Fragrance Philosophy: Back-up Bottles & Collections

[@eg042680]

One of the top 5 frag channels.

[@TheScentinel]

@@eg042680 that is really kind of you to say

[@roberteckert9699]

The day I die, my kids, my wife, whoever, will look at my bottles and have little appreciation or understanding of this part of my life. They will scratch their heads and have no idea what to do with all these bottles. It truly is…..just a distraction to make it through a day and derive a bit of enjoyment. You can do that with one bottle or one hundred bottles. We choose the latter.

[@KerryDavis-y3v]

Yes that will be true for me as well. No one understands this kind of obsession and enjoyment as we do. With my collection of over 300 my son will wonder what on earth to do with them all. But I do love them all. Also have backups of only about 5 . ❤❤

[@mandarinmelon]

I love this channel and hearing your thoughts on these things. Great philosophy

[@TheScentinel]

@@mandarinmelon thank you, channel would be nothing without the people watching.

[@itsthething]

Just stumbled upon your channel watching your Rubini video and you got a new sub!

[@TheScentinel]

@@itsthething thank you so much!

[@tpapa1980]

Same here. Not a fan of backup bottles except for one! I have a similar amount of fragrances, as you, and i rarely selling any now. Each one that I add is after serious consideration and multiple testings. So I am happy with what I own because it's either something that I love or something that serves a very specific purpose. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Greece.

[@TheScentinel]

@@tpapa1980 thank you🙏

[@Ismelledathing]

As a philosophy and fragrance lover, I see this as an absolute win.

[@tubereuse_criminelle]

I'm totally with you on this one. Not stocking up on anything. I like my perfumes fresh (less than 8yo) and some of them do go off with time. And pleasure of discovering new things gives me a thrill! Most of the time it's disappointing, but when it's not, it's worth it. I think, I spend equal amount of money on full bottles as on samples. When I feel I've had enough sampling modern stuff, I go grab a few vintages from surrender to chance and then I'm happy again😂

[@TheScentinel]

@@tubereuse_criminelle this is so satisfying!

[@OmarZ77]

In the last 6 years, I moved countries twice. I much rather have that freedom and flexibility than the trouble of moving hoarded backup bottles. Also, from experience, there is a solid chance you will eventually get bored of many fragrance. There are a dozen of scents that I bought and thought they’d be “for life” but 3 years later, I don’t care for them anymore.

[@TheScentinel]

@@OmarZ77 yes, it happened to me quite early on

[@mohammadrezahoseini5326]

I was the one who commented on your previous video about backups and I can't believe you took time to explain your reasons. Learned a lot from your video and somehow agree with you. Except one perfume, I totally get and agree with you 😅

[@TheScentinel]

@@mohammadrezahoseini5326 thank you for the prompt. Which perfume?

[@mohammadrezahoseini5326]

@TheScentinel They were 3. Hermes eau d'hermes, equipage geranium and Rogue chypre siam. After a year of thinking and thanks to your videos and insights, now it is just eau d'hermes.

[@AlexBenedict-jc1qv]

i rarely comment on videos on youtube, but completely agree with your philosophy and had to tell you-i’m a passionate fragrance ‘enthusiast’ and love to use all of my ‘babies’ on a rotation depending on mood, weather, general ‘feeling’…and i love the fact that a fragrance i love might be gone one day, because that means i can attach memories to it and cherish it all the more when i use it.

[@TheScentinel]

@@AlexBenedict-jc1qv Thank you! Our thoughts oj this definitely align, and i appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@michael_galicia]

I really can't add much more Pep. I agree with your insights. In my early days of my journey, I bought a few back ups, but I noticed that I wasn't using them as much as I originally thought I would, so now I don't have that desire to have more of something I might not use. Reversely, I plan on trading my backups for something else that I can use and enjoy. Recently I was thinking that I could (probably) let go of half of the perfumes that I currently have and still be VERY happy. I have about the same number as you do. I'm still grappling with this idea. 🙏

[@TheScentinel]

@@michael_galicia we all work at our own pace.

