Fragcom's Free Bottle Issue - Everything launched and given is a 10 or a 9.

[@robes08]

Just on a side note. I have not DELETED one comment since publishing this content. I do believe in people giving their thoughts on the topic on reasonable grounds. You can disagree with me partly or fully and I will leave your comment up. I may respond with my thoughts but that's what an honest person would do (unlike many pictured in this video that censor comments). Thank you community as I was not sure if there was a community anymore, but this shows me with the views and comments that there's a community out there still wanting to discuss perfume, discover perfume and enjoy perfume related content.

[@RichMitch]

🫡

[@Roberto-xc5xy]

That was an excellent video. Thanks man!!

[@Namo81]

We are still here man. Been here since 2009 💪

[@canas888]

You forgot JR Writer, first one that got me into this hobby :)

[@johnmatthew8710]

@robes08 You are as pompous as the day is long, and have been targeting fragrance content creators you have harbored envious malicious energy toward for the better part of a decade now (remember the Jeremy passive aggressive attack video in early 2016?) You try to put an altruistic spin on all of this, but the ulterior motives involved are and have always been centered around the petty rage you feel about having gone from being the undisputed king of KZbin's fragrance community in 2010-2011, to someone who almost nobody at all cares about now. Throwing a glorified tantrum like this is THE ONLY way you can get a video of yours to crack even 1K views nowadays, so it's safe to assume more of the same should be expected for the attention you crave. Everything you say and do is predicated upon your huge ego, at the end of the day, rather than any kind of noble intentions as you try to create the illusion of.

[@JoyAmin666]

one guy stands tall against all , that has to be Fragrance Guru :)

[@beachlife4704]

@@JoyAmin666 Joy, I still watch you. Honestly, you are my favorite. Your style is so simple and clearly articulated and you obviously still have a passion for fragrances. Keep it up.

[@kevinlenyatsa3648]

@@JoyAmin666 You're one of the last ones left Joy.

[@onepassben]

Joy GOAT

[@oceansclub]

Since I remember (as I think, 4-5 years now), Joy never let me down 👌OG and GOAT in one, humble person, modest King!

[@kingyeti6336]

@@oceansclubagreed

[@theboybrand]

When the hobby extends to a business, authenticity goes out the window.

[@ch-ir8ld]

*Jeremey Fragrance has entered the chat*

[@edwardbrock3807]

2 words.. Tik Tok

[@MyFragranceWardrobe-jz4xc]

Doesn't it also mean business when this guy here in this video is making money off of affiliate links? LOL.

[@AHK206]

Finally someone said it. I knew something was fishy. Thanks for this. This is why you are one of the REAL OGs in this game.

[@robes08]

✊

[@edwardbrock3807]

I miss the OGs man. I was late and it was just a fun rabbit hole discovering this comm in 2020. I use to stay up late just listening to all these guys; it was joyful! And most of all it felt genuine. Importantly i listened and loved their 10 min vids, in fact i wanted them to keep talking. Now i jus lose interest as it feels sold out and catered to the 10 sec tiktokers

[@AlanMocellim]

Marc and Joy Amin still the best ones; they review everything, show their own perspective and opinion, dont get away with hype.

[@oc222]

Don’t forget AC Smells Good. He’s on another level and reviews fragrances because of passion!

[@dukeagainsttheodds3170]

​@@oc222 AC is A OK...

[@hrvojebartolovic2545]

vote up for Joy

[@raydeemed]

​@@hrvojebartolovic2545 joy is not honest too he also hypes bad houses, i say so because he put me on a certain house and bought many bottles which i had to throw away

[@Alritealritealrite]

I agree with that.

[@TheChrisHawk]

Every time Eau d'Erica smells the same fragrance, she has a totally different response (depending on who is the sponsor of the day...).

[@robes08]

Does not surprise me.

[@211bear]

But you keep watching her

[@TheChrisHawk]

@@211bear Nope. I've blocked her channel.

[@stx7389]

​@@robes08Erica is special since she is also a girlfriend of a guy that works for Xerjjoff 😂😂😂

[@stx7389]

​@@robes08And believe me she is like a 9 and he is 6, that never happens with females 😂

[@Mx_Skull]

Cuba's whole style, aura, & way of being would be perfect if he was a 17 yr old working in a dispensary trying to sell me on a new strain

[@FunkyD50]

I got sick of him after 3 videos. Now, I’ve blocked Cuba, TLTG, RMRS, Bow Tie Guy, Neeb is going to be next. I Definitely don’t watch Erica and Curly. Both trash.

[@FunkyD50]

I got sick of him (Cuba) after 3 videos. Now, I’ve blocked Cuba, TLTG, RMRS, Bow Tie Guy, Neeb is going to be next. I Definitely don’t watch Erica and Curly. Both trash.

[@Zepster77]

😂

[@DubThaDetailer]

The dude is Sooo cringe.

[@HI_808]

Love Cuba

[@cactu5jack]

I can't stand Curly. She tries way too hard to appeal to incels

[@robes08]

she's got em!

