JINO, known as Scenthe on Instagram, is the creator behind this faceless perfume page. Born in the Philippines, raised in Thailand, and now based in Singapore, he works in the creative world of advertising, but his true passion lies in scents. There’s a reason Jino has chosen to remain faceless: like perfume, which can’t be seen but only felt, he wants his reviews to focus solely on the fragrance itself. It’s his way of paying homage to the art of fragrance, complemented by carefully crafted flatlays and product shots that capture the essence of each perfume.
My favorite notes are… I would say I am one of those who appreciate most if not all fragrance notes, as long as they’re beautifully executed. Each note has its own character and charm, and when blended well, even the most unexpected combinations can become olfactory magic. But of course there are a few notes that I find myself gravitating toward more often. Floral notes, especially roses and white flowers, hold a special place for me. They evoke elegance, timeless beauty, and a touch of romance. Then there’s the warmth and boldness of spicy notes, like cumin and cardamom, which add an exotic, tantalizing edge to any fragrance. I’m also drawn to the richness of amber and vanilla, the way they envelop you in a cozy, sensual warmth. They balance out any composition with a golden, soft glow. Chypre fragrances, with their mossy and earthy depths, bring a sense of mystery and sophistication, while the unmistakable patchouli and oud offer a powerful, resinous base that lingers on the skin, adding complexity and depth.
What interests me most about perfumery is how fragrances can incredibly elicit such deep emotions and create lasting scent memories, often more powerful than any other sense. A single whiff of a familiar perfume can transport us back to a specific moment in time, conjuring vivid memories and emotions that we thought were long forgotten. Whether it’s the comforting scent of a loved one, the fresh air after a summer rain, or the warmth of spices from a favorite dish, fragrances have a unique way of intertwining themselves with our experiences. They become more than just a scent. They become a doorway to nostalgia, to emotion, to moments that define us.
I became a fragrance content creator because, plain and simple, I wanted to journal my thoughts on perfumes and share my honest, unfiltered unsolicited opinions. It started as a personal space where I could express my love for fragrances. I wanted to write, take some creative photos to capture them, but over time, I realized something incredible: these musings were resonating with others. That’s when I discovered more fragheads and perfume enthusiasts who share the same passion. Total geek fest and that’s why I continue to do it.
A good fragrance is one that leaves a lasting impression. Not necessarily in terms of its longevity on the skin, but in the way it lingers in your mind. I call it the ‘Last Scent Syndrome.’ It’s the scent that, even after it fades on skin, you just can’t shake off. It captivates you in a way that keeps you thinking about it long after it’s gone.
I see the current perfume market as… We’ve entered an era where everything feels a little too safe, a bit too minimal. It’s as if boldness and creativity has taken a backseat to restraint, and the daring spirit of ‘more is more’ has been lost. Let’s bring out the big, oversized shoulder pads I say, the big hair, the showstopper and statement pieces, the drama, the pizzaz please!
In a few words, to me, perfume is poignantly personal. Between scent and you.
JINO’S LIFETIME SCENTS
L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake
Fragrance has always been an invisible thread in my life since childhood. I was mesmerized by my sister’s collection, but it was L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake that truly claimed me. Each spritz made me feel unconquerable—fresh yet grounded, with an ozonic verbena note that felt alive, like distant shores in the big city. I’ll never forget the day a taxi driver complimented my scent, a simple moment that cemented its place in my memory. From that day, it became more than a fragrance. It became a part of my early teens as my signature scent.
Coromandel by Chanel
As I grew up in my 20s, moving cities, countries, and figuring out life on my own (adulting, as they say) I found myself drawn to Chanel. That’s when Coromandel opened my world to what ‘love at first sniff’ truly meant. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks. Eventually, I acquired a bottle, and my love for it hasn’t changed. If I had to choose 1 perfume, and that is just pure evil, no contest, no doubt, this would be it. Coromandel’s patchouli with its smooth velvety white chocolate, melds seamlessly with my skin creating this incredibly sophisticated aura. Friends and close ones say it smells so different on others, but on me, it smells like destiny. Need I say more?
Mitsouko by Guerlain
Can you truly call yourself a fragrance lover if you’ve never experienced Mitsouko by Guerlain? (Secretly judging you.) My love for the chypre family all started here, with the most iconic of them all. If you ask me, nothing else comes close. This is the GOAT of chypres. Every time I wear it, I feel like I’ve stepped into a different dimension. It conjures up the painting of the Garden of Eden—mossy, fruity, ethereal, with an undeniable air of mystique. Mitsouko is not just a fragrance, it’s truly an experience. EDT, EDP, extrait – you name it, I have it. Mitsouko will always be that ‘je ne sais quoi’ fragrance for me.
Salome by Papillon Artisan Perfumes
Gosh, if ever there were a tale of transformation, I’d replay this moment endlessly. Salome by Papillon was a scent I initially dismissed; my nascent nose couldn’t appreciate its complexity. At first, it struck me as greasy and hairy, an unwelcome surprise. But as Mariah would say, “Love Takes Time,” and time indeed worked its magic. With each sampling, Salome evolved from an adversary to a true love. This complex chypre unfolds with animalic, furry notes and a rich, deep density of florals that defies easy description. It feels carnal, primal, and raw. A beautiful beast that reveals its captivating allure with every wear. A masterpiece.
Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle
Rose perfumes often get a mixed reaction, but I’m here for it, especially when it comes to Portrait of a Lady. This masterpiece captivates with its buxom dark red roses, intertwined with patchouli, a hint of fruit, and smoky incense. It’s a fragrance brimming with depth and romantic allure. One scent memory that stays with me is when my mom wore it at the beach. The way it mingled with the salty sea breeze, blooming like I’d never experienced before, was utterly breathtaking. It literally stopped me in my tracks. This is a true olfactory masterpiece.
Shalimar by Guerlain
No perfume list of mine would be complete without another nod to Guerlain. A house that has left an indelible mark on my fragrance journey. Shalimar is the quintessential amber fragrance, dripping with sensuality and sophistication. The blend of vanilla, amber, and just a whisper of leather is utterly exquisite. It’s a true icon, a single-name diva in the perfume world, right up there with Whitney, Mariah, and Celine. Glorious and timeless, they simply don’t make fragrances like this anymore. Sadly.
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(image credits: Jino)
