Help a new single guy pick a cologne

[goby]

Well, I'm going to be a single guy soon. It's time for a new me, and a new cologne. (hehehe)

So during the past 10 years I've worn Dunhill Edition (discontinued :thumbdown ), Gio (like every other male in America), and that's about it. I went to Macy's and smelled colognes, and none really "hit me." None of the Trumper's samples were great on me either (IMHO).

So where do I start? I'm a 44 year old attorney, and wouldn't want to spend more that $75-$100 a bottle, so no Creed please (unless it's really THAT good).

So I'm looking for the "Proraso" of cologne. A good scent that is reasonable and that everyone likes. BTW, I live in a rural area, so I can't really try a ton of scents. If I get a a few ideas, maybe I'll buy some decants.

Thanks!


Anthony

[tsmba]

Tabac!

[Mr. Scruffy]

You can get some reasonably priced samplers from the Perfumed Court (http://theperfumedcourt.com/).

Otherwise, Aramis is a solid bet.

[markb]

I went to Macy's and smelled colognes, and none really "hit me."
Did you just smell it from the bottle or did you actually try it on your skin? Can't always judge a cologne solely by the top notes.

Which ones did you try?

What type scent are you looking for? Musk/spice? Woody?

[tsmba]

Yes....you'll have to specify some things that do appeal to you. While there are many find scents that cost more than you are willing to pay, there are good choices to fit any budget. Many of us have an affection for vetiver, and scents like Guerlain's Vetiver and Lalique Encre Noir are reasonably-priced.

[kingfisher]

Depends on what kind of scent you are interested in.

[goby]

Jeepers, I just want some suggestions! Tell me what's good and I'll try it. hehehehe

I'm not sure what I like. I loved Dunhill Edition, which is described as:

DUNHILL EDITION COLOGNE is classified as a sharp, spicy, lavender, amber fragrance. This masculine scent possesses a blend of bergamot, nutmeg, clove, sandalwood and lemon. It is recommended for casual wear.

So that's one scent I like. I use that as a start. I hope that helps.

[markb]

Jeepers, I just want some suggestions! Tell me what's good and I'll try it. hehehehe

I'm not sure what I like. I loved Dunhill Edition, which is described as:

DUNHILL EDITION COLOGNE is classified as a sharp, spicy, lavender, amber fragrance. This masculine scent possesses a blend of bergamot, nutmeg, clove, sandalwood and lemon. It is recommended for casual wear.

So that's one scent I like. I use that as a start. I hope that helps.
Based on those scent notes here are a few you might want to look into.


El Paso by Lomani
Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein
Parfums des Beaux Arts Majhoun by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz


I have the Obsession for Men and it's a nice frag but use sparingly. Might also check out John Varvatos.

[elsmooth]

I've never met a woman who didn't love Armani Acqua Di Gio (my apologies, the spelling may be off).

[Go West Young Man]

Get one of the beginner's sampler kits from badgerdecants or the perfumed court and figure out which family and which notes work best on you, then you can start getting decants and narrowing down your preferences until you find something that works best for you.

[brian1g]

TOBS Mr Taylor would be a scent to check out. I really like it, one of the few scents I feel I can wear anywhere.

For $75 you can get the cream, as splash, and cologne.

Or I think you can get TOBS samples from a couple different shaving sites.

[markb]

no Creed please (unless it's really THAT good).
It is IMHO.. The Green Irish Tweed is wonderful as well as the Original Vetiver. Both these would be what I consider great "every day" scents. When you're getting in this price range however, it's best to try before you buy. The Perfumed Court sells samples. I'd suggest you try those above as well as Royal English Leather, Millesime Imperial and Bois du Portugal.

Also check out some of the Parfums De Nicolai frags.

[kingfisher]

TOBS Mr Taylor would be a scent to check out. I really like it, one of the few scents I feel I can wear anywhere.

For $75 you can get the cream, as splash, and cologne.

Or I think you can get TOBS samples from a couple different shaving sites.

