How Much I Spent On Perfumes in 2021 My Perfume Collection Confessions Buying Guilt Hauls Declutter

[@VeronicaSays]

Spoken like a true data-driven scientist! This was a fascinating look into the "data" behind your purchases. Thoroughly enjoyed, and I too am obsessed with "analysis" of human behavior. Bravo!! 🥰

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thanks! I love a geeky graph or 5... 😂 I am not sure whether anything will change but it was interesting to see what was going on and where I'm at. Space is becoming an issue for me so my collection can't keep growing at 50+ (with gifts included) per year! 🙄 Also I want to be able to use them all and I can't get round them all regularly if I have this many...

[@CeeChroniclesTalkingScents]

I’m glad you made a bit of profit off that Mugler. Great analysis Claire. Really makes us think. The hard truth is this habit is very expensive unless you get to the point where you start getting free perfumes to review from the fragrance houses 😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Exactly! No one can compete with a channel getting perfumes for free. It's hard work to continually buy and sell and sometimes really doesn't feel worth it. I try to do that or charity shop with everything though. I can't tell you how worried I was that I was going to unemployed in May and when that worry hits you become irrational. 🤦‍♀️ Like spending 17.50 on a perfume was going to be the straw that broke the camel's back?! Kinda ridiculous 😂 guess I had to stop somewhere!

[@dianadavid4250]

Love this video. I have not seen anybody else talk about it. And you are right. There are KZbinrs who buy especially from niche houses 5, 10, 15 perfumes for one video and this is madness. I went on a perfume buy in 2021 and i bought a lot of bottles. I think i am close to 50-60 which is crazy. I intend to be more carefull in 2022 and buy only what i really love. I loved your scientific aproach to this analysis with graphs. I am working in Finance and this is my normal, so bring the graphs also in the perfume world 😀

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I don't know how people find the money sometimes... My jaw has to come back up from the floor occasionally. But yes I watch hauls cos I am somehow mesmerized. 😂 I do wonder sometimes whether certain people are buying them all though? Sometimes I watch people and wonder whether some have been gifted from brands 🤔 KZbin does certainly give you a feeling of pressure to buy the newest things and more! But I have definitely tried to resist buying the newer releases. I don't think I can compete anyway, I take too long editing videos and being indecisive! It's just not me! 😂 Aww a fellow graph lover! Fabulous ❤️ I used to work in finance, can you tell? 🤣

[@AboutFaceWithMonaBagot]

Hi Claire, I agree that buying second hand is a fine way to go. I have no opposition to that for me personally. I think if you can afford to purchase them and you enjoy them, life can be quite sort and I think it ok if it brings you happiness. And you balance when you need to rebalance. I do think that we need to evaluate our reasons for spending. Is it depression, boredom, interest, addiction, enjoyment etc. Ahhh yes, I did not think of escapism. I might be guilty of that. I am now pondering that. Your graph has assisted you with your self growth. I love that. I would not get rid of the one from your dad either. I enjoyed hearing your cost. I appreciate your transparency and I think it was a way to grow and learn :-)

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I think I am aiming to just buy fewer this year. I am not so worried by the cost here because when you break it down it is the same as other hobbies could be. It was the purchasing frequency that worried me most. There's not enough time to enjoy what you have bought if you continually buy more, but being on KZbin is definitely a catalyst to buying more... Thanks for watching Mona! Have a good day! ❤️

[@suzannesmith5339]

This was a fascinating post. I’m sure I might have even doubled every chapter of your analysis. I have always loved fragrances, and my bottle count was about 20 , 3 years ago. Becoming an empty nester, husband hospitalized a couple months causing me to discover KZbin, Covid and blind buying ... it all became a survival hobby. I priced the 6 fragrances I sold on eBay to break even, but they were also scents that were hard to find, and it did satisfy my guilt at that time. I have loved every minute of this crazy perfume journey. Yes, lots of unnecessary purchases. Fortunately I have 2 daughters, but they are very selective. It was the most fun adventure I could ever taken during these odd years, and my fragrance tastes have changed along the way. Right now I’m connecting with green scents that I would not have appreciated a year ago: Chanel No.19 and 19 Poudre, Mugler Aura. I discovered Bal d’Afrique and Biblioteque. To think my signatures were Cashmere Mist and Daisy just 3 years ago. But I have enough and need to slow way down. I’m thinking an occasional discovery set will be 2022.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hi Suzanne, thank you so much for watching and your comment! I really hope your husband is doing better now. I think perfume and blind buying have definitely been a comfort to a lot of people over the last 2 years. I would agree that my taste has change massively too (I even made a video about it two weeks back). I also discovered greener scents over lockdown and also musky /milky profiles. What I want to get out of this analysis is to try to not continually purchase one perfume after another but I think it might take me a while to achieve that. Good luck with your intentions. ❤️

[@ionaheathcote3484]

This was a really interesting video I’ve always had roughly 30 to 40 perfumes in my collection over the years I’d say the last 2 years my spending has escalated and I now have over 90 I’ve bought and resold ones usually at a loss.I don’t have a KZbin channel myself but I’ve definitely been influenced more to spend which is crazy but I think we all have since covid xx

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I feel the pandemic has upped everyone's enthusiasm for blind buying and that has resulted in a lot of people buying things they don't love. I don't think I would have considered blind buying before KZbin and the pandemic! It's so strange! Your collection growth is similar to mine... I am trying to be more selective but who knows whether I will achieve that! Thanks for watching 😘

[@julieg_quebec-julesselivre8641]

It’s very interesting Claire! I have been going through many buying craziness over the years. Books, makeup, nailpolish and now perfumes. I go through phases where I buy everything a youtuber will try to sell me and then I stop and start looking at what I really like and enjoy! 😆 2020 and 2021 were these years for perfume for me. In 2022, I now know what I really like in a perfume and I will buy more carefully. I guess I just need to go over this kind of process to find what I like and it’s ok. I like the idea of tracking my purchases though. I used to do it on an App but it went down and I lost everything. The old spreadsheet might be a better idea. Let’s do that and see… 😅 Have a great weekend Claire!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think the thing for me, along with perfume, was eyeshadow. I now have 11 palettes (some teeny tiny) and don't intend to buy any more. I have now hit pan on a few shades... Before that, it was clothes, although a lot of vintage! Before that, nail polish when I was in my 20s. There are definitely phases 😂 totally get that! I didn't purposefully track this but with Fragrantica profiles and the fact that I buy a lot of perfume online or using a credit card, it was totally trackable. Only took an evening to work it all out, my husband thought I was insane! 😂 Oh an app being discontinued would drive me insane if I'd input all of that stuff! How frustrating! Yeah try a spreadsheet, much safer! Thanks for watching and not thinking I'm insane Julie 🤣❤️

[@ChantelTiffany]

This is such a great video. I wouldn’t like to work out what I’ve spent since starting KZbin 😳 I definitely get the guilt sometimes too. I’m needing to do a big declutter soon as my collection is out of hand. I really want to cut it down a bit this year ❤️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thanks Chantel! I think we all get perfume guilt. I am not even sure I will change in my habits, but the thought and intention is at least there! I have felt at some points so guilty that I have been hesitant to show stuff on my channel. How ridiculous is that?! I honestly feel pretty crazy about all of this... 🤯 I actually enjoy watching hauls and declutters... And that has changed since I started making videos. I used to not enjoy them 🙃 so yeah, pretty messed up!

