Your Favorite Lavender Cologne or Product

[Cuttingboard]

Not too long ago, I thought lavender products were for older gentlemen of the Sinatra and Bogart generation. After buying several lavender scented products (Thayer's Witch Hazel Lavender and South of France soap), the scent of lavender has really grown on me. It's a very fresh masculine scent that's not overpowering. What's your favorite lavender cologne or product? My favorite lavender cologne is SMN Imperial Lavender and Trumper's Lavender Water but I've only sample a handful. Unfortunately, the scent of these colognes do not last very long.

[warlandsboy]

My favourite hands down would have to be Imperial Opoponax by Les Nereides. Although lavender is not listed as one of the notes, it definitely has that wonderful classic barbershop feel to it. The longevity is great on this one as well. Highly recommended!

TOBS Lavender shave cream is also has a pleasant scent, but I find it to be a bit too fleeting for my tastes. SCS Bulgarian Lavender A/S Milk has a very earthy/natural smelling lavender if that's your kind of thing (it's not mine).

[The Nid Hog]

Caldey Island Lavender Aftershave and Agua Lavanda Puig are my current favorites. I'm not a huge fan of Penhaligon's, but I like their Lavandula too. I also like SCS Oakmoss Lavandula, Beene's Bowling Green, Caron's 3rd Man and Pour un Homme, and Creed's Bois du Portugal. I want to add Creed's Royal English Lavender to my list but I haven't tried it.

[texquill]

Yardley's English Lavender After Shave

Nice smell

[BillC]

I haven't tried a lot of lavenders but two that I like:

L'Occitane Eau de L'Occitan: really nice pepper and lavender opening that dries down to a cedar/burnt wood base.

Czech and Speake Oxford and Cambridge: peppermint and lavender with a hint of earth in the background.

Since you said, favorite lavender product - I have to throw in Castle Forbes Lavender shave cream.

[Cuttingboard]

Has anyone tried Acqua Di Parma Lavanda Tonica?

[Mpugh77]

+1 on the C&S Oxford

[Kevan]

+1 on Eau de L'Occitan. Pepper top that evaporates leaving lavender and wood. On me the lavender persists throughout the day. A very clean, masculine, comfortable fragrance.

[richmondesi]

+1 more on the Oxford & Cambridge :001_wub:

[holiday]

Its gotta be C&S, if only I was a rich man

[Cuttingboard]

Wow, I'm taken aback by the love of C&S Oxford & Cambridge. I read a thread last week and no one had anything good to say about C&S Oxford.

[richmondesi]

Wow, I'm taken aback by the love of C&S Oxford & Cambridge. I read a thread last week and no one had anything good to say about C&S Oxford.

link?

[Cuttingboard]

smells like dirty mint (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=127335)

[Austin]

Try Acqua Di Parma Lavanda Tonica. It's my current favorite.

[Cuttingboard]

link?

link (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=127335)

[richmondesi]

Thanks for the links. One of the comments mentioned there summed it up perfectly. It has a strong lavender component, but it's definitely its own scent. I don't smell dirt at all, but everyone has their own preferences. It's a complex, scent that has a lot of lavender in it.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Peppermint, Rosemary.

Middle Notes:
English lavender, French lavender.

Base Notes:
Oakmoss, Sandalwood.

My wife likes it a lot. This and 88 are both her favorites... and mine too :001_smile

Also, I didn't read any of those posts to be necessarily negative. In fact, one of the gents said that he liked the "dirt" scent :001_smile

[theperfectstorm]

Harris Lavender soap for me.

And I really like the C&S O&C.

[richmondesi]

Harris Lavender soap for me.

And I really like the C&S O&C.

Harris Lavender soap is very good. Goes great with any unique (vintage or classic barbershop) ASs that you might want to use as well :w00t:

[johnniegold]

Atkinson's English Lavender.
Agua Lavanda Puig.
DR Harris Lavender s/s

I also like the lavender scent in T&H's Luxury Shave Soap

[scottb]

L'Occitan for cologne, SCS lavender for splash...maybe AOS lavender for cream, but there's a lot of stiff competition--eshave + TOBS both have good lavender creams.

[Aaron01]

Guerlain's Jicky and Caron Pour un Homme

[Cuttingboard]

Try Acqua Di Parma Lavanda Tonica. It's my current favorite.

I was wondering if anyone had tried it...are you a fan of AdP Colonia also?

I wear Colonia about 4 days a week but I'm looking for something a little lighter for the office. I tried C&S Oxford today and while I like the scent, its not very long lasting.

[Cuttingboard]

Harris Lavender soap for me.

And I really like the C&S O&C.

I sampled C&S O&C today and I love the scent, unfortunately, it doesn't last very long.

[richmondesi]

I sampled C&S O&C today and I love the scent, unfortunately, it doesn't last very long.

Unfortunately, that seems to be a characteristic of the lavender scents that I've tried. O&C has a fair amount of staying power as an "up close" scent IME.

[Austin]

I was wondering if anyone had tried it...are you a fan of AdP Colonia also?

I wear Colonia about 4 days a week but I'm looking for something a little lighter for the office. I tried C&S Oxford today and while I like the scent, its not very long lasting.

I wear Colonia during the summer. Lavanda is subtle but stays close to your body. It lasts about 6 hours on me.

[xillion]

I have yet to try many lavender colognes. But my favorite lavender product I have used is Castle Forbes Lavender Shave Cream. It has such a pungent lavender scent that it knocked me back for moment. The slick and comfortable shave it offers was just icing on the cake. Great stuff.

[blantyre]

Yardley English Lavender
Atkinson's English Lavender
Santa Maria Novella Imperial Lavender - strongest of these 3 colognes.

Creams - AOS or Castle Forbes.

[Cuttingboard]

Is there a reason why the longevity of Lavender Colognes is less than other scents?

[HoratioCaine]

Is there a reason why the longevity of Lavender Colognes is less than other scents?

