New Designer Fragrances Are A Waste. Here's Why.

[@aang547]

i love the direction you’re going in. the whole “don’t buy what you don’t need” thing is something a lot of people like myself need to hear and have needed to hear when coming into this hobby long ago

[@floolo1]

totally agree. geat comment

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

For sure bro... So true. It becomes compulsive and it sucks that way. This hobby is best only when you buy something you truly love. It's like watches. 1000 cheapos that you don't care about or one Omega or Rolex or AP etc that you adore.

[@illbrowns]

Indeed

[@carlos002nz]

Yes. It's a "build your collection!. Make it singular, personal!.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Angelo!

[@markmathis2861]

“Good is not good enough “……totally agree, you don’t need 50 ways to smell good. Currently downsizing my small collection with the same philosophy stressed in this video. My Son’s the recipient of my downsizing so he’s rather happy….AND he’s got 15 new ways to smell good. Keep up the videos….Outstanding work.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Mark! Glad you've got an outlet for your "easies"!

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Agree Mark, totally. My fragrance collection grows so slowly because I spend so much time on samples. I use them as both educational tools and also as ways to find the 'best in show' for each fragrance category. My collection has no cohesion and obvious personality; there's no theme in terms of categories that are exclusively and repetitiously covered. I've got incense, chypres, florals, gourmands, woody warm spicy, herbal aromatic and on and on. I've got easy wears that I can spray on to go grocery shopping and the ultra-experimental wierdos which I wear when the mood strikes and the sartorial, ahem, 'concept of the day' is inspiring and...festive. :D This is exactly the same as my wardrobe. I feel like everything I wear is a costume, like I'm LARPing every day! I wonder if most fragrance lovers have this chameleonic aspect to their personalites and share a ravenous aesthetic thirst where they can't commit to one 'uniform' and drop anchor in one creative realm?

[@solokom]

Justin's channel is hands down one of the top 3 fragrance channels on KZbin. He touches so many interesting topics. Sometimes going in the direction of video essays, talking about fragrances on a thoughtful meta level. And his Top-List are always filled with much information. I learn something new every single time. Hats off to you, Justin! 👏

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much my friend.

[@emmanuelmega4872]

On a deeper level for real. I was falling into the trap of just buying redundant fragrances(had actually fallen) just because of the names or reviews, naturally I would gravitate towards a few even when I'm switching my scent style, Discovering Justin realigned my collection, I now only buy what is appealing to me mostly and still get compliments for my unique scents and the confidence with which I wear them.

[@MitsuSC]

I agree! Justin has worked hard to distinguish his channel and is doing a great job.

[@dirkdiggler2234]

@@stayfreshproductions you should've pointed out that fluff in your hair at the end...kept looking at it during the video 🤣

[@princelyh.glorious4946]

He seems the most creative and intelligent, for sure. You know you're getting a focused deep-dive with him. We often need to remind ourselves that this is a subjective, opinion-based field. With Justin, you know that opinion will be balanced, in-depth and CONSIDERED.

[@Joezy23]

I’m honestly loving this real talk and helping others to make the right choices

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you

[@tiredoffools8929]

As a bit of a Frag Head, I've grown disinterested in designer frag offerings since about 2018, because I've felt most releases are simply flankers. I think with regard to designer frags, I only really checkout the elevated collections of Tom Ford, DIOR, and YSL. Even though Niche brands can be extremely cost prohibiting, I still found myself seeking out more Niche brands because I am always looking for uniqueness and for magic. Ironically, even the Niche houses have fallen victim to creating their own interpretations of popular scents from other houses. So in a way, those could be considered flankers, except they were not created from the same house. It is truly hit or miss. Sadly, many of the unique Niche frags I've gotten my nose on seem to be unbalanced compositions, or simply frags I don't actual enjoy. Not all is lost. There have been stand out gems like Argos Triumph of Bacchus which has given me a lot of faith to continue my journey through frag discoveries. I just tend to sample a lot more than pull the trigger on full bottles, because I could sample many frags for $50, and I'd not only gain all the knowledge from the experience, but it also helps weed out any potential bind buy mistakes or non-essential purchases.

[@gazzap6664]

Bang on fella, Im with you on all your points.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you brother!!