In addition to the Mr. Taylor's, you should look into the following:

1) Trumper's GFT cologne.
2) T&H 1805. Really a great scent that might be right up your alley.
3) Monsieur Balmain. Nice. Similar to GFT but considerably less expensive. You can get it off e-bay for about 30-40 bucks.
4) Spanish Fig and Nutmeg cologne from The Bath House. Unique scent that I really like. The fig in it is really nice.
5) Marc Jacobs Splash Fig (if you like the Fig idea). This one is a little softer and more unisex, but it's still a pretty nice fragrance.

[Crazy Dave]

If you can't afford Creed, you can try the Creed ripoffs!

Unofrorgivable (My wife loves this one! A lot of women like this one!)
Davidoff Cool Water

All of the Polo's are very good. They had a sampler for Chrismas, that you might be able to pick up for cheap. The young ladies at the office like Polo Sport.

Dirty English is also good.

Dave

[cvac]

I'd recommend Monsieur de Givenchy. It's not too expensive and is appropriate for any season. It's also very refined and classy and works well on a man of any age. Plus not everyone else will be wearing it.

Another great option is Woods of Windsor. It has some citrus and dries down to some wood and leather. It's been discontinued, but you can still snag a bottle for around $30 shipped. I think it works well for most seasons, but is probably not the best scent for very hot summer days.

Meehan's Bay Rum is another great one that works for any season, though some people might find it too casual for formal situations.

I also like the Spanish Fig and Nutmeg very much, but that only really works for the fall and winter.

All of these smell a lot more expensive than they cost.

For samples, you might want to try badgerdecants. I got a ton of samples from there. Prices are good and Chuck is good to deal with. Perfumed court is another good option.

Actually, if you want a sample of the MdG, pm me. I may still have my mostly full sample vial and I don't need it now that I have a bottle.

[DULLAH]

take a ride to San Fran or Portland (whichever is closer), and spend an entire day testing at the high end dept stores. just make sure to let each tester card air dry for at least 30 seconds before lifting it to your nose, otherwise your nose will get burned out by all the alcohol, and the day will be for nil.

Test, test, test. Don't pay for 10 decants when you can test 100 scents in a day for gas money/trainfare.

[DULLAH]

So where do I start? I'm a 44 year old attorney, and wouldn't want to spend more that $75-$100 a bottle, so no Creed please (unless it's really THAT good).On average I pay like $80 for my 4oz bottles of CREED, just be patient and know what to avoid (basenotes bootleg CREED thread can help), asking eBay sellers for lot numbers helps too.

My advice would be to go to Walnut Creek or San Fran and test every creed, then if you happen to like one, set up an eBay email alert for a search, and be patient.

[goby]

take a ride to San Fran or Portland (whichever is closer), and spend an entire day testing at the high end dept stores. just make sure to let each tester card air dry for at least 30 seconds before lifting it to your nose, otherwise your nose will get burned out by all the alcohol, and the day will be for nil.

Test, test, test. Don't pay for 10 decants when you can test 100 scents in a day for gas money/trainfare.


Thanks guys! Keep the ideas coming!

Unfortunately San Francisco is 6 hours away, so buying decants really is much cheaper.

[bigred90gt]

T&H Spanish Leather is a great scent, and not all that common so you wont smell like everyone else.

Another one that I just picked up is Zirh Ikon. I'm no good at describing scents, but it is quite spicy, and not something that I can ever recall smelling on anyone while being out.

http://www.basenotes.net/ID26129396.html

[DULLAH]

Thanks guys! Keep the ideas coming!

Unfortunately San Francisco is 6 hours away, so buying decants really is much cheaper.D@mn! ? :blink:
Crescent City? Arturas?

I am planning to move to Cali above the fault and was looking for a temperate climate with enough precipitation for a good garden, not too rural, do you have any recommendations?

What is the aspect of Dunhill Edition you like the most?
the lemon in the beginning?
the spices and florals after it's been on for an hour?
the wood that comes out after several more hours?

