Ever read a rave 5-star review about a scent that someone swears they can't live without... only to scroll down and see someone else calling it a total miss? Welcome to the wonderful (and bewildering) world of fragrance—where personal preference reigns supreme and no two noses experience scent the same way. At Wicked Fumes, we’ve experienced this firsthand. One person’s "can’t-stop-sniffing" is another’s "not strong enough." But here's the thing—they're both right! There's actually solid science and psychology behind why perfume reactions can be so polarised. Let's take a closer look at what’s really going on.

 

Your Nose is as Unique as Your Fingerprint

Let's start with the basics: everyone's olfactory system is literally different. We're talking genetics-level different. Your nose contains around 400 different types of scent receptors, but not everyone has the same combination or sensitivity levels. Some people are blessed (or cursed, depending on how you look at it) with more scent receptors than others, making them what scientists call "super-smellers."

These super-sniffers can detect subtle nuances that others might miss entirely. They're the ones who can pick on the creamy coconut note in Lewd Lime that others describe as "just citrusy." On the flip side, some people have what's called "specific anosmia"—they literally cannot smell certain compounds. 

But it gets even more interesting. Your scent sensitivity changes throughout your life. Kids often prefer sweeter, simpler scents (hello, gourmand lovers in training!), while adults tend to appreciate more complex fragrance profiles. Hormonal fluctuations—think pregnancy, menopause, or even just monthly cycles—can dramatically alter how you perceive scents. Ever wonder why your favourite perfume smells different at certain times of the month? Mystery solved!

Age also plays a role. As we get older, our scent receptors become less sensitive, which is why your grandma might douse herself in perfume that seems overwhelming to you—she's literally not smelling it as strongly as you are.

 

The Powerful Connection Between Scent and Memory

Here's where things get juicy: fragrance is hardwired directly into the emotional centre of your brain. When you smell something, the information bypasses your logical thinking brain and goes straight to your limbic system—the part that handles emotions and memories. This is why a single whiff can transport you back to childhood faster than a time machine.

This scent-memory connection is why perfume reactions can be so visceral and immediate. That marshmallow note in Vice Vice Baby might smell like dreamy childhood sleepovers to one person—instant 5-star review material. But to someone else, it might trigger memories of feeling sick after eating too many s'mores at summer camp—hello, 1-star territory.

We call these "scent triggers," and they're completely unconscious. Your brain makes these associations before you even realize what's happening. Someone might say they "just don't like" a particular fragrance without being able to articulate why, when in reality, their brain is protecting them from a negative memory association.

The flip side? When you find a scent that triggers positive memories, the reaction can be almost addictive. That's why some people become obsessed with certain fragrances—they're not just smelling vanilla and caramel in Killer Vanilla and Caramel Cray Cray, they're experiencing pure comfort and happiness.

 

Cultural and Personal Backgrounds Shape Scent Preferences

Your fragrance preferences don't exist in a vacuum—they're shaped by everything from your cultural background to your personal experiences. Someone who grew up in a household where floral perfumes were the norm might find gourmand scents "too sweet" or "weird" at first. Meanwhile, someone raised on dessert-loving traditions might gravitate toward our food-inspired collection like a moth to a flame.

Geographic location matters too. People in warmer climates often prefer lighter, fresher scents, while those in cooler areas might gravitate toward warmer, richer fragrances. This is why a heavy chocolate scent might feel perfect for a cozy night-in during a Melbourne winter but too overwhelming during a humid summer night in Cairns - although chocolate lovers may disagree!

Then there's the psychological aspect of what we call "scent identity." Some people see themselves as "fresh and clean" types who stick to light, aquatic scents. When they try something bold and gourmand like Hot Ass Honey, it might feel like wearing someone else's personality. Others embrace their inner gourmand goddess and live for scents that make them smell good enough to eat.

 

What You're Used To Affects Your Expectations

Here's something we see all the time at Wicked Fumes: people coming from traditional spray perfumes often have completely different expectations for how fragrance should behave. If you're used to crop-dusting the room with a commercial EDP that announces your arrival from three blocks away, a skin-hugging solid perfume is going to feel like a totally different experience.

Spray perfumes with high alcohol content give you that immediate hit of scent—what perfumers call "projection." They're designed to create a scent bubble around you. Solid perfumes like ours are more intimate and personal. They're designed to melt into your skin's warmth and be a more intimate wearing experience.

This difference in delivery can lead to polarized reviews. Someone expecting room-filling projection might describe our solid perfumes as "too weak" or "doesn't last," while someone who appreciates close-to-skin fragrances will rave about the same product being "perfect" or "delish" and even sometimes "too strong".

There's also the application ritual difference. Spray perfumes are a quick spritz-and-go situation. Solid perfumes require you to warm them with your finger, swipe them on your pulse points, and really engage with the fragrance. We love putting perfume into tins with screw top lids to mimic pantry jars. Some people love this mindful, tactile experience—it becomes part of their self-care routine. Others find it too involved or time-consuming.

 

Your Skin Chemistry is the Ultimate Wild Card

Now we're getting to the real science stuff, and it's fascinating! Your skin is like a unique chemistry lab, and when fragrance molecules hit it, they react with your individual skin composition to create something entirely new. The same tin of P@rnapple can smell completely different on different people, and here's why:

Skin pH levels vary from person to person. Some people have more acidic skin, others more alkaline. Acidic skin tends to make fragrances smell sharper and more intense, while alkaline skin can make them seem softer and more muted. This is why that "too strong" review and "barely there" review for the same product can both be accurate experiences.

