Scentologia Over.dose. (Margherita Carini) 2023 + Cannabis Haze Giveaway

Scentologia Over.dose.

Scentologia Over.dose. official brand photo, via Instagram page

 “Crafted by scientists, perfected by artists” is the credo of Scentologia, a luxury fragrance brand founded in 2021 in Paris. The philosophy of the brand is focused on the idea that perfumery is an art form that requires both technical proficiency and creative vision, merging art and science in a place where the laboratory meets the canvas.

I was immediately attracted to the concept and the visual presentation of the brand. The packaging is in line with the brand’s creative vision, with an eco friendly cloth pouch that holds the bottle against the white backdrop with handwritten notes and if you care – like I do – about small details – a deliciously tactile and heavy cap, and one of the best fine mist sprayers that I’ve encountered lately. Another element I loved from the presentation is the fact that on the bottle, besides the short copy that provides you – in true minimalist form, the effect you’re gonna get from the scent, you also have the recommended usage, counted in number of splashes.

Scentologia perfumes

Mood photo, image via Scentologia Instagram page

The perfume that stood-out to me,  from the lineup of eight perfumes, is Over.dose: ’’an excessive dose of curiosity that makes impossible to resist, and always coming back for more.’’ Desired effect: a fragrance that makes you feel good about yourself. Usage: 2 splashes. The notes that made me smile and nod: vetiver & cannabis. At Scentologia, they rely not only on their noses to craft their fragrances, but also on cutting edge scientific techniques to properly analyze, perfect and refine their scents. So, I was more than giddy to see that they worked with is Symrise, a company whose exploration into AI technologies I’ve been following for a while, beginning with their Philyra project, one of the first AI fragrance tools in the industry, developed in collaboration with IBM.

Margherita Carini of Symrise

Margherita Carini of Symrise, photo via her Instagram page

Perfumer Margherita Carini of Symrise is a cosmopolitan spirit with a multidisciplinary background that made her the perfect fit to this Scentologia project. I must admit I have stalked her Instagram profile for quite some time, as she is also an amazing photographer with an incredible eye for detail and a gift for capturing the essence of a moment. A captivating fusion of art, science, and artistic sensibility makes Over.dose. a fragrance that is the right amount of audacious, balanced with just the right ratio of abstract depth and a pinch of giddy fun.

Often comparing the ethereal art of perfumery to that of architecture, for me Scentologia Over.dose. is a modern glass structure built on the foundation of a classical timeless vestige – a green herbal top mixed with an awesome balmy base.

Scentologia Over.dose. is a playful take on the olfactory idea of cannabis, a journey that explores, in quite a scientific way, all the its various facets. Cannabis is a plant that has long been used for its hemp fibre, hemp seeds and their oils, the leaves that are used for their medical purposes, and last but not least, as a recreational drug . In Overdose we have the dried flowers – marijuana, the balmy resinous hashish facets and, of course – the burned, smoky take. Each step of the journey flows seamlessly into a unitary experience that is complex and is never literal, in the first way you might have in mind – it’s more the experience of how cannabis makes you feel, rather that what it actually smells like. So if the note of cannabis troubles you, thinking you might just spray yourself into a hippie drum circle or a sharp-pitched camphorated Amsterdam café –  rest assured, this is the furthest thing from that experience a perfume can get.

Over.dose.by Scentologia

photo by Nicoleta

We have fresh notes of grapefruit and bergamot mixed in with the soft floral curves of geranium and gardenia and the spicy bite of cardamom and saffron for a first hour of wear that feels comfortable, detached and oh-so cool. In the drydown we have amber and the bad boys trio – vetiver, patchouli and musk, that make for a familiar yet addictive combo. Equally effervescent and green, warm and resinous, the overall experience is that of aromatic heart with an amber soul, and the illicit accord (to quote a classic) is composed by mixing the astringency of grapefruit with the dry powderiness of flowers, on the backdrop of a balmy resinous notes. An overdose that is both abstract contemplation and an emotional ride that makes it quite addictive.

