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#1 (permalink) |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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Ask the cologne snob
There are five things I'm really picky and stubborn about: politics, women, coffee, beer, and fragrances. While all are things of personal taste, my most recent obsession is colognes and fragrances (my knowledge is mostly about men's scents, seeing as I am male.) Some people see me as a snob and an asshole, others are indifferent, and a few agree with me.
It is my belief that a fragrance is part of a complete wardrobe, and that it sould match your style, your tastes, your personality, and your environment. I also see a lot of people who use great colognes at the wrong time, or apply them in a way that doesnt' realize their full potential. So, if you want to know what I think of your fragrance of choice, others I'd reccommend based on what you like, or know nothing about the subject and want to ask a few questoins, go ahead. I'll try not to come across as being too snobby, and my opinions are subjective, but I am a cologne snob, after all. INTRO: The first basic pet peeve I have is application methods. Spraying into the air and walking through it is a waste of perfectly good fragrance. If applied to the skin strategically, any decent scent will go through a dry-down process and work with your body chemistry to fully develop the fragrance. The best method for men I have come across is as follows: Pre-application: unscented moisturizing soap will not interfere with your fragrance, and dry skin severely decreases the longevity of your fragrance. Moisturize if you have hard water (even if you're not wearig cologne, you should be nice to your skin.) 1: Two sprays on your chest from about 6-8 inches away. If it beads, spray from farther away; if it gets on your nipples move the bottle a bit closer. This forms the base of your scent. 2: A light (1/3) spray on each wrist over the pulse point. Press your arms together (don't rub, it breaks down the oils) and hold for a few seconds. This allows the scent to project slightly, allowing those aroudn you to get a tiny whiff of what you're wearing without being overpowering. Alternately, spray on one wrist and press. If you wash your hands with hot water later in the day and your wrists get a bit wet, the top notes of the fragrance are revitalized. 3: A light (1/2) and close (2" away) spray on the back of the neck below the hairline. This creates sillage. If you walk through a room, you'll leave a pleasant, lingering scent trail for a few seconds. With the right combination of cologne and situation, this can actually deliver the mob of women following you that the Axe commercials promise. Last tip before I leave for school: Citrus and other light scents are generally best in the summer Musk, Patchoulli, and other heavy scents are generally best in the winter |
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#2 (permalink) |
lascivious
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Awsome.
My two favorites are Polo Sport and Lacoste Essential. They are not very musky and have a smooth scent. However, I've been wearing funkier clothing as of late and would like something a bit more frisky to match my new look. So perhaps something similar with a bit more accent. If you would recomend. BTW how did you come about your knowledge in fragrances? |
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#3 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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You're going to have to define what you mean by "funkier clothing" and "more frisky" before I can give you a really good answer (if you mean what I think you mean I have the perfect thing for you,) but based on your current two, I reccommend Kenzo pour Homme, Aqua de Bulgari, and L'Eau d'Isssey. I reccommend those first to to anyone who likes Polo Sport or Polo Blue, as I'm extremely sensetive to synthetic smells and tend to avoid them. You might also want to try Bond no. 9's Riverside Drive, and I've never met anyone who didn't like Creed's Himalaya, which is gaining popularity at analarming rate, which makes me worry that it'll become the next Gio or Obsession. You'll either love or hate Pi by Givenchy, and I get the feeling that telling you to try Green Irish Tweed by Creed is a hit-or-miss option. |
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#4 (permalink) |
Getting it.
Super Moderator
Location: Lion City
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I don't wear cologne all that often. When I do it can only be smelled by someone who is in my personal space.
My current favourite is Chanel's Egoiste
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"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke |
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#5 (permalink) |
Upright
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I'm going to have to take your advice on the application methods.
