It’s very hard for people today with You Tube. When I was in my 20’s & 30’s we didn’t have it and most women I knew would have maybe 5 or 6 perfumes max on their dressers and wouldn’t replenish those perfumes until they were empty. There was none of this back-up bottle talk. With You Tube you have people trying to influence you to buy, buy, buy and that’s just not normal. I’ve been guilty of blind buying but really try to get a sample first when possible. And these enormous collections people have today…that would stress me out too. Good luck with your no-buy and keeping only those you really love! 🙂
Yes! That's exactly how I used to collect perfumes and beauty items! Just a few at a time and replace them as I finish them. I would be excited to try something new when I finished an old bottle along with repurchasing my main signature perfume! I want to cut my collection back and enjoy every single one!
I don't have ADHD, but I do get obsessed with things and fragrance has totally sucked me in. I've been under lots of stress recently and shopping for fragrances has definitely got a bit crazy... I'm slowing down or even stopping this month and I'm decluttering next month after I've had a bit of a think. 😊
Completely the same! I realized a while ago that whatever my passion is I become obsessed with, such as work, school and now studying. I've learned to give myself grace while learning what works for me.
Glad you brought this up! I’ve been feeling same. I got caught up in the hype the consumerism. I am on a no buy to ‘cleanse my psyche’. It’s irresponsible to throw money around like that for me.
Absolutely!!! I feel disappointed in myself. I don't like the feeling. I started posting on my other channel again to start addressing some of the stuff!!
I kind of wanna cry. Im feeling the same way. I was cleaning my room today and I was looking at how much perfume and body mists and lotions I have anf I feel overwhelmed that I cant enjoy my fragrances. I just want to stop buying fragrances for a year to get rid of stuff I have. Its too much and giving me anxiety
I understand how you feel! Im currently doing that. I'm having fun testing out all of my stuff and deciding what goes and what stays. I tried for months to change my focus towards that instead of constantly buying. Selling things helps to make money and having a goal or purpose for that money to keep me motivated. Best of luck to you! I'll be posting lots of declutters soon!! Because I'm ready to only have a collection of things I love AND wear!
My toxic trait is i always buy the big bottle. Then when I hate it, i am always kicking myself. I need to chill out too. I have been adding way too many lately.
I feel the same way! Over buying! Getting influenced by UA-camrs and all they buy! I started to watch “how to get Rich” on Netflix and I feel so guilty spending all this money on all these perfumes it’s ridiculous! Girl I need to pay down my debt instead of getting in debt. It’s crazy! Anyway it’s my obsession and let’s see how I move forward from here. Be blessed and thank you!
Hi Carmen 👋 I have had a lot of bills lately due to the economy and high cost of living. I've been curating my collection and am only going to keep what I love. I sold 5 last week and 2 today as I'm really broke rn and need the money. It makes me realize which ones I really do love ❤️ Love your channel, keep being you and doing you, Love it!! ❤️
Thank you for your kind words!! I've been selling mine as well. I will have a huge declutter soon. Have you found yourself missing the ones you declutter? I don't usually, I forget about them and just enjoy what I have.
@@CarmenScentrix I haven't missed them as I don't "LOVE" them, and I'm only keeping what I truly "LOVE". Is still not easy letting it go, however I am curating my collection slowly so that everything I have I truly love, but it's going to take ages!! Glad some have sold though cos really need the money right now, tough times!! Much Love Carmen, you're beautiful inside and out!! 🤗😘❤️🌹
I definitely relate! I got into perfume in 2005 when I was a broke new grad, so all I could do was sample at fragrance counters and read blogs. Even after years of study, I still make purchasing mistakes. I've also found that for a person who adores perfume....I don't actually love *wearing* most perfumes. Like you, sometimes I feel like I pick up on jarring aromachemicals that don't bother other people. At any rate, I'm just trying to focus on wearing what I love repeatedly so that I can make strong scent memories. I've discovered that consistent wearing is the best way to turn a beloved fragrance into a scent that truly feels like "me". I also give perfumes that didn't work for me to friends and family -- it's so lovely that my purchasing mishaps can bring other people so much joy!
That's exactly my experience with aromachemicals! I can pick up on so many things people miss. I also don't wear perfume around the clock because that can become overwhelming. I also think that's what keeps my nose strong. I have been trying to wear my loves a lot as well but that makes me feel a bit guilty about the rest of my collection sitting there. 😅
Why am I just seeing this? This is such a difficult discussion because we change our minds frequently and we are easily influenced that’s the truth!, you know what works for me? Buying what I truly like! I think being on UA-cam there’s this expectation of purchasing every hyped and new or better yet expensive new fragrances, what scares me about that is maybe a channel can grow with popularity but what about finances? It’s a ride that can get out of control, I say buy what you love, you already know what doesn’t work for you, have fun with it and love what you LOVE 😉
In terms of content ideas, I'm always interested in hearing how preferences change over time. For example, did you love a certain category in younger days and now like something else?
Yyaassss! I do the same thing. When I focus on something I go all in, deep dive. Then I hit burnout and when I come up for air, I realize that I can probably open a store with all the stuff I have. I did it with my supplies to do my nails (I could open a nail salon now with all the stuff I have.), my sewing supplies, my cake decorating supplies, resin supplies, my perfume collection….it’s insanity. BUT….that’s all a part of what makes me…me. It’s a battle but it still brings me joy. It’s weird lol.
Same!! Always a new obsession!! I love our passion!! We don't know how to be subtle and I love that! I'm de-hoarding my house on my other channel soon because I'm going to try making minimalism my new hyperfocus lol
Lol. I tried to make gardening my obsession but it didn't work. Lol. I'm getting my dopamine from UA-cam too. Ive been enjoying making content and talking to people. I have another channel where I'm going to start making adhd content soon!
Maybe you can benefit from instead of instant decluttering keep them and try in a different season or even another part of your menstrual cycle. Unless it's something you can actually return to a store. I only buy second hand or Burlington
I definitely do that. I test most perfumes thoroughly before decluttering them unless they give me a headache or I pick up a note I can't stand at all. Pms and weather definitely change the way perfumes smells for us! I try not return them just so they don't get tossed in the garbage but most places I buy don't take returns anyway. Like Ross and Burlington or online.