[@buddhastl7120]

Def her target market but to be fair in my 20+ years of fragcom I have noticed that many incels get into frags in some hope that it’ll give them an edge to attract women.

[@kenmasters2231]

can you really blame her. she's a business woman.

[@Snk13_ty]

Absolutely you can. When you put yourself in a public space, taking criticism is part of the job. I understand people like you are scared to be critical for fear of being labled toxic though.​@kenmasters2231

[@kenmasters2231]

constructive criticism is fine but criticising her because incels are attracted to her is actually kinda toxic.

[@fragrancemafia1778]

I miss the old Fragcom. Hiro, You, Drac Doc, Frank N Scents, Coach Rob, Carlos (RIP), Fragrance Bros, Kerosene.. Man I really looked forward to reviews in those days.

[@graffkidd21]

Me too bro...me too

[@sk8girldecks11]

@@fragrancemafia1778 yessir! Can’t forget about Dan. And Coach Rob still makes videos every now and then.

[@jcdchristopher1533]

Can’t forget about Brandon/Cutlass Supreme SL or Julio from NY Fragrance Blog either.

[@shaunshere9960]

Damn that's going back in time but I remember those days fondly! That's when I first got into the game. well before the influencer craze and click bait titles etc.

[@dachucktaylor1]

Me too, modern day Fragcom is corny now.

[@joshsawyerstreamvods]

these people are living adverts not reviewers

[@ScentedMoments]

Buckle up, boys and girls, it will be a bumpy ride!

[@robes08]

😅 you don't even know. It's spicy.

[@dfwshade7525]

@@robes08The spice must flow!

[@dukeagainsttheodds3170]

​@@robes08 😳😯🤯🌶️🌶️🌶️

[@PutsalunChhim]

love love love hahahhaha

[@PutsalunChhim]

@@robes08 love love love hahaha

[@AMCTX]

Sebastian (The Perfume Guy) is the ONLY reviewer that presents new discoveries of brands or specific scents that no one else has mentioned - and he does so routinely. Yes, he receives some in PR but he also purchases on his own AND he honestly reviews them whether they are great or are awful even if they’re gifted.

[@miket8497]

I love Stewart at Scents of Style, too.

[@kyzersoze9002]

Sebastian is the only guy I watch nowadays

[@ealarcon5]

I also like Chad from a gentleman’s journey like he says I’m no influencer, im a reviewer

[@fragranceenthusiast5790]

@@miket8497 I agree with you Mike. I like Stewart too.

[@joserauldino]

@@ealarcon5 I have met Chad and hung out with him as we are both Canadians and met in each of our cities (Toronto and Vancouver). Chad is a good dude and just an honest, salt of the earth guy.

[@runningscents2532]

Curley fragrance is the worst!!

[@robes08]

I can't argue this statement.

[@runningscents2532]

​@@robes08 and ash has becom the new jeremy fragrance! Top 10 everything, top 10 lady magnets, top 10 seduction, top 10 panty dropper, same shi€% fragrances all year around with his smug cocky face. All these reviewers telling guys the fragrance will get them laid. While wearing trash outfits!

[@galain]

yeah but she's hot. Just turn the sound off!

[@joshuamumblo7345]

The one promoting soulja boys overpriced frag in most of her videos like it's the second coming of jesus?

[@galain]

@@joshuamumblo7345 Bro - I don't really listen to what she's saying 😆.

[@richarddogbey519]

I appreciate your candidness and courage to call them out by name. It's so obvious they're fake influencers. Subscribed!

[@petbull7038]

That was savage 😂 I hope this goes viral. This should be required viewing for everyone in the community. I salute you, sir 🫡

[@SymbianBlack]

The OG….. the ORIGINAL…. Has spoken!!!!!!

[@scentanity2280]

... We should have a DOZEN episodes on this topic!

[@robes08]

Every Sunday, I take em to church!!

[@simoverse]

​@@robes08a clean-up is needed. I've been disregarding many youtubers recommendations and insights for months. I shows when people are not paid to talk a out a perfume. Sboy by Draco was wake-up call. He'll to every dishonest bastard

[@Hunter-uy6ru]

So glad you're willing to actually call out people by name. I mean, we already know who they are, but still. Keep it up. I used to work at a luxury department store and I got so tired of seeing hordes of people flock to absolute shitters like PDM while Guerlain was essentially a wasteland. Thanks TikTok

[@Hosenanzugtasche]

tbh Guerlain did this to themselves selling out.

[@cosminmcm]

How did they sell out?

[@Hosenanzugtasche]

@@cosminmcm By selling the company to Arnault.

[@Bang4711]

I agree with almost everything. I wouldn't call PDM shitters...

[@bogdantoneff2693]

​@@Bang4711 not shitters, ut designer scentprofiles for premium price. Not worth ot at all imo.

[@Anthony-1001]

Young men, don’t be fooled by the flashy promises from KZbin influencers about 'panty-droppers' or 'fragrances that make women go wild.' These claims are exaggerated and often exploit the insecurities many guys have. The truth is, every woman is different-what appeals to one might not resonate with another. Attraction isn’t something you can bottle up in a fragrance. It's about respect, confidence, and genuine connection. Scents, like tastes in food, holidays, or clothes, are highly personal. So, instead of chasing after gimmicks, focus on being your authentic self and building real connections. Don’t fall for the marketing traps. Confidence and sincerity will always be more attractive than any fragrance could ever be.

