5 Fragrances I Wrote Off As BAD. I Was DEAD Wrong.

Expectation is a thief of joy.
They can often tarnish our experiences if we're not careful. Whether that be with people, places, or perfumes, it is important that we are mindful of our expectations--and more importantly--of the fact they will be unmet or incompletely met most of the time.
We cannot expect a fragrance to be anything other than what it is. So when we are met with disappointment upon finally smelling an awaited scent, we can't blame it on the fragrance.
Since I've been able to better acknowledge this, I've started revisiting fragrances with which I previously had an unpleasant first experience...and I feel an openness and a softness I didn't have before. As a result, the fragrances smell a lot different than my mind was trying to make them smell initially, and I really enjoy them! It's almost night and day.
Today's video covers 5 fragrances that fall under this experience for me, and I hope it will resonate with you.
Links to check out these fragrances are below!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awesome tees and tanks from INTO THE AM:
Use my code STAYFRESH for 10% off at the following link:
www.intotheam....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my brother Jeff’s Christian podcast, and support them on Patreon!
/ @preachershour
open.spotify.c...
/ posts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please consider supporting me by joining the Fresh Fam!
/ stayfreshproductions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Amazon, Fragrancenet, and Maxaroma links below are affiliate links. If you wish to support my channel, you can purchase the fragrances from this list at these links.
Naughton & Wilson Bon Viveur:
naughtonandwil...
Issey Miyake Or Encens:
fragrancebuy.c...
Fragrance du Bois Cannabis Blue:
Use code STAYFRESH15 for 15% off at Decant X:
www.decantx.co...
Get a great price at Maxaroma:
glnk.io/45m7/s...
Creed Viking Cologne:
Get a great price at Maxaroma:
glnk.io/45m7/s...
www.decantx.co...
Parfums de Marly Carlisle:
Get a great price at Maxaroma:
glnk.io/45m7/s...
www.fragrancen...
amzn.to/3lmhpEq
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are a few of my other favorite fragrances!
1. amzn.to/2tUQQfp
2. amzn.to/2sC9J2P
3. amzn.to/2sRWfE6
4. amzn.to/2uWKiJR
5. amzn.to/2uX5zDi
Let's Stay Connected:
/ stayfreshproductions
Check out my latest album, "Live at the Iron Post" at any of the following links:
Spotify:
open.spotify.c...
iTunes:
itunes.apple.c...
Google Play:
play.google.co...
www.deezer.com...
All Music by Bad Snacks:
www.youtube.co...
roja parfums, luxury fragrances, perfume, jeremy fragrance, perfumes, aaron marino, alpha m, alpham, real men real style, rmrs, most complimented fragrances, top 12, top 10, top 10 list, fragrances, fragrance, dior, best fragrances, best perfumes, date night, dates, men's fragrances, buy fragrances, buy perfumes for your woman, ladies love these, cologne, colognes. men's cologne, men's colognes, best cologne, best colognes, cheap fragrances, cheap fragrance, affordable fragrances, affordable fragrance, cheapie, cheapies, best cheap fragrances, fresh fragrance, gents scents, gent scents, big beard business, redolessence, smell great for less, compliment beast, Signature scent, long lasting, powerful fragrances, compliment, versace, niche, niche fragrance, fragrance collection, compliment getter, compliment getters, compliment beasts, attention getter, attention getters, attention getter fragrances

[@uncouthliyouth4486]

Very relevant point about "anchoring" yourself to a single particular fragrance note in a formulation and forming expectations. This is something that I used to do all the time and waste my money. Once I started to learn more about particular genre's of fragrance as well as how notes come together to form accords I almost never end up with something I don't at the very least like now.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Great video. I love how freewheeling, light-hearted yet well considered and self-assured your delivery of opinions is. I've also noticed that you're philosophical and conceptual as a thinker, which is obvious because you don't rattle on about fragrances as trendy esoteric accessories and not much more. You talk ABOUT olfaction and the psychology behind fragrance collecting, fragrance construction, lifestyle etc. It's a very clear difference between you and other fragrance channel 'hosts'. I gather all fragrance in life interests you and you've probably been like this since you were much younger, which makes this a neurological and psychological area of difference between you and the majority of the crowd. Some people aren't that sensitive to fragrance in life, in general. We all assume everybody is like us, but it's a marked difference. Going around sniffing things, anything...everything. :D You're most refreshing in how you talk about fragrance. Also, quick response: Acknowledging the accuracy and fundamentals of your first point is why delivering our unrepentant, subjective responses to fragrances is such fang-toothed fun! There's no 'bad' fragrance as you said: someone will find something that fits the bill perfectly or because the composition reminds them of a very specific memories which are unique their lived experience, cultural background, ethnic background etc. Being emotionally mature enough to be at peace with the fundamentals of subjectivity is why we ought to all keep a light-heart about a stranger poorly evaluating a fragrance we enjoy: we each have every right to expand on why WE don't like something, knowing someone else WILL and so c'mon, our opinions are nothing to get panties in a twist over. Imagine having to provide a 'trigger warning' for ripping 'Delina' by Parfums de Marly apart! :D Ooooooh, it's a deliciously choppy ocean to jet ski over; we all know we will ruin someone's quiet breakfast on a nearby yacht but it's way too much fun to let it rip! Someone will love what you react badly to and consider a nasty mess, and someone will crinkle their nostrils over what you consider a masterpiece. My favourite thing is listening to someone positively SAVAGE one of my aesthetic joys or beloved fragrances-- so long as they don't get personal and insult my taste passive-aggressively. It's an art form. I'm here for it! I'm impossible to offend. I love strong personalities that make me laugh. Much to say in response to you in the spirit of mutual exchange but I'll reign it in. Great video, thumbs up.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Wow. I am honored by your thoughts! And I'm with you--I am also impossible to offend with my taste, because I know what I like! Thank you.