Love this authenticity. First year into perfume for me, so much buyings and obsessions! I am not into the hype fragrances (except for samples sometimes just to understand) but more into solid classics from old houses or popular generic or freshies, love the 1990 decade, and same here. I bought Samsara because this is a classic but… is it for me? I decluttered some too. I enjoy videos of project pan, slow buy. That make really good content, as good as presenting new acquisition. That’s an interesting process.
Lol I feel so SEEN! I am so happy that I’ve really learnt to recognise other reviewers favourite notes and perceptions of the level of sweetness vs sharpness! I think sometimes it helps me when a reviewer likes a specific house. I still make mistakes though!
MMmmBbbbkRGHH! I wish we were IRL friends because I have SOOOO many thoughts on this, and am experiencing exactly the same things you are talking about but I don’t have anyone to talk to about it because no one I know has this interest. Fragrance is to me what food is to someone who has food issues. I hope that’s okay to say in a pc kind of way, I just identify with the feeling, just toward fragrance rather than food. I should stop now lol. I enjoy your content. 😊
We can talk more on Instagram!!! Most people don't understand the obsession! I also have another channel getting into more personal topics. Carmen Creatrix. I love to talk to like minded people. I try not to compare it to addiction because I don't want to offend anyone but it truly feels like that sometimes! Feel free to dm on Instagram!
And oh another way I control my buying is to not buy into the overhyped fragrances. I have a limit on how much I will spend on a perfume, so all those high end designer scents and niche scents I don't buy. I also don't watch reviewers who talk about high end designers and niche only. Why? When I'm not going to be buying them. I live outside of the US in a country where the exchange rate is extremely high, so if a fragrance can pay my rent, I'm not buying it
I also have a limit and very few fragrances I own are over 100 usd. I don't think I'll ever spend more than 200 usd on a perfume!! That's where I draw the line. I'm with you on not following channels who only have expensive niche, there is no point in desiring them. I don't want luxury channels either because I have no desire for luxury living to impress anyone.
I just subscribed to your channel. I completely agree with you. I'm "panning" some of my bottles and really need to stop buying. I only have about 50 or 60 fill sized bottles but i am already overwhelmed. I say this and then i hop online and browse for more! I. Need. Discipline.
Hey Carmen! Thanks for opening up. Im truly obsessed with buying perfumes. Every weekend I browse for different perfumes and watch perfume videos for hours. I rarely watch high end/ niche channels because I highly doubt I would buy these perfumes. I do blind buy scents but I’m to the point now that I usually know if I would like the scent. I pass on what I don’t like, but I need to declutter in the near future so you’re not alone.
Hey Carmen. I know exactly how you feel. I’ve mentioned this before and am going to mention it again. Sometimes I get overwhelmed too and I’m trying to take a step back from how many fragrance videos I watch because that’s part of the problem for me. Thank you for sharing
I'm down to only watching my UA-cam friends. It's more for the connection and sharing for me. I barely watch bigger channels now. That was definitely not helping.
@@CarmenScentrix I agree. I watch them sometimes and every time I do I get in trouble by purchasing something. It’s nothing against them, it’s something that I need to work on with myself. It’s definitely a struggle.
Hi Carmen, don't stop loving your perfumes. Take stock and love what you have. Try to test before buying and ignore the hype, especially if you can't afford. I find there are just too many perfume flankers. With some designer smell one and you've smelled them all. Love what you've got and thank you for your honesty!
I completely understand where you’re coming from. I started getting into perfumes this January and I’m already at 40+! It gets out of hand, so I’m really trying to cut it back. It’s so hard when I see all these things on sale (I.e for Mother’s Day) and I just want to get it all!
I do remind myself at times that my collection is somewhat of an investment in a way. If I needed to, I could always declutter and sell some of my fragrances. I actually might declutter some by signing up on Mercari. I’ve never sold any of my fragrances before, but I might try it.
Try it! It's not so bad. I just check the prices around before posting. I make sure to price it right under the grey market prices. But there is some perfumes that are not worth selling. Some cheapies and celebrities have almost no resell value. A quick search with let you know. Message me on Instagram if you have any questions!
@@CarmenScentrix aww Thank you so much! I have a few middle eastern ones I was thinking of just offering them as as pairs or bundles just to get rid of them. I’ll see when I have time to do a good declutter.
I’m thinking of working on my samples and finishing those up. Surprisingly for small vials they take up so much space and they kinda get lost because they’re so small. It’s time consuming to look at each one to figure out what to wear for the day, compared to looking at bottles and you know at a glance. I also want to finish off the handful of body sprays I have because I’m literally not a body spray person (they don’t last). However, I won’t give them up because they smell better to me than the actual perfume, which annoys me to no end considering they don’t last.
@@CarmenScentrix no I loved it. We have a similar time frame for starting this and are in similar places with our collections and thoughts so it’s always interesting to me.
I totally understand all of this. Reviews are fun to watch but it's very important to understand our own personal tastes and what types of notes or accords usually turn us off. Buying based on reviews is tricky in so many ways! I appreciate all of these points. Wise decisions, Carmen! Good luck with the no buy and I'm excited to see how you continue to define your OWN unique fragrance style. 😊😊😊
I totally get the feeling of it not being personalized. We’re definitely in the same place in this perfume addiction. I have been thinking that lately too (the “I played myself” and need to slow my roll). I look and smell and think so many of mine are just ok to me. Very very few are loves. I’m not as good at decluttering part…but I have no one to hand them to that is as crazy about perfume as me and so many are “cheapies” and not sure worth my time and effort to try and sell for a few bucks.
@@CarmenScentrix I do have a Mercari account and used to sell maybe I’ll give it a shot again. I honestly am getting burnt out to an extent because so many I think are now pretty boring or not memorable. I did just get Hot Couture in and had wanted that for a couple years but don’t have a ton on my wishlist (at least that I can afford right now).
