Going Broke For Fragrances? Brutally Honest Advice

Are you going broke to buy fragrances? Is your spending on perfumes ruining your future finances? Many of us get a bit obsessed and over consume with this hobby so I share my thoughts and ideas on how to better manage fragrance buying. Should you even be purchasing perfumes at all? I list a few scenarios whereby purchasing perfumes will be detrimental to your financial health - with bad financial management and debt you can be sure stress and poor mental health will follow. I also outline some basics of financial management for those that may need it. I really hope this doesn't come across as condescending or patronising, I know that much of my audience are mature, responsible and knowledgeable and this is not really aimed at those people but rather the few that find themselves over spending and buying more fragrances than they truly are comfortable with. I come from a place where I have made most of the mistakes and not been great at managing my own spending so I promise there is no judgement here and I just hope that this video is helpful to some.
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About me - I'm Claire and I live in the UK. My taste in perfumes is usually quite sweet but not too sweet, I love white florals but not tuberose so much. I like gourmands as long as they smell like perfumes still, I require my perfumes to change a little bit as I wear them ie not linear. I don't enjoy oud, leather, cumin, saffron or strong patchouli however there can be occasions where I do like perfumes with these notes if they are not too dominant. I enjoy most florals as long as they are backed up with something sweet or perhaps resins / insense. I tend to not enjoy anything very soapy. I also don't really enjoy very green fragrances. I am averse to overdoses of ambroxan and iso E super (timbersilk or similar) just because I find it annoying! I have no problem with synthetics in perfumery but I do enjoy perfumes that have some notes that at least smell like they could be from nature. My favourite type of perfumery is indie and I love Francesca Bianchi, Teone Reinthal, 4160 Tuesdays and Papillon Artisan Perfumes.
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[@mizpah1993]

Great video, this really needs to be discussed more. I’ve been feeling this over saturation with new fragrance releases for a while, it’s blatantly OTT. Add to that the silly price increases and ethical issues by these designer houses, I’m finding it all rather too much. I’m happy to wear what I already have which is a mix of niche, designer classics, Middle Eastern houses and perfume oils. There’s lots of new layering combinations to explore and experience. If I’m interested in anything I will wait for samples to cross my path. I only watch videos of people who have the same taste as me- people who don’t push anything and not into what’s trendy. I’ve also been decluttering a lot, if there are similar fragrances (calling out orange blossom ones 😂), I only keep one and get rid of the rest. I have some things in my wish list (a few Francesca Bianchi fragrances) but I’m happy to wait because I know it will be a quality and worthwhile purchase.

[@Smurfygurly]

Excellent points! Yes layering can bring new life to a collection. I’m wearing FB today, Unspoken Musk 💖

[@Michellebellaa]

Oh my.... I do love a beautiful high end fragrance but I was brought up by my mother that a special fragrance is for special occasions. I am very financially frugal so I appreciate the fact that I have never been caught in this trap to buy buy buy. I buy when my fragrance is close to empty. Having emergency savings is way more important than collecting too much of anything.

[@mizpah1993]

@@Smurfygurly I have a tester of Unspoken Musk which I thought I was going to love, but I’m a bit ambivalent about it now. My skin seems to eat fragrances and musk is a tricky one for me. I have a full bottle of The Dark Side which I treasure. But the ones in my wish list are The Lovers Tale and Sex & the sea. But I’m willing to wait until I am ready to buy. They’re so potent which means that the sample set last ages and I think it needs that time to fully test such complex scents.

[@SK43996]

My collection has grown so much over the past 6 months that I had to purchase a large “perfume” cabinet which I keep in my bathroom. When I look at my collection I am very grateful, however I can’t help but think about all the money I could have saved instead of spending it on perfumes. I’m just so passionate about perfume and yes, it is an addiction. Lately, I’m getting my more pleasure from watching my bank account grow instead of waiting for my next shipment of perfume. For now, it’s getting better. Thanks for the video-this topic definitely needs to be addressed more often.

[@Smurfygurly]

Well done on recognising an issue! Enjoy your collection and thanks for your comment.

[@shevaspshojai6483]

Don’t keep Them in the bathroom.. they will,,turn’’ bad faster… waste of money

[@jeanetteh.9240]

"You don't need to try everything" is probably the best thing you said in this video. Thanks.

[@Smurfygurly]

Thanks for watching!