[kingfisher]

get a bunch of decants from chuck at badgerdecants. His prices are great. Anything he doesn't have you can probably get from mudassir. e-mail inquiries to [email protected]

[Luc]

The sample packs are good. Floris and T&H have good one.

I would recommend Brut!

[cvac]

I'd much rather pay for decants than test in store. I HATE dealing with salespeople at department store cosmetic counters and the like. I might stop by a check something out if I'm in the area anyway, but I would never make a special trip to spend any significant amount of time at a fragrance counter.

Plus, having the decant means you can test it on your skin multiple times and at your leisure. The paper strips really don't tell you much, and after you sniff a few of them you're going to have a hard time distinguishing between what you like and what you don't.

With Creed, there are so many fakes on ebay it doesn't seem to be worth the risk, especially if you're not a Creed connoisseur and don't know how to differentiate between a fake and the real thing. Even if you do, there is always the chance you might get a spoiled bottle, which seems to be a real problem with Creed.

Rorshuck's prices seem very fair. Perfumed Court ends up being more expensive. Same with Lucky Scent.

[WhosYerBob]

My wife happens to think that Creed is REALLY THAT GOOD.

[The Nid Hog]

A 44 year old attorney? Why not stop by Brooks Brothers and check out their men's fragrances. Very nice. I like the 1818, but there are other good ones at reasonable prices.

[cvac]

The 1818 is pretty nice. Big bottle too. Try to catch it on sale if you can.

[Zenas]

I used to work a cologne counter for three months, so I'm an expert. :thumbup:

I do have some favorites.

For all purpose, Armani "Attitude" was and still is a good scent that can be dressed up or down.

For more casual, I prefer Doce & Gabana "Light Blue". It's a lighter, more powdery scent that feels and smells clean.

For work, I wear Truefitt & Hill 1805. Some people call it femine. I would like to arm wrestle those people. I find it to be a bit more sophisticated, sweet scent. I also wear Gray Flannel. Beware though, Gray Flannel does not smell good on most people. I am not one of them. There's something about my body oils that make it smell pretty different in a good way. It's pretty cheap though.

A couple of other casual scents that work their way onto me are Banana Republic's "Classic" scent, as well as Burberry's "Weekend". "Weekend" is a really different scent to me, but I really enjoy it.

I hate Aramis. I would also take sample strips, bathe them in it, and stick it under my buddy's cash register in another area. It was joy to watch the torture that scent wrought on his nostrils throughout the day. He couldn't ever get the strips out, they'd have to wear off.

[Sterling Cooper]

Jeepers, I just want some suggestions! Tell me what's good and I'll try it. hehehehe



Truefitt and Hill Grafton ($75), Truefitt and Hill Spanish Leather ($75) and Penhaligon's Opus 1870 ($110) are my three to to colognes. I love them, but who knows what you'll think until you try them.

[goby]

A 44 year old attorney? Why not stop by Brooks Brothers and check out their men's fragrances. Very nice. I like the 1818, but there are other good ones at reasonable prices.

Because it's 6 hours away. :thumbdown

But I've heard its a great scent.

[Storm]

From one 44-yr-old attorney to another...

Someone analogized Obsession for Men to your favorite beloved scent. And to me, the Creed (yes, it's that good) BdP is a very amazing sibling of Obsession, which I loved and wore through the 80s. Creed BdP to me is a step up, but no more than a spray. It's very potent. And I love it.

Typical "power fragrances" if you want to dominate a court hearing and have "liquid confidence" are Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet and Floris 89.

1805 is pleasant and popular, and from a different "family" from the above aromas.

For samples, you really can't go wrong with Perfumed Court. A few bucks a sample, and their quality and service is exceptional.

[RichieZ22908]

I found my scent for life after reading an article on AskMen.com. I went and tried Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme, and was hooked. My wife loves it and I get compliments all the time. It's classic, classy and timeless... like Proraso that you mentioned... not trendy or a fad.

http://www.askmen.com/fashion/grooming/dolce-gabbana-pour-homme.html


This is, of course, my humble opinion... so take a tester spritz and walk around a while.


