What's going on with the drydown of perfumes nowadays?

[successstories]

I've used the same 5 or 6 perfumes for the last 20 or so years.

I'm always on the look out for new ones that I may like, as it would be nice to add to my 'selection' and wear something different.

But everything I try leaves me flat. Occassionaly I find one for which the opening is nice but the drydown is always hideous (and top notes not in sync with base notes). It's either Nivea Cream, Moth Killer of an Oud bomb (I detest Oud). These are sometimes £200 per 100ml fragances, so definitely expensive, not 'celebrity' brands, etc.

There are a few exceptions like Frederic Malle, MALIN + GOETZ or Chanel for instance, but for everything else the drydown seems to always smell cheap and rank.

Another problem that I find is that everything smells samey, irrespective of price or whether they are 'niche' or more widely available

Any suggestions as to what's going on in the industry or recommendations of where to look?

Thanks!

What's the dry down? Once its all worn off a bit?

What's the dry down?

Maybe someone can explain it better, but it's what it smells like about 30 minutes after you've put it on (so what 'you're left with' after you can no longer smell the top notes)