Fragrance Addiction and How I Dealt With It

[@datacipher]

Plain sheer materialism. We try to fill empty needs with temporary rushes. It can be clothes, cars, trinkets, dolls, watches… anything.

[@hey.alexedwards]

100% agree

[@StevieZero]

Stone Island, CP Company, Lacoste, jewellery,watches and guitars for me

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@StevieZero it's easy to buy too much. I was into watches as well

[@david_allen1]

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.

[@Stay_Loose407]

What kinda dolls you buyin

[@RyderRulezRunnin]

This is some good stuff, so many people buy fragrances just for that temporary high and then the regret and the cycle continues.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thank you. I agree completely. It's easy for it to spiral out of control.

[@jB..33b854]

Dopamine fix

[@RyderRulezRunnin]

@@jB..33b854yeah exactly it’s pretty sad that most people don’t even realize it until it’s too late

[@MansaX]

That's true. Unfortunately, it's not just frags. It's jewelry, clothes, shoes, video games, and even basketball cards.

[@brucetec6597]

​@hey.alexedwards I got the the point of feeding my addiction by switching over to purchasing cheapies.

[@Jbos201179]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Yes! Fantastic set of rules

[@uncledonteg]

Very well said!

[@joolean7799]

Especially the last point is GOLDEN!

[@horiaatanasiu3173]

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!

[@BlessedDelight1]

AMEN!! God was in those details right there

[@MrZazues]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

I'm glad it struck a chord! Thanks for watching.

[@darksparkle6174]

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!

[@cartierbifocals3699]

@@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

[@geIoeschterBenutzer]

157 Bottles a 100ml is 157 YEARS if you use the Scent moderate (daily/3Sprays). BRUV 😮😅

[@brucetec6597]

I'm at 300+ bottles now. I need the AA version for fragrances 😂

[@scentanity2280]

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!😅).

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts!

[@MohamedMasoud_]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@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.

[@aceofsouls7243]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

It seems like there's a huge huge amount of people experiencing the same thing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@jB..33b854]

Happened to me too during Covid - with clothing, watches and fragrances. Gotta break the spell. I wish you the best!🙏🏻

[@adnishere8891]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing this! I agree that 3 is perfect

[@carlos9145]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

I'm glad you found this useful! All the best.

[@janacrane7995]

Stop where you are. Seriously.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@janacrane7995 Legit. I think so many of us would genuinely enjoy having just 4 fantastic fragrances and stopping there.

[@horiaatanasiu3173]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@horiaatanasiu3173 I agree! One great scent is all you need

[@_sweet_brown_]

The amount of “Yup” and “mmhmm” that just came from me is crazy. You’re preaching brother!

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks brother!

[@BrandonTheGreatest]

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 KZbin fragrance reviews really helps to keep me sticking with my plan and it also keeps away the urge to buy a fragrance.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Nice! Sounds like you have a great method for staying on top of it all

[@vfs3859]

Homie just broke down how to break any type of addiction really..

[@sonofabeach71]

Yes..KZbin 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..

[@hey.alexedwards]

@sonofabeach71 Just get away from it all and enjoy what you've got!

[@motivation_daily333]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Exactly right!

[@BlessedDelight1]

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!

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@BlessedDelight1 thank you for watching!

[@LandingNow]

Even though I havent broken the bank, I already found myself staring at 12 bottles of perfumes that were bought within 4 months. Good news is only 4 are designers while the rest are clones. But still, I found myself exactly in the same spot as you. I used to have just one fragnance that I would wear everyday and everywhere until it runs out now I got a fragnance for every season, and for every season there's a daytime and nighttime, one for the gym, one for special occasions, etc. The thing is that people do not care. People might compliment you if they smell something nice whether its a clone or niche. I think a normal collection can just have one freshie, one for winter and one for special occasions. I was actually looking for a new fragnance to blind buy while I stumbled upon your video (thank you to the algorithm) and it really made me hit the breaks. Thanks Alex!

[@hey.alexedwards]

I'm glad this hit home! Thanks for watching

[@jessiewhite7783]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

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.

[@WaleAnimashaun]

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).

[@hey.alexedwards]

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.

[@Liftedup47]

You captured a frag addict’s thinking so well. I felt like you were talking about me haha

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing that. Glad this hit home.

