5 Fragrance HOT TAKES That Will Get Me In Trouble. (pt. 2)

[@Qualltoxy]

Hot Take 6: Unless it is your signature scent and you use it at least once every 2 days ALWAYS go for the smallest bottle. Yes, it's a worse deal per ml but if you try new fragrances regularly that bottle will last you years and might feel more like a chore to finish than something to enjoy. It's especially silly to buy big if you specifially plan on building a collection.

[@tacomn]

I love going big. Cheaper per ml

[@elcamaleon97]

This! most people will want a new fragrance anyways before they get close to finishing a bottle. Price per ml doesnt totally mean spending wisely.

[@angelkaye1982]

Depends on many factors. There will always be a market for preloved/partials. I lean towards purchasing the cheaper per mL, but if the total cost will be beyond what is an acceptable final price, I will most likely purchase a smaller bottle. Also, where I am from, if I see the price of the (next) bigger bottle to be just 10-15% (or lower) more expensive than the smaller bottle, I will most likely buy the bigger bottle, especially if budget allows. And these are just 2 scenarios 😊

[@fettuccinealraver]

The way I see it is I’ll get the big bottle once I finish a small bottle of a scent.

[@abuzubayr1584]

Yeah I’ve bought big bottles that I force myself to wear occasionally, not because they’re disgusting fragrances , they’re decent , they’re just not what I’m inclined to reach for , but they were based on price per ml 🤦

[@farhanyudaputra6422]

I love how this dude's maturity, personal sense of security in his own identity and his non-confrontational respectful choice of words give this guy's videos a soothing charm to it. Like nice smooth milk foam on a warm cup of cappuccino

[@brandisayre6371]

👏👏👏

[@h2woah127]

You’re a caffeine addict 😈

[@kevinavila_s]

This is one of the best comments to describe Justin’s videos, and I’ve been following him for years lol

[@BigK-uo8eh]

Nah he boring.

[@Ulyssmusic]

Bro is a poet

[@johnp3971]

I often try to leave comments on your channel to tell you how great it is... but I haven't been able to quite describe why it's so good... So, here's my attempt... Your style and approach to your videos feels like a philosopher, with a fun sense of humor, who is able to easily explain deep concepts to people who are not philosophers... while we're all just hanging out having a beer or something. It's SO unique from most other fragrance channels. I look forward to you hitting 100k.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much John!

[@YabrakProds]

Justin not only giving us fragrance tips, but life tips in general with that 5th hot take. Totally agree brother, and you're one of if not my favorite creator in the fragrance niche because you're not afraid to keep it real and even give "existential" takes about life/frags to pick your audience's brain. Respect.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@290revolver290]

JC would be a fantastic therapist. I liked how he was dropping the "don't hear what I'm not saying" at intervals 😂.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! 😆

[@danielnanias6564]

I love your point of view regarding the fragrances and industry itself, I totally agree. Many are just taking advantage of our weakness - impusive buying. And I have to say, because of you, your love for quality frags, I waited and added Interlude black iris to my collection (after sampling it). Because what is the point of having dozens of subaverage fragrances if you just do not enjoy them fully. I highly value your opinion and recomendations ☺️, keep being you. Thank you

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Daniel! I’m so glad my content has been helpful!

[@declan.smells]

Man, i'm always stoked when a new Justin vid comes out. Another great video, as always! You're totally right about the balanced vehicle, and that's why you and Anne Lauren are my two favourite content creators. Your videos are never along the lines of "Here's Why You Should Buy THIS Fragrance!!!" but more along the lines of, "Here's this fragrance, here's what it does, try it if it sounds interesting." They feel less like advertisements and more like I'm watching someone who's talking about something they're passionate about, and that makes all the difference in the world. Also, I agree with pretty much everything else you say here - BUT, let me ignore all your thoughtful discussion and well-intentioned points and stupidly argue with something that's completely irrelevant. To me personally, completely subjectively, Vibrato is an 11/10 fragrance. It does everything I could ever want from its scent profile - but, I will totally agree that it is absolutely NOT worth the money. It's beautiful and I love it, but it's far too simple to be worth like 400 of my Canadian dollars, that's just wild. I can see why it's not a 10/10 for everyone, but boy howdy do I love it

[@sorv5790]

And you know, that's what matters, man. Who cares for those who don't like it, as long as it does the job for you! Unless you're in close quarters in a tiny space, as long as you're confident in wearing and YOU love it, that's what matters. I strongly believe at times how you feel about your fragrance can influence how others perceive it. It also influences your own self-confidence too. You keep on wearing that! ✌

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you for your support and thoughtful comment! And if Vibrato is an 11/10 for you solely because of how it makes you feel, then you’re winning! If it’s a 600/10 for you, even better. I’m just combatting the common notion that it is a fragrance’s ability to get someone affirmation from others that makes it a great fragrance. If you would wear it even if you knew no one would say anything about it for the rest of your life, then I’d say you’re ahead of the curve.

