Scents...

[jfellrath]

I use deodorant and take regular showers, that pretty much does it for me. My wife has bad reactions to perfumes, colognes and the like, which is fine with me.

The only time I ever wore cologne regularly was when I was dating a girl who had a serious thing for this one scent... I don't even remember what it was any more. But it drove her nuts, so in the interests of my own libido I wore it.

The only other scent I ever wore regularly was when I was in high school and wore Eau de Chlorine (I was on the swim team).

The use of overpowering amounts of cologne, etc. can be almost directly blamed on the metrosexual revolution, which still makes me cringe.

[cloves]

I agree, too much cologne makes me dizzy.
However, I work retail and man....some people really stink! I can't believe that some people leave their homes smelling so bad.
I'd rather smell the colonge than bad B.O.

[KiltedKnight]

The only time I ever wore cologne regularly was when I was dating a girl who had a serious thing for this one scent... I don't even remember what it was any more. But it drove her nuts, so in the interests of my own libido I wore it. .

This reminds me of hunting deer during archery season. I would wash my hunting togs with clear water and use absolutely no deordorant after my morning shower. When I got to the mountains I'd rub my entire person down with the natural sage that grows here. It allowed me to get right on top of the deer for a perfect shot. Somehow the scent of the sage and fresh blood from a kill would drive my ex-wife wild even though she was one of those save Bambi types. At other times I just wear Old Spice which suits me just fine.

Chris.

[Josh_E]

The high school I go to actually has banned the use of sprays such as "axe" and "tag". What kids were doing is right before class is completly caoting themselves in it and then walking into class. Becuase our classrooms are smaller than normal ones and horribly ventilated it was almost unbearable.

[Rex_Tremende]

...and too much of what everyone wears, male and female, smells so alike AND bad that it's annoying.

Quality fragrances do not smell alike to this nose. I find them to be complex and enjoy discerning the combination of aromas, in much the same way as some people pick apart wines and scotches for their component flavors. They also change slightly depending on the body chemistry of person wearing them, so what smells good on one person can easily clash with someone else.

Besides confusing colognes, splashes, and perfumes with marinades, many people make the mistake of hanging on to them too long. A bottle of cologne has a shelf life of probably no more than two years. After that - or sooner if they've been exposed to sunlight - the molecules that form the distinctive aromas break down, and the base medium begins to go rancid. They all truly do begin to smell alike. So, O'Neille: that 20 year old gift has GOT to go!

I admit to using two items and those sparingly: Old Spice (hey, it's still a classic and at least you smell like a guy and not somebody's old auntie)

Oh, dear. Old Spice has too much "spice" in the top note, and too much "old" in the base note. If you want to smell like a man, you might consider trying something else warm and woodsy, like "Michael," by Michael Kors, which includes notes of suede and tobacco. Or check out "Habit Rouge" by Guerlain (1965), which has that fresh soapy smell you like from bergamot in the top, spices in the middle, and leather in the bottom.

Your olfactory guide,
Rex in Cincinnati

[Hamish]

I feel I should contribute to this thread since I spent the last 32 years of my working life in 'fragrance'. By that, I mean fine fragrance not mass-produced toiletries with well-known branded names. The Company is 'Floris'. It is Britain's oldest perfumery house, was founded in 1730 and is still run by the same family - the current MD is an 8th generation decendent of the founder. It holds Royal Warrants to HM The Queen and to HRH The Prince of Wales (in other words, the firm supplies its products regularly to those members of our Royal Family).

Fragrances should be subtle and used sparingly. Ladies should wear Eau de Toilette during the day, and Perfume in the evening. For Gentlemen it is Eau de Toilette for both day and evening. After Shave lotion is really nothing more than a soothing product to help heal small cuts and abrasions, and it should not be worn for its fragrance alone. After Shave balm does the same as the lotion but has the added advantage of moisturising the skin. The best and most effective deodorants are un-perfumed.

Products of differing fragrances should not be worn simultaneously (ie: EdT and After Shave should match in fragrance). Much of the trouble, thesedays, is that the masses fall for the big names whose products seem to have stronger and stronger scents - and they mix them! The overpoweringly awful atmosphere in department store 'Perfumery' areas, is down to this - the mixing of so many contrasting fragrances. Heavy advertising, especially of new fragrances, is partly to blame for the problem. 'Floris' does not advertise (it has no need to, relying on reputation alone)!

My own preference is an un-perfumed After Shave balm and Floris' Vetyver EdT - both used sparingly. For special occasions I will swap 'houses' and use Guerlain's Vetyver EdT, but it is very expensive! I also use an un-perfumed deodorant. To be honest, I use these products for me, not for anyone else. They give me a feeling of well-being and of being well groomed. The last thing I would want would be to offend anyone by my over-use of fragrance!

[Graham]

Hamish, what is "after shave"??

[neo71665]

What is this "shave" you keep talking about? :confused:

[munnin]

Oh, dear. Old Spice has too much "spice" in the top note, and too much "old" in the base note. If you want to smell like a man, you might consider trying something else warm and woodsy, like "Michael," by Michael Kors, which includes notes of suede and tobacco. Or check out "Habit Rouge" by Guerlain (1965), which has that fresh soapy smell you like from bergamot in the top, spices in the middle, and leather in the bottom.

Now see here; I am going to have to disagree with you. I find old spice underappreciated simply because it common. I like its warmth, silage and durability, it’s a true classic. Right now I am wearing Givenchy in blue, though if I knew it was going to be this wet out I would have gone with Azzaro’s Onyx.

[JackK]

[QUOTE=Hamish]skin. The best and most effective deodorants are un-perfumed./QUOTE]

I've found the best deodorant to be a Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone. These do not contain aluminum as many conventional deodorants do.

I remember the first time I rode my motorcycle wearing my new 'vented' jacket, the air circulated from the open armpit zippers up through the neck. That was the last time I used a scented deodorant, wish I had known about the stones then.

Jack