Paper

*FULL-STEAM AHEAD WITH REVIEWS BELOW I must beg to differ with those in the reviews whom cannot appreciate the eloquence of this fragrance. Let me preface my experience by emphasizing that there is NOTHING remotely pickley about the sandalwood in this MASTERPIECE. NOTHING AT ALL. For those of you whom find yourselves gravitating toward the futuristically captivating world of molecules, I insist. This is a magnificent glance into the elusiveness of molecular fragrances. Simply stunning. If Vivaldi's 'Summer' could be bottled, this fragrance embodies the very suspense and momentum of said piece. On initial spray, I did everything in my power to allow it time to come to life, within about 15 minutes I found my nose a hostage to my wrist. This smell. My God, what a familiar smell. I continuously inhaled. My God, what is that smell? Why is it so darned familiar yet estranged. How perplexingly SUBLIME. What is that smell reminding me of?!?! I MUST KNOW. The journey unraveling was diabolically taunting. I couldn't put my finger on it. I recited the fragrance's name over and over, praying it would ring a bell somewhere in the recesses of what eeriely miring nostalgia I'd suppressed somewhere in the back of my memory. This is not a fragrance. It wears almost like as if one had inadvertently grazed an unsuspecting SPIDERWEB. Oh my! What is it?!?! What could it be?!?! Where do I reckon I've felt this?!?! I gasped ever so subtley as a memory sprang forth out of the pitch black of my loaded cognition. Grandpa?!?! I was overtaken by a deluge of tears and the world's most unsightly pressure coiling around my heart. As a little me struggled with every curious fiber of an impatient child's wonder as I reached for the handle on the publisher's box to hand my Grandfather today's newspaper. It surged over me in a silkened violent wave of ensnaring clarity. The infallibility I felt of being the vector between a man who knew where to look, I, a small child came unfurled with an arrogant pride for a man whom silently asked with a gesture what heinous tragedies have befallen the few? Handing my Grandfather the day's paper with the most deviant shit-eating grin of an innocent child shouting "Grandpa! Nobody reads these!" As he lit a cigarette in the comfort of the living room with a path of greenery leading the way to intricately detailed wooden fixtures and furniture that predated the turn of the century with Renaissance artwork work obscuring every wall. As I climbed into his lap, eagerly assisting him in flipping open to the first page. Holding my nose to the fresh density of the black and white print, as he pointed to the headline whispering in my ear "only those whom are illiterate would die in a river of denial." This fragrance is an ode to just that. The quiet, literate, observing mind. The yearning for a sacred time. A sanctuary that revered the unseen. The Tailor's timely detail. The vividly, porous color. The hauntingly inanimate. The vague ambiguity of the subversive press. The ever-so-distant yet deafening whisper of encroaching palpability that there will always be a seat reserved at this inarticulabley exclusive table. The Iso E Super reminiscent of the wood ("inanimate"), the Cedar beckoning you in like the density of the unknown (woods on woods on woods, without a compass you'd stand no chance), but the Sandalwood? The cloack of warmth, a capricious, yellowy-red, nebulous farewell in the distant horizon (the sun? or coaxing safety). Paper is the smell of certainty a new day is upon us. Question remains? Can you smell it too? Or could it be that the news paper vending machine hissed at you with the charm of PATRONUS?

I came across the house Commodity via Fragrantica and ordered the Paper and Book exploration kits. And so glad I did, because this really seems to be my type of fragrance house, as I generally like musky/woodsy skin fragrances and these 2x3 are all that. Commodity says that the Personal (-) and the Bold (+) are basically the same as Expressive but with added notes to make the scent softer (-) or more intense (+). Love the concept! I think the better projection of Expressive compared to Personal mainly comes from the Sandalwood (and is actually also stronger than Bold.) Where I don’t smell the sandalwood in Personal, it plays the lead role in Expressive. Right after I spray Paper expressive, I smell sandalwood with a bit of chemical glue (ISO E super?), but the glue is less strong than in Personal and it fades quickly. Once that chemical glue-smell is gone, I smell the lovely soft woodsy smoke that I also love in Personal. After reading the notes info, I guess this is the cedar I am smelling? The smokey together with the Sandalwood explains the name Paper: but it’s the kind of paper in really old books where the paper has almost gotten a sweet smell, not the scratchy sharp smell of new paper. It is the sandalwood that overpowers and lasts: I used only two sprays and getting whiffs of sandalwood all day long. Although I like this scent (especially in the first hours when I can still smell the smokey woods), I am wondering if it could have been even nicer if the smokey (cedar?) tones were better noticeable and not only detectable when I sniff my wrist. I see some other reviews compare this to Santal33. I tried S33 once and it was too masculine for me: too strong and sharp and too much masculine leather. Reminds me of leather jackets in a bar where people have been smoking, rather than soft suede. I can get the resemblance with Paper from the sandalwood and smokey tones, but to me Paper is so much nicer and softer and more wearable than S33. I would rather compare Paper Expressive to JHAG Sunny side up (which is a bit more milky gourmand) and A.N.Other WD/2018 (which is a bit more floral/fruity). Those all share the same sweet and creamy Sandalwood, and musky notes. Very similar but not identical. If you like one of these, I’d recommend to also try the others and see which one is most perfect to your taste.