[@CeeChroniclesTalkingScents]

Thought provoking. How l wish l had good documenting skills like you. Iv lost count of what l purchases and when. I love how you give every detail in this video.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! I didn't record this throughout the year, but it was quite easy to source the info as my collecting has only just started and I buy everything on my credit card. I thought it was interesting to see just how bad it was. 😂

[@ems_h.eartnotes]

Love this! My spending tips are: set a budget and keep a journal of what you buy, sell what you don't love / use, don't blind buy, get samples

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Great tips! I think that's ideally how I'm trying to be this year. I still blind buying, but not as much, I am getting samples more often to try things out and I am a bit more cutthroat on selling stuff that I don't love.

[@VeronicaSays]

Hi Dr. Smith! I am all about that FOMO! 🥴🥴🥴 I have a feeling this video is going to hit me in the feels. 🤣 Let me watch.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

🤣 People need to be themselves. I am not roasting anyone but me 🤣 I get massive FOMO but I can generally resist, at least for a few months 🤣

[@PaolaBianka]

i dunno why i missed this... well i do.... because instead of my Watch Later playlist, I saved this in another playlist (ooops) How it affected my finances? A LOT... A LOT... A LLLLLLLOT.... (dying inside) love this transparency Claire ! you know I love talking about this subject too. This is a very timely post from you because this year will be my OVERHAUL year, in ALL aspects, and most especially in perfumes ! I really appreciate content like this and I wish everyone is as transparent... but then we know that is impossible hahahaha... when in comes to declutter, it is always a LOSS for me.. because I tend to give them away, or if I sell, it would be almost half or a third of the price... -_- what i learned, PERFUME IS ABOUT "WANT" ! and it is okay to fulfill those wants in MODERATION.. and KEEP FINANCES IN CHECK ! AND... I need to slow down... like SERIOUSLY... I SHOULD...

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yeah for me it's not the money, because let's face it £40 a month is not a lot for a hobby that takes up this much time and gives this much joy, it's the frequency of purchasing. I want to try to spend longer sussing things out before I move on to the next purchase. I started a channel thinking I wouldn't get sucked in, but I definitely have been. I've certainly not gone crazy spending but I've bought more perfume that I can use in a lifetime and I have a wishlist longer than my arm. 🤦‍♀️ I just think people need to think more about this than I did when they create a channel...

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

Finally some truth, I don't know how some youtubers have that kind of money to blow on perfumes, body mists and bodycare. They can fill a landfill alone as all these product expire - some slower than others but still...

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I don't intend to let anything I buy end up in landfill unused. I would rather sell it or pass it on than let it go bad. It's totally insane how much stuff we all have! I have thought this so often about clothes and makeup too. I have massively reduced my buying in those areas and have resold some unopened makeup because I know I won't get to it in a reasonable time. I am hoping to be more reasonable in my purchasing going forward. Thanks so much for watching! 😘

[@LaladaBeauty]

It’s great to see that you have some empties! I don’t have a single one since starting KZbin. I am so close though to having 1 or 2 lol.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It does take a long time. I do think I hoard my favourites though, which is a bit counter intuitive 🙃 I hate it when they get discontinued though!

[@ohtheparfum5354]

Yes this hobby can get really expensive, especially once a fraghead steps into the hype world then the niche world.. lovely vid hun, my first time here and i dig the honesty and the straight forward talk.. keep it up!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! In my experience, people hardly talk about the amount of money you need to have a fragrance channel. I was a bit naive and honestly didn't realise 🤦‍♀️ I haven't seen your channel before! I'm sorry to have missed it, you have a new sub!

[@50Scents_uk]

Yes over share girl! There’s never TMI when it comes to our perfumes, and yes FOMO is real 😎😜💞

[@dr.claire.perfume]

FOMO is real 😂

[@lucindacu477]

Claire, this was enlightening. I’m so happy I came across your channel - you bring your own unique take to the fragrance community, love how you use your Science background in your vids, it’s really fun. I’m not always a logical person when it comes to buying perfume, so it’s very interesting to hear from someone who is so self aware 💜

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I was so hesitant to post this because I felt like people might think it was weird, and let's face it, it is a bit 🤣 I just see so much consumption on KZbin and it makes the whole thing look normal. It's not and perfumes can cost a lot of money and run away from you so I wanted to show people that. I buy mostly secondhand but it still adds up. This year I've been buying mostly new, so I am scared to tot it up at the moment 😂 I have been sampling more though... ❤️

[@sunnyscents1818]

My kind of video! I’m glad I don’t feel this way, this is the best video that allows us to really analyze ourselves, I think my upbringing and the feeling of having everything being swept away from me makes me think before I act, I also know that following the expensive trend for example all the “niche” fragrances and wanting to have the most expensive ones sets up going “broke” if others have it I am so glad 🙂 but for myself I will stick to my inexpensive perfumes I think I still smell good🤣 I also never feel a loss for Decluttering I donate them, hmmm I also think that the psychology behind why humans feel the desire to fill these “obsessions” perfumes,clothing,makeup etc… are important to analyze, is it for yourself or to be relevant in social media, I think many KZbin creators have become successful and are monetarily compensated what’s scary is if your hoping for that growth but hurting your finances. Love how you explained this I certainly agree with you! This is the best KZbin video I have ever watched ❤️✨✨✨

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you so much! That is amazing! I definitely agree that buying things that you love is the way to go on KZbin. If you only buy for videos that is a bit sad and not really going to bring you joy. I always wonder when I see a new release review, are they buying it because they want it or just to review it? I also don't buy anything pricey (as you can see here 😂) but I do seem to buy frequently and quite a few 🙈 I find overconsumption of anything totally alien. My mum was born in 1939 and experienced shortages and rationing. She often tells me stories like about going to buy a tablespoon of jam on grease proof paper because they couldn't afford a whole jar and about reusing newspaper to wrap meat because the butcher couldn't provide paper. That kind of shortage, frugality, making do and never throwing anything mentality has stuck with me, so buying so much perfume makes me feel odd, perhaps slightly wasteful. I love perfume but I also wish I could enjoy more of it without buying entire bottles 🤦‍♀️

[@Joss-Fragrance-Mixology]

Wow, this was super impressive and interesting! Thank you for sharing, I love a good deep dive into data!💗💗💗

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Gotta love a graph or 5! 🤣 Thanks for watching my weirdness Joss ❤️

[@madeleineveganperfumegirl9015]

I absolutely loved this video, Claire! I definitely bought a lot of perfume in 2021 but mostly very small sizes and I do keep quite a careful track of my budget & collection size, plus it brought me a lot of joy! (Excuses, excuses!) Still, this video has reminded me of the need to be moderate and mindful this year so thank you!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I am not trying to shame anyone, just show people that buying like a KZbinr is not a normal thing. I have felt this year like other channels buy so much more and have more to talk about and that is such a ridiculous thing to think! I obviously really enjoy trying perfumes and wearing perfumes so I am not sure anything will change but I found it interesting to find out just how much I'd bought last year cos when you buy over the year it just creeps up on you! You just don't realise, or I didn't! Thanks for watching Maddie! ❤️ Happy Saturday!