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

YES to sampling! For the exact reasons you said: the thrill of experiencing such a variety of offerings whilst getting a really thorough education. Sampling really ought to be enthusiastically cheered on. What makes me feel a little sad, a little tender-hearted towards my fellow fragrance lovers on KZbin is getting a clear impression that they're embarrassed to say they mostly buy samples and don't have a huge cabinet full of high end fragrance bottles. The insecurity touches my heart and I really want to reassure them that information and personality are what people care about. If you have an antique box filled with fragrances which you can speak about with flair and confidence you'd be just as legitimate as some fruitcake who has a ten grand credit card debt and an over-engineered smoke'n'mirrors machine. All these grasping, ethically rudderless youngsters so easily bought by some attention and free PR packs from businesses...tsk tsk. That's my line in the sand. Just like during my years in the DIY artpunk underground, I still remain easily disappointed and alienated by people so keen to 'sell out' and then rationalise their decision making. Clone houses = unsubscribed. Anyhow, each to their own. I think I'm in a minority but it doesn't mean I should whisper or supress my convictions and same goes for you. :)

[@tlenp6426]

Just want to drop some gratitude and wish it reaches you well. Before I discovered your channel, I was wandering in the fragrance world, easily manipulated by famous reviewers and purchased almost every fragrance they recommended. One day, I came across your channel and heard your word that become my philosophy for fragrance purchase. "Just smell good isn't enough, it must make you stand out". Your word enlightened me and I finally stopped pointless purchase. From then, I only purchase the fragrance that I am truly in love with and unique. I fell in love with Amouage Bracken Man and find myself wearing it every day without feeling bored for more than a month now. This is what the right fragrance should do. Thanks Justin. From your fan in Thailand.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Wow. I am honored to read your comment. Thank you for sharing. I'm so glad I could help.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

I love this comment.

[@JerrellHardison]

Hey Justin, I really appreciate your view and opinions on this topic. I love your videos, and I really do understand what you are saying . I probably we will still dabble in designer fragrances, but I can appreciate your lists, and I definitely agree with you on many points. Great video.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you bro.

[@gazzap6664]

The points Justin raises really resonate with me. Historically I have always bought the popular fragrances, I think basically because they are mass appealing and easy and it take no real effort to pick up a bottle. However, since I have looked at the fragrance world in more detail (which is pretty recent for me) I found that niche fragrances are far more interesting. Nowadays, a fragrance for me needs to reflect my taste and personality not just be the same generic kind of mass appealing product. I am fairly open to smell different styles and brands but what is now becoming clear is I am a big fan of fougere fragrances. Anyway, enjoying the experience trying new things and very happy with my recent purchases. Informative stuff Justin,, your are in danger of becoming me reference point...

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you. I agree with your points.

[@scentanity2280]

More great video ideas and more great contents are coming out from this channel these days, and I like that. Most Fragheads are thinking in this direction lately, especially with the inflation thing and money-grab ideas by most designer houses. So I believe this video is timely and scratched us where we itch. I like the fact that you gave some examples of the exceptional ones too. My policy personally, these days is, unless I ABSOLUTELY LOVE a fragrance, I won't be wasting my money on it. Shout out from Africa 🇳🇬 Justin. My regards to Grace. 🙏

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much! I agree with you policy!

[@maansardast8286]

Powerful content Justin, and I think you focused on 2 key points here: 1. controlling perfume expenditure addictions (myself included) 2. lack of uniqueness in recent designer releases. I tried many of the ones featured here, the last one was the Cartier Pasha, it is very unique and completely unrelated to the older Pasha which was just ok to me. L'homme ideal cologne, Encre Noir Extreme and Cartier Declaratiion EDP are on my list.

[@ChandraChandra-wx9em]

I feel each man has his own signature scent and at any moment in his life he will not require more than 5 or 6 scents. If he can identify the notes that he likes, it is easy to come to decide which perfumes suit him the best. Having hundreds of perfumes does not get you a signature scent and we end up being confused most of the time. At each financial stage of life we will make changes and update the collection as would portray us to the world.

[@staceyoddity4580]

Awesome video! I think it’s great to only get what you love, but it never makes selecting one any easier!! Always love to see so much of what I wear in other people’s collections 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Stacey!

[@DocRock71]

You turned me onto Bottega Veneta PHE a couple of years ago when I first discovered YT fragcomm. I bought the 50 ml and absolutely loved it. I got the bigger bottle for $45 as a backup a few months later, only the 2nd backup I've ever bought. SO glad I did before it was discontinued. I cant find it now anywhere for under $200! Crazy. It is an amazing scent. Thanks for letting me know about it, when no one else ever talked about it!

[@stayfreshproductions]

I'm so glad you enjoy it!

[@TheFeintOfHearts]

Since you mentioned it -- I tried Ebene Fume at Nordstrom a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. I sniffed nearly every Tom Ford they had, and while I liked a lot of them, Ebene Fume made it to the top. Highly recommend you give it a try when you get a chance!

[@stayfreshproductions]

I hope to try it! Thank you!

[@hewassuchaniceguy.7453]

Love the uniqueness of your videos here lately, Justin. The honesty in saying that you don't need that many fragrances says everything about you, bro. Keep it up. Love the content. Btw, rocking Cartier d'un soir tomorrow cause you reminded me of it

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Stephen! Really appreciate you.