[@carlito7863]

When i began my frag collection i wanted always the bigger size bottle like100ml, 200ml.. and every time i was liking a frag i was taking another back up bottle.. now that i have over 350 bottles i only take the smaller sized bottles and 10ml samples . I dont do backup bottle anymore, except if i find a frag that i really love not just like, and tested it multiple Times to be sure.

[@perfumehaiku]

Loved your thoughts on this topic, Pep. I have precisely one backup bottle, which I only purchased when it became clear that my current (smaller) bottle was dwindling. It’s a perfume l can see standing the test of time, so I went for it. Over the years I’ve found that there are very few perfumes I’ve lamented the loss of, in fact, those I’ve sought out for nostalgia’s sake are serving that singular purpose - nostalgia. Like you, I’ve learned that it’s okay to see a perfume through its life cycle, and that the memory can be enough.

[@TheScentinel]

@@perfumehaiku can i ask what the back up is?

[@perfumehaiku]

@@TheScentinel Oh yes, of course! Violet Ida from Miller Harris. I was able to get it on sale, too!

[@justaddlight]

What's more is that tragic romance somewhat ironically can lead to a greater appreciation for the scent if you do happen upon it again in the future. Effectively builds sensitivity and potential energy over time. I do have a few backups myself, but mainly because they were deals I couldn't resist. Don't regret a single one, and each could easily be sold at a significant profit even now. Some, like Steven from Eau de Treasure buy vintages specifically for that purpose. But he's over in Japan and stuff is DIRT cheap and highly available over there. His profit margin is likely in the tens of thousands by now. Ps, I'm all for letting go, albeit joyfully. Otherwise it's a good indicator that perspective may be lacking. 💙

[@TheScentinel]

@@justaddlight you make a point i forgot to mention: geography also plays a small part here. If it were easier to sell, without things like shipping restrictions, i could also have back ups used as an investment if i decided i no longer wanted them

[@boost-9689]

Used to do it but stopped. It might be helpful if you only have a few fragrances. But, otherwise, there's always new perfumes to try (and buy). If you already have a 'healthy' sized collection, you may have more perfumes than you can use in your lifetime. In that case, back ups could be a waste of money. If you have a collection you love, you'll be ok, even if you run out of a particular discontinued scent and can't get it anymore. We will learn to deal with it :)

[@jimmy3984]

It was great to hear your thoughts on backup bottles. I’m definitely of the same mindset, and since I have so many options I feel like it doesn’t make sense to own a backup of anything. I’m constantly trying new scents and wearing something different almost daily so why own a second bottle when I’ll likely never finish the first?

[@TheScentinel]

@@jimmy3984 logical, right?

[@lansvale28]

Thank you for the video. I don’t believe in backup bottles. When I think of a bottle I’ve finished, my mind instantly remembers the moments I lived and loved wearing it. My caveat is that I was traveling in Europe 18 months ago and saw Dior Homme Parfum sold in a small airport in southern Italy and it was a great price and they let bottles, so I got 5 of them haha. I’ll just sell them off or trade them one day.

[@jurgala4975]

I don't have any backups yet, but time to time I have an impuls to buy them... Thank you for your videos, Pep. I appriciate your calm wisdom 🪻

[@TheScentinel]

@@jurgala4975 thank you

[@PureMagicStudios]

I only have one backup bottle and that is my daily driver Guerlain Vetiver EDT, I simply love that fragrance and I want to have an extra if needed.

[@katyamuravyeva9880]

❤❤❤

[@jackhicks8935]

Well said.

[@beebot]

Lots of observations that will strike chords. The compulsive purchases can be a rough part of the hobby - I was awful at it. I now buy far less and going for samples or decants. I love brands that make 15ml bottles... Change in taste was a realization for me too, as was an intollerance for iris (powdery scents in general). So thankfully one positive side of hoarding bottles is that many scents I initially dismissed I've come to enjoy. There are very few that I keep backup bottles of, but I do tend to grab TDH on sale at 200ml whenever it dips near or under $100 as it's one of the few bottles I empty regularly. But, as someone who has moved internationally several times -- owning lots of anything now feels like a bit of a guilty weight.

