$164.00

Typical priceChecked Jul 11

Ministry of ScentTrusted

Buy now Compare all 2 prices Compare 2 prices

We may earn a commission.

Broken Theories

Q: How does the performance of Broken Theories compare to other Kerosene fragrances?

Like much of the brand’s catalog, it is exceptionally potent. It shares the brand's reputation for extreme longevity and sillage, meaning it will likely last through an entire workday and well into the night without needing a reapplication.

Q: Is this a good choice for someone who likes Maison Martin Margiela’s By the Fireplace?

Yes, it occupies a similar territory but is often considered a "step up." While By the Fireplace focuses on a toasted marshmallow sweetness, Broken Theories is smokier, woodier, and features a more prominent tobacco and incense profile.

Q: Can this fragrance be worn in a professional office setting?

Because of its heavy smoke and intense projection, it can be polarizing in close quarters. It is generally better suited for evening wear, outdoor activities, or casual leisure environments where its bold character won't overwhelm others.

Q: Does the blood orange note last throughout the wear?

The blood orange is most prominent in the initial spray, providing a tart, citrusy contrast to the heavy resins. However, it is a top note that fades relatively quickly, giving way to the dominant heart of smoke, spice, and vanilla.

Q: Is Broken Theories more sweet or more smoky?

It is a balance of both, but the smoke is the first thing most people notice. The sweetness from the vanilla and sandalwood acts as a background support to prevent the incense and oud from becoming too harsh or bitter.

Q: How does the oud in this fragrance behave?

The oud here is not "barnyard" or medicinal. Instead, it contributes to the woody, slightly oily, industrial vibe of the fragrance, blending seamlessly with the frankincense to create a deep, resinous smoke.

Kerosene·2015

from $6.00· Checked Jul 11 Compare

$164.00

Typical priceChecked Jul 11

Ministry of ScentTrusted

Buy now Compare all 2 prices Compare 2 prices

We may earn a commission.

Accords

Notes

HeartFrankincense//Sandalwood//Spices//Tobacco//Blood orange//Oud//Vanilla

Where to buy Broken Theories

from $6.00 (<5ml) · 1 retailer

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

100ml

Checked Jul 11

Ministry of Scent

$164.00Buy

Today's best price of $164.00 is about the typical price for this size, based on 18 days of tracking.

<5ml

Checked Jul 11

Ministry of Scent

$6.00Buy

Today's best price of $6.00 is about the typical price for this size, based on 34 days of tracking.

Price history

100ml price trendAt tracked low of $164.00

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

Get on the early list. We'll email you as this rolls out.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

What does Broken Theories smell like?

Broken Theories is a moody, atmospheric scent that feels like stepping into a cold, dimly lit woodshop where a fire has just been stoked. The fragrance opens with a sharp, bruised blood orange note th...

Details

House: Kerosene
Gender: unisex
Year: 2015
Longevity: 8.0 / 10
Sillage: 7.5 / 10
Scent Profile: Woody, Spicy, Smoky, Resinous, Sweet
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: John Pegg Brand owner, Perfume maker

Community Insights

Based on 88 discussions

The fragrance is widely praised for its "nuclear" performance, consistent with the Kerosene house style; it is known to last all day and project significantly, often surviving on clothing for days.
It is frequently compared to Maison Martin Margiela’s By the Fireplace, though enthusiasts often prefer Broken Theories for its more realistic, less synthetic smoke and its richer, more complex vanilla-tobacco base.
While it is classified as unisex, the community notes a distinct "workshop" or "mechanic" vibe that gives it a rugged, masculine edge, though the heavy vanilla dry down makes it accessible for anyone who enjoys dark, resinous scents.
Longevity and sillage are the primary selling points, with many users warning that a single spray is often enough to fill a room, making it a high-value purchase for those who prioritize potency.
It is overwhelmingly recommended for cold weather use, specifically late fall and winter, as the smokiness can become overwhelming or heavy in the summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the performance of Broken Theories compare to other Kerosene fragrances?+

Like much of the brand’s catalog, it is exceptionally potent. It shares the brand's reputation for extreme longevity and sillage, meaning it will likely last through an entire workday and well into the night without needing a reapplication.

Is this a good choice for someone who likes Maison Martin Margiela’s By the Fireplace?+

Yes, it occupies a similar territory but is often considered a "step up." While By the Fireplace focuses on a toasted marshmallow sweetness, Broken Theories is smokier, woodier, and features a more prominent tobacco and incense profile.

Can this fragrance be worn in a professional office setting?+

Because of its heavy smoke and intense projection, it can be polarizing in close quarters. It is generally better suited for evening wear, outdoor activities, or casual leisure environments where its bold character won't overwhelm others.

