Great video, this really needs to be discussed more. I’ve been feeling this over saturation with new fragrance releases for a while, it’s blatantly OTT. Add to that the silly price increases and ethical issues by these designer houses, I’m finding it all rather too much. I’m happy to wear what I already have which is a mix of niche, designer classics, Middle Eastern houses and perfume oils. There’s lots of new layering combinations to explore and experience. If I’m interested in anything I will wait for samples to cross my path. I only watch videos of people who have the same taste as me- people who don’t push anything and not into what’s trendy. I’ve also been decluttering a lot, if there are similar fragrances (calling out orange blossom ones 😂), I only keep one and get rid of the rest. I have some things in my wish list (a few Francesca Bianchi fragrances) but I’m happy to wait because I know it will be a quality and worthwhile purchase.
Oh my.... I do love a beautiful high end fragrance but I was brought up by my mother that a special fragrance is for special occasions. I am very financially frugal so I appreciate the fact that I have never been caught in this trap to buy buy buy. I buy when my fragrance is close to empty. Having emergency savings is way more important than collecting too much of anything.
@@Smurfygurly I have a tester of Unspoken Musk which I thought I was going to love, but I’m a bit ambivalent about it now. My skin seems to eat fragrances and musk is a tricky one for me. I have a full bottle of The Dark Side which I treasure. But the ones in my wish list are The Lovers Tale and Sex & the sea. But I’m willing to wait until I am ready to buy. They’re so potent which means that the sample set last ages and I think it needs that time to fully test such complex scents.
I needed this video! Things has sort of been getting out of hand on my part last couple of months.. i’ve been spending alot of money on fragrances when in reality i cant afford it (i have money to barely make it each month in the first place😅) also whenever i get some extra unforseen money into my bank account i can only think about how i should spend that money on my next fragrance. So i rarely spend money on other things. I feel like a drug addict😂 i guess its emotional driven for me, as ive been struggling with mental health issues lately. so i guess purchasing fragrances is a way of getting comfort, which is sort of ironic. Cause it mostly leads to stress (considering my finacial situation) So the fact that this video popped up on my recommended is definitely a sign that i need to step back and reassess hthings, so thanks for that!
You’re not alone, I hope you can get things under better control, try shopping your closet you’ll probably reignite your love for fragrances you already have, it works for me. Good luck 🤞🏼
You're definitely not alone...I feel the exact same way with the exact same struggles. Seeing your comment and this video gives me comfort knowing I'm not alone and support to break this habit/addiction.
My collection has grown so much over the past 6 months that I had to purchase a large “perfume” cabinet which I keep in my bathroom. When I look at my collection I am very grateful, however I can’t help but think about all the money I could have saved instead of spending it on perfumes. I’m just so passionate about perfume and yes, it is an addiction. Lately, I’m getting my more pleasure from watching my bank account grow instead of waiting for my next shipment of perfume. For now, it’s getting better. Thanks for the video-this topic definitely needs to be addressed more often.
I will clarify-the bathroom I store them is has no shower in it. So they are completely ok. It’s a downstairs bathroom that rarely gets used and they are stored in a cool, dark space. ;)
I had been pretty good about cutting back on buying perfume, however last month I lost my job & went crazy putting things on credit. I'm now luckily employed again & did not do any damage that cannot be fixed in a month, but my trigger is definitely buying when I'm stressed. I also did it alot when I was in a very unhealthy relationship.
I’m very much an emotional buying. I’ve been made redundant and been unemployed for 2 months now. My obsession was disappearing slowly before this but now I’m back to feeling obsessive because scent is incredibly therapeutic to me and I guess I’m just looking for comfort at this time. I haven’t caved yet but if I do buy anything, it will most probably be with a gift card. Great video!!
Always good to be reminded of this. I've vastly reduced my purchasing because, frankly, nothing is exciting me these days (fragrance-wise). Cheers, Claire!
I have many bottles and fragrances that I love. I'm really picky now about new fragrances I add to my 'collection'. I really avoid blind buying and prefer sample first. And if it's a love I tend to buy the smallest version available, even a travel size. If I'm going through it quickly and feel like I miss it, it's a good sign that I'm ready for a full bottle 😊 I also try to let go the ones I don't love or don't wear anymore so my mother has a nice collection too now 😆 Even if she tends to finish them quite quickly (she's team oversprayer 😂).
I've been told that I'm a bit of an organizational nut, but crunching the numbers and tracking them using graphs is never a bad idea. When you put all the lines in the same chart, the visual aid can sometimes really help put things in perspective. Personally, I have a hobby account and prioritize from that across all hobbies, meaning that every fragrance purchase is ultimately a sacrifice somewhere else. Keeps things clean and neat and surplusses can go into other accounts if needed (and they sometimes are). Shifts attention from "perfume" to "current interests" which takes away the association to personal identity or need. Like I said....perspective. 😄 Hope all is well Claire! ❤
You're so right about over-consumerism and blind-buying. I got into knitting about 5 years ago and the amount of yarn I have acquired is insane. More yarn than I will ever be able to knit. Thankfully, it finally sunk it late last year and I have not purchased anything this year. If I see something I want, I write it down and tell myself I can buy it later - this trick has worked and I have not purchased anything new.. At some point, I'm going to go through my collection and give away some things I know I will not use... some point, not today. :)
Yes, I’m in a obsessive phase. I tried to have no buy months but ended up buying anyway. I am trying to not search around because there are always bargains, and to use my samples and decays before buying a full bottle🙃 it’s difficult but just make more sense.