[@jamarteamer1281]

I love Carlisle!!, the first 10 to 15 Mins it's a lot, but after that when it calms down it's magic!

[@Honezjr]

Ironically, Aventus was one that didn't stick for me initially. Passed through a Bloomingdale's and sprayed my hand and thought it smelled like a forest. Unconvinced, I got a 8mL decant and fell in love. Still a huge fan.

[@themanguycastshow2397]

Same. The Birch was a turn-off initially.

[@justaddlight]

Always been a proponent of letting bottles mature in the dark. Never had one get worse over time. Glad you came around to Carlisle. Ps, any word on the whereabouts of Corbin? I miss his vids.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Corbin has been away on military duty but he might return later this year.

[@gaizkafernandez233]

For my taste Carlisle is a 10/10 masterpiece, it was a love from first snif 😇✌️

[@tiredoffools8929]

@Gaizka Fernandez I am with you . Love at first sniff for me as well.

[@westonaggen8980]

@@tiredoffools8929 have you guys ever smelled Naxos?? Don’t smell similar by any means but my assumption is that they both are for a similar vibe/occasion and stuff. And I’m wondering which is better (I know different can sometimes mean one isn’t better than the other)

[@jimlittle5769]

@@westonaggen8980 Naxos is my favorite fragrance out there. I enjoy Carlisle too, but Naxos to me is better.

[@calvinjohnson8662]

As a jazz, high end audio and fragrance lover I appreciate what you do. Congrats.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Calvin.

[@calvinjohnson8662]

I’m glad you share your journey. I recently got to 110 fragrances. For What? I had to start asking myself. So I find myself using 20-25. I’ve decided to cut the frags down to 50-55. Still too many but more than enough. Quality over quantity. Being different and just having my own scent and flavor.

[@kroshae]

Great video .. my niche cologne was Layton I had to come around to it and now love it.. my designer is Burberry hero which was a gift..

[@WSF176]

Hey Mr. J. This will be odd but try spraying the Carlisle on a winter coat or sweater and coming back to it the next day. I did that last winter and it was intoxicating. I realize some fragrances smell so different and more pleasant to me in the air on others than in my own scent bubble. I get that from a lot of ambroxan heavy scents especially. Another great video my man

[@stayfreshproductions]

Haha I will give that a try! Thank you man.

[@philippeterson5722]

JC!! Great topic!! We've all blind bought frags upon first sniff, we just didn't like or felt we wouldn't wear and would get rid of them. That has to be the worst feeling in fragcomm!! But as our noses and pallette matures were more open to a broader spectrum of frags!! Keep up the great work Young King!!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you my man!

[@MrBluebilko]

I’m so glad you finally got into Carlisle, it’s my baby and I adore it!

[@addmoresauce]

I got Bleu De Chanel edp as a gift and I didn’t care for it at all. I thought it smelled feminine and was highly disappointed after watching so many reviews. Fast forward a year later, my 5 oz. bottle has a corner of juice left and I’m going to replace it next month! Might be my favorite fresh fragrance!

[@brandonerick]

Pretty much had the same experience but I just blind bought it lol. Didn't like it too much at first, but these days it's my favorite of all time. When it comes to the "Big 3 Blues" Sauvage and Dylan Blue don't even come close to BDC.. Dylan Blue is half the price though so it's understandable that there's a quality gap.

[@traybrook]

Great video. Tiziana Terenzi Spirito Fiorentino is the Fragrance that I couldn’t stand when I first smelled it. I haven’t worn it in a while but I LOVE it now. I was also not a fan of Burberry Touch. It had a strong resemblance to pencil shavings that was really hard to get past. Although I can still pick up that nuance, I really like it and I wear it often, especially to the gym. Last, but definitely not least, Armaf Sillage (and Silver Mountain Water). I couldn’t stand that sharp metallic/floral smell. Now…there’s something about it that’s unique and alluring. Not to mention, it has INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE!!! Stupid fresh and long-lasting!!!

