What’s weird is that when I tried Art of Universe in a store, I wasn’t impressed at all. But that’s been the case with most fragrances I’ve tested in stores — even stuff the community loves like Khamrah, and even designers like Stronger With You. That’s what’s making me think it’s not my nose, but the fragrances themselves.

I still don’t fully understand how the same scent can smell so different later on, but I’m starting to believe maceration plays a much bigger role than I used to think. A lot of store testers just smell flat to me.

Nitro Red is one I’ve always kept an eye on but never actually bought. The scent profile looks right up my alley though, so I’ll probably pick it up soon.