It's the nature of the notes. When dealing with natural essences, their volatility is always an issue. Volatility is the tendency of a substance to vaporize. High volatility substances evaporate quickly, meaning they have a shorter lifespan in terms of being detected as scent. Citrus notes have very high volatility, and are the shortest lived. Wood notes tend to have lower volatility, and last longer. In general: sharper/lighter = high volatility; sweeter/deeper/darker = lower volatility. This is why most citrus fragrances are "anchored" by sweet or woody base notes. One notable exception is Trumper Extract of West Indian Limes, which is all pure lime essence, and not coincidentally has the shortest lifespan of any fragrance I've smelled. Lavender isn't quite as volatile as citrus, but it's in the ballpark. The longer lasting lavender scents usually are that way because of other notes in the mix, such as amber, musk, or woods. The purer lavender scents all tend to be shortlived.

[Jake]

TGQ (http://www.thegentlemensquarter.com/detail.php?cid=2&pid=32) lavender shaving cream -- the one that includes tallow in it and is a side benefit to the luscious lavender aroma of the cream. They don't make the lavender as a cologne, at least not yet.

[HoratioCaine]

Has anyone tried Acqua Di Parma Lavanda Tonica?

I like the AdP Lavanda Tonica. However, I find it to be fairly similar to SMN Imperial Lavender, only not quite as good. SMN wins on scent, and the Lavanda Tonica is similar enough to the SMN that an additional purchase wouldn't be warranted, in my opinion. But it is nice in its own right.

Having said that, I don't think the Lavanda Tonica is being made anymore, anyway. Neiman Marcus no longer carries it, and AdP's own website no longer shows it. Basenotes still lists it as being in production, but that could easily be outdated, incorrect information. If you find some, it is likely to be old stock...which might actually make it worth acquiring, if you're into rare and hard-to-find scents.

[HoratioCaine]

Wow, I'm taken aback by the love of C&S Oxford & Cambridge. I read a thread last week and no one had anything good to say about C&S Oxford.

O&C is actually a very popular cologne. The two biggest naysayers in that thread you referenced were me and Kingfisher, and he actually claims to like the scent, both in that thread and in his review (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=C&t=133726); he just says it doesn't strike him as a pure lavender scent. As one who isn't overly fond of O&C, I think I may be in the minority. O&C's popularity is actually the reason I made a "blind" purchase of a bottle of it; so many people whose opinions I respect reported it as a great, classic lavender water, I figured I'd be sure to like it. It just doesn't happen to be my scene. (FWIW, my girlfriend at the time actually hated it, so I'm not alone; conversely, she loves SMN Imperial Lavender.) Like I said in that other thread, it's still worth checking out, but trying before you buy is always a good idea, especially with fragrances that expensive.

[kingfisher]

thanks, Horatio, for setting the record straight.

I apologize if anything I said in the previous thread made you think I didn't like Oxford and Cambridge; nothing could be further from the truth. I really enjoy it, and wear it at least once or twice a week.

It lasts plenty long on me, but YMMV.

[HoratioCaine]

thanks, Horatio, for setting the record straight.

No worries. I hope I wasn't speaking for you too much.

By the way, Cuttingboard, did you ever try that sample of O&C? I'm curious to know what you thought of it.

[The Knize]

I really, really like the SCS Bulgarian lavender shaving cream and ASM. It may be a bit earthier than some lavender's, which hugely appeals to me.

I also am taken with O&C. Interestingly, while I am a big C&S fan, O&C did not knock me out at first. It was pleasent but seemed ephemeral and the mint notes did not seem all that great a fit. Over the course of a number of samples though, I have come to think of it as genius.

I pretty much agree with Luca Turin re Azarro pour Homme, which I woudl consider mostly lavender. I have never tried the Azaarro Lavender.

[Spivey]

This thread has been very helpful for me, thank you all.

I've used a sample of O&C and my wife and I really enjoyed it! However, it is a bit pricy for me.

I really appreciate the mention of the AdP Lavanda Tonica and SMN Imperial Lavender. I'm sure these are mentioned often, but it has been helpful for me to find them here. Thanks, again, guys!

[Barbash]

+1 more on the Oxford & Cambridge :001_wub:

And another post for O&C

[Cuttingboard]

I like the AdP Lavanda Tonica. However, I find it to be fairly similar to SMN Imperial Lavender, only not quite as good. SMN wins on scent, and the Lavanda Tonica is similar enough to the SMN that an additional purchase wouldn't be warranted, in my opinion. But it is nice in its own right.

Having said that, I don't think the Lavanda Tonica is being made anymore, anyway. Neiman Marcus no longer carries it, and AdP's own website no longer shows it. Basenotes still lists it as being in production, but that could easily be outdated, incorrect information. If you find some, it is likely to be old stock...which might actually make it worth acquiring, if you're into rare and hard-to-find scents.

I apologize Horatio and Kingfisher for misinterpreting your posts and pointing the spotlight at you guys. I really respect your opinions.

I found a gift set of AdP Lavanda Tonica and its the same price as the SMN Imperial Lavender. With both prices being the same, you would choose the Imperial Lavender over the Lavanda Tonica?

I tried a sample of the C&S O&C yesterday and I can understand the dirty mint analogy. After several minutes, the dirty mint died down and the lavender scent was very cool and refreshing. I could see myself wearing O&C to work this spring and summer.

[MrFusion]

L'Occitan EDT is what I currently use and love but I just got a sample of C&S Oxford & Cambridge and am really enjoying it as well!

[Cuttingboard]

L'Occitan EDT is what I currently use and love but I just got a sample of C&S Oxford & Cambridge and am really enjoying it as well!

How do the two compare?

[HoratioCaine]

I found a gift set of AdP Lavanda Tonica and its the same price as the SMN Imperial Lavender. With both prices being the same, you would choose the Imperial Lavender over the Lavanda Tonica?

I would, yes. I like the SMN better.