[@myopinion6748]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's interesting! You enjoyed the process of buying them more than the fragrances by the sounds of it.

[@myopinion6748]

@ 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).

[@W1zard8998]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. Glad to hear it's been a helpful video.

[@persephonesdad5792]

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

[@vashdeath]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Exactly right!

[@yasseralg3928]

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 ....

[@hey.alexedwards]

I hear you. It's extremely hard to break the cycle. Wishing you all the best.

[@Yellowfever4518]

I'm glad you decided to create this video. I appreciate your vulnerability. I, too, have a growing collection, and my list of fragrances to get is very extensive. Like you, I have given considerable thought to gifting away or just getting rid of fragrances that dont "spark joy." I now realize that I should also give my list of 'fragrances to buy' a second look - taking out those that I don't absolutely love. Like you said, these fragrances can be expensive, and space for them can be limited. Everything in moderation!

[@hey.alexedwards]

Exactly right man! Moderation is key

[@AV_8989]

One of the best videos I've ever watched on KZbin, period.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Wow, that means a lot. Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@startwiththeheart]

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!

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's great to hear. I appreciate your feedback!

[@handsomedevil7072]

Thank you bro for coming out in a way. Perfume industry sucking avarage men dry for about a decade now, and it got so much worse in last 2-3 years that even middle to low income men or even teens in 3rd world countries spending quite bit on perfumes when they should spend their money on increasing their life quality. To get a gal it became all about looking "rich" thus there are people can't pay their rent but buy brand name clothes or fragrances.

[@hey.alexedwards]

It's definitely causing issues for a lot of men.

[@wildcathaulingwildcathauli8122]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

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!

[@bambimbosh]

the timing of this video is just perfect. i really needed someone talking about this. thanks.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@bambimbosh I'm glad this resonated with you. Take care!

[@RobbieSwan]

I went through this, now i own Aventus and that is it. I love it, makes me feel confident and works in every situation.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Aventus is classic. Nice choice mate!

[@RobbieSwan]

@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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

​@@RobbieSwanHey, if you find something that works for you, rock it!

[@TheSolbiatii]

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!!!

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for watching!

[@HughJorgan09]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@HughJorgan09 thanks for joining the discussion!

[@samasamah]

​@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 😂

[@UZISHAF]

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 👊🏽

[@hey.alexedwards]

Onwards and upwards!

[@AlanosaurusRex]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

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!

[@awonddy]

I’m dealing with this currently!! Thank you for making this

[@hey.alexedwards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lisa-bleau]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's a great thing to do Lisa. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Rrretweet]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thank you for sharing - I've been there too. Been sober for about a decade, and also replaced that with fragrances. Keep it up!

[@Saved_Sinner0085]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

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.

[@Hekasko]

There is no way this is a coincidence I got your video suggested, since I am going through the same right now. Haven't been to such amount as you but still owned a lot. Sold more than a half. I found myself getting just the same rush from purchasing just by buying samples or sample sets. I recommend this to everyone, your bank account is going to suffer a lot less. Buy samples, wear them to the last drop if you think you like something, wear it on different occasions and you will get a better view. I often blind bought a bottle, it arrived, I tried it and I was like wow thats great. Wore it 10 times and not reaching for it ever again, because there was this another one I bought after. My other case scenario is falling for Amouage Reflection. From a sample I really loved it and had it on my bucket list for like a year. Found a great deal, pulled the trigger and was really happy to finally own my gem. On a second or third day of wearing it to work I realized I can't stand it on me by the end of the day. Boom its sold now. The world is full of beautiful bottles and scents and you can never have them all. Its okay to end up on 10/15/20 bottles, its still a lot for one person for years. Don't try to dig deeper. Your video needs to get to more people Alex, you can help save a lot of money for some of us!

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's so real - thanks for sharing that! I've done that a lot too. Typically I'll like a scent, buy it, but only wear it a handful of times before I'm onto the next one. Some scents just don't require a full bottle because you only need a small amount to scratch the itch.

[@michaelmorrison3404]

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!

[@hey.alexedwards]

Glad you've managed to do that. Well done!

[@michaelmorrison3404]

@hey.alexedwards Thank you for the video!

[@dalemcfarlane5074]

This guy is the only fragrance reviewer the internet needs

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks legend!