Does the blood orange note last throughout the wear?+

Appears in Collections

Casual & Leisure Fragrances2484 Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Winter Fragrances480 Unisex Fragrances3693 2010s Fragrances3361+ 1 more

Similar Fragrances

Thomas Kosmala

Nọ 4 - Après L'Amour

Eau De Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Oud

Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Oud

Extrait

Bourjois

Kobako

Yves Saint Laurent

Body Kouros

Eau De Toilette

bdk Parfums

Rouge Smoking

Extrait

Xerjoff

Alexandria II

Attar

January Scent Project

Smolderose

Eau De Parfum

from $6.00· Checked Jul 11 Compare

$164.00

Typical priceChecked Jul 11

Ministry of ScentTrusted

Buy now Compare all 2 prices Compare 2 prices

We may earn a commission.

$164.00

Typical priceChecked Jul 11

Ministry of ScentTrusted

Buy now Compare all 2 prices Compare 2 prices

We may earn a commission.

What does Broken Theories smell like?

Broken Theories is a moody, atmospheric scent that feels like stepping into a cold, dimly lit woodshop where a fire has just been stoked. The fragrance opens with a sharp, bruised blood orange note th...

Details

House: Kerosene
Gender: unisex
Year: 2015
Longevity: 8.0 / 10
Sillage: 7.5 / 10
Scent Profile: Woody, Spicy, Smoky, Resinous, Sweet
Best Seasons: Winter, Fall
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out
Perfumer: John Pegg Brand owner, Perfume maker

Community Insights

Based on 88 discussions

The fragrance is widely praised for its "nuclear" performance, consistent with the Kerosene house style; it is known to last all day and project significantly, often surviving on clothing for days.
It is frequently compared to Maison Martin Margiela’s By the Fireplace, though enthusiasts often prefer Broken Theories for its more realistic, less synthetic smoke and its richer, more complex vanilla-tobacco base.
While it is classified as unisex, the community notes a distinct "workshop" or "mechanic" vibe that gives it a rugged, masculine edge, though the heavy vanilla dry down makes it accessible for anyone who enjoys dark, resinous scents.
Longevity and sillage are the primary selling points, with many users warning that a single spray is often enough to fill a room, making it a high-value purchase for those who prioritize potency.
It is overwhelmingly recommended for cold weather use, specifically late fall and winter, as the smokiness can become overwhelming or heavy in the summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the performance of Broken Theories compare to other Kerosene fragrances?+

Like much of the brand’s catalog, it is exceptionally potent. It shares the brand's reputation for extreme longevity and sillage, meaning it will likely last through an entire workday and well into the night without needing a reapplication.

Is this a good choice for someone who likes Maison Martin Margiela’s By the Fireplace?+

Yes, it occupies a similar territory but is often considered a "step up." While By the Fireplace focuses on a toasted marshmallow sweetness, Broken Theories is smokier, woodier, and features a more prominent tobacco and incense profile.

Can this fragrance be worn in a professional office setting?+

Because of its heavy smoke and intense projection, it can be polarizing in close quarters. It is generally better suited for evening wear, outdoor activities, or casual leisure environments where its bold character won't overwhelm others.

Does the blood orange note last throughout the wear?+

The blood orange is most prominent in the initial spray, providing a tart, citrusy contrast to the heavy resins. However, it is a top note that fades relatively quickly, giving way to the dominant heart of smoke, spice, and vanilla.

Is Broken Theories more sweet or more smoky?+

It is a balance of both, but the smoke is the first thing most people notice. The sweetness from the vanilla and sandalwood acts as a background support to prevent the incense and oud from becoming too harsh or bitter.

How does the oud in this fragrance behave?+

The oud here is not "barnyard" or medicinal. Instead, it contributes to the woody, slightly oily, industrial vibe of the fragrance, blending seamlessly with the frankincense to create a deep, resinous smoke.

Accords

Notes

HeartFrankincense//Sandalwood//Spices//Tobacco//Blood orange//Oud//Vanilla

Similar Fragrances

Thomas Kosmala

Nọ 4 - Après L'Amour

Eau De Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Oud

Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Oud

Extrait

Bourjois

Kobako

Yves Saint Laurent

Body Kouros

Eau De Toilette

bdk Parfums

Rouge Smoking

Extrait

Xerjoff

Alexandria II

Attar

January Scent Project

Smolderose

Eau De Parfum

Appears in Collections

Casual & Leisure Fragrances2484 Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Winter Fragrances480 Unisex Fragrances3693 2010s Fragrances3361+ 1 more

Where to buy Broken Theories

from $6.00 (<5ml) · 1 retailer

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

100ml

Checked Jul 11

Ministry of Scent

$164.00Buy

Today's best price of $164.00 is about the typical price for this size, based on 18 days of tracking.

<5ml

Checked Jul 11

Ministry of Scent

$6.00Buy

Today's best price of $6.00 is about the typical price for this size, based on 34 days of tracking.

Price history

100ml price trendAt tracked low of $164.00

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

Get on the early list. We'll email you as this rolls out.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.