I definitely feel you about Decluttering. I have decluttered a lot, but know that I could declutter more. I need to work on that. Can’t wait to see your declutter ❤❤❤😉
Samee girl, I didd'nt realize that's a part of adult adhd 😭 Triggered! I bought a house in april so I'm nobuying since May aswell. So far so good but I still look up way to much body sprays , so I'm making it hard on myself. What helped for me is counting all the perfumes I have laying around that I don't like/have for sale. It was around 10.. All blind buys. I DON'T want to move those into a new house, so I'm on a selling and using up binge right now.
That's what I'm going to work on too. I have a project Pan going and I'm going to make another declutter soon!! Adhd as in adult is a real struggle. Congrats on your house!!
Yes totally agree!! It can be so overwhelming 😩 Once I realize someone’s tastes are different from mine, I watch them to see what NOT to buy Lol 😆 I’m overdue for a declutter too !
I totally understand your feelings, I am pretty overwhelmed and I don't have a super large collection (under 200 samples included). I'm going on a no-buy for perfumes for 3 months because I have gone crazy with perfumes this year. I am pretty sure if I said I was a perfume addict, my family would look at me like, DUH! Lol. I wish you and I luck as we practice mindfulness w purchases 🙏.
I haven't been through a burnout, but have felt overwhelmed sometimes. Thank God I'm able to say no more and can stop buying for many months. Every year I go on a no buy and low buy. This year has been my most buy so far - it got out of hand. Haven't gotten any perfumes in over 2 months
Wow, perfect timing. I feel like I needed to hear everything you said in this video. Very good points! I feel like I need to get control over my decant buying as well, because that adds up quickly. Thanks for this🌸
I agree and your not alone we listen and buy I have felt the way you do many times and I just stop I now have some I have to force myself to wear I dread it and use BBW mist to change them so there more tolerant.. your a smart cookie you do you and never apologize for being honest and real
Yes I can't believe it took me this long to accept it also!! It doesn't matter how amazing the rest of the perfume is, the white musk will keep me from loving it! I finally admitted that to myself and now I need to re-evaluate my entire collection! I just know I'll hesitate to wear those. 😩
I have slowed down to a snail’s pace on buying this year after blind buying like a mad woman. Now I rarely consider buying anything that isn’t rated over a 4.0 on Fragrantica, it has to have no or minimal notes that I dislike and they are not the main ones. I don’t keep anything that I only like, not love. I only keep only what I personally rate a 4.5 out of 5. I also do not keep things my husband dislikes even if I do. I have had fun selling on Mercari and keeping my collection around 100 bottles. Good luck.
That's my entire goals right there!!!! I don't want to own anything I have any kind of issue with. Nothing my husband doesn't enjoy either. To me 100 perfumes sounds like a very reasonable amount! I know that's not the case for "regular" people but that's not me. I will be working towards those goals, thank you!!
I have around 200 bottles almost all hogh end/some niche and around 20 celebrity scents. I am at the point where I am burnt out from buying new scents and not using the ones I have. I have an immaculate collection but I cant wear them all, I only have 1 body. As of right now I am enjoying what I have and if i am even considering a new scent I buy a travel size. Now that is coming from a girl that only buys the biggest size 3.4 ounces. I overspray like crazy so 1 ounce I can go through in a month if not sooner. I try to remind myself that just because I have a travel size or 1 ounces doesn't mean I dont own that fragrance. For some reason I am not happy unless I have the 3.4 ounce bottle. Bottom line I am only buying travel sizes right now and really trying to get to know my collection better. Also I love angel edp and just because no one is talking about it doesn't mean its not fuego.....From one clothing sprayer to another❤Lauren❤ Edit: would love to see a video after you get to know your fragrances better. The ones you kept and let go. What you realized about the scent as you wore it more(smell, lengevity, etc) even if its just reviewing the scent more in depth
Hi Lauren, I would like to get to that point!! That's an excellent idea to only buy travel sprays! If I truly love the fragrance, I will get through the travel and then buy the bigger bottle. I definitely feel like I keep leaving the older purchases on the back burner and always get caught up with newer ones! I also always want the large bottle for some reason🤦♀️ I will definitely make those videos on what's leaving and what I discover in my own collection from diving into it more thoroughly! Thank you!
@@CarmenScentrix we always wear the new and forget the old. A no buy is the best way to go. Just go month to month and if there is something you really want like you said buy the travel. Travel is not the best value so I tend to steer away but keep in mind the full size would be an even worse value if you hate the scent and never wear it. Looking forward to your future videos as always.
Forgot to mention -- I've found it's helpful to get samples from online, rather than trying to smell them in stores. The air is usually filled with competing scents, and I get nose-blind before I've even smelled anything.:) If you buy samples online, then you can test them at leisure at different times of the day. You can live with the perfume awhile before you commit (or not).
like you, I used to get everything I see or “felt” like I would love… and felt so lost in my collection because I didn’t have “me” fragrances… I also notice other channels’ “type” of fragrances… after years of watching content, i kind of have a file cabinet in my brain of creators according to scent categories, so I know which one I will go with if I am looking for a certain scent 😁
Yes I have a mental archive as well! You're one of the ones I have the most common taste with!! I feel like my taste is not the mainstream one and I've been chasing perfumes by hype versus personal taste. So I just need to work on that.
Girl today I was just thinking the same thing. I was re organizing my collection and thought why am I keeping fragrance I’m not wearing. I really need to do the same. Curate my collection. I have 3 perfumes that smell the same and I don’t even like them. Very popular too! But my nose changes with Seasons so idk!!
Same!! I’ve Been on a no buy for months. And a declutter. I looked at my collection and asked my fiancé “did I used to make like double what I make now because how did I get all these???” The neurodivergent shopping was definitely…. Debilitating lol
I'm afraid of the aroma chemicals because I know most of them are very powerful! I had 1 negative experience with Khamrah and I'm afraid to try more and come on here and say I dislike them. But I do have a couple of the most "mainstream" ones. Like dupes for designers. Which ones should I try???
