Fragrance Addiction and How I Dealt With It
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video, I share my personal experience with fragrance addiction-how it led to overspending, feeling overwhelmed by a large collection, and losing sight of why I loved fragrances in the first place. I talk about the steps I took to narrow down my collection, regain control, and break the cycle of overconsumption.
If you've ever felt like your fragrance hobby has become more stressful than enjoyable, I hope this video gives you some perspective and ideas on how to simplify and find balance.
Plain sheer materialism. We try to fill empty needs with temporary rushes. It can be clothes, cars, trinkets, dolls, watches… anything.
100% agree
Stone Island, CP Company, Lacoste, jewellery,watches and guitars for me
@@StevieZero it's easy to buy too much. I was into watches as well
It might be, but I've found that most things in life aren't so simple and often contain a mix of influences that needs to be sorted out to achieve balance. For example for me I think it includes an aspect of materialism, and perhaps filling a void as well. But it also incorporates my reaction to a fairly recent realization that I love perfumery and have never pursued that passion. And as usual, I go off the deep end first, then realize I've done that and pull back some to a level that has much more balance. I think this may be true for many folks. Its about finding balance.
What kinda dolls you buyin
Fully agree and have been going through the same (2 times). Here are my rules I have build up over the many years:
- NEVER blind buy, no matter the hype.
- Discontinued fragrance? Let it go, not worth the extra money, unless prices are still relatively to old retail price.
- Get samples, but not only smell the sample, wear it multiple times before pulling a trigger of buying a bottle.
- Always get the smallest version of the bottle (30ML / 50ML). Yes you pay more per ML, but are you really going to wear 100ML anyways?
- Never let it get in the way of savings goals.
- Set a max number of bottles and stick to it.
- Trade or give away the one you won't use anyways.
- Last but not least, the endless search for the best fragrance out there is getting in the way of the joy of the ones you have, so be grateful and enjoy.
Yes! Fantastic set of rules
Very well said!
Especially the last point is GOLDEN!
Great advice! I'm at the beginning of my journey and I anticipated this path so I've already done some of the things you mention before reading.
I bought some cheapies but from a website that accepts returns of opened perfumes. All of them were blind buys and I quickly realized that I have to smell them first, before buying.
I started buying niche samples(Amouage, Parfums de Marly, Thameen, etc) and I quickly realized that not all niche fragrances are my taste. I would much rather wear a JPG Ultramale than Amouage Reflection Man, and Reflection Man is pretty loved.
Designer fragrances can be smelled over and over again until you're 100% sure of buying it.
I don't like huge collections, I don't like blue fragrances, I don't like musky fragrances. In my mind, a good collection should have 3 winter frags, 3 summer frags, maybe a few for spring/autumn and maybe 3 more luxurious scents for ocasions.
I tried some cheap oriental clones but gave them away quickly.
I try to only buy something of it really really impresses me and gives me 'that special vibe', and if you really follow your inner voice, they're not really that much frags that do that for you.
I currently have 8-9 fragramces and maybe 2-3 more on my list but I'm in no hurry of buying them. My most expensive one was a 160 euros Dior Sauvage Elixir. The price was too good and I really like that scent(the only one from the Sauvage line.
I will maybe pull the trigger on a Tom Ford or a Parfums de Marly.
Thanks for your advice!
AMEN!! God was in those details right there
This is some good stuff, so many people buy fragrances just for that temporary high and then the regret and the cycle continues.
Thank you. I agree completely. It's easy for it to spiral out of control.
Dopamine fix
@@jB..33b854yeah exactly it’s pretty sad that most people don’t even realize it until it’s too late
That's true. Unfortunately, it's not just frags. It's jewelry, clothes, shoes, video games, and even basketball cards.
@hey.alexedwards I got the the point of feeding my addiction by switching over to purchasing cheapies.
I’m at 157 bottles and counting now. Im going to save this video and keep coming back to it whenever I get the craving to buy again
I'm glad it struck a chord! Thanks for watching.
I think I have about 36 bottles, small travel sizes and regular sizes included. And this has majority been accumulated within the past 2 weeks. Idk what got into me but I lost it and started obsessing over perfumes. Then I ordered some yesterday and decided I’m done for a long long time unless I find something truly special. It was like a temporary high or something idk what got into me!
@@darksparkle6174same exact thing here. Randomly smelled a good cologne one day that a friend was wearing. Bought it, and it has just snowballed the past couple of months
157 Bottles a 100ml is 157 YEARS if you use the Scent moderate (daily/3Sprays).
BRUV 😮😅
I'm at 300+ bottles now. I need the AA version for fragrances 😂
Not sure if you mentioned it but a conscious decision to avoid consuming any frag-related content online helped me to stop fragrance collecting. Really good video.
I didn't mention that, but it's a great note. Thanks for sharing it!
@@hey.alexedwardsyou should pin this 🤙
Agreed! I’m so glad I don’t go on TikTok! I’ve heard about influencers and other stuff-I know I would succumb to that so I avoid it! It’s sort of like alcohol-I don’t think I should go in a bar if I’m fighting a drinking problem to just drink soda! So I’m not going to go on TikTok to just see what’s the new hottest scent…I know I’ll get caught up in something! That’s me though-maybe someone can relate?
@@stitches513 I agree
@@hey.alexedwards many thanks Alex for your reply! I’m new to your channel & just subscribed! I love your content here! What a breath of fresh air it seems to be to talk about the “dark” side of collecting! This is real talk! If you ask me-there’s way too many “hype trains” at the “fragranceville station” all going to the same place! While I’m a huge fan of scent-it’s getting to be an over saturated market!
I've been "collecting" for about 3 or 4 years now. I've spent money I didn't have on fragrances I don't wear. Its absurd. I reached the hundered bottle mark a month or two ago. I'm at the point where I just want to throw away half my stuff. None of my family or friends wear fragrances. My community doesn't even seem to enjoy people that wear them. I myself have gotten to the point where wearing something every day gets unpleasant. I don't know how I stuck myself with this compulsion to own all this stuff but I want it to stop. Thanks for the advice, I know theres alot of others out there that are going throught the same thing.
