u/RedPsyMS72

I have tried a lot of vanillas in search of two or three that I can say are my favorites. I've tried Guerlain Spiriteuse Double Vanille, Obvious Une Vanille, Divine Vanille, ones by Ormonde Jayne, Mancera, Tom Ford...you get it. I don't like sweet, cloying vanillas rather layered scents that have tobacco, whiskey, oud, smoke or incense in them.

What are some vanilla scents that go under the radar or gate-kept scents? What would you recommend I try?

I found an Orientica scent that I like, Nardo Oud. I think it's a great everyday scent...kinda pricey. I came across Amber Noir today and the notes look great. What is the consensus on this line? What is the longevity like for these scents?

Since I bought a considerable number of scents in July, and it's back to school for me in a couple of days, I decided to smell EVERYTHING,...no fragrance purchases. However, I have carts filling up all over the internet, and it's only August 2nd 🫣 What are some scents I NEED to smell? Designer, Niche, indie, or avant garde, nothing is off limits. If I can't smell it, it goes on a list for September 1st to secure a sample 😌

Since digging my heels in, over the past year, I smelled some beautiful scents from some great brands: Goldfield & Banks, Heretic, D.S. & Durga, J-Scent, Rahasya, Zernell Gillie...you get the hint, I've smelled A LOT. However, are the prices for scents justified? Yes, I understand what goes into a bottle-- from the perfumer to the bottle...to marketing...I understand. There are smaller brands that offer 30 ml bottles for $120-140, and 50-100 ml bottles for under $180. Why should I pay $395-450 for a bottle of fragrance? Someone please...influence me!

What is that one fragrance that put you on your current fragrance journey?

I have loved fragrance since I was a kid. My grandmother, mother, and sister were (are), some of my biggest influencers as I continue to learn and develop my nose and passion for fragrance. The one scent that started me on my trajectory is Dolce and Gabbana Pour Femme Intense. It is a discontinued scent but it is a beautiful orange blossom, white floral scent. It is on 10 from the moment you spray it 😅

I have since come to love ouds, aldehydes, and abstract notes in fragrance like gasoline and stone (I haven't made it to blood yet 🫢). My fragrance evolution has allowed me to recognize the artistry in fragrance so I now reach for whatever my skin likes, from marketed masculine scents, to aldehydic fragrances with two notes.

Which scent was your first?

I love this scent, but so many HATE it. Maybe it's an aversion to saffron...? I don't know. I bought the extrait and know it has almond in it to soften the saffron, but I actually don't like it as much because that initial saffron jolt is what I like most. Oh well, I guess I'll be the bane of fragrance existence 🤷🏼‍♀️