[@isaks.3883]

I needed this video! Things has sort of been getting out of hand on my part last couple of months.. i’ve been spending alot of money on fragrances when in reality i cant afford it (i have money to barely make it each month in the first place😅) also whenever i get some extra unforseen money into my bank account i can only think about how i should spend that money on my next fragrance. So i rarely spend money on other things. I feel like a drug addict😂 i guess its emotional driven for me, as ive been struggling with mental health issues lately. so i guess purchasing fragrances is a way of getting comfort, which is sort of ironic. Cause it mostly leads to stress (considering my finacial situation) So the fact that this video popped up on my recommended is definitely a sign that i need to step back and reassess hthings, so thanks for that!

[@Smurfygurly]

You’re not alone, I hope you can get things under better control, try shopping your closet you’ll probably reignite your love for fragrances you already have, it works for me. Good luck 🤞🏼

[@aubreezarges]

I had been pretty good about cutting back on buying perfume, however last month I lost my job & went crazy putting things on credit. I'm now luckily employed again & did not do any damage that cannot be fixed in a month, but my trigger is definitely buying when I'm stressed. I also did it alot when I was in a very unhealthy relationship.

[@raq79]

I never blind buy but I am always searching for my perfect scent which means I buy a lot of discovery sets or samples

[@fernandacampestrini89]

Yes, I’m in a obsessive phase. I tried to have no buy months but ended up buying anyway. I am trying to not search around because there are always bargains, and to use my samples and decays before buying a full bottle🙃 it’s difficult but just make more sense.

[@dcjimr1]

Always good to be reminded of this. I've vastly reduced my purchasing because, frankly, nothing is exciting me these days (fragrance-wise). Cheers, Claire!

[@Smurfygurly]

Yes I know that feeling!

[@justaddlight]

I've been told that I'm a bit of an organizational nut, but crunching the numbers and tracking them using graphs is never a bad idea. When you put all the lines in the same chart, the visual aid can sometimes really help put things in perspective. Personally, I have a hobby account and prioritize from that across all hobbies, meaning that every fragrance purchase is ultimately a sacrifice somewhere else. Keeps things clean and neat and surplusses can go into other accounts if needed (and they sometimes are). Shifts attention from "perfume" to "current interests" which takes away the association to personal identity or need. Like I said....perspective. 😄 Hope all is well Claire! ❤

[@Smurfygurly]

The hobby account is such a good idea and from there you can have guilt free spending.

[@curlynightmares8291]

This woman is beautiful!! Hair looks amazing, healthy skin and her eyes 🌊

[@Smurfygurly]

☺️ thank you, that’s so kind 💖

[@niklaus009]

I’m very much an emotional buying. I’ve been made redundant and been unemployed for 2 months now. My obsession was disappearing slowly before this but now I’m back to feeling obsessive because scent is incredibly therapeutic to me and I guess I’m just looking for comfort at this time. I haven’t caved yet but if I do buy anything, it will most probably be with a gift card. Great video!!

[@Smurfygurly]

I’m so sorry to hear that, hopefully a great job is on the horizon for you 🍀

[@Enig_Mata]

You're so right about over-consumerism and blind-buying. I got into knitting about 5 years ago and the amount of yarn I have acquired is insane. More yarn than I will ever be able to knit. Thankfully, it finally sunk it late last year and I have not purchased anything this year. If I see something I want, I write it down and tell myself I can buy it later - this trick has worked and I have not purchased anything new.. At some point, I'm going to go through my collection and give away some things I know I will not use... some point, not today. :)

[@Nina-xv4ie]

I feel so exposed! Haha🤣

[@suzettenearn9653]

Same here

[@Smurfygurly]

Sorry!!

[@AndreasVibes]

I’m a hoarder, so I don’t really sell anything. That’s the reason why my fragrance collection is enough for three lifetimes 😂. However, I stopped buying fragrances about two years ago. I simply realised that finding the perfect fragrance is impossible (or you already own it) and trying new things never ends. So I can confidently say that I spent zero Euros on fragrances. Alas, I found other things to spend my money on 😂 (mostly second hand clothes because I enjoy “the hunt”).

[@Smurfygurly]

Ah the thrill of the hunt!

[@unique37us]

I am a collector 😊 I admit it... when I stopped collecting fragrances, I started collecting journals and stickers until I had enough and now I am collecting dolls😂😂😂. Getting tired of collecting them now and hoping that the collecting spirit is done. I have enough stuff😉

[@alisalavine1052]

I'm a new subscriber. I am always on the lookout for real reviews as opposed to an infomercial. I only recently started buying fragrances and really learning about the world of perfumes. I can't believe the size of the collections some KZbinrs have! And many of them are high end, luxury fragrances. How do they afford them all? I wanted to say that I'm just in love with your hair. The color, the curls; just lovely. Thank you, for covering this topic. Now that I know that there are really great scents at low price points I'm definitely finding myself adding more and more to my wish list. It could easily become out of control.