[@seelvus7771]

king

[@solokom]

Robes woke up and chose violence. 😄👍

[@robes08]

😲😂

[@theodorenwokeji8799]

😂😂 I'm glad we still have OGs like him in this space who are truly love and respect the art of perfume. We need more credible reviewers like him.

[@Alritealritealrite]

It needs to be said. I've only been around for a couple years and it's gotten worse quickly.

[@biggboi1967]

At 25:27 😂😂… man, I’m loving this video! After being subscribed to many of these channels for many years, I finally decided to unsubscribed from many of them. They’re garbage now. Great job Mark! 👏🏽

[@rideyalife]

The problem is back in the days every reviewers have a job and did reviews out of the love for fragrances during their free time. But once they knew that they can make money 💰out of it and do it full time.....then some of them went to the dark side 😬. May the force be with the OGs still doing it the old ways 💪💪

[@robes08]

✊

[@fastcanoe105]

All newbies (and pros) should watch this video to understand the amount of propaganda that is being paid for by these frag companies. Buyer beware of overhype and influencers, particularly our younger and less experienced fragheads. Great video!!

[@Chadckay]

I remember Erica praising Mr Smelly's Gravitas when she was appearing on his channel saying in one of her videos when she smelt it "I picture James Bond standing in front of me" then when they fell out she did another video on Gravitas saying: '"there's nothing redeemable about it, I don't like this at all" The integrity

[@robes08]

It didn't take long for her to change her mind.

[@Kemon-]

Dickey Boy Babcock put together that video. I went looking for a video when I saw your comment and that's what I saw. I'm not subscribed to her channel and now I'll certainly stay away from anything she says. Thank you.

[@Kemon-]

Why did they fall out?

[@sandrolaurignano2461]

I actually really like Naughton and Wilson Gravitas and Bon Viveur.

[@OmarZ77]

3:26 Serge Lutens is the perfect example. Exceptional fragrances. Ecrin de Fumee is insanely good and released in 2023, yet no word about it

[@DaveNYC]

So true. But also not the best example because they withdrew from all of their North American retail, so it’s hard to find.

[@OmarZ77]

@@DaveNYC they’re surprisingly everywhere in Canada (Hudson Bay & Holt Renfrew). Not sure why they did so in the US.

[@DaveNYC]

@@OmarZ77 ah, that’s good to know. I thought it was all of North America. No need to order from Paris! Thank you!

[@pastichiorocker]

Commes des Garcons, another one you'll never see frag influencers reviewing, because they don't send out free bottles.

[@shave-a-thon3415]

Sebastian the Perfume Guy has mentioned Ecrin de Fumee. He resists shilling for the middle eastern clones and is one of the few that still reviews Zara's releases. The rest don't touch them. There's no freebies and no click through links available.

[@Omer698]

If any fragrance influencers says "here's a X% off this fragrance/website" in the description I immediately know they're peddling something. I know most people nowdays have an extreme phobia of leaving the house and actually trying out these fragrances in store for themselves, so my only advice is, DON'T blind buy. Sample sample sample and be mindful of redundancy. Frag addiction is real.

[@RoseBrandyFinn]

For me personally, perfume reviews do not have value when people use the same praising words without explaining why they perceive these scents in such a way, without digging deep into the emotions the scents arouse. I can see the pyramid, I can read the marketing story created by the brand, it is easy; it is not what I am seeking for when I watch youtube videos, expecting them to be an independent personal opinion and personal experience. Thank you for your reviews, they bring back the things that perfumery love is about -- intelligence, feeling, passion for Scents.❦

[@robes08]

🫶

[@buddhastl7120]

Same. Well said.

[@simonesilveira117]

Couldn't agree more, I feel like my fragrance reviews in fragrantica have triple the value and the analysis than these so called fragrance influencers 😂 I should get paid for this

[@jeremiebowles7658]

This was a well-needed video. The influencers have destroyed The beauty and art of perfume. This directly correlates with what the house is and perfumers are putting out. Now everything just smells like a cavity waiting to happen. Very few houses are actually still making perfume. It is and may have already killed the art. All the houses are making Walmart paintings and selling them at Van Gogh prices.

[@robes08]

We have to search much harder now for beautiful pieces.

[@ronnie5329]

If you (the viewer, not Rob) like designers, Rotten Rebel never pushes codes or links. Never once got the notion he was shilling. He does decent production quality. But he is not always first to the new hype or releases.

[@lazyman4214]

and he likes 99% of the fragrances which he shows, just like Joy Amin. They are like the golden retrievers of fragrance community :D

[@ronnie5329]

@@lazyman4214 haha, well he did make a video about fragrances he bought, that he dislikes, earlier this year

[@kevintaylor5552]

I'm here for all the smoke kid

[@GucciButNotGuilty]

"Let"s go get 'em again."