I’m a hoarder, so I don’t really sell anything. That’s the reason why my fragrance collection is enough for three lifetimes 😂. However, I stopped buying fragrances about two years ago. I simply realised that finding the perfect fragrance is impossible (or you already own it) and trying new things never ends. So I can confidently say that I spent zero Euros on fragrances. Alas, I found other things to spend my money on 😂 (mostly second hand clothes because I enjoy “the hunt”).
I am a collector 😊 I admit it... when I stopped collecting fragrances, I started collecting journals and stickers until I had enough and now I am collecting dolls😂😂😂. Getting tired of collecting them now and hoping that the collecting spirit is done. I have enough stuff😉
I made a similar video speaking on this topic with some of your same sentiments. It started with me doing inventory. When I realized I was in the realm of 100 plus. I knew it was time to scale back and re evaluate life lol. Thanks for sharing ❤.
I knew I was too far gone when my mom commented she was overwhelmed by her FOUR bottles of perfume, Im nearly at 70. I also realized I will never have a signature if I have so many and it made me sad bc I always remember how my mother smelled and I want people to feel that way about me too.
I have to remind my 15yr old daughter that influencers majority of the time receive these high end expensive perfumes for free in return of bushing sales. I’m self employed & don’t earn an awful lot & of course with the cost of living, rent increase etc, I have to live within my means…I will be honest & say that it is tempting still, but I have to keep ‘parent talking’ myself 😂 I’m 47yrs old & only over the past year have gradually got better with saving(embarrassing that it has taken me this long 😳) Your advice on here is great regarding finances 🙏
Nice video 👍I stopped buying full bottles I buy minis and samples way cheaper and I don’t feel guilty. I also make sure I really like the perfume before I buy full size❤we really don’t need all the new perfumes that come out on the market. Setting a budget is key👍better to have a collection of mini fragrances you love than full expensive bottles just for display and hardly used…
I had been having some moodswings earlier in the week and then nearly bought a backup of a perfume I haven't finished, and a rebuy of an old love the other day. I've spent my budget for this month so I was thinking of using klarna so I could psychologically "count it as next month" 🤣 But then I have less to spend next month on stuff I might run out of, skincare etc. I snapped out of it and closed the tabs and I am so glad I did, I don't even want them! After that I spent some time looking through my budget notebook and reaffirming the path I want to stay on
@@Smurfygurly that's a really good tip, thank you. I was so in that tunnel vision, needing to want something, space. I'm amazed I actually 'came to' on that occasion!
This was a very interesting video Claire. After a house move two years ago, I was going so well, down to 18 bottles but it has slowly crept back up again to close to 35 which I know is not a lot compared to others but it is too many for me. A lot of travel is happening for me in the next 12 months so I should be putting my money there and I was for a while but things seems to have gotten out of hand with spending money on stuff I don’t need. Not just perfumes, candles and skincare are also an issue. I am in no way going into debt for this shopping but I am definitely using money I could put to better use 😢
I’ve definitely gone through buying too much skin care and the problem with that is you can’t resell it once opened and it expires. It’s so easy to be tempted though!
Exactly. I thoroughly enjoyed this video Claire and it was interesting to hear about your younger self and managing money. I hate to think of the money I have wasted over the years as it would probably make me cry 😢
Yes, I definitely realize I have a lot... So I'm slowing down and definitely sampling more. It gets expensive! And I definitely have other financial priorities. So slowing down at this point is normal and welcomed. I'm also less interested in many of the UA-cam content at this point. So much of it is on the latest greatest new fragrance... The hype gets old...
Agree, at this point I’m sick of the hype and actively avoiding the latest and greatest which ultimately for a lot of people will be their latest and greatest disappointment.
I'm a new subscriber. I am always on the lookout for real reviews as opposed to an infomercial. I only recently started buying fragrances and really learning about the world of perfumes. I can't believe the size of the collections some UA-camrs have! And many of them are high end, luxury fragrances. How do they afford them all? I wanted to say that I'm just in love with your hair. The color, the curls; just lovely. Thank you, for covering this topic. Now that I know that there are really great scents at low price points I'm definitely finding myself adding more and more to my wish list. It could easily become out of control.