[@carasparks8500]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@carasparks8500 That's great that you've been sampling rather than buying full bottles. Great way to save a lot of money

[@Pokémedic-e1k]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@Pokémedic-e1k That's a great idea. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@garssympa500]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@garssympa500Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad this resonated.

[@ernestj3081]

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!!

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Do you have an all time favourite?

[@ernestj3081]

@ I’ve had so many all time favorites until the next favorite comes along lol

[@saidabana9742]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

I appreciate that!

[@kanishkamarasinghe9354]

very good info in this video! I reached 15 frags and started feeling overwhelmed and decluttered to 10. For me having 1-3 (for variety) per season is plenty - some might say this is still too excessive. Also try not to become a sampling/decant demon where you want to try every frag or find something even better than what you have . If you get easily influenced by a youtube video or tik tok just remember that these people only enjoy the scents during that time and their opinions could very well change but they wont make that public. Reviews are nice in the sense you can kind of get the rundown of the frag but try to sample

[@hey.alexedwards]

I agree with you! Some people go crazy for sampling/decanting, which doesn't solve the problem. It's not healthy to always be chasing the next thing and forgoing what you already have.

[@0scarwagner145]

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!

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing your story mate! Glad to hear this resonated with you.

[@sherwinclay4777]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's a great thing to be doing!

[@gianvillanueva1859]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@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.

[@seanmaher2987]

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 KZbin rtecommended your video mate. Good work.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing your experience mate. Great job at recognising this. Appreciate your kind words.

[@MsLadyTruckDriver]

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 KZbinrs 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

[@hey.alexedwards]

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!

[@stanford2590]

The video i needed....thanks, mate....you said everything i was thinking the past few days.....

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for being here

[@comradegeneral1695]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

I'm glad this was thought provoking!

[@KirkWilson86]

I can shamefully admit that I am addicted to buying fragrances. I started my journey this past year with only owning BDC EDP and Halloween Man X. Started buying Lattafa stuff on Amazon and got hooked. Now I curbed my spending with only buying decants. This has helped me a bit but I'm always on the internet looking at new stuff. It's tough. Hope yall can get through it safely! Thanks for the video

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing! Decants are definitely cheaper, but they don't stop the mindset of always chasing that next purchase

[@SuperWils2010]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

I didn't mention that, but it's a great note. Thanks for sharing it!

[@_sweet_brown_]

The amount of “Yup” and “mmhmm” that just came from me is crazy. You’re preaching brother! I have a moderate sized collection - 17 bottles including smaller ones and 10mls and at few weeks ago I just went and bought 6 more in one sitting… like for what?? That’s when I knew this is gonna become a much bigger issue in no time and I needed to stop. I’m now on a complete fragrance “no buy”

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's a smart idea - if we can't control the urge to buy, it can lead to serious financial consequences over time

[@_sweet_brown_]

@@hey.alexedwards No question! It’s so true how you had said in the future there could be things I could’ve used the money for. I don’t wanna screw future me over just cuz I want some “smelly waters” right now

[@jaysibiri]

Same… my collection got to about 25 bottles and realized that ive not only been spending too much money, but now i had more fragrances than i could ever use; they would never run out. I had multiple of the same type of fragrance so i had more than i even needed. I sold some and gave some away and now im down to 6. And i dont think im gonna buy any more until one of my current bottles run out. This is as real of an addiction as any other “hobby”.

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's a good idea. When one runs out, then you can look at another. I think I'll be doing the same

[@iam_ismell]

*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

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@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.

[@stewartkendrick3770]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Not a bad idea mate!

[@caryrogers9676]

I’ve been a fragrance collector for many years and have always kept it to around 30-40 fragrances (and I thought that was a lot), but during the COVID period I developed almost an obsession with fragrances, and let’s just say that I left that 40 bottle limit so far behind that I can’t even imagine only having 40 bottles to contend with. Thankfully, I’ve overcome the obsession with collecting and I’m more a much more conservative connoisseur these days. I doubt I’ll get rid of any of my collection by selling or giving bottles away, but I have taken the approach of pulling out 30 or so bottles for a seasonal rotation and making it easier to grab something without a stupidly long decision process. I still buy new fragrances now and then, but mostly only after sampling and wearing them several times before buying.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Totally get that - appreciate you sharing!

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

CH Men Prive has always interested me. Never got a chance to try it. Oh well, my loss!

[@HeavyIndustryMusic]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

It's an easy trap to fall into!

