Cool Water reformulation.

[JetsMets#1fan]

I know I'm probably late to the party but I just found out about it and it's my first reformulation turmoil, so I gotta vent, lol.

So about a month ago I figured I "needed" to have all my frags' AS balms if I didnt have it or the splash, so I started ordering some things. Within those things was a CW aftershave balm and when I first used it, it smelled a little off. I was even going to write about it in the AS forum, as in, "anybody notice how designer AS are a little off from their frags" but I didnt, thinking that it must be because of the different consistency of the products; it also smelled similar enough not to make a big fuzz about it anyways.

Fast forward a month and I see my trusty CW frag almost on E, so I ordered a gift set which gets here a couple of days ago but it doesnt smell like my ol' trusty CW, it actually smells like the AS balm I purchased over a month ago. So I'm thinking this must be a fake, along with the AS I bought las month... but the AS I purchased last month and the new one that came in the new gift set look identical and it's from two different vendors. Well, I noticed the "Davidoff" font is different than my older bottle -and IMO looks generic now- and also the "EAU DE TOILETTE" font was way thicker, so I'm like, yeah, it must be a fake. So I drive to Macy's to get some conclusive evidence and well, ALL the CW bottles look like my new one.

We've lost a classic men, this new bottle smells -not to sound cliche- synthetic compared to the older version, there's like a plastic note to it now, lol.

I found CW late (1998-99) and I felt in love immediately. Since then I've bought 2-3 bottles continuously and they smelled the same, I cant recall when did I buy the last bottle but I guess it was either prior to the reformulation or I got an older batch. I read it was reformulated in 2005.

I was wondering why people were "hating" on CW here and on basenotes lately, guess they never smelled the old version.

Old bottle on the left...

 

[tehtimmeh]

I haven't used Cool Water in years, but almost ALL frags from that era have been reformulated at least once or twice since then, so I am certainly not surprised...

 

[smalltank]

I used this when I was younger...great scent!... looks like glass on the new bottle was made minimal... no idea about ingredients though

 

[CHSeifert]

You are right.
Most fragrances from the early years get reformulated, either because they want to save costs or because of some of the ingredients in the old juice no longer is legal to use in fragrances.

Funny thing is that you see the same reformulation in one of my other Davidoff favorites - the far better Zino.

I own both the new formulation and the old one, and the old one smells better, stronger and more intense.

Old Zino (all italic letters)


New Zino (only Zino in italic)

 

[JetsMets#1fan]

I haven't used Cool Water in years, but almost ALL frags from that era have been reformulated at least once or twice since then, so I am certainly not surprised...

OIC, well, before coming here (B&B) I didnt know about reformulations, I obviously knew about rebranding/repackaging a product but didnt know the ingredients got messed with and I also didnt think the mainstream stuff got reformulated like this... that's insane, because I figure they're losing a lot of customers doing this, shoot, if I could I'd return my purchase. At least I'm never buying cool water again unless they bring its original scent back.

In hindsight your statement makes sense; I've smelled some frags throughout the years and thought they smelled different from when I was a younger, I thought it was the "must be getting older" effect.

I used this when I was younger...great scent!... looks like glass on the new bottle was made minimal... no idea about ingredients though

It sure is...

The glass doesnt seem far off if at all, I really didnt pay much attention to it though. I did count the ridges and they match.

You are right.
Most fragrances from the early years get reformulated, either because they want to save costs or because of some of the ingredients in the old juice no longer is legal to use in fragrances.

Funny thing is that you see the same reformulation in one of my other Davidoff favorites - the far better Zino.

I own both the new formulation and the old one, and the old one smells better, stronger and more intense.

I see, well, this really sucks. I'm gonna give it a fair shake and use it a couple of more times, if I cant get with it I'll just sell it. Sad day... oh, and I noticed it doesnt last as long as my older version either.

 

[tehtimmeh]

You are right.
Most fragrances from the early years get reformulated, either because they want to save costs or because of some of the ingredients in the old juice no longer is legal to use in fragrances.