[@50Scents_uk]

I absolutely love how detailed this video is and with the graphs too! You really did some analysis there girl! I am impressed 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 it’s just astounding isn’t it when you break it down like that. I don’t even want to think about what I spent in 2021 🙄😩

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yeah don't think about it! 😊 I do love a graph, I was channelling my inner Chris Witty.

[@CeeChroniclesTalkingScents]

Totally here for this. Let me watch ❤️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Lovely to see you! ❤️

[@ginkat1318]

How refreshing this way of thinking is. I don't have any idea of how much I've spent, too much for sure. I do buy with less restraint when it is pre owned

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Me too! I love a secondhand buy ☺️ thanks for watching 🥰

[@stanleys617]

Great video, I love watching ones that are a bit different. I only really became interested in perfume at the beginning of 2020 and started watching KZbin videos (didn't realise this was a thing until then.) I watched a few which talked about what they would do if they were starting a collection again, so that helped me to set myself some rules on what I could and couldn't do and generally I have stuck to them. Like you, I want to use samples more this year, so that I only have total loves in my collection and that everyday is a joy to wear. I try not to let myself feel bad about my collection because at the end of the day I work hard and all my other responsibilities are seen to, so if I have a little disposable income, it's OK to spend it on me. Perfume to me feels like self care and as long as I stay within the rules I've set myself I shouldn't feel bad. I do sometimes wonder how people can buy these £200+ bottles of perfume, I'd be too tight to wear it 😄

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I totally agree. My retirement is being taken care of and I certainly am lucky enough to have disposable income, especially now I can't go abroad as easily because of the pandemic. I treat perfume spending as silly money. Spending where I don't have to be sensible basically, where I can just experience joy. What I want to reduce is spending that doesn't result in joy, so more focused buying is where I want to head and yes definitely more sampling. I think there's definitely a ceiling cost with perfume for me and £200 bottles are above that ceiling 😂 I don't know though, maybe I just didn't sample enough and meet and fall in love with the one yet?! Thanks for watching and for your really interesting comment! I appreciate it! ❤️

[@LaladaBeauty]

This was such an interesting video! It made me look at fragrance collections from a different perspective. Love the graphs and data you put together.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Something a bit different is good sometimes 😂

[@scentedheavenfragrancerevi1890]

Wow, what a detailed analysis of your fragrances 🤗 that was so interesting. I love my smaller bottles and cute little travelsprays, which I am able to emty some day ❣

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes smaller bottles are good. That way you are not over them by the time they are finished. Unless someone is a signature scent, there is little need to have a big volume! 😘

[@HappinessSparkles]

I get the guilt totally 💯 And I was addicted In the worst way ,but practical enough to not let it get totally out of control ,as I’m sure you have guessed I have stepped back BIG time and barely buy anything at the moment I do however see a big declutter in my future 🤦‍♀️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, for sure! I have noticed that you are buying much less, you really do control the size of your collection too. I would like to do that more. Having more just means that there are more perfumes that you rarely get to. You can only wear so many! It's totally personal choice though and it's just what you feel comfortable with. I am just not sure that I've been feeling comfortable 😅

[@HappinessSparkles]

@@dr.claire.perfume I’m definitely not comfortable with the size of my collection and really would like it down to about 20 or 25 ! I do feel so blessed that I get to test out fragrances I would never get to try in a MILLION YEARS because people send decants to me and sometimes FULL bottles 🥰

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@HappinessSparkles yes it's so generous and lovely of everyone to do that. I felt super naughty sending stuff to Paola but it got through 🙈 I sometimes feel like I could happily wear samples for the rest of my days 😂 You are great at using stuff up though! You power through them!

[@CarmenScentrix]

Your editing in this video is so funny! Appreciate your transparency!! 👌

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! 🥰 I wanted to show that buying this much of anything isn't normal for me! 😂 But yes, I've been sucked in by perfume YT!

[@CarmenScentrix]

@@dr.claire.perfume me too! Now I'm trying to declutter and get my "collection" under control! I'm currently on a low buy!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@CarmenScentrix I tried a no buy and it was easy whilst doing it, but as soon as I restarted buying, I went crazy 🤣 good luck with it!

[@CarmenScentrix]

@@dr.claire.perfume oh yes I know that cycle!🤦‍♀️ I have a whole other channel dedicated to shopping addiction and consumerism! I also love to analyze my behavior and learn from it. I'm fully analyzing my perfume "journey" and observing my behavior to learn more about ADHD hyperfixation.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@CarmenScentrix aah you have another channel, I didn't know 🤦‍♀️ I will find it! Sounds interesting 🤔👍

[@MaanElfjeCeline]

You are one brave woman, Claire! Happy New Year!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you for watching ❤️ Happy new year to you too! 🥰

[@rubyzion72]

Absolutely loved this video and analysis, Claire! I am too genuinely frightened to tally up my fragrance spending over the years... Thanks for doing that dirty work and giving us all a dose of reality! 😅I've given myself a loose rule to declutter at least 1 fragrance for every 3 I purchase. I'd guesstimate I'm at around 150 full bottles now and I'm trying to keep that my upper limit to ensure I'm actually using and loving them properly. ❤❤❤ We'll see how that goes! 😬

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well I have small aims to use up some and to not buy 50 bottles this year. I am not aiming high here 😂

[@lilidonna]

I. LOVE. THIS. VIDEO. Has to be my favourite video from you - and that's saying something because I enjoy your content immensely! I've been really enjoying the discussions being had on TheTopNote's channel about overconsumption and how we fit into it as perfume lovers and this video really plays well into those ponderings. Self regulating ourselves in a heavily mediated world is always an ongoing and interesting task... I'm constantly having to critique the way I think about buying the things I love and how much of my purchasing habits come from my own needs and desires and how much come from my skewed view of reality from the content I consume... Sorry about the half-thoughts!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