[@stayfreshproductions]

I had the same experience with SMW! My only issue is that my bottle doesn't last long...but maybe it will strengthen like my VC did.

[@traybrook]

@@stayfreshproductions I’ve never had SMW, but I’ve smelled it at Sak. Sillage is VERY VERY similar. Sillage has a rough opening but after that, it’s great!

[@michaelbullock8011]

Great video and I enjoyed it and I like Creed Viking cologne and PDM CARLISLE and I'm going to try the other fragrances and have a blessed day

[@Kenoji8]

Nice list Justin. That's partially why I'm not super into "first impressions" type videos because honestly, a fragrance can change profiles over time or take time to settle -- like the aging of wine almost -- and what you may love at first, you dislike later...OR what you're not crazy about at first, you end up appreciating later. On average, I give fragrances (even decants and smaller samples) about 2-3 weeks until I can give a verdict...unless I just hate the fragrance from the start. I've had a few fragrances do that to me where I was like, "Eh, this is okay" to "Wow, this changed nicely!" As far as a few of the fragrances you have shown here, Viking Cologne had a lot of hype surrounding it and it felt more like another take on something like Terre d`Hermes to me (but it still smells nice) and Carlisle is very much like something between Mancera's Red Tobacco and Alexandria's Hafez 1984...so these are profiles that I've already come across that don't "wow" me but they are very nice.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I agree with you on Carlisle's profile--that's a great way to put it. It's not a wow to me, but it is very nice.

[@marc-donaldoulai5725]

Loved your content!!...I hated the new Tom ford rose de Russie at first wiff but I kept coming back for... now it's litteraly one of my favorite

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! I still haven't tried those new Tom Fords.

[@marcjohn9404]

When I first got Dior Fahrenheit, I hated it. It smelled like slightly gassy musk and I knew that it was supposed to have a gasoline accord and it was musky, but I wasn't expecting it to be so basic. I wondered if I had a bad bottle, considered returning it, but kept wearing it and I started to pick up more notes. It started to smell more robust, and I realized that what happened was bc I bought it at Walmart, people weren't buying it so it was probably on the shelf for years. It could have also been that my nose wasn't trained to sense those notes because I'd been wearing such basic stuff for so long, but it changed my opinion on fragrances permanently.

[@stevenveganightowl12]

Terre d'Hermes edt, I disliked it at first, after awhile I came around to it, understood the nuances of the fragrance. Now, it's always in my rotation! Great review Justin..

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks Steven! I had the same experience with it. I love it now.

[@Loricstone]

Justin! I’m so proud! Lol Carlisle. Say it isn’t so? There are some fragrances I came around to as well. Declaration from Cartier being one of them. I wish you and Grace well!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! I love Déclaration.

[@AnthonyDonofrioMusic]

Great video, as usual. For me, that fragrance was Slow Explosions from Imaginary Authors. First sniff on paper was terrible; hit with this overwhelming alcohol mess. Now, it’s a top 5; the rose is stunning and the fragrance as a whole is completely unique. I’m not sure what changed, but I’m glad I stuck with it.

[@emancebo13]

Etat Libre d’Orange and Imaginary Authors come up with the coolest fragrance names for sure

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! Slow Explosions is really something.

[@brianzhere]

I'm glad that Carlisle grew on your. It's amazing. Never tried Triumph of Bacchus though. Where is Corbin? Haven't seen him in a while

[@stayfreshproductions]

Corbin has been away on military duty but he might be returning sometime this year.

[@LeBeautiful]

Carlisle is like, literally 3 PDM frags in one..surprised you didn’t like it at first!

[@richardspurgeon8954]

I have Carlisle and it took me a few wares due to what you mentioned its has 3 phases or more .I love it now

[@westonaggen8980]

It’s kind of like a culmination of Herod, Pegasus, and Layton, right?

[@tommyf6576]

I always avoided Black Afghano because of the cannabis note and how divisive it was supposed to be… I love it. Smells kind of like baby powder but really dark. Love that fragrance.

[@dartheinnulfr8986]

That Creed Viking cologne is way smoother than I thought. I got a sample and almost threw it away 😂🤣. But when it really opens up after maturing the frankincense is PERFECT. Then the barbershop creaminess comes in too. I was so wrong about that fragrance 😅

[@stayfreshproductions]

Same here! It's actually quite good.

[@brutongaster4404]

Can confirm Creed VC got better and stronger with time. At first it wouldn't last my whole work day, very weak. But by coincidence I'm actually wearing it today; I sprayed it 15 hours ago and I can still smell it on my skin.