[HoratioCaine]

How do the two compare?

You know my opinions on O&C. I have found the L'Occitan to be quite sweet and cloying, personally. I don't find it to have much in common with O&C, and I would choose O&C any day over it. It should be easy enough to sample, though, if you have a L'Occitane store in your area.

[MrFusion]

How do the two compare?

L'Occitan is a peppery lavender with a bit of a spicy/woodsy drydown.

C&S Oxford & Cambridge is lavender and peppermint with an earthy drydown.

HoratioCaine has a good point; if you have a L'Occitane store in your area, go give the L'Occitan a try to see if it's a good match for you.
Lord knows that what works for one persons body chemistry doesn't necessarily work for anothers. Throw in personal preferences, and it's a toss up on what will work for you! Hence why we B&Bers throw around YMMV so much! :wink2:

[The Nid Hog]

While you're there at the l'Occitane store, check out their lavender display. One of the EdTs features lavender and mint. It reminded me a bit of C&S O&C (which I don't much like).

[BillC]

L'Occitan is a peppery lavender with a bit of a spicy/woodsy drydown.

C&S Oxford & Cambridge is lavender and peppermint with an earthy drydown.



Echoes my experience with both scents. A bit more sillage and longevity from the L'Occitan as well though it's the cedar/burnt wood that hangs around not the lavender.

[Freedom]

Castle Forbes Lavender Oil Cream, it has been a please to use and is certainly strong and not floral in any sense. Like your first post it really changed my opinion about Lavander.

[richmondesi]

While you're there at the l'Occitane store, check out their lavender display. One of the EdTs features lavender and mint. It reminded me a bit of C&S O&C (which I don't much like).

Proving once again tha Lilac Vegetarians have defunct olfactory senses :w00t:
:001_tongu

[Cuttingboard]

I would, yes. I like the SMN better.

Then...would you choose SMN Imperial Lavender over C&S O&C?

[Obsessed]

Try Acqua Di Parma Lavanda Tonica. It's my current favorite.

That's really nice stuff, but as Horatio said, I was under the impression it was discontinued. Andrew, do you know of a source that still carries it?

[Austin]

That's really nice stuff, but as Horatio said, I was under the impression it was discontinued. Andrew, do you know of a source that still carries it?

You can get it here.

http://www.perfumeshop.com/acqparm3pc.html

[Cuttingboard]

You can get it here.

http://www.perfumeshop.com/acqparm3pc.html

Yeah, same place that I saw it!!

[richmondesi]

OK... I cheated on my soap

Here was a pretty delightful SOTD. Oxford & Cambridge Soap and EdT made it so :001_smile... Yes, the soap is very good

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dd22b3127ccef9d34a42021a00000030O01AZMWbZk1aMg e3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[HoratioCaine]

Then...would you choose SMN Imperial Lavender over C&S O&C?

Yes, absolutely. SMN Imperial Lavender is one of my favorite colognes of any scent, and unquestionably my single favorite lavender cologne. (With the caveat that I have not yet tried Caldey Abbey.)

[HoratioCaine]

You can get it here.

http://www.perfumeshop.com/acqparm3pc.html

I'll be interested to see how long that sticks around. I'm guessing that's old stock they have on hand.

[Austin]

I'll be interested to see how long that sticks around. I'm guessing that's old stock they have on hand.

Yep

[kingfisher]

OK... I cheated on my soap

Here was a pretty delightful SOTD. Oxford & Cambridge Soap and EdT made it so :001_smile... Yes, the soap is very good

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dd22b3127ccef9d34a42021a00000030O01AZMWbZk1aMg e3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

O&C soap and the Semogue LE boar brush! Looks like an envy-inducing SOTD to me.

[richmondesi]

O&C soap and the Semogue LE boar brush! Looks like an envy-inducing SOTD to me.

That really was nice :001_wub:

[theperfectstorm]

That really was nice :001_wub:

Looks real good. Except for the hideous tile.

Kidding. I like the splash.

Does the soap smell like the EdC? There seems to be some difference in the scents between the No. 88 and the soap.

[richmondesi]

Looks real good. Except for the hideous tile.

Kidding. I like the splash.

Does the soap smell like the EdC? There seems to be some difference in the scents between the No. 88 and the soap.

Yeah, it smells a lot like the EdC or T whichever it is :rolleyes:

I had been using GB soap for almost 4 weeks exclusively so I felt weird using something else. Thus the "cheated" comment.

The scent isn't all that strong when lathered up. But it's an excellent performer.

The "tile" is actually Onyx, and it was really expensive. Thanks for making me feel like it was money well spent, "Friend" :lol1:

[theperfectstorm]

Yeah, it smells a lot like the EdC or T whichever it is :rolleyes:

I had been using GB soap for almost 4 weeks exclusively so I felt weird using something else. Thus the "cheated" comment.

The scent isn't all that strong when lathered up. But it's an excellent performer.

The "tile" is actually Onyx, and it was really expensive. Thanks for making me feel like it was money well spent, "Friend" :lol1:

Well, I really do like the splash.

[richmondesi]

Well, I really do like the splash.

Thanks. The counter is recycled glass in resin. I really like it too, plus I earned some tree hugging points for it too :w00t:

[markb]

For me it would be Floris No.89. Not a strong lavender note, but nice.

[Obsessed]

You can get it here.

http://www.perfumeshop.com/acqparm3pc.html


Yeah, same place that I saw it!!

Thanks.


I'll be interested to see how long that sticks around. I'm guessing that's old stock they have on hand.


Yep

It's really a shame.

[theperfectstorm]

Thanks. The counter is recycled glass in resin. I really like it too, plus I earned some tree hugging points for it too :w00t:

I thought that's what it was. Last two houses I "built" (I was production manager) in Dallas we used a lot of stainless steel and exotic woods. Splash material was always a crap-shoot. A couple of times we ripped our own splashes out of exotic paneling. Now that we are all making our own brushes I wish I had saved some scraps.