[@josenewman4442]

🔥💪👍🤙

[@jaroslawgambal5634]

Superhero of frag community.

[@MichaelB1979]

Mark im so happy youre doing this, they are misleading us they dont care about us.

[@julitakamaki4386]

I find CurlyFragrance to be extremely cringy. She falls into that category of lesbian/tomboy women that try to be masculine so they act the way they think men behave, in an exaggerated way. The secondhand embarrassment is too much.

[@Milwaukeemonsterr]

She def has more testo in her system than the average girl. And she looks lesbian you‘re right😂

[@ronnie5329]

​@@Milwaukeemonsterrshe is lesbian, her "friend" is her gf, that used to be in her review vids.

[@robes08]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cs9115]

Nailed it in a way I couldn't ever put into words lol. "Put your balls in a good position" doesn't even make sense. No man has ever been sitting and thought, "hmm my balls aren't in a good position..." She just wanted to say balls.

[@jonahcomplexx1849]

@@cs9115I sit wrong on my sack at least once a week.

[@ianheckman6655]

Honestly, the biggest thing about a lot of these videos, is that they don't even say anything about how the fragrance smells. They just either give it generic compliments or say what wonderful situations to use them in.

[@BavarianMWorks1]

💯 like describing a scent as ‘Woody’ Woody from ToyStory Cedar Wood, Mahogany wood etc

[@jaimejan8674]

Hamza Saab does and seems genuine. He is new and upcoming.

[@gabrielgomez9128]

Honor, admire and respect you, my friend, for being and saying everything we, the people on the other side of the screen, want to say. Thank you for representing us. And thank you speaking out the truth and bringing all these phonies to the spotlight.

[@milkbaby99]

PDM Kalan was exactly the same BS: free bottles to everyone who "coincidentally" rated it super highly, but afterwards never made any of the ubiquitous top ten videos.

[@EsteBahia]

I seen quite a few dislike Kalan while I like it. Gentcents, Cubaknow to name a few.

[@pastichiorocker]

Althair, Layton Exclusif, Sedley... All hyped by the free bottle brigade.

[@AnthonySmith-x5z]

Kalan is usually placed last on all PDM lists i dunno what you are tlakng about

[@AnthonySmith-x5z]

⁠Altair was terribly reviewed, boring at best. Nit now has good reviews on fragrantica

[@beachlife4704]

One guy that should be here is Dallas from Chaos Fragrances. That guy once used to have a decant course that you could pay for. He said he made anywhere from $3-5k a month selling decants. He posted his eBay page so you could see what he offered for sale. What he DIDN'T know is that ebay allows users to see what sellers actually sell. It was pointed out publicly that his eBay account only showed that he sold between $200-300 a month selling decants, not $3-5k. He was publicly called out and heckled for that. He soon shut down his decant course. He's such a little snake with a terrible beard.

[@9EricCN3]

"Top 10 Decants YOU NEED TO BUY FOR COMPLIMENTS RIGHT NOW!"

[@kingyeti6336]

Trash for sure

[@Rishabh_Sachdev]

Damn thanks for sharing this!

[@mahyar7126]

Unfortunately, I can't like this video more than once!

[@FeltonFitness]

I started watching you in college! I'm glad you are back to making videos. circa 2008-2010 when I was watching religiously you were the man and got so much praise. The community was definitely different in those times. Just reviewing what the person has tried and liked and personally bought and owned. There were a variety of top 10 videos but everything was kinda different. When I started back getting into fragrance content in 2021 because I had fallen of from viewing for years, it was quite overwhelming. There was this new thing that I had discovered which were the clone fragrances. Not saying they were not out there before, but this was new to me as I had stop consuming content/buying fragrances. It was hard not to be influenced by the influencers/creators/reviewers, plus the affordability of said scents lead me down a path of blind buying a bunch of fragrances. Some were hits for me personally, from what I personally like and enjoy, but I've fond that now I have a lot of redundancy in my collection as well as, I now have several bottles that I don't like or particularly wear. Thanks for the video. My only critique is to kill the personal attacks. It decreases some of the validity in your stance.

[@robes08]

You're making me feel old now.

[@FeltonFitness]

@ back in those times Thierry Muglar was a hit, the pure malt, coffee n havane days…u was probably the only one saying his name right!

[@shamusteakiawa]

This is why I always go into the store and try them first. I don't trust some influencers

[@pullingthestrings5233]

So you trust some?

[@shamusteakiawa]

Yup

[@fussballmeister301]

💯 agree

[@AdamLovesFragrances]

I come back to watch you talk about fragrances just to realize your one of the realist fragrance KZbinrs. I can’t really tolerate them that much because they are trying to sell someone something and not really putting someone on to something that actually smells really good. Thank you robes08.

[@latinuomo]

You're my favorite reviewer. Thank you for exposing these scammers. We all sort of knew about them but i'm glad you call them out. Love this.. Keep them comin'.. Your honesty ir refreshing.

[@1Sanantoniomatute]

Cuba is the Shamwow guy of the frag industry.

[@robes08]

I thought more slapchop.