It seems like there's a huge huge amount of people experiencing the same thing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Happened to me too during Covid - with clothing, watches and fragrances. Gotta break the spell. I wish you the best!🙏🏻
Your community doesn’t enjoy fragrances?? Yea I couldn’t 😅 I love smelling a certain way everyday.
Same thing 😂 i buying it than
Maybe try selling the ones that you don’t really “love”? It would be a nice way to recoup some of your money & you could be making that fragrance fan very happy! (Suggestion)
I was just about to drop 400 dollars that could definitely be better spent somewhere else. I saw this video at the perfect time thanks man.
Glad you came across the video!
I think the problem is that many people go into fragrance collecting because they got brainwashed into it, or are using it to deal unresolved truama, or emotional issues caused by loneliness, work related stress, anxiety, depression etc. Getting rid of your fragrance collection without addressing these issues will only lead to a different type of addiction (e.g. online shopping, over-eating, binge watching, doom scrolling, etc).
For sure. There's an aspect of that. I'd say most people are making up for insecurity and want to keep up with everyone else & fit in.
Agreed, getting rid of a support with another or a better support is a bad plan. At least have a plan first lol.
But the nice smells and choices can help create a sense of control, calm anxiety or break up monotony in a bland day. But still too much is too much... I need to cut myself off before I go too deep again!
Isn't that what a hobby is, to fill a void in your life to make it more exciting, I wouldn't call it loneliness but there are people who does these things because of mental issues they are going through in their life, loneliness, boredom etc
@@TeleeFONE Hobbies are meant to be enjoyed. They add to your life, and aren't supposed to make things difficult for you. A lot of people struggle financially due to their "hobbies" - indicating it has transformed from a hobby to an addiction
As a nurse that survived the COVID after working in the frontlines and being surrounded by 💀, your statement is 💯 correct. I am still reeling from a some sort of PTSD in the form of buying, binging, anything in excessive form as I feel like my life is going to end tomorrow.
The amount of “Yup” and “mmhmm” that just came from me is crazy. You’re preaching brother!
Thanks brother!
Thank you for this. Never seen one person even mention it. Some channels have over 500+ bottles and never have said a word about being addicted.
Thanks for watching. I think the channels with all those bottles are more concerned with how much they can make from their viewers. They definitely don't have our best interests in mind.
There are tons of videos about this! TH-cam only shows the most popular things. The more videos like this that you watch, the more will be recommended.
@ Well, i follow fragrance youtube and i’ve never heard this talked about by anyone. Smaller channels maybe, but like my comment said, non of the bigger channels ever have. No offense to my guy’s channel whatsoever we’re on though, i’m just being honest.
They also have been able to monetize their hobby so it seems like a lot but it's a side income for them.
@@BourbonInhibitions true, but they mislead people with videos disguised as ads, and share their "opinions" which are really just whatever the brand pays them to say. Pretty unethical in my opinion
i just bought my 4th bottle. i know i’m nowhere near where you’re at, but i’m grateful to have come across this video. thank you for this
I'm glad you found this useful! All the best.
Stop where you are. Seriously.
@janacrane7995 Legit. I think so many of us would genuinely enjoy having just 4 fantastic fragrances and stopping there.
Even ONE truly signature scent is all you really need. For me, it was Gucci Homme, the famous Michel Almairac master piece, but it's gone. Papyrus Oud is far too modern and sweet for my taste. I like it, but that's all.
I bought the sample from Parle moi de parfum but I decided it didn't do it for me.
@horiaatanasiu3173 I agree! One great scent is all you need
So damn refreshing to see this type of video. Kudos to you for being open and vulnerable about this topic - it’s going to help A LOT of people. I recently cut my collection in half as well, and it is liberating. Stick with the absolute loves, and ditch the rest. 👏
Great video man. You hit every nail on the head. I created a limit for myself once I noticed my collection started touching 100 bottles. I took a lot of time to reduce it down to what happened to be 30 bottles of only the ones I loved. After that, I separated them by season and designated them for specific occasions. Lastly I don't buy any new fragrance until I finish a bottle or two. I don't even sample fragrances. It keeps me at the 30 or less bottle limit in which I want to cut down to 20 max. Also, as a side note. Staying off TH-cam fragrance reviews really helps to keep me sticking with my plan and it also keeps away the urge to buy a fragrance.
Nice! Sounds like you have a great method for staying on top of it all
Homie just broke down how to break any type of addiction really..
Yes..TH-cam reviews suck me in. I need to unsubscribe to them asap. I'm also in a number of Frangrance FB groups which I need to leave also.
I'm getting on it right now..
@sonofabeach71 Just get away from it all and enjoy what you've got!
Thanks for sharing, Alex! I'm new to this hobby and have already bought 10 fragrances in just two months. Your insights made me realize this might be something I need to think more carefully about.
@@MohamedMasoud_ I'm glad this resonated, Mohamed. It's a fun hobby for sure, but it's worth thinking more carefully about each purchase. Allow yourself to enjoy the ones you have, and for new ones, take the time to truly test them before buying.
Only 10? Amateur!
I've been collecting heavily for the past 10 years. I've been able to barely keep it within my means financially.
I've often tried to limit my collection to a number, and then it goes up.
I've fasted from wearing fragrances for a week or more a few times. Now I'm limiting fragrance content on TH-cam or fragrantica, which helps.
I'm a Christian and love God more than anything. But that takes a seeking after God and His Word.
Jesus Christ makes me free and I can enjoy my fragrances without guilt or fear of addiction.
As Christians we still will always battle with sin and our natural nature's clinging to idols and empty things.
Let me leave you a verse if Scripture: John 6:40.
Jesus said, if you see me and come to me for salvation. You may have eternal life. And I will raise you up on the last day.
Definitely needed this. I've purchased over 400 bottles in the past 4-5yrs.. I finally realized that it's quality over quantity as well.. I'm down to around 100 bottles and it feels good. I don't blind buy anything anymore it's helped the most!
Glad you've managed to do that. Well done!
@hey.alexedwards Thank you for the video!
