. I have spent a lot of money over many years. I have purged my collection once and I deeply regret the hundred or so bottles I can never replace. I have about 4500 bottles but I started collecting when I was ten. I am happy to have my tastes change but I am also happy to wear something I bought in 1992.
You hit the bulls eye Justin.. Exactly what I am going through. I found myself going for the perfumes following the most complimented, top 10s, best of the best list from the fragrance reviewers and so on.. This led me to having around a 100 perfumes bottles in my collection. And I just go for maybe less than 10. Its all in the head is what I learned. Less is more and now I believe 5 are more than enough to smell good for any situation. Thank you Justin!
Thanks for sharing!
I feel ya. I had 40 and just gave away most of them. Honestly all I really wore was Sauvage EDP, Molecule 02, Coach Platinum, and Aventus.
Glad you addressed your departure I started watching your videos in 2017 and you quickly became my favorite reviewer. I was sad to see you go and excited when you returned. Some times we have to take a step back to really see where we are going. Looking forward to your future growth and continuing success!
I got to 30+ bottles in my collection since 2010 and then impulsively dropped about 2 grand in about a year buying a bunch more, then decided to take a break in early 2020.
I switched to decants in 2020 (5ml-15ml) and have gotten great deals on them all ($8-$15 each) buying mostly niche and high end designers on the various monthly subscription and other sites. I will at least use them up, but my current 72 bottles...never gonna finish them all. I will probably end up selling more than half of them.
But I can at least sample the niche stuff I cant afford to buy bottles of and the new releases, by going with decants. 10-15 ml of a fragrance is actually a lot more uses than it looks like. Its definitely a rabbit hole and can be an expensive one.
Same, but I buy 2ml samples and buy full bottles if I love the samples. So far I have only bought 1 fragrance in 1 year! And my wallet thanks me
Yup! Sample sizes are the way to go! 💪🏾
Decant 5-10ml from each of your 72 bottles maybe keep your favourite 10 then sell the rest
I so appreciate your honesty here, Justin. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you 🙏🏾
I went to Nordstrom and smelled all the tom ford, PDM, creed and none of them were justified for spending $300. I think the designer fragrances at macys smell way better than all the high end ones there. I personally think that clones are the best way to go, they perform better usually and smell the same and way cheaper
I couldn’t agree more.
*I'm not afraid to say this but... all Tom Ford fragrances are overrated and overpriced*
Club de Nuit intense EDP is my favorite and best smelling clone I have ever smelled. What's yours? I am also meaning to get Sillage in the near future.
@@stansmith5610 yeah i wouldn’t buy any of them but black orchid even if they were under $100
@@Diddyshaow i like pineapple vintage from parfum vintage , it’s an aventus clone with more pineapple.
Hi Justin, great advice. I have a 200 plus collection and I'm reaching the point where I'm starting to question my journey. I've taken a break from purchasing any new fragrances and I've even limited watching RUclips reviews. I've realized that I was more into collecting than enjoying my fragrances. After watching your video, I now have a more in-depth understanding of my fragrance journey. Thanks again for your advice. I enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work! :)
Be careful with what you get rid of some niche and designer are discontinued and can fetch big money for certain ones out there
@@johngregorio9183 Good point John. Thanks for the advice. :)
I feel ya Justin. I've bought a lot of the same that people have to start reviews too... but I'm trying to buy scents I don't see anybody reviewing and look for fragrances that haven't really gotten out there yet because I like variety and difference.
This is really incredible you put this out now, as I have reached this point just recently. It just got to be too much and I knew I'd never touch most of them again. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the great work and stay well,
I just sold Herod myself 😆. I have fallen into a very similar situation. Where I'm trying to purge a large amount of my collection. Not sure the best way to do that. But the majority of mine are actually niche. I started seriously collecting about a year and a half ago and just went crazy. Chasing Niche ends up being the same game as designers.
Man, in my opinion there is no end for this fragrance thing. You always explore better for your taste. But from what you said you had enough fragrance to see what’s work for you and not. I had nearly 35 bottles of fragrance and I was going forward. Then realised that it was getting so much and I was using the top 5 my favourites. So I understood what I like or don’t like for each occasions. Then I rebuilt the fragrance collection and I have now 12 of them. They are all fabulous and enhance my confidence like a beast. Like for the other things it suitable for fragrance as well, quality or quantity is a key.
this was a great Video, honesty above all.