[@boogiedaddy3434]

Preach, brother! Everything you said was truth. #3 made me chuckle a bit because there is not a day that goes by that I don't see someone posting their FragBuy cart and asking which one they should buy based solely on compliments. They've never smelled any of the options shown and have no clue what the scents are like. It baffles me. Like you said, compliments feel good and it's nice to receive them; but, if a person is actively seeking out that type of attention, it is usually a product of a deeper issue.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you brother, you get it!

[@UtotBantot]

The wisdom of this guy really amazes me. Been learning a lot from Justin and I am so confused why this guy is not getting enough views and subs. Hoping for the best Justin!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you very much 🙏🏾

[@Abutado]

I personally own 3 bottles of Mouisse Illuminee but after 3 weeks my 1st bottle is almost half gone. I spray a lot on and I only have a few different fragrances so for me it makes sense to have extra.

[@lennyvangogh8006]

I love that, "don't hear what I'm not saying." So much wrapped there. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@SirSillageSniffington]

This is important content - this hobby can easily become all about the buying and collecting and within weeks of getting into it people can spend thousands of dollars on 100+ bottles. That was definitely me when I first started (2014 Jeremy could sell ice to a polar bear, I was powerless… 😂), and I wish I had this sort of content back then - I would have saved a lot of money and enjoyed a much smaller but much more carefully curated collection. Shoutout for keeping the integrity - naturally it kinda works against the growth of your channel as the algorithm loves ‘top 10s’ and ‘compliment beasts’ (and basically everything that Custin would watch)… so we appreciate you keeping it 💯 despite the negatives involved. 🙌🏻

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Sir! I always appreciate your keen thoughts. I totally understand…I spent a lot of money I didn’t need to spend back then too for the same reason 😬

[@Alwaysunderablanket]

I can’t help feeling that the whole compliment thing is a very American perspective because I think in more reserved cultures like in Europe or Asia (both of which I’ve lived) it would be considered a little forward-leaning to compliment someone on their fragrance. It definitely happens, but not enough to make it a reason to wear something. I personally wear fragrance because I love the scent - it is an entirely selfish act, while of course being mindful of other people and not bathing myself in the stuff 😂

[@stayfreshproductions]

You’re right. Social culture also plays a large role.

[@SirEricArthurBlair]

These are good takes. I’ve always been one to not wear things just because they’re hyped. They had to smell good to me for me to wear them. Now I’ve bought full bottles and samples of hyped fragrances then been let down. Those experiences have led to me buying more samples as opposed being a blind buy warrior. That practice recently saved me several hundred dollars and kept me from buying full bottles of some Amouage fragrances. Keep the interesting videos coming. You have solid content and are becoming my favorite fragrance related channel.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you very much!

[@brigmaticLaw]

Thanks for another great video, Justin. I fell down the fragrance rabbit hole big time this past fall when I started looking to diversify the handful of bottles I'd had for a few years. I've been going back through your channel and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I appreciate your level-headed, common sense, and, above all, mindful approach to collecting that could be applied to anything, not just fragrance. It's refreshing to see someone out there acknowledging the need for conscientious consumption for those of us not running a review channel. It's all too easy to end up broke and anxious when there are so many things to discover and so much is available with just a few clicks, especially in the early stages where you're excited and learning so much about a new interest. You just want to try it all! Right now! Your videos helped me set ground rules and a higher threshold for anything I sample (no blind buying if I can help it) to become "full bottle worthy". To meet that standard it needs to be truly captivating and it needs to fill a role in the collection that is currently not being filled. If it doesn't do one or both of those things, samples and decants work just fine. Save the big bucks for the things that transport and truly enhance your day-to-day experience. Moderation and intelligent curation are key if one wants to avoid the pitfalls of collecting, like choice paralysis or collection anxiety, and asking questions like ,"What the hell am I going to wear? Why do I have so many bottles? I'll never be able to enjoy them all! Did I just waste hundreds/thousands on all of these new dust collectors and paperweights?" Also, be real with yourself and buy things for the right reasons. I don't buy fragrances for anyone but me. If my girlfriend or a coworker or some rando on the street digs it, that's just gravy. I totally get that approach doesn't work for everyone and I'm all about people doing themselves (no high horse or white wigs here), but the older I get, I realize more and more it's something I need to do to keep myself sane. I'd rather have fewer things that make me really feel something than a huge collection that makes me feel bad for having spent so much money on things I'll rarely ever use or wear. Keep up the excellent work and I look forward to the next one. Much love, B

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank u so much for your thoughtful comment, B!

[@marshens]

I'm happy I resonate with your thoughts on wearing fragrances for others. In fact I always wear fragrances for myself. I love to smell what I put on throughout the day, compliments are just a side product, and I do happen to love what many may consider mainstream overplayed fragrances, but for me they help my own state of mind and confidence. I'm specially in love with Lattafa Ejaazi, many of my fraghead friends have told me it's too spicy, or too strong, too mature for a guy my age, but I do not care. I wear it for myself, since the scent is too hypnotic and rich and deep, I just keep falling love with it when I catch a whiff every once in a while.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you. I’m glad you’re wearing what you love.