I prefer many of the Arabian perfumes from a couple of houses. I'm older, mid 50s, and my ancestry is SE Asia and the ME. The deeper attars, oils, etc. remind me of the women in my family who wore more intense fragrances. Musks, ambers and ouds are comforting to me. I'm also disabled and have a small budget. I also spend a lot of time at home and like to spray my perfumes on my bedroom curtains, sheets and pillows. With more expensive fragrances, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. But my $30 Lataffa? Absolutely. I even enjoy a few of the better dupe houses like Dossier. I have 1 expensive perfume, a Tom Ford, that was over $300 American. It's for occasions like brunch with the girls, a dinner out, etc. I have 12 fragrances and since I enjoy less expensive houses, my grown children will buy me a bottle or two for my birthday or other hols. Fragrance is so personal. For me, it lifts my moods when I'm stuck waiting on another surgery or dealing with a flare. Everyone has their own reason. So, please, understand that Arabians and other cheaper houses are not "less than". I smell and feel amazing in my perfumes. My perfumes are for my enjoyment. Not someone else's.
Wow, this is so true. You are spot on about four days ago. I ordered three bottles and then I kept looking at my wish list and wondered if I forgot one and for some reason I felt like I didn’t get enough so I ordered nine more bottles my wife actually thought I went nuts, I feel like you can never have enough or you never have that perfect scent that you’re looking for . I was disappointed I believe that’s why I went and bought nine more. I feel like I will never find the perfect fragrance so I will buy and buy more. I bought so much listening to these influencers I bought 90% on blind buys. I’m never fully happy though. This is actually scary. So yesterday I deleted all my subscriptions to see if I’m addictive. Well here I am on utube this morning just looking because now it’s my morning routine. We have to remember these influencers are here to make money, get free perfumes, or other perks. It’s all scripted. Believe me they don’t know or smell these notes like they perceive. Fake knowledge they are no better than us guys. They just have these Utube accounts . I bought over 30 bottles since June. Honestly that’s scary shit
I stopped worrying so much, life’s too short for so many worries and anxious feelings, I just enjoy what I have in my collection and if I add more, I add more, if I don’t, I don’t. I don’t have the money, I don’t buy. I also don’t buy monthly, it’s not something set in stone. Of course we’re never going to finish all of them but passion is not about efficiency, it’s about something that makes you happy. Once it starts being a burden or gives so much worry and uncomfortable feelings it’s not a passion anymore. I don’t blind buy any longer, I used to do that years ago, but after 30 years of perfumery I don’t find blind buying so exciting anymore. I test first and have become much more selective with what I add to my collection. I also find that lots of things are similar these days and I already have something similar in my collection or even almost identical. Nevertheless I have lots of fun always testing new stuff, I do purchase many samples and find that much more exciting these days than buying full bottles because I already have enough of those. The curiosity still exists though, to test the new releases and discover new brands. I guess it also all depends on where one is in their fragrance journey.
My collection has gone from four small bottles to nearing 70 (not including samples but including travel sprays) it’s overwhelming and I get a high from purchasing. Granted I don’t drop 100$ on each but my goodness…at some point you can’t enjoy them all. My mother has always had a couple perfumes and remarked when I let her look at some samples I had that she is already overwhelmed by her 4 fragrances at her vanity, 4!!!! I think I will start to sell some I don’t love and not repurchase some after I finish the bottle. If a frag addicted person is reading this, you probably already have a few signature scents like me I think we can stop looking now 😂
I stopped blind buying and being unemployed right now helps me only buy essentials. I only own 1 perfume that I bought today on sale for $20 CAD. It’s a 50ml floral perfume. I will get 5 samples from niche house before I decide to invest in a bottle. I will never spend more than $200 on a bottle of perfume. If someone buys me an expensive bottle, I would gladly accept it 😊
I'm just trying to save up money to replace my fragrances that were stolen. Yes, stolen. I had about 30, and I can't do half the stuff I used to do, including travel, due to a stroke crippling me. The only people with access to my scents were my caregivers. They took Philosophy Amazing Grace, Perry Ellis 360, Burberry, Stella McCartney Pop Bluebell, Kate Spade Walk on Air, and one body spray. Oh, and Dune -- which I will never have the money to replace. I don't do much but I do love fragrance, something my late mom and I shared.
Sorry that happened to you. Beyond the loss of your fragrances, it's such a personal violation. Even if you're not able to replace them, I hope you're about to enjoy what you have.
@laurieeyebee sorry that has happened to you, I’ve seen your past comments about this. Are you in the US? I’m happy to donate some bottles and send your way, shipping on me. I don’t want to put my contact info here, but maybe Claire can facilitate an intro using her PR email address.
I’m not rolling in cash but in fragrance. I’ve had to slow down and I’m 😊 to do just that. I feel that I have too many perfumes and I can’t use them all up, not even in a lifetime!!!
Thank you Claire! This was eye opening for me . I spent approximately 400.00 in the last 3 months. Possibly slightly more….ugh… I have almost 100 full bottles… and 2 on the way… I think it’s time to declutter… whoa Nellie … time to reign myself in… 👀👀👀😱
@@Smurfygurly I am totally going to do that. You brought up so many important points . Time to curate my existing collection. ✨💫🌟😊and looking forward to it. It just feels Right!