[@edgardozara97]

Great list. The 20 you listed does try to be unique at times as compared to others. I love cartier lightyears away from the others you mentioned as the lenvol, pasha and declaration lines are really well done and separates each one with their own hero note/type like honey, fougere and sandalwood.. if theres a 2nd one, it would be gucci but not absolute rather Guilty Eau De Parfum with its Vinegar note coz Absolute, BV extreme, DH parfum and TF ombre leather are all leather centric though with their own slightly different take or DNA per house

[@emmanuelmega4872]

I love this video not only because of its emphasis on getting the right quality fragrances for YOU but because it highlighted 2 of my fragrances that I very much love, I didn't understand them initially like a few people but I noticed that I kept gravitating towards them because they just smelled different and I love the feel I was getting wearing them not just compliments, L'envol by cartier, which doesn't get enough respect, sweet, light fresh scent and Gucci Guilty Absolute, super smoky and the dry down is nice. The Guerlian Idéal line is also beautiful. The cherry and the black bottle versions are just excellent on cold mornings. Thanks Justin 👍

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Emmanuel!

[@rogra2087]

☆Great points JC, but I couldn't help thinking that if one wants to smell all things 'unique,' that would still lead to owning a lot of frags! That's my current plight-lol!!! So aren't we just going to call it how it is, we ♡ having new experiences with scent, whether designer, niche, independent, or one offs, it's all good☆ Very much in bliss, enjoying traveling with great peeps like you and the other fragrance enthusiast channels! Mucho Amor y respito ☆

[@stayfreshproductions]

You're right! No matter what our pursuit is, we must still have self-control! :)

[@chrisc3236]

I like designers as they are made to smell good to most people, but it can be it's own down fall. They can become generic or made to a formula to sell as many bottles as possible. You get a ton of inspirations/ copies made of popular brands and flankers to lines which become repetitive and never seem to end. It's great the you have pointed out there are other options which are different and interesting and still can be pleasing to most people. I have sort of gravitated to these brands in my collection I guess because I want something different. Only other mention I would say that has come out recently is Toy Boy. It can be synthetic but it smells good, price is pretty good from discounters and it stands out from the rest. Thanks for reviewing this topic.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks Chris! I'm happy you enjoy Toy Boy. It's definitely unique.

[@DrawingAnimeFtw]

Really loving Dior Homme 2020 nowadays, an amazing everyday scent

[@ivantrudeau8974]

Just got a sample yesterday. I like it a lot more than the intense. Didn't like the CD intense to be honest 🤔

[@fallguy6196]

I honestly can say other than my old school designer collection every designer I own is a total regret.

[@thefragrantlife14]

I’ve been on this same wave length. I’ve been selling off the designers I don’t care for or reach for. I personally have found the designer realm in my opinion boring and redundant. Too many new releases have smelled the same and it’s just flanker after flanker and it’s crazy.

[@andypayne2743]

Love the direction of the channel. Noticing that your tastes have changed over time. Have you thought about revisiting challenging fragrances and seeing if you have a different opinion on them?

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Andy! I've been actively revisiting a number of them in my latest videos (Tom Ford Oud Minerale, Amouage Jubilation XXV, etc.)

[@mathieumorissette4038]

Nice presentation and selection. Cartier et Lalique are in my top 5 favorites.

[@ademtercan9547]

Amazing presentation Justin. I own a lot of these fragrances and they stand out from the crowd!!! My personal decision is to get more niche fragrances due to the fact that they aren't mainstream stuff. But if a really incredible fragrance of designers comes out I will try not to sleep on it!! Keep going mate 👏🏽👍🏽💪🏾🙌🏾

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Adem! I hope you're well!

[@KenNakajima07]

I just realized I was not subscribed, i love your content, you made me crack with outrunning the demonstrator part... that's why it's best to try fragances when out of town! Definitely you have VERY interesting jewels there!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much!

[@seanfarinha8579]

Very interesting content direction. As always well delivered and what I am sure many wanted to hear. Great stuff.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Sean.

[@justaddlight]

Definitely some great designer frags here J. Still on the lookout for the new releases from Issey, Guerlain, Cartier and the Fahrenheit line. In a sense, it makes vigilance a whole lot easier these days with so few new releases deserving of attention. But you never know. The odd gem sometimes comes out of nowhere. And then.....promptly gets discontinued. 🤣

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you my friend. I'm on the look out as well!

[@yumilee1022]

I haven't tried any of the fragrances mentioned in this video because I'm a woman and I typically like feminine / unisex scents. But Chloe Nomade (specifically EDP the original) made me think so different for the brand itself. How wonderfully earthy and free but yet floral and fruity too. Such a different take from a designer brand and ordered a bottle right away.

[@stayfreshproductions]

So happy to hear that you found something interesting on the women's side of the designer aisle! Sounds like a great scent.

[@alsmith5404]

Thanks for the video J.C! I have to agree with you'r sentiments on the Lalique line. I'm very pleased with their affordable, unique fragrances, I have a number of.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Al!