[@alaricweightman2507]

Your approach to your content and the delivery of information is so refreshing. One of the few content creators that genuinely come across with a concern for the viewer

[@stayfreshproductions]

I appreciate that!

[@123binky1]

Love it I’d never thought about any of things that was said pertaining to fragrances

[@ohcontraire1915]

You know what I'd really like to see more of in the fragrance community? "Reasons NOT to buy xyz", "you don't need x if you have y", de-influencing content essentially. It's become quite popular in various youtube niches but I have yet to see it much in fragrance (aside from the occasional tongue in cheek "don't buy this because it smells too good" type of thing). I find the change of pace refreshing, sometimes you need to be talked out of silly purchases and, very occasionally, someone else's reasons NOT to buy will be major selling points for you. I don't always want to feel like I'm being sold to, but I still want to consume fragrance content!

[@stayfreshproductions]

A great point! Noted 🙏🏾

[@sniffsnob]

I love hot take no 5 so much. Tons of people in the community are prepping people to keep spending more to the point your fragrance collection will outlive you. That’s why I also really love daver’s “collection of two” series so much. He’s making the argument that only a few bottle can cover all your fragrance needs. The rest of money and energy can be spent in living life instead.

[@ryananderson1887]

Penhaligon's is amazing but its incredibly difficult to get in the US. My Sister has to bring it to me from London. She heard me raving about wanting to try it for like two years so she gave me the sample set. Also I have and never will blind bought a fragrance. I have bought love at first sniff fragrances. I love your take on these takes. I don't think they are hot takes for people really immersed in the fragrance world, but to those just getting into fragrance it might be a hot take given how so many big influencers are pressing fragrances. Like Percival works well for me... I have gotten compliments galore on both it and Chanel Allure Sport eau extreme. I wouldnt classify either of them as 10/10... but for instance there is a ton of hate on Narcotic Delight... its a 10/10 (and I can't emphasize this enough) ON MY SKIN. Skin chemistry is something that gets brought up so often but people don't really understand, everything smells different on everyone. Period. That's why my channel is based on helping people find the right scent for them. I've been researching fragrance for years prepping my business. It is critical that people experience them for themselves. We wear fragrance for us. It should boost your confidence and mindset. No scent itself is going to make a girl suddenly fall for you.

[@brandisayre6371]

I like you because you're not afraid to say the things that need to be said. And a big clap for the shout out of the lesser talked about niche brands! Still waiting to find an Aqualis discovery set in stock, but the others I know well and agree with you on.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! I hope you can try Aqualis sometime!

[@donly8408]

I became a fan of yours in the past year because you were and are different from the "norm" in the fragrance space. Your palette is diverse, your descriptions are nuanced, and I respect it. I enjoyed the hot take and I agree 💯. Keep up the great work 👍🏾

[@stayfreshproductions]

Wow, thank you!

[@RadianceRevolution]

I came for some fragrance content and got a whole life lesson. I absolutely love the thoughtful and grounded content. Keep it up!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! Will do!

[@joaopaulostasiu1091]

Justin you are so true and transparent in the videos (something difficult to find nowadays), love your content! The best fragrance channel here in youtube. Greetings from Brazil!🇧🇷

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you my friend!

[@JohnPRao]

"You're spot on! I am considering why most KZbinrs only focus on compliments when reviewing perfumes. Only a few talk about the actual scent. In the end, perfumes are not just for getting compliments; for people, it's about how confident you feel wearing them (designer or niche), not for someone you are wearing lol. It's a purely personal choice!!

[@_WadeBuchanan_]

You're the only fragrance reviewer who's weathered the storm, IMO. Your leave and return with a new mindset on the community is the only reason I'm here. You're the only fragrance channel I watch consistently. I cringe watching most others as their collections grow out of control, and each video is geared towards selling mass appeal/their own brands. You even managed to release your own frags without shoving it in everyone's face every single video. Keep up the good work. I hope you & the wife have a great valentine's day.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much Wade! I’ve always appreciated having you here.

[@bitovroman7941]

The only fragrance blogger, who is concerned about our budget. Much respect, brother!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@edgardozara97]

JC, this is an interesting series which i hope can continue going. And yes, please elaborate on item 5 of this video. Btw, i love wearing perfumes that are 10/10 for me even without compliments but i do recongize that if those get a compliment, theyre still 10s but now have some sort of tier over those without compliments while those under 10 do not get additional scores for getting one. I love, like or dont like them regardless of compliments :)

[@Jo-bv3uc]

Hello! First time viewer, and had to subscribe. You are so thorough and full of great advice. Came for the fragrances and found so much more. Thank you and hats off!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much!