For me it would be Floris No.89. Not a strong lavender note, but nice.

Weird. I used all 4 No. 89's the other day (cream,AS,ASB,Edc) and one thing that never would have occurred to me was "lavender".

[Cuttingboard]

I'll be interested to see how long that sticks around. I'm guessing that's old stock they have on hand.

I wonder how old the stock is...2-3 years? Does the scent dissipate after a certain amount of time?

And this is the only place that I've found the AdP, so don't go buying the last bottle!!

[hairscraper]

My favorite lavender at the moment is 1725 from Histoires de Parfums.(see link)

http://www.histoiresdeparfums.com/10-6024-COLLECTION.php?produit=15

[Cuttingboard]

Yes, absolutely. SMN Imperial Lavender is one of my favorite colognes of any scent, and unquestionably my single favorite lavender cologne. (With the caveat that I have not yet tried Caldey Abbey.)

I sampled SMN Imperial Lavender again today, C&S O&C yesterday and I really love both scents. I really want to buy the SMN Imperial Lavender because I have 20% off coupon from MiN but I can't get past the fact that it only last a couple of hours on me. I applied SMN IL this morning about 6:30AM and two hours later, I can only smell a very faint scent.

[HoratioCaine]

I applied SMN IL this morning about 6:30AM and two hours later, I can only smell a very faint scent.

How did you apply it? If you're dabbing on a little bit from a sample vial, it won't last long at all. The full-size bottle is a splash, which allows me to put a pretty liberal dose on my chest (not good for economy, alas, but it's called for with this product), and putting a shirt on over it helps to trap the scent. I get fairly good longevity this way, although it still won't equal the staying power of more potent EdTs and EdCs.

If you like both scents equally well, then I would say O&C would actually be the better buy, because it is considerably more potent; you will get more for your money. To me, the SMN is like a beautiful woman who is ridiculously high maintenance, but you go through the bother anyway because there's just nobody else like her. Obviously, if you could find somebody just as beautiful who's easier to deal with, you'd sh*tcan the high-maintenance chick in a heartbeat.

[Cuttingboard]

How did you apply it? If you're dabbing on a little bit from a sample vial, it won't last long at all. The full-size bottle is a splash, which allows me to put a pretty liberal dose on my chest (not good for economy, alas, but it's called for with this product), and putting a shirt on over it helps to trap the scent. I get fairly good longevity this way, although it still won't equal the staying power of more potent EdTs and EdCs.

Yes, I'm using a sample vial and using a good 5 or 6 swipes on each arm and 3 on each side of my neck and chest bone. I use the undershirt smell trap also.


If you like both scents equally well, then I would say O&C would actually be the better buy, because it is considerably more potent; you will get more for your money. To me, the SMN is like a beautiful woman who is ridiculously high maintenance, but you go through the bother anyway because there's just nobody else like her. Obviously, if you could find somebody just as beautiful who's easier to deal with, you'd sh*tcan the high-maintenance chick in a heartbeat.

Love the analogy...very appropriate!!

[HoratioCaine]

Yes, I'm using a sample vial and using a good 5 or 6 swipes on each arm and 3 on each side of my neck and chest bone. I use the undershirt smell trap also.

Like I said, the Imperial Lavender needs to be splashed on pretty liberally. If I did that with any other cologne, I wouldn't be able to stand being around myself. It definitely calls value into question. It's debatable, but one could reasonably consider 75ml bottles of Creed EdPs that sell for $210 to be a better value than a 100ml bottle of Imperial Lavender at $110, because the Creeds are so much more potent. But as it is, there are no Creed EdPs I like as well as Imperial Lavender. Creed's Royal Scottish Lavender is a possible consideration, although as one of their older EdTs, it's not as potent as their EdPs. And although I think the Royal Scottish Lavender still has more staying power than the SMN (if I recall...it's been a while), I just don't like it as well. But you might.

[Cuttingboard]

Like I said, the Imperial Lavender needs to be splashed on pretty liberally. If I did that with any other cologne, I wouldn't be able to stand being around myself. It definitely calls value into question. It's debatable, but one could reasonably consider 75ml bottles of Creed EdPs that sell for $210 to be a better value than a 100ml bottle of Imperial Lavender at $110, because the Creeds are so much more potent. But as it is, there are no Creed EdPs I like as well as Imperial Lavender. Creed's Royal Scottish Lavender is a possible consideration, although as one of their older EdTs, it's not as potent as their EdPs. And although I think the Royal Scottish Lavender still has more staying power than the SMN (if I recall...it's been a while), I just don't like it as well. But you might.

I see your point. Does the fact that I have a 20% off coupon from MiN that drops the price down to $88 help the "value"? I sure do wish the Imperial Lavender had better staying power.

I'll wear the last of my C&S O&C sample tomorrow.

[Austin]

I see your point. Does the fact that I have a 20% off coupon from MiN that drops the price down to $88 help the "value"? I sure do wish the Imperial Lavender had better staying power.

I'll wear the last of my C&S O&C sample tomorrow.

Most SMN colognes last a good 8 hours on my person. The same holds true for Imperial Lavender. It varies from person to person.

[HoratioCaine]

Does the fact that I have a 20% off coupon from MiN that drops the price down to $88 help the "value"?

Well, it helps the value relative to itself - I mean, obviously getting a product for $88 is a better value than getting the same product for $110. Now, if you're looking for some kind of quantified statement of value - like is Imperial Lavender 20% weaker than Oxford & Cambridge, so by paying 20% less, you're breaking even - I can't tell you that. In my opinion, if you like both the SMN and O&C equally, then go with the O&C, due to its greater potency. If you like the SMN better, then go with that. You can get it at a discount, you'll be able to play around with how much you put on to see how that affects its staying power, and you'll enjoy the scent. If you end up finding it's too weak and you go through a bottle too fast, then you'll know not to buy another bottle at full price. Conversely, if the issue with staying power is such that you really worry you'll regret even your first purchase at a discount, then maybe you should go with the O&C. That's my advice, which I fully understand if you don't follow.