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

Love Is an aspect of the pursuit of beauty too wouldn't you say? It's a human desire to pursue that which is beautiful. And buying tons of things you don't find to be beautiful would be disingenuous to that virtue. Thanks for shining another light into the frag com. You're seriously one of the coolest people on KZbin.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much. I agree.

[@rickyli5455]

Eloquently put as usual. Your followers know you downsized your collection but I love the fact that you hold elixer and farenheit parfum still in such high regards. 🔥 vid Jus!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Ricky!

[@LetsArion]

I have to agree with all the comments praising the direction of your channel these past few weeks and months! The videos feel very unique and give some sort of value. I felt "burnout" from watching parfum videos for quite some time now. Everyone does multiple top 10 lists in the span of a few months, some people even do "top 10 Summer/spring/whatever" lists back to back with slightly different titles and it is so tiring to see! I don't need 50 different fragrances just to smell fresh, clean or appealing and good to 99% of people. Yeah Dior sauvage is nice if you just care about smelling good but nowadays fragrance is about creativity and expression for me! Your videos always remind me to keep a smaller collection and not to fall for impulsive buying decisions etc.! Really appreciate that. Now a quick question: WHERE do you SPRAY your fragrances? I know you have done a video about that topic in the past but I wonder if you vary it or have changed it. I have tried many different ways and have not found some "spray routine" that really works for me. Most people online also recommend a lot of sprays and Spray half their body which is not for me. I prefer to be a bit more subtle and when i wear Something strong i don't wanna spray 5 times and suffocate everyone close to me haha! I tried one on the front of the throat and on my wrists (not a fan of the wrists though, when you wear a watch or wash your hands thoroughly it rubs off the fragrance sometimes). Would love to hear your opinion or maybe even a short Video where you talk about different scenarios (for example i like to spray a bit more when it's cold outside in the winter or wear strong fragrances, but as soon as you enter a building like your office or university it tends to be a lot warmer inside and the 3 sprays tobacco vanille which were fine with -5° outside become really intense in your medium sized 15-20° classroom, just to name one possibpe situation :) ) Really lovs your channel, keep up the great work and much love from Germany

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much my friend, a very thoughtful question. In general, I go with 3-7 sprays, depending on the strength, temperature, and openness of the environment. I typically spray lighter with darker and sweeter profiles, and a little heavier with fresher profiles. I don't like to spray my throat or my hands/arms. I only spray around the back of the neck, and I will spray my collar bones if I'm wearing an open-collar button down shirt.

[@enzofdaworld2220]

I simply don’t understand the hate for H24 tho - smells like a step-sibling of Nishane Ambra Calabria to me but gets little love

[@stayfreshproductions]

It's a very nice scent...I just think that people were expecting more, following their last men's release, Terre D'Hermes. Myself included. It just falls flat on my skin and smells like many other scents when it dries down. But i enjoy it.

[@jasonkotsios2688]

I'm relatively new to the fragrance game but I do own the 3 Encre Noir fragrances. I wore the sport version for the first time the other day and my wife went crazy for it. I also really like a lot of the Miyake fragrances and like that they are so different than what I usually smell on others. Thanks for the content

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks Jason!

[@Superrdave6303]

Really enjoying this direction the channel is going on. Keep up the 🔥 content

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Dave!

[@alexozman8940]

Again, an interesting video, that also inspires to think about fragrance collecting and not rewarding the lack of creativity we get from designer style brands. Love it! To answer the question: Really not sure about the state of designer fragrance houses. Yes, I'm not a fan of the flanker after flanker and the rampant copying between brands. Seems like every brand has some sort of Invictus or Sauvage vibe fragrance nowadays. While some are really good (like Luna Rossa Carbon), it's still foregoing creativity and playing it very safe, getting easy money by releasing variations on their greatest hits. And in my memory brands were much more creative 10-20 years ago. But that might also be nostalgia talking, remembering the good or at least interesting fragrances and forgetting the cookie cutter smell alikes. Luckily, there are still brands doing different things and internet makes it easier to discover niche fragrances. Must admit, slightly jealous about the L'Homme Ideal Cologne there Justin! Great frag I missed out on buying a bottle till it was too late.. And I decided I Didn't love it 150-200 euros. But wow, it's so much better than it's 'Cool' successor for getting that L'Homme Ideal vibe in warmer weather!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Alex! I agree, in the midst redundancy, there are still some good ones being released. Sorry to hear you missed out on Cologne!

[@mikemontgomery5755]

I need to rephrase my initial comments. Reviewers will find new ideas and people who listen to others opinions on fragrance and related subjects. You share your thoughts and we roll the dice. I respect your work, info and time spent on this. Realizing that each olfactory reaction is singular (like snowflakes) ...lol I've noticed that videos must offer more to draw views. It needs that hook to continue.

