Ode To Dullness

Ode to Dullness opens bright and a little sharp. It’s a sweet, cold, fresh and clean, powdery and woody floral, but the freesia isn’t in your face. It moves into the heart quickly filled with sweet, soft, smoothness. And I think I’m going to like this! The star anise (badiane) is not prominent, which is very welcome for me as it’s a note that can be often strong and overpowering. Instead it adds a beautiful rich, earthy warmth with a slight spicy edge to this really nice, soft and cozy perfume. It’s floral and woody here too, but delicately so. In the dry down a lovely creaminess comes through along with the JHAG DNA of synthetic woody musks, which, so far, I haven’t been a fan of; I found it a bit sickening in Not a Perfume and an unwelcome note in Pear Inc. Here, it works really, really well in this perfume and the cetalox is not overpowering. There’s a pleasant tease of dry pepper when I bring my nose to my skin. The star anise becomes a bit more prominent in the dry down as well, as my skin warms up, but handled perfectly and blended softly to remain fitting for the profile of this scent. The importance of this note here, I feel, is that it gives this scent profile that little edge to keep it smelling like a perfume and not just a simple clean cotton towel accord. This is a delicate floral santal akin to a baby friendly fabric softener or a cashmere candle but has a slightly warm, spicy, peppery, powdery perfumey whiff to it that keeps my nose very much interested and happy. So, is it an Ode to Dullness? It’s certainly very different from scent profiles that usually catch my attention and make me want to purchase a full bottle. It’s present but not loud. But I feel that the name doesn’t do it justice... they should have called this an **Ode to Contentment**. It’s like sitting on a bar stool at the breakfast bar of a modern kitchen, gazing out of the kitchen window to view a city garden that is covered in a blanket of clean, white, untouched virgin snow. It’s day time, but you have the lights switched on due to the dark, wintery, steel hue in the sky outside, with heavy clouds blocking the sun with the promise of another flurry of snow. You’re wearing your favourite, luxuriously comfy, v-neck mohair jumper. You can feel the nip of clean, fresh coldness on the nape of your neck and décolletage as a pattern of frost gathering in the corner of the window catches your eye. It gives you a cheeky, exhilarating shiver that excites your spine but your body is warm and content with the soft, fluffy sweater tickling against your skin as you raise your shoulders to snuggle further into it. You’ve just finished cleaning the house and you are taking a moment to rest and pause, content in a quiet day at home, taken at your own pace, with the still, silent house all to yourself. You feel your shoulders relax as you take a deep breath in and out, happily lost in blissful, meandering thought as you wait for the kettle to boil, the tea bag cradled in anticipation of warm water and steam in the bottom of your favourite mug sitting on your sparkling, clean kitchen counter. Oh sweet, heavenly ode to dullness! This is a warm, wooly, comforting and cozy scent yet it’s cold, a bit clinical and modern, in every possible good way. Perfect for cooler weather. It’s clean cashmere bliss in a bottle and, dear reader, I like it very much so!!!