[@gazzap6664]

For me it was Amouage Bracken Man, i got it in a whole load of samples i got because it sounded like I would enjoy it but my first impression was an overbearing smell of cloves. I gave the sample to a work colleague, i smelt it on him at work! it smelt great off his skin, I could still detect the cloves (no getting away from that) but somehow it worked. It is quite a powerful scent and not one for the shy but there is something special about it. Beach hut man is another with a strong note of toothpaste kind of mint (but that one works for me).

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

Bro check out portrayal man if you want something floral but masculine too. I love amouage and almost everything from the house save for figment and gold man 😂 jubilation xxv also a banger. Absolutely a winner.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I had a similar experience with Bracken. I love it now.

[@channel69reform]

Decent video. Even tho I haven’t tried the Creed, it was interesting to hear somebody give it a chance

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks for watching.

[@goat9325]

I hope my green Irish tweed gets better! My first 100ml was great off the bat! Not a 250ml flacon and it’s so flat. I put it in 5 mls so maybe I used up the bottle before it maserated. So just filled up my 100ml bottle. I hope it maserates for the spring time.

[@jpizz88]

Viking was a major turn-off for me the first time I smelt it. Decided to give it another try a couple years later and: BOOM! It’s now in my top five and I’ve worn it multiple times a week since I got a bottle.

[@nieczerwony]

For me Viking was love at first sniff. Remember being in perfume store with all Creeds standing in the middle with nice lighting from the bottom of each bottle, and there he was standing with bright red, intense colour in the middle. It was the first I gabbed and tested on the wrist. Minty, pepper opening with rather tart citrusy, going into spicy, powdery lavender. Sharp, drilling, undoubtedly masculine and timeless style of old type barber style fougere. These were made in 2017 but have that oldschool DNA. I appreciate they added tonka in the base to give sweetness and softness with musk. Vetiver and cedar give masculine, woody feeling. Personally however I would rather have oakmoss and patchouli to give depth and earthy impression. I would also stick some salt or sea notes in the middle or opening. You know Vikings after all were masters of the sea. I think it would feet perfectly. Ultimately this is in my top 10 and I will alway have it.

[@karlsenula9495]

I always enjoy the Jazz intros.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks Karl!

[@acjaxsn]

Ferragamo F Black. I’m not a fan of lavender and I blind bought it without checking out the notes. I was immediately turned off. Then, one day I decided to give it a full wearing. The dry down sucked me in and now I’m a fan!

[@derekbowman3443]

The same happened to me with or encens. I’m going to go home and spray it again to see if I can enjoy it this time around.

[@dancedadpiper6395]

Justin, I really appreciate how in depth you describe your experience with fragrance. You have a gift with words. Thank you for sharing!! All The Best!!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!!

[@robertpatterson3108]

Oddly enough it was Layton. The mass appealing PDM. The sharp apple in the opening was a real put off for me. I had the same reaction to Y EDP. But after purchasing the discovery set with a 10ml of Layton and wearing through it I’ve come to love the smell.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Lotta folks have that experience with Layton!

[@VocalStorage]

Yup me 2

[@Optimumimpactfitness]

Always love your videos !! Keep up the amazing work brother 🙏

[@stayfreshproductions]

Appreciate it!!

[@greggraham9785]

Hello Justin, HOW ARE YOU? You are really talented. I'm digging the video. I Had Brioni EDP and didn't like it . After a few months I when back to it. I really enjoy it now. Stay safe brother

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Greg! I'm glad Brioni grew on you.

[@mrbutchie28]

That'll be a great video... To revisit scents that Grace rated low on you and let's see if her taste has changed since then.

[@stayfreshproductions]

We'll have to do it! Her tastes have already started changing with some.

[@mrbutchie28]

@@stayfreshproductions dope!!

[@houseadams4841]

I wasn’t too high on Carlisle the first year or so I had it… But I do believe it has changed over the years.. It isn’t as bitter green and more sweet, earthy.. I wore it more this Winter then the previous 2 combined. Gotta stick with em’

[@ickey1b]

Great video Justin. Have you ever thought about revisiting Jacques Fath Pour l'homme? I remember a video you did years ago and you couldn't scrub it off fast enough. I was just starting my journey, and it was the fragrance that got me hooked so I just couldn't understand how someone couldn't like it. Now I Look back and laugh because while I still absolutely love it, I have purchased fragrances that the community raves about but I could never wear. I get it now!!!!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! I gotta revisit it...I can still recall the scent as it was to me back then. But I have a feeling I might appreciate it more today.