[@mikemontgomery5755]

I am having difficulties finding anything that seems new in that area...that is what is stale. Clueless as how much more can be said that hasn't been done before. Maybe the old "people on the street " reactions could be a twist. You opinions are essentially the same as mine in the end, it's a matter of what we like 👍

[@johncarloburton5611]

If I had to choose to keep only 25 fragrances ( I own close to 800).....90% of my choices for that list would be vintage/classics of years gone by. Only a small percentage of NEWER designer and niche fragrances WOW me like some of my "older" and pre-Infra (lol) scents. Just sayin....;-) Justin, you are one of the BEST !!! Shout out to the lovely Grace too !!! xoxo/peace.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks JohnCarlo! I agree with you.

[@bikertrash78]

I love the message. I'm currently liquidating over half of my collection for the same reasons. I am definitely at the point where a unique profile, tailored to the situation or day, is what I want. Why wear boring fragrances when there are so many different, unique options.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks Brett. Totally agree.

[@Olfactofiles]

Dang, Justin! You blew by 50k while I was gone! Congrats, my friend! I agree, the same is true with most women's designer releases now as well.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much Tara! Indie might be the way to go...

[@pedrorivera9779]

Superb content. Thank you and keep on the great work. Will love to attend one of your musical events.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Pedro!

[@misterelom]

I gotta say man you have become my favorite fragrance channel! I feel like i'm at a similar point in my journey right now. Yes there's still quite a few fragrances on my radar but I have definitely become more selective in my choices. I'm no longer under the spell of having to have every flanker with "Intense/absolute/sport/extreme" slapped on the end for a quick cash grab. Quality over quantity.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much. I don't think we could ever regret being selective.

[@carlduplessis8007]

Dior homme 2020. I went to the store with the intention to buy dior homme cologne. I smelled homme 2020 and instantly bought it. I was so shocked to see that it wasn't popular. I think it's fantastic

[@DeflatingAtheism]

It was a marketing disaster, IMO. The Dior Homme line was already confusing enough with flankers and reformulations identified only by the production year, and then they rebadged an unrelated fragrance under the Homme line. People judged it harshly not for being a bad fragrance, but for not being Dior Homme.

[@ivantrudeau8974]

​DeflatingAtheismi I just got a sample yesterday and it's on point. It's very expensive now.

[@cocktailzombie]

I think 100ml as the standard size for fragrance is too big, 25ml or 30ml is more than enough if you have more than 20 or so things.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Agreed.

[@razvanyke]

Nice video, I like the tone. Something is not ok with the sound, is this the one from the camera? Take care

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you. It is a shotgun mic.

[@teflonKONG09]

Gucci guilty absolute smells amazing. Idk where I would wear it to tho. Ppl also say it smells like a band-Aid.

[@bradleystroup1457]

If you haven't, you really should smell Gucci's Alchemist Garden. Atleast the eau de Parfums. The note breakdown seems so simple because they're meant to be layer, but the are so expertly done. You can find them on discounters and reputable eBay sellers. Highly recommend A Midnight Stroll

[@stayfreshproductions]

Need to try that line!

[@thefragrantlife14]

I have tried a few from the private Tom Ford line

[@thetechlibrarian]

I totally agree with you. I have smelled a lot of scents That smell good. But not good enough to buy. at this point I don’t buy anything anymore unless I’ve worn it multiple times to make sure that I truly enjoy it and would rather have a solid 10 to 20 bottle collection of great fragrances, than 100+ bottles of average fragrances. For reference some of my favorites that I will always keep are , the whole Chanel allure homme line, Dior homme cologne,Bleu Chanel parfum, Tom Ford oud wood.

[@DPTX]

Just discovered your channel recently, and based off this video I blind bought Lalique Encre Noir A L'Extrême. It's my own fault... you warn against blind buying. Man this stuff is weird. I don't know what to do with it! 😄

[@stayfreshproductions]

Haha, give it some time! Thanks for watching.

[@rprentals]

If you have not already- coromandel Is awesome

[@bkameka69]

5:33....thats definitely me!! Lol, I mean that's not how I speak, but I'm definitely of that train of thought that if they only specialize in fragrances then they aren't a designer brand. But I like what Justin said right after. The term mainstream works for me. Once again, appreciate a different view on fragrances so thanks Justin

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you so much BK!

[@ZanarkandFFX]

Could you make a video on 3 "must have" fragrances for each season (maybe some honorable mentions as well)? I feel that would help beginners out a lot!