I finally just recently got out of this fragrance addiction. 2023 was so bad for me. I spent $3200 on fragrances and it was the experience I was paying for more than the fragrances themselves. I loved going to the store and feeling catered too and going around mingling and smelling the fragrances. But after it was all over, that feeling was just gone. Some of the fragrances are still wrapped and haven’t been opened. I’m planning on doing another major declutter this year
That's interesting! You enjoyed the process of buying them more than the fragrances by the sounds of it.
@ Yes! It was the conversations and talking to people about them that was more exciting for me than the fragrances themselves. I basically have a Macy’s in my house at this point, and most of the time I reach for basic fragrances to wear to work. It was getting so out of hand for me up until the end of 2023. I actually just purchased a fragrance for myself as a treat for Christmas recently for the first time since 2023 last week because after 2023 I forced myself to stop. Going forward, I am only going to get a new fragrance for my birthday and that is it (and I may not even get one at all because almost everyone gets me fragrances as gifts anyway since they know I love them so much).
Came across this.. Wow amazing knowledge. I’m at 15 and just recently I had an intuition to stop buying and enjoy the ones I have. You’re right, we’re chasing the hit. And each day is overwhelming!
@@BlessedDelight1 thank you for watching!
This is such a needed perspective to get what is for you and not just what's popular or what others considers is good. Not to get fragrances you like, but ones you love. Like any collection or addiction part of the dopamine high is the chase. But your wasting money and simply not enjoying what you already have. Enjoying the ones you have actually makes you make appreciate it more.
Exactly right!
Same man!!!! Full blow addiction! I've been buying ALOT of samples and it has saved me thousands. I've been super picky now about what I actually get a full bottle of
@@carasparks8500 That's great that you've been sampling rather than buying full bottles. Great way to save a lot of money
Thanks for this video. I’m just starting my fragrance collection and this has helped me to take a step away from all the noise in the fragrance community and choose something I 100% love. It’s nice to see you responding to all the comments with positivity. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you! I really appreciate that. Glad to hear it's been a helpful video.
I absolutely recommend qualifying your fragrances. I’ve got to LOVE it to buy a full size bottle. I don’t want to buy a full size and 12 months later no longer be wearing it cause I found something I like more. I buy many 5mL’s and that really satisfies my desire to discover new.
I need to get goosebumps and the hair standing up on the back of my neck to buy a full size. I want to go to put on a fragrance for the day and be excited by the choices because I love everything so much. Qualify Your Pruchases
@@persephonesdad5792 thank you so much for this advice! I’d been meaning to write a comment a few days ago, but I’ve been out testing fragrances and after the qualifying process you suggested, I chose one I really love. It’s so rewarding taking your time to choose and now I have the pleasure of using a fragrance I know I’ll enjoy every time I put it on. Have a good day.
@W1zard8998 thanks glad it helped. I happened into discovering that advice early on. I was about to purchase D&G The One and was dragging my feet, then I purchased a 5mL of SideEffect by Initio. After 2 wears of SideEffect I knew if I had owned The One I’d continually be dissatisfied. Similar story happened with other fragrances, so now I really take my time. 90% of EVERYTHING out here smells great and a bottle is gonna last A FEW YEARS, so you’ve got to LOVE it or else it’s gonna be sitting on a shelf half full in 2031 cause you’ve only worn it 6 times in the past year.
I stumbled in this video and I’m at my 33rd fragrance bottle. Indeed, I need to educate myself more in regards fragrances consumption. Thanks man!!!
Thanks for watching!
Damn! I'm just over three months in, still a newbie, and, I've been wondering, too, where does it all end. This is a great discussion that needs to be had.
@HughJorgan09 thanks for joining the discussion!
@HughJorgan09 It ends with you wearing a trench coat in a dark alley, peddling fragrance samples so that you can make enough money to get high off of sniffing the newest Aventoes Elixir Absolute Parfum 😂
Very timely for me mate. I have probably 100+ fragrances now - and just dropped another grand on more, using a Christmas voucher. I decided to give away a bottle to each of my friends before Christmas, knowing I was about to splurge. But still... what am I doing? There are so many disappointments in my collection too. There's a rush waiting for them in the mail... then "yeah it's, ok, I don't love it - maybe I can layer it with something else." Glad TH-cam rtecommended your video mate. Good work.
Thanks for sharing your experience mate. Great job at recognising this. Appreciate your kind words.
This is the exact video I needed to see.
Started “collecting” earlier this summer and now I have almost 50 bottles. Granted, most of them are dupes or cheapies with only 3 bottles being worth over $100, but still. I know it’s a growing problem and I need to stop now. I’m a recovering alcoholic/drug user, so I know that addiction replacement is something that I will do if I don’t have healthy habits established. I’m now recognizing that this is an addiction replacement and I can’t go on.
Thank you for making this video and God bless this algorithm for showing it to me now while I’m still not too deep in my hole.
Thanks for watching!
Even the so-called cheapies can be a waste of money. I don't know a single person who would even think of throwing a £10 note in the bin, but that's what happens especially with blind buys. If you buy something and don't like it, don't wear it, you might have just thrown that money in the bin.
I used to only ever have 2 fragrances at a time. Since 2023 I've got 15. But i already have the itch to buy a few more. So grateful for this video
I appreciate that!
the timing of this video is just perfect. i really needed someone talking about this. thanks.
@@bambimbosh I'm glad this resonated with you. Take care!
Thanks for the video mate, a lot of people need this video actually.
I have a brother who is buying all chanel exclusive collection and guerlain collection and so many niche brands and he didn’t even wear a good shoes and clothes because he spend a lot of his money on fragrances, he even think about what to buy next and he doesn’t care about his look and cloth. I told him that he will never enjoy life if he continues doing this and when he listen to my words it’s like something in his mind just opened. He sold a lot of his collection and gave away so many. He start knowing what he need and what his personality need in a fragrance. He was buying even a female scents just because there is a history behind it. I remember when I was a kid that my father used to have 3 to 5 fragrances and thats it, nowadays the fragrance marketing and influencers are pushing people and let them excited by saying if wanna feel like a luxurious bla bla bla you need to have this and that, this is what make people addicted to buy more and more. For me every person needs only 3 fragrances, one for the gym, one for the special occasions and one as a signature scent. Thats it.
