but what if cologne/perfume is only ONE of your many addictions??

[Not4you]

I am new to Basenotes, only a few weeks in and I have already made three cologne purchases. I know I'm a lightweight by most standards but there are two elements to this that worry me. First is that I know I will buy more, there is no doubt that within the next month or so my repertoire will be expanded. But more worrying is that while it is the beginning of a Cologne Acquisition Disorder, it is coming on the tail of other similar disorders.

Those familiar with the shaving enthusiast community will know (and likely suffer from) the other ADs that come along with it - Razor Acquisition Disorder, Straight Razor Acquisition Disorder, Shaving Soap Acquisition Disorder, Shaving Cream Acquisition Disorder, Aftershave Acquisition Disorder, the list goes on.

I have dozens of shaving creams, soaps and aftershaves so the buying of colognes was only a matter of time. But as you can see it is not a stand alone issue for me. My shaving den already dominates the entire bathroom counter and now a whole new line of products are going to be making their way in.

At first, my wife admired my interest in personal hygiene and that I was not spending money on my car or some other hobby. She understood my rational thinking for "quality", "niche", "specialty" products. "Wool Fat soap is better for my skin than canned goo" I'd say; or "I'll have less ingrowns or irritation with a 19th century straight vs a 5 blade vibrating gizmo"; and now its "this artist crafts the unique notes unlike that old Aqua Velva". She has been supportive but now I'm pushing the edges of hygiene, hobby and sanity.

Am I trying to convince her or myself? If I can curb my shaving cream purchases I can likely curb cologne buying as well, but what's next? Where does this end? Does it end?

Am I alone here at Basenotes in this regard or are there others that have acquisition disorders that span beyond the beautiful cologne/perfume world??

[Mimi Gardenia]

Not4you - you are in the right place !
I think you are a collector like me - you have to embrace your inner collector- ism !
I have realised that I collect stuff and perfume is not the only thing.
Good luck - I think you are OK !

[MFJ]

It is a VERY common syndrome. Stick around and you will see that you are not alone, in more ways than one. As long as you are spending within your means and not neglecting responsibilities that should be priority, then I think you are absolutely fine!!

[30 Roses]

I had to smile at this because perfume is certainly not my only enthusiasm. But I haven't spent much on the other passions this year, in order to acquire some perfumes I wanted.

It's all about balance and keeping your priorities in order.

[lightgreen22]

I'm also addicted to nail polish I just did a count and I have 12 bottles of nail polish that isn't nearly as bad as my 38 bottles of perfume though

[laral28]

I too have had other "habits" in the past (or should I say in remission), but this one has been much more passionate. My husband usually has a problem when I start to spend a large sum of money on one thing (ie. shoes), however he has remained quite silent on this one. When I started trying to create my own fragrances I think he realized this wasn't just about wanting "stuff." I never would have tried to make my own shoes. Sometimes I wish he would make me stop for a while though....it's getting a little out of hand.

[MFJ]

I too have had other "habits" in the past (or should I say in remission), but this one has been much more passionate. My husband usually has a problem when I start to spend a large sum of money on one thing (ie. shoes), however he has remained quite silent on this one. When I started trying to create my own fragrances I think he realized this wasn't just about wanting "stuff." I never would have tried to make my own shoes. Sometimes I wish he would make me stop for a while though....it's getting a little out of hand.

I have been a keen reader of your blog entries, and I can blatantly tell that you are an enthusiast. I guess how this habit is different is that it involves a higher level of thought as opposed to mere appreciation for aesthetics (ie shoes). I look forward to hearing your opinions on the boards and hopefully learn from you as well.

[Anna_P]

I have an addictive personality so I'm basically just screwed until I win one of those cash-for-life prizes *lol*. In addition to perfume and scented products in general, I also love fashion so those are very expensive interests right there. I recently, however, received a major reality check in the form of my S.O. losing his job, so I won't be able to afford to indulge very much for the next little while. My recent blind buy binge turned out to be my last hurrah for awhile and I'm actually OK with it since I reckon it'll force me to stop and appreciate what I already have. I know I'm guilty of forgetting what I actually have and how much when I spot a good deal or when I'm excited about sampling new things.

[wannabelyn]

I've gone from buying expensive bags to expensive shoes + fashion accessories and then to premium jeans and clothing. Each phase usually lasts between 6 - 12 months. Since the economy downturn late last year and the rise in USD, my obsession has turned from those to makeup. It's a cheaper thrill that keeps my cravings satisfied in the mean time. My main gripe is the fact that I love looking at the makeup and perfumes i've bought but it usually takes me months or even up to a year before I start using them. Seeing them in unused, looking so pristine makes my heart flutter.

[Ken_Russell]

Yap I also have many compulsive collector's addictions: besides fragrances, it's watches, as well as (odd for a guy) seemingly never being able to stop from shopping clothes and shoe-wear.

