UNUM’s But Not Today is named for that chilling moment in Silence of the Lambs when Dr. Hannibal Lecter sniffs Clarice Starling and leers, “You use Evian skin cream, and sometimes you wear L'Air du Temps, but not today”. But Not Today is UNUM’s scented capsule of the tension of that moment, where the pearly innocence of L’Air du Temps’ carnation and lily, as worn by the fresh-faced Clarice Starling, faces off against the depraved bloodlust of castoreum, blood, and metal knives slicing through air, as represented by Hannibal himself.

But Not Today’s bloodcurdling mix of sweet indoles with blood, dust, and metal makes for an unsettling but strangely beautiful wear. But Not Today would be a great choice for anyone who prefers smelling interesting to merely pretty. Past the animalic roar of the bloody leather at the start, the scent develops into a spicy-floral gourmand that combines the culinary herb-and-spice-rack of Italian perfumery with creamy white flowers, freshened with the peppery greenness of lily. The powdery carnation that emerges in the base gives the scent an alluring ‘old school’ vibe redolent of the spicy leather drydowns of Caron’s Tabac Blonde and En Avion. But Not Today is therefore that rare bird - possessed of both an avant-garde and retro character, but dominated by neither. But Not Today smells unique and doesn’t compare easily to other fragrances. However, if you love scents such as Eva Kant by O’Driu, Vierges et Toreros by Etat Libre d’Orange, and Noun by Bogue, cut with the retro spice powder of L’Air du Temps and Tabac Blond, then waste no time in getting your nose on But Not Today.

But Not Today Fragrance Notes

Metal, lily, jasmine, leather, castoreum, carnation, animal notes

But Not Today Sizes Available:

100ml

$250

0.7ml sample

If you like But Not Today Extrait de Parfum, we recommend you try:

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Against Nature by Timothy Han Edition Perfumes

Here's what other people are saying about But Not Today...

This smells like juicy red berries and cold metal on my skin. It lasts a few hours on skin, way longer on clothes. It can be a little overwhelming, smelling it constantly, so I apply it sparingly behind my neck or other spots not directly under my nose. I find it smells best worn in the winter. This is like a more sophisticated, less berry-forward version of B&BW Vampire Blood haha.

By M - Student from Edmonton on 11/3/2024

Very smoky, floral, and spicy. There is a tiny bit of that “bloody” smell when first applied, which is very striking. It dries down to a very warm, dark fragrance that is very addictive. I couldn’t stop smelling my wrist. In my opinion, a very pleasant and inoffensive late summer/ early autumn scent. Definitely buying the full size next time!

By Hennessy - Film Director from El Paso on 9/3/2024

This smells like a new church. But, there is a hint of sweetness when you put it on that's surprisingly alluring. The church scent blends to be metallic, noticeable and still intriguing. I think I will buy the full bottle and layer this perfume.

By Victoria - Electrician from Seattle on 6/13/2024

I got sucker punched in the face with metal and fresh gore. Initially, I hated it. But I gave it about an hour, and suddenly, I couldn't stop dropping my head to smell my shirt and wrists. It makes the hairs on my neck stand up and I feel a flash of fear when I spray it. Thankfully, the sharpness drops off pretty quickly and I'm left with a hot and heavy, almost feral, vulnerability to the people around me.

By Éaddie Estrada - Manager from Texas on 11/24/2023

This smells like my grandmother. No blood, no metallic anything on me. A real disappointment.

By Pip - Badass at large from Chicago on 8/7/2023

Not so much leather, but hyacinth flowers in a hot, bloody water-filled metal bathtub. This is so vampiric. The opening is shocking and razor sharp but the dry-down is gorgeous.

By Saia Vissira - Botany Student Entrepreneur Witch from Carolinas on 5/6/2023

Five stars screaming in the vacuum of deep space. Well goodbye, Clarice.

By operabuff - retired from St Petersburg, FL on 12/22/2022

Mysterious, Delightful, Elegant, Cryptic, Gothic, yet Inoffensive. This is what I Imagine Dracula’s Lair would smell like. Damp Carnations in a vase arranged with other white flowers, the scent of Incense fills the room made of stone, There is something strange burning in the fireplace for sure, perhaps the bones or skin of his victims giving off a leatherish velvety aroma. A slightly sweet metallic aroma lingers as fresh blood is spilled on the stone floor. This one is Definitely going in my collection.

By Crisangel - Musician from Rancho Cucamonga on 8/10/2021

I got nothing of what the other reviewers mentioned. This wasn't as harsh and unpleasant a metallic opening as Tom Ford's new Metallique but it was still odd. I'll give it another go as unfortunately I didn't get to pay as much attention to the dry down as I would have liked and by the time 5-6 hours had passed it was basically undetectable. I was hoping for a blood spattered carnations sort of smell, I don't know what I actually got. Nothing offensive but nothing overly intriguing either. I knew going in this was going to be a strange scent so they certainly delivered there.

By Mikeila - Chef from Vancouver on 11/8/2019

I am normally a gnarly fan of Unum but I have to say this shot a bit off target with this particular scent. In conclusion, i'm not quite sure what they were trying to accomplish with this one. It had odd fruit smells to it. I am waiting for a new scent to come out by Unum as I do follow and believe they are the best in the Parfume game.

By Anonymous - Chief Role from Mpls on 4/17/2019

I’ve heard of hype around but_not_today, thought I'd like it instantly. Hated it when sniffing the vial. After initial opening on skin, I thought was it was done in a try-hard caricature way. But after an hour or so, slowly and gradually I was completely won over, shocked and in awe. I have plenty other fragrances that are safe choices for work and socializing - this is neither. Projection and sillage are moderate, and that’s a good thing (because I wouldn’t love to share this around). I’m getting a full bottle of this too, only for me. Five gushing stars.

By Trident - Designer from Australia on 1/23/2019

but_not_today smells shockingly realistically, of when you're hit hard in the nose, and blood is gushing down your throat, and you're struggling to breathe through the nose. Add adrenaline to notes list... It takes awhile to build up to that. First, an unpleasant screeching note arrives, a box of cold rusted iron nails, and effervescent vitamin tablet (before it’s dissolved). That, dried herbs, and faint sweetness of white florals, is what it arrives with. Sharp notes from the opening soften and it evolves into two distinct notes, that don't entwine but stand opposite of each other, never morphing together or finding common base - warm photorealistic scent of blood, dust and of something vaguely animalic, and note of cold elusive florals.

By Trident - Designer from Australia on 1/23/2019

When first applied I thought I had made a huge mistake. Reminded me of an ancient scent gone stale but as it warmed and melded with my skin, I could not stop smelling my wrist. Warm and soft yet with a touch of mystery. Hard iron ensconced in sumptuous velvet. I’m going to need a bottle of this, even if only for my own scentual delight.

By Joanna - Entrepreneur from Austin on 12/2/2018

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Extrait de Parfum

But Not Today

Extrait de Parfum

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