Thanks for sharing this! I agree that 3 is perfect
Really needed this video cause im going through the same thing. Literally yesterday i blind bought a fragrance and noticed how its like a never ending cycle. Its like you just want that feeling of buying it and once you got it you realize its just scented liquid lol. I also started realizing how difficult it was to choose a fragrance because Im over here thinking about the weather and occasion but in all honesty it doesnt matter. Like you said most people just put on something and go without hesitation. I remember when I first started I used to just think in my head when smelling if it smells good or not and thats it. I wasnt trying to figure out the notes and stuff but instead seeing if I like it or not. At the end of the day materialistic stuff doesnt really mean anything and shouldnt be the one thing we focus on.
Exactly right!
Great stuff, have been struggling heavily with this for a while, I’m in recovery from substances and have been sober a while, and this really ended up just replacing it, I really appreciate you being so open about this.
Thank you for sharing - I've been there too. Been sober for about a decade, and also replaced that with fragrances. Keep it up!
i think i found this video at the perfect time. thank you alot for pulling me out of the brainwashing befor i spiraled completely out of control. i agree so much on the whole point of "buying because he said she said, the influecer said, fragnatica said... the best perfume i ever bought was the one i got when i went into a store testing a bunch and when i found it it just put the fattest grin on my face and i fought "yep thats the one, thats me", no video watched, no ingredients compared, no influence, nothing. when i looked at reviews online reading stuff like "boring shower gel", uninventive etc. and thought "lmao these people are dumb this is perfect for me". the past month i fell into the loop again of watching videos, influencers, reading reviews like "get this its so elegant", "get this its so sexy and unqiue" bla bla and ended up buying stuff worth almost 1000€ in 2 weeks just to be like, yeah they are nice and telling myself "i can always resell them again". i could have done with the 3 bottles i got when i tried them out myself without any influence, videos or any research on them. gonna stop watching all of these fragrance videos again. its literally just like any other addictive mystery product where youre chasing the next "hit" or rush. i make fun of fancy people reviewing wine with the most ridicolous comparisons and analysis and i almost became the same with perfumes, buying things like a brainwashed sheep.🤦♂
Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your experience!
I went through this, now i own Aventus and that is it. I love it, makes me feel confident and works in every situation.
Aventus is classic. Nice choice mate!
@hey.alexedwards Cheers, been wearing it since 2010 when it launched. 7 years later I just started getting dragged into the niche rabbit hole as it seemed after Aventus gained popularity all these random niche houses started popping all everywhere.
Eventually I realised I didn't like most of the stuff. It was either overpriced or just not worth it.
@@RobbieSwanHey, if you find something that works for you, rock it!
Awesome
I've watched a quite a few videos on this topic of fragrance addiction, and I have to say I found yours to be the most straight forward and helpful for me. Thank you for sharing!
That's great to hear. I appreciate your feedback!
This video showed up on my feed and I'm taking this as a warning sign.
Just started getting into mens fragrances a little over a month ago and dove right into the deep end of the fragrance world by immediately purchasing samples and watching various fragrance influencers hype up certain fragrances. From there I've already spent close to $1000 USD purchasing 10 designer brand fragrances (3 were blind buys). I've had to take a step back and pull back the reigns before things really get out of hand for me. I've read fragrances have a shelf life of 3-10 years depending on the formulation. So, that helped me pump the brakes. I am only going to purchase another 5-7 bottles and I should have more than enough to cover all different occasions. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for watching!
You captured a frag addict’s thinking so well. I felt like you were talking about me haha
Thanks for sharing that. Glad this hit home.
I’ve been addicted for the past 35 years! It has increased as I got older but I’m currently being very selective with what I purchase. I’ve been giving away many full bottles to friends and professionals that I know. I’ve tried to have just 2-4 that I wear, but after several weeks I get bored with them and need a new fix! I’ve spent many thousands of dollars over the years and realized that “enough is enough”
Great post!! Good luck!!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Do you have an all time favourite?
@ I’ve had so many all time favorites until the next favorite comes along lol
I own 42 fragrances, and all are blind buy. Red Tobacco is truly my favorite. I love the fragrance so much that I really do not want to run out of the fragrance. I don't own a fragrance that would purchase again. On a daily basis, I really like to always wear a different fragrance. I'll never have a signature fragrance. I have slowed down so much in my humble opinion. I can actually say i really love each and every fragrance. I actually wear my fragrances. This is great content.
That's extremely lucky to have had this much success from blind buying. Almost everyone I speak to regrets at least some blind buys. Well done!
Such a great video. I found myself at my rock bottom a couple months back on this and thousands of dollars later. Sample, sample, sample. DO NOT blind buy. I have the exact same amount of fragrances you do. And I hate the struggle to decide what to wear. It all changed for me when I revisited a perfume I had only sampled once, of course I blind bought it because I got a killer deal and for the first time I can’t stop wearing it (Mancera Cedrat Boise). I don’t need more than 10-15 at most. I couldn’t agree more. So easy to fall prey to it!
Thank you for sharing! Cedrat Boise is fantastic. That will actually be what I buy to replace Aventus when my bottle runs out. It's wonderful.
Completely agree with everything you said. It's so easy to be persuaded by paid influencers and fragrantica to buy the 'best perfume of all time' only to find out its meh. Now I ignore reviews on the whole. I've also limited myself to 10 bottles and if I want anymore I can only buy travel sizes. Thank you for a wonderful and insightful video x
That's a great thing to do Lisa. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I like your honesty, and it makes me hope you have a place where you listed the ones you decided to love.
You can find my profile on the Sniff app - I have my collection on there. It's mostly accurate but needs an update every now and then
Thanks for this refreshing content! I haven't come across anyone else voicing the obsessive side of collecting fragrances.
I definitely resonate with only keeping the fragrances you really love.
I am 6 months into buying fragrances and have collected around 10 fragrances so far. Mostly the cheaper designer fragrances from discount retailers. I have spent a few hundred euro for sure but haven't broken the bank yet. I got lucky with the first 10, all were blind buys based on reviews. Most were likes, a few were loves which has pushed me on to buy more. The last fragrance I bought was a complete blind buy and I was so disappointed with it. Your point about trying to fool myself into pretending that it will age and just needs maceration is spot on.