[@mindfulawareness1]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

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!

[@espiri2_]

this was great and your other videos are great too. Subscribed! You’ll grow in no time my man!

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thank you legend! Appreciate it.

[@Grudeman408]

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👍

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts mate! What's your wife's favourite on you?

[@Grudeman408]

@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 KZbin of top 10 sexiest fragrances ect, nobody actually cares it's all in your perception.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@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.

[@Lwilight]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

I take it you've never figured out which fragrance that was?

[@Lwilight]

@ I haven't, no, but if I keep buying eventually I should get it right? :(

[@ChadAV69]

You are right that it is a lot of mental energy deciding what frag to wear. It is an obsession. I have 2 in my love list which is Sauvage EDT and Montblanc Explorer. Yes you can say they are typical but I’ve tried a bunch and those are the only ones that really stuck out to me as “me”. I have others in my like list like BDC, Grey Vetiver, Jazz Club, Acqua Di Gio, and Ebene Fume but I just rather keep my collection small. I got rid of a lot of stuff recently.

[@hey.alexedwards]

If they work for you, that's all that matters. Great choices!

[@khaledan]

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).

[@hey.alexedwards]

Glad to hear it resonates with you. The fragrance tray works really well.

[@peaceduke1]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

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.

[@Leukick]

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

[@Zyklop223]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

100%! Glad you agree

[@Zyklop223]

​@@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😅

[@EOTA564]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

I agree with that for sure. Good insights

[@athishamiqbal7011]

I honestly hate myself for falling for the hype, in purchasing bottles that I've never even smelled before, just because another person likes it. It's soo stupid... And speaks a lot about myself over anything. Thank you for this video, I need to cut down my collection and keep the ones "I love" instead of something I may, or may not like.

[@hey.alexedwards]

I'm glad this resonated with you!

[@athishamiqbal7011]

@@hey.alexedwards I feel like, my fragrance addiction was due to a void I was trying to fill, due to boredom, feeling insignificant or a lack of sense of purpose. Fragrance addiction was an easy road to go on as it didn't require much thought. It was like a drug that gave me a temporary reprievel from things I should have been doing. A temporary dopamine hit to shroud my judgement for a small period before reality sinks in. It's crazy. Hopefully, I'm gonna sell off most of my collection and keep around 20 that I love, so I can grow a connection or a memory with them.

[@toxinmncube6018]

Best frag video ever, thanks for saving peoples money out there.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@toxinmncube6018 Thank you! Glad you found it useful

[@Leonard_Washington76]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@Leonard_Washington76 That's a fantastic strategy. Thanks for sharing.

[@kismetburroughs9192]

Great suggestion, every fragrance lover crossed that bridge and arrived at the same conclusion, to much is to much 😊

[@hey.alexedwards]

Exactly right!

[@kevsmells]

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.

[@hey.alexedwards]

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.

[@sonofabeach71]

This is great and inspiring. My friends joke about my cologne addiction. I buy a lot of dupes mainly. I would love to get down to 10 to 15 bottles. I find myself doing the same thing you talk about such as standing there at my cologne cabinet, thinking about what to wear. I also find that I usually go to the same few favorite colognes. So I keep wondering why dont I just cut the number down to my favorites. I have given a few colognes away...and need to give away more.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Great idea! What are your absolute favorites?

[@donnafongheiser3450]

My name is Donna, and I'm powerless over perfume, and my life has become unmanageable over it.I LOVE MY PERFUMES !!! It's better than any addiction I ever had.

[@hey.alexedwards]

For sure! Perfumes are a luxury and they make life better. If you don't have a problem with it, I wish you all the best and hope you continue to love your fragrances :)

[@joolean7799]

I think to some extent this is also about keeping up a certain entropy of choices to be made in the future, fear of boredom by committing to one fragrance & therefore ultimately indecision.. I think a good, first fix to this is to only collect samples & decants - I think this problem applies to many ppl who have a tendency for perfectionism, escapism, needing a bit more validation than most and who are prone to overthinking..