[AromiErotici]

I'm quite sure I exhibited compulsive behavior my entire life. I still do. It's not one thing however. Whatever I endeavor for any extended period of time is balls to the wall.

If it begins to interfere and cause problems with family, bills, job, etc......then it's a problem and needs to stop. You DECIDE for it to stop if it's problematic. There's POWER IN DECISION folks.

This hobby is just one more compulsive chapter in my crazy life, but I actually have an agenda this time. I plan on having a fragrance store in 7 years....so, in essence, the end result may just justify my compulsion ( this time).

Decide for yourselves and if need be, choose strength. Everyone has it....you have to decide to use it.

[ECaruthers]

Long ago I heard an NPR story about addictive personalities. Some of us just have them. We're going to be adicted or obsessing over something. He made the point that you're lucky if you're married to a workaholic and not a compulsive gambler or worse. It also seems that most of us have some control over what our addiction is. Lots of, "I used to collect XXX but now it's perfumes." I think changing the addiction from time to time is a good idea, so none get out of hand. And I like AromiErotici's idea of combining fragrance addiction with a business, so it generates cash (hopefully, ultimately, more than it consumes). Does anyone know a site for discussing "creative obsession?"

[justaguy]

Long ago I heard an NPR story about addictive personalities. Some of us just have them. We're going to be adicted or obsessing over something. He made the point that you're lucky if you're married to a workaholic and not a compulsive gambler or worse. It also seems that most of us have some control over what our addiction is. Lots of, "I used to collect XXX but now it's perfumes." I think changing the addiction from time to time is a good idea, so none get out of hand. And I like AromiErotici's idea of combining fragrance addiction with a business, so it generates cash (hopefully, ultimately, more than it consumes). Does anyone know a site for discussing "creative obsession?"

I definitely have exactly what you're talking about. I've bought 12 bottles in the last 6 months, but I'm only 16, so my income is zilch. I used to be obsessed with designer jeans before cologne/perfume, so I'm pretty much screwed-- I guess I'll just be a big spender the rest of my life.

[Mimi Gardenia]

I've gone from buying expensive bags to expensive shoes + fashion accessories and then to premium jeans and clothing. Each phase usually lasts between 6 - 12 months. Since the economy downturn late last year and the rise in USD, my obsession has turned from those to makeup. It's a cheaper thrill that keeps my cravings satisfied in the mean time. My main gripe is the fact that I love looking at the makeup and perfumes i've bought but it usually takes me months or even up to a year before I start using them. Seeing them in unused, looking so pristine makes my heart flutter.

Sounds so familiar to me. For me, it's gemstones, perfume but I did go through a very long ,prolonged cell phone stage too. I have had every single Nokia N series up to N93 ( sold each one to move on to the next model ) My obsession stopped at the N82 ( newer model than N93 but lower model no ) . One good thing ,I learnt a lot about cell phones , models, companies but it was getting ridiculously expensive ,so I gave up the game. But out of all the N series, I loved the good old brick N90 - still miss that phone. Now I just give tech advice to my husband

[TimothyX]

Sounds so familiar to me. For me, it's gemstones, perfume but I did go through a very long ,prolonged cell phone stage too. I have had every single Nokia N series up to N93 ( sold each one to move on to the next model ) My obsession stopped at the N82 ( newer model than N93 but lower model no ) . One good thing ,I learnt a lot about cell phones , models, companies but it was getting ridiculously expensive ,so I gave up the game. But out of all the N series, I loved the good old brick N90 - still miss that phone. Now I just give tech advice to my husband

It's a shame you stopped, n97 is a killer phone.

[Mimi Gardenia]

It's a shame you stopped, n97 is a killer phone.

TimothyX - I still have withdrawal symptoms - anywhere there's a collection of cellphones ,in particular Nokia, SE s- I gravitate towards them. Now you tell me about the N97 . I love the N series.. E series is also a good line but their cameras and multimedia are not up to the N series.

[pinkfizzy]

I think it's our obsessions and enthusiasms that keep us going... life would be terrible if we were practical 24 hours a day. It's the extra stuff, art, music, food, that makes life worth living.

Personally, I've had addictive tendencies most of my life, and perfume is one of the least harmful and most enjoyable ones so far. Although I do enjoy my obsession with Japanese pop culture an awful lot as well...

[Mimi Gardenia]

Life would be awful without our little distractions and they are little distractions that keep us going . Being 100 % practical is just as bad as being 100 % impractical !
Plus we can learn a lot about things when we collect- well, that's my excuse anyhow !

[whiteflowers]

So agree with ALL posts above. For a while, I thought I was weird. Then I joined MUA and basenotes and now I know there are a lot of us out there...so I feel kinda better...

With pertume, it's bad...get weird looks from family and friends...and when we're out and I try frags, they kinda make fun of me, gesturing with wrist to nose and they yell "Smell", which is what I used to do -- gesture to them to smell my wrist -- before I took it really seriously...