I think I'm at a place where I need to put the brakes on blind-buying and only buy fragrances that I have smelled and know I love. I think I have enough fragrances to work away with for a while.
Love the honesty! I actually think discount retailers have decent fragrances. Many people debate whether they're grey market or not, but honestly who cares? If they smell good and last a few hours, that's really all you need.
Thanks for watching!
Im so glad the algorithm brought me to your video everything you mentioned is valid to alot of us, and its a testament to how much we’ve all been brainwashed by social media. It’s nice to be able to take back control of our decision making instead of us being fed this idea of having something that everyone else has will bring us happiness. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Also I’ve been a lover of fragrances and collector since I was 14years old, in past years I had 10 bottles per year my rule was I couldn’t repurchase until I finished a bottle, it’s only been recently that I’ve started to overconsume fragrances. This video is so helpful and reminds me that this is something I can get under control again. Thank you!!!🙏
Thank you for watching! I appreciate it
I've been there. I have about 150 bottles of perfume in my closet. I have such nostalgia for the time back in 2008 when I had about 10 perfumes. I should have stopped there. Even with 150 bottles, I gave so many of those perfumes away. Your tray strategy is a great suggestion.
@@garssympa500Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad this resonated.
I have my collection arranged according to situation. The ones i wear for work, date night, business/social events, etc are in the same area. I just rotate those fragrances throughout the week. I used to go nuts trying to find the perfect fragrance as well my friend, so i feel this video wholeheartedly!
Thanks for watching man! That's smart.
Thanks for making this video Alex! I started my fragrance collection in the beginning of 2024, what really feels like yesterday and all of a sudden sitting here with 8 bottles of fragrance. I'm super glad I came across this video, as I feel like I'm really strating to get addicted into fragrances. And wow, it is an expensive hobby. Especially now when I'm starting to get into the more niche stuff. I eel like this was the right kind of wake up call i needed. Thanks for sharing your story, keep up!
Thanks for sharing your story mate! Glad to hear this resonated with you.
You are doing fine. I started in 2024 too. At last count I was at about 80, mostly cheapies but I must have spent about £3k. I think I need to get a grip.
Thanks for your video and your perspective! I especially like the suggestion of rotating through your collection. My father has over 100 bottles and, seeing that, I’ve resolved to keep my collection small (even though we still enjoy the best of his collection). I have fifteen or so bottles with me at my master’s program and, while not all of my fragrances are tens out of ten, they do still all get used. Even so, I could stand to downsize a bit.
One other point I’ll add to your video is the exhaustion of wondering whether your fragrance will offend anybody at work. I like mass-appealing fragrances by and large, and only spray them 3-6 times, but even so, I often wonder whether I’m the conspicuous “cologne guy,” something which really hampers my enjoyment of the hobby.
I hear you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Will spread your video in my local fragrance community! Many of us need to watch it.
Thank you!
Thanks for this Alex! I just started my collection and I think I’m starting to get addicted, I started with one fragrance now all of a sudden I have 7.
@@gianvillanueva1859 Thanks for sharing your experience! It's a fun hobby, but can easily turn into something more.
Allow yourself to enjoy what you have, but don't fall into the trap of always looking for that next great fragrance, and forgetting about the ones you already have and love.
Thanks for the video, this really resonates with me! I went from having 2-3 fragrances few years back to having over 50 now. This video is a wake up call. I got a new fragrance tray as well, will do my best to keep my collection down to whatever fits on it (about 20 bottles).
Glad to hear it resonates with you. The fragrance tray works really well.
This is a fantastic video. What you said about looking at fragrances you never use resonated with me so much..A few fragrances instantly came to mind based off of that sentence alone. Almost cut my collection in half and now looking forward to selling them! Thank you so much.
Glad to help!
I loved this video. And it's my first time here. But you nailed it exactly the way it is! I've also started thinking in that direction sometimes last year. But thank you for the wake up call. I have downsized my collection by giving stuff out just like you. Now i owned about 50 and i only buy the ones i absolutely LOVE. No blind buys. The paradox of choice in choosing what to wear everyday is very very stressful! And worst of all, fragrances have became eye-wateringly expensive lately! To make matters worse, I don't enjoy the privilege of sampling, decants or even testers in my part of the world (most of my purchases are blind buys)! So i later resorted to clones and dupes of the fragrances I'm interested in due to the hype or my own research. But the problem with clones is that the QUALITY is hardly satisfying! I then resorted to buying second-hand or used or 'unboxed' bottles. Again the problem with that is that most of the time you dont get exactly what you want because good high end perfumes are difficult to come by, even if they do, 90 percent of the time they will either be stale or the top notes have gone bad or the smell is their but the performance is lacking. So in a nutshell, your recommendation are actually perfect, the reasoning is sound and your advice is honest and sincere. So overall, this is one of the best of such recommendations videos I've seen so far. So thank you so much and God bless you Alex. Happy New Year! (But i hope that's not it! We hope to see you again!😅).
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts!
This video is an absolute gem. Awesome job brother. Keep up with the honesty and transparency. Definitely the top qualities that’ll help you standout.
Thank you. I appreciate that
Thank you for highlighting this understated problem. I realized it's an addiction that I am struggling with when I saw that I spent thousands of pounds ... well over 20k to 30k, and I am a middle class person ... I just can't stop. I should be investing, buying assets, planning for the future, yet I just wake up the next day, visit niche boutique and murder my credit cards ... A very recent example, today I spent 550£, yesterday 750£ ... the list goes on ... I hope I can stop.
I have so many niche fragrances that choosing what to wear became a chore. I started layering and mixing .... it's just madness ...
I wish I can just settle and be happy with a few, or even 1, and move on with my life ... find a worthwhile purpose to pursue ... I convince myself this is the last time ... this is the fragrance I want ... this will be my signature .... then the next few days, I am in the market for another ... the cycle keeps repeating ... it's torture ....
I hear you. It's extremely hard to break the cycle. Wishing you all the best.