[@TheScentinel]

@@beebot i can see how moving a lot can be a hassle with all these precious liquids

[@shirleycantoni3152]

I really enjoyed you’re video today, and you’re right… I do buy back up bottles only of my absolute favorites in fear of reformulation, or I will buy a back up bottle of the perfume in vintage form eg. Serge Lutens vintage perfumes of the current ones they make today, like the white sticker Serge Lutens..

[@reeethydroo]

Oh my god i'm also in the midst of an iris craze myself. I was never into it, especially when i tried dior homme intense at first. I think the Chanel fragrances really changed my mind because theyve done the note so well. Now, I'm getting myself a bottle of DHI because I can't get enough of it! Perfect time to get as well since theyre re releasing it and probably end up butchering the formulation of the new one. Love your take on this btw. I was already about to get a back up bottle of ADG Profumo since it was discontinued, but I really thought hard about what I actually wanted out of my collection and if this was even a financially sound decision to make. Profumo is my fav designer and I'm sad to see it go, but definitely am more looking forward to trying out different fragrances. Cheers

[@wiewiorkowo]

It's a pleasure to listen to your stories. I recommend "Cedar Woodpecker 10 Parle Moi de Parfum" for iris (subtle, not overpowering).

[@TheScentinel]

@@wiewiorkowo i have tried that one, but unfortunately i now don't remember much about it

[@dieselboy77]

I only have 1 back up bottle of a perfume I love . But I only have 10 fragrances per season so I know I will finishing up the one I currently use . But once my back up is gone then be it

[@TheSmellworthyReport]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I entered 2025 being overwhelmed by the size of my collection and I’m now selling many off. I needed to ask myself if I’m a collector or enthusiast. Thankfully I’ve decided I’m an enthusiast and as such, I ‘m able to let go of many bottles that I never wear but only own due to the collectibility factor. What good is a unicorn fragrance if I don’t want to wear it? Anyway, thanks for your insight and for all you do.

[@TheScentinel]

I think when an interest like perfume starts to occupy one's mind in a way that causes doubt, neediness/FOMO or even anxiety; it's probably a good trigger to rethink why one started in the first place. But to some, this might be the part that gives them joy.

[@NazgulfromLOTR]

I have 35 bottles but 8 out of them i got backups for :(. Most of them i have for a couple years already and barely a dent in them so why i need backups for? Worse, they are strong fragrances that im no longer comfortable with. Even worse! Im starting to not enjoy them as much anymore. Sure i can sell them, and some of them at a profit, but i won't likely do so. Don't get backup bottles guys, unless its something that is discontinued or about to be, or something you love and use so regularly that you put visible dents in them.

[@originalvybepromotions7269]

I have a number of backup bottles of the original 2009-2010 formulation of YSL - La Nuit De L'Homme which is absolutely incredible compared to the later versions and the current watered down version which is being sold in the shops and duty free lounges. The original is so rare to find which is why I have invested in backups.

[@TheScentinel]

@@originalvybepromotions7269 so do you have plans to sell some?

[@katyamuravyeva9880]

Same here

[@TheScentinel]

@@katyamuravyeva9880 🙌

[@SG62321]

Its funny you posted this video today, because I actually just purchased my first back up bottle tonight and I own 50+ fragrances. The fragrance is Gucci Pour Homme 2. I bought my first one a couple months ago and it instantly became my favorite fragrance. I had to buy a backup because I don’t ever want to run out of it, and it’s becoming harder and harder to find since been discontinued. If you don’t already have it or haven’t tried it, I strongly suggest getting your nose on it if you can!

[@TheScentinel]

@@SG62321 it's funny, only a few years ago i walked pasr a pharmacy that had boxes of these in the window...for about $60. Enjoy!