Hope this helps... and, no... I don't work for Dolce & Gabbana. :biggrin1:

[Walt Whitman]

Give this interesting thread a look...

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=97503

Also, BB 1818 is a great scent, and it's available on http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=921&Product_Id=1386479&Parent_Id=480&default_color=AS-SHOWN&sort_by=&sectioncolor=&sectionsize=

Good Luck!

[GoldenMonkey]

Yes....you'll have to specify some things that do appeal to you. While there are many find scents that cost more than you are willing to pay, there are good choices to fit any budget. Many of us have an affection for vetiver, and scents like Guerlain's Vetiver and Lalique Encre Noir are reasonably-priced.

You read my mind! Guerlain Vetiver is timeless and classic. Also, I really like Acqua di Parma.

[Walt Whitman]

You read my mind! Guerlain Vetiver is timeless and classic.

+1 Absolutely! :thumbup1:

[Obsessed]

Creed BdP to me is a step up, but no more than a spray. It's very potent.

Seriously, be careful not to over apply it. In small amounts BdP is a really, really nice scent, but in my experience if you use too much, it takes on an entirely different and unpleasantly overpowering character.

[icedoverfire]

Maybe Diesel Fuel for Life? That's what I wear on a daily basis, but I guess it's more of a "young gun's" type scent (I am 21 lol)
OTOH, my father (who is about the OP's age), is a fan of Hugo Boss cologne, Tuscany Aramis, and Mambo Liz Claiborne.
Although now that I think about it I am partial to Mambo... I should get another bottle....

- ice

[endcycle]

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1826020#post1826020
Look on ebay - you can get Blenheim Bouquet for under 100 shipped (read the thread I just linked for ideas on who to look for).

Blenheim, when I became newly single, was the killer cologne. It was subtle from any distance, but from within a foot or two? it kills. KILLS.

best of all, it's unobtrusive enough for work environments, as well.


Well, I'm going to be a single guy soon. It's time for a new me, and a new cologne. (hehehe)

So during the past 10 years I've worn Dunhill Edition (discontinued :thumbdown ), Gio (like every other male in America), and that's about it. I went to Macy's and smelled colognes, and none really "hit me." None of the Trumper's samples were great on me either (IMHO).

So where do I start? I'm a 44 year old attorney, and wouldn't want to spend more that $75-$100 a bottle, so no Creed please (unless it's really THAT good).

So I'm looking for the "Proraso" of cologne. A good scent that is reasonable and that everyone likes. BTW, I live in a rural area, so I can't really try a ton of scents. If I get a a few ideas, maybe I'll buy some decants.

Thanks!


Anthony

[StylinLA]

Power Frags tame enough for today
Versace L'Homme
Santos de Cartier Concentree
Creed Bois de Portugal $

Good for Work/B&B Friendly
YSL Rive Gauche
Domencio Caraceni 1913 $
Tiffany for Men
Boucheron Pour Homme
Penhaligons Racquets $
Parfums de Nicolai New York
Millesime Imperiale $
Chanel Pour Monsieur Concentree

Old School
Creed Royal English Leather $
Knize 10
Creed Royal Scottish Lavender $
Habit Rouge

Killer Lawyer
Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme
Anteus

Referenced only from frags I have experience with. Read up on them in the reviews here and in Basenotes directory. Which ever way you go, invest in a few samples. Don't take my word for squat.

[jswhitley]

juicy coutour dirty english

[GoldenMonkey]

juicy coutour dirty english

He's 44 year old lawyer, not 22 and a singlespeed bike riding hipster, lol...

[Master-Classter]

Many of these rec's reflet wetshavers... ie they're rather fresh light ones. Try something like Terre D'Hermes. It's a solid all rounder for any season, occasion, etc. Lasts long, well made, non-offensive but noticeable, etc.

The scent - Starts with a bright sparkling grapefruit, then moves into a warm spicy orange (bergamot), then into a sort of metalic (flint) note and there's some spices, maybe some wood in there too. The EdT is strong enough, no need for the Parfum version. $60 for 100ml.

