In this chatty “worth the hype?” episode, I’m back to my regular schedule and finally getting my nose on a bunch of newer or new-ish releases—then giving you my very honest win/meh/fail takes. I start with one of my favorite recent launches: Clean Reserve Skin Intense. The original Skin is basically in my lifelong core group, and the Intense version delivers a warmer, slightly sweeter, a-little-salty “your skin but better” vibe with more presence (8.5–9 for me). From there I talk about Phlur Afterglow, which has a truly delightful opening on my skin, but turns a bit nondescript in the dry down—so I’m enjoying my travel spray and calling it a day. I also get into some heavier or more polarizing scents: Tomavicci Siren’s Veil (sultry, syrupy berries/cherry vibes, but I’m not compelled), M. Micallef Notorious XO (leathery, suedy, a little animalic—“camel funk,” and not for me), and Narcotica Maniac (fresh fruity punch that turns into my “plastic doll head dunked in a tropical drink” situation—in a good way). I wrap with Nishane Meant To Be Seen (waxy, powdery iris/orris lovers—must try), Sora Dora Lu Bu (a hard zero from me), BDK Vanille Caviar (a fail—too resinous/rotten on my skin), Commodity Ice(d) (cool, green, aromatic and difficult for me), and the one I’m seriously considering: Initio Lift Me Up—bright, creamy, happy floral-vanilla goodness, but I need your full-bottle performance feedback before I spend over $400.