I've been using the same scent for two years or so (Curve) and still on the small bottle I got for christmas, wondering what you opion on said scent is. I'm not even sure i'm wearing it anymore because I'm unable to smell it now. FOr shits and giggles I'll wear Adidas that I have lying around. I agree with what charlatan said about personal space, as this is the primary reason I wear cologne. I have been told by many a female aquaintance that I smell really good, so I'm assuming that Curve blends well with my natural chemistry. I'm rather bored with it even though it has become my signature scent. I dislike not being able to smell it anymore, or atleast when I do it's pungent like alchohol. I think that my problem is that it's broken down over time. I also have one of those smal trial bottles of Drakkar, but have yet to try it for some reason, might give it a shot now... |
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#7 (permalink) | |
Americow, the Beautiful
Location: Washington, D.C.
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Nice thread.
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"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." (Michael Jordan) |
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#8 (permalink) | |
Found my way back
Location: South Africa
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Reading this thread, I feel like I've walked into a men's boutique and MrSelfDestruct is my all-knowing sales assistant.
![]() I'll definitely be trying the application methods mentioned above. I prefer cool, clean scents and fragrances. Anything too spicy makes my hayfever flare up and I spend the rest of the day sneezing. Right now I'm wearing Davidoff's Cool Waters. I'm not one to wear cologne everyday though. I feel that the smell of my anti-perspirant is clean and fresh-smelling enough, so wearing cologne to work on a daily basis would be a waste. I'm looking for a nice winter fragrance though. Something warm and heavy, with good body. Strong and manly...if any of that makes sense. Any suggestions?
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#9 (permalink) | ||||
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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Cool and clean isn't going to cut it for winter, it just won't be noticable enough. Seeing as you have an office job and are in your mid-20s, for a warm and heavy scent I'm going to suggest you first try Caron's The Third Man (may be listed as le 3me Homme,) which is a powerful, authoritative scent, and then Donna Karan's Be Delicious for Men, which is a sweeter, friendlier smell. If you want somethign a little less warm, but pleasantly heavy and masculine, John Varvatos is what I'd imagine a young Hugh Heffner would smell like. Once summer comes around, Creed's Himalaya is the scent of stepping out of the shower, putting on a bathrobe, and stepping onto the balcony of your mountain lodge in the Swiss Alps and feeling the cool spring breeze as the snowcaps melt and the wildflowers bloom in the morning sun. A caution to all: 99.9% of the time, if you pay MSRP for cologne, you are a sucker. Last edited by MSD; 04-25-2006 at 08:24 PM.. |
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#10 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Chicago
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A few details to help you out. I'm not a big guy, tallish but lightly built. 23, airline pilot, and outside of the uniform I usually wear laid back, comfortable though properly fit clothing. Usually simple t-shirts, polos, jeans and khakis. Shorts now that it's warm. Despite living in a city, I'm more outdoorsy if that has any bearing on the type of scent.
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I prefer desert wines to dessert wines. Dry and red |
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#11 (permalink) |
Lover - Protector - Teacher
Location: Seattle, WA
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You had me sold on Himalaya and Green Irish Tweed until I saw price tags between $93.89 and $175.00 for a 4OZ bottle.
I refuse to spend more than $30 on a bottle of cologne. Any suggestions for me?
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"I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel |
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#12 (permalink) |
Unencapsulated
Location: Kittyville
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JinnKai - do a google search. You can usually find that stuff cheaper than at a Bloomie's type store.
What do you think of Sexual by Michael Germain? I bought that for Quadro... I love it on him. Definitely a natural oils cologne, and I found it at Bloomingdale's.
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My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'. Last edited by JustJess; 04-25-2006 at 07:14 AM.. Reason: new posts... |
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#13 (permalink) | |
Upright
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Hah, concerning the drakkar, I knew there was a reason why I wouldn't try it. heh. Explain the MSRP statement, and how you would get it cheaper. I am a poor college student, but I would have no problem spending alittle extra on something that's worth it. Oh, one more question, do scents ever spoil? |
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#15 (permalink) | |
Junkie
Moderator Emeritus
Location: Chicago
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Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.