[@katechipata9934]

I stopped blind buying and being unemployed right now helps me only buy essentials. I only own 1 perfume that I bought today on sale for $20 CAD. It’s a 50ml floral perfume. I will get 5 samples from niche house before I decide to invest in a bottle. I will never spend more than $200 on a bottle of perfume. If someone buys me an expensive bottle, I would gladly accept it 😊

[@1002000300001]

Everything you said is Spot ON !! Just wish I could get on with stopping this emotional roller coaster. Thanks for your time doing this message!

[@redolenss]

I stopped worrying so much, life’s too short for so many worries and anxious feelings, I just enjoy what I have in my collection and if I add more, I add more, if I don’t, I don’t. I don’t have the money, I don’t buy. I also don’t buy monthly, it’s not something set in stone. Of course we’re never going to finish all of them but passion is not about efficiency, it’s about something that makes you happy. Once it starts being a burden or gives so much worry and uncomfortable feelings it’s not a passion anymore. I don’t blind buy any longer, I used to do that years ago, but after 30 years of perfumery I don’t find blind buying so exciting anymore. I test first and have become much more selective with what I add to my collection. I also find that lots of things are similar these days and I already have something similar in my collection or even almost identical. Nevertheless I have lots of fun always testing new stuff, I do purchase many samples and find that much more exciting these days than buying full bottles because I already have enough of those. The curiosity still exists though, to test the new releases and discover new brands. I guess it also all depends on where one is in their fragrance journey.

[@OlfactiveStories]

I have many bottles and fragrances that I love. I'm really picky now about new fragrances I add to my 'collection'. I really avoid blind buying and prefer sample first. And if it's a love I tend to buy the smallest version available, even a travel size. If I'm going through it quickly and feel like I miss it, it's a good sign that I'm ready for a full bottle 😊 I also try to let go the ones I don't love or don't wear anymore so my mother has a nice collection too now 😆 Even if she tends to finish them quite quickly (she's team oversprayer 😂).

[@helencavanagh8119]

I have to remind my 15yr old daughter that influencers majority of the time receive these high end expensive perfumes for free in return of bushing sales. I’m self employed & don’t earn an awful lot & of course with the cost of living, rent increase etc, I have to live within my means…I will be honest & say that it is tempting still, but I have to keep ‘parent talking’ myself 😂 I’m 47yrs old & only over the past year have gradually got better with saving(embarrassing that it has taken me this long 😳) Your advice on here is great regarding finances 🙏

[@mediocrebankai]

My collection has gone from four small bottles to nearing 70 (not including samples but including travel sprays) it’s overwhelming and I get a high from purchasing. Granted I don’t drop 100$ on each but my goodness…at some point you can’t enjoy them all. My mother has always had a couple perfumes and remarked when I let her look at some samples I had that she is already overwhelmed by her 4 fragrances at her vanity, 4!!!! I think I will start to sell some I don’t love and not repurchase some after I finish the bottle. If a frag addicted person is reading this, you probably already have a few signature scents like me I think we can stop looking now 😂

[@laurieeyebee]

I'm just trying to save up money to replace my fragrances that were stolen. Yes, stolen. I had about 30, and I can't do half the stuff I used to do, including travel, due to a stroke crippling me. The only people with access to my scents were my caregivers. They took Philosophy Amazing Grace, Perry Ellis 360, Burberry, Stella McCartney Pop Bluebell, Kate Spade Walk on Air, and one body spray. Oh, and Dune -- which I will never have the money to replace. I don't do much but I do love fragrance, something my late mom and I shared.

[@Smurfygurly]

That’s so sad, people can be so awful.

[@Enig_Mata]

Sorry that happened to you. Beyond the loss of your fragrances, it's such a personal violation. Even if you're not able to replace them, I hope you're about to enjoy what you have.

[@bettybbags]

@laurieeyebee sorry that has happened to you, I’ve seen your past comments about this. Are you in the US? I’m happy to donate some bottles and send your way, shipping on me. I don’t want to put my contact info here, but maybe Claire can facilitate an intro using her PR email address.

[@HerFragrantGarden]

Nice video 👍I stopped buying full bottles I buy minis and samples way cheaper and I don’t feel guilty. I also make sure I really like the perfume before I buy full size❤we really don’t need all the new perfumes that come out on the market. Setting a budget is key👍better to have a collection of mini fragrances you love than full expensive bottles just for display and hardly used…

[@Smurfygurly]

That’s a good idea, plus minis are so cute too.