[@alexozman8940]

Liked the video! How is that FdB compared to Black Afghano? That one didn't suit my skin, smelled like cheap weed and air freshener for the first 3-4 hours. Might have to retry that Creed. I got a decant before but didn't care for it. On my skin it wasn't bad, just a bit bland and boring. But my nephew really liked it, so I gave it to him. My most recent turn was Amouage Memoir. It was ok on first few tries, but lacked depth and performance seemed to lack a bit also. Just ok, nothing special. Not worth paying 250 euros for. Last monday after showering I sprayed it on as a sort of dumb reach to empty the last few sprays and it was simply gorgeous! Nowhere near as flat and boring as I remembered. Had some punch also. Ordered some new samples while I'm contemplating buying the full bottle My biggest turn from dislike to like was Tuscan Leather. I absolutely hated that one on my skin, first one ever I just had to scrub off. But as it was a gift from my girl, I kept it. Gave it a try months later, on a really cold day, only 1 spray. And it was really good! Now, it's a staple in my cold weather rotation.

[@babas0997]

I hated creed silver mountain water after a blind buy. I let it sit for 30 minutes and immediately fell in love after.

[@KylerBorn]

It's my favorite Creed fragrance

[@MalakiSeven]

For the life of me I’ve tried to enjoy Bottega Veneta Pour Homme, but it just keeps coming across as cheap hairspray….Thanks to your video I’ll give it a little more time but it’s definitely on the chopping block of my collection.

[@MrErnestangelo]

I absolutely I’ve Bottega Veneta Pour Homme. My go to comfort cosy smell. It’s light and airy, my only gripe is longevity but..I still love it. I have all 3 in the line

[@stayfreshproductions]

Aw man, I love that one...but I understand!

[@ryanepps771]

My DEEPEST love for fragrances are the ones I passed on from judging too early! Takes a LOT to change my mind; hence, I respect something that does so. Might sound backwards, but I don't mind being proven wrong. The truth is actually really nice 😉

[@aedrake1977]

Dior homme intense I was so confused. Paper test and did not want to wear it. Over a year later I must admit, it smells incredible in the air and dry down on skin. Now I’m curious about Viking cologne. I’ve steered away but maybe I’ll pick up a sample

[@DivineFrag]

One that I loved, but I think a lot of people wrote off is Initio's Oud for Happiness. They wanted Oud for Greatness v2. I bought Comandante when I was newer to perfumery and wasn't happy with it because I thought it was too similar to Alexandria II. Now I wonder how I ever came to that conclusion. I don't really repulse scents, but one that left a bad vibe for me when I first tried it was BDK's Gris Charnel. Demi Rawling had blown it up in my head and I was expecting the moon with it (not the Frederic Malle scent lol). Didn't pan out. I enjoy it now - it's still not a love, but it's good and I can see why it would be a great all-year scent for women. I was expecting you to include Carlisle and I still don't enjoy it.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I still need to try Gris Charnel--I've avoided it because of its hype. Haha Carlisle was in the thumbnail so it would be weird if I didn't include it 😆

[@misterelom]

I was kinda like this with Portrait of a Lady. I didn't think it was bad but too floral and feminine for my tastes but it grew on me over time.

[@nathanvanderriet209]

Honestly think just about the only fragrance in my collection that I _haven't_ flipped on is Prada Luna Rossa black. That juice banged from the get go and still bangs today. Otherwise just about everything I used to love, I now don't care for and almost all the ones I currently love- I didn't at first

[@tiredoffools8929]

Carlisle was love at first sniff. An immediate buy. It is my third favorite from the house. Same with Triumph of Baccuhus. Immediate buy upon first sniff. A fragrance I wasn't initially a fan of was Creed's Viking and Jovoy's Psychedelique. Was not a fan of either of these when I tested those out, but after revisiting them I do now enjoy them.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Psychedelique is not an easy scent, but it's aweome!

[@nieczerwony]

I love Issey Miyake as house overall. I think it's really underrated. Men Or Encens (Gold incense) is probably my favourite. It has all I love. Leather, wood, spices, vetiver and incense. For me this is best men rose frag I have ever tried. It is really masculine as rose is not dominant here (although it sometimes coming out quite pungent). I like the nuit line also but some of them are kinda to sweet for me. Or Encens doesn't have any vanilla, tonka or even citruses. It's dark, it's dry and spicy, woody and stand out and last long with good projection. As for Viking Cologne, I am same as you. I love original and along with Royal Oud it is my favourite from Creed. I don't hate VC and even like as it's not overwhelming citrusy for me, even though it contains quite a lot of them, I am getting minty pepper mainly in the opening. Unfortunately it's not worth the money for me as it's only suites for hot summer, because in any other conditions and temperature you can wear the original. Projection and longevity are rather average, so for the money not worth it at all.

[@stayfreshproductions]

IM is definitely underrated. I hope VC grows on you--not only did the scent of mine change, but it also got stronger.

