It’s hard to believe that over 200 articles have graced Scent Grail – something I just realized after writing a review for Mauboussin Homme last week.
A personal fragrance journey that started as a discovery of scents has evolved into a highly regarded independent source for perfume lovers worldwide.
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From humble beginnings, I had to learn everything from designing a website and how to write a proper article to something that is part of everyone who reads it.
Even though I skipped making a 4th-anniversary article, let’s correct this and have a proper conversation on this occasion.
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Read this and all future articles in their complete versions exclusively on Patreon, which helps cover the website’s operational costs and content development.
2024 SITUATION AND HOW IT SHAPED THE FUTURE OF THE WEBSITE
This time, I will get straight to the point and skip the whole part about how the Scent Grail project came to life and how I got into this hobby.
Those who still haven’t read that part can check it out here.
As you might know, I experienced my second perfume burnout in early February last year, which hasn’t happened since 2017.
After I purchased Loewe’s Paula’s Ibiza, I asked myself what the point was. Given the current trends in the perfume world, I have already owned and sampled so many things that it is doubtful that things will improve.
So, I slowed down with the articles and stopped purchasing new bottles until December 31st, 2024, when I “recharged my internal batteries” and got Drakkar Intense.
Combined with what happened with the whole hosting renewal situation in January 2025, I genuinely thought that this might be it and that the project was over.
Since I’m writing this article, and as you can see, the website is live, I’m grateful to continue my work and share my thoughts about fragrances.
LESSONS LEARNED AND MILESTONES REACHED
Reaching 200 articles has been a numerical milestone and a testament to our growth as curators of olfactive experiences. Along the way, I’ve learned that:
- Every fragrance I reviewed has a story. Whether it’s a complex combination that brings back memories of a long-gone summer or a simple eau de cologne that boosts your confidence, there’s always a story ready to be shared. My favourite review is about Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur, which was written when I was still not well versed about how to do this blogging thing properly.
- Honesty is essential. I’m 100% sure I wouldn’t be here writing weekly articles if I weren’t frank with you. I never cared whether any popular designer or niche brand would think positively about me if I roasted their perfumes in one of my reviews. You have seen this several times where I gave negative reviews to the overly hyped scents that aren’t worth your hard-earned cash. Thus, I plan to continue being myself and only give you information about the hard facts in every review, regardless of the favoured status within the fragrance community of the scent and the house. Realistic reviews are the only way a perfume house can improve, and the overwhelming amount of “Yes-Man” in our community is just a sad state of affairs that makes me believe more in my views about how I do things.
- The journey is ongoing. The funny thing is that you can never learn everything, and even when you reach a certain point in a thing you love, there is always more to learn, which is the mindset I always had. Be humble, agree that you don’t always know everything, and respect those who give you positive feedback and those who give you constructive criticism. I’m not perfect, but who is?
- Be thankful for the friends in life. Whatever you do in your life, you will meet similarly-minded people who share your points of view. Some will stay in your life briefly, while others are here for life. I have learned that being kind to those rare few who stay with you in good and bad times is one of the biggest gifts in life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You know who you are.
THE FUTURE
At first glance, 200 articles in four and a half years don’t seem significant, and a couple of other perfume bloggers have a much more substantial number than I have in released articles.
But there is a catch. None of the others have done what I have done all this time. All my articles are a minimum of 1500 to 6000 words, which no one else can say.
Let’s not forget that many others boost their numbers by sharing low-quality and low-word-count “new fragrance releases” articles daily, which I am not interested in because that is just filler content.
Most importantly, all the images you see on the website are taken by me or used from license-free websites, which many other fragrance bloggers use without permission.
Nonetheless, when reading a perfume review or checking out some new fragrance list, I recommend reading or watching from multiple sources to get various opinions about the perfume you are interested in.
I might have the most detailed written reviews on the web, but that doesn’t mean my opinion is the only one that is right. Whoever says differently about their opinions about perfumes should be avoided at all costs.
I’m not gonna name anyone since we all have different tastes, but a couple of these “reviewers” are the reason why I have stopped watching fragrance YouTubers completely.
That being said, the future is bright. In the following months, you can expect three full perfume reviews and more than ten listicles and educational content.
After that, the plan is to get some new bottles and continue doing reviews. Don’t forget that by being a part of Scent Grail’s Patreon; you can read all the latest articles 24 hours before anyone else and request reviews.
Last but not least, I have always wanted to create a unique separate forum on Scent Grail, which finally came to life a couple of weeks ago, where we, the fragrance enthusiasts, can discuss everything related to perfume.
This project is available as a Discord forum, which you can join by being a part of my Patreon community.
MY OLD COLLECTION PART #2
As I did on the 3rd anniversary, once again, I have created a gallery showcasing my old perfume collection for everyone to enjoy.
I still have a lot of old perfume pictures from when I did not have a professional camera, and I took perfume pictures with my old phones, which means the quality is not optimal, but it shares a part of my life.
Most of these images are from 2013 – 2016, back in the time when I was excited about everything new I purchased.
I’m planning to do a 5th Scent Grail anniversary in July 2025, so you can expect even more scents from the earlier days of my journey. Enjoy!
THREE ACTUAL HIDDEN GEMS
To complete this celebration and provide you a little more than just an article, here are my three hidden gems worth checking out.
All of these have been worn by me and have certified Scent Grail’s quality approval.
Check out Scent Grail’s Top Picks on Jomashop, and keep smelling great!
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
In the end, none of this would be possible without you. Every comment, every shared review, and every moment you’ve spent exploring the world of fragrance with me has contributed to the rich tapestry of Scent Grail.
As we celebrate 200 articles, I extend my deepest gratitude to my readers, our community, and all who believe in the power of scent to transform moments into memories.
My only wishes are for you to stay healthy, take the best out of life with as little stress as possible, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy this journey, which, in the end, is a small but important part of our lives.
Hopefully, this blog will still be here when the 10th anniversary rolls out so that I can continue sharing my perfume experiences.
This article is not a part of Scent Grail’s Patreon Premium content, and everyone can enjoy it in it’s full form.
What do you think about this article covering 200 articles later? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comments section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, looking at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide is always a good decision.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP SCENT GRAIL KEEP BEING THE TOP INDEPENDENT PERFUME BLOG IN THE WORLD
Scent Grail has been an independently run website since 2020 and has not been financed by any perfume brand or beauty company. You can support Scent Grail through PayPal, Buy Me A Coffee, Revolut, Patreon, donate Crypto(wallets in the footer of the website), share my content, or allow ads on Scent Grail to help maintain the website and its content.
I am incredibly grateful for your support, which is of tremendous significance. Thank you.
Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists and other helpful reviews via these links:
Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
#scentgrail #scentgrailtribe
Your number one source for Holy Grail Signature Scents.
– Marin Kristić
Congrats! When I discovered this site it quickly become of my trusted sources. I really like your style and I have a big respect for what you have created. Hope this project continues for a while.
Greetings from México!