Hi!
I'm a 26 yr. old professional male. I usually wear jeans and polos but since I'm looking for a job soon I'll be wearing nicer clothes (button ups and tie (hopefully not though). In the past I've used Curve (first cologne ever!), Dior Higher energy but the one I like the MOST is Thierry Mugler (I seem to like it more than others do). I don't actually wear cologne very much and still have a lot left of all three but curious about what you might suggest to take me to that next level of sophistication!

Please let us know how it works out =)

If it's for real that's a steal.

So the Creed Love in White that was recommended is way out of my reach. I will eventually get to a store that carries it to check it out one of these days.

But based on my preference previously posted (see your/MSD post 189) and the fact that my "core" fragrance has always been Guerlain's Shalimar, what might I also like that I can find for less than $50? I don't know what undertones or notes or flowers they might have in common that might help you determine what I'd like, but I'm open to suggestion. In general, I wear jeans but I like to dress 'em up a bit.

The only cologne I know I don't like for sure is women's Curve. It smells like insecticide to me. *shrug*

Fuck. I hope nobody bought something from the link I posted based on my advice.

It's fake. A pretty good fake, but still a fake. When I opened the shipping box, I knew something was wrong because I smelled rubbing alcohol and synthetic musk. The manufacturer's box looks almost right, but has subtle mistakes. The paint on the bottle is wrong, the pump is black instead of silver (someone put a fake GIT pump on a fake Himalaya by mistake) and the logos don't line up.

You can't have your cake and eat it, too. Hopefully I'll be able to get a full refund.

edit: I also don't smell any ambergris. It's one of the base notes and should be prominent. The sandalwood is pretty good, though.

I suspected that might be the case, although I'd hoped not. I'm only ever buying higher-end perfume from authorised brick-and-mortar retailers from now on.

The seller emailed me back and told me that he was unaware they were fakes and would not be selling any more of them. This is from the email I sent back on how to spot fakes, to give him some evidence when talking to his supplier:

This thread on Basenotes.net:
http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:...ient=firefox-a
has good guidelines to spotting fakes, and the things I noticed are in these pics (the fake is on the left in each picture)
http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0493or6.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0503it2.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0494ed4.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0504yd8.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0507ab8.jpg

Oh great cologne snob,

Please help me! I'm a college student with a reputation for wearing jeans and a button up all the time at work, and urban-wear anywhere else. I've always liked Armani Code, Touch by Burberry, and Usher's new scent. As you can see, I've got a wide range of scents I like.

Ideally, I'd like something along the lines of Armani Code. I refuse to buy Code because it reminds my g/f of her ex, but something along those lines won't bother me.

Any recommendations?

Sorry to take so long, I'm slacking.
If you like Armani Code but want something different, the first stop is Le Mâle by Jean Paule Gaultier. It's more complex and deep, and shouldn't be so much like Code that it reminds your GF of her ex. Just in case, take her along (like I've said in the past, you should always take a member of the target audience along fragrance shopping.) It's one of the mainstream ones that I never hesitate to recommend, and it deserves its popularity.

If you want to try something a bit greener and less oriental (not that I'd say Code is a solid oriental, but it's leaning in that direction,) Eau Parfumée au Thé Verte by Bulgari is worth a shot. Vetiver by Guerlain is even greener and shares some of the bases and tops, but it's way out in left field in comparison to Armani Code.

Dear Cologne snob,

I don't know if you are familiar with store brand fragrances, but a long time ago I used to be obsessed with Hollister & Co.'s unisex cologne/perfume (it just says Hollister & Co. on the bottle). They don't make it anymore though and I was wondering if there's something out there that is similar.

Thank you.

Dear Cologne snob,

I've used Old Spice since, well, a long time. Does that make me uncool?

Never smelled it, but try Aqua de Bulgari and tell me how it compares.
The canned answer is "yes," but the important question is, does it work for you?

Yep, being uncool works for me.

I'm quite happy with my Armani Code. However MSD, I'm curious, have you had any experience with the new Ed Hardy cologne? I'd like to try it but can't find it anywhere, and I'm curious if its worth even waiting for. Thanks!

Never heard of it. I'm not a fan of Ed Hardy, but I'll try it if I see it.

Hey Cologne Snob! Hope this question isn't too far below you...

Neither my wife nor I can handle most scents. A while ago, she found that she liked the scent of Gillette Cool Wave shaving gel on me. This was discontinued quite a while ago, and I've been nursing a final can of it along for special occasions.

There is a Gillette Cool Wave Aftershave that is still available, but it doesn't really smell the same... perhaps too musky? I don't really know the terminology, but neither of us like that scent.

Is there some scent that I could substitute for my Cool Wave?