The blind-buy phase is over. Out of about 20 bottles I only liked 2 or 3. The last one was Mon Guerlain Intense and it was the first ever fragrance I bought when the word boring came to mind 😂. The magic number for me is 8.
I have 40 full bottles perfumes… which lasts me a lifetime i think 😂 and i also have around 100 minis & travel size… Thank goodness I have stopped buying since 2 yrs ago.. 😅👍🏼saved some money !
I have 15 fragrances and I already feel like I shouldn’t buy more and just simplify it and downsize further. I think 5-12 fragrances is enough to have variety and a collection without being a hoarder. I do keep a bag full of samples and that keeps my collector mode satisfied.
@@mediocrebankai It works for me because my itch to collect has to do with the scent, I don’t really care about the bottles so I can take a very small space to store samples and tuck it away out of sight to keep a more minimalist perfume tray look.
I am still working bottle from 20 years ago because it takes forever for them to finish up. I only throw them away when the scent is no longer good for whatever reason.
I might be a bit of an oddball but I only blind bought once for about 30 odd quid. I liked it but it didn't work on my skin so I resold it and only lost about a tenner. But I really did not like how the disappointment felt, and I have sworn to sample first. Sniffing once in store before buying doesn't cut it for me either.
The main reason we keep buying are the UA-cam influencers. Unfollow and stop watching those channels. I have 14 bottles and as a minimalist by nature, it drives me crazy. I’ve started selling about 6 or 7 of them. What I noticed: 1. Most of them smell almost the same at dry down since they the same notes. 2. People around you don’t care as long as you smell good. 3. If you must buy, get a 30 or 50 ml instead 100 ml, though the price sometimes is the same.
Thanks so much this is very much appreciated I get my Smelly with avon ever 4 weeks and I never seem to have enough always need more and alway so kind and give them alway so I I order more 😢😅 its re a vicious circle I can't afford designer.I just get avon ps What colour is your hair it's very beautiful ❤ And different lot of love tash xxx hope u having a beautiful weekend ❤
I agree with you. I spend quite a bit of time researching a fragrance that catches my eye before I buy it. I have over 50 sitting on my "save for later" list on Amazon. I regularly go back and look at what I've saved and review a few. I inevitably find that I can remove a couple from the list when I do this. I don't buy spontaneously unless it's one of my favs that I'm almost out of. For me personally, being thoughtful about my purchases is something I need to stick too.
Overal I spent like $500 on perfume since december./January . I spend money on perfume every month since then so I am trying to only buy 2 perfume in November and maybe one in December and then stop or I might just buy two. I am trying to cut back. My final goal is to stop adding to my collection by next year 2025 and only buy one more new one net year and use the ones I have
I bought 2 samples of Penhaligon's Ellenisia (discontinued favourite), Alexander Mcqueen My Queen Deluxe (Blind buy but had the original, prefer the original..) Dior miniatures set 2015 containing 7.5ml Miss Dior 2012 formula, Dior Addict Fraiche, J'adore, Forever and Ever, Diorissima, Perfumes by Azzi Discovery Set, was not blown away by any) and Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria as I read it is similar to Midnight Rain by La Prairie Midnight Rain (My long lost love). My true lost love being the 2012 Miss Dior... The discovery set was my latest purchase. I am so glad and do feel a sense of peace as I have one again.
Great video, this really needs to be discussed more. I’ve been feeling this over saturation with new fragrance releases for a while, it’s blatantly OTT. Add to that the silly price increases and ethical issues by these designer houses, I’m finding it all rather too much. I’m happy to wear what I already have which is a mix of niche, designer classics, Middle Eastern houses and perfume oils. There’s lots of new layering combinations to explore and experience. If I’m interested in anything I will wait for samples to cross my path. I only watch videos of people who have the same taste as me- people who don’t push anything and not into what’s trendy. I’ve also been decluttering a lot, if there are similar fragrances (calling out orange blossom ones 😂), I only keep one and get rid of the rest. I have some things in my wish list (a few Francesca Bianchi fragrances) but I’m happy to wait because I know it will be a quality and worthwhile purchase.
Excellent points! Yes layering can bring new life to a collection. I’m wearing FB today, Unspoken Musk 💖
Oh my.... I do love a beautiful high end fragrance but I was brought up by my mother that a special fragrance is for special occasions. I am very financially frugal so I appreciate the fact that I have never been caught in this trap to buy buy buy. I buy when my fragrance is close to empty. Having emergency savings is way more important than collecting too much of anything.
@@Smurfygurly I have a tester of Unspoken Musk which I thought I was going to love, but I’m a bit ambivalent about it now. My skin seems to eat fragrances and musk is a tricky one for me. I have a full bottle of The Dark Side which I treasure. But the ones in my wish list are The Lovers Tale and Sex & the sea. But I’m willing to wait until I am ready to buy. They’re so potent which means that the sample set last ages and I think it needs that time to fully test such complex scents.