Juliette Has A Gun claim that Ode To Dullness was created as a tribute to blandness, a work of art celebrating the ordinary. Did they succeed? Does their creation truly celebrate the average, the normal, the bland, the dull? In my opinion, absolutely yes. My first experience with O.T.D. was at a Sephora while browsing, J.H.A.G. had a Rep in-store and we began discussing fragrances. I expressed my appreciation for Not A Perfume and shared where my nose generally gravitates with fragrances and the Rep quickly recommended O.T.D. and I instantly fell in love with this fragrance. O.T.D.'s listed ingredients make sense to what my nose is picking up. Warm, cozy, clean and simple. O.T.D. is perfect for lazy days around the house, a relaxing walk around the neighborhood, a road trip listening to NPR, or in my case a day searching through bookstores. This isn't a fragrance for the nightclub or bar, it's not a date night fragrance, honestly I wouldn't even consider this a daily wear fragrance unless you're a socially awkward, painfully introverted hermit like myself. I feel like most people's lives are quite a bit more exciting and less dull than my day to day life, this is my basis for saying I don't see O.T.D. as a daily wear for most people. The longevity is average on my skin, I get about 5-6 hours. The projection and sillage seem to be a bit lower than average but certainly not non-existent. This isn't a fragrance that you wear for others, this is a fragrance you wear for yourself and it does an amazing job in that role. I don't have any major issues with O.T.D., but I will say that O.T.D. wouldn't be my first choice for those hot summer days. Warmer days, sure but those HOT days O.T.D. would simply be to heavy. This would be my only disclaimer to anyone considering Ode To Dullness. Over the past few months I've really developed an appreciation for Juliette Has A Gun fragrances. I considered J.H.A.G. a "Sephora brand" that struck gold with Not A Perfume but for the most part wasn't for me. I was so wrong. Ode To Dullness and Sunny Side Up have become favorites to wear and fragrances that conceptually really resonate with me. My final thought regarding Ode To Dullness is that this a fragrance for the people who see the beauty in the ordinary, the people who find comfort in predictability, and those who prefer fragrances that feel like wearing a hug as opposed to a sandwich board sign. - 8.5/10 - Spring, Fall, Winter. Daytime. - Location/Situation... Toronto, Canada, 11AM, November... Another day. The same stained coffee mug, the same worn slippers, the same sound of your apartment buildings elevator lightly humming in the distance. In your younger years this monotony would have driven you to madness but as you sit here now you can't help but laugh at you're own naivety. Dullness to some may feel suffocating, but for you, Dullness is a weighted blanket that feels like a hug. - Song: Every Day Is Exactly the Same - Nine Inch Nails

I have been wearing Ode to Dullness everyday for a year, and it is definitely a lovely, soft, and comforting scent. I’d gotten the sample pack after hearing about the famous “Not A Perfume”, which ended up being a super irritating scent for me, and instead fell in love with Ode to Dullness. It is the definition of a “warm laundry” scent, very cosy and clean. I do not get the anise note or spice very much, but perhaps it is what that is quietly elevating the fragrance from your average clean scent to what it is. There was a while when it had irritated me a lot for reasons I still haven’t found, and took a break from the fragrance. When I returned after a week or so, the irritation was gone again. My father and sister who are especially sensitive to fragrances have also commented on how gentle it is on their noses, so it is most likely a safe scent for those who are easily irritated. In terms of performance, it is actually quite long lasting, my friends have commented on how consistent I smelled, one of them even saying that they thought it was my natural scent. I spray on one of my wrists and tap onto the other, and also behind my neck, getting some on my clothes too. It may disappear on you after a while because you had gone nose blind to it, I know that happens to me all the time, you will have trust that the scent is still there. The silage is moderate, others can smell it at arms length, perhaps a little closer. It’s non offensive yet very much present. It remains my go-to fragrance through the seasons, but I will say it’s definitely better suited for cooler weathers. Do test it on your skin before committing to a full bottle! Otherwise, Ode to Dullness is the cosiest, most comforting yet mysterious scent you’ll ever encounter.

I bought a tester of Ode to Dullness thinking I was challenging myself with it. I'm usually a floral and fresh girl, not woody. But oh how I was wrong, and I'm so glad I was. I've tested Not a Perfume before and I really didn't like it so I thought Ode to Dullness would be a shot in the dark. Turns out I hit a bullseye. Both have a burning plastic quality to them, but this time around, I think it works in my favor. The plastic feel always comes from amber notes for me. I believe it can never truly be replicated, it will always be synthetic on my skin. At the opening the spicy notes are very obvious. This scent reminds me so much of the wool trench coat belonging to a rich Tuscan mom. She came from humble beginnings and built herself up to where she is now. It is a fresh red manicure, drinking a glass of wine with your gals, and driving home afterwards in your Mercedes. This scent is so incredibly sexy I can't get enough of it. After this perfume settles a bit, I get reminded of New Year's Eve. It is the calmness of choosing a new beginning for yourself. Ode to Dullness has incredible longevity. I put it on before I called it a night, and while it did lose its punchiness after about an hour, by the time I woke up it still lingered on my skin and in my sheets. By then, I could finally smell the white florals Juliette has a Gun claims are in this perfume. Even if it was barely on my skin anymore. All in all, very sexy, very night out, very comforting. Ode to Dullness is a warm shoulder to cry on, she makes you feel good about yourself and she speaks confidently in a way you only wish you could begin to. I regret not blind buying an entire bottle, when fall rolls around Ode to Dullness will absolutely be in my rotation.