[@Hitman4seven-zv1pu]

I stopped watching fragrance reviews a couple of years ago. I am surprised that you still drop content. You are one of the OG‘s of Fragcom. It kinda lost its magic for me and i feel like there are almost no negative reviews anymore. It has one good point: i rarely buy new fragrances.

[@DonaGeek]

Love your brutal honesty . Seems like they pick out pretty faces to advertise their fragrances . There’s only a few fragrance KZbinrs I will follow from now on

[@GoodDaySir]

Yeah it's pathetic, Redolessance is the worst to me as he was one of the OG who clearly liked fragrances but it's pure smarmy salesman now. The rest are just obvious useful idiots.

[@Devastater77]

His set up and the way he dresses feels like you walked into a dept store selling you with calmness 🤣

[@shaunshere9960]

Ashton and Steven are perfect examples of paid off salesmen now, when they first started you knew it was for the love, but now it's all for the $$$

[@leeburgers2444]

I hate redo. Guy says nothing in any of his reviews. Wears different colour eye contacts. Cringe is over 9000. Ashton has some good moments when he calls things out otherwise he smells his own farts in that new set that he does his reviews from where it looks like it was filmed in the outdoor camping store that Eric Matthews and Allan Matthews managed in Boy Meets World. Just pathetic, cowardly, gutless, ham and egger tomato cannery jabroni behaviour 😂😂😂

[@JimPettenato]

@@shaunshere9960 Yes! Marc really went easy on Steven and completely left off Ashton. Two of the worst by far.

[@sandromateush9650]

@@JimPettenato I’d say plus Dallas (Chaos fragrances)

[@kkrectalobliterationchan-zl9lx]

really appreciate you standing up for the art of perfumery big dog

[@Sum1Stoopid]

Hey. Please keep doing what you're doing Robes. I fell out of the frag world over 15 years ago and only recently started getting back into it -- to say things have changed is an understatement! Your channel is, by far, the best in this community I've come across.

[@Tranquilize779]

What other newbies are cleaning up their subs after this?

[@Devastater77]

I did that a while ago not really subbed to many now if I wanted to buy a fragrance I'll check out a few reviews from my search not from an influencer

[@solokom]

No prisoners were made during this video. Love it for its honesty and boldness. Bravo! 👏

[@MuddyGreenMonster]

I think real fragheads know the score and can see right through these channels. Those not smart enough to notice, are quite happy living in ignorance. Unfortunately, that's just the way the world is today.

[@mr.o9152]

Thanks for shedding the light! So Glad we have Marc in the community!

[@toniapedd]

OH! One thing I forgot to mention is the collabs with specifically Navitus. I will never and have never purchased a single one. Knowing each influencer is gifting bottles to the other, ahead of launch in agreement of hyping up the others next collab for hyping theirs. Some actually admit they're supporting one's collab no matter how it's gonna actually smell! I also wish there were more women in this comment section!!!! We also have so much to say & it'd be great to hear from them!!

[@Sliceisnice850]

Navitus is definitely among the more blatantly slimy operations. The people who fall for it must spend half their lives getting suckered out there.

[@bambadieye]

It’s 5 am and im keeping watching your videos. I have been collecting perfumes since 3 years and of course has blind bought and watched influencers like jeremy and curly which i both unfollowed last year . Right now i can feel when a youtuber is pushing a frag and it’s a red flag. Please keep it real and wish you the best

[@XanoviaScents]

I was part of the old Fragcom... Made my first reviews and lists 10 years ago... I have not made a video is over 6 years because I lost interest in what the 'community' was becoming... Still VERY involved in purchasing and collecting fragrances but there are only a VERY select few people (Like Marc) that I still watch... The current state of the 'main stream' fragrance community is just so sad... Keep doing what you're doing Marc... I'll be here to support you brutha... I appreciate you taking the time to point out for some what has been blatantly obvious you others... ^_^ Perhaps it's time to put together a video highlighting stuff I've been wearing again... No free bottles here... LOL!!! Oh... And great job as always...

[@petejames440]

G`day Travis...do it mate..your lists and reviews were awesome!! Also, your review on Fragrantica of ALD Ambre De Coco was 24carat solid GOLD...hahaha

[@Baz4]

You were the real deal

[@XanoviaScents]

@@petejames440 LMFAO!!! Glad you enjoyed that review... I enjoy most of what Russian Adam makes but MAN that one just rubbed me the wrong way... LOL!!!

[@XanoviaScents]

@@Baz4

[@RyzFragz34]

Hope all is well my friend.

[@wheresmybeeradam8311]

I’m 54 years old & been into fragrances since I first left school & started going out back in 1986.. I’ve watched fragrance “reviews” for a hell of a long time, way back when KZbin was fresh & a lot of these new “influencers” were children.. I’ve seen it change for the worse & become commercialised over time.. There is no doubt in my mind that it started to change for the worse really quickly once Jeremy Fragrance come along … I also noticed with him it became less about the actual breakdown of the fragrance & more about what he said would get you laid, & all the younger ones would fall for that BS… I’m just glad that a lot (not all) of the newer “influencers” have not followed his “what will get you laid” path, because it’s quite cringy…

[@pratikpakrashi5171]

Massive respect for putting this video out mate!

