You vs Not A Perfume — Fragrance Comparison | Fraganty
You vs Not A Perfume
Side-by-side comparison of You by Glossier and Not A Perfume by Juliette Has A Gun
Glossier
2017feminine
4.14(8,983)
Accords
Juliette Has A Gun
2010feminine
3.76(13,522)
Accords
Comparison Summary
Shared Accords (2)
MuskyAmber
Attribute
You
Not A Perfume
Brand
Glossier
Juliette Has A Gun
Year
2017
2010
Rating
4.14
3.76
Concentration
—
—
Gender
feminine
feminine
Total Notes
0
0
Community Sentiment Pulse — You
Mixed
96 opinions · Source: r/fragrance community
5.2
/10
Glossier You is divisive in the fragrance community, primarily due to its post-reformulation performance. While the scent profile itself receives praise for being pleasant and wearable, the drastically reduced longevity (often just minutes to hours) makes it a poor value at its premium price point. Performance varies significantly between individuals, with some reporting all-day wear while others describe it as a fleeting whisper, creating widespread frustration about quality control.
Positive
Pleasant, appealing scent profile with subtle skin scent quality
Good for those who prefer non-projecting fragrances
Performs well on some individuals despite reformulation
Receives genuine compliments from others hours after application
Negative
Severe longevity issues post-reformulation (2 minutes to 1 hour for many users)
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 You and Not A Perfume?+
You is a feminine fragrance (marketed to women, though wearable by all) from Glossier (2017) dominated by Musky 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: Musky, Amber.
Musky
100%
Iris
85%
Amber
59%
Powdery
51%
Soft Spicy
49%
Violet
42%
Best: Spring (90%)Day (100%)
Amber
100%
Woody
70%
Musky
60%
Balsamic
50%
Warm Spicy
30%
Best: Spring (87%)Day (100%)
Which is better, You or Not A Perfume?+
By community rating, You scores 4.14/5 vs Not A Perfume at 3.76/5. On r/fragrance, You sits at 5.2/10 (mixed) while Not A Perfume is 5.5/10 (mixed). You's standout strength: Pleasant, appealing scent profile with subtle skin scent quality. 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 You and Not A Perfume smell similar?+
They share a small fraction of their ingredients — expect noticeably different experiences. You: Glossier You is divisive in the fragrance community, primarily due to its post-reformulation performance. 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, You or Not A Perfume?+
You: Receives genuine compliments from others hours after application Longevity varies by skin chemistry, concentration, and application method.
Which season suits You vs Not A Perfume?+
You scores highest for spring wear; Not A Perfume scores highest for spring wear. You leans daytime, Not A Perfume leans daytime.
Poor longevity for the high price point ($72-100)
Inconsistent performance across product formats and individuals
Reformulation widely considered inferior to original formula
High concentration of polarizing molecules (Cetalox, Ambroxan) that trigger negative reactions
Potential genetic or sensory factors make it unpredictable
