influencer recommendations are disappointing, things and perfumes i'm loving lately, and interesting articles
Hello.
What a week.
I’m going to share some recommendations for things (and perfumes) I’m obsessing over lately. Then, I’ll be sharing some interesting articles.
But first, I have a bit of a hypocritical hot take…
I have yet to find a fragrance that I actually like from the hyped popular influencer recommendations I see on TikTok. I live near a Scent Bar in NYC so I’m constantly going in there and smelling/ trying new perfumes. And every single time an influencer recommends something that sounds mildly intriguing to me, I go in and smell it, and I’m disappointed. There are very few ‘influencers’ creators I follow on TikTok whose recommendations I trust- Invisible Stories being one of them (sharing a list of other trusted creators soon). In fact, she was the reason I tried Monstera by Xinu which happens to be one of my favorite fragrances now.
And this is the difference between an influencer and a creator. An influencer is all about “me, me, me”. It’s marketing. It’s creating content through the lens of capitalizing off of it. A creator is all about creating genuine authentic content, staying true to themselves, and talking about things that excite them so much that they have to share it with their audience regardless of whether or not they earn revenue from it. I truly understand the value and time and effort and energy that goes into content creation. There’s a fine line between influencer and creator. But as a consumer of content, I can tell the difference immediately. And in my opinion, creators are often more successful at the end of the day because they’ve build a trust with their audience that money can’t buy.
With all this said, I will trepidatiously share some things I’m loving lately. And please proceed with caution because taste is subjective and what I love might not be something you love.
-Nose Dive by Harold McGee is a book I just started reading and it’s fascinating. If you have any interest in scent, fragrance, chemistry, etc, you will love this. It’s a comprehensive exploration into the olfactory world, detailing the science and history behind the myriad smells that influence human culture and natural environments.
-Permanent Jewelry from Catbird: Yesterday I went into Catbird and got Zapped with my daughter, Charlee. We got matching bracelets and it was probably the cutest date we’ve had. This would be a cute best friend date, too.
-Lilacs at the farmers market: The smell of lilacs and hyacinth permeate the markets this time of year. Lilacs to me are the scent of spring and new beginnings.
-Maileg Mice: These itty bitty mice in matchboxes are the cutest things and I’m collecting them. They’re completely unnecessary and have zero purpose other than sparking joy in my life.
-Rose Hip Aloe Lotion from Absolutely Naturals: This lotion and this after sun lotion are the scent of my childhood. I wrote about this in my last newsletter <3
-Business of Fashion Newsletter: Business of Fashion is a digital publication that provides industry news, analysis, and updates on trends and developments in the global fashion industry. If you’re a beauty and fashion, this is something worth investing in.
-Puck Newsletter: If you’re interested in another niche newsletter, Puck is a digital publication that offers insider perspectives and deep dives into the worlds of media, business, politics, and technology, aiming to provide subscribers with exclusive insights and reporting. I really enjoy reading this one.
Moving on to scent recommendations:
-Oro Verde by House of Bo: A fresh and invigorating fragrance with bright notes of citrus, green leaves, and a hint of floral that captures the essence of a lush, verdant forest. Top Notes: Bergamot, Cannabis, Mate. Middle Notes: Basil, Watermelon, Vetiver Sables. Base Notes: Ambergris (SY), Palo Santo, Tree Moss
-Cologne De Figuier by Mizensir: A comforting scent, featuring the soft sweetness of fig, complemented by woody cedar and refreshing green notes, perfect for summer days. Top Notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, gig leaf, Ambrox (woody-amber accord). Heart Notes: Galbanum, pink pepper. Base Notes: musk, ambergris
-Tres Chere by Mizensir: A rich and opulent perfume with a heart of warm vanilla and amber, topped with exotic spices and a subtle floral touch, offering a deeply comforting and elegant aroma. Top Notes: Orange tree blossom extract. Heart Notes: Ambrox (woody-amber accord), Paradisone (floral accord), jasmine sambac. Base Notes: Bourbon vanilla absolute, musk, Australian sandalwood essential oil
-Oolong Tea by One Day: (I desperately want to try their Taipei fragrance: soy milk, rice, taro… are you kidding me? I’m salivating thinking about this.) Oolong Tea is a delicate and serene fragrance that combines the gentle warmth of oolong tea leaves with soft floral undertones and a touch of milky sweetness, creating a soothing and refined atmosphere. Notes: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Oolong Tea leaf, Honey, Jasmine, Vetiver, Tonka Bean
-Diptyqye Coffee Candle: This candle fills the room with the deep, intoxicating scents of freshly brewed coffee and a hint of vanilla, ideal for energizing any space. It’s not bitter or over powering. It’s creamy and decadent, perfect for mornings no matter the weather. This candle lives up to the hype.
Read with me:
The Substack-ification Of Beauty
In a media landscape increasingly characterized by layoffs and the scramble for steady gigs, beauty writers are finding solace and success in the newsletter model, platforms like Substack offering not just refuge but the chance to redefine beauty journalism. This piece explores the evolving dynamics of the beauty industry's media coverage, highlighting how writers are leveraging newsletters to provide in-depth, nuanced takes on beauty beyond traditional outlets, with some achieving significant financial and professional milestones in the process. The narrative underscores a broader shift in how content is consumed and valued, suggesting a more direct and intimate connection between writers and their audience.
Business Of Fashion
Why Is Gen Z So Obsessed With ‘Old Money Style’?
Gen Z's obsession with "old money style" is less about the wealth itself and more about the allure of timeless elegance and a return to simplicity. It's a mix of nostalgia and irony, serving both as a nod to a bygone era of perceived classiness and a subtle critique of contemporary wealth and fashion trends.
GQ
Why Are Early YouTube Beauty Videos So Comforting?
Early YouTube beauty videos resonate due to their simplicity and authenticity compared to today's commercialized content. They evoke nostalgia for a less complex era of social media, emphasizing community and relatable, low-budget beauty tips. This contrast highlights a shift in digital influence and audience engagement, sparking a collective longing for the genuine connections of the past amidst the current landscape of highly polished and monetized content.
Dazed
If You Want To Belong, Find A Third Place
Finding a "third place" outside of home and work can significantly combat loneliness and build community connections. These informal spaces, like coffee shops or parks, promote social interactions and inclusivity. Meng Liu, inspired by her own struggles with loneliness, created a social club in New York to foster such connections, emphasizing the importance of these settings in creating a sense of belonging and reducing societal isolation.
Vox
Wearing Perfume To Bed Is Trending- Here’s Why
Wearing perfume to bed is a growing trend on TikTok, driven by a desire for self-care and enhanced sleep quality. Influenced by celebrities like Mona Kattan and historical figures such as Marilyn Monroe, who famously wore Chanel N°5 to bed, this practice has gained popularity. Research supports the benefits, suggesting that certain fragrances, especially those with essential oils like lavender, can alleviate sleep disturbances and anxiety, offering aromatherapeutic effects. Popular choices include Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 and Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum.
21Ninety
That’s all for today.
See you soon.
Bye <3