[@Sliceisnice850]

Naming names takes courage. Thank you. Salespeople like TLTG, Justin Copeland, and Eau d’Erica should continue to be called out for their unethical behavior.

[@PwnageEngage]

It's literally just capitalism at work. They disclose when they get free stuff and have many videos where they talk about fragrances they don't like. I don't doubt that they may at times hype something for whatever reason, but who's to say that they don't actually love these perfumes?

[@ryany2882]

TlTG is horrible you'd have to be desperate to watch him. Absolute gimp he is

[@ronnie5329]

It just makes it difficult to trust what they love and dont. They have to be much more obvious about telling what they get, that this is sponsored.​@@PwnageEngage

[@commander0zero]

I know him because he named them. Naming takes zero courage. Be the change you want to see. I got no advice to come here on the various platforms because of his integrity or top flight reviews. I’m here because of all his grievances with his fragcom. I was willing to listen but I’m not hearing anything compelling at all.

[@shakinlaw1406]

Idk if “unethical” is quite the right term but I get it

[@Alritealritealrite]

Honestly, I think you should do a series. People have been noticing the things that you're mentioning, but it's always denied. There's nothing wrong with making money as long as it's not doing it deceitfully.

[@gg41r]

CurlyFragrance is firmly in the pocket of the frag makers. She isnt even subtle about it. I un-subbed her channel.

[@pastichiorocker]

She's one of the absolute worst. It's hard to believe her simp army doesn't see through her Superz.Budapest and S-Boy scheme.

[@robes08]

If Jeremy can do it, so can she!

[@pastichiorocker]

@@robes08 They did a video on a yacht together a few months ago where they reviewed eachother's fragrances. 🥲

[@AMPA3233]

Absolutely true

[@Robots0verHumans]

same here

[@flexiblebus]

I noticed EVERYONE posted a review of Chanel's Superleggera on the same day. It was plain as day they all got the bottle for free. I don't think this video is news to anyone who has paid attention to fragcom over the past several years. It is refreshing to see an OG call it out though. Speaking of calling out, when is someone gonna call out Roja? That brand has been giving away free stuff for a long time. Everyone always said the same thing; Masterpiece, high quality ingredients, expertly blended, worth the high price tag.

[@AnthonySmith-x5z]

Not really, 95% of Roja fragrances are never mentioned and Enigma got massively shat on

[@gunmetal2445]

I do see more and more people questioning content creators even in other fields...it feels like everyone is becoming more skeptical across the board. I don't think this is a bad thing, its always good to be careful. Hopefully this video will raise awareness for newbies.

[@robes08]

If I helped one person out, it was worth it. From my messages it seems many have opened their eyes.

[@AnthonySmith-x5z]

On the one hand people expect quality content for free, on the other most of them made youtube and commissions as their main source of income and full time job.

[@omarion2k]

Thanks for exposing these scammers, they have zero respect for their viewers.

[@robes08]

Until the viewers stop watching they won't stop.

[@TheProstaff85]

What gets me about these influencers are they smell it for 2 secs and they are an experts about that scent, Thank you Marc for speaking the truth, GO HABS GO!!

[@aringrags]

You're the best fragrance channel. Thanks for making this video. Hopefully this videos wakes a lot of people up

[@FragranceGame85]

I really love watching Ramsey and Eugene. They’re authentic and have a real passion for fragrances.

[@miles-178]

yeeeeah - same here - always and only for years ... the rest influencers are just sale-whores!

[@angelcuev6762]

I even made me coffee for this one...😆

[@LeeKee_]

Idk I def get/agree with alot of this but some comes off as bitter. Talking about Neebs hair and TLTGs bracelets / working out when its supposed to be about the fragrance. Calling Neeb a ticktoker shows you didn’t do any thorough research as to him. I would hope that people have a brain and don’t blind buy everything they suggest and know they are part salesmen/entertainer.

[@robes08]

He came from Tik Tok, he built an audience there and moved to YT. Lost his tik tok account with all his views and had to restart. I know who he is. The content is what is important not neebs hair.

[@SamHxncho]

100% the content is what's important, which is what made you focusing on their hair/hat/bracelets such sad and salty behaviour 🤷. Really shouldn't throw stones at others' appearance if you live in a glass house

[@Kemon-]

​@SamHxncho absolutely! Taking a shot at someone working out, when you're shaped like Marc, is corny.

[@dfwshade7525]

There should be a bingo card of the names I’ve unsubscribed from. Unrelated to this video, just finally noticed certain patterns with their channels.

[@calvinchong2197]

Bro, love to see that the OG is still in the game. You look good man. I’ve been watching your videos since the Le Male AMen days. Stopped buying perfumes for awhile (it’s overwhelming) but still like to watch a video or two occasionally.

[@robes08]

Welcome back..maybe?