Heart notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Cannabis.

Middle notes: Geranium, Gardenia, Thyme.

Base Notes: Vetiver, Patchouli, Musk, Amber.

Also check out the review of Syn.ergy which was featured in Karl’s Best of 2023 summary and Steven’s video of Tra.ce.

Nicoleta Tomsa, Senior Editor

Disclosure: A bottle was kindly offered by the brand, opinions are my own.

over.dose. by Scentologia

Scentologia Over.dose, official brand photo, via Instagram page

Thanks to the generosity of Scentologia we have a 100 ml bottle of Over.dose. for one registered reader in the EU, US, or UK. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Nicoleta’s review of Over.dose. and where you live. Draw closes January 8, 2024

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39 comments

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    I was never really that big on presentation but sometimes it’s nice to notice the small details. A heavy cap and a fine mist sprayer can really make a difference in the whole experience. The description of Over.dose caught my attention: ’an excessive dose of curiosity that makes impossible to resist, and always coming back for more.“ Always curious when a fragrance has a cannabis note in it. Let’s see what it does if I win.

    Los Angeles CA USA

  • Arron_Q says:

    I love the science of fragrance. The chemistry side of things and the use of all the wonderful molecules that have been created and/or extracted for use in fragrance is really interesting. As such a nerd, this house sounds pretty cool. This offering sounds really nice as well. I like unique green scents and this seems to be exactly that. I particularly love the idea of “an aromatic heart with an amber soul” as Nicoleta poetically described it. I would love to give this one a shot. Best of luck to all. I live in NC, USA.

  • martz says:

    the interweaving of science and art form is very exciting and original. I also really like the attention to detail – that this perfume house pays attention to sustainability with small, loving details . A perfume that helps me feel good about myself? What more could I want? And anything with cardamom is beautiful.
    I’m from the EU.

  • Scentofme says:

    I like cannabis notes in perfumes such in Azzaro Club Men and Laboratorio Olfattivo Cozumel. So really interested in this creation from Scentologia. I like the creative vision and the cutting edge scientific techniques used. From EU.

  • yvree says:

    I am intrigued by the cannibus note. I have sampled some perfumes with this note and do enjoy it. Very exciting to see it mixed with noted of Gardenia, saffron and cardomum. Normally I dont go for too many vreen scents but this sounds delicious. I am in the US

  • Jeremi says:

    The mix of geranium and amber really sparks my interest. I love geranium and with the addition of amber, this mist be beautiful! I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • Steve A says:

    Interest sparked by this being cannabis noted fragrance. The accompanying notes, especially the middle notes, seem to mark this as a unique scent. US

  • tomkleins says:

    I like the idea of a fragrance giving you a feeling, an interpretation of cannabis, rather than the actual smell. I was relieved to read that Over.dose does not seem to be your ordinary cannabis scent. 😉 Sound curious.
    Thank you for the in-depth review Nicoleta.
    My best wishes from Paris,
    Tom

  • chrisskins says:

    It defies logic that anyone would want to smell like cannabis, especially the burned, smoky part. BUT, of course I want to smell this, to smell like this, in public or private. I’m also intrigued by the quality sprayer, so many times the drip drip, even from some high end offerings, is wildly disappointing. I love in NY.

  • thee_boy_wonder says:

    Love the play on the name! This seems like a great blend of notes, anything with amber and florals is a win for me!

    Pennsylvania, US

  • dagod44 says:

    Scentologia may just be my new fav house of 2024. I’ve sampled Absolute and Overdose both of which are amazing! I own a bottle of Synergy and it’s absolutely amazing!! It smells heavenly one of my top 3 scents I’ve ever smelled in my short fragrance journey. I’d love to add a full bottle of Overdose to my collection and I’m sure I’ll be adding other bottles from Scentologia this year.
    New Jersey, USA

  • Frank G says:

    The scent of lit cannabis can be off putting to some and the way it’s used here as an experience of how it makes you feel, rather than what it actually smells like will most likely appeal to those who aren’t that fond of the lit kind. I thought it was interesting how Overdose incorporates the dried flowers of marijuana, the balmy resinous hashish facets and the burned, smoky take. Thank you for the opportunity. New York, USA.