[Cuttingboard]

Not looking for a statement of value...after all, each person perceives value differently.

I really do appreciate your input Horatio!!

[petr]

I am enjoying the SMN Lavender AS. This is serious lavender, and the splash feels darn nice.

[HoratioCaine]

I am enjoying the SMN Lavender AS. This is serious lavender, and the splash feels darn nice.

I love the lavender a/s, but I will point out that it's not the same scent as the Imperial Lavender. If someone considers going with the aftershave instead of the cologne, they'd be well advised to get a sample first. Also, the scent of the a/s has changed several times over the last few years, and some stores have old testers on hand; so anybody ordering a sample would do well to make sure the tester from which the sample is obtained matches the actual product they'll sell you if/when you place an order.

[Oil of Dog]

I haven't tried a lot of lavenders but two that I like:

L'Occitane Eau de L'Occitan: really nice pepper and lavender opening that dries down to a cedar/burnt wood base.


Huge +1. I finally picked up a bottle last week after wanting one for months and I can't stop smelling my wrists. On me, the pepper overpowers the lavender for the first few minutes but I'm still getting really nice lavender notes 4 hours after applying it. Great staying power, too.

[Featherweight]

Lavendar? Uhhhh . . . Cool Water.

[Cuttingboard]

Lavendar? Uhhhh . . . Cool Water.

Do you mean Davidoff Coll Water?

[Sieges]

Serge Lutens Gris Clair (http://www.basenotes.net/ID26123788.html) is my favorite lavender fragrance so far... but it is fairly expensive. :blushing:

[Featherweight]

Do you mean Davidoff Coll Water?

That's the one. It's like, the first note! And since recent formulations of Cool Water are pretty linear, after some lavender witch hazel, lavender is all there is.

[Cuttingboard]

I never thought about Cool Water as having a lavender note...interesting.

[HoratioCaine]

I never thought about Cool Water as having a lavender note...interesting.

Me neither. Old marketing back in the early '90s claimed Cool Water was "the scent of Provence," or something like that, which could imply lavender. Also, Basenotes lists lavender among many other notes. The whole mess is so synthetic smelling, though, that I don't think it matters what they have in there. If they have reformulated the scent, that could change things, but the Cool Water with which I'm familiar wouldn't satisfy many lavender junkies' joneses, in my opinion.

[Cuttingboard]

Me neither. Old marketing back in the early '90s claimed Cool Water was "the scent of Provence," or something like that, which could imply lavender. Also, Basenotes lists lavender among many other notes. The whole mess is so synthetic smelling, though, that I don't think it matters what they have in there. If they have reformulated the scent, that could change things, but the Cool Water with which I'm familiar wouldn't satisfy many lavender junkies' joneses, in my opinion.

Yeah...I remember when Cool Water was introduced in the late 80's, every kid in town had to have a bottle.

[richmondesi]

Yeah...I remember when Cool Water was introduced in the late 80's, every kid in town had to have a bottle.

Unfortunately that trend continued through the late '90s... I developed a distaste for that stuff like you wouldn't believe due to overexposure :cursing:

[Cuttingboard]

Unfortunately that trend continued through the late '90s... I developed a distaste for that stuff like you wouldn't believe due to overexposure :cursing:

Hence the reason why I try to wear a cologne that's off the radar of a vast majority of the cologne wearing population!!

[richmondesi]

Hence the reason why I try to wear a cologne that's off the radar of a vast majority of the cologne wearing population!!

Me too. Most people in the "real world" have never even heard of my frags:001_smile

[Featherweight]

Oh I totally agree Cool Water's been played out - in the past.

These days though, I have to say, I've got a pretty good nose, and I haven't encountered it much while amidst the general public. Walmarts in my area are usually well stocked with it, so it's not selling out anymore by any stretch of the imagination. And while perusing a variety of reputable men's sites (like this one) I've found that there's an overall concensus that Cool Water is "too popular" and therefore not really ideal to wear. But I wonder if maybe the opposite has happened to it, particularly as it's been known as a lavender fragrance - have people ironically made Cool Water a rarely-worn fragrance? Especially when it comes to being a serious fragrance . . . it's interesting that several here didn't think of it as lavender, because whenever anyone mentions lavender, I think of Cool Water! That was a selling point for it back in its early heyday :001_smile:001_smile:001_smile

[richmondesi]

Oh I totally agree Cool Water's been played out - in the past.

These days though, I have to say, I've got a pretty good nose, and I haven't encountered it much while amidst the general public. Walmarts in my area are usually well stocked with it, so it's not selling out anymore by any stretch of the imagination. And while perusing a variety of reputable men's sites (like this one) I've found that there's an overall concensus that Cool Water is "too popular" and therefore not really ideal to wear. But I wonder if maybe the opposite has happened to it, particularly as it's been known as a lavender fragrance - have people ironically made Cool Water a rarely-worn fragrance? Especially when it comes to being a serious fragrance . . . it's interesting that several here didn't think of it as lavender, because whenever anyone mentions lavender, I think of Cool Water! That was a selling point for it back in its early heyday :001_smile:001_smile:001_smile

So are you saying Coolwater might be the new Drakkar Noir? :lol1:

[HoratioCaine]

But I wonder if maybe the opposite has happened to it, particularly as it's been known as a lavender fragrance - have people ironically made Cool Water a rarely-worn fragrance? Especially when it comes to being a serious fragrance . . . it's interesting that several here didn't think of it as lavender, because whenever anyone mentions lavender, I think of Cool Water! That was a selling point for it back in its early heyday :001_smile:001_smile:001_smile

Honestly, yours is the first mention I've ever heard of Cool Water being specifically thought of as a "lavender" scent. I'll grant you that I was still in high school when it came out, and lavender was not something I payed any attention to back then; so, if it was hyped as a lavender scent, I may well have missed it. Played out or not, to me, it's always been a trendy, synthetic, junky scent typical of the cheaply made upmarket pabulum that grooming conglomerates foist on unsuspecting folks at department stores. Lavender is not something that comes to mind when I smell it - although I haven't smelled it in years.