this perfume is one of those fragrances that doesn't SMELL like a perfume. it smells like a distant memory of a friend from childhood. it is warm and cozy, while still retaining a tiny bit of bite from the anise note. I was VERY nervous to try this perfume based on the notes alone, as I am not at all a fan of black licorice. fortunately, this fragrance is very well blended and the anise is not easily identified. I was worried I would be walking around smelling like a Good & Plenty, but that is far from the case. when I smell this, it's warm and cozy and rounded. it smells like a tight hug from someone you love. I will 1000% be purchasing a full bottle of this, and using it often. I could see this being a fantastic signature scent! I am wearing in summer currently and I feel like it's suitable for all seasons, at least indoors. I may not wear this on the beach or in the 90 degree heat outside, but otherwise it is not heavy or cloying in the slightest. EDIT TO ADD: i’ve been wearing this for 10 hours now, sprayed ~3 times on my shirt and on top of oil on both wrists and I still smell it STRONG, and it isn’t just musk. incredible!! 10/10 this may just become my signature.

Opening has a stronger star anise note, which may have turned some people away initially (baby powder, old lady, root beer, etc which I can see but don't agree with). This applies to new bottle vs aged bottle as well, so maybe let it sit and develop. However, the dry down is so so GORGEOUS, woody creamy cashmere in a way which smells like cozy cuddling in winter w ur partner. There is a very pleasant clean note in the mix as well. I sprayed it on at 10 am, it's 4 pm and I can still smell a warm clean scent on myself projecting pretty well! It has quite a sexy charm in a cozy way, perfect for I imagine fall/winter date nights. Applying to your neck, pulse points, and hair with this is such a great combo as it does not project super far and really shines for intimate moments. It's sweet and draws people in naturally. I think this is a skin like perfume others may interpret as how you smell naturally, as there's not any distinct or jarring scent which smells artificial at all. This is not a clubbing or party fragrance, but a casually cozy scent for studying together or watching a movie, or a clean daily wear!

Beautiful, soft, elegant, powdery, comforting, creamy, warm, cozy. Somewhat sweet and floral in the same time. A whisper of perfume, enveloping your skin like a fine, cashmere sweater. Judging from the notes, one wouldn’t expect something so delicate, beautiful and feminine. Before testing it, I thought it was an unisex fragrance, but it smells rather feminine to me. Also, Ode to Dullness is anything but dull to me. It doesn’t represent a masterpiece of perfumery, but it smells too good to be called anything dull! Names like Ode to Comfort or Ode to Coziness would fit better this beautiful scent and would attract more people to get their noses on it! Works all year round for casual, indoor evenings, office wear. Good for layering if you have fragrances that would benefit some softness/smoothness. Moderate in performance and fairly affordable on discount websites. Would highly recommend Ode to Dullness for cozy nights in or calm, slow weekends, but not for full price!