I needed this video! Things has sort of been getting out of hand on my part last couple of months.. i’ve been spending alot of money on fragrances when in reality i cant afford it (i have money to barely make it each month in the first place😅) also whenever i get some extra unforseen money into my bank account i can only think about how i should spend that money on my next fragrance. So i rarely spend money on other things. I feel like a drug addict😂 i guess its emotional driven for me, as ive been struggling with mental health issues lately. so i guess purchasing fragrances is a way of getting comfort, which is sort of ironic. Cause it mostly leads to stress (considering my finacial situation)
So the fact that this video popped up on my recommended is definitely a sign that i need to step back and reassess hthings, so thanks for that!
You’re not alone, I hope you can get things under better control, try shopping your closet you’ll probably reignite your love for fragrances you already have, it works for me. Good luck 🤞🏼
You're definitely not alone...I feel the exact same way with the exact same struggles. Seeing your comment and this video gives me comfort knowing I'm not alone and support to break this habit/addiction.
My collection has grown so much over the past 6 months that I had to purchase a large “perfume” cabinet which I keep in my bathroom. When I look at my collection I am very grateful, however I can’t help but think about all the money I could have saved instead of spending it on perfumes. I’m just so passionate about perfume and yes, it is an addiction. Lately, I’m getting my more pleasure from watching my bank account grow instead of waiting for my next shipment of perfume. For now, it’s getting better. Thanks for the video-this topic definitely needs to be addressed more often.
Well done on recognising an issue! Enjoy your collection and thanks for your comment.
Don’t keep Them in the bathroom.. they will,,turn’’ bad faster… waste of money
Please take them out of the bathroom unless you want them all ruined!
I will clarify-the bathroom I store them is has no shower in it. So they are completely ok. It’s a downstairs bathroom that rarely gets used and they are stored in a cool, dark space. ;)
"You don't need to try everything" is probably the best thing you said in this video. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
I had been pretty good about cutting back on buying perfume, however last month I lost my job & went crazy putting things on credit. I'm now luckily employed again & did not do any damage that cannot be fixed in a month, but my trigger is definitely buying when I'm stressed. I also did it alot when I was in a very unhealthy relationship.
I’m very much an emotional buying. I’ve been made redundant and been unemployed for 2 months now. My obsession was disappearing slowly before this but now I’m back to feeling obsessive because scent is incredibly therapeutic to me and I guess I’m just looking for comfort at this time. I haven’t caved yet but if I do buy anything, it will most probably be with a gift card. Great video!!
I’m so sorry to hear that, hopefully a great job is on the horizon for you 🍀
Always good to be reminded of this. I've vastly reduced my purchasing because, frankly, nothing is exciting me these days (fragrance-wise). Cheers, Claire!
Yes I know that feeling!
I have many bottles and fragrances that I love. I'm really picky now about new fragrances I add to my 'collection'. I really avoid blind buying and prefer sample first. And if it's a love I tend to buy the smallest version available, even a travel size. If I'm going through it quickly and feel like I miss it, it's a good sign that I'm ready for a full bottle 😊 I also try to let go the ones I don't love or don't wear anymore so my mother has a nice collection too now 😆 Even if she tends to finish them quite quickly (she's team oversprayer 😂).
This woman is beautiful!! Hair looks amazing, healthy skin and her eyes 🌊
☺️ thank you, that’s so kind 💖
I've been told that I'm a bit of an organizational nut, but crunching the numbers and tracking them using graphs is never a bad idea. When you put all the lines in the same chart, the visual aid can sometimes really help put things in perspective. Personally, I have a hobby account and prioritize from that across all hobbies, meaning that every fragrance purchase is ultimately a sacrifice somewhere else. Keeps things clean and neat and surplusses can go into other accounts if needed (and they sometimes are). Shifts attention from "perfume" to "current interests" which takes away the association to personal identity or need. Like I said....perspective. 😄 Hope all is well Claire! ❤
The hobby account is such a good idea and from there you can have guilt free spending.
I never blind buy but I am always searching for my perfect scent which means I buy a lot of discovery sets or samples
You're so right about over-consumerism and blind-buying. I got into knitting about 5 years ago and the amount of yarn I have acquired is insane. More yarn than I will ever be able to knit. Thankfully, it finally sunk it late last year and I have not purchased anything this year. If I see something I want, I write it down and tell myself I can buy it later - this trick has worked and I have not purchased anything new.. At some point, I'm going to go through my collection and give away some things I know I will not use... some point, not today. :)
Everything you said is Spot ON !! Just wish I could get on with stopping this emotional roller coaster. Thanks for your time doing this message!
Yes, I’m in a obsessive phase. I tried to have no buy months but ended up buying anyway. I am trying to not search around because there are always bargains, and to use my samples and decays before buying a full bottle🙃 it’s difficult but just make more sense.