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Great review Nicoleta. I can almost imagine what this fragrance smells like via your in-depth description. This creation by Scentologia sounds interesting and intriguing. I like how you describe the olfactive journey as how the cannabis makes you feel rather than how it smells. I can totally vibe with that. Looking forward to experiencing Over.dose.
    USA

  • philippsi says:

    Nicoleta’s review of Over.dose from Scentologia is great as usually. The way she describes the fragrance’s journey through its notes, particularly the playful take on the olfactory idea of cannabis, is both scientific and artistic. The blend of fresh, floral, and resinous elements, as well as the meticulous layering of grapefruit, bergamot, and the “bad boys trio” in the drydown, intrigues. Her depiction of a scent that’s both abstract contemplation and an emotional journey creates an eagerness to experience this complex, addictive fragrance firsthand!

    I live in the EU (Germany).

  • clarchik says:

    I appreciated the detailed story on how the fragrance opens. Cannabis is such an interesting note!!
    I am in the US

  • Amaziz89 says:

    a balmy resinous notes. An overdose that is both abstract contemplation and an emotional ride that makes it quite addictive.

    Heart notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Cannabis.

    Middle notes: Geranium, Gardenia, Thyme.

    Base Notes: Vetiver, Patchouli, Musk, Amber. A beautiful description by Nicoleta really fascinated by the packaging and the notes sound great especially Patchouli, Vetiver and Musk. This is a house that I have got no experience with but I am intrigued by nonetheless. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    makes you feel, rather that what it actually smells like. So if the note of cannabis troubles you, thinking you might just spray yourself into a hippie drum circle or a sharp-pitched camphorated Amsterdam café – rest assured, this is the furthest thing from that experience a perfume can get. A wonderful description by Nicoleta really intrigued by the notes especially Cannabis and the use of AI this fragrance and house has piqued my interest and curiosity. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • jpark says:

    I have been a huge fan and lover of Scentologia’s fragrances and brand identity for quite some time now. As a college student on the pre-med track currently taking Organic Chemistry while also learning the art of perfumery as my main hobby, its so interesting seeing Scentologia bring both worlds to the forefront. While it is a given that science is used in perfumery, it is out of the ordinary to base one’s fragrances and brand identity on just that, but it is amazing that Scentologia embodies this! Seldom am I attracted to fragrances with cannabis in it, as the skunky smell deters me, but when I had the opportunity to try Over.Dose, I immediately fell in love with it!

    Over.Dose captivated me with its unique departure from the stereotypical cannabis fragrance. This olfactory journey masterfully unfolds, exploring the various facets of cannabis in a scientific yet artful manner. Dispelling any preconceived notions, it seamlessly weaves dried marijuana flowers, resinous hashish, and smoky elements into a unitary experience. The fragrance skillfully avoids the clichés, steering clear of associations with hippie drum circles or Amsterdam cafés as you eloquently put it. I loved how the brightness of the grapefruit and bergamot, complemented by geranium, gardenia, and the spicy embrace of cardamom and saffron, create an initial aura of comfort and detached coolness.

    When the Over.Dose progressed on my skin s, an addictive blend of amber, vetiver, patchouli, and musk, formed, and as familiar as the combination is, Scentologia still made it unique and enticing! This just goes to show how their scientific identity comes to play through their utilization of the innovation and keenness of Symrise’s scent scientists. The overall experience is an aromatic heart with an amber soul, cleverly balancing effervescence, green warmth, and resinous depth. What sets Over.Dose apart is its ability to transcend the literal interpretation of cannabis, focusing instead on the emotional resonance and abstract contemplation it evokes. This fragrance, with its audacious spirit and balanced complexity, stands as a testament to the innovative fusion of art, science, and Margherita Carini’s creative expertise.