This is the first fragrance I gravitated toward in my entry into this hobby! Smelling this on a strip in the store does not do this justice. Like a lot of skin fragrances, I feel that people have a pretty wide range of experiences with them from what it seems. I'd recommend a small sampler just to get a good sense of if you like this, as Sephora and other stores really drown out the notes. The opening notes are pretty harsh, very chemical/alcohol based, which was almost a turn-off to me. Like any good fragrance, the real test is in the drydown. This is an extremely linear scent in my opinion, what you smell about 15 minutes after applying is what you'll get. That being said, there is something very alluring about this fragrance. Wearing a jacket in the winter really accelerates and amplifies the scent from my experience. It's both clean and earthy, and is surprisingly deep despite a very minimal amount of raw materials intertwined in it. This is something that I think can work for all occasions and seasons. It has pretty good longevity in my experience. If you're looking for something that projects pretty far, I don't think this is the one for you, however if you're getting into skin fragrances, you're probably not looking for that. I think this is a good scent if you are working in an office setting where perfumes are not "allowed" but want something more cozy and warm, yet clear and sharp.

I’ve been testing a sample of Paper Expressive in different situations, and after loving it, I decided to wear it around the house earlier this week. When I leaned in to kiss my partner, she said, "You smell like stocking the shelves of the bookstore I used to work at as a teenager," which perfectly captures what this fragrance smells like. It's the scent of brand-new paper—like the way fresh paper still carries a hint of wood. For anyone who grew up a bookworm, like my partner and I, this fragrance instantly invokes nostalgia and comfort. The clean, moisturized skin notes in the perfume enhance that feeling. It’s simple yet complex at the same time, offering a beautiful balance of warmth and freshness. I was also pleasantly surprised by the sillage and lasting power. Just three sprays create a lovely scent bubble that lasts all day. Paper Expressive is also fantastic for layering; the Iso E Super gives a subtle boost to other fragrance notes, adding depth. I ordered a discovery set fully expecting to buy a full-size bottle of one of the other scents, but it’s going to be Paper, and we’re going to be best friends.

at first spritz you expect to feel either the scent itself or an alcohol smell, but instead you are greeted by a smell of glue, a bit of a foreshadowing of what is to come just like the glue in a book takes time to dry, this perfume takes its time to settle and reveal its true form, which is a symphony of nostalgic memories of study nights with panicked writing, followed by a wave of sense of accomplishment that follows after writing something to hand in to your teacher at the last second, and you know you've passed you also feel a hint of the sage tree, the predecessor of the paper that takes center stage in this fragrance it is not a scent that is challenging, nor sexy or daring, but it is reliable and true, a reassuring scent in a world full of uncertainties and digital brain rot, a scent that takes you back to a time of the ever so reliable paper.

Paper is probably one of the most indescribable scents for me - but I have such a weird love for it! It’s definitely a skin scent, on a test strip you can slightly get the idea of where it’s going.. but it really opens up on skin with a iso e super note blended with an almost inky kind of smell. It works amazing on me, it was also the first Commodity scent someone complimented me on saying “wow you smell good, is that even perfume?” Which made me purchase the travel spray & I love it. It’s pretty hard to put into words the way this smells on its own, but I also use this to layer perfumes and it definitely gives them a boost! Paper + Burberry Her created some great longevity & the smell is still stuck in the shirt I wore after a wash!

