Look at your collection, no matter what size it is. What do you think is the weak spot in it? And no, I'm not referring to FOMO. It's not about chasing the latest release or completing a lineup. I'm talking about what area seems to be lacking? It could be a situation (formal events, work options, etc.). It could be a season. I live in the South, so it's summer (or at least warm) the majority of the year. I focused on building that part up this year and feel good about where that part is now. I'm good with fall and winter. But my weak spot is spring. That time of year I find myself scrambling to find options that seem to fit the way I'd like. What are you working on with your collection?

Over the past couple of months, I've been actively taking some advice of several brothers, and taking some time to enjoy the modest collection (12 bottles) I own, and really utilise them. It's been a very useful exercise, and has really helped to clarify my thinking in terms of which of the full bottles I own - I really, truly enjoy, which ones I quite like, but probably would look to move on from - and highlighted certain styles of fragrance I'd really like to explore in more depth - so first of all - thank you for the suggestions and guidance. My follow-up though was to ask you - what is your opinion on an 'ideal' sample size when you look to sample a scent you've never tried, but are intrigued by? Typically, when testing a new scent, I've opted for the 2ml version, (partly taking account of the pricing min/max analysis), however, I am now pondering whether 2ml is really sufficient, as it only affords one to two wears max. Am now thinking that ideally I need more wears to really get under the skin of a scent and fully understand if its worth pulling the trigger? What do you guys think?

Released in 2006, this landmark creation was the work of legendary perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena, and I think it’s fair to say it redefined what a mainstream men’s fragrance could be at the time. The concept was simple to capture the essence of the earth itself, minerals, soil, sunlight, and stone. Rather than leaning into the usual citrus, aquatic, or heavy spice trends of the time. It was originally launched as a unisex offering, but its quiet gravitation and understated power made it an instant staple among men, and it’s remained one of the most respected and recognizable fragrances in the game for nearly two decades. There’s a reason you’ll find it on shelves in almost every country on the planet. Opening up, you get a sharp, zesty hit of grapefruit and orange that’s bright and crisp, but it doesn’t hang around long. Within minutes that citrus fades back and the real heart of the fragrance starts to show. Earthy, mineral-rich vetiver mixes with peppery notes and a distinct flinty, stone-like quality that feels like standing on a sun-warmed rock face. It’s not loud or flashy; it’s grounded and contemplative. This is where Ellena’s genius really shows, he stripped everything right back, removed all the unnecessary noise, and let the natural character of the materials speak for themselves. There’s no sweetness here, no artificial vanilla, no heavy synthetics just pure, honest earth and spice that evolves slowly over hours without ever feeling heavy or cloying. As it dries down, Terre settles into a smooth, woody base of cedar and vetiver, with that same mineral flint running all the way through it. Performance is solid you’ll get 5-6 hours on skin with decent projection early on, before it settles into a soft, respectable skin scent that people will notice but won’t overpower a room. What makes it genuinely interesting is how it manages to feel both classic and modern at the same time; it one of those scents that doesn't age. It’s the kind of fragrance that works everywhere office, gym, dinner, weddings and it always looks and smells expensive. If you’re after something that commands respect without shouting, this is one of the safest and smartest picks you can make.

“Perfume is the most intense form of memory.”— Jean-Paul Guerlain The right scent can bring back a place, a person, or a version of yourself in an instant. Wear something today that reminds you how far you’ve come. Enjoy the #Journey. Love to hear from ya’!

Probably the most missed discontinued fragrance, I was lucky enough to land a bottle through Rescented recently. If I had to pick just one for summer, it would be this one.