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.

The numbers don't lie: Men are consuming beauty/grooming products more than ever... and some reports have them spending more money on self care products per month than women. So why isn't there a dedicated retail space for this customer, considering the grooming industry will pass $100 billion by 2034?

In this episode, Adam and journalist Brennan Kilbane discuss the lack of a "Sephora for men", the reason behind it, and they consider what an optimal grooming retail experience should entail.

-

🌀GUEST: Brennan Kilbane, News and Features Editor at The Business of Beauty (for The Business of Fashion):

https://www.instagram.com/brennankilbane/

Medical Disclaimer: Nothing in this show should be used as personalized medical device. Please see a doctor for any questions you may have regarding your specific needs and concerns. 

–

MORE FROM BLUE PRINT BY ADAM HURLY:

Articles: https://www.grooming.tips

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming 

Newsletter: https://www.blue-print.co/newsletter 

–

Link Disclaimer: If you use our links, we may receive a commission. This helps support Blue Print and Spiffy. Thank you!

🌀SPONSOR

Thank you to episode sponsor:

PHILIPS NORELCO OneBlade 360 Pro Face + Body

A hybrid trimmer and shaver, for both face and body.

Get it on Philips: https://fave.co/4j04V0Q

Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4j15rvO

🌀PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

GRACE & STELLA EXFOLIATING FOOT PEEL MASK

Lavender (4 pair): https://amzn.to/48RIVAJ

Unscented (4 pair): https://amzn.to/491t5nf

–

SPIFFY is a production of the grooming platform Blue Print by Adam Hurly, which you can read on the web at https://www.blue-print.co (where you can also sign up for the free men’s grooming newsletter). 

YouTube: https://wwww.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming 

Instagram: https://wwww.instagram.com/blueprintgrooming 

TikTok: https://wwww.tiktok.com/@blueprintgrooming

We also post regular SPIFFY content to @spiffypod on Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/spiffypod 

Adam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamhurly 

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

Do you really need a deodorant for your entire body, much less for your junk? In this episode, Adam Hurly (GQ, Robb Report) is joined by fellow men’s grooming journalist Garrett Munce (Esquire, Men’s Health) to discuss the sudden proliferation of WHOLE BODY DEODORANTS. 

Together they do a deep-dive on the category and a value judgement: Who is this product for? How do they work? And are they actually necessary, or just plain marketing?

Plus, they do a quick-round assessment on other fringe self-care categories like LED masks, eye creams, and hole serums. (yeah…)

🌀GUEST: Garrett Munce, men’s grooming editor

https://www.instagram.com/garrettmunce/ 

Medical Disclaimer: Nothing in this show should be used as personalized medical device. Please see a doctor for any questions you may have regarding your specific needs and concerns. 

MORE FROM BLUE PRINT BY ADAM HURLY:

Articles: https://www.grooming.tips

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming 

Newsletter: https://www.blue-print.co/newsletter 

Instagram: https://wwww.instagram.com/blueprintgrooming 

TikTok: https://wwww.tiktok.com/@blueprintgrooming

Link Disclaimer: If you use our links, we may receive a commission. This helps support Blue Print and Spiffy. Thank you!

🌀SPONSOR: PHILIPS NORELCO i9000 Prestige Ultra, Day & Night Special Edition Shaver. This rotary shaver shears stubble below the skin’s surface.

Get it from Philips Norelco: https://fave.co/3XKBPcp 

Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KsJWal 

🌀WHOLE BODY DEODORANTS

LUME: https://amzn.to/3XmT2s6 

MANDO:

CREAM: https://amzn.to/43XCWsA  

STICK: https://amzn.to/48k3Spb 

SPRAY: https://amzn.to/4am0NpK 

DOVE MEN+CARE:

SPRAY: https://amzn.to/49Od4Dk 

STICK: https://amzn.to/48lhbEs 

CREAM: https://amzn.to/48k49sd 

🌀FRAGRANCES

~BIANCO PROFUMO CAFFÉ AMARO: https://fave.co/3Xu2ABA 

~CLUE PERFUMERY MOREL MAP: https://fave.co/4oqjzQo 

-

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

It’s not all CGI and makeup: There’s a reason many A-listers are looking way more refreshed these days, from Brad Pitt to Lindsay Lohan. It’s the face lift, which is better than ever. (And, if you read most articles,you’ll know it is more expensive than ever too… unless you know a few research +  smart negotiating tactics.) Also… what is the difference between a men’s facelift and a women’s?