Carmennn, who are the fraghead UA-camrs that you mentioned/like to watch? The taste of the girls you described sound right up my alley, just wanna make sure I'm following too :)
I think we all make ''bad decisions'' here and there. I definitely bought a few things from hype in the begining and learned that some UA-camrs and I sometimes have very different tastes. As time goes on, I know which UA-camrs I have more fragrance affinities with and also which notes I prefer. But also what notes could potentially be a big mistake of a blind buy (and I test more, or get travel sprays). I want to slow down a little too for the Summer and try to enjoy the fragrances that I already have.
This is the third time I've tried to leave a comment. It's a "Was it something I said?" type of feeling. Anyway, If this comment doesn't appear, I'll get worried. I just wanted to suggest something that's helped me. I have an allergic reaction to patchouli. So I always first check out the notes for any perfume I'm interested in. If it has patchouli, it's crossed off my list. You could do the same with ISO and Ambroxan.
I have no idea why it doesn't let you comment 😕 I saw another comment by someone else and I tried to reply and it was gone😔 I wonder what is going on? It's definitely not me! I leave all of my comments even if they aren't nice. Lol Yes I'm going to avoid anything with those notes from now on. The problem is, most of the time, it is not listed!
I take mini breaks from purchasing all the time. I am on one right now since I am going on a big vacation in a few months and need to divert a lot of my disposable income to that. Sometimes I take mini breaks if I find I am am making a lot of, often pricey, impulse purchases, even if they work out for me. I have been focusing on trying some of the lesser known fragrances. I have also found that some of my favourites from a brand are not the hyped ones (even if I like/love those as well). My fave Diptyque is Orpheon, even though the only ones I ever hear about are Eau Duelle and Philosykos. I wouldn't have discovered this if I didn't happen to get a sample of it from another fragrance lover.
Yes that's exactly how I feel!! My Favorites might not be the hyped even though I do like the hyped ones too. I have definitely been overdoing it and I need a break!
Around April, I saw the new perfumes coming out, I bought some of them and some I saw on tiktok that were being overhyped highkey. I became obsessed with buying perfumes around that month for some reason, what I didn’t do was buy a sample or travel size, ended up buying a big bottle thinking I’ll like it. I didn’t want to send it back because I feel like once I open it, I probably won’t get the full amount back. Then there’s 2 in my collection that smells like a bad headache coming my way, the “French girl” perfume, I couldn’t too strong on the pachouli and the musk, not that fruity. And I feel like Chloe was a bad choice for me, cause it was fresh I like it but I don’t know some of the notes weren’t for me, it’s a popular perfume but it wasn’t for me. And I bought a sample of Oud stain mood thinking it would smell nice cause it’s like a dark mysteries fragrance, yeah no, I don’t know why I was obsessed about buying a full bottle. But that was my experience 😭 I’m definitely gonna buy perfumes either the notes I like, or chill down on buying perfumes when I got things to pay
I felt the same about Chloé. It felt sharp and just not the kind of Rose I expected. 😕 I think maybe it was the musk? Once I get back into buying, I definitely plan on testing fragrances more vs blind buying!
I have a carousel that I won't buy anything that won't fit in it. That is how I keep my collection in control. My problem with using up my perfumes is that I don't feel inspired to use the fragrances that are just likes, and the ones that are loves I am going to repurchase when I finish the bottle (so it won't reduce the amount of bottles I own), so I just go through and pick a random fragrance in the morning and another in the evening. In fact, by wearing down the bottles pretty evenly, I will buy fewer new bottles. And anything I don't at least like ends up on my mercari. That way it is more likely to be enjoyed by someone else.
That's a great plan!! I almost ordered more shelving at one point to fit them better but I talked myself out of it. I just decided to declutter and reduce my collection. Definitely need to get rid of the just barely likes. 😩
It’s very hard for people today with You Tube. When I was in my 20’s & 30’s we didn’t have it and most women I knew would have maybe 5 or 6 perfumes max on their dressers and wouldn’t replenish those perfumes until they were empty. There was none of this back-up bottle talk. With You Tube you have people trying to influence you to buy, buy, buy and that’s just not normal. I’ve been guilty of blind buying but really try to get a sample first when possible. And these enormous collections people have today…that would stress me out too. Good luck with your no-buy and keeping only those you really love! 🙂
This!!!
Yes! That's exactly how I used to collect perfumes and beauty items! Just a few at a time and replace them as I finish them. I would be excited to try something new when I finished an old bottle along with repurchasing my main signature perfume! I want to cut my collection back and enjoy every single one!
I don't have ADHD, but I do get obsessed with things and fragrance has totally sucked me in. I've been under lots of stress recently and shopping for fragrances has definitely got a bit crazy... I'm slowing down or even stopping this month and I'm decluttering next month after I've had a bit of a think. 😊
Yes! I also use shopping as a coping mechanism and I need to work on that 😩
Completely the same! I realized a while ago that whatever my passion is I become obsessed with, such as work, school and now studying. I've learned to give myself grace while learning what works for me.
Glad you brought this up! I’ve been feeling same. I got caught up in the hype the consumerism. I am on a no buy to ‘cleanse my psyche’. It’s irresponsible to throw money around like that for me.
Absolutely!!! I feel disappointed in myself. I don't like the feeling. I started posting on my other channel again to start addressing some of the stuff!!
I kind of wanna cry. Im feeling the same way. I was cleaning my room today and I was looking at how much perfume and body mists and lotions I have anf I feel overwhelmed that I cant enjoy my fragrances. I just want to stop buying fragrances for a year to get rid of stuff I have. Its too much and giving me anxiety
I understand how you feel! Im currently doing that. I'm having fun testing out all of my stuff and deciding what goes and what stays. I tried for months to change my focus towards that instead of constantly buying. Selling things helps to make money and having a goal or purpose for that money to keep me motivated.
Best of luck to you!
I'll be posting lots of declutters soon!! Because I'm ready to only have a collection of things I love AND wear!