If you can't handle most scents, you're going to want to find something in Aftershave or Eau de Cologne strength rather than EDT or EDP. I can't help you much past that since I have absolutely no idea what Gillette Cool Wave smells like. If I'm remembering right, you live pretty close to me. There's a well-stocked fragrance store at the Trumbull mall between the entrances to FYE.

What does it smell like?

I really don't know. Perhaps I can meet you in Trumbull some day with a sample? Let's talk by PM.

Picked up a new one a few weeks ago - Vera Wang for Men. I'm rubbish at describing scents, but I like it a lot.

I also tried the Tom Ford Black Orchid - very unusual. I couldn't decide if I liked it, but I kept wanting to smell it to see.

Why does that make me chuckle?

Because you're childish and immature just like the rest of us. :)

Can't speak for the rest of ya, but yeah you got me pegged.

To be honest, I don't remember what it smells like, but I remember liking it on a tester and not on my skin.

If you keep wanting to smell it, you will end up liking it. Never hurts to take someone with you for a second opinion.

Hi MSD have you tried Subtil from Ferragamo? A friend of mine picked it out for me and it smells quite nice. However, it doesn't last long on me. Love the top note, after that it disappears quick. Do you have any recommendations that smell similar and perhaps a bit stronger?

gee, i never knew there was this much to fragrances, I guess the drakkar has to go. And the jovan musk oil?????

guess I would'nt be helping my case if I said I use to like Hai karate, huh?

I haven't had time or money for fragrance shopping for close to a year. I don't remember much but my favorites and the ones I really don't like anymore, and the quality of my advice is no doubt at rock bottom now. All I know is I'm putting aside bits of cash here and there for a flacon of Himalaya.
Musk is one of those things that either works for you or doesn't. Ask a few of your female friends whether they like it or not if you want a good answer to that one. If I've heard of Hai Karate, I don't remember.

It's Axe's grandfather, from the 60's.



Edit: By the way, I've switched jobs, and no longer work one cube away from someone allergic to scents, so I've started daily driving my GIT. The wife loves it, and wants me to continue, but the bottle I bought almost two years ago back in post #117 is slowly being depleted...what's my best option for getting more without paying retail?

Good thread on retailers here:
Creed Reputable Online Retailers - Basenotes Community

It's not cheap anywhere unless it's fake. I like Scented Monkey, and Perfume Emporium has a decent discount. Counterfeiting Creeds is a lucrative business, so it's worth the extra to know you're getting a new bottle of the real thing and not ten year old or gray market stuff.

I stopped wearing cologne in high school. All you get is eau de moi.

Then I hope you smell really good.

I ended up buying the Black Orchid in the end, but the Eau de Parfum rather than the Eau de Toilette. Currently in my rotation:

Marc Jacobs for Men
Vera Wang for Men
Tom Ford Black Orchid
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Intense

Currently saving for: Creed GIT/Himalaya/Silver Mountain Water

I have a task for you; can you give your opinion on three different fragrances, Creed Himalaya & Bois Du Portugal and Bond #9's New Harlem. I know that all are fantastic and quite expensive so I want to make a choice based on my age, lifestyle, geographic area and overall value. I'm a socially active 48yr old Healthcare Professional in very good shape, I live in Scottsdale Arizona (arid) - single.

I know that each have their own unique scent and if I had to choose purely on scent, Himalaya would probably win - my only real complaint, it drifts away after 4 hrs. If I pay I usually want performance.

One last request; do any of these scents have a more value conscientious alternative that still maintains decent quality?

Thank you up front for any direction you can provide!

Wow I remember this thread from way back. So glad it has popped back up. At the time I didn't have a scent but now the only thing that seems to work for me and my wife is (please don't laugh) Abercrobie's Fierce. Now I'm in my late 30's and feel a little juvenile wearing it but it smells good.

MSD: would you be so kind as to explain the base of this scent and maybe recommend something more mature. I would appreciate it greatly.

Dear Cologne Snob,
What are your thoughts on Drakkar Noir? I've had it since my early adolescence, and since I rarely ever wear cologne, haven't used half the bottle.
Do you like it? I personally love the scent.
Also, I own an old bottle of Paco Rabbane XS, which I like.

I don't care how much Arizonans claim "It's a dry heat," Arizona is hot as balls :p This means BDP is going to be overwhelming, especially if you sweat at all where you've put on cologne. Himalaya is a shorter-lasting one, its only real drawback as far as I'm concerned. The best way to deal with short lasting scents is to get a 8.3oz flacon and decant it into a small atomizer that you can use to reapply lightly later in the day. New Haarlem is nice, Rochas Man is decent and is a pretty good coffee scent for a lot less, this being the only one of the 3 that I can think of an alternative to for less. I want to say you should go with Himalaya because the other two are too heavy for somewhere the weather ranges from warm to hot almost year round.