Skin moisture levels also play a huge role. Dry skin absorbs fragrance oils quickly, which can make scents seem to disappear faster. Oily skin holds onto fragrance longer and can amplify certain notes. This is why we always recommend moisturizing before applying any solid fragrance—it creates a better base for the scent to develop and last.

Your diet affects how you smell and how fragrances interact with your skin. People who eat a lot of spicy foods, garlic, or drink lots of coffee might find that certain fragrance notes are amplified or altered. Even medications can change your body chemistry enough to affect how perfumes smell on you.

Stress and hormones are major players too. When you're stressed, your body produces different chemicals that can interact with fragrance molecules. Ever notice how your usual perfume smells different when you're having a rough day? That's your stress chemistry at work.

Body temperature matters as well. People who run hot will find that fragrances project more strongly on them and might seem overwhelming at normal application levels. Cooler-running people might need to apply more product to get the same scent intensity.

 

The Psychology Behind Reviews: Why People Love to Love and Hate to Hate

We should also talk about the psychology of leaving reviews, because this is really interesting from a human behavior perspective. People who leave glowing 5-star reviews are usually in a state of fragrance euphoria—they've found their holy grail, and they want the world to know. They're motivated by joy, satisfaction, and often a desire to help others discover something amazing.

One-star reviewers, on the other hand, often have different motivations. Sometimes they're genuinely trying to warn others about a product that didn't work for them. But often, they're motivated by frustration, disappointment, or a desire to be heard. In the fragrance world, where reactions are so deeply personal, this can create dramatic polarization.

There's also something called "confirmation bias" at play. If someone expects to love a scent based on the description, they're more likely to focus on the positive aspects. If they're sceptical from the start, they might zero in on any element they don't like and let that colour their entire experience.

Social influence matters too. If someone reads a bunch of negative reviews before trying a fragrance, they might be primed to notice flaws, or maybe it lowers their expectations so they end up pleasantly surprised. The reverse can be true for positive reviews. 

 

The Solid vs. Spray Divide: Understanding Different Fragrance Experiences

At Wicked Fumes, we're passionate about solid perfumes, but we know they're not for everyone. Understanding the differences between solids and sprays can help explain why reactions vary so dramatically:

Projection and Sillage: Spray perfumes are designed to project away from your body and leave a scent trail (sillage). Solid perfumes are designed to stay close to your skin and create intimate moments of fragrance discovery. Neither approach is better—they're just different philosophies.

Longevity: Because solid perfumes don't contain alcohol, they don't have that initial volatile burst that spray perfumes do. Instead, they rely on your skin's warmth to slowly release fragrance throughout the day. For spray perfume lovers this can feel like the scent isn't strong enough or has poor longevity, but it's actually a different type of wearing experience—more consistent and skin-focused.

Application Control: With solids, you control exactly how much fragrance you apply. You can go subtle with a light swipe or bold with multiple applications. Some people love this control; others find it inconvenient compared to a quick spray.

Layering Opportunities: Solid perfumes are fantastic for layering and creating custom scent combinations. You can mix Cocoloco Nut with Killer Vanilla for a killer creamy dessert vibe, or add Lewd Lime to Strawbooty Smack for a full blown fruity cocktail effect. Spray perfumes don't layer as easily because they can drown each other out.

Wicked Fumes: Sweet, Bold, and Proudly Polarising

At Wicked Fumes, we don’t make basic perfumes. We make bold, cheeky, foodie-inspired scents that crush cravings and yes—sometimes divide opinion. That's the cost of standing out in a world full of beige vanilla (and we mean that literally—we know vanilla can be basic, but our Killer Vanilla is anything but!).

We're not trying to be everything to everyone because that's impossible in the fragrance world. Instead, we're committed to being something really special to the people who get it—foodie fragrance obsessed fans.

Our collection of fruitilicious and decadent dessert-inspired perfumes are meant to be mixed and matched so you can create different fragrance combos throughout the day. Our favourite combos?

• Killer Vanilla + Peachy Cheeks = Creamy Peach Pie
• Lewd Lime + Pornapple = Juicy & Tropical  
• Vice Vice Baby + Dirty Milkshake = Marshmallow & Chocolate Milk Indulgence
• Raspberry Rizz + Mango Pirate = Sweet & Fruity

The Beauty of Fragrance Diversity

Here's what we want every fragrance lover to understand: the fact that people react so differently to the same perfume isn't a bug—it's a feature! This diversity of experience is what makes the fragrance world so rich and exciting. If everyone smelled fragrance notes the same way, perfume would be boring as hell.

Your unique response to fragrance is part of what makes you, you. Whether you're someone who can detect every subtle note in a complex composition or someone who prefers bold, straightforward scents, your preferences are valid and valuable.

So the next time you see polarizing reviews for a fragrance you're curious about, remember that those different experiences don't cancel each other out—they're all real, valid reactions to the same product. The question isn't whether a fragrance is objectively good or bad, but whether it's right for you, your skin, your preferences, and your scent story.

At Wicked Fumes, we encourage experimentation, curiosity, and most importantly, trusting your own nose. Whether you're here for a smack of strawberry, a killer vanilla, or a marshmallow fever dream—stay curious and keep sniffing out your favs. The most boring thing you could do is smell like everyone else.

If you want to discover which Wicked Fume speaks to your unique scent personality? Browse our full collection and prepare for some seriously sweet surprises.

Till next time, stay sweet!