[crowdog]

I found my scent for life after reading an article on AskMen.com. I went and tried Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme, and was hooked. My wife loves it and I get compliments all the time. It's classic, classy and timeless... like Proraso that you mentioned... not trendy or a fad.

http://www.askmen.com/fashion/grooming/dolce-gabbana-pour-homme.html


This is, of course, my humble opinion... so take a tester spritz and walk around a while.


Hope this helps... and, no... I don't work for Dolce & Gabbana. :biggrin1:

+1, I had a chance to get a VERY discounted bottle when our Dillards went out of the mall. It was recommended by a nice gay chap, who worked there. I really like the smell, and it is not too powerful. I am an old school kind of guy, and I really like Cool Water as well.

I know, I know, but I get what I like. OH, and I am 45 and have a minor in Political Science, but work with kids with Autism.

Marty

[sashash]

Armani Attitude, very nice smell, relatively new cologne.

[Obsessed]

Power Frags tame enough for today
Versace L'Homme
Santos de Cartier Concentree
Creed Bois de Portugal $

Good for Work/B&B Friendly
YSL Rive Gauche
Domencio Caraceni 1913 $
Tiffany for Men
Boucheron Pour Homme
Penhaligons Racquets $
Parfums de Nicolai New York
Millesime Imperiale $
Chanel Pour Monsieur Concentree

Old School
Creed Royal English Leather $
Knize 10
Creed Royal Scottish Lavender $
Habit Rouge

Killer Lawyer
Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme
Anteus

Referenced only from frags I have experience with. Read up on them in the reviews here and in Basenotes directory. Which ever way you go, invest in a few samples. Don't take my word for squat.

Note to the OP: reading StylinLA's posts are not a good idea if you want to avoid developing a colgne AD! :biggrin1:

[StylinLA]

True that!

Get Rive Gauche Pour Homme or Terre D'Hermes and call it a day.

[bluefoxicy]

Jeepers, I just want some suggestions! Tell me what's good and I'll try it. hehehehe

I'm not sure what I like. I loved Dunhill Edition, which is described as:

DUNHILL EDITION COLOGNE is classified as a sharp, spicy, lavender, amber fragrance. This masculine scent possesses a blend of bergamot, nutmeg, clove, sandalwood and lemon. It is recommended for casual wear.

So that's one scent I like. I use that as a start. I hope that helps.

Aspect Eau de Toilette

'Aspect' is a fresh, green, masculine scent blend of citrus, bergamot, clove, coriander, nutmeg, and woods. 2 oz - 60 ml $16.00



Blend 2-11

Blend 2-11 ~ Gentlemens blend of Grapes, leaves, woods, bergamot, tobacco flower, violet, suede, musk, oakmoss and nutmeg. 2oz. (60ml.) $15.00



Dagger Eau de Toilette

'Dagger' is a dynamic blend of Lemon, Bergamot, Lavender, Sage, Sandalwood, Tobacco and Cedar. 3.3 oz - 97.59 ml $18.00



Illusion Eau de Toilette

Illusion is a blend of citrus and spice combined with notes of musk, amber and wood. 2 oz – 60 ml $16.00



Melaaze Eau de Toilette

Melaaze is a bold blend of citrus, fruits, spices and masculine woods.
3.3 oz-(90ml), $16.00


http://www.saintcharlesshave.com/edt.asp


My favorite is Bay Rum, of course. Illusion strikes me as... interesting, but not my style. Dagger, not my style. Aspect I find pleasant, but not my style... I have the Aspect and Illusion shave soaps.

You can nab samples for ... expensive, of course, but cheaper than full bottles. Mind you samples come in a glass tube, last maybe a week or two if used every single day (good, some real time to evaluate), and the investment isn't horrible if you spend $15 on 5 samples and wind up purchasing 1 or 2 full bottles for $15 each.

I tend to put these samples up with my full bottles, and eventually in rotation they run out but it takes months since I have a handful of colognes and might do 2-3 days a week.