Funny thing is that you see the same reformulation in one of my other Davidoff favorites - the far better Zino.

I own both the new formulation and the old one, and the old one smells better, stronger and more intense.

Old Zino (all italic letters)
View attachment 274975

New Zino (only Zino in italic)
View attachment 274976

:-( I love Zino. Wish I had the vintage formula, but mine is the current.

 

[tehtimmeh]

OIC, well, before coming here (B&B) I didnt know about reformulations, I obviously knew about rebranding/repackaging a product but didnt know the ingredients got messed with and I also didnt think the mainstream stuff got reformulated like this... that's insane, because I figure they're losing a lot of customers doing this, shoot, if I could I'd return my purchase. At least I'm never buying cool water again unless they bring its original scent back.

In hindsight your statement makes sense; I've smelled some frags throughout the years and thought they smelled different from when I was a younger, I thought it was the "must be getting older" effect.

Sad but true. But the perfumers will NEVER admit to a reformulation, only a change in packaging. Regardless, reformulations are an unfortunate reality. Some perfumers can pull off a very close or minimal substitution, but several greats have been ruined over the years as companies try to compensate for banned or expensive ingredients and substitute them with an inferior product. Only the more discerning customers will notice the difference or care, so they get away with it.

 

[Matt555]

I thought Zino was completely discontinued?

 

[tehtimmeh]

I thought Zino was completely discontinued?

Supposedly this is the case. You can still find it online and at a few retailers. I picked up a bottle a few weeks ago at a local discounter as I hadn't owned it since the early 90s and it was the very last bottle. The SA said they wouldn't be getting any more in. If you are a fan of Zino, I'd get it now before it is completely gone or listed on Ebay for 5 times the retail price. I'm sure the current formula is lacking compared to the vintage, but I haven't smelled the vintage in over 20 years, so the current version works for me! I'd not hesitate to pick up the vintage should the opportunity present itself however. I had forgotten how much I liked it.

 

[CHSeifert]

I thought Zino was completely discontinued?

It is, but few know how good the stuff is, so online retailers still have many bottles stocked up.

I was lucky to get the original with name all in italic letters from FragranceNet.com, then bought another to stock up and received the new formulation with only ZINO in italic letters.

The old juice is stronger, better and lasts longer - 10+ hours on me.
The new is still excellent, especially for that price - but I tend to mix the reformulation with its big brother, Guerlain Heritage to get more ooommppphhhhh from it.
I often mix my old ZINO with Caron Le Troisiemne Homme - wonderfull for the winter season - strong stuff

 

[Matt555]

I have actually never tried Zino. So many websites still have it for so cheap. That is why I am suspicious if it is really discontinued.

 

[CHSeifert]

I have actually never tried Zino. So many websites still have it for so cheap. That is why I am suspicious if it is really discontinued.

It's a very dark bold scent - sandalwood, spice and dark rose.
Not for the average Joe and the average guy under 30.

 

[Matt555]

It's a very dark bold scent - sandalwood, spice and dark rose.
Not for the average Joe and the average guy under 30.

Well I love dark scents and spice, and starting to really like sandalwood but not so much rose though. I am also under 30, but I don't play the age game (unless an official warning comes with Zino stating that adverse health effects may result for users under 30.) I will try to find a decant and give it a go. I don't think I have ever seen decants though or I would have tried it. Do you know anyone who sells decants of the new, reformulated version?

 

[JetsMets#1fan]

unless an official warning comes with Zino stating that adverse health effects may result for users under 30.

Lol...

 

[CHSeifert]

Well I love dark scents and spice, and starting to really like sandalwood but not so much rose though. I am also under 30, but I don't play the age game (unless an official warning comes with Zino stating that adverse health effects may result for users under 30.) I will try to find a decant and give it a go. I don't think I have ever seen decants though or I would have tried it. Do you know anyone who sells decants of the new, reformulated version?