Wow, you’re definitely one of the first people to talk about this, I have a pretty good amount of fragrances since I’ve been collecting since Summer 2023. ATM I’m starting to buy less and less colognes and being more picky with the ones I buy. Thank you for bringing this issue out, this video is definitely very helpful. I will still collect fragrances into the future, but I will be far more pickier and choose fragrances that I am actually going to wear rather than fragrances that I barely use.
I'm glad this was thought provoking!
Thank you for making this video. I have been using cologne for over 10 years now and find myself constantly battling with looking for new fragrances.
From now on I will only buy scents that I absolutely love myself and not just to appeal to other people
@@Pokémedic-e1k That's a great idea. Thanks for sharing your experience
Great info and yes it is overwhelming choosing a fragrance to wear when you have a large collection
Thank you! I agree
*Although I’ve always enjoyed cologne it wasn’t until lockdown that I started to “collect” more serious. It was also the lockdown which led me to the “fragrance community” which is the reason I started my own channel.*
As someone who doesn’t have a monetized channel it became more abundantly clear that although not the most expensive hobby it is a non-NEEDED expense nonetheless.
For that reason I tend to take breaks from making/consuming fragrance related content from time to time.
I find that taking these breaks makes me appreciate more the collection I do have as well as feel less pressured to buy needlessly for the sake of content or hype from other ppls videos.
As of Jan 1st it’s been about 4months since I’ve made any content and now I’m at the point again where I’m ready to start recording again - it feels good bc during that hiatus I’ve only bought maybe 3-4 fragrances TOTAL where as prior it may have been more like 1-2 fragrances a week.
I say all that to REALLY say that fragrance addiction and the desire to keep up with trends is a very real thing
@@iam_ismell Thanks for sharing your story! It's a fun hobby, but it's easy for it to start impacting your financial stability - same with any type of trend chasing.
Im so appreciative for this video🎉 Im only a month into starting my collection. 3 weeks later im already 2k in. Ive purchased just about all the recommendation TH-camrs suggested. Sephora had a sale, all the major departmnt stores had fragrance set for Christmas. Honestly out of 11 only 2 of the fragrances i actually LOVE the others not so much but they are more expensive and niche... after watching you video im returning them while i can
That's a really good idea. If you don't absolutely love them, you truly won't wear them. If you can return them, do it!
This video is such a refreshing dose of reality. Thank you for your insight, especially on blind buying!
Thanks for watching. Glad it resonated
I’m glad I saw this. I have 17 bottles now which includes 5 Xerjoff scents and 1 memo scent. I have scents for all seasons and all occasions so I think I’ll take my foot off the gas for a bit.
Not a bad idea mate!
I am a collector and have way to many and definitely need to down size! I want to cut my collection in half. I find that listening to fragrance videos really trigger me and I find myself buying more when I’m watching more videos about perfume. Thank you for sharing… it very helpful to listen to these kind of videos to help keep me accountable and know I am not alone.
Thank you for sharing about your experience! It can certainly become overwhelming when there are too many.
I’m dealing with this currently!! Thank you for making this
Glad it was helpful!
Wow so glad to find this video.. my addiction to buying parfumes is extreme even if im struggling i always feel like if i buy one more fragrance my life will change, obviously it never does, even when i know i need to buy other things i wont only parfume I admit i need help. Addiction to anything is real, that rush before you buy.. using it, but after a few days you feel empty and need/ want another one😢
It never changes anything, but I get what you're saying. Best of luck
Loved this video I just came across your channel and subbed. I don’t like Grand Soir and what‘s kinda funny is that I hear people trashing houses and fragrances that stood the test of time because “they smell like grandma/vintage” when Grand Soir smells so vintage to me. I agree with you on so many points! Great video 🙌💛
Glad this resonated! Thanks for being here
This is actually an amazing video. Fragrance addiction is an underrated problem. When I show people my collection most of them are impressed and love it, some think I’m crazy. I’m definitely crazy. Over 10 batches of Aventus is ridiculous.
Over 10 batches of Aventus is wild. I've had 3 different batches but only one of them was noticeably different. How different are your batches?
Great video. It's a harmless, feel-good indulgence, until it becomes an unhealthy addiction. The problem is, to find a core set of fragrances you really like (12 should really be ample?) you need to sample quite a lot - which means getting hold of samples or decants, to try over time. I'd add to your excellent advice, a 'one-in, one-out' policy, as inevitably you'll want to try something new.
I agree. It's a challenge to sample so many things. Sample sets are great. Some niche brands will do discovery sample sets.
The one in, one out policy is great too!
This is a very helpful video that found me at the right time. I got hooked on Bath & Body Works for months as a means of "self care." But the collection is becoming extensive. You've made me put a pause on the spending. Thanks.
I'm glad to hear that. Thanks for watching
I absolutely deal with fragrance addiction. I have very a addictive personality, it used to be drugs and alcohol; when I got sober a few years ago, I started looking into new hobbies and within about 6 months I had 5 new frags, over the next year I had over 60 new frags, a year after that over 120. It isn't nearly as bad as my old addictions in regards to health, but some months I spend over $500 easily. I need to scale back, I used to be content with 15 and found myself really only wearing about 5. Lately it has been out of control at times and I feel completely consumed by it. A lot of days I get crippled by indecision about what frags to wear, and some days I find myself not even liking ones I used to absolutely adore.
Thank you for sharing - I also have an addictive personality and struggled with drugs and alcohol at a young age. Have been sober for almost a decade, but absolutely replaced it with fragrances.
Hi Alex, I totally agree, good video and thanks for sharing. I also fell into the rabbit hole of fragrance addiction since 2022, I own over 40+ fragrances and 30+ new and backup bottles. Wasted 10k+ aud for many blind buy unwanted hype up fragrance by youtuber, really regret it when the hype is over no one is talking about it. Especially those dupe fragrances are the worst of all, I barely even touch it after the first 1-3 spray
I hear you! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts
Fantastic video on a very important topic that does not get talked about enough in fragcom nowadays. Genuine reviews & people sharing their love for the hobby and talking about important topics gets flushed away and overshadowed by the hundreds of used car salesmen looking to make easy money pushing whatever random fragrances that pay them more. This whole shift from people creating interesting and enticing content, to the same copy pasted video ideas of literal shopping ads disguised as reviews or top 10 lists is really dissapointing and harmful.