[@stayfreshproductions]

I've done that video a few times! Here is one of them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWHddYmVg7RqhMk

[@michaelbullock8011]

Great list with a lot of great choices in there and have a blessed night

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks Michael, take care

[@michaelbullock8011]

You welcome keep up the good work and thank you very much

[@moustachio334]

This reminds me when I started building my last collection. I made sure to buy something unique that could serve a separate purpose. That meant finding fragrances from different periods of time from the original Issey to Eros red to Givenchy Pi. If someone went out and bought all of the modern fragrances from each house, they'd almost all vs redundant. Most people could stop at two for warm and cool weather. I think your video for people that just want to smell "good" drives that point home. I don't want to go niche but I've started looking at the higher end lines of the designer brands. After I recollect some sentimentals and that Guerlain L'homme Extreme (you rave about and that chili note is delicious), I'll be happy to get my toes wet. I love practicing and getting better at smelling different notes. It's like learning music but for my nose. Modern fragrances especially the blue stuff.. No just no. Y Edp is okay just for the salted caramel note but it's cloying where I live. There are plenty of niche quality designers out there too. *cough cough Issey Miyake and the Nuit flanker along with the aforementioned Guerlain*

[@thepaperstaggering]

Just wanna share. I just got the Dior Homme Sport ‘21. This is magical.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I'm glad you dig it!

[@alessandrosilveira9009]

Justin, it is really interesting the perspective that you taking here. Congrats! Inteligent addiction 😀!!!

[@thefragrantlife14]

Issey is great. Most people write them off but personally I enjoy the ones I own.

[@mikeymikes75]

i keep looking at the speck now you mentioned it.. always great vids!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Haha! Thanks Mike!

[@marcjohn9404]

I think being into really safe, "nice" fragrances is kind of the entry level mindset. When I was first getting into fragrances, I really liked stuff that was clean and citric and safe, and I still like scents of that nature, but I don't necessarily want to have a lot of fragrances like that in my collection. My journey from being casually into fragrances to wanting to be more involved with the community and start a collection began with a challenging fragrance called Dior Fahrenheit. Once I got into that, and it wasn't instantaneous because I remember thinking about returning it when I first smelled it thinking that it smelled like "gassy musk". I really learned to like it though, and I think that's the reason why I search for those fragrances that people describe as having an intolerable "medicinal band aid smell" like with Gucci Guilty Absolute. I want to be challenged by my fragrances because they're so much more memorable that way, and safe fragrances by nature can never challenge your palate or help it grow and that's the nature of many designer releases in 2022.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I can totally relate, Marc. Thanks for sharing.

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

I love this comment Marc-- I also love having to go back to a fragrance and spend more time with it to see if I truly dislike it or just had too much of an unpleasant shock to the system by smelling something unmistakably out of my comfort zone or just challengingly new and abstract. I've often gone back to fragrances and fallen in love and thought, 'oh thank goodness you didn't write this one off/toss it out'. Derviche by Rogue Perfumery is a good example of something I didn't like but now inhale compulsively off my arm when I wear it. YUM. Having many fragrances to compare it to really helps in educating my olfactory palette.

[@JJToyo]

Ey man, I am cackling about the advice to spray the sample on your neck in the store. 😂 I totally agree but, man, you gotta work on the salespeople before hand so they stay cool.

[@stayfreshproductions]

😆😆

[@TonCon89]

I can’t unsee that speck now 🙈 Speaking as someone with thick hair, I feel your pain!

[@smajid2004]

Wow. I completely agree with you. I thought I was the only one that felt this way about most designer fragrances, flanker after flanker junk. I also live in Portland, OR and probably have about 6-700 hundred fragrances in my collection and reluctantly about a 100 of those are designer. I still think that's 90 too many. Now to be clear, the luxury lines of many of these designer labels are definitely unique and worth buying. Justin, there is no doubt that this is an expensive hobby, and the Niche and Indie fragrances are certainly far more expensive than the designer fragrances, however I have decided to not buy any more designer fragrances and buy just less Niche fragrances. Quality vs Quantity. Thanks for saying what some of us have been thinking about for a long time.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Saleem. I totally agree with you!

[@pumaadidas]

this is why I buy the best release of each year now ,which I really love and offer the best value last year I only bought jpg scandal pour homme 2021 fresh and sweet notable frags I did not buy Dior sauvage elixir ( already own sauvage EDP),Armani code EDP(already own the beast code absolu) but they both offered poor value speaking of Cartier , I own a few bottle of Cartier pasha parfum which I love I am trying to down size by collection

[@nelsonenegbuma6033]

You got Lalique spot on! It takes some time getting used to it It last the longest as you have to wash it to get it off Fahrenheit is 100% I am loving allure sports and gucci guilty right now

[@thefragrantlife14]

I didn’t care for Gucci guilty absolute the first time I smelled it but since my nose matured I love it now. I have others from them but aren’t what grab my attention

[@stayfreshproductions]

I love it too bro.

[@solokom]

It's a crime that they replaced the Cologne with Mint, which is far inferior to the outstanding Cologne. One of the best cheapies ever.

[@BOMBFRAGRANCES]

Thank you for this review!!! I realized this same thing a month ago. I’m going to start buying fragrances that’s unique and doesn’t smell like anything else…

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks for watching! I get it...