@@CarmenScentrix Yes after trying various scents im aware of the types I Love vs just liking. Time for declutter and more conscious life❤
My toxic trait is i always buy the big bottle. Then when I hate it, i am always kicking myself. I need to chill out too. I have been adding way too many lately.
Yeah thats definitely one of my toxic traits!!
I feel the same way! Over buying! Getting influenced by UA-camrs and all they buy! I started to watch “how to get Rich” on Netflix and I feel so guilty spending all this money on all these perfumes it’s ridiculous! Girl I need to pay down my debt instead of getting in debt. It’s crazy! Anyway it’s my obsession and let’s see how I move forward from here. Be blessed and thank you!
I need to watch that!! I hope I get inspired like you!
I try to take my time and experience each house by sampling and then pick my favorite(s). That’s how I determine for myself if it’s truly for me.
Yeah I need to learn to do that as well! Thank you!
Hi Carmen 👋 I have had a lot of bills lately due to the economy and high cost of living. I've been curating my collection and am only going to keep what I love. I sold 5 last week and 2 today as I'm really broke rn and need the money. It makes me realize which ones I really do love ❤️ Love your channel, keep being you and doing you, Love it!! ❤️
Thank you for your kind words!!
I've been selling mine as well. I will have a huge declutter soon.
Have you found yourself missing the ones you declutter? I don't usually, I forget about them and just enjoy what I have.
@@CarmenScentrix I haven't missed them as I don't "LOVE" them, and I'm only keeping what I truly "LOVE". Is still not easy letting it go, however I am curating my collection slowly so that everything I have I truly love, but it's going to take ages!! Glad some have sold though cos really need the money right now, tough times!! Much Love Carmen, you're beautiful inside and out!! 🤗😘❤️🌹
I definitely relate! I got into perfume in 2005 when I was a broke new grad, so all I could do was sample at fragrance counters and read blogs. Even after years of study, I still make purchasing mistakes. I've also found that for a person who adores perfume....I don't actually love *wearing* most perfumes. Like you, sometimes I feel like I pick up on jarring aromachemicals that don't bother other people. At any rate, I'm just trying to focus on wearing what I love repeatedly so that I can make strong scent memories. I've discovered that consistent wearing is the best way to turn a beloved fragrance into a scent that truly feels like "me". I also give perfumes that didn't work for me to friends and family -- it's so lovely that my purchasing mishaps can bring other people so much joy!
That's exactly my experience with aromachemicals! I can pick up on so many things people miss.
I also don't wear perfume around the clock because that can become overwhelming. I also think that's what keeps my nose strong. I have been trying to wear my loves a lot as well but that makes me feel a bit guilty about the rest of my collection sitting there. 😅
Why am I just seeing this? This is such a difficult discussion because we change our minds frequently and we are easily influenced that’s the truth!, you know what works for me? Buying what I truly like! I think being on UA-cam there’s this expectation of purchasing every hyped and new or better yet expensive new fragrances, what scares me about that is maybe a channel can grow with popularity but what about finances? It’s a ride that can get out of control, I say buy what you love, you already know what doesn’t work for you, have fun with it and love what you LOVE 😉
Yes that's what I want to do. Just have my own personal relationship with my perfumes! Thanks Sunny!
In terms of content ideas, I'm always interested in hearing how preferences change over time. For example, did you love a certain category in younger days and now like something else?
Yes!! Definitely will have to document me growing out of some of my perfumes. I really think I have 🤔 💭
Yyaassss! I do the same thing. When I focus on something I go all in, deep dive. Then I hit burnout and when I come up for air, I realize that I can probably open a store with all the stuff I have. I did it with my supplies to do my nails (I could open a nail salon now with all the stuff I have.), my sewing supplies, my cake decorating supplies, resin supplies, my perfume collection….it’s insanity. BUT….that’s all a part of what makes me…me. It’s a battle but it still brings me joy. It’s weird lol.
Same!! Always a new obsession!! I love our passion!! We don't know how to be subtle and I love that!
I'm de-hoarding my house on my other channel soon because I'm going to try making minimalism my new hyperfocus lol
@@CarmenScentrix I need to join you with decluttering my house too. It’s just crazy how much things accumulate over the years!
One thing I'm practicing on my no buy is to use my samples whenever I get a craving. Saw someone left that suggestion under a video
That's a great idea!! Thanks!
Same with the adhd thing…waiting for my next obsession and hoping it’s a hell of a lot less expensive!
Lol. I tried to make gardening my obsession but it didn't work. Lol. I'm getting my dopamine from UA-cam too. Ive been enjoying making content and talking to people. I have another channel where I'm going to start making adhd content soon!
Maybe you can benefit from instead of instant decluttering keep them and try in a different season or even another part of your menstrual cycle. Unless it's something you can actually return to a store. I only buy second hand or Burlington
I definitely do that. I test most perfumes thoroughly before decluttering them unless they give me a headache or I pick up a note I can't stand at all. Pms and weather definitely change the way perfumes smells for us! I try not return them just so they don't get tossed in the garbage but most places I buy don't take returns anyway. Like Ross and Burlington or online.
Love this authenticity. First year into perfume for me, so much buyings and obsessions! I am not into the hype fragrances (except for samples sometimes just to understand) but more into solid classics from old houses or popular generic or freshies, love the 1990 decade, and same here. I bought Samsara because this is a classic but… is it for me? I decluttered some too. I enjoy videos of project pan, slow buy. That make really good content, as good as presenting new acquisition. That’s an interesting process.
I was literally making a list of classic perfumes that are way better than most new ones coming out!! You can't go wrong with some of those classics!
Lol I feel so SEEN! I am so happy that I’ve really learnt to recognise other reviewers favourite notes and perceptions of the level of sweetness vs sharpness! I think sometimes it helps me when a reviewer likes a specific house. I still make mistakes though!