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#16 (permalink) | ||
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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These links are the best prices you're going to get on those particular two, and they're worth it. http://www.classifiedbuyers.com/Item...&BuySell=2&id= http://www.scentmonkey.com/product?code=M-T-1204 As for youre price range, I can do under 30, but with shipping it will be a bit more. My crystal ball tells me that you will like ... The Third Man by Caron. See if your local Sephora carries it, test it, and if you like it, buy it here: http://mysimplecity.com/comersus/sto...dProduct=57099 Quote:
For a similar scent with more woodsy notes and a hint of cloves, try Envy by Gucci. If you have money to blow on top-shelf items (or just want to sample an amazing cologne at Saks,) try Bond No. 9 NY's New Haarlem. If anyone finds genuine New Haarlem and not some imitation for less than $100 per bottle (3.4oz,) I will barter for that knowledge with sexual favors or human sacrifice. Last edited by MSD; 04-25-2006 at 08:26 PM.. |
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#17 (permalink) | |||
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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Societal customs over the past few hundred thousand years have allowed modern humans have evolved to the point that the VNO is all but vestigal, and large quantities of pheromones are typically required to elicit a reaction from modern humans. Despite the questionable nature and quality of the pheromone supplements you see advertised in the back of many men's magazines (not all are human pheromones,) Androstenone unquestionably activates the female (and homosexual male) VNO, and female pheromones not only excite the male VNO, but also cause the menstrual cycles of women living in close quarters (like all-girl dorms) to synchronize. I suspect that the latter was an advantage in primitive tribal life, allowing the men of the tribe to know exactly when they should schedule their monthly week-long hunting expeditions. Quote:
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#18 (permalink) |
Too Awesome for Aardvarks
Location: Angloland
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What about those secents in an oil form?
I procured a bottle of great (IMHO) egyptian fragrance last year, but its in an oil form, anything different i should know?
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Office hours have changed. Please call during office hours for more information. |
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#19 (permalink) |
Deja Moo
Location: Olympic Peninsula, WA
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What a great thread! I haven't worn a fragrance for a number of years and what I previously wore didn't seem quite right. I would love to try something new but I find the fragrance counters overpowering.
I had a hand lotion that I loved that had a ginger scent. Is there something you could suggest that might be similar? I'm petite and dress casually most of the time. Also, is there something else you might recommend for a more formal evening event? Thank you for any suggestions you might have! |
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#20 (permalink) |
lascivious
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Had a chance to go out and try some perfumes
Kenzo pour Homme and Aqua de Bulgari were very...um differnt. I thought they were a little too potent, too distinct. I preffer subtle scents, slightly on the sweet side. Irish Tweed is too old fashioned in my opinion. L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme is pretty intresting. I also liked Canali. Thanks for all the help Mr.D. I'll keep looking. |
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#21 (permalink) | |||
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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For something more formal, Vera Wang's The Fragrance and Bulgari Rose Essentielle both have an elegant, feminine radiance. For a elegant scent that's coooler and less floral try Burberry London. This is a side note rather than a serious reccomendation, but the ultimate female scent, which you're unlikely to find in stores and even less likely to be willing to pay for, is Caron's Tabac Blonde. I encourage any man or woman to smell it if given the chance. It's a crowning achievement of Caron's brilliant perfumiers throughout the years and has not been topped by anything I have come across. An exceedingly rare fragrance that is suited best to the type of budget typically associate wtih Americn Express Centurion (black) cardholders. If you haven't been scared off yet, expect to pay upward of $260US for a 1.7oz bottle. Quote:
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#22 (permalink) |
Psycho
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I typically stay away from colognes because Im scared of being the guy the girls walk by and think "lay off the cologne there buddy"
So I normally will just use a quick dab or 2 of aftershave (aqui di gio by giorgio armoni (spelling)) Im 21 college student, I guess I would say preppy-type clothing. |
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#23 (permalink) |
Psycho
Location: Alberta, Canada
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I've worn Aqua di Gio for years now. Recently I tried Hummer (the original), and I like it too.
I've never thought of a fragrance to match your lifestyle, I just went with what smelled good ![]() If it matters, I'm fit, bike a lot, usually dress up semi-formal. Suits, nice shoes, blazer-and-jeans on weekends ![]()
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Mokle "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see" -Ali |
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#24 (permalink) |
Falling Angel
Location: L.A. L.A. land
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This is such a Fantastic thread, thanks Mr. SD!!!