[@makijashikowalski1126]

In fact, you inspired me to enter the perfume world! My collection is not huge. I listened to you for the first time about 13 years ago and I heard you again 2 weeks ago. I remember when you reviewed L'Instant de Guerlain pour Homme Eau Extreme Beatrice Piquet and this beautiful scent is still with me. At this moment I feel a kind of sentiment returning to your channel after 13 years .

[@robes08]

Much love!

[@R-VAPOR]

The hobbyists stand tall in the sea of salesmans.

[@philmisc3513]

Mark, thank you so much for doing this video and for telling it like it is. You're an OG and I have been watching your videos since 2011, and this hobby has been hijacked by greed and you have totally captured what's what. Thank you again for your bravery and calling this nonsense out- we're all behind you for always keeping it real. God bless!

[@FilmNoir88]

You're not wrong at all Marc. I've been feeling this way for quite a while about so many shill influencers masquerading as reviewers.

[@theImpalerman]

Thanks for doing this, very entertaining and informative. It confirmed a lot of my suspicions with regard to some of those people.

[@robes08]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juandelacruzfraganciadelac1224]

I was shocked how someone goes from not even having a sample only a picture of a fragrance to over $1000 worth only in 6 months.

[@varmankulasinkam53]

Said it before and I'll say it now, your the man. Truly blessed to have an honest reviewer out there keep doing what your doing.

[@docsportello5833]

Thank you for bringing this up. The old fragcom was indeed different, but luckily there are still great reviewers like AC Smells, Ramsey, etc.

[@sabrinaandbenji1390]

What is the channel name for Ramsey?

[@FragranceGame85]

@@sabrinaandbenji1390just ramsey lol. Search Ramsey chanel and his video comes up

[@wlntatf]

This is a very informative and much needed video. More like this would be very much appreciated :)

[@NathanDrake007]

Backing marc no matter what , he’s the reason I know anything about fragrances .. and he keeps it real, OG!

[@DrakuIa]

Hey your the first I followed here on youtube I believe in 2010 or 2011 and your recommendations helped me to find some good perfumes thanks for that keep it original

[@robes08]

Glad to hear it!

[@christopherbird2739]

That redolessence guy is the worst, he’s like a robotic salesman. Absolutely no criticism at all, everything is amazing

[@miles-178]

i stopped watching all these sale-whores years ago .... only Eugine, BobbyDior, Rich ... wanna be connected only with real , objective, critically thinking reviewers!

[@Xsoul1000]

Hi Mark, your analysis is 100 % on point. I was watching your vids at least 10 years ago. The industry has changed a lot with the social networks. Honesty will always be fresh. However, it became kind of a freak show for views. Fortunately, some are still doing the real work. Thank you for being there.

[@Xsoul1000]

Fellas! AC here is one of the best describer / story teller in my humble opinion. On a technical level, Aaron knows also the intricate making of things as a chemist.

[@interloper8029]

11:55 the fragrance is well blended and uses high quality ingredients, according to a reviewer that has never blended a fragrance, and couldn't name any of the ingredients...

[@DarlingNikki2]

Come on now, even I say that about fragrances and I'm not an influencer, just an average consumer. Not to defend shilling because it gets annoying but you don't have to be a master perfumer to understand what a well-blended, high quality fragrance smells like to your own nose.

[@sk8girldecks11]

Thank you for shedding light on these idiot reviewers. Coming from a KZbin fragrance veteran, the KZbin fragrance community is an absolute joke now.

[@marcjohn9404]

It's not completely related, but do you remember when Dior Homme first relaunched in 2020, and everybody shat on it, and it had like a 2.8/5 on Fragrantica? Everybody changed their tune on it after like 6 months, and now the score is like 4.1/5. Idk if there's some payola with that, but even if there's nothing screwy about it, it shows what an echo chamber this community is. When the reviewers hate something, everyone hates it, and if they change their opinions across the board, so does the audience. It's a similar symptom to a similar problem. Not enough independent thinking.

[@GucciButNotGuilty]

Lots of people were expecting iris.

[@marcjohn9404]

​@GucciButNotGuilty It had a completely different pre-release notes breakdown, and the write up implied it was going to be different, but yes, that was the focus of the outrage. It's just that, everybody hated it, and said it smelled generic, and then at the same time they all sort of magically realized it was actually really good. I just think it's worth noting, and it does show that the influencers have a lot of control over perception.

[@fitprotunes]

​@@marcjohn9404it was hate at first because it was so different to the OG

[@sandromateush9650]

Tbh this release has grown on me A LOT. I’m a fan of the Dior Homme line, almost have the whole line in my collection, so I was really hated that release when it came out but after some time it has been getting better and better for me. So yeah, sometimes such things happen

[@Alritealritealrite]

Honestly, I don't think it's that great. It's not bad, but I don't see anything super about it.

[@9HNR]

I truly appreciate your sincerity, man. Not an easy thing to do. Thank you. I would love to see more unhyping videos, like this one. Warmest greetings from Brazil!

[@zyk4n]

This made my day LOL. I expected a lot more heads to be knocked off to be honest Marc! Some of these "Frag reviewers" /influencers aren't even the worst I've seen on youtube. Not going to lie, part of me would love more another video about this, with even more indepth info and editing etc, it was enjoyable as hell.