Yeah I know how to take their suggestions now after a few mistakes. Lol
MMmmBbbbkRGHH! I wish we were IRL friends because I have SOOOO many thoughts on this, and am experiencing exactly the same things you are talking about but I don’t have anyone to talk to about it because no one I know has this interest. Fragrance is to me what food is to someone who has food issues. I hope that’s okay to say in a pc kind of way, I just identify with the feeling, just toward fragrance rather than food. I should stop now lol. I enjoy your content. 😊
We can talk more on Instagram!!! Most people don't understand the obsession! I also have another channel getting into more personal topics. Carmen Creatrix. I love to talk to like minded people.
I try not to compare it to addiction because I don't want to offend anyone but it truly feels like that sometimes! Feel free to dm on Instagram!
I feel that way about her too! We’re super similar in our perfume journey and other things.
And oh another way I control my buying is to not buy into the overhyped fragrances. I have a limit on how much I will spend on a perfume, so all those high end designer scents and niche scents I don't buy. I also don't watch reviewers who talk about high end designers and niche only. Why? When I'm not going to be buying them. I live outside of the US in a country where the exchange rate is extremely high, so if a fragrance can pay my rent, I'm not buying it
I also have a limit and very few fragrances I own are over 100 usd. I don't think I'll ever spend more than 200 usd on a perfume!! That's where I draw the line.
I'm with you on not following channels who only have expensive niche, there is no point in desiring them. I don't want luxury channels either because I have no desire for luxury living to impress anyone.
I just subscribed to your channel. I completely agree with you. I'm "panning" some of my bottles and really need to stop buying. I only have about 50 or 60 fill sized bottles but i am already overwhelmed. I say this and then i hop online and browse for more! I. Need. Discipline.
Ugh after making this video I've made a purchase 😩 I had a weak moment but I'm still doing way better and not hunting anything down.
@@CarmenScentrix it's okay lmao it's progress! We will overcome this 😂😎
Hey Carmen! Thanks for opening up. Im truly obsessed with buying perfumes. Every weekend I browse for different perfumes and watch perfume videos for hours. I rarely watch high end/ niche channels because I highly doubt I would buy these perfumes. I do blind buy scents but I’m to the point now that I usually know if I would like the scent. I pass on what I don’t like, but I need to declutter in the near future so you’re not alone.
Hey Carmen. I know exactly how you feel. I’ve mentioned this before and am going to mention it again. Sometimes I get overwhelmed too and I’m trying to take a step back from how many fragrance videos I watch because that’s part of the problem for me. Thank you for sharing
I'm down to only watching my UA-cam friends. It's more for the connection and sharing for me. I barely watch bigger channels now. That was definitely not helping.
@@CarmenScentrix I agree. I watch them sometimes and every time I do I get in trouble by purchasing something. It’s nothing against them, it’s something that I need to work on with myself. It’s definitely a struggle.
Hi Carmen, don't stop loving your perfumes. Take stock and love what you have. Try to test before buying and ignore the hype, especially if you can't afford. I find there are just too many perfume flankers. With some designer smell one and you've smelled them all. Love what you've got and thank you for your honesty!
Definitely plan on testing more before just diving into it! Thanks for your advice 🩷
I completely understand where you’re coming from. I started getting into perfumes this January and I’m already at 40+! It gets out of hand, so I’m really trying to cut it back. It’s so hard when I see all these things on sale (I.e for Mother’s Day) and I just want to get it all!
Those sales are my weakness!! Because I'm so frugal, I tell myself it's ok because it's such a good deal!!
I do remind myself at times that my collection is somewhat of an investment in a way. If I needed to, I could always declutter and sell some of my fragrances. I actually might declutter some by signing up on Mercari. I’ve never sold any of my fragrances before, but I might try it.
Try it! It's not so bad. I just check the prices around before posting. I make sure to price it right under the grey market prices. But there is some perfumes that are not worth selling. Some cheapies and celebrities have almost no resell value. A quick search with let you know.
Message me on Instagram if you have any questions!
@@CarmenScentrix aww Thank you so much! I have a few middle eastern ones I was thinking of just offering them as as pairs or bundles just to get rid of them. I’ll see when I have time to do a good declutter.
I’m thinking of working on my samples and finishing those up. Surprisingly for small vials they take up so much space and they kinda get lost because they’re so small. It’s time consuming to look at each one to figure out what to wear for the day, compared to looking at bottles and you know at a glance. I also want to finish off the handful of body sprays I have because I’m literally not a body spray person (they don’t last). However, I won’t give them up because they smell better to me than the actual perfume, which annoys me to no end considering they don’t last.
That's exactly what I love about body Sprays!! They smell amazing but kind of pointless for the most part. They are just a nice little experience!
Yes, I dont get what people do with body mists. They are gone in 5min. Why even spend money on it? I dont want to spray every 5min 🤷🏼♀️
I was literally thinking I hope Carmen posts a video.
Awwhhh. This one is a bit of rant but I'll have more perfume content soon!!
@@CarmenScentrix no I loved it. We have a similar time frame for starting this and are in similar places with our collections and thoughts so it’s always interesting to me.
I totally understand all of this. Reviews are fun to watch but it's very important to understand our own personal tastes and what types of notes or accords usually turn us off. Buying based on reviews is tricky in so many ways! I appreciate all of these points. Wise decisions, Carmen! Good luck with the no buy and I'm excited to see how you continue to define your OWN unique fragrance style. 😊😊😊
I really want to do that, make it personal without anyone's influence in my head!
I totally get the feeling of it not being personalized. We’re definitely in the same place in this perfume addiction. I have been thinking that lately too (the “I played myself” and need to slow my roll). I look and smell and think so many of mine are just ok to me. Very very few are loves. I’m not as good at decluttering part…but I have no one to hand them to that is as crazy about perfume as me and so many are “cheapies” and not sure worth my time and effort to try and sell for a few bucks.
I'm definitely slowing my role!!
Try making a mercari and selling on there. Theres a lot of young girls on there that buy things that are cheap!
@@CarmenScentrix I do have a Mercari account and used to sell maybe I’ll give it a shot again. I honestly am getting burnt out to an extent because so many I think are now pretty boring or not memorable. I did just get Hot Couture in and had wanted that for a couple years but don’t have a ton on my wishlist (at least that I can afford right now).