Don't bother with decants of the cheaper classics - you have to blind buy the old classics, very hard to find decants or samples of them.
The rose in Zino is only there to experienced fraghead noses to be honest. It's a a VERY DARK BLACK MANLY rose in the background.

Zino is ANTI-UNISEX !
Ultra masculine, dark, mysterious, powerful - rumors say it's the signature scent of Johnny Depp.

Imagine a well groomed man in his late 30's to late 40's rocking this. He's well educated, university degree in psychology and philosophy and he dates women in their late 20's - and feel good about himself. Dresses well, but preferably in darker suits, enjoy rocking the 3-4 days stubbled look.......THIS guy wears Zino Davidoff.

In fact you inspired me - I'll spray some on of the new and old formulation this minute (3 sprays to each arm and shoulder so I can tell them apart - I haven't used any of my 2 125 ml Zino's since April........now it's about time to spray some ultra dark masculine sandalwoody spicy rose on - ZINO HERE I COME !!!!

 

[tehtimmeh]

Well I love dark scents and spice, and starting to really like sandalwood but not so much rose though. I am also under 30, but I don't play the age game (unless an official warning comes with Zino stating that adverse health effects may result for users under 30.) I will try to find a decant and give it a go. I don't think I have ever seen decants though or I would have tried it. Do you know anyone who sells decants of the new, reformulated version?

First - with respect to the OP, I don't think the hijack to a Zino topic was intentional, and I apologize for deterring from the original topic.

Matt, I don't know your taste well enough to know if you would like this one or not. I will say that the rose is very subdued and would only be noticed by the most discerning nose. When I originally wore this stuff I was in HS, so I was rocking it at 17, which was probably too young, but I dug it and I still do. I honestly don't think it smells "old man" in any way and I can pick an "old man" scent out of the crowd right away. It's a woody oriental and was one of the very first to add a touch of sweetness and toy with the idea of a gourmand note in fragrances. It's not a gourmand, but the sweetness can come of as very slightly gourmand-ish. It's perfect for the Fall season which is why I picked up a bottle recently.

To add to CHSeifert's comment about older designer scents - yes it will be tough if not impossible to find a decant. Most decanters won't waste their time when a full bottle can be had for under $20. It would have to be a blind buy.

 

[JetsMets#1fan]

First - with respect to the OP, I don't think the hijack to a Zino topic was intentional, and I apologize for deterring from the original topic.

No worries, we're human, conversations get sidetracked. We're still talking about Davidoff products anyways, lol.

 

[Matt555]

I don't know which Cool Water I have tried (original of reformulated). I ordered a large decant and used most of it. Some of the boards actually say it has been reformulated 3 times. I really like it, but it has horrible longevity on me (even with a ton of sprays). I really like it. Some of the idiots on Youtube talk about it being "dated" or whatever, but I don't smell anything dated in Cool Water. Too bad I can't get more hours out of it though.......

 

[JetsMets#1fan]

I was reading somewhere that it was reformulated in 2005 and 2008, havent found the 3rd date yet... and you must have the reformulated version as well, because the original used to last 10+ hours easy. This new one I got wears off after 4-6 hours.

 

[CHSeifert]

I was reading somewhere that it was reformulated in 2005 and 2008, havent found the 3rd date yet... and you must have the reformulated version as well, because the original used to last 10+ hours easy. This new one I got wears off after 4-6 hours.

I agree.
I used it in the 90's - and it lasted all day in School for me. I have to admit that I also used the natural deodorant spray and the after shave and then added the EDT - I was a Cool water fan boy like so many other boys at that time.....

Today I own 2 x 200 ml EDT of the reformulated version of Cool Water, and it lasts 5-7 hours on my skin.
I use one of my 200 ml bottles as one of my Gym scents now, 5-7 hours is fine for that purpose, and it's not that strong - so I can get away with spraying 2-3 sprays on the neck and 5-6 sprays on chest and stomach area without offending people at my gym.

I kind of miss the old juice, but own Bond no.9 Chez Bond and Creed GIT, and these 2 are better than the old formula of Cool Water, so no harm done there.......