[@mohamednayad]

Hot take 4 is a good one 👍 it it is very valid for blue / fresh fragrances like YSL Y EDP , it is really cloying to me i also have Y EDT 2022 and Rasasi Hawas that we can also consider as a synthetic fragrance but Hawas is synthetic in a good way it is not a 10/10 to me but it is objectivly a great fragrance (8/10 to me) . Y EDT 2022. If you consider buying one of these 3 I would say Y EDT (9/10 to me) is the best one. Smells more natural and more well blended. The vanilla at the base works really well with the fresher notes (ginger , lavender & bergamot) than the EDP the longevity is also great even if it sit closer to the skin. more adapted for spring and summer but it is the best one in terms of smell. It worked amazingly well on me last summer. Hawas Hawas is also a great choice if you want a versatile dumb reach for all year (even in the winter) and it is sweet but really fresh at the same time Bonus : if you want a great cheapie with the quality of 60/70 $ fragrance in that category Rochas l'Homme (the blue bottle) is a great alternative you can find the 30ml for less than 20€ if you live in Europe.

[@shaneevans1873]

As always Sir being truthful and honest and most especially having us all to think what fragrance’s mean to us all personally. Keep up your hard work and dedication of all your Gr8!! frangrance content 🙂

[@stayfreshproductions]

I appreciate that!

[@MailanDo]

YSL La Nuit De D'Lomme edp is by far my most comlimented fragrance. I don't wear it much and i like it when i get one compliment of course but it's just smells nothing special to me. It's my least favourite fragrance in my collection matter of fact. Compliments are NOT the reason i wear a scent, i wear it because i like it, shocker ik. Toy Boy ain't a people pleaser but i just love it so much i wear it very often

[@GucciButNotGuilty]

Man, LNDL EDP is underappreciated!

[@MailanDo]

@@GucciButNotGuilty it is ngl but it’s just not really for me

[@the.Aruarian]

Related to #4 - I love fresh, short-lasting, non-projecting scents for the gym or just getting ready for bed. Something like Montblanc Starwalker is just perfect for me for feeling fresh and clean in a situation where longevity and projection are a non-factor or even detrimental to the wearing experience. Similar to the compliment-factor, people seem so obsessed with the performance of a scent. Beast-mode or bust. I definitely get wanting to get value out of a scent, but time, place and context matter. I gotta say, Justin, I really appreciate the consistent approach you've taken to slow consumption. Including the sneaky segue into your creator code. ;) On a side-note: have there ever been fragrances that inspired you musically, while performing for example? Or scents that are connected to specific tunes or musical moments?

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! I’d say my now sold-out fragrances Brass & Soul and 2nd Soul have inspired me the most musically, as they were musically inspired.

[@alibakhtiari2416]

Great video as always. Regarding the #5: Honestly all fragrance reviews are only to increase their sales, but in this channel I'm actually getting familiar with the general vibe of a fragrance. That's why I'm following you not channels like Jeremy. There's also this dude on Instagram who says "this is a masterpiece" on all his reviews... Keep up the good job Justin ✌🏻

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@nfc3po]

Wish I had started sampling sooner. I love variety and smelling new stuff. I used to just buy cheap bottles thinking it was a good value. Looking back I see 1000ml on the shelf that I don’t wear, and $250-300 that I could have put toward one thing I really loved instead.

[@jimlittle5769]

I have very few backups: DHP: Cause it's my favorite designer frag and it took forever to get a bottle, then a second one came available and I jumped on it. Now it's readily available. Nio: Cause it's my favorite summer frag, and only comes in 50ml. So I got 2. Dior Homme Cologne: Got it on a great sale and I spray it after I shower during warm/hot days...so I go through it a lot. Absolu Aventus: Cause my wife and I both LOVE IT! Star Men Nebula: Getting the second bottle was an accident, and it's so inexpensive, I just kept it.

[@johnsterthemonster9181]

"Don't hear what I'm not saying". I'm stealing that.

[@Vix187]

I absolutely appreciate the intelligence and diplomacy that you put into videos like this. I think this is some of your best content. "Don't hear what I'm not saying." - love that.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@mrrob4590]

I have no problem with my back ups. The ones I keep are ones that run classy mature and generally considered timeless to some people. Mine are sycomore bois du Portugal invasion Barbare Chanel boy creed royal oud. I don’t keep back up of hype beasts club frags or anything overly sweet because I feel they will fall out of fashion. Of course I buy when the price is ideal or heavily discounted. I do have other back ups that I hold specifically for sale on eBay at a profit in the future. Sorry but others do that and so do I

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Thank Justin ❤ Personally, I find that if I am wearing a fragrance I love, the compliments naturally follow. I also enjoy trying to find the next perfect fragrance. I have a lot of fragrances and enjoying what I have is never a problem. Something that might be a useful topic is how to enjoy fragrances you’ve moved on from or revisiting fragrances from your past.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I can relate! Thank you Catherine!

[@ravenfails6662]

Definitely agree on the holding yourself back because of money part. Its much more rewarding to get some samples from some interesting niche fragrances and then save a bit up for that and really enjoy the purchase than to blind buy designers because they are "so good for the price". Got burned this way too many times. With that being sad, I still have a price cap that I simply wont go above like 300€ or something for one fragrance, thats just too much for my situation.