@@kara8911 how do you like Hot Couture?? It's one of my all time favorites!
@@CarmenScentrix I love it! I wore it two days in a row (the first two days after receiving it).
I definitely feel you about Decluttering. I have decluttered a lot, but know that I could declutter more. I need to work on that. Can’t wait to see your declutter ❤❤❤😉
That's the hard part!! But I'm going to push myself!! For the perfumes I don't love!!
Carmen I totally understand.
Samee girl, I didd'nt realize that's a part of adult adhd 😭 Triggered! I bought a house in april so I'm nobuying since May aswell. So far so good but I still look up way to much body sprays , so I'm making it hard on myself.
What helped for me is counting all the perfumes I have laying around that I don't like/have for sale.
It was around 10.. All blind buys. I DON'T want to move those into a new house, so I'm on a selling and using up binge right now.
That's what I'm going to work on too. I have a project Pan going and I'm going to make another declutter soon!!
Adhd as in adult is a real struggle.
Congrats on your house!!
Yes totally agree!! It can be so overwhelming 😩 Once I realize someone’s tastes are different from mine, I watch them to see what NOT to buy Lol 😆 I’m overdue for a declutter too !
I totally understand your feelings, I am pretty overwhelmed and I don't have a super large collection (under 200 samples included). I'm going on a no-buy for perfumes for 3 months because I have gone crazy with perfumes this year. I am pretty sure if I said I was a perfume addict, my family would look at me like, DUH! Lol. I wish you and I luck as we practice mindfulness w purchases 🙏.
Yes to Mindfulness!!
I wish you the best of luck as well!💗
@@CarmenScentrix thank you! 💜
I haven't been through a burnout, but have felt overwhelmed sometimes. Thank God I'm able to say no more and can stop buying for many months. Every year I go on a no buy and low buy. This year has been my most buy so far - it got out of hand. Haven't gotten any perfumes in over 2 months
Wow 2 months!! That sounds great! That's my goal right now!
@@CarmenScentrix lol, I go for way longer each year. But I don't review fragrances so I understand it's won't be the same for you guy.
Wow, perfect timing. I feel like I needed to hear everything you said in this video. Very good points! I feel like I need to get control over my decant buying as well, because that adds up quickly. Thanks for this🌸
Glad I could help and that I'm not the only one.
I agree and your not alone we listen and buy I have felt the way you do many times and I just stop I now have some I have to force myself to wear I dread it and use BBW mist to change them so there more tolerant.. your a smart cookie you do you and never apologize for being honest and real
Thank you for your kind words💗
omg! Im the same with white musk! It took me ages to accept that I hate it on me 😂
Yes I can't believe it took me this long to accept it also!!
It doesn't matter how amazing the rest of the perfume is, the white musk will keep me from loving it! I finally admitted that to myself and now I need to re-evaluate my entire collection!
I just know I'll hesitate to wear those. 😩
I have slowed down to a snail’s pace on buying this year after blind buying like a mad woman. Now I rarely consider buying anything that isn’t rated over a 4.0 on Fragrantica, it has to have no or minimal notes that I dislike and they are not the main ones. I don’t keep anything that I only like, not love. I only keep only what I personally rate a 4.5 out of 5. I also do not keep things my husband dislikes even if I do. I have had fun selling on Mercari and keeping my collection around 100 bottles. Good luck.
That's my entire goals right there!!!!
I don't want to own anything I have any kind of issue with. Nothing my husband doesn't enjoy either. To me 100 perfumes sounds like a very reasonable amount! I know that's not the case for "regular" people but that's not me. I will be working towards those goals, thank you!!
I have around 200 bottles almost all hogh end/some niche and around 20 celebrity scents. I am at the point where I am burnt out from buying new scents and not using the ones I have. I have an immaculate collection but I cant wear them all, I only have 1 body. As of right now I am enjoying what I have and if i am even considering a new scent I buy a travel size. Now that is coming from a girl that only buys the biggest size 3.4 ounces. I overspray like crazy so 1 ounce I can go through in a month if not sooner. I try to remind myself that just because I have a travel size or 1 ounces doesn't mean I dont own that fragrance. For some reason I am not happy unless I have the 3.4 ounce bottle. Bottom line I am only buying travel sizes right now and really trying to get to know my collection better. Also I love angel edp and just because no one is talking about it doesn't mean its not fuego.....From one clothing sprayer to another❤Lauren❤
Edit: would love to see a video after you get to know your fragrances better. The ones you kept and let go. What you realized about the scent as you wore it more(smell, lengevity, etc) even if its just reviewing the scent more in depth
Hi Lauren, I would like to get to that point!! That's an excellent idea to only buy travel sprays! If I truly love the fragrance, I will get through the travel and then buy the bigger bottle.
I definitely feel like I keep leaving the older purchases on the back burner and always get caught up with newer ones!
I also always want the large bottle for some reason🤦♀️
I will definitely make those videos on what's leaving and what I discover in my own collection from diving into it more thoroughly! Thank you!
@@CarmenScentrix we always wear the new and forget the old. A no buy is the best way to go. Just go month to month and if there is something you really want like you said buy the travel. Travel is not the best value so I tend to steer away but keep in mind the full size would be an even worse value if you hate the scent and never wear it. Looking forward to your future videos as always.
Forgot to mention -- I've found it's helpful to get samples from online, rather than trying to smell them in stores. The air is usually filled with competing scents, and I get nose-blind before I've even smelled anything.:) If you buy samples online, then you can test them at leisure at different times of the day. You can live with the perfume awhile before you commit (or not).
That's exactly what I need to do to avoid some of the mistakes I've mentioned!! Thank you!
Hola Carmen! Love your flawless makeup ❤
Thank you chula!!
I was thinking of you and the Sol De Janeiro guava release! I’m so glad you mentioned it here!