I adore this smell. ISO e super/Molecule 01 is one of my standards. It's my most worn, because I do inventory in a warehouse around people who literally exist just to find something to complain about, and it's such an inoffensive scent. Anyway, this is honestly essentially Molecule 01. Only with the added note of sandalwood, which is just as chill as the star player, iso e super. For some depth I might layer this over Seville Orange oil by Nest; or something equally as uncomplicated, like a Jo Malone cologne. When I run out of my FB of Molecule 01, I'm definitely buying Paper. So gorgeous, so unassuming, so versatile, so utterly perfect. 📜🖤

Absolutely bloody brilliant. Feels like it was made just for me as a book lover. It's like walking into a bookshop. On card it smells similar to Not A Perfume, that vodka-y smell but unlike NaP, with a woodiness blended in with just the right amount of subtlety. but on my skin it was utterly devine, like opening up a brand new book with crisp white pages. Longevity suffers somewhat as with Commodity's other fragrances, and silage is muted compared to the others in the expressive range, but despite this, as soon as I got paid this month I RAN to buy the full bottle. Not what I expected in the best way possible. Completely in love.

I bought Commodity's full discovery set, and out of all of them this turned out to be my favourite (which is funny as it was the one I wanted to try the least). Its light, inoffensive, easy to wear, and wafts gently throughout the day. I can't put my finger on why, but its a very nostalgic scent. I don't really get a paper smell, to me it smells like the coast. My coastline is surrounded by woods and marsh, so its not a summer suntan lotion smell, but more of a fresh, green, salt-in-the-air, type of smell. This is a scent that could work for most anyone, even if you don't get on with woody scents (like me).

I smelt this on a co-worker and instantly fell in love, (she left a scent trail in a crowded high school hallway btw). It almost reminded me on Santal 33 on her. I got a one oz bottle bc I wasn't sure how it would work with my chemistry and HONEY I should've gotten the 3.4 oz. This is goooooooood. It's creamy and woodsy with a beautiful amber--to be slightly poetic here, it's like a sunset in the woods to me. Like, wow. I know everyone's nose and chemistry is different but goddamn, idk how anyone who likes these notes can dislike this. I've gotten so many compliments on this.

I will preface this by saying that I have invested in all 3 scent spaces for Paper. I fell in love with Paper Personal first and I usually wear that alone or with scented lotion, depending on my mood. With Paper Expressive, this us my go to layering scent. Anytime I want to bring out the Musk or woodiness of a scent, this allows me to do so. All that being said, I do realize that Paper is an acquired taste, but it's one that I love! I also have Juliette has a Gun Not a Perfume and I feel like they could be susters with different personalities, but they are not the same.

I initially was put off by the first initial spray of this stuff, for me it was way too musky and powdery when wet. But, on the dry down it became a warm yet minimalistic, hyperreal paper scent. On my skin, it smells clean and woody and very simple. This is a perfect daytime scent to smell put-together without offending anyone. Perfect for class and work. I'm also getting a faint kitten-fur type scent after being on my skin for a couple hours.

i LOVE this fragrance. it is very simple and light, which i would say is its only drawback, but this is 100% my favorite iso e super "skin-scent". it's like a well-loved book that's been sitting on a sunny windowsill. it's what i wished my skin naturally smelled like. it smells like the base of my lover's neck. it is perfect and i dread the day i run out of it.

Oh paper, how I love thee. So smooth, creamy and sexy. This one does smell inexplicably like paper, but also like “your skin but better”. Clean, but with an extra edge of yummy. The sandalwood ultimately seems prominent on me. I would say it’s a true unisex scent, perfect for any season or time of day. I love it so much it could become my new signature scent!

Such a beautiful scent. Feels like a hug. It is comforting, calm, quiet yet very warm. A powdery woody, very minimal but with a human touch, it has something organic in it. Perfect for sitting and reading, studying... Or going for work, gym. Or even layering if you want something stronger. I love this scent and how gentle it feels

This perfume smells like a combination of Escentric Molecules and Jo Malone Blackberry Bay which are my all time favourites. I love this scent, its super clean and it really does remind me of a paper smell, but in a clean and sophisticated way. Its definately my favourite from the Commodity Expression ones.

