Ode to Dullness is a study in texture rather than traditional perfumery. It opens with an unexpected flicker of star anise, providing a cool, slightly spicy aromatic quality that keeps the fragrance f...

Details

House: Juliette Has A Gun
Gender: unisex
Year: 2023
Longevity: 7.2 / 10
Sillage: 6.5 / 10
Scent Profile: Creamy, Synthetic, Woody, Sweet, Powdery
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring
Best Occasions: Leisure, Daily
Perfumer: Romano Ricci

Community Insights

Based on 102 discussions

The consensus on performance is that it serves as a reliable skin scent; while it doesn't have a massive scent trail, it is noted for its ability to last through a standard work shift for many wearers.
It is frequently compared to its predecessor, Not a Perfume, but enthusiasts note that Ode to Dullness provides more "substance" and warmth due to the added spice and wood, making it a better choice for those who find the original too thin or metallic.
While the brand markets it for all seasons, the community overwhelmingly recommends it for fall and winter, noting that its "fuzzy blanket" quality pairs best with cool, rainy days.
Use cases are focused on "lifestyle" wear—it is highly recommended for the office, domestic lounging, or as a "second skin" scent for people who work in fragrance-sensitive environments.
A point of debate exists regarding the name; some enthusiasts find it a clever, ironic take on minimalism, while critics argue the scent is literally too "dull" for the price point, suggesting it lacks the complexity found in other luxury sandalwood fragrances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a feminine or masculine fragrance?+

It is truly unisex. While it contains floral notes like freesia, they are secondary to the sandalwood, musk, and star anise, creating a creamy, woody profile that doesn’t lean strictly in any one gender direction.

How does this compare to Not a Perfume?+

Many users find Ode to Dullness to be a more "evolved" version of Not a Perfume. Where Not a Perfume relies on a single synthetic note that can sometimes smell like nothing or even mimic harsh chemicals to certain noses, Ode to Dullness has more texture and warmth thanks to the tonka bean and sandalwood.

Is this suitable for the office?+

Yes, this is considered an ideal "business" or "daily" fragrance. Its sillage is intimate, meaning it stays close to your skin and is unlikely to offend colleagues or clients in close quarters.

Does it actually smell like licorice because of the star anise?+

The star anise provides a subtle, herbal spiciness in the opening, but it does not smell like heavy black licorice. It serves more as a cooling agent to balance the warmth of the sandalwood and tonka bean.

Appears in Collections

Casual & Leisure Fragrances2484 Everyday Fragrances1626 Unisex Fragrances3693 Fragrances Starting With O306

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from $17.49· Checked Jul 9 Compare

$90.29

Typical priceChecked Jul 9

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What does Ode to Dullness smell like?

Ode to Dullness is a study in texture rather than traditional perfumery. It opens with an unexpected flicker of star anise, providing a cool, slightly spicy aromatic quality that keeps the fragrance f...

Details

House: Juliette Has A Gun
Gender: unisex
Year: 2023
Longevity: 7.2 / 10
Sillage: 6.5 / 10
Scent Profile: Creamy, Synthetic, Woody, Sweet, Powdery
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring
Best Occasions: Leisure, Daily
Perfumer: Romano Ricci

Community Insights

Based on 102 discussions

The consensus on performance is that it serves as a reliable skin scent; while it doesn't have a massive scent trail, it is noted for its ability to last through a standard work shift for many wearers.
It is frequently compared to its predecessor, Not a Perfume, but enthusiasts note that Ode to Dullness provides more "substance" and warmth due to the added spice and wood, making it a better choice for those who find the original too thin or metallic.
While the brand markets it for all seasons, the community overwhelmingly recommends it for fall and winter, noting that its "fuzzy blanket" quality pairs best with cool, rainy days.
Use cases are focused on "lifestyle" wear—it is highly recommended for the office, domestic lounging, or as a "second skin" scent for people who work in fragrance-sensitive environments.
A point of debate exists regarding the name; some enthusiasts find it a clever, ironic take on minimalism, while critics argue the scent is literally too "dull" for the price point, suggesting it lacks the complexity found in other luxury sandalwood fragrances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a feminine or masculine fragrance?+

It is truly unisex. While it contains floral notes like freesia, they are secondary to the sandalwood, musk, and star anise, creating a creamy, woody profile that doesn’t lean strictly in any one gender direction.

How does this compare to Not a Perfume?+

Many users find Ode to Dullness to be a more "evolved" version of Not a Perfume. Where Not a Perfume relies on a single synthetic note that can sometimes smell like nothing or even mimic harsh chemicals to certain noses, Ode to Dullness has more texture and warmth thanks to the tonka bean and sandalwood.

Is this suitable for the office?+

Yes, this is considered an ideal "business" or "daily" fragrance. Its sillage is intimate, meaning it stays close to your skin and is unlikely to offend colleagues or clients in close quarters.

Does it actually smell like licorice because of the star anise?+

The star anise provides a subtle, herbal spiciness in the opening, but it does not smell like heavy black licorice. It serves more as a cooling agent to balance the warmth of the sandalwood and tonka bean.

Is this a good blind buy?+

Because it belongs to the "creamy synthetic" category, it reacts heavily to individual skin chemistry. While it is generally well-liked as a clean and cozy scent, communal experiences with JHAG’s synthetic notes vary, so testing a sample first is recommended.

Can this be used for layering?+

Absolutely. Its minimalist structure makes it an excellent base for brightening up heavier woody scents or adding a "clean" musk foundation to citrus or floral perfumes.

$90.29

Typical priceChecked Jul 9

FragranceNetTrusted

Buy now Compare all 4 prices Compare 4 prices

We may earn a commission.

Accords

Notes

TopFreesia//Star anise

HeartSandalwood//Floral notes

BaseMusk//Tonka bean

Where to buy Ode to Dullness

from $17.49 (10ml) · 2 retailers

Every retailer shown here is a seller we’ve vetted.

100ml

Checked Jul 9

FragranceNet

$90.29Buy

eCosmetics

$150.00Buy

Today's best price of $90.29 is about the typical price for this size, based on 25 days of tracking.

50ml

Checked Jun 26

FragranceNet

$63.69Buy

Today's best price of $63.69 is about the typical price for this size, based on 14 days of tracking.

10ml

Checked Jun 26

FragranceNet

$17.49Buy

Today's best price of $17.49 is about the typical price for this size, based on 14 days of tracking.

Price history

100ml price trendAt tracked low of $90.29

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

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Appears in Collections

Casual & Leisure Fragrances2484 Everyday Fragrances1626 Unisex Fragrances3693 Fragrances Starting With O306

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