[@sorv5790]

These aren't even hot takes, really, they're just common sense! Which sadly, many in the fragcomm seem to have lost, maybe because of the reasons you exposed (pressurizing content, urging you for compliments rather than your own enjoyment, etc.). That's what your #5 is all about to me and why people come to your channel. You're not rehashing the same top 10 lists and catering to an attention-hungry, compliment-feeding horde. Don't get me wrong, that's completely fine if that's what you're in for, more power to you, but the fragcomm should be about so much more than that. And regarding #2, I think people look at niche like it means super expensive. Meanwhile you have fantastic brands making awesome fragrances for less than 150$ retail (that's not even counting discounters!), which is less than what a designer bottle is nowadays, honestly.

[@Samuelee97]

To be honest for #2, the opposite is also true. I know some people who buy niche only and disregard designers because they want to feel rich and wealthy and skilled. The classic perfume snob chads. "Me buying designer frags?hellno they suck, my royal nose deserves better". I completely disagree w this way of thinking

[@sorv5790]

@@Samuelee97 I absolutely agree. I double dip myself all the time. In fact, I've been all over Boss Bottled Elixir for a while. And besides, anyone who has an office job (like yours truly) and who has meetings knows better than to wear, say, Interlude Man to a formal meeting. Sometimes a good old reliable mass appealing scent is better to avoid yourself "unwanted attention". ;) (also, ugh niche snobs are the worst at times... and I say that as a niche fan, lol)

[@SirRivelion]

@@Samuelee97 Yeah, some of the niche stuff is disgusting (subjective), that's why people should buy samples. It's hard to find a designer which smells unappealing to most people, they are literally designed to smell nice to the most amount of people (sometimes brands fail to achieve that). Fragrance collectors might think these are boring, but they smell nice. (just pick a few of your favourtires, instead of buying 10 blue fragrances etc.) Edit: I've almost not tried my nr.1 favourite fragrance Eros Flame, because it wasn't getting much positive attention online, and I was testing the Eros line, so I said F it, I'm gonna test Flame too and I fell in love at first sniff. So far no Layton, Aventus, Ganymede or any other hyped fragrance had made me more happy than this one.

[@sorv5790]

@@SirRivelion Very true, not to mention there's designer fragrances out there which are quite outside of typical "blue fragrances" and the continually hyped ones which are quite good. The Bvlgari Man "element" series come to mind, Burberry Hero EDP (very interested in seeing what the coming Parfum will bring) and Armani's Eau de Nuit which is a crazy beautiful iris/vanilla bomb and never talked about. It's my go-to-sleep scent, haha!

[@FSVR54]

Take 1 is bad though. A lot of frag-heads are just thinly veiled addicts. I know what I like, I know my favorites that speak to my soul, I use them often, so of course I'm going to have backup bottles. I don't need to try thousands of scents in my life, despite loving fragrance, I'm not a collector

[@TiagoSilva-ys5zz]

You are correct,regarding take number 5 i bought a bottle of kenzo eau de toilete marine and when i got home i started to notice more deeply that the opening scent was similiar to air spray, but nice in the dry down ,and that was my experience of blind buying with the influence of a popular reviewer and that gave me the lesson to never blind buy again

[@phantomspaceman]

I can understand keeping additional bottles of particular fragrances. By virtue of continual ingredient bans, there are literally fragrances you will never smell again. I don't think that fragrance is going to be a 10th blue designer flanker though. Most of the logic I see for grabbing mutliple bottles is for reselling at an inflated price.

[@DPTX]

Love the hot takes, makes me step back and evaluate and be more self-aware

[@nfornoura]

My issue is people who go hardddd for a particular brand. I’m so freakin’ picky with scents, it’s a miracle if I manage to find 2-3 perfumes I LOVE from a single brand.

[@javierayala4152]

Literally Dr Copeland you became poetic with all this stuff. You're a poet of fragrances, and to do it so well I know you love the world of fragrances

[@stayfreshproductions]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@matthewmcqueen8289]

Honestly I wouldn’t watch many of your videos because your taste in fragrances are a little more refined for my taste but videos like this definitely get you a sub. Salute

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Matthew 🙏🏾

[@matthewmcqueen8289]

Np, looking forward to new content with the less “not so popular” brands you mentioned in your video

[@aedrake1977]

Boom! JC dropping bombs in the fragcom! Love it ❤️❤️❤️

[@thegreatone5355]

Not every single fragrance I have I absolutely "love" or is 10/10 but I do like all of them and I have 10/10s in my collection,so as long as it's not something off putting to me I am willing and open trying new smells I've never smelled b4.