Since you're in healthcare, go very light on any fragrance you use at work.
When I think of Drakkar Noir, I think of a guy in his mid-30s with greasy, slicked-back hair, driving a Camaro IROC-Z down the Jersey shore with gold chains on and his shirt unbuttoned down to the bottom of his chest, showing off his chest hair. Yeah, it's a stereotype and probably a bit offensive, but that's what it makes me think of.

Thanks for all the advice MSD. I have found my preferences for a "night" scent, but I want to get your advice for an "all day" scent to try.

From reading your posts and sampling some fragrances I found some great colognes for night time- I like John Varvtos by John Varvatos, Kiton Black, D&G The One (in that order of preference). I think I like these because they have those prominent woody and spicy notes, but still smell very clean to me. The dry-down on all of these seems to smell great on my skin (about 1hr in to wearing Kiton Black it loses the intrusive spiciness and fades to this sweet smokey awesomeness.) I also liked Yves Saint Laurent's L'Homme; and secretly liked Gaultier Le Male, but don't want it to be my "everyday" wear scent. I don't think I'm a big fan of floral scents. Intense Euphoria and Joop just smelled wrong to me. I also don't like extremely sweet scents.

Since all of these are pretty dark and sensual, I want to find a cologne that's a little less overtly "sexy" for daytime wear. My style during the day is business casual, and in a typical day I could be meeting with important people ranging from local politicians to law enforcement. My style after-hours is unique and I like to try unusual stuff like combining formal or trendy clothing with military surplus. I'm 24.

So the criteria for the daytime scent would be :
1) Appropriate for work and meetings (i.e. can't offend anybody.)
2) Somewhat unique- I like attention and being noticed! (i.e. not Aqua de Gio)
3) Differentiates itself from my nighttime cologne preferences. (John V. or Kiton Black)
4) Affordable. I want to pick up a bottle online for under $50. (I know this rules out some of your favorites by Creed.)
5) Something cool. I think I'm turning into a genuine "cologne enthusiast" as weird as that sounds, and want something that's "good for my (future) cologne collection."
6) A scent that will smell good on my skin type. (Average not too dry or oily. Plus whatever you can infer from my preferences of nighttime scents.)


Thanks again. I'll definitely try out anything you could recommend.

PS Do you have a blog or something where we can read more of your reviews?

Oh no! I missed one last time :(
It's a really fresh woody citrus and kicked up with what I'm 99% sure is menthol. It comes together to smell fresh and powdery. I've gotten over the fact that it's from Abercrombie and admitted it smells good, if a bit synthetic.

To put it simply, Hugo by Hugo Boss is the adult version of this. If your wife likes Fierce, she'll like Hugo. It's a bit more woody rather than aquatic and citrusy, but the two are inseparably linked in my mind as a junior/senior pair.
No, I just make shit up as I go along. When someone first got me into fragrances, I was gung-ho about it and it became a bit of a hobby. I'm still glad to give advice, but I'm not nearly as with the times as I was a few years ago, and while I still have a discerning nose, I'm just a cologne snob these days, not [/i]the[/i] cologne snob.

Combining formal and trendy stuff with military surplus? I like the cut of your jib. That mental image keeps bringing me back to L'Anarchiste by Caron, because it's what I imagine myself wearing with that kind of outfit, especially if you like woody and spicy. It's not going to project too much, so it won't offend anyone, but someone passing by you should notice a faint pleasant spice. It's unique, and it's unlikely anyone you know has ever heard of it. I would put on some unscented moisturizer a few minutes before spraying it on because once it dries, it stays very close to you. It stays, though, and when I worked in a garage I loved that the clove and spice bases would come back full-force when I washed my hands with hot water.

Thanks for the advice. I'll check out Hugo sometime this week.

I am an attention whore and want to bump my thread. I get my Himalaya tomorrow, just in time for my weekend excursion to Atlantic City,
Someone asked a while back how to avoid fakes. First of all, GIT is the most counterfeited fragrance in the world. Aside from that, it's all about reputable sellers. Scented Monkey, Perfume Emporium, and Scentiments have all been good to me (just got Himalaya from Scentiments.)

So what's everyone smelling like these days?

I've been told by several people now that Joop! (the pink bottle) gets women going.

Thoughts on the following?


Tommy Bahama St. Bart's

http://www.fragrantica.com/images/perfume/o.1860.jpg

Hugo Boss Selection

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/20...-selection.jpg

Porsche Design The Essence

http://www.perfumecritic.com/joomla2...esign_frag.jpg

Armani Aqua Di GIO

http://www.hellascosmetique.gr/cart/...0763631005.jpg

Armani Black Code

http://www.charmperfume.com/upload/m...0EDT_Italy.jpg