You mentioned "recent formulations" of it. Has it been reformulated?

[Featherweight]

Oh god yeah, it's been reformulated in a very distinct way from its original scent. There's something even more synthetic about it now - with the exception of the lavender top note. But I've found that when combined with lavender astringents, it's actually not bad. But certainly not great, either!

[Cuttingboard]

Anyone try Pour Un Homme De Caron? Its described as a fresh scent of lavender, with low notes of vanilla, amber and musk.

http://www.parfumeriefaubourg.com/shop/images/caron_edt_homme.jpg

[richmondesi]

What's the word on Trumper's Lavender Water?

[HoratioCaine]

Anyone try Pour Un Homme De Caron? Its described as a fresh scent of lavender, with low notes of vanilla, amber and musk.

That sounds about right. It's a nice scent, but I didn't like it enough to buy it. If I recall, it's lavender dominant, but like O&C, it didn't strike me as a "pure" lavender. But it's been a while since I've smelled it. Take my comments with a grain of salt, in addition to the standard YMMV.



What's the word on Trumper's Lavender Water?

A nice lavender water with mint notes. Cleaner than O&C, lighter than D.R. Harris, (Harris adds musk). I like it, although it's not in my top category of favorite lavenders.

[richmondesi]

That sounds about right. It's a nice scent, but I didn't like it enough to buy it. If I recall, it's lavender dominant, but like O&C, it didn't strike me as a "pure" lavender. But it's been a while since I've smelled it. Take my comments with a grain of salt, in addition to the standard YMMV.




A nice lavender water with mint notes. Cleaner than O&C, lighter than D.R. Harris, (Harris adds musk). I like it, although it's not in my top category of favorite lavenders.

Worth the price of admission?

[Evbo]

Serge Lutens Gris Clair (http://www.basenotes.net/ID26123788.html) is my favorite lavender fragrance so far... but it is fairly expensive. :blushing:

Lovely stuff, but a little too "ashy" for my taste. It's an extremely good composition, tho.

[Aaron01]

I developed a distaste for that stuff like you wouldn't believe due to overexposure :cursing:

That's why I stopped wearing L'eau D'Issey even though I got compliments on it all the time. When you go into a building and you smell it on 2 other people it's no fun.


Hence the reason why I try to wear a cologne that's off the radar of a vast majority of the cologne wearing population!!

+1 I think I picked that trait up pretty early in my fragrance addiction, actually IIRC, with my first ever fragrance :laugh: .


Anyone try Pour Un Homme De Caron? Its described as a fresh scent of lavender, with low notes of vanilla, amber and musk.

http://www.parfumeriefaubourg.com/shop/images/caron_edt_homme.jpg

I've tried it and I own the EdP version of it (Impact Pour Homme). It is a great scent and that description is pretty dead on.

[Cuttingboard]

What's the word on Trumper's Lavender Water?

Honestly, I thought it was very good but because Lavenders are a light to medium weight scent, they do not have a long staying power.

Of the lavenders I've tried the past several weeks, I would rank them:

1. Santa Maria Novella Imperial Lavender (10/10);
2. C&S Oxford & Cambridge (9.5/10); and
3. Trumper's Lavender Water (8/10).

[joe201]

I like the AoS lavender range a lot. The scents are pretty natural and crisp. I wish AoS would come out with a lavender scent. I thought their sandalwood was pretty unique (in a good way). I might have to try O&C too, sounds nice.

By the way, the last time I smelled Cool Water, I picked up on something that reminded me of barbequed meat. Kind of gross.

[The Nid Hog]

Any thoughts on Pen's Lavandula? I'm not a big Penhaligon's fan, and I know that this is billed as a women's fragrance. Even so, I've had a couple of samples and I think I like it. I've read it described as a dirty lavender and that seems to be on the mark. I'm looking for a new lavender EdT and I kind of like the idea of an earthy version.

[HoratioCaine]

Any thoughts on Pen's Lavandula? I'm not a big Penhaligon's fan, and I know that this is billed as a women's fragrance. Even so, I've had a couple of samples and I think I like it. I've read it described as a dirty lavender and that seems to be on the mark. I'm looking for a new lavender EdT and I kind of like the idea of an earthy version.

I smelled it a long time ago. I liked the opening OK, but the dry down lost me; the notes started getting a bit harsh for my taste. It's a damn shame Pen's old men's lavender water is no longer available. That was a classic that could hold its own with the best out there today.

[richmondesi]

I didn't care for Pen's Lavandula at all

[HoratioCaine]

Worth the price of admition?

Hard to say. I think it's one of the better ones out there, but like I said, it's not my favorite. You can get a pretty good deal on it if you want to spring for the 200ml plastic bottle, but you'll have a lot left over if you end up not liking it.

[azmark]

Camaldoli makes a unisex fragrance that is very nice and smells like SMN version but just doesn't last as long. Also, it's about 1/4 of the price.

[Zyx]

As far as lavender-scented products, I'm a huge fan of this (http://http://www.drugstore.com/qxp69108_333181_sespider/kiss_my_face/lavender_and_shea_butter_ultra_moisturizer.htm).

My hands get badly chapped in the winter, and the Kiss My Face lavender is the least greasy of the lotions that help; the lavender scent is a bonus. It's straight lavender: just like sniffing a lavender sprig. The scent is mild, but it lasts at least an hour or two on me. I don't know if they make a cologne, but they do seem to make a lavender shave cream.

