№ 1
№ 1 by SWITCH Perfumes is a complex unisex fragrance from 2015. Known for its intense, resinous opening and herbal, woody dry-down, it is a polarizing choice for those who dislike sweet mainstream scents. With dominant notes of elemi, oakmoss, and tuberose, it offers a distinct, long-lasting profile that stands out during the crisp, cold days of autumn.
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Performance Metrics
31 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity is excellent, reaching 8 to 10 hours easily. Projection is strong in the first 2 hours, later settling into a moderate, reliable arm's length sillage. It performs best in cold, dry weather.
Notes Pyramid
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A resinous, medicinal snapshot characterized by sharp elemi, camphoric herbs, and a dry, woody base of incense and sandalwood. It has a thick, resinous texture that feels dark and earthy, balancing bitter aromatic rosemary with exotic floral hints of Hoya carnosa.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe floral and yellow floral accords behave more like wild, crushed petals than sweet perfume notes. These combine with balsamic and woody elements that warm slowly on the skin, creating a persistent, dry resinous trail that refuses to turn overly sweet.
Community Data
104 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in fall and spring. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Extraordinary longevity on skin
Unique, non-generic scent profile
Excellent for cold winter weather
Strong, assertive initial projection
Complex resinous and woody dry-down
Appeals to niche fragrance enthusiasts
High artistic integrity of composition
Distinctly herbal and forest-like
Great for those seeking individuality
Does not rely on excessive sweetness
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Highly polarizing medicinal opening
Difficult to find due to discontinuation
Not suited for warm or humid climates
Lacks versatility for daily wear
Too intense for some office environments
Not a safe gift for casual wearers
Too bitter for lovers of gourmand scents
Can feel heavy or oppressive on skin
Unconventional and challenging profile
Sample acquisition is a serious hurdle
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“№ 1 by SWITCH Perfumes: An Assertive and Unconventional Resinous Creation”
The opening of № 1 by SWITCH Perfumes is an immediate, unapologetic declaration. It lands on the skin with a sharp, medicinal blast of elemi and camphoric notes that feel almost clinical. It is a bold, jarring entrance that sets the stage for a fragrance that cares little for mass appeal. This is not the clean, polite greeting most modern scents offer, but a raw, herbal confrontation that demands your attention from the first spray.
As it settles, the heart reveals a layered complexity. The initial bitterness softens, allowing the exotic Hoya carnosa and subtle yellow florals to emerge. Rosemary and hyssop contribute a persistent, forest-like herbal quality that anchors the scent, keeping it firmly away from the sweet, fruity trap. This transition is slow, methodical, and keeps the fragrance feeling grounded and dense rather than light or airy.
The dry-down is where the balsamic and woody accords truly take hold. Incense and sandalwood provide a warm, lingering finish that grounds the earlier herbal chaos. On the skin, this movement is tactile. You can almost feel the resinous weight of it. It does not disappear but instead morphs into a thick, persistent skin scent that persists for hours. It remains dry, bitter, and resinous, never fully succumbing to the temptation of sugar.
Performance is significant. This is a scent that persists for ten hours or more, projecting strongly in the first two hours. It creates a robust, assertive bubble around the wearer, which makes it perfect for cool, crisp autumn or winter days. In heat, the balsamic elements may feel stifling, but in cold weather, it expands beautifully into a deep, forest-centric profile.
This fragrance suits someone who prefers a challenge. It is ideal for the collector or the enthusiast who has grown tired of sweet, safe, and generic releases. It carries an aura of individuality that can be daunting for those just beginning their collection. It is a mature, contemplative, and slightly dark composition.
Ultimately, № 1 is a work of singular vision. It is polarizing by design and uncompromising in its execution. It is not for everyone, and that is precisely why it is interesting. Sample it if you can find it, but do not blind buy, as its medicinal and bitter profile will either captivate you or lead you to reach for a scrubber.
FAQs
What does № 1 smell like upon application?+
It opens with a sharp, medicinal blast dominated by elemi and camphoric resins. This forest-like intensity is jarring for those accustomed to modern sweet scents, but it quickly settles into a more balanced, bitter herbal composition that feels raw and grounded.
How does the fragrance change after an hour on skin?+
The initial medicinal punch dissipates to reveal a heart of Hoya carnosa and subtle yellow florals. It warms up, revealing a hidden sweetness that remains tethered to the bitter oakmoss and rosemary notes. It never becomes overly sugary or cloying, staying firmly in the territory of a dry, resinous woods profile.
Is this a long-lasting fragrance?+
Yes, its resinous base provides significant longevity. On most skin types, you can expect it to linger for eight to ten hours. The dry-down remains detectable well into the evening, especially when applied to pulse points or fabric, making it a reliable choice for long days.
How much does it project?+
The projection is strong and assertive, particularly during the first two hours. It creates a noticeable scent bubble that fills a standard room, eventually settling into a moderate, arm-length projection as the incense and sandalwood warm against the skin.
When is the best time of year to wear this?+
It excels in the colder months of autumn and winter. The thick, balsamic nature of the notes feels heavy and grounding, which might feel oppressive in hot or humid summer weather. The cool air allows the resinous and woody accords to expand without overwhelming the wearer.
Is this appropriate for an office environment?+
Due to its medicinal and intense opening, it may be too bold for conservative office settings. If you choose to wear it, go light on the sprays and wait at least an hour for the herbal, foresty blast to soften before entering close-contact environments.
Does it lean masculine or feminine?+
It is a true unisex fragrance. The bitter aromatic elements and woody base pull it toward a traditional masculine lean, while the heart of tuberose, mimosa, and frangipani provides a floral contrast that appeals to those who enjoy complex, gender-neutral compositions.
Is it a safe blind buy?+
No. The combination of medicinal resins, bitter herbs, and exotic floral notes is highly polarizing. It is a challenging scent that demands an appreciation for unconventional, resinous perfumery. Always source a sample before committing to a full bottle.
Can I layer this with other fragrances?+
Layering is difficult because of its specific, dominant accord profile. If you must, try layering it with a simple, high-quality vanilla or sandalwood oil to soften the sharp, bitter edges of the oakmoss, but be prepared for it to dominate whatever it touches.
Is this a good signature scent?+
Only if your signature style is unconventional and dark. It is far from the crowd-pleasing, fresh scents that define most modern signatures. If you prefer to be noticed for wearing something unique and slightly medicinal, this could absolutely serve as your daily signature.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREClosest alternatives include dark, forest-heavy scents like Lalique Encre Noire or the complex, smoky profiles found in Amouage's range, though nothing perfectly captures this specific medicinal resin profile.
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