[@hey.alexedwards]

I agree with what you're saying. I would just add that even buying a lot of samples can be a problem because you're still always chasing the next purchase with intent to find the "perfect fragrance"

[@shawwwwn]

Very informative video, mine started during Covid around 4 years ago,I always was into fragrance but I always had about 7 or 8. During Covid I started to collect and blind buys, long story short now I have about 300😂 it’s the rush and temporary high you get from it,specially blind buys . Now since last year I tried to stop blind buys and just buy my signatures and regulars, still I slipped out specially when I’m travelling airport duty free or the offers I see in my emails. I have many that I don’t even wear and like that much like from PDM and initio. I just bought them because of hype.

[@hey.alexedwards]

It's so easy to fall into the trap of buying things just because everyone says it's amazing. Never tried Initio but had a few PDM samples and thought they were all 6/10 at best

[@stacyrensburgoliver]

What made me stop buying is because I felt I wasn’t really enjoying and appreciating each fragrance. I have about 16 and what’s left are true loves for me. I’m going to be emptying some before I decide to even buy a new one.

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@stacyrensburgoliver That makes complete sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@kinj5422]

I think for me it was important to realise why the love for perfume grew to such a big thing. It was based on scarcity mindset due to poverty I grew up in, as well as feeling of unworthiness. I wanted to own beautiful things and fragrances to build my self-esteem and give myself comfort, that I lacked in childhood. it was a form of overcompensating for not feeling special, for the care and validation I lacked in formative years. I have started collecting perfumes as soon as I started working. My personal conclusions on what i think triggers over-buying (specifically perfume) are 2 things: 1st - whatever we choose to do to ease our anxiety, we create a habit, and if we don’t reduce the stress in any other constructive way, this habit will grow into compulsive behaviour (hence the hoarding), and 2nd: falling into a trend of fast fashion/fast buying. Since we are always shopping for something, Amazon/ clothes/ temu, etc. why deny purchasing of something we have great passion in? That leads to enabling ourselves to shop without hesitation. My limit right now is 2 bottles a year (gifts excluded). It’s working well, keeping my shopaholic shame in check.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for sharing your story. It's interesting to see what leads different people down certain paths. Appreciate you being here.

[@kinj5422]

@@hey.alexedwards thanks! I love the simplicity of one thing you said: ‘the perfume you wear doesn’t mean anything at all’. Isn’t that true 😂 Also, I feel like blind buying is a form of gambling 😬 which means we need a bigger ‘hit’ from our addiction 😅🙈 I have to say though, I’ve hit a few jackpots hahaha

[@u4ious]

Appreciate your honesty. Frag community tends to hype and create fomo.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks for watching. I agree. It's all designed to sell more fragrances and make the influencers more money

[@JimHornEntertainment]

I needed to see this !! Thank you for sharing as I’ve been guilty of blind buying and got some scents I didn’t like.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Glad you found this video!

[@dgedawesome1]

Something that helps me a lot is sticking to 20 fragrances. For the past 3 months I've only had this amount despite still adding new ones in. I have 8 for the hot weather, 8 for the cold weather, and a couple that are year round. I have pretty much every scenario covered with this amount. Whenever I want a new fragrance, it comes at the cost of replacing something else in my collection. With 20 fragrances, there's always going to be at least 1 or 2 I don't wear, or don't want anymore. This helps me still get that high of a new fragrance but I'm paying maybe a $20-$30 difference for a new bottle with the money I got from selling the other fragrance. Without doing this, I'd likely be 30-40 bottles deep and not wear half of them. Collecting is really fun, but financially it's just not justifiable to own more than 10-20 fragrances max.

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's a great method to stay in control. Well done!

[@gammergq9741]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

I agree 💪🏼

[@vetrixplaysvalo2936]

Ive bought 20 bottles since september 2024(worth above $10k aus) I cant imagine having above 100 fragrances. I cant even find the right occasions for some 😢. Slicing through my savings and now i feel utter regret.

[@hey.alexedwards]

100%

[@alejandrobustamante7964]

You have superlative taste, just as I do, I can imagine the perfume brands you have, considering the average cost of each. Do NOT despair, 20 full bottles is exactly what I have also, high end perfumes, just KEEP it strictly at 20 bottles, not a single more, and ONLY purchase a bottle once a bottle has been finished, cheers from a USA expat living in Latin America🫵🥂

[@iSpritz]

I’m a misanthrope too, but it led me away from other hobbies and into fragrance. Personally, I invest in a lot of decants and then make a wish list of full bottles I want

[@hey.alexedwards]

Smart man - that's a good idea.