[@SG62321]

⁠@@TheScentinelThat’s what I’ve heard! And now they’re going for crazy prices! I’m so mad I’m late to the game with this fragrance, but I’m grateful to now have 2 of them in my collection and will be using sparingly! 😅 Great content btw!

[@TheScentinel]

@SG62321 thank you!

[@barrelvisor]

I suppose you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find the prince. I have only bought ‘backup bottles’ for ones that are being discontinued, but I get your point on perhaps embracing the impermanence, perhaps appreciating living at a time that intersected with something you love so much.

[@TheScentinel]

@@barrelvisor i can certainly see both sides to this.

[@GinaAngels]

Another great video!! I personally will never buy a back up bottle only due to the fact that my tastes and personality changes a lot. Plus I like the thrill of using what I have consumed. 2025 will be very streamlined for me personally.. 30 or 50 mls . Besides there are so many new products in the market coming out.

[@TheScentinel]

@@GinaAngels i actually get excited at finishing a bottle

[@GinaAngels]

@ same here Pep

[@lineplanevolume]

Thanks for sharing your level-headed thoughts on this. I do have a few backups but I am generally telling myself to not do that. On another note, I've also become more and more enthused with Iris.

[@TheScentinel]

@@lineplanevolume well i'd be happy to hear what you've been liking re iris. I feel like a whole new world has opened up😬

[@lineplanevolume]

@@TheScentinel Off the top of my head of what I have, some of which you're probably already familiar with - Iris Bleu Gris, Le Cri, No 19, Bois d'Iris, Etui Noir. Curious to know what you're uncovering. I'm definitely looking for leads.

[@TheScentinel]

@lineplanevolume honestly, right now i have a desire to get a perfume that i owned a decant of years ago and loved, yet never got around to buying. Has a lovely iris, SL Chergui. Also Cuir Ottoman by PdE

[@lineplanevolume]

@@TheScentinel I spaced on both of these, which I have... love the iris note in Cuir Ottoman. Chergui, I'm still becoming familiar with, and really curious what the older version smells like compared to the recent version that I have.

[@TheScentinel]

@lineplanevolume i mean, people would probably call it a hay tobacco, but it's the iris that makes that special

[@user-wi5gv8gs3e]

wise

[@mydearaurora]

I wonder if that would ever change for me if I were to have a bigger budget for perfume although I'd like to think it would probably stay the same, I don't have a lot of budget for perfume in fact I probably shouldn't spend money on perfume at all hahaha but with a little bit that I have I would much rather experience new perfume rather than having a back up or even repurchasing the one I love sometimes. I could see myself revisiting them in the future when I have the mean to do so but probably not to the point of having a back up! The impermanence of it is what makes it special and kind of romantic in a way just like the perfume itself, it's empheral it wasn't meant to last just something you enjoy in the moment

[@TheScentinel]

Speaking for myself, i feel exactly that way, but there isnt a wrong or right way. As long as it gives happiness

[@carlito7863]

8:40 👍

[@jasonburke4724]

I didn't really care for back ups until Frederic Malle left and didn't trust they wouldn't mess up musc ravageur, and now I should have gotten back ups of dior homme parfum after the 2025 disaster.

[@TheScentinel]

@@jasonburke4724 always a legitimate reason

[@jasonburke4724]

@TheScentinel Plus, I've only got about 25 in my collection. So my top 5 get a beating which ravageur and dhp are in. Well, I guess dhp isn't anymore 😄

[@humblestates]

I admit - I'm a hoarder.. (here and there) ; ) - so if You ever need Gucci Guilty Absolute - I've got a few 150ml bottles just sayin 😁

[@TheScentinel]

@@humblestates that is a very generous offer. Once i finish my bottle, i'll see how i am feeling. Thank you

[@nabhanmkijs8395]

I had the fomo with Armani Prive Bois D'Encens, my all time favourite incense, that was discontinued🥲but then I still have half of the bottle even though owning it for more than 4 years. There will be other incense perfumes that I’ll love🙂so no, not buying back up😌