I find this fragrance extremely grounding and calming. I wear it more than most of my other perfumes so it’s sort of my signature scent but I often wear a few perfumes throughout the day. This is a beautiful woodsy perfume with a powdery edge and it’s ever so slightly soapy, although I’m not sure what note causes this. I find it soothing when I’ve been overwhelmed, it’s mentally cleansing. I find it mostly easy to wear as it’s not an assault on the senses, but it is strong so you don’t need much two/three sprays max and you will smell this for hours. It has really good longevity and throughout I don’t become osmotic. If you are sensitive to powdery fragrances then this could be headache inducing, it follows you everywhere. It’s a great layering companion and I love to pair it with vanilla woods from 7 virtues which gives it an added warmth. Longevity- 9/10 hours Projections- Fills the room Scent profile - 10/10 Purchase- Absolutely

Bought a travel size for myself as a treat and ended up getting a full bottle as soon as I ran out, it's one of only a few perfumes I've bought full sized. I change perfumes day to day but this is the closest I've had to a signature scent, perfect for layering (I often layer it with Libre or Golden Nectar) or to be worn on its own. Despite it's name, this scent is completely unique and I get compliments every time I wear it. It's soft, but far from timid. I get heavy cashmere and anise notes, and while this isn't listed as a note, I get a scent on the dry down I would describe as creamy/milky. It's woody, powdery, and warm. It's incredibly comforting in a gloomy way, perfect for slow, cold winter days and warm, humid fall nights that fill you with nostalgia. If the name Ode to Dullness sounds more beautiful to you than boring, I would absolutely get this scent.

I am convinced that this perfume was made just for me, lol. I have yet to find another fragrance that evokes the same emotion that this one does. Sure, this is "dull," but it's also comfort, safety, and warmth. Reminds me of the way my cat smells, doing separate things in the same room as someone you love and realizing how much they mean to you, coming home and resting on the couch after a long day, warm lights, fluffy blankets. Dust particles floating around in a beam of sunlight. Clean sheets and a soft mattress. My boyfriend's sweater. (I'm sure I will add to this in the future) I'm a bit emotional because I am very sick at the moment, but it could also be that this is a feeling that was meant to be captured... This scent is simple, not all that special... It really is an ode to dullness. But it is so beautiful. My fondest memories smell like this

Sweet, creamy, cozy sandalwood and tonka in a warm cloud of cashmere woods. Anise is so well blended that it’s part of my personality now. Smells super similar to Avant L’Orage by Maison Matine on my skin but is significantly longer lasting and stronger for me. Wear time is 6-8 hours on my skin with moderate projection. When I saw the notes, I thought this would be boring but I keep catching whiffs of it, hours later and I’m transfixed. If you usually wear vanilla and want to branch out this also smells great layered with vanilla lotion. This also smells good layered with JHAG Not a Perfume. I think it’s most beautiful on its own, personally. Signature scent worthy, Can be worn any season—today it was 94 ° out and I actually really enjoyed it, but I just know it would shine during the fall/winter. I can’t wait to see how it performs in cold weather!

This is running errands at Target in a perfectly soft pair of sweatpants. It’s having a “usual” order at the cafe—a large iced latte with oatmilk. It’s french tipped nails and pale pink lipgloss. It’s a day in watching movies while the rain patters on the window. It’s a quiet and content breakfast. It’s your favorite sweater that has a few loose strings from how much you’ve worn it. It’s not super special or unique, but it smells good. It lives up to its name, and is honestly a good go to for those who like scents that are spicy but somewhat sweet and overall just fresh. It’s truly unisex as well, which is hard to find in a lot of scents. It’s very mundane/basic, but somehow it’s not too boring. It’s a very easy scent to pull off, so if you’re trying out spice for the first time this is a great start.

I love the anise note in here - to be fair anise is one of my absolute favourite notes, so I LOVE this fragrance and couldn't stop smelling my arm. This is so warm, and yummy and the anise makes it for me. It's very cosy, just as everyone on TikTok said, and I definitely want a bottle - I usually detest skin scents, because what's the point but this is great and I wouldn't even call it a skin scent - it's a cosy, hygge scent. I like Lazy Sunday morning, but this is warmer - like you just took your sheets out of the dryer vs wearing a white t-shirt (Lazy Sunday morning's vibe). Adore. Also, I'm 41, so I don't think is marketed towards a younger crowd. I think it's just for the warm and cozy crowd. An edit: this projects extremely well off my skin and lasts for ages on clothes.