[@patrickbennett439]

Although i do have more fragrances than i need, i cant help but hold onto like 50 gems.. and i still keep my nose out for more gems, but they better be very gemish. Theres a point where its rediculous and pointless because you can only wear so many frags, and if you have too many, it devalues your frags because , you wont even wear that $100 bottle of whatever since you are wearing other stuff. I am selling half my frags already and just cant let that favorite 50 or so go though. Maybe il chizzle it down a bit over time.. I am very happy with my gems!

[@josepalacios2344]

I have to say that the New Issey Miyake Vetiver its unbelievable. That smoothness on Vetiver notes are beautiful.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I'll have to try it.

[@rripley62]

OMG, the first 20 seconds are all I needed for sheer entertainment value. Gotta love your humility, Justin! lol Damn spec stealing the spotlight, am I right?

[@stayfreshproductions]

Haha! Thanks Ron! Don't know how I missed it!

[@joshuamirabal8405]

I think we need to realize there was something special happening in the 80's-early 2000's where designers were more experiemental with their fragrances. I noticed many niche fragrances just seem to remind me of the old school stuff. From the macho powerhouses of the 80's to emerging gourmands later on and everything in between happened in those twenty years. Now it's about playing it safe and making young people think fragrances become dated. My personal favorites from the 90's and early 00's that were rather inventive: Givenchy Xeryus Rouge and Pi, YSL Opium pour homme, M7, Rive Gauche, L'homme (at the time it was praised for it's unisex appeal), Issey Miyake (water meets yuzu citrus, oriental spices and tobacco), the many ocean frags that followed Cool Water and Aqua Di Gio, Mugler with their gourmand,... We could go on for a long time and I didn't even mention anything released during the 80's. Dior Fahrenheit anyone? Conclusion, save your money and test out the older stuff. Anything Alberto Morillas or Jacques Cavalierre-Butrard touched are works of art.

[@The_Fuzz1]

I have two bottles of Noir Ambre. One of my favorite fragrances in my 200+ bottle collection.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Awesome stuff.

[@Harrock]

Im 26 and i love those 80s powerhouse Fragrances 🤗 kouros , Drakkar Noir and Antaeus and if you want just 1 Powerhouse that has all those in one Fragrance just buy Ted Lapidus, Lapidus Pour Homme... that Fragrance is so Strong that more that 3 Sprays comes close to an Assault xD

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

I don’t think I can go back to designer fragrances. Ever since I started using niche brand it’s so hard for me look back to designer. Quality does makes a difference. Pricey but you get what pay.last but not least. I find designer to me smells too synthetic. ✌🏽

[@821971efthimis]

A good turn is bvlgari terrae essence you should try it. I love gucci guilty absolute and lalique's encre noir. Great video.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I'll check it out! Thanks!

[@No85Limits]

The designer house that gets me and is criminally underrated = Issey Miyake ... the flanker = Nuit D’Issey Noir Argent - absolute fire. I also have the original from 1994 for summer time. I had tried the original Nuit D'Issey in the store - and it was good but didn't wow me... first time ever I fell in love with a flanker when I wasn't wow'd by original. Has it ever happened to you? I feel like this would be a rare occurrence for most frag heads

[@stayfreshproductions]

Totally underrated!

[@DeadliestEvil]

Thinking of doing the same as you man, bought a lot of cheapies to scratch the itch and although they're good I just don't gravitate to them like some of the newer thought out stuff Ive bought. Probably gonna sell most of those off and stick to getting a bit pricier and more my style scents and enjoying them. Good video by the way, Ill have to check out the Cartier stuff, Ive been slacking on it.

[@kriptonbot3665]

I only tried the Bottega Veneta from one of ur previous videos...and man!! It was awesome thx a lot, I'll give the rest a try

[@stayfreshproductions]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@cheapspeed]

Hey can you give price ranges for your fragrances cause I really don't want to overpay for a redundant frag

[@stayfreshproductions]

I always have links to some of the best prices I can find down in the video description.

[@goat9325]

Un popular opinion! Sometimes it’s better to blind buy. Before you spend hundreds in samples. Let’s be honest you can’t go to a store and get 10 different samples for free. You need atleast 5ml to properly sample.

[@ckey777]

I like your philosophical thoughts on fragrance. It is something that is missing from the discussion, and I appreciate it.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you Cory!

[@philipphawk]

So for reference, what do you personally think should be the max cap for a fragrance collection, Justin ? Big hug 🤗🤗

[@stayfreshproductions]

Hey Phil! I can't put a number on that. It depends on the person. Some people are overwhelmed by 10, while others can not bat an eye as they make their 400th purchase. You gotta listen to your needs and capacities!

[@philipphawk]

@@stayfreshproductions Great answer J, especially that last sentence ! Thanks !