Pleasing everyone else is easy at a great cost
Pleasing yourself will shy some viewers due to taste differences but it will be rewarding at the end for you because your collection is unique to you and you love all of it.
Lets try decants and make decisions on decants you can always put the image of the fragrance on your videos for illustration purposes.
"Buy only what you love"
let this be the title of your upcoming videos
Thank you so much on behalf of freshsquad
Thank you!
Love the honesty, and definitely not something you hear very often. I can totally see myself becoming addicted to getting more and more; great to hear that it’s not just me…
It's easy to fall deep in this rabbit hole, been collecting for a few years now and have just realized I have close to 90 fragrances, I never bothered to count previously. That was the wake up call for me, thing is out of the 90 there are probably just 20-25 that I truly love and frequently wear. Even 20 fragrances is too much for some people but yeah now I'm looking to downsize to around 20 and will sell to replace so that my collection doesn't go out of hand again.
I also have the greatest respect for this video as everything stated is absolutely true. For several years, I had done the same as yourself by purchasing fragrance recommendations from RUclipsrs, many which were similar to fragrances already owned and most of which sit on my shelves collecting dust. With most of mine being niche and costly, I began thinking of the absurdity in buying flankers of originals already in my collection. At the end of the day, it is myself who matters and needs to enjoy the scents, not others. You are the first person who has been honest in such a revelation and I appreciate that!
Thank you Kim! We need to make it a regular topic of conversation.
Great video and perspective. Much respect. I got caught up early in my journey just buying whatever is new or whatever someone on youtube hyped up and a lot of times I just found it to be okay. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found a lot of great frags from creators such as yourself but a lot of the fragrances I have now, I’ve found through buying random samples of things that sounded up my alley. I’ve really been able to find some unique stuff that way.
I’ve always loved fragrances and had around 10-12 before I even knew people collected them which is still a lot for most people but as I grew in my career and was able to afford more, I started buying more to have some for every possible occasion and season you could imagine lol By the time the pandemic hit, I was just buying to buy it seemed. Early in 2020 I had a serious talk with myself and I decided to no longer buy fragrances just to have them, but only if I love them truly. Therefore I redid my whole collection and sold around 85-90% of it. It was the best choice because I re did it with ones I really love and will wear. Every season I go through all the ones suited for said season and if I no longer love it, then I sell it or give it away. I’m not going to hoard anything I don’t use, that’s not why I got into this hobby. Now I have a collection of around 60 currently, mostly niche but I use them all and love them. I buy a lot of samples these days to try out many fragrances so I’m more sure about what to add to my collection but tastes change over time or you might find something similar that’s better and if so, I’ll sell the one I like the least because I don’t want a bunch of fragrances that smell like br540 dna for example because realistically I’ll only reach for 2 different variations of it, the rest would just be clutter and I would get burned out from that scent profile fast. I still do the occasional blind buy, it can be fun not going to lie but I mostly do it only when there is no way I can sample it first. The biggest rules I’ve created for myself to continue loving fragrance and not just buying to buy, is sampling a lot and letting go of things that I don’t wear anymore. Sure you could argue that’s a waste of money since you buy said fragrance, hardly wear it maybe and then sell it for less but that’s part of the journey imo and as long as you have the means to afford it, I see nothing wrong with it. I’m just more careful about what I add to my collection these days. I like looking in my perfume cabinets and seeing fragrances I truly love, fragrances that speak to me, not ones I bought just because someone hyped it up and not a bunch of fragrances that just are there to fill space or just to say “I got it”. That doesn’t do it for me and collecting things you don’t use or even like for that matter, turns it from being a hobby into being an addiction.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey!
Thank you for your candor. I was building my collection in the same way. I will be more analytical in my choices from now on. Thank you!
This is one of the best Videos I've seen in Fragcomm! I agree with everything you said. Everyone should build their collection how they want to and not how almost every cheap/designer/beastmode/sexy (you get the idea) Top 10 video is build. Redundancy is the killer of anyones collection imo. Thats why I was at almost 100 fragrances a few months ago and now I'm at half of that!