[@efekaramenderes6510]

Hey Justin! I would really like to hear your thoughts about the new Dior Homme Sport, I think you might enjoy it.

[@bassacoustic1549]

Agreed. It’s a great Dior Homme for those of us who don’t like iris too much.

[@efekaramenderes6510]

@@bassacoustic1549 Totally agree

[@stayfreshproductions]

I'll see if I can get my nose on it.

[@kevinmitchell8650]

I have a bottle of Aventus that’s strengthened over time. Same experience with Creed Viking as well. Wearing well the first time is to me the standard of wear.

[@iceblock3]

Mine was layton .. 2 wearings of it said just not for me it all all vaper rub let the bottle sit for couple weeks / month said one more shot on it before I sell it and wow I love it still not my favorite but it’s staying in the collection

[@lanelukefahr1184]

Dior Homme 2020 is one that I just haven’t really decided on yet. I really like the intense version I think the iris makes it softer. The Dior Homme 2020 is just so dry and woody and for me it’s intense to wear and I’m not sure how people react to it. Maybe with more wearings I’ll come to enjoy it more but right now it’s a little more challenging for me.

[@H..M..]

I got the Carlisle in a PdM discovery pack and I love it. I keep switching between Herod and Carlisle, Layton and Pegasus, and sometimes the Galloway(SMW?) and Percival. I love some of the Tom Ford’s as well, and Creed, but all the PdM’s are amazing. For my money, the Creed are the most difficult ones. I have Royal Oud, which I love or hate depending on the day, and am still trying to figure out why everyone likes GIT, SMW, etc. MI is good but light. Is Galloway an SMW clone? It seems like a better version to me.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I understand what you mean about Creed--they have some wonderful scents but a lot of them serve the same purpose. Galloway is actually quite different from SMW.

[@H..M..]

@@stayfreshproductions I’ll try them side by side. I might be confusing it with something else.

[@nonnone7060]

I wrote of Green irish tobacco by happyland. At first I tried the sample and was disappointed to find that i disliked the smell of it. I was talking with a friend online and I said it smelled gross on me, I was getting a feeling like I didn't shower or something. I think it came from the fact that the green note in my head connected with my disgust of the smell of weed. But, after I gave it a 3rd try it suddenly smelled amazing. Now, I own a full bottle and it's one of the few colognes that I love coming back to smell on myself. AND I like to smell it more then my samples of green irish tweed and tom ford tobacco Vanille. In fact, I dislike Tom ford tobacco Vanille. And i tried really hard to like it but can't.

[@johnanth]

Justin, how did you fancy the original Viking? I really like it but I think the 'Cologne' version is lacking some of that depth - it's going a little more mainstream. In my view Viking proper is 100% worth the cash. Turnarounds... probably oldschool chypre-green fragrances? I think Ralph Lauren Polo ('Green' but it's really the original and best!) holds UP. I would say the peak of these is a little after that era with Bois du Portugal

[@stayfreshproductions]

I love the original Viking. The Cologne was the same for me, but after it's had a chance to sit, it actually reminds more of the original than it did before.

[@davidrankin9874]

For me, it’s a toss up between Percival and YSL Y EDP…I preferred BDC EDP, but after a few wearings, I found myself reaching for Percival and YSL Y EDP more and more. Both smell and perform great.

[@mdjackhan]

Tell me about your t-shirt. I have been looking for the perfect t-shirt and the one you are wearing looks neat, clean and holding shape.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I think I put a little on-screen caption near the start of the video about it! There is a link in the description to Into the AM, where it came from. There’s also a discount there.

[@mrrob4590]

When I first tried reflection man I gagged. Now 5 or so years later I can’t wait for spring. A new pick up for me that was a turn off is M Micaleff Desire Toxic one that I enjoy in the air but on skin makes me clench my teeth. Ill keep trying

[@dilligafmat]

I blind bought Lalique Encre noir, (think thats how you spell it) tried sticking in there with it but to no avail as the day went on i found myself literally wretching. Unfortunately i smelt it since and its just the same. So for me this one wasn't hate it love it.....great video mate love your content....

[@karlsenula9495]

Ironically I love Encre Noir ... so he is right it is all subjective.

[@dilligafmat]

@@karlsenula9495 Yes he is right Karl, Thats the beauty of the fragrance world everybody literally have different opinions...Keep smelling good bro 👍

[@houseadams4841]

I agree… Or Encens does get kind of woody / almost oudy… But not oudy. I also assumed it would be darker, more smoky incense.. But there is an airy, fresh quality to it.. I dig it.. My son said it smells like cold sea water and the wood shed at our cabin. I can see exactly what he is saying. Lol..

[@stayfreshproductions]

Sea water, I see what he means!