I love this.💯
I’m a hoarder, so I don’t really sell anything. That’s the reason why my fragrance collection is enough for three lifetimes 😂. However, I stopped buying fragrances about two years ago. I simply realised that finding the perfect fragrance is impossible (or you already own it) and trying new things never ends.
So I can confidently say that I spent zero Euros on fragrances. Alas, I found other things to spend my money on 😂 (mostly second hand clothes because I enjoy “the hunt”).
Ah the thrill of the hunt!
I am a collector 😊
I admit it... when I stopped collecting fragrances, I started collecting journals and stickers until I had enough and now I am collecting dolls😂😂😂. Getting tired of collecting them now and hoping that the collecting spirit is done. I have enough stuff😉
I made a similar video speaking on this topic with some of your same sentiments. It started with me doing inventory. When I realized I was in the realm of 100 plus. I knew it was time to scale back and re evaluate life lol. Thanks for sharing ❤.
I knew I was too far gone when my mom commented she was overwhelmed by her FOUR bottles of perfume, Im nearly at 70. I also realized I will never have a signature if I have so many and it made me sad bc I always remember how my mother smelled and I want people to feel that way about me too.
I have to remind my 15yr old daughter that influencers majority of the time receive these high end expensive perfumes for free in return of bushing sales. I’m self employed & don’t earn an awful lot & of course with the cost of living, rent increase etc, I have to live within my means…I will be honest & say that it is tempting still, but I have to keep ‘parent talking’ myself 😂
I’m 47yrs old & only over the past year have gradually got better with saving(embarrassing that it has taken me this long 😳)
Your advice on here is great regarding finances 🙏
Nice video 👍I stopped buying full bottles I buy minis and samples way cheaper and I don’t feel guilty. I also make sure I really like the perfume before I buy full size❤we really don’t need all the new perfumes that come out on the market. Setting a budget is key👍better to have a collection of mini fragrances you love than full expensive bottles just for display and hardly used…
That’s a good idea, plus minis are so cute too.
I had been having some moodswings earlier in the week and then nearly bought a backup of a perfume I haven't finished, and a rebuy of an old love the other day. I've spent my budget for this month so I was thinking of using klarna so I could psychologically "count it as next month" 🤣
But then I have less to spend next month on stuff I might run out of, skincare etc. I snapped out of it and closed the tabs and I am so glad I did, I don't even want them! After that I spent some time looking through my budget notebook and reaffirming the path I want to stay on
That’s great Em! Something that I think can help is asking yourself what “future you” would think of the purchase and that’s kind of what you did.
@@Smurfygurly that's a really good tip, thank you. I was so in that tunnel vision, needing to want something, space. I'm amazed I actually 'came to' on that occasion!
Wow! Good for you!
@@jeanetteh.9240 🙌
This was a very interesting video Claire. After a house move two years ago, I was going so well, down to 18 bottles but it has slowly crept back up again to close to 35 which I know is not a lot compared to others but it is too many for me. A lot of travel is happening for me in the next 12 months so I should be putting my money there and I was for a while but things seems to have gotten out of hand with spending money on stuff I don’t need. Not just perfumes, candles and skincare are also an issue. I am in no way going into debt for this shopping but I am definitely using money I could put to better use 😢
I’ve definitely gone through buying too much skin care and the problem with that is you can’t resell it once opened and it expires. It’s so easy to be tempted though!
Exactly. I thoroughly enjoyed this video Claire and it was interesting to hear about your younger self and managing money. I hate to think of the money I have wasted over the years as it would probably make me cry 😢
I feel so exposed! Haha🤣
Same here
Sorry!!
Yes, I definitely realize I have a lot... So I'm slowing down and definitely sampling more.
It gets expensive! And I definitely have other financial priorities. So slowing down at this point is normal and welcomed. I'm also less interested in many of the UA-cam content at this point. So much of it is on the latest greatest new fragrance... The hype gets old...
Agree, at this point I’m sick of the hype and actively avoiding the latest and greatest which ultimately for a lot of people will be their latest and greatest disappointment.
I'm a new subscriber. I am always on the lookout for real reviews as opposed to an infomercial.
I only recently started buying fragrances and really learning about the world of perfumes. I can't believe the size of the collections some UA-camrs have! And many of them are high end, luxury fragrances. How do they afford them all?
I wanted to say that I'm just in love with your hair. The color, the curls; just lovely.
Thank you, for covering this topic. Now that I know that there are really great scents at low price points I'm definitely finding myself adding more and more to my wish list. It could easily become out of control.
I prefer many of the Arabian perfumes from a couple of houses. I'm older, mid 50s, and my ancestry is SE Asia and the ME. The deeper attars, oils, etc. remind me of the women in my family who wore more intense fragrances. Musks, ambers and ouds are comforting to me.
I'm also disabled and have a small budget. I also spend a lot of time at home and like to spray my perfumes on my bedroom curtains, sheets and pillows. With more expensive fragrances, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. But my $30 Lataffa? Absolutely. I even enjoy a few of the better dupe houses like Dossier.