With how popular and trendy fragrances has become in the recent years, people new to fragrances or the younger crowd trying to look up some information about certain fragrances end up clicking on these videos and thats how the cycle begins. Disingenuous sweet talk about how amazing everything is and how ''YOU NEED TO OWN'' this and that, with not a single mention of buying samples or trying something beforehand, all that matters is getting paid. I wish the bigger creators would talk about these topics, but that would result in them getting paid less so it wont happen unfortunately.
I hope your video gains alot of attention and reaches more people that might be caught in that vicious cycle of never being content with what they already own and constantly chasing the next dopamine rush from their weekly full bottle blind buy arriving in the mail.
I couldn't agree more. You're spot on - fragrance reviews these days are just ads, disguised as genuine content. They're almost always paid promotions.
Thanks so much for the comment and kind words.
I really love the idea of a signature scent. I think the whole love of perfumes starts with a signature - that fragrance we or someone we love wore so much that it became etched in memory, so that when we smell it again years later, we get flooded with emotions.
When you use a different scent every day, it doesn't work. The signature doesn't even need to be that special, what makes it special, is you or someone important to you, wearing it every day.
That's fair enough! I want a signature scent but it's not really doable when you have so many.
Great suggestion, every fragrance lover crossed that bridge and arrived at the same conclusion, to much is to much 😊
Exactly right!
I’m glad I ran into this video. Recently I felt as it’s pointless having so many fragrances, spending so much money and having to think about what I’m going to wear on a specific day instead of it just coming naturally. This year my goal is to use up, sell, or giveaway away fragrances I don’t use often enough or are good but not perfect in my eyes.
Great goal!
Man I loaded up on CH Men Prive 6 bottles of 150ml before it discontinued as it is my signature scent. Ever since I have been on a roll buying scents as a next signature after these are done. Needed this vid as a reminder to chill out as I'm around 50 fragrances which is more than ill ever need
CH Men Prive has always interested me. Never got a chance to try it. Oh well, my loss!
This is such a pertinent and important video. Thank you man! I recently went through a similar journey. I didn’t have a massive collection but definitely more than I needed. I downsized and can probably downsize even more. We live and we learn 👊🏽
Onwards and upwards!
I started seriously collecting in 2020 and have close to 60 frags now. Around half of those were impulse purchases that I wouldn’t repeat if I had the chance. On the plus side, I now have a really good understanding of the style of perfumery that I like.
I have ~10 frags that are on regular rotation over the year depending on the season and maybe that number again that I use for occasional wear.
I think you do need to spend a bit of time with a large number of fragrances to really develop a nose for your preferences but let’s be honest - there are ways to do this without dropping $000s on full bottles.
I agree with that for sure. Good insights
Alex thank you for this video, what you conveyed in this video, are some of things i’ve been feeling lately. I’ve been giving away my fragrance’s to my family and friends. I’m getting my collection down to a manageable level. And with the ones i’m keeping those are the ones i like the best.
That's a great thing to be doing!
*My name is Mike ... and I'm a frag-aholic*
Joking aside, just realised I've a drawer full of unopened frags. Another 14 bottles opened which will take ages to finish .... also saved wishlists in a couple of sites. I need to have a strong word with myself. Nice video Alex, well done. 👍
Great realisation Mike. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@hey.alexedwards 👍
@@hey.alexedwards 👍
Great video man! Your words are so true, I could do so much more if this addiction hadn’t kicked in. This video is a great reality check!
I'm glad this video reached you
I appreciate this vid…. I have close to 50 bottles and recognise that it’s an actual addiction. I have a mix of some niche, designer, Middle Eastern and Australian dupe houses. The majority are affordable fragrances but I have too many that it has become overwhelming. Above all though… it’s the time wasted listening to reviews on TH-cam. Thinking about perfume and my next purchase consumes me and keeps me from focusing on more important things. That’s it though… I’m on a no buy for 2025 and have told the family to keep me accountable. Time to whittle down the collection to around 20. 😅
@@Jo-lw1qw I agree 100%. Good luck with the no buy 👏🏼
This is a great video mate, and it is well needed because as you rightly said it's not spoken about enough. I buy too much myself and I've noticed that, I don't like heavy fragrances I literally only wear fresh fragrances so I'm gonna give most of mine away also and just keep 10. My wife can't stand 95% of my collection. Great job man👍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts mate! What's your wife's favourite on you?
@hey.alexedwards she has 3, green Irish tweed being No1, greenley no2, o boticario malbec,no3.. and then just generic freshies like Calvin Klein summers etc. I rotate the same 6 fragrances constantly, all heavy dark stuff or even sweet fragrances I actually really don't like, I only realised this after buying them 🤣 back in my younger day before I was married I didn't even wear fragrances going clubbing and I never had any issues 😁 I can't stand the videos on TH-cam of top 10 sexiest fragrances ect, nobody actually cares it's all in your perception.
@Grudeman408 GIT is awesome. I agree with the top 10 lists. I also find it ridiculous that everyone's top 10 lists change every other day.
I started my frags journey 3 years ago. Before that I never used any cologne in my life and smells really caught me. I'm a depressed person and always have been depressed. Fragrances help me a little to distract myself and focus on something else. I have maybe 25+ fragrances and I understand I should limit myself and I do. I buy only 1-2 frag a month but Its really help me to distract myself. If I were a rich guy I would buy more to get more dophamine and gift what I don't like. Besides buying for the sake of buying I really love the smells of frags
Thanks for sharing your story. I actually got into fragrances for the same reason, and whilst I think it can be a good outlet, it's easy to develop a spending problem over time. That's not going to help with the depression.
Chasing easy dopamine hits often is frying your (our) dopamine receptors. This causes low levels of dopamine which creates feelings of constant depression, and lack of motivation to get things done. Look into it, it could change your life
Finally got a chance to watch this. I agree with all your points. I'm thinking about my own video on this but it would be a YT short and be pretty blunt.