Disclaimer: I just got a the "Powder Love" discovery set and am now testing all the perfumes in that set and giving my first impression here. I still have to test the scents on how they wear throughout the day. I love this smell. It just smells like a clean lotion. It's not very strong and I don't know yet how long it will last on my skin but this is THE scent for me from this discovery set right now. I am highly considering buying a full bottle but will keep testing this scent a bit before I do that so my wallet doesn't have to suffer once again xD edit: I tested it again and I will 100% get a full bottle of it as soon as my sample is empty. This perfume is so amazing and cozy I love it. It also lasts a long time on my skin which kinda suprised me.

Honestly to me this is one of the most beautiful scents to exist in the universe but as a perfume I'm more neutral, it is supposed to evoke cashmery, laundry scents which I do discern (I think in my head I have come to connote 'laundry smells' with cheap Yankee candles) but to me I smell more of an early evening warm breeze cooling tarmac smell in the best most wonderful way, yet it's a perfect all year scent. I would say however it's so subtle that purchasing it for any other reason than respect to the perfumer and to enjoy the fragrance's art would be a bit pointless since the it sits pretty intimate and does actually just smell like shower-fresh skin or fabric softener and has the same level of sillage lol. Anyway, beautiful, deffo 4.5/5 scent

I just received this in a tester box so i don't have the date or batch code. This was a complete blind buy for me and I love the opening and like the dry down. I don't get old lady on my skin as a previous reviewer stated. This is a powdery , woody scent there isn't much sweetness to my nose and is unisex to me. The longevity is really good, it lasted about 5 hours before becoming a skin scent and about 12 hours before I couldn't smell it at all, it does stay stronger for longer on clothes. I tend to gravitate to stronger patchouli type scents so this is a nice change up for me. I love the OG JHAG and i really like this one. I would purchase again

Creamy, musky, “skin-like”, surprising smell. Very unique and comforting ; i would even say soothing, kind of calming. I really adore this smell. It is so easy to wear. Definitely more of a casual wear, suitable for daytime activities. The only downside is that it doesn’t last very long, 30 to 60 min at best, and I spray it everywhere on my skin, hair and clothes. If you don’t like Anis, it’s definitely present, but it’s very well balanced with the cashmere wood. The anis is not the star here, it’s not overpowering. However, I really wish this scent would last longer, but eh, I bring the bottle with me and add a little spray every now and then.

Man, they did her dirty with that name. I don't think this perfume is dull in the least, just cozy in the most luxurious way. This isn't first date, man eater perfume. This is the perfume for when you've gone on a lot of dates with a guy you have great chemistry with and you want him to commit to being in a relationship. Instead of going out, this is for the first time you two stay in together. Not in a boring way, but in a we-couldn't-make-it-past-the-couch kind of way. It's a cashmere robe with lingerie underneath. It's sexy, it's intimate, it's cuddle-craving-inducing. Like wearing your favorite soft sweater with one shoulder out.

I was late to the game on this one.. this has for sure been added to my list of comfort scents! It's like fresh laundry without being too steirle. There's something so cozy and nostalgic about it. It feels like being a kid again and your mom cleaned the house top to bottom and lit a candle, the day is over and you're cuddled up with the couch throw that's been freshly washed. If you sample this or any other JHAG fragrance for that matter just go for it and spray it on your skin because spraying them on a tester strip doesn't do them justice. This also goes with everything layering wise because it basically just is a clean, cozy base.

I love this. I got a sample from Sephora and once I sprayed it on my wrist, I couldn't stop bringing the perfume up to my nose. Though it is very much an ode to the banality of the day to day, it is still a good scent. It is an intimate skin scent that lingers close to the body rather than one with a noticable sillage that fills a room. It is a clean scent but one more fitting for those who like "warmer" and "spicier" notes if the anise and tonka are any indication. I usually don't go for clean scents, but this may be it for me. There's a creaminess to it likely owing to the sandalwood, which explains why I like it so much.