This comment articulates so much how I've been feeling about the whole thing. I know I have a channel, but I don't want to blindly purchase things for the sake of it. I want to be thoughtful and to buy what I will enjoy. I do tend to buy secondhand because I don't have a huge budget but I find amount I've bought absolutely crazy over 2021. the thing that really shocks me is that so many other channels buy entirely new fragrances. They must be spending thousands. I have no idea how they afford it. Being mindful of why I am purchasing is the biggest thing I am trying to achieve. I feel that has resonated with a lot of people watching this video. Very few people show the non-happy, darker side of purchasing habits around perfume. I truly think it can be addictive! I also watch and sub to the Top Note. She is very interesting to watch on the topic. I tried to analyse my habits in a cold unemotional way for this video but honestly it taught me so much about my habits, I found it so useful! Thank you for watching ❤️

[@lilidonna]

@@dr.claire.perfume I wish I could evaluate my life in more cold and unemotional ways more often but I find I'm too easily triggered lol Which makes videos like these so helpful! You're a safe third party whose analysis, outcomes and take-aways I can apply to my own life to create realistic change :) because I so want fragrances to continue to be a source of happiness and not guilt and stress. So thank you!

[@nikamarks4u]

I’m loving this graph

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well of course you do! Who wouldn't! 🤣

[@Jacqueline_R]

I think it is good to love everything in your collection:) interesting study Claire, I like how you think💗

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you Jackie! Definitely a mantra I want to live by in 2022! Lovely to hear from you! 💕

[@HappinessSparkles]

OMG I’m so excited to watch this video but I’m going to go grab a coffee because I just woKE up LOL

[@dr.claire.perfume]

😂 yes I was late up this morning too!

[@pinkfabulous248]

Love the graphs 😍😍🤗🤗 great video 🌸🌸

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! ❤️

[@nikamarks4u]

Claire this was amazing video, thanks for sharing. I’m going to take a few notes from your video to help me with my spending habits.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Oh I was just roasting myself, no one else! I think you are very organised in your buying and focus on what you love. I also know you declutter and resell what you don't so sounds good to me! ❤️

[@nikamarks4u]

@@dr.claire.perfume it’s always a good thing when we can look at ourselves and be like nah, hold up, wait a minute….stop the mad spending and get a grip of ourselves. I need to do better 😩

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@nikamarks4u you enjoy your purchases, I've seen the dent evidence! 🥰

[@evelynenoire]

This is a great video! If it’s ends up working out to around £20 a month seems okay for one of life’s little pleasures 👏So true though perfume vids have me constantly adding to my wish list. This year I’m concentrating on enjoying what I got since 2020 😆💗

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Excellent! I also plan to try to spend more time loving what I have rather than constantly adding stuff to the to purchase list. Yeah, it's really not a lot of money overall is it? I was pleasantly surprised by the overall cost, it was much lower than I thought it might be, but only due to reselling. I don't think I want to buy 50 perfumes ever year though 😂

[@crystalmata7036]

Great video! I haven't bought perfume in a month. The last one I bought was online and it was pre owned. I've also sold quite a few fragrances as well because, I need the cash so I organized my perfume. Fragrance I love and ones I'm not wearing. I made $200 😲. I'm enjoying the ones I love and I'm really considering perfumes I want to buy this time around. Thanks for another fantastic video.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hi Crystal! I hope you are well! Amazing to make that much back, that's really positive to get something back on the ones that you don't love. I think my purchasing really slowed down over the last three months. I'll just have to see how it goes. I am definitely going to reorganise a bit myself and potentially declutter and sell a few. Lovely to see you! Happy new year! ❤️

[@ludscenteria4206]

hi Claire! i enjoyed watching this video👍👍👍 YT also makes me buy more perfumes. That is why I haven’t been active lately, but I still do enjoy my perfumes everyday. 😉💕💕💕

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hi! I didn't think I'd seen you for a while! How are you? Happy new year! I am so pleased you are still in the world of perfumes... KZbin is a temptress for sure! I don't think I'd know about half the perfumes I do without hearing about them from KZbin first 😂 That's what gets me tempted for sure! Thank you for watching and lots of love! ❤️

[@sms1511]

I really love that you have taken a tally of the perfumes purchased and money spent over the past year. I am starting 2022 with a 3 month no buy and I have noticed that I am more concious about mh perfume purchases now than when I firsg started in 2020. I am too guilty to look back at my previous purchases but I will try to be more mindful about my future purchaes 😅 Overall I thinm considering how much joy perfume brings me setting aside a small amount per month even just to try samples and decants is worth it to me 😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes me too! Definitely a good amount of joy to be had from perfume. I just want to be mindful so that I buy stuff I really want rather than a lot of stuff that I might not be that bothered about. I've definitely got better at that over the last year but it's still not perfect. Decants and samples are a great way to go for sure 👌 thanks so much for watching and supporting me, that means a lot ❤️

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

First of all, congrats on 1K+ 🧡🧡

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! That means a lot! 🥰

[@afelsky]

Love your sense of humour!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! I quite often go into serious scientist mode in videos so editing is my only opportunity for balance 😂

[@suzannersn]

Great video, loved the data analysis.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! 🥰

[@diane2015]

I am actually impressed with the amount and the actual perfumes that you managed to buy for the money 😁 Yes, we do not need that many, but if you have bought new perfumes, you would have bought only lets say 5 full bottles the most.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, exactly! Secondhand is much cheaper! I think this just shows the £1000s that some channels must be spending over a year. I have just been enjoying having more to choose from but I want to make sure that my purchasing is focused and perhaps also a bit slower. Thanks for watching, I remember watching you before I started my channel! 🥰

[@CeylonCleo]

KZbin definitely makes you buy more things than you need. It's not just perfumes. 😩 The guilt is real.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

My husband says to me, "you earnt it, you choose" and he it totally right, but the thought of not having income back in May made me so uneasy. Looking back now, feeling that guilty buying something so inexpensive and immediately reselling it was a bit crazy! 🙃

[@perfumetales]

Hi Claire! I am so impressed by this video. You know it came in the right moment. This morning I have a discussion with my husband around how much I need some break/ step back in order to clear my mind about the place that has taken my pssion/hobby in my life. It so challenging and overwhelming sometimes. This was really a helpful talk. Thank you ❤😙

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think most people who have collections/hobbies have moments of wondering whether things are too much. That level is different for everyone though. You have just got to find what works for you. My husband does think I am totally absorbed by perfume KZbin but also sees that it is escapism, so to an extent he understands. For me, it's not so much the spending on perfume, but the frequency and the sheer number of bottles. I want to spend time enjoying my purchases, not rushing onto the next one. Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad this was helpful. 🥰

[@perfumetales]

@@dr.claire.perfume " I want to spend time enjoying my purchases, not rushing onto the next one" well said claire! Thank you so much 💞💞💞