We appreciate your authenticity and bringing to us a diverse explanation of colognes and perfumes. It sets a standard that is a required and an articulation of your viewpoint. Continue with these reviews as its really interesting justin
This is one of your best videos yet. Thank you for being so transparent with us on your journey. I haven't gotten to a point where I sold any of my collection but I have become more selective on my purchases. And I can relate to what you said about flankers....sometimes I feel like there are too many and it can be exhausting trying to keep up on them. Granted, some of the flankers are better than the originals but there have been times where I think a reviewer is about to mention a specific fragrance I'm familiar with but then mentions some flanker I never heard of and i'm like "damn, another one?" (the Allure Homme line to me is the biggest offender). Love your channel bro, you're one of like 5 reviewers I follow on RUclips these days (funny enough I haven't trimmed my collection but I trimmed down the fragrance channels I follow lol) and I love the variety that you have both niche and designer.
Now this is one of the most honest videos on the fragrance community I’ve ever listened to! Big up Justin! Nice one!!
Same as me, I spent $1000+ maybe over that. What I did is distract myself and unfollowed all fragrance RUclipsrs and influencer. All the groups I added myself that’s related to fragrances. I decided to be more focused on my fitness and bodybuilding stuff
I dig it.
Really appreciate your candidness and your honesty Justin. It's really refreshing to hear and glad you chose to come back and the rest is history. Also glad you chose to build a collection that you love and helps you stand out in a world of flankers. I salute you brother :)
Thanks Rob!
Fragrance purges feel great don’t they? I realized just about every fragrance that was an instant love, I grew to dislike. The ones that have remained over the years are the ones I struggled with in the beginning, fragrances that challenged me and took me a while to understand, and understand why they are held in high regards. Stuff like Fahrenheit & Egoiste, houses like Frederic Malle, Serge Lutens, etc.
Speaking of- If I may say- as a jazz musician, I’m surprised you aren’t into more abstract, unique, thought provoking fragrances.
I am into some very thought provoking fragrances. These are just the ones I kept from the start of my journey. Check out my other videos! 😁
Mad respect for you bringing some of these topics up! Our “why” is so important in anything we do. Intention & impact are something I think of even when selecting what fragrance I’m going to wear or purchase. The alignment isn’t always perfect but giving space for that to exist helps me show up the way I want to in this world. 😎
This is a really good comment 💯
😆 click bait , Justin lol! I think its working though 🤭
Haha, it was a true story though! :)
Same I just felt guilt for owning more than 20 bottles and kept getting the 100 ml and up for the value even though I don’t need it. I like variety too much so i might be only decants from here on out. Glad you found your niche on this platform
You're such a sincere dude, Justin. I really appreciate your videos.
I appreciate that!
Justin you were my first and one of my favorite fragrance reviewers.I always trusted your judgement.Love & Light ...on your new chapter...
Thank you!
This video was very relatable and moved me so much that i subscribed. Like one of the other comments suggested i wouldn't be opposed to you reviewing decants or sample of fragrances you really liked or found interesting. Thanks for making me realize that i dont need to buy fragrances just to please others. I will be gifting some of my redundant fragrances to friends and relatives that need it. Thanks for your honesty. God bless!
Thank you so much!
My "journey" started in 2019 and by 2020 I had amassed quiet a few bottles and decants, a large portion based on youtube recommendations, then I went through a period of purging by gifting half the collection to family, then have rebuilt it back up with things I really personally love. I think this is a natural progression for many of us frag enthusiasts.
Man, took me around 2yrs to get to this place. Very rare a designer release is intriguing but there are so many independent or niche houses that have such beautiful and interesting collections to choose from. Thanks bro.
