Serin

Serin by January Scent Project is a profoundly unusual, deeply textured fragrance that leans heavily into herbal, woody, and earthy accords with a strikingly bold marigold presence. It opens with a sharp, astringent, medicinal-like green bitterness—reminiscent of crushed marigold stems or even antiseptic salves—which is both challenging and arresting. Over time, this resolves into a complex, smoky-dried floral composition with incense-like depth, a warm balsamic undertone, and a dry, musky woodiness reminiscent of aged sandalwood and cypriol. The scent evolves slowly, with a unique interplay between organic greenery, subtle sweetness, and spiced dryness. Many note that a light application is essential to unlock its beauty—when diffused, it reveals a luminous, dusty hay-like quality, floral traces, and a softly incense-tinged drydown that feels both meditative and deeply intimate. The longevity is long, with a sillage that can be moderate to strong, especially in cooler weather, making it most suited to autumn and winter wear. Despite being marketed as unisex, the fragrance leans strongly feminine in character to many, though some find it wearable in a personal, individual way regardless of gender. The main strengths of Serin lie in its originality, its compelling complexity, and its ability to transform when worn correctly. It stands out in a sea of conventional fragrances by embracing a raw, almost artistic quality—precisely because it defies easy categorization. The performance is reliable, lasting for hours, and it has a qualitative absorptive character that makes it feel deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Its strongest appeal is to those who appreciate avant-garde perfumery and are open to olfactory experiences that challenge conventional notions of beauty or pleasantness. However, the perfume is deeply polarizing. The initial impact is often visceral—many describe a moment of nose-wrinkling, akin to confronting a dead flower or a putrefactive miasma. The marigold in particular is described as overwhelming, bitter, and medicinal, which some find unbearable. Several reviewers mention it smells like a burnt rubber or incense gone wrong. The scent can feel oppressive or overwhelming up close, and may not be approachable to those accustomed to smoother, sweeter, or more traditional perfumes. Even among lovers of the brand, Serin is frequently considered an acquired taste—its beauty is not immediate, and requires patience and a willingness to embrace its discomforts.