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@perfumetales 🥰

[@TheTopNote]

This was so satisfying to watch! Thanks for sharing. 💗

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! I wanted to share the effect that KZbin had had on me. I think a lot of people experience a similar thing on a smaller or larger scale... it takes hold of you 🤷‍♀️

[@LaladaBeauty]

Hi lovely! Here for your confessions!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha hello 😍

[@Tina-wi7we]

That was really cool. I love how you broke it all down. Not bad at all considering this is a hobby. And for fun! I like buying second hand too. And reselling what you don't love really helps. I held back very well most months but also had a couple months where I went a bit overboard. Finding balance is still challenging for me. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you so much! I was worried people might just find this whole thing super weird! 🙈 Yes when you factor in the reselling, it's not bad... I would be happy to spend that on any hobby... My husband keeps saying my spending is fine because we've not been out or away much etc because of the current situation... But I also feel as if I just need to be more selective! I am also running out of room! At the end of the day, if it's not causing you financial hardship, there is no problem and perfume is a total joy! ❤️ Reselling I think is a good way to alleviate and offload what you don't love. Balance is hard on KZbin, it sucks you in or it does me anyway! Thanks for watching 😘

[@Tina-wi7we]

@@dr.claire.perfume Your husband is a keeper! I'm glad he's so understanding and reasonable. I just cleaned all my bottles. That also helps slow down collecting! Lol I'm trying to choose some to pull out and sell. It's getting more challenging! Thanks again, Claire.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@Tina-wi7we I've just done the same, I've got a bit of a declutter coming I think! I definitely need to clean my collection right now and more often going forward 🙈 Happy Sunday 💕

[@Tina-wi7we]

@@dr.claire.perfume Happy Sunday! 💗

[@TheScenturion]

Very analytical 😂I found this quite enjoyable all if I tried doing it I'd scare the living daylights outta myself, great vid Claire 🙏😍

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha, thanks for indulging my inner geek 😉 yeah don't add yours up! 😂

[@natalinastella5144]

Hi Claire! I agree with your conclusion- buying less and only what you sure to love is what I have decided to do lately. During the pandemic being part of KZbin influenced me to buy blindly. I don’t necessarily regret it, as I learned so much about perfume and the world of perfume as well. But now I am changing my behavior and decided pretty much only buy after trying a sample or in a store. We’ll see if that will last. ❄️☃️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It's difficult though isn't it? Because so often perfume is not available in stores and online is the only option of you want to buy/try. I have loved so many of my blind buys, even ones where I had no idea about the fragrance beforehand! But on the face of it, blind buying seems ridiculous! 😂 I also don't regret buying these bottles because I totally agree that it's also helped me to see what I enjoy and what I don't. I just want to be more selective going forward because I don't want to have 100s of fragrances. 🙄

[@natalinastella5144]

@@dr.claire.perfume Yes, exactly! It’s difficult for sure, but now I have acquired too many perfumes. I divide them into seasons now, and have about 10 at a time. But these days I just want the ones I truly use and love. Overall though I am really grateful to have found the perfume world and this community during the pandemic. It helped me so much to cope with feelings of isolation and anxiety! I want to thank you and many others for creating videos and keeping in touch. May the world of beautiful scents and community go on! 🥰💄🌹🌺🌼🌿

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@natalinastella5144 oh thank you! I'm sorry I didn't see this comment earlier! KZbin and perfume were definitely coping mechanisms for me too! ❤️

[@natalinastella5144]

@@dr.claire.perfume Just saw this! 😍🤗

[@Blessed-me6tf]

Yes! this is the reason I am currently on a perfume no buy this year. Perfumes are a financial waste that doesn’t bring any return on investment ! At the end of the day no one cares if you are wearing a $300 bottle of perfume vs a $20 bottle. Perfume were definitely a huge problem for me last year. I am going to beat this addiction! I wanted to start a KZbin channel on perfumes, but I decided not to because I don’t want to enable this addiction for anyone else.

[@annoleary387]

I know exactly how you feel! I think I have bought 50 bottles of perfume from watching you tube channels. My husband is freaking out!😪😒

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It's a difficult one isn't it?! I feel I've been sucked into this world of perfume much less than a lot of other people on KZbin, yet when I add up how much all this has cost over 2021, it is still a chunk of money, despite buying mostly preloved. I really try not to enable overspending on my channel, hence why I made this video, but I am aware that by talking about perfumes, you make people think about them and get excited about perfumes which can prompt purchasing so maybe I do enable it by default? I agree with you that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a scent that you enjoy and ultimately it's just what you want and your budget.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@annoleary387 mine is quite understanding I think, he keeps telling me that we've not had a foreign holiday for nearly three years but I do think my buying of 1 perfume a week this year feels a little crazy 🙄

[@Blessed-me6tf]

@@annoleary387 perfumes can be a very serious addiction Ann! I just saw Greta Beth’s perfume collection this morning and I am baffled she has enough perfumes that can literally buy a condo or a house! Funny thing is she would never be able to finish all those bottles before they go bad and she will keep buying more! so what’s the point? This year I am putting my money into savings and investments instead of buying expensive liquid that may or may not get me stupid compliments. Consumerism is real and we have to fight against it. Plus this shit are chemicals that could potentially cause cancer and other health issues.

[@Blessed-me6tf]

@@dr.claire.perfume thank you for doing your best to not enable overconsumption! 😘 your video on how long it takes to finish a bottle of perfume really gave me a change of perspective! Keep giving us great content and don’t be scared to show the dark side of perfumes collecting! We need more awareness 😘 happy New Year!

[@tara5742]

“One per week.” “.9 to be precise.” You are adorable XD The seasonal change is a large purchasing factor, in my opinion. I’m the same with books. It’s so nice to read a Spring and Christmas book in their seasons.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

😂 Yes, for sure changing seasons is a big reason. I started to crave fresher fragrances in the summer and I realised that a lot of what I had was autumnal or wintery. I think that definitely prompted a lot of buying. I also like a seasonal novel, I remember reading one day by David Nichols the first time in July by chance and I felt like I was living the book! Thanks for watching my weirdness Tara! ❤️

[@tara5742]

@@dr.claire.perfume I’ve added it to my Summer reading, thank you! Oh, I better not read too many reviews. Two reviews in on Goodreads and someone already says it was ruined for them because of a spoiler. I’ll just read it blindly! A blind-read instead of a blind-buy haha 😆

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@tara5742 one day is amazing, I hope you enjoy it! ❤️

[@ThePerfumeNest]

I simply don’t want to know what I spend. I have a little account I have been putting money in for years and if I work extra shifts …..or if I sell something….it goes in the account. As long as it’s in the “black” ….I’m good. However, I basically stopped buying purses or shoes (and to a lesser extent clothes) in order to do so because……I like to remain financially sound. 🤞😁