[@jasonsmith4293]

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

[@hey.alexedwards]

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.

[@jesscanady]

tbh most content creators say and tell you buy samples,could saved yourself lot money.and you did bring up some very nice points i enjoyed your takes alot....its the same as foodies people that have to try all kinds diffrent food ...we try all the diffrent kinds smell and right before we die we can say we smelled just about every smell on this planet has to offer i look at it as a honor not alot people get the privledge to smell all these diffrent fragrences thats why i again sample its cheaper and i have smelled alot and if you absolutly need to have a bottle go 50ml instead of 100 that cuts down price as well

[@hey.alexedwards]

That's interesting. I find that most of the big creators actually don't tell you to sample. They tell you to buy fragrances with their discount codes so they can make more money.

[@jesscanady]

@@hey.alexedwards most of them they do tell you that as well to use there discount codes so they can make money but the top 4 i watch always says to sample first

[@MartinFragrances]

Thanks bro, keep the good work about fragrance addiction and remedies ! You are amazing.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Thanks mate! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@RuskiVodkaaaa]

the best thing to do is stop buying full bottles; you can continue to collect your fragrances but just buy 5-10ml samples instead...ive noticed once you get past 10-15 fragrances you rarely end up using most of them (unless it really does become your favorite scent, in that case buy a full bottle).

[@hey.alexedwards]

The problem with that is it continues the cycle of always looking for the next fragrance, and never being content with what you already have.

[@janacrane7995]

Yeah I implemented a no buy January to stop myself. And I unfollowed the most influential fragrance youtubers. And then I came across this. Thank God. Because I was googling whether fragrance addiction is a thing because Im an otherwise frugal person.

[@hey.alexedwards]

It's definitely a thing. It's easy to be influenced online too, which means it's far more common than people realise.

[@samasamah]

Great! I am doing a yearlong no buy. And since I am not planning to buy anything for a while, what is the point in watching fragrance content. Better use my time, energy, and money into learning a skill or working on myself in some form or another.

[@My2centsURwelcome]

KZbin recommended this video to me and I'm glad it did, thank you for your honesty and much needed video! I started my collection about 1.5 years ago, and I'm currently at 14 bottles. I had more before but I sold 4 that I quickly realised I didn't really love, and I'm probably getting rid of 2 more. I recognise everything you talk about in this video (the influence of youtube reviewers; "they all really like it so it must be great right?" trap for instance) and I'm happy I slowed myself down pretty early on and set myself 5 rules, besides the mandatory "it has to be a 10/10 fragrance" rule. Rule number 1 is wearability. 90% of my collection has to be versatile and as office friendly as possible. For me there's no point of having multiple bottles of amazing but super bold and loud fragrances for just those once or twice a year occasions. Just get 5ml decants for those moments if you really want to have multiple options there. In the very beginning I bought Dior Homme Intense and Tom Ford Noir Extreme just because I liked them and wore them to the office everyday, not having any idea about wearability and occasions (I still think you can pull them off in moderation but you understand my point). They are 10/10 for my so I'm happy to keep them in my collection but since then I started to buy more everyday applicable fragrances because 95% of my time I'm in situations where I don't want to offend or choke people out. I'm now also perfectly fine with this meaning having to stick to more mass appealing scent profiles. There are many options from PDM, Xerjoff, Nishane, Amouage etc. to choose from that fit this description but are still niche and there are many designer fragrances that are not generic. My second rule is longevity and/or them being noseblind proof. I need to be able to smell the fragrance around me for at least 4-5 hours, preferably more. I have tested many fragrances and while amazing, I couldn't smell them after 1-2 hours. I don't care how much I love them, they won't be bought. So sillage falls pretty much under rule 1 and 2, I want to smell it myself for a long time and I want others to pick up on it, but I don't want the whole room to smell like me when I enter/leave it. Rule number 3 is setting myself a monthly allowance for new fragrances. I pretty much have my whole next year of purchases planned which of course can still change, but purchase moments can only get bumped further down the road - the budget stays the same. Rule number 4 is also very important; my girlfriend needs to approve 😇. She doesn't have to love it (it does help though) but she can't hate it. Maybe my love for a new potential addition to the collection will be so strong that I would ignore a hate from her (she hates Tom Ford - Beau de Jour which I absolutely love and thankfully bought before we met 😉), but it's going to be a rare exception. And lastly rule number 5: a certain total amount of fragrances in the collection. Now this one I haven't figured out quite yet haha 🤣 But I am planning on keeping the 1 in 1 out rule, and everything needs to be a 10/10 love. If I don't love it anymore? It will be sold or given away. Again, thanks for this video Alex, it reminded me to stick to my rules and keep me from falling into the trap 💪 Next up: watch less fragrance KZbin video's! 😉

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@My2centsURwelcome thank you for taking the time to share your experience! Funnily enough, my girlfriend also HATES Beau De Jour as well. I love it though. Sounds like you know what you're doing!