[@TheScentCellar]

Devin's comment at 0:54 is spot on. I'm a wine guy... every vintage is ephemeral. A producer might be able to be consistent over the years, but at some point somebody else will do something interesting and it's time for you to move onto a new experience. No t, no shade, life is fleeting and joy must be pursued. :)

[@ZackTparker_Demon]

I have received 3 complements since I've started this journey, at first it was for attention and complements, then it morphed in to an addiction, then I started wearing them because each one paints it own picture for me I get to imagine places I've never been and things I've never done, I see were it can be wasted effort to try and "collect 'em all" or "get all them complements" but as long as it makes you happy and doesn't bankrupt you I say its ok after all you can sell them if you no longer have any use or give them away, its a hobby it doesn't need to define you as a person, that's just my 2 cents ✌😁

[@adi.jaiswal]

Hot take #1 - made the mistake of buying bigger bottles of some fragrances (150 or 200 for one of them), which I've outgrown and the bottles are just collecting dust. I've made it a point to buy nothing more than 100ml. Hot take #4 - I have Y EDP and Chanel allure homme sport and don't think they ever got complimented from anyone other than my wife so I'd say it's high rating for me and I like them personally

[@SirSillageSniffington]

I WISH that more brands would do reasonably priced 30ml bottles - I feel like that’s the perfect size for anyone with 15+ bottle collection.

[@adi.jaiswal]

@@SirSillageSniffington yeah, I'm almost at that 15 mark and going forward no more big bottles

[@Analog784]

1. Agree unless you are going to sell them 2. After a certain price I stay away the brands you mentioned like mancera etc i like because they are in the middle ground easier to wear but stand out more than designers. 3. I buy a fragrance because number one i like it or i might blind buy one if it gets compared to a DNA i like already secondly performance i don't buy fragrances for compliments. 4. That's stupid 5. I take recommendations yes but similar to number 3 based on DNA and if i'm in doubt i get a sample or wait until i can try it. Sometimes you see a fragrance that you are interested in for a steal and you say YOLO in your head and most times i ended up loving it.

[@schroederluck7984]

Can confirm the 2nd point. Sampled Angel's Share last fall with a 2ml decant. I know Justin isn't the biggest fan, but I loved it. I spent 8 bucks on it, and got about 12-15 wearings out of it before it was all gone. Few of us go out often enough to invest in a full bottle of something like Angel's Share. The decant got me through the holidays and its many festivities no problem. Well worth the 8 bucks.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I do like Angels’ Share! Got a bottle late last year ages in find it enjoyable. It’s made it into a few videos as of late. I’m glad the decant worked out for you.

[@schroederluck7984]

@stayfreshproductions that's my bad then. Thought I remembered you on another channel saying you get a burnt rubber vibe from it. Maybe that was black phantom? Got me second guessing myself now ha

[@stayfreshproductions]

@@schroederluck7984 no, you’re right. I did say that about AS some time ago. But that was from a decant that I now consider questionable. My opinion has changed a bit since acquiring a bottle because my experience is different from the bottle.

[@schroederluck7984]

​@@stayfreshproductionsGood to hear I'm not going crazy and that you enjoy it! Fantastic scent and great video 👍

[@xavierang]

When I first tried YSL Y EDP, I didn’t like it. After going back to try it multiple times, it gets better. Can my sense of smell be affected by all the influence on KZbin? Or am I genuinely liking the smell more and more subconsciously?

[@stayfreshproductions]

Possibly both, but mostly likely your own evolving taste!

[@Yaboi907]

You are like my fragrance father. Thank you for making this much needed content in the fragrance community.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@MuddyGreenMonster]

Wow! I totally agree with you on all 5 takes. That's probably a first for me. Very sensible points of view.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks!

[@deluxelex9056]

Good thing with backup bottles is that you can always sell them. Regarding compliments, I actually rather not receive them from strangers. As long as it is not negative, I wear fragrances for my own enjoyment.

[@MarcusJGadson_CFA]

Loving your points. I appreciate that your channel doesn't promote consumerism, but instead, supports the overall concept of fragrance appreciation. Consumption may be an indirect result, but isn't the primary focus.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Marcus. 🙏🏾

[@stephentapp]

This was my favorite fragrance related video in a year. Frag content creators aren't giving me what I'm looking for 97% of the time. Guess what I don't need... I don't need any more content like "here are the top 10 best panty dropper fragrances for you to buy". I mean, do we really need videos like that rerecorded by every channel year after year? Nope. We don't learn anything from rehashed videos like that.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you very much Stephen.

[@dominique9934]

Imitating what other people do and then getting upset because you didn't get the compliments they got is what people need to stop doing. Wear what you like because it makes you feel good. Your cologne, clothes, shoes, your hair, or no hair. lol

[@tommymilton1193]

LOADS of logic here. This was more like a sociological class. Great video, Justin. 👍🏾 "Don't hear what I'm not saying." Can I borrow that? 😂 Man! Being conscious can be painful.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Tommy 😆🙏🏾

[@nefarious_saint]

Do you spray on skin or on clothes? How many sprays? Ever get allergic reactions from wearing fragrance all the time? Love your videos.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I tend to spray directly on skin, but it course gets on my clothes too. I have yet to have an allergic reaction! Here’s a recent video on my current tips for applying your fragrance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33PYWOcftumbtE

[@vilirantakoski5180]

have you tried any mizensir fragrances? it would be nice to see a review from you about that brand 😎. I never tried the brand myself but looking forward to. specially perfect oud from mizensir has my interest! heard it's supersmooth and light. Like a summer oud? Love your content by the way and your thoughts and philosophy about fragrances! it's hard to sample niche fragrances in Finland where I live because here the offerings are small and I have to order offshore, so the shipping costs are pretty high BUT!! I just ordered five samples from zaharoff ! You got my interest to the brand and I just had to try it! I hope there is a full bottle worthy scent among these samples that I ordered! 😇

[@stayfreshproductions]

I’ve wanted to try Mizensir for sometime now. Need to find some samples. Thank you for watching!