My question(s): I like White Shoulders--the OLD White Shoulders. The new incarnation (with the cheaper synth. ingredients) is nothing like the old, and by now I would imagine that even an old bottle wouldn't be useful, due to breaking down. Are there any scents comparable to old White Shoulders? Overall I like the scent of water...when I smell carnations, and my fav. flower gardenias, it's the flower-tinged water scent that I adore. Any other recs along that interest? I tend to wear oils, esp. lilac--both American lilac and Egyptian lilac (related, but very different). Like stevie667, I invested in Egyptian perfume oils while on my trip there last year. I wear it on my wrists and neck/cleavage, and often on my hair. It's nice when I have my hair up all day, and when I let it down there's a breath of fresh scent. ![]() And Elphaba, Origins makes a nice ginger scent called (predictably) Ginger. I like it for spring and summer.
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"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential. |
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#25 (permalink) |
High Honorary Junkie
Location: Tri-state.
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this is a great thread - thanks MSD!
re: Michael Germain's Sexual, the Bloomingdale's salesman went straight for my girlfriend, who immediately got me to try it. Lo-and-behold, though, it's a great scent that I'm glad to have come across. Of the few colognes I currently cycle through, it definitely gets attention from the ladies (and some men, who ask what it is) |
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#26 (permalink) |
Heliotrope
Location: A warm room
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Dear Mr.Cologne snob Sir,
Have you heard of Demeter Fragrance Library? If so, what do you think of them? I currently own two of them (gingerale and wet garden) and I intend on getting more. I don't do anything fancy, go clubbing or anything like that. I just like smelling nice for when I'm at school or hanging around with friends. Do you think that this perfume is suitable? Are they really low brow? I'd really love to know, as I'm getting quite an addiction. Any reccomendations for other scents that aren't expensive and are light and for fun? Thanks, cello. ![]()
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who am I to refuse the universe? -Leonard Cohen, Beautiful Losers |
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#27 (permalink) |
Registered User
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Big fan of L'eau D'Issey - I think it's the combination of woodyness and freshness that I like - I tried their summer fragrance, but wasn't so keen - I used to like Armani He White too - again woody, only with a little musk in there too - it's been a while since I've seen that one anywhere.
Any ideas on what else might be worth a try? |
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#28 (permalink) | |
Falling Angel
Location: L.A. L.A. land
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Ohhh, wet garden sounds promising! Who cares if they're low, middle, or high-brow? My only beef with them is they don't last long at all. And I don't much cotton to toting a bottle around with me. Carry on.
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"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential. |
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#29 (permalink) |
Leaning against the -Sun-
Super Moderator
Location: on the other side
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"For a ginger scent, try Hugo Boss Deep Red. I must issue a blanket warning, though. All Hugo Boss scents smell powdery. This is more noticable on some people than on others; some love it, some hate it."
Could you explain what you mean by powdery scent? I wear this and it's a really lovely scent. Not too heavy, not too light, slightly musky but also delicate. I am considering buying Bulgari's Eau Parfumée Thé Rouge which is heavier and sweeter but has similar notes - what do you think of this scent? For some background: I am 26 and an artist, quite feminine and delicate and like to wear understated but attractive clothing (when I can ![]()
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Whether we write or speak or do but look We are ever unapparent. What we are Cannot be transfused into word or book. Our soul from us is infinitely far. However much we give our thoughts the will To be our soul and gesture it abroad, Our hearts are incommunicable still. In what we show ourselves we are ignored. The abyss from soul to soul cannot be bridged By any skill of thought or trick of seeming. Unto our very selves we are abridged When we would utter to our thought our being. We are our dreams of ourselves, souls by gleams, And each to each other dreams of others' dreams. Fernando Pessoa, 1918 Last edited by little_tippler; 04-28-2006 at 04:53 AM.. |
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#30 (permalink) | |||||||
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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Also: I encourage feedback from everyone in this thread. Just because I'm the snob doesn't mean I think everyone else's opinions are useless. |
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#31 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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Maybe: L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci. Floral, old-fashioned, light. Probably: Love in White by Creed. To get the obvious big plus out of the way, it's by Creed. It looks like this is exactly what you're looking for. |
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#32 (permalink) | |
Falling Angel
Location: L.A. L.A. land
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![]() *hug*
__________________
"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential. |
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#33 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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This is the best price I can find for Love in White at an online store: http://www.scentiments.com/scentimen..._id=2&sku=7483 L'Air du Temps is fairly inexpensive, and you should be able to get a decent price just about anywhere. |
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#34 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: New Orleans/Chicago
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Great thread!