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I definitely think I've done a similar thing. The pandemic caused a massive shift for me away from clothes and accessories towards perfume. Most of the places I used to shop here have closed down since the pandemic started so there's certainly less temptation wig those things anyway. I am happy spending what I spend. I just want to buy in a more focused way and sample a bit more! 😊

[@Glitzdglamourous5604]

This was very interesting! Thank you 😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No problem, thanks for watching ❤️

[@sweetvictory5643]

I have purchased a lot of fragrances this year. And I did feel guilty. However, I look at this need of mine like indulgence. Many people spend a lot of money on buying coffee at a coffee shop. I do not drink coffee. Many people spend a lot of money on wine or something else alcoholic. I do not drink alcohol. I do not smoke, I do not do drugs. So, I have saved a lot of money. People just spend money to indulge themselves in something. Getting good fragrances for cheap makes me feel good. And I need it. So, I'm trying not to feel guilty about it.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Wow this is like you read my mind 😂 I actually cut a bit out of this video where I compared my fragrance buying with buying coffees from a coffee shop Mon to Fri. It's a similar amount of money and most people don't think twice about that kind of thing. Thanks so much for your comment and for watching ❤️

[@sweetvictory5643]

@@dr.claire.perfume Thanks! I do not spend money on many things other people do. Like you, I also planned to stop buying fragrances. So, I understand you.... But I did not stop. Yes, I've got plenty. However, I have not opened at least 90% of them. When buying them I always think of the possibility to sell them in the future and make a good profit. And also I buy them as future gifts for my sister, niece and others. So, to me my fragrance collection is a "fragrant' bank. And as a "banker" I will never be poor in the future.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@sweetvictory5643 aah there are definitely particular fragrances that will accumulate in value with their discontinuations etc. But yes not opening them takes a lot of discipline, that perhaps I do not have! I do not plan to stop buying, only to buy fewer and to be more considered in my choices. 😊

[@AgingGorgeously]

This is interesting and so precise.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! 🥰

[@RandomScents]

This is a very interesting analysis. I'm scared to have the overspending talk to myself 😂 Although I have perfumes to last me a lifetime, I was still looking for sales during Christmas 😁🤷‍♀️🙈 Holidays can be harmful for the wallet. And also with blind buys is not always a win win

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I know! I am always looking at sales too 😂 I am not upset about the amount I am spending, I would just rather buy less often and spend more time enjoying what I have for a bit. I actually don't think the amount I spend per month is that much for a hobby that takes up so much of my time and gives me so much joy! ❤️

[@RandomScents]

@@dr.claire.perfume Actually, you are really not spending a lot. I was thinking would be more, but you get good deals. Also the fact that you are selling them helps. You are wise with your finances

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@RandomScents secondhand is a lot cheaper and you can often get bundles which I think is why I need to do a declutter 🤦‍♀️

[@ChaoticCurlz]

Loved this!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed this! 🥰

[@AndreasVibes]

I love your analytical take on your fragrance shopping. You didn’t really spend that much on fragrances (probably way less than me although I didn’t get that many bottles … or did I 😉).

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well exactly, it's not the money to me, it's the frequency of purchasing, I'm basically calling myself out on being slightly ridiculous!

[@ontheturquoisetrail]

Oh I love this video. I can relate to so much of it. Perfume is new to me since just before the start of the pandemic. It has become a hobby, a new joy. I have also been trying to buy secondhand, borrow from friends to test out, try them at stores, purchase from places that allow returns, and opt for samples or travel size first and resell bottles to help keep the cost manageable while I figured out my scent profile and the notes I like and dislike. I want to grow my collection to between 15 to 20 max (halfway there). I have written out a buying plan to help keep myself in check the next six months. I am sure I will make adjustments ... maybe swap out one perfume for another here and there. But it feels good to be coming out of the initial exploration phase and really be able to hone in with intention.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That is a fantastic, well thought out plan! I wish I had been so intentional! I really wish you luck in that! perfume really became my main joy during the pandemic and I think that caused me to get into blind buying 🙈 it's stuck... However testing is the best thing and really makes you think about what you do and don't truly want. Again best of luck and thank you so much for watching 😘

[@ontheturquoisetrail]

@@dr.claire.perfume Oooh same to you! I don't know if this helps but I also had to give myself permission to have a hobby. For example I would chat with myself and say ok ... if movies were my hobby - would I be hard on myself for going to the theatre and about how much would I spend a month/year or if rock climbing was my hobby how much would I allow myself to spend on a gym membership or on gas and gear for outdoor trips. Glad you found some joy during these challenging times!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@ontheturquoisetrail I am pretty ok with my spending on perfumes but I would like to reduce the frequency I buy them and also the number I buy. I also plan to weed out a few that I already have but don't love with some decluttering. We didn't go abroad this year and I do think if I were enjoying more experiences like that then I would spend my money on that kind of thing instead. Perfumes are my only hobby at the moment, I think comparing perfume to the costs of other activities is a good way to look at it. 🥰

[@ontheturquoisetrail]

@@dr.claire.perfume Thank you for sharing with me. It is really nice to get to know you a little :)

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@ontheturquoisetrail I love a chat 😂 ❤️

[@melbert3795]

Claire don't sweat it hunni. I had about 30 bottles pre covid. I now own over 200 and I have decluttered about 30. C'est la vie lol

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha! I think it's happened to a lot of people... Being stuck at home has turned a lot of people into serial blind buyers I think. Actually from all of the fragrances I've bought, there aren't many that I would want to declutter, I would guess a similar proportion to you overall. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

[@nikamarks4u]

Hi hun here watching 🥰

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hi Nika 🌟

[@EaudeJane]

Great great video! I definitely bought more perfume bottles than I need, bought a ton of samples too! And my excuse is because I have a channel. 😅

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think that's everyone's excuse. I am not sure how much I want to buy only for my channel. It's a hard balance to strike... 🥰

[@salwahazem]

Thank you for such analysis, I am a bit shocked with my own calculations hereafter. In the spirit of your video, I have purchased 18 new perfmues and around 35 body splashes from bath and body works, and 10 decadants.. I blind bought the majority, like 70%. I spent something like $160 per month which where I live is equivalent to 20 large combo meals from Macdonald's. Taking into consideration that I got covid in August and lost my sense of smell for almost 3 month. I would say I went crazy. From now on, unless I tried the scent and absolutely fell in love, I would satisfy my curious needs with decadants rather than full bottles, I actually didn't finish a single bottle this past year!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I am glad to hear you have got your sense of smell back at least! I also blind bought most of the things I purchased this year. I think I would look at this year as a new start if you want to buy less. You seem to be quite determined to do that and I hope you can enjoy what you bought last year now you have your sense of smell back. Lovely to hear from you with your own figures, it's very insightful! Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@salwahazem]

