First of all I am sorry for not being active since I’ve Started a new job as a QA technician has honestly been a mix of excitement and stress. There’s a lot to learn, and the pressure to get everything right can feel heavy at times. One thing I didn’t expect to help as much as it does is something simple as a fragrance. Wearing a scent in the morning has become part of my routine, almost like a reset before the day begins. Creed Viking Cologne, with its fresh citrus and clean, slightly woody feel, gives me that sharp, put-together mindset. It’s not loud, but it’s steady and professional, which fits perfectly in a work setting. On days when I need a bit more of a mental boost, I reach for Mind Games Gambit. It lasts longer and has a bit more presence, and there’s something about it that just makes me feel more focused. When I want something lighter and calming, Jo Malone birch wood and lavender does that effortlessly. And then there are days when I need energy Initio’s Wild Rush brings that extra push and confidence. It might seem small, but putting on a fragrance has become my way of staying grounded. In the middle of all the newness and pressure, it’s something familiar that helps me feel a little more in control.

I saw a recent video from a small YouTube channel that made the case that there is no such thing as an honest fragrance review anymore. It used to be that fragrance reviewers (as well as more for critics, music editors, etc) worked for publications who paid their salaries. There was a strict ethos of not taking money or gifts from artists or the people they were reviewing. I remember the big payola scandals that took down dozens of radio stations and DJs back in the day. It would have been unheard of for a reviewer to accept travel to the Maldives and thousands of dollars in travel, product and endorsements. And yet, now that’s pretty much commonplace for the online review / influencer community. Most of them make real money off the affiliate links and sponsorships and get paid to endorse products. In such an environment, can a truly unbiased review channel exist? What say you? Is this the new normal? Does anyone care?