Desert Runway vs Not A Perfume — Fragrance Comparison | Fraganty
Desert Runway vs Not A Perfume
Side-by-side comparison of Desert Runway by Hawthorne and Not A Perfume by Juliette Has A Gun
Hawthorne
2023masculine
4.43(14)
Accords
Juliette Has A Gun
2010feminine
3.76(13,522)
Accords
Comparison Summary
Shared Accords (2)
WoodyWarm Spicy
Attribute
Desert Runway
Not A Perfume
Brand
Hawthorne
Juliette Has A Gun
Year
2023
2010
Rating
4.43
3.76
Concentration
—
—
Gender
masculine
feminine
Total Notes
0
0
Community Sentiment Pulse — Not A Perfume
Mixed
79 opinions · Source: r/fragrance community
5.5
/10
Not A Perfume is extremely divisive, with reactions ranging from love to hatred depending heavily on individual skin chemistry and potential genetic anosmia to its key molecules. The fragrance works beautifully for some wearers who find it comforting and receive compliments, but others experience it as unpleasantly sharp or can't smell it at all, making it one of the most unpredictable fragrances in the community.
Positive
Unique skin scent that smells different on everyone based on chemistry
Grows on you over time with repeated wear
Receives genuine compliments despite wearer's personal dislike
Warm, clean, and comforting for those who connect with it
Negative
Highly polarizing - some people smell nothing at all due to anosmia
Others experience it as sharp, caustic, or unpleasant (burning plastic, chemicals, vinegar)
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Desert Runway and Not A Perfume?+
Desert Runway is a masculine fragrance (marketed to men, though wearable by all) from Hawthorne (2023) dominated by Powdery accords. Not A Perfume is a feminine fragrance (marketed to women, though wearable by all) from Juliette Has A Gun (2010) leaning on Amber accords. They share 2 accords: Woody, Warm Spicy.
Powdery
100%
Woody
97%
Iris
78%
Violet
59%
Ozonic
35%
Aquatic
31%
Best: Spring (100%)Night (91%)
Amber
100%
Woody
70%
Musky
60%
Balsamic
50%
Warm Spicy
30%
Best: Spring (87%)Day (100%)
Which is better, Desert Runway or Not A Perfume?
+
By community rating, Desert Runway scores 4.43/5 vs Not A Perfume at 3.76/5. Not A Perfume's standout strength: Unique skin scent that smells different on everyone based on chemistry. The "better" choice depends on what you value — longevity, projection, season fit, or signature character.
Do Desert Runway and Not A Perfume smell similar?+
They share a small fraction of their ingredients — expect noticeably different experiences. Not A Perfume: Not A Perfume is extremely divisive, with reactions ranging from love to hatred depending heavily on individual skin chemistry and potential genetic anosmia to its key molecules.
Which lasts longer, Desert Runway or Not A Perfume?+
Longevity varies by skin chemistry, concentration, and application method.
Which season suits Desert Runway vs Not A Perfume?+
Desert Runway scores highest for spring wear; Not A Perfume scores highest for spring wear. Desert Runway leans evening, Not A Perfume leans daytime.
High concentration of polarizing molecules (Cetalox, Ambroxan) that trigger negative reactions
Potential genetic or sensory factors make it unpredictable