@@dr.claire.perfume I was determined to get my sense of smell back, I did daily trainings that involves essential oils and recalling my memory of different scents!! I am extremely grateful that it worked. I haven't done the calculations before, thank you so much for the inspiration. There is undeniable joy in indulging our sense of smell, but hoarding and possessing is the addictive part that we should be mindful of.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@salwahazem I can imagine losing your sense of smell would be really upsetting from a taste point of view too. I love food so both that and perfume would be a huge loss. Glad your training worked! I think too much of anything is harmful. It's good to find joy in people and experiences as well as possessions. 🥰

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

That's a great idea buying second hand, where do you buy them? In the last two years (2020-21) I spent a huge amount of money on perfume, I'm also trying to get more focused and try a few times before I buy. Even though most of my perfumes are cheapies it sums up to a lot of blind buy mistakes and a lot of 💸 down the drain as cheapies are hard to resell

[@ontheturquoisetrail]

Hope it is ok if I share. It was helpful when someone answered this question for me. In the US I have bought and sold some bottles on Mercari ... Ebay is an option too... it is helpful to read reviews of the seller to be sure you are buying the real thing. If possible .. ask them for the perfume batch code, do they have a receipt of purchase etc.

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

@@ontheturquoisetrail Thank you I don't live in the US but I'll try on ebay (although I think ebay don't "like" the selling of used cosmetics) 🧡🧡

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I agree, cheaper perfumes are much more of a hassle to resell. It doesn't feel worth it sometimes. I think your project use it up is a good idea. 🥰

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@silverliningfragrance1434 I think eBay are even funny about perfumes, they recently removed the used category from perfumes in the UK. They treat them like cosmetics but they are fundamentally different because they don't touch your skin directly from a spray bottle 🤷‍♀️

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

@@dr.claire.perfume I guess there is a "learning curve", I also bought a lot of body mists, I think I'm not going to buy anymore or only stick with 2-4 I really like and that I can layer with perfumes

[@paletteandeasel5167]

I have bought 55 bottles of perfume since February. Most were bought through FragranceNet, Tj Maxx, Marshall’s and Burlington, at an average of $10-$24 a bottle. I also bought several designer fragrances this year from Ulta and Macy’s. Just in the last two weeks I have purchased $700 in fragrances. It feels compulsive, and it has begun to worry me. I think working in healthcare during the pandemic did something to me, because im not the same. I think my perfume shopping has become a way of dealing with stress. It is my escape.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I totally see that. Perfume purchasing definitely took on a life of its own for me. I think buying a few fragrances that I didn't enjoy made me re think my purchasing a bit. It's all ok if you can afford and enjoy your fragrances and are not buying for the thrill. I still don't know what the answer is, I guess different people try different things... A no buy worked for me whilst I was on it but as soon as I came off... I bought quite a bit! Are you trying to buy less or are you just embracing it for now?

[@paletteandeasel5167]

I started off this year as a low buy year. I have always been the type to spend the majority of my disposable income on art supplies and buy maybe $300 a year worth of cosmetics and perfume. I am 53 and because of menopause my body chemistry has changed and my sense of smell has been messed up since getting my covid vaccines and booster. It has been an uphill battle to find perfumes that smell good on me. I think this is just a phase I’m going through, it balances out because I have not been creating as much art and therefore am spending a much smaller amount on supplies. I enjoy the process of researching the new perfumes and making my choices. I think I’ve gotten to the point where I’m happy with what I’ve purchased and now I will just start using up my favorites and selling the ones on Facebook that I’m not enjoying as much.

[@daisysscents2167]

Your the first one i saw made perfume video like this on spending and keeping records.. Very clever.. Omg! KZbin made me broke!!😂 i dont wanna know how much i spend, because if i do, i would feel guilty and probably will have a problem with my husband...😂 This 2022 i will still buy but more on the affordable one and body mists😀 cause it much cheaper .😂

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think you've just got to look at it like the buying is done and you can at least get a lot of enjoyment out of your collection! I feel better knowing how much I spent this year. I am comfortable with it being that much I think. It was more the number of perfumes and the potential lack of focus that was bothering me. KZbin is definitely a massive influence, but once you are aware of that, you can assess who you trust and who has your taste and then choose how much you are influenced and how often that leads to a purchase. I've been enjoying watching the other things you've been buying recently. I've definitely noticed that your focus is less on perfume these days. Thanks so much for watching. ❤️

[@aniscents3497]

I love this analysis. I’ve got in mind the fragrances that I will purchase this year. I don’t think I will buy many flankers this time, I have about 10 in mind. So if designer houses don’t release total new ones I won’t be buying a lot this year. With niche, I will stick to houses such as pdm, kilian and memo Paris 😥

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I am not sure how much I will buy this year, I have my intentions but who know how well I will stick to them! If I buy stuff, I hope I love it and don't feel tempted to declutter it 🤦‍♀️ I love seeing what you buy and I am always fascinated by flankers but I find it hard to see the wood from the trees with all the releases...

[@aniscents3497]

@@dr.claire.perfume literally some of then you can guess like My Way edt 😂😂😂

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@aniscents3497 maybe I saw that one coming 🤣

[@HappinessSparkles]

Good morning Clare 🤩

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hello Frances 😍

[@sooyunkim9799]

I do enjoy a good roasting...let the roasting commence!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha, me too! Guilty pleasure 😂

[@shockbbyb9464]

I spent a lot this year, but decluttered a few as well. Now Im into the more expensive ones, and save up for them and i think i actually that way will spend less…..hopefully

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think that is the direction I am headed in... I just don't want more expensive to become normal and to result in me buying more just at a higher price point 🙄

[@shockbbyb9464]

@@dr.claire.perfume agree:)

[@nikamarks4u]

You are a true scientist 🥰

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? 😂

[@nikamarks4u]

@@dr.claire.perfume it’s a good thing hun 🥰

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@nikamarks4u ❤️❤️❤️ 👩‍🔬

[@pauletteyoung112]

The pandemic started my perfume collecting habit for sure. I began with about 15 bottles and now have at least 70 - mostly blind buys. I have noticed that the vast majority of my purchases are either “no’s” or “so-so’s”. Very few turn out to be “loves”. While I can’t promise I won’t buy more I am being much more selective going forward. The benefit is that I can be generous with giving bottles to my friends and family. After all as a senior citizen I will not be using up these bottles in my lifetime.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Same! I had about 30 before KZbin and now I have 115 🤷‍♀️ I'd never done any blind buying before the pandemic and I made a lot of mistakes 😂 but yes, I agree, the upside is that you can make someone else happy by gifting them. ☺️ I am also much more selective in what I buy these days! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@ScentedByMwendi]

I would cry if I were to do such a video 😂 This year I will spend way less.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well that's a resolution right there ❤️

[@I05-e4s]

Love this video! Which websites/apps do you recommend for buying and selling perfumes in the UK? I struggle to find decants as well...