[Cuttingboard]

Anyone try Pour Un Homme De Caron? Its described as a fresh scent of lavender, with low notes of vanilla, amber and musk.

http://www.parfumeriefaubourg.com/shop/images/caron_edt_homme.jpg

I tried the Pour Un Homme De Caron sample this morning and after dry-down it definately has a strong vanilla note, which I'm not a fan!! I hate smelling like food. This is going in the trash!!

[kingfisher]

I tried the Pour Un Homme De Caron sample this morning and after dry-down it definately has a strong vanilla note, which I'm not a fan!! I hate smelling like food. This is going in the trash!!

Don't trash it. Send it to me. I enjoy a nice vanilla drydown!

[Cuttingboard]

Don't trash it. Send it to me. I enjoy a nice vanilla drydown!

I received about 10 samples from Cathy at Colonial Drug several days ago and I'm happy to send you the ones that I do not like in a couple of weeks.

[kingfisher]

I received about 10 samples from Cathy at Colonial Drug several days ago and I'm happy to send you the ones that I do not like in a couple of weeks.

Sweet. :001_smile

[Cuttingboard]

I tried the Pour Un Homme De Caron sample this morning and after dry-down it definately has a strong vanilla note, which I'm not a fan!! I hate smelling like food. This is going in the trash!!

This stuff is f'ing terrible, I cannot stand it!! And my wife said that I stink on the way home!!

[Kyle Hyde]

Huge +1. I finally picked up a bottle last week after wanting one for months and I can't stop smelling my wrists. On me, the pepper overpowers the lavender for the first few minutes but I'm still getting really nice lavender notes 4 hours after applying it. Great staying power, too.

I don't understand this. I LOVE L'occitan, but it barely lasts 2 hours on me :sad:.

[HoratioCaine]

As I write this, I'm doing a toe-to-toe between D. R. Harris and Trumper lavender waters. My vote definitely goes to the Harris. The Trumper is nice, but a little too "clean" and ultimately a bit bland for my liking. The Harris is a pungent, classic lavender, masculine but not overbearing, very heavily informed by lavender essential oil, but with other notes as well, undergirded by musk. Given that it is also less expensive than the Trumper, I would say it is definitely worth the price of admission.

[markb]

Got in a 30ml decant of Creed's Royal Scottish Lavender yesterday that I bought from theperfectstorm and wore it today. Very nice frag! Kinda soapy and a little "dirty" to my nose. Overall very nice!

[Cuttingboard]

As I write this, I'm doing a toe-to-toe between D. R. Harris and Trumper lavender waters. My vote definitely goes to the Harris. The Trumper is nice, but a little too "clean" and ultimately a bit bland for my liking. The Harris is a pungent, classic lavender, masculine but not overbearing, very heavily informed by lavender essential oil, but with other notes as well, undergirded by musk. Given that it is also less expensive than the Trumper, I would say it is definitely worth the price of admission.

I didn't realize that Harris had a lavender...must give it a try.

[Cuttingboard]

A nice lavender water with mint notes. Cleaner than O&C, lighter than D.R. Harris, (Harris adds musk). I like it, although it's not in my top category of favorite lavenders.

I know SMM Imperial Lavender is one of your favorite lavender scents, I'm curious to know what are the others?

[The Nid Hog]

I'm glad you bumped this thread. I want to get a new lavender EdT, but I'm not satiified with any of the others that I've tried. I like the cheap but reliable Agua Lavanda Puig a lot, but it seems to have disappeared. I came to the conclusion that I didn't like Caron Pour Homme--something about the combination of notes that I found chalky and unpleasant (I blame the vanilla). I don't care for C&S Oxford and Camdbridge either--the lavander and mint never come together for me. I experimented a bit with Penhaligon's Lavandula, but it's too murky. Atkinsons too faint.

Right now, I've pared my holdings down to just the Caldey Island aftershave. Is it to much to ask for an EdT that has the same lavender note but that doesn't dissipate instantly? Could Royal Scottish Lavender be my salvation?

[Sterling Cooper]

If we're broadening things a bit to include cologne ranges where a primary note is lavender, then it's the Grafton line for me.

If we're talking more of a one-note lavender product, then it's AoS cream and SMN Lavender splash. However, the DR Harris Lavender Water is high on my interest list.

[JaDo]

My wife likes it a lot. This and 88 are both her favorites... and mine too :001_smile

Also, I didn't read any of those posts to be necessarily negative. In fact, one of the gents said that he liked the "dirt" scent :001_smile

My wife really likes the Oxford & Cambridge, too. In fact, she keeps sneaking the bottle into her collection.

OP - if you like lavender, but not O&C, you could try Nightflight by Joop. IMO, it is quite similar to O&C, but not as "complex" of a fragrance.

[Cuttingboard]

I'm glad you bumped this thread. I want to get a new lavender EdT, but I'm not satiified with any of the others that I've tried. I like the cheap but reliable Agua Lavanda Puig a lot, but it seems to have disappeared. I came to the conclusion that I didn't like Caron Pour Homme--something about the combination of notes that I found chalky and unpleasant (I blame the vanilla). I don't care for C&S Oxford and Camdbridge either--the lavander and mint never come together for me. I experimented a bit with Penhaligon's Lavandula, but it's too murky. Atkinsons too faint.

Right now, I've pared my holdings down to just the Caldey Island aftershave. Is it to much to ask for an EdT that has the same lavender note but that doesn't dissipate instantly? Could Royal Scottish Lavender be my salvation?

I hear you, I've been searching for a lavender with some staying power too. I'm also having a difficult time finding Aqua Lavanda Puig, there is a guy on this forum that carries it but his shop is in Spain and his shipping charge is very expensive. Like you, I found Caron Pour Homme nice at first and then becoming grossly vanilla-sweet. I'm thinking that Harris may be the answer, did you see Horatio's comparison of Harris and Trumpers Lavender Water above?

I heard the staying power of Creed's Scottish Lavender is not that great either.