Thanks for checking in, Chad. Appreciate you taking the time to watch & comment. I'll keep an eye out for your video!
One of the best videos I've ever watched on TH-cam, period.
Wow, that means a lot. Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it
Love this video!
It is so important to remember yourself that the things on the social media platforms are not realistic for a normal consumer. I love and adore fragrance and it is a big hobby of mine BUT I don’t buy many perfumes. I test and buy samples and if it stucks REALLY in my head I buy it. I don’t buy with the trend or the hype. I don’t like Bianco latte, I don’t own a bottle of delina because I don’t LOVE it.
Thank you for your content!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts - absolutely agree!
It all started with a beautiful fragrance that captivated me from the very first whiff. It was simply stunning-soft, gentle, and mesmerizing, with an incredible sillage that lingered effortlessly. Ever since, I haven’t stopped searching for that magic again. Send help
I take it you've never figured out which fragrance that was?
@ I haven't, no, but if I keep buying eventually I should get it right? :(
I relate so much to this video. Thank you for opening up a difficult topic. I am in that place of accumulating a lot to where I can't wear the perfumes I love! ❤ Time to do some self reflection.
Thank you for watching!
When I get a good blind buy, it makes me want to keep going but half of the blind buys are garbage. I also spend hours a day "researching" new scents for that next purchase. Marketplace helps sometimes but ultimately it get pretty expensive and turns a bit stressful. Like always chasing that next high
Exactly right. Even if it wasn't hugely expensive, it becomes a problem when you don't even stop to enjoy what you already have. It's always about the next one, then the next one, etc.
Started a collection 4 monts ago, already got 20 bottles, looks like i catch your video on time! Thanks for the share brother
Thanks for watching
This is relatable for so many people! There are a couple more things I would say to those who can't stop buying fragrances:
1)
Do not buy a fragrance just because it's nice to smell. A phrase I use is - "I can appreciate a beautiful piece of art, a complex painting, that does not mean I want it in my living room." OR "I can appreciate a beautiful model, and she can be amazingly attractive, but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to live spent time with her and go on holidays with her because we might not be compatible as people.". In the same way, by all means you may really appreciate the frag as a piece of work, a piece of art even. That does not mean you have to buy it or own t, and it doesn't mean that it'll suit you :-). Just appreciate it, admire it, and move on!
The same goes for clothes and so many other things.
2)
Do not buy more than 1 perfume in the same category, e.g. only 1 Oriental, only 1 gourmand etc.
3)
To save money - there are great clones out there, and they are really reasonably priced. If you really want that fragrance and it's very pricey, find a clone which is a close match 85% to 100% and buy the clone instead!
4)
Don't forget your own personality traits. You might have an addictive, obsessive, detail oriented personality (more so than others) - that's not a bad thing, divert the focus to something else in your life that will increase non-materialistic happiness, and/or financial wellbeing.
Hope that helps people out there! 🙂
This was a great comment, thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts!
@@hey.alexedwards
My pleasure, great video.
Perfectly encapsulated the feeling when there is too many choices in your collection
Thanks for watching.
It’s definitely addicting. I keep a fragrance shelf. Once it gets full I stop buying fragrances. When a bottle gets empty is when I buy another bottle.
@@Leonard_Washington76 That's a fantastic strategy. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic content. Not enough in the community speak of the "addiction"
@@mikeobrien9025 Thank you for watching. I agree. It should be more openly discussed.
I feel you brother 😢it’s a real addiction
@@deonteturnage7741 It is. Some people may not understand but if it's impacting your life negatively, it's worth discussing.
Thank you for sharing your perspective about this topic. I've recently caught myself spending way too much on fragrances that I don't even wear.
It's an easy trap to fall into!
Good video, best thing is to have a limit of 8-10 fragrances that address all situations that you would get essential wear of them than have 20 scents half of them are catching dust.
I sort out my collection rotation like this:
1. Casual dumb reach fougere
2. Casual designe everyday dumb reach.
3. Signature designer
4. Signature Niche
5. Nightout scent
6. Romantic date scent
7. Sexy intimate scent
8. Summer scent
9. Winter scent
I agree 💪🏼
Thanks for putting things into perspective, I've started enjoying fragrances and within 4 months, I've got 8 fragrances. I realise this is an issue - and I realise that your advice of only 'buying something you can't live without'. So this year, I'm not going to buy any fragrances until I finish one.
That's good! I'm glad this resonated
7:55 facts! Only buy a frag if you really love it. I am fine with my 14 frag collection and will not buy any frag before I empty a bottle finally.
Focusing on wearing and enjoying the scents you already own is really key.
100%! Glad you agree
@@hey.alexedwards 100 %! Also to own to many scents is just overwhelming and to choose one can be a struggle. To reduce and wear it is so much nicer as to just buy it...
The same with watches. Own 2 and that is enough. I have only one wrist to wear it😅
Going through this currently! Thank you for this video!
You got this!
my youtube recommendation is hitting with this video
TH-cam doing God's work 🤙🏼
I rarely comment on videos, but this topic hits home as someone who is a collector at heart. I remember developing an immense curiosity learning about fragrances, starting with Tom Ford's Mandarino di Amalfi. Thankfully, I stopped my collection at ~50 bottles before realizing 1) I neither enjoyed nor could possibly wear all of them before getting fatigued myself, and 2) my preferences were ever evolving - perhaps, too quickly for any collection that served my past to keep up with the dynamic changes of my twenties.
Now a decade later, I've recently started revisiting fragrances...settling on two purely for my enjoyment and privacy at home. I'd rather have the full satisfaction of those two to appreciate every day, than a large rotation worth nothing more than a lukewarm response.
At the end of the day, fragrances are an accessory to me. A select few can be tastefully coordinated to be the most representative of myself without being too gaudy, busy, or loud in excess. The time and money saved has allowed me to experience (not just own) so many other things that I realize enrich my life. Whether with buying or using fragrances, a little goes a long way. Thanks for sharing a thoughtful piece!
I love this comment. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Great video, I am currently going through the same transition, I wasted so much money, Rehab time.
I'm glad this was thought provoking!