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you so much! I was quite worried about how people might react to this! 🙈 I don't recommend any sites for buying really. You have to be very wary! There are so many fakes! I report them regularly but generally nothing is done. eBay are quite good though if you do have a problem. I have got my money back when someone sold me a fake. I have sold there too. The fees are hefty though, they definitely take quite a chunk so you need to factor that in.

[@I05-e4s]

@@dr.claire.perfume You're certainly your own harshest critic! It's a fascinating video, all of us fragrance lovers fall down the buying frenzy rabbit hole eventually, I certainly have these past few months! I have just had my own 'buy, immediately regret and feel awful about my spending' moment just today. 🙈 Thanks for the buying tips!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@I05-e4s I think it's because I now have another job, but I do half regret selling that Mugler because I did really want to try it. I hope your guilt gets easier. What did you buy? ❤️

[@I05-e4s]

@@dr.claire.perfume I actually got Casablanca by Swiss Arabian. It was my first middle eastern scent, and honestly, I won't be buying any for a long long time. I don't like it! It's super masculine. It literally smells like men's cologne, and not the kind of cologne that I like (I'm not averse to wearing male scents)! I feel annoyed with myself for trusting hype and buying something just because it's cheap, instead of vetting my purchases more and investing in my bigger wants...

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@I05-e4s I was thinking about that one for the longest time, along with Florence and Raghba, and I just saw so many people declutter it that I was hesitant. But yeah it was so hyped a year or so ago wasn't it?! I have three middle Eastern fragrances from Lattafa and I would say that they are ok... But not something I love. I would say ameer Al Oudh intense oud is my favourite. If you like this is her, I think this has a similar vibe. sheikh Al shuyukh is very strong but has a lovely soft powdery sweet rose dry down. Opulent musk is a bit too much saffron for me, but if you like Baccarat rouge 540 and cloud etc, you might like that. I also have Afnan rare Tiffany and that is a very pretty inoffensive floral. 💕

[@ScentedByMwendi]

I don't want to think of how much I spent last year. I don't plan to buy as many this year. Since I started my no buy, I think I it will be hard to get back to buying because suddenly the cost is too high.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I think there is a realisation and some shock when you start a no buy, but it definitely faded for me and I started buying just as much as before 🤦‍♀️ you sound pretty determined to stick to it though!

[@ScentedByMwendi]

@@dr.claire.perfume I am. I intend to be buying two Perfumes for each bottle I finish and right now I only have 3 that look like they will finish this year.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@ScentedByMwendi wow good luck! 💕

[@50Scents_uk]

Oh gosh I dread to think! I never want to know to be honest 🙄😱

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Curiosity killed it for me... 😂

[@EnglishProfStyle]

I do try mention prices in my videos, but I don't want to add it all up. I know it's bad 😬

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha! I know, I was actually pretty shocked it was so much, I didn't think I spent this much. But actually I think this year it will be more 🙈

[@EnglishProfStyle]

@@dr.claire.perfume I've been doing better this year, but I already had almost everything, lol.

[@aniscents3497]

The problem is I didn’t sell much of my decluttered perfumes compared to the previous year.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well I am very grateful for the one that you sent me and I bet your sister is loving the others! I wish I had a sibling to share perfume with. Nobody in my family or my in laws are interested 🤷‍♀️

[@mumbamumba437]

🙆 Guilty as charged!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well I clearly am too! ❤️

[@annoleary387]

I began to get curious about perfume after watching Halston on Netflix and how his perfume was created. That then led me on to You Tube channels about perfume which ignited my curiosity so I ended up purchasing 50 perfumes over the course of the year. Most of them blind buys. I already had a good collection of perfumes to begin with before all this😱. My husband says I may as well just flush money down the toilet. I'm beginning to think he is right,🤞 so my New Years resolution is no more buying for at least 6 months 🤞😉

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I did a near three month no buy last year and it was hard to begin with, but it got easier. I think if I didn't have a channel, it would have really helped to break the cycle. I wish you lots of luck with it! Thanks so much for watching. 😊

[@annoleary387]

@@dr.claire.perfume Thanks Claire, I think I will try to use up at least 10 perfumes before I go buying anymore. That's my goal anyway😉😄 God knows I will be seriously tempted, but I have to resist💪💪💪

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@annoleary387 I wouldn't be too harsh on yourself. Just have a go at a no buy for a month or two and see how you feel. If perfumes make you happy then there is little harm in them if you don't go crazy! 🥰

[@HappinessSparkles]

I am ashamed to admit I couldn’t even do a video like this because I didn’t keep tabs on what I spend or what I decluttered 🤷‍♀️I guess I could figure it out 🤦‍♀️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think I can only do this because I buy most of my perfume online now and I have videos with the info in, as well as declutters and I also sell in one place so have records from that. Plus I have an excellent memory, so I find it quite easy to place events in time order and know what order I bought things in. This video did take quite a lot of prep though 😂

[@OpinionatedScents]

Oh wow. I'd probably faint if I calculated what I've spent. Lol

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha! 🙈 I was curious and then shocked and then wondering whether anyone was interested 😂

[@OpinionatedScents]

@@dr.claire.perfume you are brave baby girl.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@OpinionatedScents 🤣 maybe I am just a bit weird too!

[@OpinionatedScents]

@@dr.claire.perfume weird is best! Always

[@annaswanson5903]

😂 you’re definitely in the UK when $40 gets a weekly shop 😂😂😂

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes! Well some weeks I would spend even less, perhaps £20-30 but nowadays it's always £40, sometimes £50-60. That's Brexit and other other forms of economic stupidity for you! 🤦‍♀️ The UK is such a mess right now. I am ashamed of it and really despair for its future. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@annaswanson5903]

@@dr.claire.perfume cheer up, honestly I think the US is much worse when it comes to food inflation and having embarrassing politicians

[@annaswanson5903]

@@dr.claire.perfume I’m right there with you but I try not to watch the news or spend too much of my time on it because I have to focus on the problems in my own life that I can fix and on the things I can do in my immediate community. It just makes me feel more optimistic.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha yes... But we've had some especially embarrassing and ineffective ones recently. I think everyone breathed again when Boris and Liz left...

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I agree, local stuff is where everyone can make a difference, but also we have to be aware of these bigger things too. In the UK, they are clamping down on protesting. It's shocking and no one is contesting it... I really wish the UK would wake up sometimes. 🤦‍♀️

[@aniscents3497]

😩😩😩 I don’t know how many bottles I bought this year.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That might be a good thing 😂

[@aniscents3497]

@@dr.claire.perfume *last year 😅

[@CeylonCleo]

I can tell you that I spent way too much on perfumes in 2021! 😨

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Aaah but if you enjoy them it is ok. I am only roasting myself here, no one else! ❤️