[@vilirantakoski5180]

@@stayfreshproductions when you get to try them please make a video!! 🙌

[@AttentionSpannn]

I love this! Keep up the phenomenal work.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much!

[@jasonvercher6413]

Excellent content Justin! Fragcom needs this type of content

[@justaddlight]

There's a lot here that I agree with! Discontinued unopened bottles do appreciate in the value though. 🤫😉 Buy 2, end up selling the second at double the price, get the first for free. At least...until the clones come. 😂I'm sure it's on some peoples' minds. I might also add that few things are certain in the future, including feelings about a fragrance. For example, my feelings for D&G's original Pour Homme haven't budged in nearly 30 years! Nostalgia and all that. And once it gets reformulated, vintage bottles probably won't come cheap. I suppose we're rolling the dice on backups either way. Should they even be called backups? Perhaps...multiples? 📬

[@stayfreshproductions]

Keen thoughts!

[@jonaservin6424]

Don’t hear what I’m not saying is going to be my favorite term now. As always a great video Justin!

[@stayfreshproductions]

I appreciate that!

[@wonderboy855]

Wow this an eye opener advice and I really appreciate your honesty please More of this type of videos thanks man 🙏

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you

[@WSF176]

I generally agree with the back up bottles thing. However..................man what I wouldn't give to have 10 bottles of the original formulation of Tommy from 1995ish. I have so much nostalgia and an emotional connection to it and the newer version just doesn't have the same pizazz. Same could be said for many of the older scents. In today's world of 10 new releases a day, I agree it would be totally unnecessary. I appreciate you brother.

[@michaelh1423]

Totally agree, they get hard to find! I don't have any backups, but if a nostalgic fragrance gets really hard to find I would probably buy a back up.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@highsol222]

"Don't hear what I'm not saying." Haha I love that phrase.

[@javierayala4152]

Bro, sorry for saying this, but if I need a fragrance or an opinion, I will always come to your channel, you too accurate. Keep killing it Dr Copeland

[@bonddude7]

I’m still a big lover of Chanel allure homme extreme. I’ll hopefully have it forever. Yes, its price is too high but it does something special for me. And no, I don’t generally get loads of compliments lol

[@dahnyul]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 The hot takes are burning up the industry 🙂 LOL love it. The critical thinking piece of this is so awesome to hear. I would love to hear more about your ideas on the fifth hot take. Just as somebody who's very peripheral to the industry, it's always nice to understand something more deeply. Appreciate you always 🙂

[@dahnyul]

Also where is Custin Jopeland these days 😁? Been waiting to hear from him 🙂

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! Did you see the finale to Custin’s series? 😬

[@dahnyul]

@@stayfreshproductions Darn it, not yet. 😁 I will definitely check it out though! 😁 didn't realize that his time had come to an end 😭 LOL thank you Justin! Have a great one!!!!

[@tacomn]

I asked this before but if I love Tygar by Bvlgari should I try Sospiro Vibrato? It really seems like a “Hype” fragrance and really seems like it is a bit more of a case which KZbinrs are getting kick backs from promoting it. Making me unsure if it’s actually good. Just like a respected chef, many times higher end food dishes are not some kind of complex experience. In fact the better the ingredients and better the chef, many prefer the more simpler of dishes to let the high quality ingredients and their own cooking become more readily apparent and can be appreciated. Not saying I do not like fragrances, or food that have a crazy amount of different ingredients and is a flavor/scent explosive combo. But I can appreciate when something is masterfully crafted and refined in a manner that utilizes a few but still very high quality ingredients.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I wouldn’t try Vibrato because it’s hyped. I would try it because it sounds interesting and pleasant to you! I can almost guarantee you’ll like it, but no one can guarantee you that you’ll love it and consider it worth the money. And I can totally appreciate masterful simplicity.

[@AlejandroParedesBobadilla]

2:23 life changing speech 🎉

[@thegreatone5355]

Believe it or not though not my top goal I've gotten more positive reactions from women on my fragrances that I think are less than 10/10,but the fragrances I think are 10/10 (from male perspective) to my nose do not not get as much reactions from women.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I totally believe that.

[@daniel74747]

Fragrance is expensive art, if im not buying it because i don’t like it first, what is the point? Definitely not for compliments first, thats like icing on the cake type of thing, the main course of fragrance is hey i love how this smells and i enjoy smelling it and experiencing it

[@stayfreshproductions]

Exactly!