Hi Demi😘
I finally posted the TJMaxx haul on my other channel if you're interested. I totally messed up the camera angle though sorry lol
like you, I used to get everything I see or “felt” like I would love… and felt so lost in my collection because I didn’t have “me” fragrances…
I also notice other channels’ “type” of fragrances… after years of watching content, i kind of have a file cabinet in my brain of creators according to scent categories, so I know which one I will go with if I am looking for a certain scent 😁
Yes I have a mental archive as well! You're one of the ones I have the most common taste with!!
I feel like my taste is not the mainstream one and I've been chasing perfumes by hype versus personal taste. So I just need to work on that.
Girl today I was just thinking the same thing. I was re organizing my collection and thought why am I keeping fragrance I’m not wearing. I really need to do the same. Curate my collection. I have 3 perfumes that smell the same and I don’t even like them. Very popular too! But my nose changes with Seasons so idk!!
My nose changing with the season is the main thing that hold me back from decluttering. Because I always tell myself I might want it later!🤦♀️
Same!! I’ve Been on a no buy for months. And a declutter. I looked at my collection and asked my fiancé “did I used to make like double what I make now because how did I get all these???” The neurodivergent shopping was definitely…. Debilitating lol
I cannot even begin to calculate the money in my collection because I will feel like crap😬
I'm going on a no buy too! How long are you doing it for??
You’re so smart, now you will have a better collection
Try Arabian perfumes 😊
I'm afraid of the aroma chemicals because I know most of them are very powerful! I had 1 negative experience with Khamrah and I'm afraid to try more and come on here and say I dislike them. But I do have a couple of the most "mainstream" ones. Like dupes for designers.
Which ones should I try???
Lattafa Fakhar is good! It's very similar to My Way. 💗🌟💗
@@simplythebestgirl I think I've heart about that one!! It sounds great!
Carmennn, who are the fraghead UA-camrs that you mentioned/like to watch? The taste of the girls you described sound right up my alley, just wanna make sure I'm following too :)
They are the big channels I'm sure you're following them! Message me on Instagram, I'll tell you on there. I don't want to speak for them.
I think we all make ''bad decisions'' here and there. I definitely bought a few things from hype in the begining and learned that some UA-camrs and I sometimes have very different tastes.
As time goes on, I know which UA-camrs I have more fragrance affinities with and also which notes I prefer. But also what notes could potentially be a big mistake of a blind buy (and I test more, or get travel sprays).
I want to slow down a little too for the Summer and try to enjoy the fragrances that I already have.
I also want to slow down for the whole summer! I don't know how long I can go but thankfully I'm not a freshie person. Lol.
This is the third time I've tried to leave a comment. It's a "Was it something I said?" type of feeling. Anyway, If this comment doesn't appear, I'll get worried. I just wanted to suggest something that's helped me. I have an allergic reaction to patchouli. So I always first check out the notes for any perfume I'm interested in. If it has patchouli, it's crossed off my list. You could do the same with ISO and Ambroxan.
I have no idea why it doesn't let you comment 😕
I saw another comment by someone else and I tried to reply and it was gone😔 I wonder what is going on?
It's definitely not me! I leave all of my comments even if they aren't nice. Lol
Yes I'm going to avoid anything with those notes from now on. The problem is, most of the time, it is not listed!
I take mini breaks from purchasing all the time. I am on one right now since I am going on a big vacation in a few months and need to divert a lot of my disposable income to that. Sometimes I take mini breaks if I find I am am making a lot of, often pricey, impulse purchases, even if they work out for me.
I have been focusing on trying some of the lesser known fragrances. I have also found that some of my favourites from a brand are not the hyped ones (even if I like/love those as well). My fave Diptyque is Orpheon, even though the only ones I ever hear about are Eau Duelle and Philosykos. I wouldn't have discovered this if I didn't happen to get a sample of it from another fragrance lover.
Yes that's exactly how I feel!!
My Favorites might not be the hyped even though I do like the hyped ones too.
I have definitely been overdoing it and I need a break!
Around April, I saw the new perfumes coming out, I bought some of them and some I saw on tiktok that were being overhyped highkey. I became obsessed with buying perfumes around that month for some reason, what I didn’t do was buy a sample or travel size, ended up buying a big bottle thinking I’ll like it. I didn’t want to send it back because I feel like once I open it, I probably won’t get the full amount back. Then there’s 2 in my collection that smells like a bad headache coming my way, the “French girl” perfume, I couldn’t too strong on the pachouli and the musk, not that fruity. And I feel like Chloe was a bad choice for me, cause it was fresh I like it but I don’t know some of the notes weren’t for me, it’s a popular perfume but it wasn’t for me. And I bought a sample of Oud stain mood thinking it would smell nice cause it’s like a dark mysteries fragrance, yeah no, I don’t know why I was obsessed about buying a full bottle. But that was my experience 😭 I’m definitely gonna buy perfumes either the notes I like, or chill down on buying perfumes when I got things to pay
I felt the same about Chloé. It felt sharp and just not the kind of Rose I expected. 😕 I think maybe it was the musk?
Once I get back into buying, I definitely plan on testing fragrances more vs blind buying!
Same
❤
Hey girl!! 👋 How you been?
I have a carousel that I won't buy anything that won't fit in it. That is how I keep my collection in control. My problem with using up my perfumes is that I don't feel inspired to use the fragrances that are just likes, and the ones that are loves I am going to repurchase when I finish the bottle (so it won't reduce the amount of bottles I own), so I just go through and pick a random fragrance in the morning and another in the evening. In fact, by wearing down the bottles pretty evenly, I will buy fewer new bottles. And anything I don't at least like ends up on my mercari. That way it is more likely to be enjoyed by someone else.
That being said, I bought 2 new bottles this month. 😂
That's a great plan!! I almost ordered more shelving at one point to fit them better but I talked myself out of it. I just decided to declutter and reduce my collection.
Definitely need to get rid of the just barely likes. 😩
Yo me he sentido estúpida después de comprar repuestos o de comprar porque la botella es bonita...como si me sobrara el dinero 😒🙄😤
Asi estoy yo! No tengo dinero pero bien que compro como si tuviera😂