[bluefoxicy]

Typical "power fragrances" if you want to dominate a court hearing and have "liquid confidence" are Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet and Floris 89.

... wow. I really don't see this stuff as spray-on ED medication... more just self-expression.

Note that the absolute best fragrance I've ever encountered in my life was the smell of exactly one girl's unadultered skin... funny when it really matters, I feel most confident wearing the aroma of "clean shower" than anything else.

[AverageJoe]

If I may add a random thought at this point:

I think the Tabac EdT smells different than the Tabac AS. I actually like the AS scent better than the EdT and it's strong enough to be used as cologne IMHO. I don't know exactly how to describe the scent difference, but it's there. Anyone else notice this?

That is all.

[goby]

Based on those scent notes here are a few you might want to look into.


El Paso by Lomani
Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein
Parfums des Beaux Arts Majhoun by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz


I have the Obsession for Men and it's a nice frag but use sparingly. Might also check out John Varvatos.

I wore Obsession in 1988 and I liked it. I tried John Varvatos from Macy's and I liked it (John Varvatos Vintage).

I'm going to get the rest of the suggestions from decants since I can't really find most of them. Oh, I liked Polo Black, too.

[WhosYerBob]

Power Frags tame enough for today
Creed Bois de Portugal $

Good for Work/B&B Friendly
YSL Rive Gauche
Penhaligons Racquets $
Parfums de Nicolai New York
Creed Millésime Impérial $

Old School
Creed Royal English Leather $
Creed Royal Scottish Lavender $

+1 I'm familiar with these as well and highlighted the ones I like the best.

[PlasticCity]

I would recommend Kenneth Cole Vintage Black. Kenzo or some Gio...different scents for different people. I suggest just trying samples...only you know what scent u will like

[StylinLA]

I wore Obsession in 1988 and I liked it. I tried John Varvatos from Macy's and I liked it (John Varvatos Vintage).

I'm going to get the rest of the suggestions from decants since I can't really find most of them. Oh, I liked Polo Black, too.

Let go of the Obsession....it's living on a farm in the country.

It's easy for me to spend your money, but check out the Creed prices at Scentiments or Frangrancenet. They're not that far out of your budget and there are people here who've had experience with both and can vouch it's authentic Creed.

Try some decants/samples for sure. Be patient. I'm a fume head and want to see you notch it up a bit.

As far as bang for your buck, I'm still going to rail about Rive Gauche Pour Homme. Perfect wetshaver scent.

[goby]

Let go of the Obsession....it's living a farm in the country.

It's easy for me to spend your money, but check out the Creed prices at Scentiments or Frangrancenet. They're not that far out of your budget and there are people here who've had experience with both and can vouch it's authentic Creed.

Try some decants/samples for sure. Be patient. I'm a fume head and want to see you notch it up a bit.

As far as bang for your buck, I'm still going to rail about Rive Gauche Pour Homme. Perfect wetshaver scent.

Oops, I should have finished that sentence. I liked Obsession in 1988, but it's didn't make it out of the 90's. lol The 90's belonged to Dunhill Edition and Pierre Cardin Bleu Marine.

I got some legit Polo Black off ebay for a cheap price ($20), and really want to try the John Varvatos Vintage. It's tobacco-y like the Dunhill Edition and smelled pretty good on me last night. I did care for it when I first sprayed it, but 20 minutes later, it smelled great.

And if smelling good is the tipping point for the hot legal secretary to fall madly in lust with me, well.... $100 for a bottle of Creed is worth it. :001_tongu

[RILEY]

Truefitt & Hill Clubman Cologne seems to me a fresh modern scent and as well as mentioned earlier 1805 is very nice.

[airplanedoc]

Don't you know any women? Ask a couple of them to go cologne shopping with you. A woman in person with a nose will give you a much better reccomendation than a bunch of guys on the net.

[The Nid Hog]

He's 44 year old lawyer, not 22 and a singlespeed bike riding hipster, lol...

Priceless!

[Topgumby]

Let go of the Obsession....it's living on a farm in the country....