[@miles-178]

Absolutely Robes! thanks for making this good job for more than 10 years! Authentic guy this guy is!

[@jrs6657]

Redolessence is just annoying with his top ten list…filled with elite $500+ niche bottles & many(at least the ones I have tried sampler from smell of old lady or just super feminine

[@Jesus-Christ-Is-Our-King]

Well, he is also feminine.

[@ryany2882]

He's gay though

[@jrs6657]

@@ryany2882 is he? His mannerisms will suggest it, but I thought he did a few video years ago with his wife.

[@AdamLovesFragrances]

Very deceptive “reviewers” man, thank you for making a video like this. It’s very important to be aware of, especially if people weren’t.

[@caramel8875]

Mark - couldn’t agree more! Been following the frag com since 2014. I was addicted and built a large collection. A few years ago, I unsubscribed to all frag channels (for the reasons you addressed) and sold 90% of my bottles… and moved on! You and Joy Amin are the only channels I still watch and rate. It’s totally fake now! Sadly many people have been conditioned to gravitate towards this low level content though - hence the success of these influencers!… And of course being attractive (and showing cleavage if female) massively helps them!

[@dannyh1891]

I'm curious, you must have collected over a thousand frags over the years, do you throw away or sell unused frags. Was just thinking that because storage must become limited over time.

[@tuxi187]

Old fragcomm is very snobby, its like a country club with people obsessed with rare expensive fragrances that smell strange. Some of the old fragcomm are my favourites but i felt like it was more about collecting expensive bottles than actual fragrance art. The new fragcomm is influencers who are about numbers, clones and content creation. There are amazing reviewers on both sides and its down to the viewer to pick who tickles their fancy. I think some of the comments about the beads ane Cubaknow sounded a bit personal and unnecessary, but each to his own. I will continue to support those who i have grown fond of , its seriously not that deep and its just smelling water.

[@robes08]

Of course you have your opinion and I'm open to it, actually old fragcomm was not snobby, old fragcomm was about designer scents, discovering new scents and sharing, we had a box of samples from everyone that was shared and shipped across north america. Reviewers buying bottles for other reviewers just for them to sniff a scent. We move into niche very slowly on youtube and had fun doing it. There's always one or two that may rub you the wrong way but honestly I was there in the thick of it and saw the actual community part of it, no brands were around, no affiliate codes just people sharing love and passion. You had good reviews, to so so ones to bad ones. The new ones yes you have a point about numbers, clones and clout but not everyone is that way. Nothing was personal, just business. The beads were just something that irked me since I was watching several of these back to back and it was making noise, but I do agree unnecessary but an observation. This video has nothing to do with smelly water at all, it's about a community of people (which I'm in) and my thoughts on the actions taken. The water did nothing wrong.

[@charlesgherman5394]

Completely agree. I like old fragcom for the most part but they are super snobby and condescending. The comments on people’s appearances was just weird.

[@BKtheUltimate]

Yeah I agree comments regarding personal appearance are completely unnecessary and actually come off as salty and below the belt. Totally fine to call people out on their content and inconsistencies but personal appearance is bad form.

[@JR01015]

I agree with some of what you say but old fragcomm was far from snobby. People were excited about your standard designer perfumes. Hardly any niche and private line discussions. Nautica Vouyage. D&G The One. YSL L’Homme. Some collectors had more expensive tastes but most would judge each fragrance on its individual merit. So a JPG Le Male (Marc’s favourite of all time) was equally if not greater than any niche fragrance. Now it’s all about niche and clones. Let’s be real. It’s more snobby now.

[@JR01015]

@@robes08you’re right. Even me from the uk I was sharing samples with CoschRob across the globe! To be honest things were authentic till Jeremy and monetised the niche.

[@pespes3649]

I was searching about Micallef before blind buying this one when I saw your video😅 I took it more seriously when you talked about James Heeley perfume(Another authentic reviewer suggested this brand). As a beginner, we are not sure whether the reviewer is fake or authentic, we would like to buy more perfume and discover different scents, so please introduce us to both fake and authentic reviewers.

[@FantasticScents]

Hey Robes it is truly refreshing to watch your videos, a true reviewer and sandly 1 of the few left from the good days. This Micallef fragrance i never heard of, then suddenly everyone was reviewing it and praising it, i knew this was a red flag and stay away from it. Keep spreading the truth!!

[@xavierayayaell546]

First video I've ever seen of yours, great watch - more of this please.

[@robes08]

More to come!

[@wagstaff6135]

so OG. I’m here for it.

[@959lover]

Marc, spot on from start to finish. Authenticity is missing in the community which I value and which is why I am still subscribed to you and why I'm not to most others. I'll get off your lawn now :D

[@edgarfigueroa7476]

Name the FBB: Demi, Curly, expose these people hahahaha

[@toddardoin4273]

I appreciate your honesty, bro. Really, thank you for keeping it real and not falling into the trap of paid reviews. Keep doing what you're doing. Honesty will always pay off - no pun intended...