A lot of people who only post cheap Middle Eastern clones seem more into the value side of the hobby than the fragrance side of it. They like getting something that smells close to a popular scent without spending much, and there is definitely a market for that. For some, it is about building a big collection cheaply. For others, it is about performance. And for some, it is just the thrill of finding a bargain. I also think clone content gets easy engagement because more people can relate to a $30 to $60 bottle than something niche or expensive. That is why feeds get flooded with “better than the original” and “hidden gem” type posts. Not always, but a lot of the time it feels like people are chasing price-to-performance and hype more than originality, quality, or learning the art behind fragrance. There is nothing wrong with enjoying clones, but when that is all someone talks about, it usually means their focus is on affordability and volume first. On the other hand, someone who mostly explores niche and artisan fragrances usually seems more interested in the fragrance itself than just the price or hype around it. It comes across like they care more about originality, composition, quality, and the personality of a scent. They are usually looking for something distinctive, well-crafted, and memorable rather than just something loud or easy to like. It also suggests they are more interested in the artistic side of the hobby. They seem more open to learning different house styles, noticing details in blending, and appreciating fragrances that feel unique rather than familiar. To me, that feels less like just buying bottles and more like actually developing taste over time. Having gone through these different stages myself, and now seeing the same pattern with a lot of newer brothers and even some older brothers who still seem satisfied with “bigger equals better,” this is how I see it now: To me, clone buyers, designer buyers, and niche/artisan collectors each reflect different priorities in the hobby. Clone buyers often seem focused on price, performance, and getting something familiar for less. Designer buyers usually come across as appreciating quality, versatility, and fragrances that are polished, appealing, and easy to wear. Niche and artisan collectors tend to seem the most invested in originality, craftsmanship, and the artistic side of fragrance, where the goal is less about hype or mass appeal and more about finding scents with real character and identity.

Well, I finally got to the airport, I’m officially on vacation mode wearing this baby, one of my favorite scent profiles. It was a tough week, I literally chose stuff around last minute and throughout them onto my baggage, including fragrances. Yes, I hate to pack baggages, and I was not able to think and prepare as much what to carry for about 20 days vacation trip. So, I believe I have the necessary 🫣🤭 I’m flying to NJ to take a transatlantic cruise to Europe. So I brought only 2 fragrances: one mass appealing and one distinctive. - Afnan 9PM Rebel (Fruity Aventus vibe) - Milestone Monarch Red Tobacco Vanilla (Mancera Red Tobacco alternative) Since I know I will do a real dent on them, (being the only 2 for 20 days) I did not wanted to carry my expensive fragrance to this trip. I will definitely buy some fragrance around, so I wanted to have space on my luggage to bring them home. 🤓