In this episode, grooming journalist Adam Hurly (GQ, Robb Report, founder of Blue Print by Adam Hurly) is joined by NYC facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Rizk, aesthetics industry journalist Tatiana Boncompagni (WSJ, NYT, Goop) and esteemed NYC dentist Dr. Larry Rosenthal (who got a facelift) to dive into the different types of facelifts, how they are performed for men, how to find a great surgeon at a lower price, and what to expect for the recovery and results.

🌀GUESTS

Dr. Sam Rizk: https://www.instagram.com/drsamrizk/ 

Dr. Larry Rosenthal: https://www.instagram.com/rosenthal_larry/ 

Journalist Tatiana Boncompagni: https://www.instagram.com/tatiboncompagni/ 

Medical Disclaimer: Nothing in this show should be used as personalized medical device. Please see a doctor for any questions you may have regarding your specific needs and concerns. 

–

Link Disclaimer: If you use our links, we may receive a commission. This helps support Blue Print and Spiffy. Thank you!

🌀SPONSOR: HIMS

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

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

–

🌀PRODUCTS MENTIONED

~BLUE RIBBON WINNERS: https://fave.co/42oKOl8

~CARDON CLAY CLEANSER: https://amzn.to/4eo5TjG 

~HANZ DE FUKO QUICKSTAND HAIR STYLER

https://amzn.to/3CxxmSH 

–

SPIFFY is a production of the grooming platform Blue Print by Adam Hurly, which you can read on the web at https://www.blue-print.co where you can also sign up for the free men’s grooming newsletter). 

YouTube: https://wwww.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming 

Instagram: https://wwww.instagram.com/blueprintgrooming 

TikTok: https://wwww.tiktok.com/@blueprintgrooming

Adam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamhurly 

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

From Blue Print by Adam Hurly: SPIFFY is your source for the freshest takes on men’s grooming. Hosted by longtime men’s grooming editor Adam Hurly (GQ, Robb Report, Men’s Journal—and founder of Blue Print), SPIFFY dives into any and all aspects of self-care, head to toe, from hair loss to foot creams. 

In each episode, Adam is joined by experts in the field, from doctors to journalists to barbers to chemists. He’ll also highlight his favorite products and brands that many listeners will also love. (After all, Adam’s one of the guys testing hundreds of new products a month—but he has lots of all-time favorites he keeps in rotation, too.)

SPIFFY is a production of the grooming platform Blue Print by Adam Hurly, which you can read on the web at https://www.blue-print.co (where you can also sign up for the free men’s grooming newsletter). You can find Blue Print by Adam Hurly on YouTube (where we post lots of videos), as well as social media; our handle is @blueprintgrooming on those channels. 

YouTube: https://wwww.youtube.com/@blueprintgrooming 

Instagram: https://wwww.instagram.com/blueprintgrooming 

TikTok: https://wwww.tiktok.com/@blueprintgrooming

Newsletter: https://www.blue-print.co/newsletter 

We also post regular SPIFFY content to @spiffypod on Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/spiffypod 

Adam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamhurly 

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

Contact SPIFFY via Blue Print by Adam Hurly: https://blue-print.co/contact/ 

Our hero owns a new perspective on past, present, and future.

This is the final episode of this season of The Prospectives. Thanks for tuning in, and please stick around after the episode for a message from Adam.

The Prospectives is a fictional podcast written by Adam Hurly and edited by Jason Oberholtzer of Charts and Leisure. All original music is produced by Joy Joseph. Follow us on Instagram @TheProspectives for artwork by Paul Tuller and to comment on each episode. Visit www.theprospectives.com for PDFs of the first 3 series.

Our hero bottles the revelations he made in Berlin.

This episode features the song "Bip" by Ady Toledano.

The Prospectives is a fictional podcast written by Adam Hurly and edited by Jason Oberholtzer of Charts and Leisure. All original music is produced by Joy Joseph. Follow us on Instagram @TheProspectives for artwork by Paul Tuller and to comment on each episode. Visit www.theprospectives.com for PDFs of the first 3 series.

Our hero keeps his hero close, even if they're indefinitely apart.

The Prospectives is a fictional podcast written by Adam Hurly and edited by Jason Oberholtzer of Charts and Leisure. All original music is produced by Joy Joseph. Follow us on Instagram @TheProspectives for artwork by Paul Tuller and to comment on each episode. Visit www.theprospectives.com for PDFs of the first 3 series.