It's not my favorite, but my wife likes it, and compared to rubbing elbows with some of the critters I see in the city, that might not be a bad place to live. :lol:

[Paris]

Congratulations on being newly single -
How about giving D.R. Harris Arlington a try.

[Blondie]

For a freshly minted single guy, I am going to recommend Jaipur, by Boucheron. I get more compliments on this scent that any other I have worn. Buy the Eau de Parfum, it falls into the upper end of your price range, and since it is an actual Parfum, has great staying power.

[StylinLA]

For a freshly minted single guy, I am going to recommend Jaipur, by Boucheron. I get more compliments on this scent that any other I have worn. Buy the Eau de Parfum, it falls into the upper end of your price range, and since it is an actual Parfum, has great staying power.

Jaipur is great...a bit formal perhaps. Don't know if we're going to turn OP into a fume head, but right now I think he wants a one size fits all.

[goby]

Jaipur is great...a bit formal perhaps. Don't know if we're going to turn OP into a fume head, but right now I think he wants a one size fits all.

hehehe... One size fits all please! I'd like 2-3 good colognes for now. BTW, I saw you Basenotes list.... wow!

And becoming a fumehead is a lot more expensive than my Shaving Cream AD.

[VR6ofpain]

My advice would be to go to Walnut Creek or San Fran and test every creed, then if you happen to like one, set up an eBay email alert for a search, and be patient.Who carries Creed in WC? My parents live there so I visit the area from time to time. I'd love to smell some for free!

Because it's 6 hours away. :thumbdown

But I've heard its a great scent.In what area of Northern California do you live? There are Brooks Brothers outlets around as well...not just SF. They have one in my neck of the woods (at the outlets in Folsom, CA).

As far as bang for your buck, I'm still going to rail about Rive Gauche Pour Homme. Perfect wetshaver scent.
Nice, you have convinced me to pick this up (I had been reading about it before, but read some ugly reviews).

[goby]

Who carries Creed in WC? My parents live there so I visit the area from time to time. I'd love to smell some for free!
In what area of Northern California do you live? There are Brooks Brothers outlets around as well...not just SF. They have one in my neck of the woods (at the outlets in Folsom, CA).

Nice, you have convinced me to pick this up (I had been reading about it before, but read some ugly reviews).

I live in Trinity County. It's a very long drive to the Bay Area.

[StylinLA]

Nice, you have convinced me to pick this up (I had been reading about it before, but read some ugly reviews).

I'm mister sample for yourself, and I am impressed enough by only a few scents to openly hawk them, especially to this crowd. This is one of the few that impresses me every time I wear it- especially when I catch my own scent and am pleasantly surprised by it. Racquets another one that does that. And Versace L'Homme (another ballsy, affordable scent that's underrated and over looked by guys who automatically think anything "Versace" is too "light in the loafers").

Rive Gauche Pour Homme Works on old guys, mature guys and most young guys. Dressy or not.

Isn't popular or well known enough to be worn by every Tom, Dick and Harry. Smells like spicy Barbasol. Men like it. Women like it. Good for work. Good for play. Great longevity on me, and I've got scent sucking skin. REASONABLY PRICED!!!

Hate the can it comes in though. Can't see how much is in it. Try it. I got 75ml from the Rodeo Drive YSL store for $39. It's cheaper online. I may stockpile this one.
For an odd hybrid like me- part artsy Basenoter/part cranky B&B wetshaver- this one's a champ in both worlds.

Goby: put this on your sample list please. Inexpensive and versatile as hell. "Becoming single" means you will eventually have a couple more bucks to indulge silly ADs. If I end up with a SWMBO, you'll all be picking off my frags one at a time for bargain prices.

[Rated R Superstar]

Yves Saint Laurent or Canali .. I wear Canali most of the time and save YSL for special ocassions

[djmike523]

Alt Innsbruck, from what I've been hearing...If it isnt your thing as a cologne, perhaps it could just be the AS. (I doubt you'll be able to 'smell before buy,' but at ~$28 it isn't going to break the bank).