[@asl333]

Isn't it funny that somehow when we initially don't particularly like a fragrance, then go back a week or so later, then back again a week after, that - you then start to really enjoy it..!

[@Teeb2023]

You wrote off Carlisle?!? I'm astounded. It's a fantastic fragrance.

[@stayfreshproductions]

That’s right, Anthony. Are there any fragrances you don’t like?

[@Teeb2023]

@@stayfreshproductions There's really only one that I can't stand to wear, even if I do like the note breakdown "on paper"... La Yuqawam, which was recommended to me by a friend since he thought I had similar frags that I did like. To me, it just smells like stinky old beer and smoke-stained social clubs in the 1970s.

[@stayfreshproductions]

@@Teeb2023 I gotcha. There are a lot of people who absolutely love that scent, and might be appalled to know that you don’t like it, in the same way you were astounded I didn’t like Carlisle. Know what I mean?

[@Teeb2023]

@@stayfreshproductions Of course, I meant no offence.

[@sumaccooking]

Patchouli Ardent from Guerlain's Les Absolute D' Orient, it wasn't until I gave it full wearing that I began to like it. Aramis Devon and Aramis 900 ae on on my "I was wrong" list too as well as the original Dolce & Gabbana pour Homme (haven't smelled the reformulation).

[@fotogenic_creations]

I was the same way with Bentley for Men Intense. Absolutely hated it at first and a year later I want to wear it all the time 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@stayfreshproductions]

I still need to revisit that one...it was appalling to me lol.

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

Awesome work man. I feel it. It was like that with amouage for me. Some fragrances at first threw me off, but as i kept smelling them so many are on my to own list ! Sunshine,portrayal, jubilation xxv, etc are calling me 😂 also loved your take on viking cologne (viking i also love!) I was thinking of buying cannabis bleu but i need more time to know i want that. Fragrance du bois is on my radar !

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you! I was also thrown off by JXXV, now I love it! Trying Sunshine on my hand for the first time right now and I'm enjoy it. Although I can see how I wouldn't have liked it a few years ago.

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

@@stayfreshproductions it's really unique. Sweet. I think of like sweet pinapple gummies with bitter greenery it's piercing and sunny for sure. That dry down is also really fun. It's a powdery sweet long lasting, and very unique scent. Boozy fougere with plenty of other liveliness to go around. It was an instant love for me actually on this, since fougeres i always liked.

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

@@stayfreshproductions jubilation for sure was a bit strange on the opening at first and idk after trying it a few more times i got lots of complexity that just made total sense. I love the house of amouage. I wanna try boundless and the extraits and the attars!

[@MP-ej9pw]

Mine was Dior Homme pre 2020 and was like meh...then I got a chance to try Dior Homme Intense and really liked that one so I went back to Dior Homme and actually liked it at that point. At the time Dior Homme Parfum being phased out here in the states and I liked the Intense so much I blind bought a bottle of the Parfum (knew I could flip it if I did not like it but it's a keeper).

[@ineedtochangemyname5803]

I hated tere de Hermes on first sniff. Now I love it. It was the opening for me but I’ve gotten used to it. But tbh oligarch blew my mind because it’s similar with out the sour opening.

[@stayfreshproductions]

TdH is fantastic. I had a similar experience.

[@trumajore7989]

Carlisle is 🔥 to me… I wear actually regularly lol.

[@derekstalker1567]

A few months I tried Bespoke of London's Sweet Spice & Sandalwood and was not impressed. I tried it today and liked it

[@smackd1870]

Carlisle was simply gorgeous when I first smelled it and it was my first niche oddly enough.

[@Saxeh]

I've really managed to come around on Creed's Royal Mayfair. I think it's the eucalyptus that really threw me for a loop when I first got it - I just thought it was a bit bizarre and perhaps too feminine for my liking. That was a couple years ago, though - now, I just think it's extremely classy and unique. I wore it today as my morning fragrance and I have to say that I loved it.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I revisited that one and it's awesome. I might have to get it.

[@simplyfragrances4453]

I gotta admit the same with creed Viking cologne . It’s pretty darn good now !

[@stayfreshproductions]

Yeah man!

[@michael1of2]

I loved mine at first sniff Glad you enjoy Creed Viking Cologne now

[@govannibarrett]

Got a random sample of Viking cologne and I love it!

[@Magicdragon6]

Can't wait to put my nose on Carlisle Justin,great video as always bro,cheers from a Greek that lives in Germany

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you my friend!

[@1withthecosmos]

Interestingly enough I just recently went through something similar. I was very excited to receive the new Acqua Di Gio Eau De Parfum and I was disappointed when I first prayed it on. I kept getting a very sharp resemblance to H24 which I didn’t like. After a few wears though it began to change and I don’t get that note at all any more. It became a more dense and slightly sweeter / fruitier version of the original which I really enjoy.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad they grew on you.