This was a refreshing video to watch, and I thank you for sharing because I fell victim for the exact same thing. I got excited too quickly and fell into the terrible habit of impulsive buying, and I think the most dangerous part of it all was that I, at the time, wasn't actually aware of how impulsive I was when it came to purchasing new fragrances. I always sort of shrugged it off and labeled it as "treating myself", when in fact I was downright splurging an uneccesary amount of money. It wasn't until I actually took a step back and saw just how much I had spent over the course of a couple of months on fragrances alone. It's odd because when you buy these fragrances it's like you know that you're spending too much, but your brain automatically tries to rationalize the purchase by trying to shift the way of looking at it, as in instead of looking at the price at face value, you think "well I earn x-amount a month and this is barely a fraction of it soooo..." and obviously just by that alone you can tell it's a pretty unhealthy mindset to have. When I eventually saw just how much I had spent, I, for lack of better words, felt bad. I was disappointed and couldn't understand how it got so out of control. I still considered myself fortunate however, because I think that a lot of people who are "addicted" to fragrances, won't realize this until much further down the line. That's not to say you can't purchase a fragrance once in a while, but please for the love of God just step back for a moment and just look at the number.
It’s never too late to slow down and make a change! I’m happy to hear this.
Thank you for this bro, I almost started going down this rabbit hole but I stopped myself. I’m really happy with my 5 fragrance collection, especially on bleu de Chanel eau de parfum & Dior sauvage elixir.
Great content 👏🏽
That title alarmed me a little.
I thought you were leaving RUclips bro.
Don't DO IT!! 😄
I did find myself in an expensive pattern of collecting houses of niche brands.
But thankfully my daughter sparked an epiphany within me by making me realize just it shouldn't be that serious.
So now I do select for the loyalty of myself and not the house.
Massive respect on this video. I can totally relate to the building a collection that feels like you and not just because it is a new release or popular. I now will only buy a fragrance if it is unique to my collection, or I absolutely love it. I will say, I am a massive sample horder as that is how I wear test before committing to a purchase. I just want to say that I feel your content is really unique and I also trust your recommendations.
Thank you so much Hayley. Being scrupulous about which new bottles one acquires is so crucial in my opinion. It’s a win from every angle.
Lovely and honest video. I came to the same conclusion and I am about to trim down my 50+ collection to just keep 5 that I really love. I used to follow many fragrance reviewers but it’s annoying how they come with a “new” top 10 every couple of days just for the sake of views 😂.
You are not alone - I totally agree with you. My fragrance journey started out similar Now I’m on fragrances that only make me feel good or has a wonderful story behind it (when I wore it, where I was etc) As a bourbon fan too I’ve come to appreciate not just the product but the story with it - it sparks conversation, not just complements. So now I’m on what you wonderfully described as “diversifying” - purchase ones that are “different” and outside the norm. I’ve been following you for a minute and I truly appreciate the thoughts. Keep doing your thing. 👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks Casey!
i really respect what you did and how you're doing things now. i made a lot of out-of-the-box discoveries thx to you!
Thanks Mathieu!
Love the transparency. I'm exploring the niche world. Thanks for the advice!
I feel so lucky to have discovered this video early on in my niche fragrance journey.. Compared to others, you look really honest and you are not doing it for money or "content" (some youtubers do). I will take these tips for the next next purchase, thank you very much man!
P.S. My first parfume is "Starr nights by Montale", let's see how it goes :)
Thank you Lorezno! All the best with the start of your journey.
Justin... I remember this video. I had actually just found out about u and your channel and I remember commenting as a new subscriber to not leave because you brought something new, unique and fresh (no pun intended) to the RUclips frag com. Fast forward to now... Im glad you're back brotha. One of if not THE BEST Fragrance channel on here. Definitely on the Mount Rushmore. Hands down!!! 🙌🏾 🙌🏾 🙌🏾
Another great content Justin, on my fragrance journey I'm on a somewhat a hiatus, I stopped posting SOTD on fragrances FB groups, I do have over close to 230 plus ish bottles, so I'm looking closely more on my collection either too add to which I will gravitate more and probably downsize my collection things I don't need/redundant and again Thank you for sharing your experience on your fragrance journey and have a great, wonderful, blessed, positive, productive and safe week
Facts ❤ Thanks for being so honest about your scent journey. It’s a beautiful thing.
Thank you 🙏🏾
Bruh, you're a real one...and a good thinking man with a conscience. Kudos. I'm glad you put this out here because it's so easy to get caught up like you said. This is why I paired down my reviewers to you and about 5 others and the brands I like to about a good 10 and I'm sticking to that and I'm all good.
Thank you bro!