[@CreTaylor]

I made a similar video speaking on this topic with some of your same sentiments. It started with me doing inventory. When I realized I was in the realm of 100 plus. I knew it was time to scale back and re evaluate life lol. Thanks for sharing ❤.

[@mediocrebankai]

I knew I was too far gone when my mom commented she was overwhelmed by her FOUR bottles of perfume, Im nearly at 70. I also realized I will never have a signature if I have so many and it made me sad bc I always remember how my mother smelled and I want people to feel that way about me too.

[@CatherineBriseboisCatWoods]

Yes, I definitely realize I have a lot... So I'm slowing down and definitely sampling more. It gets expensive! And I definitely have other financial priorities. So slowing down at this point is normal and welcomed. I'm also less interested in many of the KZbin content at this point. So much of it is on the latest greatest new fragrance... The hype gets old...

[@Smurfygurly]

Agree, at this point I’m sick of the hype and actively avoiding the latest and greatest which ultimately for a lot of people will be their latest and greatest disappointment.

[@clarezimberlin8729]

Thanks for a great video Smurfy Girl.

[@Smurfygurly]

You are so welcome!

[@ems_h.eartnotes]

I had been having some moodswings earlier in the week and then nearly bought a backup of a perfume I haven't finished, and a rebuy of an old love the other day. I've spent my budget for this month so I was thinking of using klarna so I could psychologically "count it as next month" 🤣 But then I have less to spend next month on stuff I might run out of, skincare etc. I snapped out of it and closed the tabs and I am so glad I did, I don't even want them! After that I spent some time looking through my budget notebook and reaffirming the path I want to stay on

[@Smurfygurly]

That’s great Em! Something that I think can help is asking yourself what “future you” would think of the purchase and that’s kind of what you did.

[@ems_h.eartnotes]

@@Smurfygurly that's a really good tip, thank you. I was so in that tunnel vision, needing to want something, space. I'm amazed I actually 'came to' on that occasion!

[@jeanetteh.9240]

Wow! Good for you!

[@ems_h.eartnotes]

@@jeanetteh.9240 🙌

[@kellielambert2184]

This was a very interesting video Claire. After a house move two years ago, I was going so well, down to 18 bottles but it has slowly crept back up again to close to 35 which I know is not a lot compared to others but it is too many for me. A lot of travel is happening for me in the next 12 months so I should be putting my money there and I was for a while but things seems to have gotten out of hand with spending money on stuff I don’t need. Not just perfumes, candles and skincare are also an issue. I am in no way going into debt for this shopping but I am definitely using money I could put to better use 😢

[@Smurfygurly]

I’ve definitely gone through buying too much skin care and the problem with that is you can’t resell it once opened and it expires. It’s so easy to be tempted though!

[@kellielambert2184]

Exactly. I thoroughly enjoyed this video Claire and it was interesting to hear about your younger self and managing money. I hate to think of the money I have wasted over the years as it would probably make me cry 😢

[@daleorlando2091]

Thank you Claire! This was eye opening for me . I spent approximately 400.00 in the last 3 months. Possibly slightly more….ugh… I have almost 100 full bottles… and 2 on the way… I think it’s time to declutter… whoa Nellie … time to reign myself in… 👀👀👀😱

[@Smurfygurly]

You can do it! Enjoy the beautiful perfumes you already own.

[@daleorlando2091]

@@Smurfygurly I am totally going to do that. You brought up so many important points . Time to curate my existing collection. ✨💫🌟😊and looking forward to it. It just feels Right!

[@oldonetwoable]

I also discovered afterpay, that sure didn't help my blind buying.

[@Smurfygurly]

That stuff is evil

[@millenialbroadcast]

Excellent video!

[@Smurfygurly]

Thank you very much!

[@wkpad1]

The main reason we keep buying are the KZbin influencers. Unfollow and stop watching those channels. I have 14 bottles and as a minimalist by nature, it drives me crazy. I’ve started selling about 6 or 7 of them. What I noticed: 1. Most of them smell almost the same at dry down since they the same notes. 2. People around you don’t care as long as you smell good. 3. If you must buy, get a 30 or 50 ml instead 100 ml, though the price sometimes is the same.

