The word “synthetic” doesn’t always have the best reputation. By definition, it even means "fake or unnatural" or somehow inferior. And marketing would have you believe that "pure naturals" are always superior in cosmetics and fragrance.

But in perfumery, synthetics are essential. They make modern fragrance safer, more sustainable, more stable, and far more creative than it could ever be with naturals alone.

In this episode of SPIFFY, Adam Hurly sits down with Christina Christie, Senior Perfumer at Givaudan, to unpack what synthetics actually mean inside modern perfumery and why so many of the scents we love simply wouldn’t exist without them.

Christina pulls back the curtain on how fragrances are really built, from briefs and brand storytelling to the surprising technical constraints most people never consider, like color stability, longevity, and sustainability.

The conversation moves past the natural-versus-synthetic debate and into the reality of the craft: why lab-made molecules protect natural resources, how they enhance projection and structure, and why “synthetic” doesn’t automatically mean cheaper or less sophisticated.

They also explore the future. Adam and Christina talk about scent-capture technology that can recreate living environments without harming them, AI tools that speed up formula development, and the one thing machines can never replicate.

GUEST: Christina Christie, Senior Perfumer, Fine Fragrances, at Givaudan in NYC

Givaudan: https://www.givaudan.com/
More about ScentTrek: https://fave.co/40oWm7l

More about Carto: https://fave.co/4tW35n6

🧴PRODUCT LINKS

• Les Bains Guerbois 1979 New Wave EDP: https://fave.co/4rB5KB1
• Blind Barber Glasshouse EDP: https://fave.co/4rAJzLg
• Arquiste Nocturnality: https://fave.co/4s3VrFh
• Toskavat fragrances: https://fave.co/46p58pr

We may earn commission if you use our links. Thank you.

🌀MORE FROM BLUE PRINT BY ADAM HURLY
Articles + Free Newsletter: https://www.grooming.tips
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintgrooming
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintgrooming

🌀SPONSOR

Thank you to episode sponsor LUXSB - Luxury Scent Box.

Visit Luxsb.com to start discovering new scents, whether you need a new signature scent or want to build out a wardrobe. These 9ml vials are the largest samples available from any fragrance discovery platform. Starting at $16.95 per month.

Disclaimer: Not available everywhere.Episode sponsors do not have influence over episode content or affiliation with episode guests.

Produced by Hady Mawajdeh, with support from André Jabur.

Hair loss is one of those slow-motion problems that’s easy to ignore… until a photo from above makes it impossible to unsee. So what’s actually happening when your hair starts thinning? And what should you do first if you want to keep it as dense as possible for as long as possible?

In this foundational episode of SPIFFY, grooming journalist Adam Hurly (GQ, Robb Report, Esquire... and founder of Blue Print by Adam Hurly) steps out of the host chair and into the expert seat, while producer Hady Mawajdeh takes over the mic. Hady asks the questions most guys are already Googling: the difference between recession and crown thinning, why “starting later” can change what you’re able to recover, and how to build a realistic, sustainable routine for hair retention.

Adam breaks down the two big medical heavy hitters, the dreaded shedding phase, why consistency matters more than perfection, and what to consider if you want to add higher-cost “boosters” in clinic or at home. They also talk supplements, essential oils, why “hair loss shampoo” is mostly marketing, and what styling and haircare products can do to make your hair look fuller today, even if they’re not growing new hair.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this show is medical advice. Please see a doctor for any questions you may have regarding your specific needs and concerns.

We may earn commission if you use our links. Thank you.

🧴PRODUCT LINKS

Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Shampoo/Conditioner): https://amzn.to/4t9Dma6
Davines VOLU Shampoo: https://amzn.to/4kcM7vZ
Davines Replumping Shampoo: https://amzn.to/4brQu4d
Hims Thickening Shampoo: https://fave.co/3MjN2OP (Hims) // https://amzn.to/4a7uKIi (Amazon)
Nutrafol Men: https://amzn.to/45IohT7 (Amazon) // https://fave.co/3Qu1G4m (Nutrafol)

MORE FROM BLUE PRINT BY ADAM HURLY

Articles + Free Newsletter: https://www.grooming.tips
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintgrooming
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintgrooming

🌀SPONSOR

Thank you to episode sponsor HIMS.

Visit https://www.hims.com/blueprint to access personalized care for hair loss, sexual health, mental health, and weight loss.

Disclaimer: Not available everywhere. Prescription products require provider consultation. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions.

We’ve laughed at toupees for decades… but the joke is getting stale. Modern toupees are shockingly real, increasingly popular, and helping millions of men take control of their confidence and appearance. So why does stigma still linger? And what’s it actually like to wear one?

In this episode, grooming journalist Adam Hurly (GQ, Robb Report, founder of Blue Print by Adam Hurly) sits down with viral hair-replacement artist Emily Cheney (better known as The Toupee Queen) to unpack everything guys need to know about hair systems: How they’re made, how much they cost, how they feel, what the maintenance looks like, and how to find an artist who will match your hair type, your vision, and your budget. Emily also explains why the first week is emotionally brutal for many guys, why more men should embrace transparency about cosmetic choices, and how a toupee can be life-changing.

🌀GUEST: Toupee Queen Emily Cheney
Site + Artist locator: https://toupeequeen.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thetoupeequeen/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@legohugs
YouTube: https://fave.co/49rike1
Toupees by Argyle: https://www.toupeesbyargyle.com/

Disclaimer: Nothing in this show is medical advice. Please see a doctor for any questions you may have regarding your specific needs and concerns.

Articles + Free Newsletter: https://www.grooming.tips
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintgrooming
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintgrooming

Spiffy IG: https://www.instagram.com/spiffypod
Adam IG: https://www.instagram.com/adamhurly

Thank you to episode sponsor HIMS.
Visit https://www.hims.com/blueprint to access personalized care for hair loss, sexual health, mental health, and weight loss.

Disclaimer: Not available everywhere. Prescription products require provider consultation. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions.

If you use our links, we may receive a commission. Thank you!

Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Shampoo: https://amzn.to/4bpnkCB
Conditioner: https://amzn.to/49Jiizv
Duo: https://amzn.to/49aeZBm

–

SPIFFY is produced and edited by Hady Mawajdeh, with support from Blue Print’s co-founder and web producer, André Jabur.