I have 1 expensive perfume, a Tom Ford, that was over $300 American. It's for occasions like brunch with the girls, a dinner out, etc.
I have 12 fragrances and since I enjoy less expensive houses, my grown children will buy me a bottle or two for my birthday or other hols.
Fragrance is so personal. For me, it lifts my moods when I'm stuck waiting on another surgery or dealing with a flare. Everyone has their own reason. So, please, understand that Arabians and other cheaper houses are not "less than". I smell and feel amazing in my perfumes. My perfumes are for my enjoyment. Not someone else's.
Wow, this is so true. You are spot on about four days ago. I ordered three bottles and then I kept looking at my wish list and wondered if I forgot one and for some reason I felt like I didn’t get enough so I ordered nine more bottles my wife actually thought I went nuts, I feel like you can never have enough or you never have that perfect scent that you’re looking for . I was disappointed I believe that’s why I went and bought nine more. I feel like I will never find the perfect fragrance so I will buy and buy more. I bought so much listening to these influencers I bought 90% on blind buys. I’m never fully happy though. This is actually scary. So yesterday I deleted all my subscriptions to see if I’m addictive. Well here I am on utube this morning just looking because now it’s my morning routine. We have to remember these influencers are here to make money, get free perfumes, or other perks. It’s all scripted. Believe me they don’t know or smell these notes like they perceive. Fake knowledge they are no better than us guys. They just have these Utube accounts . I bought over 30 bottles since June. Honestly that’s scary shit
I stopped worrying so much, life’s too short for so many worries and anxious feelings, I just enjoy what I have in my collection and if I add more, I add more, if I don’t, I don’t. I don’t have the money, I don’t buy. I also don’t buy monthly, it’s not something set in stone. Of course we’re never going to finish all of them but passion is not about efficiency, it’s about something that makes you happy. Once it starts being a burden or gives so much worry and uncomfortable feelings it’s not a passion anymore. I don’t blind buy any longer, I used to do that years ago, but after 30 years of perfumery I don’t find blind buying so exciting anymore. I test first and have become much more selective with what I add to my collection. I also find that lots of things are similar these days and I already have something similar in my collection or even almost identical. Nevertheless I have lots of fun always testing new stuff, I do purchase many samples and find that much more exciting these days than buying full bottles because I already have enough of those. The curiosity still exists though, to test the new releases and discover new brands. I guess it also all depends on where one is in their fragrance journey.
My collection has gone from four small bottles to nearing 70 (not including samples but including travel sprays) it’s overwhelming and I get a high from purchasing. Granted I don’t drop 100$ on each but my goodness…at some point you can’t enjoy them all. My mother has always had a couple perfumes and remarked when I let her look at some samples I had that she is already overwhelmed by her 4 fragrances at her vanity, 4!!!! I think I will start to sell some I don’t love and not repurchase some after I finish the bottle. If a frag addicted person is reading this, you probably already have a few signature scents like me I think we can stop looking now 😂
Thanks for a great video Smurfy Girl.
You are so welcome!
I stopped blind buying and being unemployed right now helps me only buy essentials. I only own 1 perfume that I bought today on sale for $20 CAD. It’s a 50ml floral perfume. I will get 5 samples from niche house before I decide to invest in a bottle. I will never spend more than $200 on a bottle of perfume. If someone buys me an expensive bottle, I would gladly accept it 😊
Thanks for the insight!
I'm just trying to save up money to replace my fragrances that were stolen. Yes, stolen. I had about 30, and I can't do half the stuff I used to do, including travel, due to a stroke crippling me. The only people with access to my scents were my caregivers. They took Philosophy Amazing Grace, Perry Ellis 360, Burberry, Stella McCartney Pop Bluebell, Kate Spade Walk on Air, and one body spray. Oh, and Dune -- which I will never have the money to replace. I don't do much but I do love fragrance, something my late mom and I shared.
That’s so sad, people can be so awful.
Sorry that happened to you. Beyond the loss of your fragrances, it's such a personal violation. Even if you're not able to replace them, I hope you're about to enjoy what you have.
@laurieeyebee sorry that has happened to you, I’ve seen your past comments about this.
Are you in the US? I’m happy to donate some bottles and send your way, shipping on me. I don’t want to put my contact info here, but maybe Claire can facilitate an intro using her PR email address.
I’m not rolling in cash but in fragrance. I’ve had to slow down and I’m 😊 to do just that. I feel that I have too many perfumes and I can’t use them all up, not even in a lifetime!!!
Exactly and it’s good to recognise!
Thank you Claire! This was eye opening for me . I spent approximately 400.00 in the last 3 months. Possibly slightly more….ugh… I have almost 100 full bottles… and 2 on the way… I think it’s time to declutter… whoa Nellie … time to reign myself in… 👀👀👀😱
You can do it! Enjoy the beautiful perfumes you already own.