    Ever since my first and only time I experienced Over.dose through a decant, I have been wanting to own a bottle of this fragrance ever since! Hopefully my luck can do its thing! I live in Boston, MA, USA.

  • Southirina says:

    This fragrance is like a magical journey for my senses! An overdose of abstract contemplation and an emotional ride? Count me in! This fragrance is not just addictive; it’s downright adorable and charming! I would love to win a bottle.
    Hugs from Romania

  • hthanass says:

    A simplistic presentation with quality cap and good sprayer can be enough to complete a great scent.
    A Cannabis note in a perfume can be a hit or miss, i myself have some fragrances with cannabis note and i love these fragrances !!
    I would like to put my nose on this one and give it a try

    From France (EU)

  • MoSho says:

    Such a minimalist bottle – gosh, I love this type, it’s definitely a promise of beautifully constructed scent.
    I can’t picture at all what Over.dose smells like, but I do love the smell of hemp – what, am I the only one that never ‘got acquainted’ with cannabis?
    Thanks for the review and the draw, from EU.

  • Salem says:

    The part that most caught my attention was the one saying that this is not a literal take on cannabis, as much as the way it makes you feel. I think that’s lovely, because I would personally not love to walk around smelling like the plant itself, or the joint, hehe. But cannabis does have an important and very specific aromatic stamp which, combined with the lovely notes described in Nicoleta’s article, I’m sure deliver a wonderfully refreshing, zesty and ambery result.
    I live in the EU,
    Thanks for the draw!

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    I am intrigued by the cannibus note. I have sampled some perfumes with this note and do enjoy it. Very exciting to see it mixed with noted of Gardenia, saffron and cardomum. Normally I dont go for too many vreen scents but this sounds delicious. I am in the PA, US

  • RavLor says:

    Scentologia I have read about here and thought synergy sounded great but I think I would love overdose. I never smelt a cannabis plant and was surprised by its facets
    Fascinating that it can be floral and ambery
    USA

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I’d love to try Scentologia Over.dose. I like when Nicoleta describes it as: “a green herbal top mixed with an awesome balmy base” and “Equally effervescent and green, warm and resinous, the overall experience is that of aromatic heart with an amber soul, and the illicit accord (to quote a classic) is composed by mixing the astringency of grapefruit with the dry powderiness of flowers, on the backdrop of a balmy resinous notes.” Her description of it is helpful. I’m not a user of recreational cannabis (nor am I a proponent of its legalization), but I like botany and perfumery, and I’d like to experience a fragrance which tries to capture different aspects of the olfactory experience of cannabis, i.e. without experiencing how psychoactive THC is. I live in the U.S.A.

  • adrian.s says:

    You got my attention at cannabis note. Really interested to see the interpretation of that note in over.dose. Well written review, Nicoleta!

  • Ken White says:

    I’m fascinated by the science behind fragrances. The chemistry involved and the utilization of a diverse range of molecules created or extracted for fragrance applications captivate my interest. I appreciate the blend of creative vision and cutting-edge scientific techniques. New Jersey, USA

  • emorandeira says:

    Nicoleta’s IS, as always, amazing. I almosy can feel this Green/earthy/medicinal/herbal felling of a cannabis fragrance on my skin.
    I LOVE how cannabis developes in my skin and the mix with my chemistry.
    I like how she describes the fresh opening, the Soft floral heart and the Bad boys combo mixed with an amber Accord which gives personality and character to the fragrance.
    I am writing from Spain (EU)
    Regards to all!

  • psebi101 says:

    I am also attracted to the concept and the visual presentation of the brand, like you, really nice bottle and label.
    Over.Dose…interesting play of words for such a perfume. I don’t mind the cannabis smell at all and reading the description and the notes, it does seem to have cool and warm notes that are nicely balanced.
    Thanks, I’m in the EU.