[@ChanceFavors310]

Everyone of those frags was a new designer release at some point though. And everything that i havent smelled before is new to my nose regardless of when it came out. I think its just how you look at it. My grail frag could have been released in 2004 or maybe it hasnt been created yet. Hence why the search continues for the perfect starting line up.

[@stayfreshproductions]

You're totally right...but the fragrances I've chosen in this video are, in my opinion, undeniably different to those that are following the trends. Especially alongside many of their trendy contemporaries during the time they were released.

[@larry6921]

Thank you for being honest, I totally agree, I'm tired of waiting 3 years flanker after flanker for a banger to come out. I'm rocking generic cheap fragrances right now serves the same purpose becaus the originals don't last anymore ect.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@moustachio334]

New designers all seek to please everyone and no one likes a people pleaser. That's what I've concluded having spent the last few months testing modern frags. I blame KZbin for this. The more influencers saying something smells good the more likely people will buy it. I love the classics and there are so many timeless fragrances that have never gone away. They all do one or two things extremely well whereas modern perfumes try to do everything just okay. And Ron Swanson once said you can half ass one thing but can't half ass two things.

[@nieczerwony]

You're right about Chanel. I still like their existing ones thou. My favourite is original Allure Homme. Man I would love them to come with EDP or parfum version of this. For me this is a masterpiece even though I normally don't like bright fragrances. Then we have original Egoiste and Antaeus. As for Dior, Eau Sauvage is the classic and I love it, however Fahrenheit is the KING. Original version all the way. La Parfum is just like a castrated ancestor of it. One thing I will never forgive Dior is they discontinued Absolute flanker of Fahrenheit. It is equal to original on my list, just different reason. Incense and myrrh just add darkness rather then boldness. Lucky for me I still have a full bottle as I am not paying what vintage sellers are asking for it.

[@NewYorkNewYorker]

I'm not really sure why this video came up in my recommended considering I'm not into fragrances. But you nailed your shirt fit perfectly. Nice shoulders bro.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thank you!

[@thefragrantlife14]

I have a few from Tom Ford but haven’t had the opportunity to try beau dejour. I have tried ombré leather.

[@klauskroker3925]

Lalique Equus is pretty nice as well. Also Lolita Lempicka goes in a bit of a different direction

[@bhjoshscentz]

Regarding the spraying at the department stores I did do that..I ran..an then saw my picture on the wall right when I took off 🏃‍♂️😬

[@stayfreshproductions]

Lol!

[@drakkar_night3346]

Nothing new because research and development eats into their high profits. Wear grain alcohol infused with herbs, spices, and pine leafs. No harmful ingredients. Natural forest smelling. Infuse coffee grinds in a spray bottle with the full grain alcohol. Even spices for the fall. Confidence comes when you have money 😂

[@DeflatingAtheism]

I'm very interested in Issey Miyake Bois Arctic, but I'd have to spend an arm and a leg shipping it from overseas, and even there it doesn't seem plentiful!

[@stayfreshproductions]

Oh! Didn't hear about that one...

[@davekemp1808]

The only new release that I've smelled would be the new Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée. I'm new to collecting, but I've yet to get my nose on anything else that really smelled like it. And that L'Homme Ideal line is maybe, at least from what I've smelled, is my favourite line from any house. Guerlain just seems to put out such great fragrances.

[@stayfreshproductions]

I agree, Guerlain is superb.

[@edwinp.]

Dior Homme 2020 I like and it’s something different from my current easy to wear side of fragrances.

[@harpalchauhan428]

Justin dior savage edp batch code 2BO2 for 2022 is 2 months 27 days old is 100% reformulated. Its not in your face metallic vibe its like a sweet different may be more light version of the edp vibe but not as good really disappointed will give it couple moths to mature but even the box has a blue tint around the border that used to be dark black.

[@stayfreshproductions]

Hmm, interesting! Let me know how what happens in a couple months!

[@harpalchauhan428]

@@stayfreshproductions 100% will do funny thing never bought it when it firsr came out . Then about 2019 went to buy at Christmas and saw so many people buying it that i bought the edp instead. And about month later my brother in law was wearing it and asked if i liked it 😂 now 3 years later from that i thought i would try the real deal after not being impressed by prada carbon.

[@bradleystroup1457]

The Givenchy does smell like DHI. I own both. The difference is DHIhas that fruity/musky sweet and the Givenchy has a boozy/ambery sweetness with the edp sort of in the background. It's more based out

[@stayfreshproductions]

Thanks for sharing!

[@savethealcoholic]

I love niche, just here to experience JC’s soothing voice and attractiveness. 😂

[@stayfreshproductions]

😆🙏🏾😊

[@goat9325]

Nice SPECtacles! This video is about to be SPECtacular! Can’t wait to see your introSPECtive thoughts! Dang it I can’t focus I am distracted!