[@adriannaesparza9919]

Great video!❤❤

[@Smurfygurly]

Thank you!! 💖

[@alisalavine1052]

I prefer many of the Arabian perfumes from a couple of houses. I'm older, mid 50s, and my ancestry is SE Asia and the ME. The deeper attars, oils, etc. remind me of the women in my family who wore more intense fragrances. Musks, ambers and ouds are comforting to me. I'm also disabled and have a small budget. I also spend a lot of time at home and like to spray my perfumes on my bedroom curtains, sheets and pillows. With more expensive fragrances, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. But my $30 Lataffa? Absolutely. I even enjoy a few of the better dupe houses like Dossier. I have 1 expensive perfume, a Tom Ford, that was over $300 American. It's for occasions like brunch with the girls, a dinner out, etc. I have 12 fragrances and since I enjoy less expensive houses, my grown children will buy me a bottle or two for my birthday or other hols. Fragrance is so personal. For me, it lifts my moods when I'm stuck waiting on another surgery or dealing with a flare. Everyone has their own reason. So, please, understand that Arabians and other cheaper houses are not "less than". I smell and feel amazing in my perfumes. My perfumes are for my enjoyment. Not someone else's.

[@georgiachatzitheodoridou3806]

Thanks for the insight!

[@silkbuttons]

I don’t think blind buys are stupid if you really do your research

[@Smurfygurly]

Yes that’s true, I think it’s the less mindful/ multiple ones that aren’t so clever.

[@alisalavine1052]

I agree with you. I spend quite a bit of time researching a fragrance that catches my eye before I buy it. I have over 50 sitting on my "save for later" list on Amazon. I regularly go back and look at what I've saved and review a few. I inevitably find that I can remove a couple from the list when I do this. I don't buy spontaneously unless it's one of my favs that I'm almost out of. For me personally, being thoughtful about my purchases is something I need to stick too.

[@Lunarangst]

FANTASTIC video

[@Smurfygurly]

Thank you!

[@pinkfabulous248]

Great video , I’m on now buy but recently got a few Zara perfumes, luckily not very expensive 🌸

[@oldonetwoable]

Its me to a tee.

[@Carolina-rd3gh]

I have 15 fragrances and I already feel like I shouldn’t buy more and just simplify it and downsize further. I think 5-12 fragrances is enough to have variety and a collection without being a hoarder. I do keep a bag full of samples and that keeps my collector mode satisfied.

[@Smurfygurly]

That’s a nice number, not overwhelming but enough choice to keep it interesting.

[@mediocrebankai]

Ooooh I love that, like a mini fragrance library you can go to when you get the itch

[@Carolina-rd3gh]

@@mediocrebankai It works for me because my itch to collect has to do with the scent, I don’t really care about the bottles so I can take a very small space to store samples and tuck it away out of sight to keep a more minimalist perfume tray look.

[@ems_h.eartnotes]

I might be a bit of an oddball but I only blind bought once for about 30 odd quid. I liked it but it didn't work on my skin so I resold it and only lost about a tenner. But I really did not like how the disappointment felt, and I have sworn to sample first. Sniffing once in store before buying doesn't cut it for me either.

[@Smurfygurly]

Yes I agree, I won’t buy based on a shop sniff, I need a sample first. I understand the thrill of the blind buy it’s a bit like gambling I suppose.

[@ems_h.eartnotes]

@@Smurfygurly the risk of feeling disappointment is thankfully stronger than the thrill

[@anneraso5621]

I am still working bottle from 20 years ago because it takes forever for them to finish up. I only throw them away when the scent is no longer good for whatever reason.

[@lesliejones8462]

Heard! 👏👏🤞

[@carolhitchcock6569]

Yes Yes Yes!

[@ngoodwin101]

Thanks so much this is very much appreciated I get my Smelly with avon ever 4 weeks and I never seem to have enough always need more and alway so kind and give them alway so I I order more 😢😅 its re a vicious circle I can't afford designer.I just get avon ps What colour is your hair it's very beautiful ❤ And different lot of love tash xxx hope u having a beautiful weekend ❤

[@Smurfygurly]

Glad the video was useful Tash. Thank you, my hair is natural grey and brown but I used a toner recently to brighten it up. Xx

[@RichMitch]

0:00 yes lol

[@Smurfygurly]

😂😂

[@moondust013]

🌹

[@Smurfygurly]

🌸

[@angelatravetto1847]

If I have to guess I'm going to say 800 US. I will be back 😉

[@Smurfygurly]

Wow ok waiting for the answer….

[@angelatravetto1847]

778.84 pretty good guess. No buy for 3 months. Maybe three more months after that.

[@Smurfygurly]

@@angelatravetto1847 good luck 🍀

[@user-tt4ni8rj5c]

😂🎉

[@user-tt4ni8rj5c]

For me 1 bottle / month 😅