Smells like paper like an old book you've cracked open a little woody very unisex leaning masculine. Sillage is poopoo. And it lasts maybe 30 min TOPS. I don't like the scents of Paper +, but I wish this was stronger. I bought a travel bottle because it layers well, but PM it's own its flimsy.

Why is this getting so much hate??? I feel like this lasted a long time on my skin, it’s not a potent scent that will project like crazy, but if you’re more into musky clean intimate skin scents that only others will smell if they are close to you or happen to hug you, this one is sooo good 😍✨

One of my favorites, BUT does not smell the same, as the original/discontinued one in the clear bottle. The powdery scent ( that was added to the black bottle version) makes it heavier, then the original. I still enjoy it, unlike some people around me :-(

Paper Expressive by Commodity is a clean skin scent with a soft, woody base, very reminiscent of pencil shavings. It has a moderate sillage and is long lasting. I like the scent well enough, but feel it’s far too masculine for me.

Liked this one so much that I sprung for the travel bottle. Love how it wears throughout the day. It is sweet, but not too much. I am getting that paper note, and some steamed rice too. Wears well with my Father Figure deodorant.

The performance on this is absolutely eternal. I wore it for 5 hours, went to sleep, and could still smell it in the morning. Love the smell Edit: after catching whiffs of this for hours on end it starts to get headache inducing

Thankfully my chemistry turns this into a delicately milky, drywall/sandy, gently sweet, hamster bedding scent, tamed. Very grateful for my genetics. 9/10 Great composition of ISO E Super but not unique.

in love with this. i agree with the comment before me about it smelling like Me by Snif without the mildew. it smells like paper. im in love with this.

Smells just like my mom in a nostalgic way. Like clean skin and fresh laundry. So good 10/10 had to get a full bottle

It always surprises me how poorly rated this fragrance is. I guess it really just smells different on, or to, everyone. To me, this is one of the few ISO E super fragrances that I enjoy. I don’t like JHAG Not a Perfume or Superdose, I didn’t like Paper- much either, nor the Dossier Musky Musk dupe. To me, those either smelled rubber alcohol-y (NAP) like tires (Superdose) or like.... A clean horse? Like a very well-kept horse (Musky Musk, Paper-). That’s why even though I don’t personally agree with the reviews here, I get them. Since ISO E perfumes seem to just behave weirdly person to person. For me, I think Paper is what all of the other perfumes are to everyone else. I do think it smells like paper, but it’s also more so a boyfriend-sweater type scent. It’s musky and warm, while also being woody. It doesn’t go pickle on me either, like a lot of sandalwoods do. When I wear it, I usually catch whiffs of it throughout the day, on my clothes, on my blanket etc and it just smells... boyfriendy. Like this is what your dream boyfriend naturally smells like. Maybe he wears a lot of sweaters, is a bit of bookworm, and sprayed a woody perfume before he left the house that morning. This is the smell of borrowing his cardigan, or the blanket you two shared while watching a movie. It also lasts a very long time, almost too long. I’ve had blankets where I use it a few days later, think huh? Paper? Then I realize I must have worn it while using the blanket. This has made me get sick of it from time to time, or be a little reluctant to wear it since I know it’ll stick around. I think it’s best for the seasons where sort of nothing is going on, like January. There’s no holiday to look forward to, but it’s cold and dark outside, and you want to wear something. Overall I like it but I get why it’s not for everyone.

Woody, musky, warm, amber-y, powdery, warm spicy, unisex, inviting, cozy, comforting, unique This is an interesting one! A few fellow fragrance lovers recommended that I try this as I really wanted to try Replica Whispers in the Library, and I finally got ahold of a few samples of it! Paper is a pretty accurate description of it. It’s a very cozy and comforting woody scent with some musk. The sweet cedar comes through beautifully, and is the star of the show for me. I own a couple fragrances from Commodity, Milk and Gold. Their fragrances are somewhat unique, and very fitting of their names. While I like Paper, and find it very cozy and comforting, it’s not a love, and I doubt that I’ll be adding it to my collection. It’s not something that I think I’d reach for often, so I’ll stick with the few sample bottles of it that I have for now. I don’t own a get great performance with Paper. The longevity is very good, it lasts 8+ hours on my skin. The projection is moderate as it radiates out about an arm’s length. For reference, some of my favorite fragrances include Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow, Vanilla 28, Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar, The Wedding Silk Santal, Yum Pistachio Gelato, Kilian LDBS, Princess, Sunkissed Goddess, GdT Celeste, Bianco Latte, Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, Nest Sunkissed Hibiscus, Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid, Burberry Goddess, The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods, YSL Black Opium Le Parfum, Guerlain Mon Guerlain, LoveShackFancy Secret Crush, Coach Dreams Starlight, Ellis Brooklyn Marshmallows, Queen’s Caramel, Vanilla Salt, Phlur Heavy Cream, Vanilla Nectar, Beach Skin, SDJ Summer è Amor, 62, 39, VS Vanilla Lace, BBW Beach Nights, Boardwalk Marshmallow Clouds, Cotton Candy Clouds, Whipped Honey & Vanilla, Fireside Flurries

