Not at all as I have never consumed fragrance influencer content knowingly. I don't use Instagram or TikTok, just follow some fragrance threads on reddit which may have the occasional subversive paid post.
It's great learning through Parfumo directories and in person.
You are absolutely right, as a consumers, we need to test and experience ourselves. All reviews can’t take away your own unique sense of smell. Each of us process aromatic smells differently.
They mean absolutely nothing to me, I don't even know a single one of them.
Nothing. Means zero.
There are some YouTubers that talk fragrance I watch, and even that is much less these days. Those people make content like it was in the beginning of YouTube- hobbiests and enthusiasts, just sharing. This was before influencers and SM was a way for companies to advertise.
Back in the day, I got the Perfume the Guide by Turin and Sanchez when it dropped. Fun reviews but nothing that would influence my exploration as it was clear that our tastes differ a lot. They endlessly praise what must be my most hated perfume ever- L’Heure Bleue. I hate it so much.
Also, Champs-Elysees is one of the few Guerlains I do like.
There have been stages:
In the beginning yes as I had no clue but found that 95% of their recommendations were something I did not like.
Then came Fragrantica and trying to find folks with similar tastes and it just never happened.
Then came Parfumo and understanding I will not find someone with similar tastes, and being okay with that while still enjoying the conversation.
On Parfumo I still find the suggestions seem to have an overall higher “hit rate” if that makes sense. Also, I just seem to get more ideas here.
So to answer the question as of current I would say zero influencers influence my decisions although I like a few for content.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed Turin and Sanchez's books I don't value their opinions over my own perceptions. I find that our opinions differ often. I loved watching Katie Puckrik's videos back in the day, but also found significant differences of opinion with her. Same with Chandler Burr. Same with all bloggers and reviewers in a paid platform. There are a few of the older perfume reviewers from Fragrantica who really influenced me over 15 years ago when I was starting out, but at this point there's pretty much no one I'd trust for a blind buy except for specific perfume community friends who know my personal taste well.
To be honest I have a fair bit of distain for some of these folks who have significantly monetized their reviews on social media, especially those who seem to have little to no real understanding or concern composition or materials. When people find out I'm in to fragrance and try to bond with me about Demi Rawling or Jeremy Fragrance it is all I can do change the subject away from influencers so I can stay polite and not 'yuck their yum.'