[@My2centsURwelcome]

@@hey.alexedwards no problem :) Haha wow, they both don't know what they are talking about! 😆 Thank you, I'm doing my best to control it. Good luck with your minimising journey and falling back in love with the amazing collection you already have!

[@tommorris8111]

For me it's the unknown - I see a random fragrance I've never tried before mentioned in a positive light - be it on Reddit, Fragrantica etc - and I feel I have to try it. So begin searching for a sample, then before you know it I have an order of like 10-15 samples. I don't blind buy anymore but even sampling can be expensive when you're trying to try so many different fragrances! I need to chill out in that aspect and just try fragrances when I'm out and about - ordering samples of ones I like most every now and again. The challenge comes when there are fragrances that aren't easily accessible in public!

[@hey.alexedwards]

I get exactly what you're saying. And you're right, even sampling can be expensive

[@paidinfull87]

Great video. I have a 15 bottle collection at this time. Trying to make a conscious effort to keep it at that level or lower. I’m trying to be very selective on buying a new bottle now, I try them on skin and I have to really feel it mesh with my personality before it’s considered. You had some great suggestions. A good way to scratch the itch for less and reducing the mental and physical clutter is to get samples or decants. Way cheaper and very simple to give away

[@hey.alexedwards]

Appreciate your comment! 15 is a perfect number in my opinion. Enough room for versatility and a few different ones for each season/occasion.

[@brunobarqueta]

I'm on 14 fragrances and I actually noticed the pattern and that I was getting "addicted". I buy some samples now and I limit myself to 1 bottle each 3 or 4 months, that helped me.

[@hey.alexedwards]

Great work recognising this so early!

[@brandonmurray3888]

In the past year I decided to try most of the most popular colognes. I think I went about it in a smart way. I bought tons of 1ml decant sample sprayers, so I could test colognes for only around $2 to $5 each. I did buy about 10 full bottles of cologne, but they are all inexpensive under $30. I also took advantage of buying a few testers on eBay to save money. I never even considered buying full bottles of the really expensive colognes, since there are high quality copies/clones of them. So I can test a copy and see if I even like the DNA. I also wrote reviews of most of the colognes I sampled on Fragrantica. So in the past year I probably spent close to $400, but I sampled tons of colognes, wrote a lot of reviews and it was a fun little hobby. I think I am close to done sampling all the ones I wanted to though, which were just a lot of the most popular ones, probably 60 total, and a few retro ones for old times sake. I do not think I have a fragrance addiction, but I can see how easily someone could, since I've basically been operating in a similar way to test out all those colognes. For example sometimes when I'd get new samples or even a new full bottle, my mind was already the next one(s) to buy. But now I'm winding down since I've sampled all the ones I wanted to. It was a fun journey, surprising at times, some colognes I thought I would like I didn't much care for. That's what is nice about being able to buy the samples for a few bucks instead of wasting money for a full bottle you'll never wear. Thanks for coming to my Cologne TedX Talk! :-)

[@hey.alexedwards]

Haha thanks for sharing your experience! That was an interesting read

[@C2190]

my youtube recommendation is hitting with this video

[@hey.alexedwards]

KZbin doing God's work 🤙🏼

[@zedddddful]

I've got 7 and I'm stopping there there's 1 i wear mon-fri then got 6 to choose from at weekend it's tempting to keep buying when you watch the KZbinrs reviewing them.

[@hey.alexedwards]

It is super tempting. Sounds like you've got it under control

[@Jo-lw1qw]

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 KZbin. 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. 😅

[@hey.alexedwards]

@@Jo-lw1qw I agree 100%. Good luck with the no buy 👏🏼

[@guyblerp868]

Thanks man, needed this

[@hey.alexedwards]

My pleasure - thanks for listening