For the first hour or so this smells exactly like TokyoMilk DeadSexy, which is funny because the two theoretically have very different vibes. I had a review of DeadSexy where I say it smelled like a plastic shower curtain. Make of that what you will. I don't get the iso-e super woody smell until well after an hour of application. As a person who adores iso-e super I do like the drydown, but I would definitely say that the opening is heavier than almost any other iso-e I've ever tried (normally by their very nature they are light and inoffensive!) This also means that the staying power is much better than most. For the record I own several "you but better" perfumes and am finely tuned to them (I can't even see on what planet the cetalox in Not a Perfume smells like iso-e in Molecule 01). What I notice about this one as opposed to the others is that heaviness gives it a warmer quality than most and doesn't even have a touch of alcoholic sharpness of some (like Another 13 or Not a Perfume Superdose). Still not a HUGE fan of the opening but it's worth it, I think.

This is really really neutral. I mean I'm not sure what I was expecting from something called "paper" but this is totally a normal-type fragrance. The cedar makes it slightly warmer and friendlier than Molecule 01, so it's pleasant and easy to smell, but that's about it! On me iso E super comes as very strong and clean pencil smell (like when you bit too much into your pencils as a kid), so this + wood is indeed very reminiscent of paper to me. Like paper that has been scribbled on a lot. But yeah, idk, it's cool and neat and all but don't think I'd wear it, it's very neutral and I don't really see a use for it. Maybe if I want to smell clean/neat for work, but I'd rather use perfume that makes me *feel* something!

This one smelled like pencil shavings to me, which does remind me of being in school and writing on paper. I personally love the smell of fresh cut wood and this was very reminiscent of that in a more delicate way. I also tried Paper - (Personal) and truly did not like it as it was a very chemical smell that reminded me of rubbing alcohol. I wasn't expecting Expressive to be milder and more delicate than Personal, but to me, it was. As others have said, this isn't a complex fragrance and for some it may feel too simple. I was looking for something woody that was delicate and could be worn daily in environments where stronger projecting scents are not appreciated, such as at work.

I feel the same way that I felt with Commodity's Book. this is called Paper, I expected paper. where is the paper?!?! It's got to be me, maybe I am not an educated enough nose. this to me gives what Margiela's Bubble Bath gives - soapy soapy soapy. that being said, I like Bubble Bath because it warms up and has a bit of sweetness... but that's personal taste besides the point. I was overall let down by Commodity so this is definitely my second place because at the end of the day it smells good, as perfume should. I'll continue to test the longevity and sillage as I think it could gain some points if it preforms well.

i’d never have expected to like this looking at the notes but for me it’s top 2 out of the discovery kit. agreed, the name is very fitting - it’s has that fresh, clean cut paper feel about it. sounds odd but it works. it is woody, which i’m not normally keen on, but it has a creamy, smoothness to it, almost sweet. gentle, inoffensive skin scent that i think would work any time of year - maybe more so during the colder months, but its freshness makes it wearable during summer too. only downside is the longevity, though none of the commodity fragrances seem to last on me :(

I'm so glad I found this, because it is a cheaper alternative to escentric molecules' molecule 01. It's not an exact clone but still all the things I love at a more reasonable price. Paper is a dry, woody scent. It doesn't smell like old parchment, which can be a disappointment to people based on its name. There's a lot of iso e super, which means it may be easy to become nose blind to it. Don't sniff yourself. Let it waft up unsteady if you want to continue smelling it on yourself. If you think it's faded away it's probably just your nose.