[@jaredtop_]

Hey Justin where are your glasses from? They look like the Warby Parker Durand frame.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I got the glasses from GlassesUSA. They are made by MUSE.

[@paulysci925]

Carlisle is one of my forever collection picks

[@j.a4597]

Didnt like carlisle when i smelled it, gotta try it again. Whats your top 5 pdm btw?

[@stayfreshproductions]

My top 3 are Layton Exclusif, Herod, and Sedley.

[@j.a4597]

@@stayfreshproductions Nice, i love the kalan, whats your opinion on it?

[@facelessman5362]

Hey Justin, I have a question about Carlisle.. To my nose at first I didn't like it that much, on a second wearing of the sample I felt it was familiar.. Do you think it resembles the dry down of La Nuit de L'homme or is it just me? It seems like it gives the same vibe without the powdery nature of LNDL, thanks!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Hm...I don't really get that resemblance on my skin, but if you do, more power to you!

[@terrysmiles8599]

Very nice Today Mr. Copeland!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Terry!

[@TrustedNose]

Carlisle is amazing

[@johnlouis5529]

Changing the subject any idea when's Corbin coming back!! 🤔

[@stayfreshproductions]

He might be back later this year.

[@johnlouis5529]

@@stayfreshproductions Thank you for the reply!

[@snortchgortch4253]

I hated Guerlain Vetiver and Terre DHermes, now I love them. Habit Rouge…no more hate, but still I’m on the fence. Goes along with Justin more or less saying be picky.

[@raulsaavedra709]

Carlisle sure love at first sniff. One fragrance that I effectively "hated" at first sniff (but exactly what you mention, because of expectations,) was Zara Rich Warm Addictive. I was expecting tobacco, and it was mostly a sweet coconutty vanilla fragrance. Smelled to me like some house candles. Made me mad and mistrustful of reviewers, but for whoever likes vanilla and coconut in fragrances, it is a great cheapie. Now if interested in actual tobacco-smelling fragrances, absolute misleading choice, look elsewhere. Have written it already: to me It belongs as much in a "tobacco collection" as Bleu de Chanel would in an "oud collection" :)

[@sebastianandres99]

Thanks for being a ground wire in the community, it's sad how the amount of necessary disclaimers in your videos show how toxic and whiny the fragcomm can be.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Sebastian.

[@Bassic778]

Fragrances are relative to body chemistry, concentration, formulation, and perception.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Well-said, Dad!

[@paulb2995]

Hey Justin. What do you think about Snarky Puppy?

[@stayfreshproductions]

They are great.

[@paulb2995]

@@stayfreshproductions Is that a kind of music project that you’d ever think (or have ever thought) of getting into? It’s amazing to have so much talent in a room like they have.

[@stayfreshproductions]

@@paulb2995 I play music that frequently! As a professional musician, we have to be expected to thrive in variety of situations.

[@jesperhansen4751]

For me it was Gucci guilty absolute.. really got to like it after some wearing

[@chesterfieldjones1055]

Bentley for Men Intense. I bought it because it was suppose to be boozy. There was no booziness on my skin. None. For this reason I hated it and 4-5 years later I still hate it. It doesn't smell unpleasant in any way. But I still hate it and never wear it simply because it doesn't smell like I expected it to. I know it's nonsensical but this is a hill I'm willing to die on.

[@SteveFerr525]

intro is lit 🔥

[@adrianhall9752]

You need to let us know what fragrance you are wearing when you are playing.

[@caseyplunkett6083]

I'm a big fan of the band Bon Iver... But I've not tried Bon Viveur

[@richardspurgeon8954]

Man I had hi hopes with ombre leather and my opinion it sucks smells like burnt rubber and anestic spray .I love Carlisle and I'm still working on man in black idk its a tough ware so far .I even had 4 ladies smell ombre leather and they said smells like old rich men .

[@richardspurgeon8954]

I love Carlisle it took me a few wares to like it . I like Layton better and Layton exclusive but its good stuff ..Armani code profumo I hated and I also hated at first now its ok 👌 I wasent extra fond of ch.prive for a good year now I do really like it.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Haha, sorry that OL didn't work for you.

[@fatdave4582]

Viking cologne is trash for the money idk if I want to take the chance on spending 220 and wait 6 mths to see if it get good lol

[@jimiola2781]

I wonder what the first person to ever experiment with Canabis in fragrances was thinking. 🤔

[@stayfreshproductions]

I presume they were thinking "why not?"...might as well experiment with all possible ingredients!

[@joneasley5050]

Lattafa's Oud for glory was 👎🏼 and now 👌🏼

[@samaat66]

Sometimes the REVISIT takes years, enjoy,WEAR your fragrances...(#Manny)

[@gageabdul]

...revisited it...