[@angelkaye1982]

I look forward to the next pot-stirring session. I need to start making notes. 😊

[@stayfreshproductions]

😁😁

[@angelkaye1982]

@@stayfreshproductions can't sleep at 1.30am on Sunday 11 Feb for me. So cool I caught you (Justin) liking my comment. Tee-hee!!

[@stayfreshproductions]

@@angelkaye1982 haha I hope you’re sleeping now!

[@zeusbuslig]

Dior Sauvage is so hated but man I LOVE the scent. I own only 3 designer frags out of a dozen+ and Sauvage is one of them because I just love it.

[@avidra35]

I wished I find your channel earlier. I’ve made most of the mistakes that your hot takes video pointed out to the point it got me into financial trouble back then 😅 Everything is fine now and I don’t regret the journey but I can’t help that I wish I could start over again 😂😂

[@stayfreshproductions]

I totally understand!

[@01bigtrev]

I’m a 50ml guy and on rotation will in reality never empty them unless I’m a crazy mo fo fumigating everyone out. I appreciate your advice and I take it with other recommendations and weigh up the different takes off each. I will say I’m really happy with 2nd soul. Absolutely amazing and happy with the purchase. 👍

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@exxie1]

This isn't the type of content that will give you a million views, but I know that this is the type of content that your heart speaks, and it speaks its truth. Thanks brother for these types of content. No one does this, and only someone who is really passionate about these things can pull this off.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you. That means a lot.

[@exxie1]

@@stayfreshproductions you're welcome man, I share the same sentiment with how I do things. I do traditional illustrations, and I might get more money from doing more shallow, mainstream subjects. But I know for a fact that's not what my soul has been longing to do. I am here to be someone who is really passionate about my niche, but also challenges ideas that my niche has accepted as their norm. And do it continually, just because that's what my heart says, and no one can deny the work and passion I put in my works. Even with someone who is the norm and disagrees with the idea will think that my work is undeniably aesthetic. And I see the same spirit with your content. Keep it up as long as you're happy doing it my man. Always stay safe and fresh 💪

[@stayfreshproductions]

@@exxie1 I see you! That means so much to me. Keep staying true as you are!

[@nathanjames9904]

Love these hot take videos they are different and actually require some consideration. I personally realize that these are all very valid legitimate truthful points of reason that may go against the grain

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@sarmero8958]

I would like to hear your opinion on maiora parfum, ali baba sounds awesome.

[@kistebier]

You need to try parfum from The Nose Behind they are really creative & Chris Maurice did some of their scents

[@kistebier]

okay not just some he was part of all their parfums

[@burner27]

J I appreciate being featured! Self actualization and intentionality are a great way to approach life!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Yes indeed my friend!

[@johnnieaycock1834]

Most fragrance sites are nothing more than hucksters that probably got their start at a carnival or circus. You, however, are a breath of fresh air. Down to earth. Straightforward. And very helpful.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you

[@flamingknight-zs1kv]

4:40 this is such a great example Justine . I always appreciate your content for actually keeping things legit. Also We need more of these hot takes😂❤️‍🩹

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@WilliamRodriguez-fbw]

Great video and I will take your advice with some of these points.

[@ZelenyHaj]

Very much on the point again. I appreciate your views on the community and influers(ism). Thanks Justin!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@michaelparedes6030]

You always speaking facts homie ✊🏽

[@stayfreshproductions]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@blainetrahan8883]

I use Brut edt for the gym and love it.

[@psmith6666]

At last, someone who speaks the way it should be. Justin, you are young man, wise beyond your years, it's so refreshing!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@beaver6d9]

These are pretty reasonable honestly. Love these sorts of essays

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you

[@Birdsfan21]

You're the man, JC. I really appreciate the content and love this series. One of my favorite things about the channel is exposing me to more unique houses that don't get the airtime elsewhere. To me, the frag content on here has become pretty repetitive and redundant. Your channel is a breath of fresh air.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I appreciate that!

[@djsaunter]

Here's my hot take: If you own more than 10 fragrances, sit down and write down why you want to buy a new fragrance before you buy. I mean like actual pen and paper. Fact: It is easier to use your cell, do a quick fragrance review check, price check and order online than it is to sample a fragrance, compare it to what you have, and see if you still 'need' to buy a fragrance or just 'want' to buy it, if you love it, or just like it, and how you feel after having worn it for a full day. A pen and paper not only saves you money, you might actually find value in what you already have again. Write on paper why you love a sample. The words will resonate when you see the difference between like and love and impulse or blind buy.

[@wonthangsoop]

My hot take to add to your "wearing frags to please others, uh I mean solely for compliments: So called "boxer droppers" are amazing if you truly enjoy the fragrance, more specifically the scent itself. Getting compliments only from the bros shouldn't discourage you. If it's the other way around for you, and you only look for frags that will get most compliments, you have bigger issues to work out internally and fragrances should be the least of your problems. But we all choose what we worry about at the end of the day.."Don't hear what I'm not saying" lol. Dumb reach frags are still great to have.