My brother, when I wore Fracas, would complain: "Oh GOD! You are wearing that %$#@&**!! (expletive used...leave to your imagination), Gaby, when are you just going to choose ONE perfume for goodness sake!?"


Other obsessions include skincare and makeup, but slowly realizing that frag is a definite no 1....

I will go with one pair of shoes to buy any of the above for 6 months......

Happy to be among fellow addicts...and now I feel like I am at PA: Perfum-aholics Anonymous!!!

Enjoy and don't feel bad!

[Mimi Gardenia]

People who are not into fragrance will automatically think we are weird. I get the same reactions as Whiteflowers above. However, you're not hurting anyone and you are showing signs of intelligence by being interested in the scents around you.....
Again that is my excuse anyway !

[MFJ]

People who are not into fragrance will automatically think we are weird. I get the same reactions as Whiteflowers above. However, you're not hurting anyone and you are showing signs of intelligence by being interested in the scents around you.....
Again that is my excuse anyway !

As they say, we are the minority!

[Mimi Gardenia]

Matthew -we are indeed. I think many people ( OK ,well, the majority of people ! ) just want to smell 'good' and non offensive . They are not bothered about IFRA rules and regulations, perfume history, notes and how perfume develops. They just want to 'waft' abit of 'nice' smelling scent. The rest are details. People who love perfume ,love everything about it .

Alittle off topic but I guess related .....
***One thing that has stuck with me throughout my life was what my English Literature teacher said ( she was Oxford University educated and I took what she said like gold ) .She said the word nice means absolutely nothing - it's generic and used when people cannot be bothered to be accurate or descriptive. So nice is not really a very good word at all to me. I am still guilty of using the word nice but I am aware that when I do so , I am probably being lazy.

[Ken_Russell]

Well, one more vote, in favor of our always surprising, multi-layered and fascinating minority, since I don't just love perfumes and many other "decadent", luxurious, "addictive", classy or simply uncommon treats, I usually tend to like, respect and admire the people behind them, either their creators, or their main public or even both (and no, I'm not just saying this as an empty compliment, I usually find great and interesting personalities behind most perfume connoisseurs and/or aficionados of other "addictions"). But the again, in spite of how pleasant and comforting my words my sound, I must ironically admit that it might not be much of a help regarding the main task of this board (but then again, what exactly is help? are we even supposed to be "helped"? do we really want to?... and the list of open-ended, multiple-choice questions might go on)

[Andyjreid]

I to suffer from this as well as an interest in fragrance I also buy a lot of shaving creams/razors/brushes etc AND I also collect and listen to vinyl. So not cheap anywhere.

[30 Roses]

Fragrances give a lot of sensory pleasure without a single calorie. Hmmm, maybe that's why I've been buying more perfumes lately-- I've been avoiding the sweets. And the 'fumes compensate.

My wallet is leaner, true, but so am I.

[Mimi Gardenia]

Fragrances give a lot of sensory pleasure without a single calorie. Hmmm, maybe that's why I've been buying more perfumes lately-- I've been avoiding the sweets. And the 'fumes compensate.

My wallet is leaner, true, but so am I.

We are on the same page ! Fat free Fragrance indulgence.
My love for smell extends to soaps, shower gels ,all kinds of stuff ...... I can't help it - I love beautiful things. I can relate to Ken Russell's post too .

[Primrose]

Yap I also have many compulsive collector's addictions: besides fragrances, it's watches, as well as (odd for a guy) seemingly never being able to stop from shopping clothes and shoe-wear.

I collect scent and their bottles, but also clothing...men's clothing and furnishings...esp. the odd fancy waistcoat.

BTW, the Comte d'Orsay was quite fond of clothing AND perfume...to the point of becoming overwhelmed with debt (like any good dandy) to tailors and, in one case, a bootmaker. He was said to have perfumed the fob (fabric or leather?) of his watchguard chain and his visiting cards, not to mention his gloves. :bounce:

I think it a nice idea to spritz some scent on one's business cards...I *have* been known to do this!

I think a compulsion becomes hazardous when it interrupts other aspects of your life. So far my life is safe from this, although shelf space for perfume is getting smaller...

[laral28]

Fragrances give a lot of sensory pleasure without a single calorie. Hmmm, maybe that's why I've been buying more perfumes lately-- I've been avoiding the sweets. And the 'fumes compensate.

My wallet is leaner, true, but so am I.

I agree...I find that when I'm testing fragrances or shopping for them...I forget to eat...I actually forget to eat. It is an appetite suppressant for me.

[Mimi Gardenia]

Gee whiz- I can never forget to eat ! I wish I could ! But sweet fragrances do help curb my sweet tooth .

[AromiErotici]

I'm Italian and can safely say NOTHING IN LIFE stops me from eating.