[bigred90gt]

Oops, I should have finished that sentence. I liked Obsession in 1988, but it's didn't make it out of the 90's. lol The 90's belonged to Dunhill Edition and Pierre Cardin Bleu Marine.

I got some legit Polo Black off ebay for a cheap price ($20), and really want to try the John Varvatos Vintage. It's tobacco-y like the Dunhill Edition and smelled pretty good on me last night. I did care for it when I first sprayed it, but 20 minutes later, it smelled great.

And if smelling good is the tipping point for the hot legal secretary to fall madly in lust with me, well.... $100 for a bottle of Creed is worth it. :001_tongu

If you liked the Varvatos, try the Zirh Ikon.

[swingerofbirches]

I used to work a cologne counter for three months, so I'm an expert. :thumbup:

I do have some favorites.

For all purpose, Armani "Attitude" was and still is a good scent that can be dressed up or down.

For more casual, I prefer Doce & Gabana "Light Blue". It's a lighter, more powdery scent that feels and smells clean.

For work, I wear Truefitt & Hill 1805. Some people call it femine. I would like to arm wrestle those people. I find it to be a bit more sophisticated, sweet scent. I also wear Gray Flannel. Beware though, Gray Flannel does not smell good on most people. I am not one of them. There's something about my body oils that make it smell pretty different in a good way. It's pretty cheap though.

A couple of other casual scents that work their way onto me are Banana Republic's "Classic" scent, as well as Burberry's "Weekend". "Weekend" is a really different scent to me, but I really enjoy it.

I hate Aramis. I would also take sample strips, bathe them in it, and stick it under my buddy's cash register in another area. It was joy to watch the torture that scent wrought on his nostrils throughout the day. He couldn't ever get the strips out, they'd have to wear off.

I think we have pretty similar tastes ... i have both D&G Light Blue and Armani Attitude (also have Armani Aqua & Mania, Kenneth Cole Black & Burberry London) ...
I pick my cologne based on the situation/season/etc ... that said, my favorite cologne is Kenneth Cole Signature ($50?) ... fantastic cologne for the price ...

[Archerfire]

I'll jump on the Rive Gauche band wagon. It's a current and newly discovered favorite that was a "blind buy". Another good one I have no trouble recommending is L'Instant De Guerlain, mmm... good. Prada Infusion D'Homme is another that I like. However, as was recommended to me, I would say definitely sample it before you buy.

I've gotten loads of compliments on all three of those.

Nobody's skin is the same, so obviously the best thing is to sample any before you buy. But, I sometimes like the thrill of shooting in the dark! The drawback is that sometimes I get shot....

[drw6895]

I like the following scents very well:


Truefitt & Hill Grafton
Burberrys (original scent)
Lagerfeld
Tommy Bahama-Set Sail St. Barts Cologne
Loccitane Vetyver
C & E Nomad & Sienna


I receive the most compliments from females regarding Burberrys, Tommy Bahama & Lagerfeld.

Hope this helps.

[Megatron]

I used to work a cologne counter for three months, so I'm an expert. :thumbup:

I do have some favorites.

For all purpose, Armani "Attitude" was and still is a good scent that can be dressed up or down.


I'm a big fan of "Attitude Extreme" now, but it does not seem to last with me all day :sad: Armani "Mania" and "Code" and the original "Attitude" are all in my cabinet. My favorite scent was Gucci "Rush" for Men. But unfortunately they stopped making it :cursing:

[goby]

Holy cow... this is exciting!

I started off with John Varvatos Vintage. Wow!! What an amazing smell!

I also got Polo Black. Again, the smell is great. I started off cheap, and got both off ebay for $20 each. And I smelled both at my local Macy's.

I also got Bigelow Bay Rum, but only because I love Bay Rum, and it was inexpensive too.

So I have 3 scents, along with a bit of Gio, which is not overused in my rural town.

I'll be rereading the posts and looking for deals. I know I love tobacco in a scent, but I suppose I need more than just scents that contain tobacco.