This is a very interesting scent. The first blast is sharp and alcoholic so I’d highly recommend not putting your nose up to it after spraying for a minute. But very soon after it smooths out. It smells like a warm ream of paper right out of the copier. Kind of spicy and sweet at the same time but it’s a little hard to describe. It’s basically a lot of iso e super with a sweet woody base. If you know what iso e super smells like then you’ve got a good idea of what it is. I got a travel size of this because I find it to be a nice skin scent.

Very photorealistic paper, it smells like paper warm and fresh out of the printer. Co-teacher said I smell like Office Depot lol, and this was actually a fragrance my very scent-sensitive mother liked. However, the longevity and projection are abysmal. Despite this coming from Commodity’s Expressive scent space collection, I feel that this does not project at all. I can also only smell it for about an hour before it’s faded from my skin. Despite my love for the scent itself, this is going to be a pass for me.

I bought the Scent Space Edit sampler set with Paper included. This to me smells like a bookstore, a freshly opened book, a library. It's the only one among the Scent Space Edit sampler set that I ended up liking only because it gives me a good memory, but aside from that it's really just a photorealistic paper scent. This is what I wish Book was. Book disappointed me for smelling like wet clothes and mold. 😭Paper however gives that perfect photorealistic scent without any weird underlying/unnecessary notes.

This one is a little more masculine leaning to me than Paper (-) which I really enjoyed. This one really does give pencil shavings. Not that that's a bad thing, but I prefer the more chemical/amber vibe of the Personal version. The whole paper line is very nice, though, and I really have enjoyed all of them. Beautiful layering scents or on their own if you just want something simple and comforting. 8.5/10

pale, chemical, satin-y. fresh A4 printer paper straight out of the carton stock, where if you put it against your cheek, or run the tip of your nose up and down along it, a quiet magnetic static lifts the fine hairs on your skin. in certain angles it's warm like copy paper that's just passed through and out of the printer, albeit with nothing written on it. good, sufficiently pure, idea of paper...

Very woody trio. Paper Expressive is ampted up Molecule 01 for me. When I sprayed it once on my wrist couldn't smell anything so I layered it in the same spot. After that it was a bit too strong. On a tester strip I got more of a cedarwood and sandalwood blend. On my skin more of iso e super. I didn't get plasteline note when testing Expressive version but I did get it when trying Personal.

I now realise that I go a bit noseblind on Iso E Super, so it smells a bit faint for me, but still very pleasant first I get some very olight citrus freshness, than paper of a new book, then it turns powdery and musky, and then creamy sandalwood all very delicate reminds eccentric molecules and genetic bliss from 27 87

The notes are really all there, cedar prominent and iso-e-super scent with a hint of sandalwood. Oh the sweet smell of fresh, thick, clean, slightly-powdery, quality stack of almost photorealistic paper. This woody iso-e-super flanker has a slight soapy leaning characteristics, but it's well executed one. Liked it.

Below: People expecting to be wowed by a fragrance with two notes. This is a fragrance enhancer. Use this in the same way you would Molecule 01, and you will be pleasantly surprised how well it works to boost your lighter performing fragrances.

I’m a fan of this but it took me a bit of time. The initial spray is very much like its namesake. It’s rather chemically and unpleasant. But trust the process - the dry down showcases the cedar and sandalwood and it’s rather addictive.

A light, musky and woody fragrance. Paper is a good name for this - I definitely get the inspiration, smells to me like fresh copier paper. The longevity is good, I can still smell it on myself by the end of the day.

This is a nice scent. Not as standout as Book, which I like so much because it reminds me of Santal 33 and those scents. It does have a sort of carbon paper odor. I will probably purchase a full bottle at some point.

Your skin-but-better scent and sits quite close to the skin but lasts a long time. Very simple, straightforward and easy to wear. It's very apt for office or closed spaces, and is unisex.

ISO e I can’t really smell it, but in transition to coniferous cedar, I don’t hate it too much. The composition is simple, and I want it to be a bit more complex.

such a lovely nostalgic scent for me... smells like a quilt from my family's cedar chest. wonderful cozy autumn/winter scent

While I really like this perfume as a base, I totally second that it has a kinda strong glue smell upon first application.

To me this smells exactly like paper! Freakishly so. I can't believe how close it is to real paper.