[The Nid Hog]

I just noticed that La Tienda has Agua Lavanda Puig in stock now, including the big bottle:

http://www.tienda.com/bath/index.html

I just ordered one to replenish my supply.

[Mitts]

I just noticed that La Tienda has Agua Lavanda Puig in stock now, including the big bottle:

http://www.tienda.com/bath/index.html

I just ordered one to replenish my supply.


Thanks for the heads up. I ordered one also. Back in the '70's I was given a bottle by an Pan Am stewardess who returned from Spain. It came in a wicker covered bottle back then. I enjoyed the scent, but never purchased it again. We'll give it another go!
Russ

[Cuttingboard]

Can you guys describe the scent and its longevity of Agua Lavanda Puig? For $14, this may be a blind purchase.

[Mitts]

Can you guys describe the scent and its longevity of Agua Lavanda Puig? For $14, this may be a blind purchase.

It has been about 40 years since I used it, but as I remember it had some staying power. Now I am using Castle Forbes After Shave Balm in Lavender flavor. It smells great and has great soothing properties, but the scent fades quickly. That is why I'm going to add the Aqua Puig to keep the scent going longer. I wouldn't be able to describe the scent or the color blue, because we all sense smells and maybe colors differently, so you may want to try a small bottle to sample and pass it along to another if you don't care for it.
Cheers,
Russ

[HoratioCaine]

I know SMM Imperial Lavender is one of your favorite lavender scents, I'm curious to know what are the others?

One big favorite is one I never mention, because it's not made anymore. If you can find it, though, Patrician lavender water is outstanding. Ditto Penhaligon's old lavender water, which is also no more. As for the rest, I think I've touched on all the ones I like throughout this thread. D.R. Harris is a favorite, especially for the price. I like the Creed OK, although I need to revisit it to be more clear on what I think of it; I tested it and decided I didn't need to shell out the cash at the time, given my preference for SMN. Trumper, Puig and Atkinsons are good, but they're not favorites; I'd probably rate the Trumper higher than the other two, though. And you know what I think of O&C.

[heirkb]

As I write this, I'm doing a toe-to-toe between D. R. Harris and Trumper lavender waters. My vote definitely goes to the Harris. The Trumper is nice, but a little too "clean" and ultimately a bit bland for my liking. The Harris is a pungent, classic lavender, masculine but not overbearing, very heavily informed by lavender essential oil, but with other notes as well, undergirded by musk. Given that it is also less expensive than the Trumper, I would say it is definitely worth the price of admission.

What's the lasting power of this lavender like?

[HoratioCaine]

What's the lasting power of this lavender like?

About the same as the others, unfortunately.

[richmondesi]

I pulled the trigger on the Trumper's Lavender Water, and it is really nice. I do like the C&S O&C better, but it's a nice alternative to wear on occasion. I find the staying power of both of those to be better than I expected, but not long by any stretch.

[richard.j.goodyear]

My favourite lavendar cologne has to be Czech & Speake's Oxford and Cambridge. It takes me back to my childhood days, fresh cut grass and English summers.

www.czechandspeake.com

Although I just bought mine from Carter and Bond as they have a 10% discount on the fragrance when you quote OXBRIDGE at the checkout for the whole of April.

[TheRedlines]

Anyone try Pour Un Homme De Caron? Its described as a fresh scent of lavender, with low notes of vanilla, amber and musk.

http://www.parfumeriefaubourg.com/shop/images/caron_edt_homme.jpg



By far my favorite. This is an awesome Lavender! It just doesnt get any more pure or fresh. The vanilla is darn good too. Not super sweet synthetic but a dark, deep and buttery vanilla. I've been pretty stoked to run across this scent as I have grown tired of Le Male and it's my wifes favorite. No matter what scent I'm wearing my wife is pretty meh about it. Caron's Pour un Homme is the first scent I've found to drive her crazy like Le male. It happens to be my favorite as well so huge Win/Win for me.

[HoratioCaine]

This is an awesome Lavender! It just doesnt get any more pure or fresh. The vanilla is darn good too. Not super sweet synthetic but a dark, deep and buttery vanilla.

I would think if the fragrance includes a "dark, deep and buttery vanilla" note, by definition it would not be a pure lavender.

[Cuttingboard]

By far my favorite. This is an awesome Lavender! It just doesnt get any more pure or fresh. The vanilla is darn good too. Not super sweet synthetic but a dark, deep and buttery vanilla. I've been pretty stoked to run across this scent as I have grown tired of Le Male and it's my wifes favorite. No matter what scent I'm wearing my wife is pretty meh about it. Caron's Pour un Homme is the first scent I've found to drive her crazy like Le male. It happens to be my favorite as well so huge Win/Win for me.

I'm not crazy about the vanilla note...I'm not a fan of smelling like food.

[TheRedlines]

I would think if the fragrance includes a "dark, deep and buttery vanilla" note, by definition it would not be a pure lavender.

I was trying describe the lavender note as "Pure" in that it comes off as if straight from the plant and not fussed with rather than a refined or soft lavender found in other fragrances.



I'm not crazy about the vanilla note...I'm a fan of smelling like food.

I would have a very hard time cutting out all fragrances with edible notes. Some form of Mint, fruit, spice etc. are used in most scents. Scent and taste are tied in together extremely close, often overlapping. They bring about strong feelings in people. I find vanilla to bring about feelings of comfort and safety and generally puts a smile on peoples faces. I certainly don't mind smelling delicious. Of course YMMV http://www.theredlines.net/beer1.gif

[Cuttingboard]

Yeah, I undestand the correlation between smell and taste but Vanilla on me smells like BO. Mint or Peppermint...similar to what's used in C&S Oxford & Cambridge is awesome.

[HoratioCaine]

Even lavender is edible. Ever have lavender ice cream? It's pretty interesting.

[BoxerDad]

Jo Malone Lavender and Amber

[Cuttingboard]

Even lavender is edible. Ever have lavender ice cream? It's pretty interesting.

Interesting...did not know that.