Experience With Isobutyl Quinoline (IBQ)

IBQ is one of those materials that shows its character very fast during evaluation.

When it blends well in the base, it can create a soft leather-type depth, almost like an Ombre Leather style vibe.
That warm, dry feeling appears naturally and supports the whole structure.

Even a small amount can change the direction of the fragrance.
It makes the base feel more solid, more defined, and more long-lasting.

I also noticed something interesting in recent trials.
When a modern vanilla–woody–cinnamon style fragrance has a light touch of IBQ in the base, the profile feels more complete and creative.
It adds a subtle dry-leathery support that fits well with warm notes.

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What really controls fragrance longevity?

Fragrance longevity does not depend only on oil percentage. From my experience, longevity mainly depends on two things: a strong and well-built base, and the right support for the top notes. The base gives the fragrance its staying power. If the base is weak, The fragrance will not last, no matter how much oil is added. Top notes also need the right strength. If they are too sharp or unsupported, They fade too fast And the fragrance seems to disappear suddenly. Good longevity comes from balance. A base that can hold the fragrance, and top notes that open clearly without burning away too quickly. Longevity is not about pushing more. It is about building it right. When the structure is right, the fragrance does not rush. It stays, quietly and naturally.

What diffusion really means in a fragrance.

Diffusion is not about how long a fragrance stays on your skin. It is about how the fragrance moves in the air. A fragrance with good diffusion does not stay only on the skin. It moves gently around you. People can smell it when you walk. When you enter a room. When you pass by. From my journey and experience, good diffusion feels soft and friendly. It is noticed, but it never feels too much. Some fragrances stay on the skin for many hours, But no one else can smell them. That is long-lasting, not diffusion. Diffusion happens when a fragrance is balanced. It opens nicely and moves slowly in the air. When diffusion is right, The fragrance stays close to you, but also shares itself with others. It does not shout. It walks with you and softly says, “I am here.”

Ramadan, Fasting, and the Nose — A Small Learning from My Journey

In Ramadan, we fast from morning to evening. Fasting does not only help the heart and mind. It also gently changes how we feel and how we smell. In my daily work as a fragrance evaluator, I notice a simple but meaningful difference during fasting. Soft fragrances become easier to understand. But during fasting, very strong fragrances can sometimes feel heavy and may give slight discomfort. I also notice that nose fatigue can come faster than usual. In perfumery, this is known as olfactory fatigue — When the nose becomes less sensitive after smelling many strong scents. Because of this, during Ramadan, I prefer to evaluate key samples in the morning with a fresh nose. After around 3 or 4 o’clock, it can become more difficult to judge a fragrance clearly. This may be because the body becomes calmer when the stomach is resting. One thing is always important. We must take care of our health, drink enough water after iftar, and keep the body balanced. Only a healthy body can evaluate ...

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