Dear Cologne Snob, Here's my profile: 38 y/o single male, I usually wear European-style tailored suits (younger and slimmer cut, flat front trousers, tailored shirts, Mezlan shoes, etc) for work, and understated hipster urban casual wear for getting into trouble. I am more comfortable with lighter scents, and I generally don't wear any cologne at all. I'm interested in how I smell up close and personal, but not at all interested in leaving a trail of my scent behind me as I walk through a room, no matter how brief or pleasing it may be to the more refined snout. In general, I want something elegant, understated, and sexy (but not pornstar-sexy). Can you give me the hookup? Thanks!
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why are you wearing that stupid man suit? |
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#35 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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Ungaro III by Ungaro (dark and refined,) Rive Gauche pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent (mature and cool,) The Third Man by Caron (powerful and authoritative,) Bois du Portugal by Creed (refined, mature and rich, the price tag will kick you in the nuts, but when you recover you'll be glad you took the hit. Keep this on its own shelf or it will kick your other colognes' asses.) I've just been reminded of this little gem http://stores.ebay.com/Perfume-Decants-and-Pheromones Double check his descriptions of stuff (Himalaya isn't unisex, some ingredients are left out.) A good resource for fragrance info is www.basenotes.net |
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#37 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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I'm going to give you the standard response to Curve. It's a blatant ripoff of Creed's Green Irish Tweed. A decent number of people seem to like it, but it does nothing for me. If you want to try something more refined with similar notes, GIT, [Dolce & Gabbana pour Homme[/i], and L'Eau d'Issey are worth trying. |
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#38 (permalink) | |
Insane
Location: New Orleans/Chicago
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why are you wearing that stupid man suit? |
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#39 (permalink) |
Falling Angel
Location: L.A. L.A. land
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OK, I just "invested" in samples of Creed's Himalaya, Green Irish Tweed, and Bois du Portugal for the hub, and a decant of Love in White for myself. Got them off ebay for $50 total including shipping. I live quite a distance from any place that will carry all these scents, and even when I do get to a store that does carry "the good stuff", it's easy for me to get overwhelmed, what with folks spritzing around me and all.
Plus I like to take my own sweet time, letting scent dry down, etc. I'm very hopeful for the Love in White. ![]()
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"Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential. Last edited by Sultana; 04-30-2006 at 05:33 AM.. Reason: spelling |
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#40 (permalink) |
Tilted
Location: 213
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Please help me out cologne snob....
From what I've read here and other sites, I think I want something subtle, woody, and most importanly long-lasting (but not necessarily strong at the beginning). One of the most intriguing scents I once came across smelled a bit like Hennessy (the liquor... hmm, maybe I should just splash myself with that a couple times before I leave the house).. but it was very earthy with a sharp bite to it. Whatever that scent was would have been perfect..[/B] and I've been trying to find it ever since. What I don't want is something fresh and citrusy that the guys with white striped dress shirts wear to clubs. I don't need my cologne to be smelled from more than one foot away... I like my cologne sit there, like the smell of a leather jacket, with a dusk/evening kind of feel. I'm 25, 6'3", rubgy player kind of build... without being overweight.... wear lots of blacks, browns, grays, etc, occasionally throwing in something wild.. and doing a bit of a yuppie sophisticated punk look when I go out, while at the same time being ready to chat it up with the execs in the corporate world. So far I think I've narrowed it down to Varvatos, Yves M7, michael kors. |
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cologne, snob |
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