  • Claudia M. says:

    What an interesting project, I am amazed at how AI can be used in perfumery and would like to know more! I must say that I am a big fan of the cannabis note in perfumes, as I am particularly fond of green scents (more the greenness given by herbs and spices rather than forest-type greenness) so I am now really curious about this scent. I also like heavy caps and fond very interesting that we are also given advice on how much perfume we should splash! Greetings from Milan

  • Timea says:

    This perfume sounds very good from the base of the review and the notes. And I very like the bottle also. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • opalbear says:

    I love grapefruit and florals, and the idea of thyme and gardenia sounds amazing to me. The freshness of this with the classic base and how it’s not a “granola” take on cannabis but an aromatic and ambery one sounds so intriguing! In California US.

  • skye says:

    As someone just starting in DIY composition using resources such as the Perfumers Apprentice, I appreciate brands that emphasize the science behind the creation of fragrance, I’m most familiar with cannabis as a note in scents such as fresh Cannabis Santal and Byredo Open Sky. Curious about how Scentologia Over.dose treats the note. I’m in MD, USA.

  • mmerline says:

    I’m curious how exactly tools like Symrise are incorporated into the perfuming process. Regardless, vetiver and cannabis seem like kindred spirits, and I’d expect them to reinforce each other with some potency. Interesting how Carini utilized them in Over.dose, invoking the entire burned flower, “complex but never literal”, through a combination of astringent grapefruit, powdery florals, and a resinous base. I love this line from Nicoleta’s review: “Often comparing the ethereal art of perfumery to that of architecture, for me Scentologia Over.dose. is a modern glass structure built on the foundation of a classical timeless vestige – a green herbal top mixed with an awesome balmy base.” It sounds much easier to wear than the name would suggest. Thanks for the review.

    I’m in the USA.

  • hshinkoda says:

    Amazing review!!!! Bottle is simple and classic!!! Cannabis is a very interesting note in perfume. A blend with florals, amber and musk… I would love love to try!!!! I’m from Massachusetts, US.

  • foreverscents says:

    I love the concept of Scentologia. The bottles are elegant in their simplicity. I liked that science is involved in the creation of the fragrances, yet the artistry is never forgotten. Over.dose has some of my favorite notes: grapefruit, vetiver, and cannabis. I like the mixture of astringent and balmy notes.
    I live in the USA.

  • wandering_nose says:

    I have a fragrance with the note of cannabis accompanied by patchouli and absolutely love it – I get complimented on it and asked what I wear. Nicoleta has managed to put a spell on me, presenting Over.dose in such an appealing way. I am not afraid to experience the raw aroma of cannabis, however I love how Nicoleta says in Over.dose it is more the experience of how cannabis makes you feel, rather that what it actually smells like. This takes the olfactory experience to another level for me. Also, the combination of cardamom and saffron in the opening, and the trio of vetiver, my beloved patchouli and musk in the base are swoon – worthy… Thank you for the generous draw! I am in the EU.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What sparks my interest based on Nicoleta’s review if Scentologia Over.dose is the bright and fresh opening of Bergamot and Grapefruit accented by an aromatic heart as well as a warm and resinous base. This sounds like a modern green and herbal take on cannabis that sounds very accessible and appealing. I am from the USA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great review Nicoleta.

    I really enjoyed reading about this fragrance and the company. It’s neat to see the brand standing at the intersection of science and art. Their visually striking presentation, inclusive of eco-friendly packaging and meticulous attention to detail, complements their philosophy.

    Reading about how this fragrance expertly navigates the multifaceted nature of cannabis, evoking its essence rather than a literal interpretation, makes me realize that we don’t see too many well executed cannabis fragrances. Grapefruit, bergamot, and floral hints offer a detached coolness, transitioning into an addictive blend of vetiver, patchouli, and musk.

    Cheers from WI, USA