@@Smurfygurly I am totally going to do that. You brought up so many important points . Time to curate my existing collection. ✨💫🌟😊and looking forward to it. It just feels Right!
The blind-buy phase is over. Out of about 20 bottles I only liked 2 or 3. The last one was Mon Guerlain Intense and it was the first ever fragrance I bought when the word boring came to mind 😂. The magic number for me is 8.
I have 40 full bottles perfumes… which lasts me a lifetime i think 😂 and i also have around 100 minis & travel size…
Thank goodness I have stopped buying since 2 yrs ago.. 😅👍🏼saved some money !
FANTASTIC video
Thank you!
Excellent video!
Thank you very much!
Great video , I’m on now buy but recently got a few Zara perfumes, luckily not very expensive 🌸
Great video!❤❤
Thank you!! 💖
I have 15 fragrances and I already feel like I shouldn’t buy more and just simplify it and downsize further. I think 5-12 fragrances is enough to have variety and a collection without being a hoarder. I do keep a bag full of samples and that keeps my collector mode satisfied.
That’s a nice number, not overwhelming but enough choice to keep it interesting.
Ooooh I love that, like a mini fragrance library you can go to when you get the itch
@@mediocrebankai It works for me because my itch to collect has to do with the scent, I don’t really care about the bottles so I can take a very small space to store samples and tuck it away out of sight to keep a more minimalist perfume tray look.
I also discovered afterpay, that sure didn't help my blind buying.
That stuff is evil
Heard! 👏👏🤞
Yes Yes Yes!
I am still working bottle from 20 years ago because it takes forever for them to finish up. I only throw them away when the scent is no longer good for whatever reason.
I might be a bit of an oddball but I only blind bought once for about 30 odd quid. I liked it but it didn't work on my skin so I resold it and only lost about a tenner.
But I really did not like how the disappointment felt, and I have sworn to sample first. Sniffing once in store before buying doesn't cut it for me either.
Yes I agree, I won’t buy based on a shop sniff, I need a sample first. I understand the thrill of the blind buy it’s a bit like gambling I suppose.
@@Smurfygurly the risk of feeling disappointment is thankfully stronger than the thrill
The main reason we keep buying are the UA-cam influencers. Unfollow and stop watching those channels. I have 14 bottles and as a minimalist by nature, it drives me crazy. I’ve started selling about 6 or 7 of them. What I noticed:
1. Most of them smell almost the same at dry down since they the same notes.
2. People around you don’t care as long as you smell good.
3. If you must buy, get a 30 or 50 ml instead 100 ml, though the price sometimes is the same.
0:00 yes lol
😂😂
Thanks so much this is very much appreciated I get my Smelly with avon ever 4 weeks and I never seem to have enough always need more and alway so kind and give them alway so I I order more 😢😅 its re a vicious circle I can't afford designer.I just get avon ps What colour is your hair it's very beautiful ❤ And different lot of love tash xxx hope u having a beautiful weekend ❤
Glad the video was useful Tash. Thank you, my hair is natural grey and brown but I used a toner recently to brighten it up. Xx
❤❤❤❤❤
I don’t think blind buys are stupid if you really do your research
Yes that’s true, I think it’s the less mindful/ multiple ones that aren’t so clever.
I agree with you. I spend quite a bit of time researching a fragrance that catches my eye before I buy it. I have over 50 sitting on my "save for later" list on Amazon. I regularly go back and look at what I've saved and review a few. I inevitably find that I can remove a couple from the list when I do this. I don't buy spontaneously unless it's one of my favs that I'm almost out of.
For me personally, being thoughtful about my purchases is something I need to stick too.
Its me to a tee.
Overal I spent like $500 on perfume since december./January . I spend money on perfume every month since then so I am trying to only buy 2 perfume in November and maybe one in December and then stop or I might just buy two. I am trying to cut back. My final goal is to stop adding to my collection by next year 2025 and only buy one more new one net year and use the ones I have
🌹
🌸
I think I spent £400 in the last 3 months on perfume...
It was £318.55...
I bought 2 samples of Penhaligon's Ellenisia (discontinued favourite), Alexander Mcqueen My Queen Deluxe (Blind buy but had the original, prefer the original..) Dior miniatures set 2015 containing 7.5ml Miss Dior 2012 formula, Dior Addict Fraiche, J'adore, Forever and Ever, Diorissima, Perfumes by Azzi Discovery Set, was not blown away by any) and Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria as I read it is similar to Midnight Rain by La Prairie Midnight Rain (My long lost love). My true lost love being the 2012 Miss Dior... The discovery set was my latest purchase. I am so glad and do feel a sense of peace as I have one again.
If I have to guess I'm going to say 800 US. I will be back 😉
Wow ok waiting for the answer….
778.84 pretty good guess. No buy for 3 months. Maybe three more months after that.
@@angelatravetto1847 good luck 🍀
😂🎉
For me 1 bottle / month 😅