Editorial Guidelines for Scent Chronicles
Scent Chronicles is an independent fragrance blog dedicated to honest, experience-based perfume writing. These editorial guidelines explain how reviews are created, how collaborations are handled, and how I protect the integrity of every recommendation you read on this site.
The goal of these guidelines is simple: to help readers, brands, and partners clearly understand how Scent Chronicles operates, and to reinforce trust through transparency, consistency, and high editorial standards.
1. The Mission of Scent Chronicles
Scent Chronicles exists to help people discover fragrances with more confidence and joy. My writing combines personal experience from working behind the counter in a niche perfume store with careful testing, note-taking, and comparison to established references.
Every article—whether it is a review, a buying guide, or a basics explainer—is written with three priorities in mind:
- Clarity: explaining scent profiles, performance, and use cases in a way that feels accessible and practical.
- Honesty: being transparent about strengths, weaknesses, and who a fragrance is really suited for.
- Respect: respecting both the work of perfumers and the time and budget of readers.
These editorial guidelines support that mission and apply to all content published on Scent Chronicles.
2. Independence & Integrity
Scent Chronicles does not accept payment in exchange for positive coverage. I never sell star ratings, rankings, or favorable language. If a post is sponsored or created in paid collaboration with a brand, this will be clearly disclosed at the top of the article, and my opinions will remain independent.
All editorial decisions—what to review, how to describe a scent, how to rank fragrances in a list—are made solely by me. Advertising, affiliate programs, or brand relationships do not determine the outcome of a review.
3. Sponsorships, PR Samples & Gifts
From time to time, Scent Chronicles may receive press samples, discovery sets, or event invitations from brands, distributors, or retailers. When a fragrance or product has been provided as a sample, this is clearly disclosed within the article so readers always know the context.
Important points about samples and gifts:
- Receiving a sample never guarantees a review, mention, or feature on Scent Chronicles.
- Receiving a sample never guarantees a positive opinion or ranking.
- If I have an ongoing partnership or recurring collaboration with a brand or retailer, that relationship is disclosed where relevant.
All gifted items are evaluated with the same level of scrutiny as personally purchased bottles.
4. Review Methodology
Fragrance reviews on Scent Chronicles are based on real-world wear, not just first impressions from the blotter. While the exact process can vary from scent to scent, the following principles guide every review:
4.1 Personal Testing
- Each fragrance is typically worn multiple times on skin in different contexts (indoors, outdoors, day, night).
- Testing includes different numbers of sprays and, when relevant, different application points (neck, wrists, clothes, etc.).
- I note how the scent behaves from opening to drydown, including any significant transitions or surprises.
4.2 Wear Conditions
Where relevant, I pay attention to approximate temperature, humidity, and environment (for example, a hot city afternoon versus a cool, air-conditioned office). These conditions can meaningfully affect projection, longevity, and overall perception.
4.3 Comparisons & References
When I compare a fragrance to other scents, I do so based on actual side-by-side testing whenever possible, or on recent and detailed wear experience. References may include:
- Well-known designer staples and niche classics.
- Other fragrances from the same perfumer or brand.
- Benchmarks within a specific note family (for example, vanilla gourmands or fresh blue aromatics).
Performance descriptions such as sillage, projection, and longevity are based on my own experience and may vary from person to person. They are presented as informed observations, not absolute guarantees.
5. Accuracy, Updates & Corrections
I take accuracy seriously. Information such as note structures, release years, perfumers, and brand ownership is researched using brand materials and reliable industry sources. However, formulas can change and information can evolve.
When I update a review or guide—for example, to reflect a reformulation, a discontinuation, or new information—those edits are noted within the article, along with the date of the most recent update. If a change meaningfully alters the original conclusion, I rewrite the relevant sections instead of quietly editing a single line.
If you spot an error or outdated detail, you are warmly invited to contact me so it can be corrected.
6. Tone & Editorial Style
The voice of Scent Chronicles is personal, sensory, and grounded in real experience. I aim to write the way perfume truly feels: textured, emotional, and vivid—while still being structured and practical enough to help with real buying decisions.
You can expect:
- Sensory language that paints a picture of how a perfume smells, develops, and feels in wear.
- Balanced assessments that mention both strengths and potential drawbacks.
- Respectful honesty—fragrances may not be right for everyone, and that is part of the review.
Hyperbolic claims, clickbait, and misleading promises are avoided. The goal is to help readers think clearly and trust what they read.
7. Conflicts of Interest
To maintain reader trust, Scent Chronicles keeps editorial content separate from advertising and affiliate relationships as much as possible. Partnerships and affiliate programs (such as those mentioned in the Affiliate Disclosure) do not determine which fragrances I like, recommend, or critique.
If there is ever a potential conflict of interest—for example, a close relationship with a brand owner, or a paid consulting project with a company whose products I review—that relationship will be clearly disclosed so readers can evaluate the context for themselves.
8. Reader Trust & Accountability
Trust is the foundation of Scent Chronicles. I want readers to feel confident that every review, list, and recommendation comes from genuine experience and careful thought, not from hidden incentives.
If you ever have questions about how a review was created, notice something that might be inaccurate, or have concerns about transparency, you can reach out using the contact form on the Contact page. I welcome constructive feedback and will do my best to respond and, when appropriate, to correct or clarify the content.
For additional context about disclosure and endorsements online, you may also wish to read the official guidance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
By publishing and following these editorial guidelines, Scent Chronicles commits to treating perfume journalism with the same care and seriousness that perfumers bring to their creations.