Quality control in perfumery: how fragrances are tested
We are used to thinking of perfume as pure art: the perfumer's inspiration, a beautiful story, a bot...
If you think niche perfumery is always serious and pretentious, Smell Bent is ready to prove you wrong.
Since 2009, this American brand has been creating fragrances that are not afraid to be playful, bold, and inspiring. One striking example is Never Say Never, released in 2016.
This unisex perfume belongs to the musky, woody, and floral fragrance families and is available in an eau de parfum concentration.
The fragrance was created by perfumer Brent Leonesio. He infused Never Say Never with a touch of his cheerful outlook on life. The fragrance became part of the Pop Mantra collection, dedicated to music tracks.
This particular scent is an olfactory illustration of a track by the British duo Basement Jaxx. Brent himself describes it as “the scent of perfume with sandalwood notes on my favorite T-shirt.”
And indeed, it is a deeply personal, comforting, and at the same time bold scent.
Despite its apparent simplicity, Never Say Never has a powerful character. Its very strong sillage will not go unnoticed. The fragrance is built around two key ingredients: musk and sandalwood.
This combination creates a creamy, powdery warmth that envelops and soothes, like a favorite sweater.
Musk brings sensuality and a subtle animalic facet, while sandalwood adds soft woody depth.
The fragrance unfolds delicately yet persistently. It opens with an almost transparent floral accent—thanks to the floral family—which quickly melts into a cloud of musk and sandalwood.
It is the perfect choice for those who love a “your skin but better” scent or are looking for a cozy yet noticeable everyday perfume.
Never Say Never is unisex, so feel free to share it with your partner or wear it on your own. It suits every season, but is especially lovely in cool weather, when you crave warmth.
Application: we recommend not overdoing it—thanks to its strong sillage and lasting power, 2–3 sprays on the wrists and neck are enough. It will smell even more vivid on clothing.
If you like this fragrance, take a look at similar compositions: Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille, Brocard Gelato, and Gucci Tears of Iris.
They also play on the contrast between sweetness, flowers, and wood.
More information about Smell Bent and its other creations is available on the official website: www.affinessence.com. Are you ready to say “never say never”?
The fragrance is very long-lasting, staying on the skin for 12 hours or more, gradually revealing its notes
The scent will linger in the air even after its wearer has left.
The perfume has a rich aroma that will help you stand out from the crowd and create a memorable image
A rich and elegant fragrance that gently unfolds on the skin and lasts most of the day, leaving a delicate trail
Perfumes for the fall and winter seasons often contain notes of vanilla, spices, ambergris, wood, and other warm accords, creating a feeling of comfort and warmth during the cold months
Never Say Never is built around two contrasting yet perfectly complementary notes: musk and sandalwood.
Musk lends the composition a sensual depth and a subtle animalic nuance, while sandalwood creates a soft, creamy woody base.
Together, they create an enveloping, powdery-warm trail that feels both clean and intimate. This is a mood fragrance you’ll want to share.
| Gender | Unisex |
| Brand | Smell Bent |
| Segment | Massmarket perfumery |
| Country | United States |
| Website | http://www.smellbent.com |
| Year of production | 2016 |
| Status | Produced |
| Concentration | Eau de parfum |
Upload the original perfume so the community can check against it.
Photograph: the bottle, the sprayer, under the sprayer, under the cap, the packaging, the batch code, and the bottom of the bottle.
Check the quality of the details, the atomizer, the neck, and the glass. #nofakes!
We are used to thinking of perfume as pure art: the perfumer's inspiration, a beautiful story, a bot...
You spent twenty minutes on your makeup, but by lunchtime, the foundation has already slipped and th...
You spritzed your favorite perfume in the morning, but by evening your skin smells like a different ...
Join the Fragsi community and get access to all its features
Thank you! Your vote has been counted, and the fragrance characteristics have been updated.