Is there an objective difference in the quality of the more expensive colognes, or only a subjective difference in the smell? Is Trumper better than what Macy has, which is better than what's at Walmart? Does it last longer or anything? 
Greater value or just more money?
- Thread starter Vlad
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More expensive scents are typically marketed towards fragrance enthusiasts and as such are typically more avant-garde in their scent profile. Niche perfume houses can take more risks with their scents as they're not worrying about selling them to many millions of people in a mass market campaign.
They usually have more natural ingredients, whereas most designers will use synthetics which is part of the whole cost factor. Synthetics stay fairly linear with some minimal changes during the progression of the scent, whereas naturals seem to progress with a greader breadth. You can generally smell the difference between a fragrance with a lot of synthetics versus one with naturals too.
As far as lasting power, a $200 Frederic Malle might not last as long as a $20 Armani, but it greatly varies by scent and generally by the ingredients. It's hard to say that all niche scents last longer/less than a designer.
The point of niche scents, as I see it, is mostly because the scents are unique and different, not so much so for their greater quality.
They usually have more natural ingredients, whereas most designers will use synthetics which is part of the whole cost factor. Synthetics stay fairly linear with some minimal changes during the progression of the scent, whereas naturals seem to progress with a greader breadth. You can generally smell the difference between a fragrance with a lot of synthetics versus one with naturals too.
As far as lasting power, a $200 Frederic Malle might not last as long as a $20 Armani, but it greatly varies by scent and generally by the ingredients. It's hard to say that all niche scents last longer/less than a designer.
The point of niche scents, as I see it, is mostly because the scents are unique and different, not so much so for their greater quality.
The thing I like best about a House like, say, Trumper, is that they have many old fragrances. That timeless quality appeals to me.
You can get a sample of Trumper colognes for the cost of shipping, along with shower gels and shaving creams. It's something like $5. Check out their website (www.trumpers.com) if you are curious.
You can get a sample of Trumper colognes for the cost of shipping, along with shower gels and shaving creams. It's something like $5. Check out their website (www.trumpers.com) if you are curious.
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- #4
Awesome. This is the most helpful forum in the freakin' world.
Are you supposed to apply it on your skin so it won't stain one's clothing, or on clothes so it won't irritate the skin?
Are you supposed to apply it on your skin so it won't stain one's clothing, or on clothes so it won't irritate the skin?
colognes are mostly just applied to the skin. Sometimes a bit is added to clothing, particularly when using a scent that doesn't have much staying power.
- Thread starter
- #6
Just got mine a couple days ago, that's why I'm asking. As if there weren't enough shaving products to buy, now I'm interested in this. Good thing I don't have the money for it.
There are actually a number of classic colognes that aren't terribly expensive. Many of the scents I like: Spanish Fig and Nutmeg, Meehan's Bay Rum, Monsieur de Givenchy, Woods of Windsor, Mr. Taylor, Dunhill 1934, Atkinsons Lavender, etc. can be had for $30-50 a bottle.
Trumpers are a bit overpriced IMHO, and I only like a couple of their scents anyway. If you need Trumpers, the best value would be their 200ml plastic travel bottles.
My advice is to try scents before buying them, especially if it's something really expensive.
Trumpers are a bit overpriced IMHO, and I only like a couple of their scents anyway. If you need Trumpers, the best value would be their 200ml plastic travel bottles.
My advice is to try scents before buying them, especially if it's something really expensive.
As stated above, there are very good, even great colognes that are not expensive and no one should think you need to spend $100 to get a decent bottle of juice.
That being said, once you go high-end, its hard to go back...
Some of the things you pay for with a high-end product, in particular products made by the more niche houses include (at least in my experience):
1) More distinctive scents - the high-end houses tend to cater to enthusiasts/those looking for something different
2) Higher quality ingredients - this means more essential oils - especially when it comes to more expensive ingredients (i.e., sandalwood, rose, etc.)
3) Better, and in many cases, longer-lasting scents - while you won't necessarily love a high-end scent, you're far less likely to detect synthetic/chemical notes, also the elements will be well integrated so that the scent is more than the sum of its notes.
This being said, you should wear what you like and like what you wear, price be damned.
While I enjoy my high-end stuff, I'm in no rush to get rid of my Aqua Velva!
That being said, once you go high-end, its hard to go back...
Some of the things you pay for with a high-end product, in particular products made by the more niche houses include (at least in my experience):
1) More distinctive scents - the high-end houses tend to cater to enthusiasts/those looking for something different
2) Higher quality ingredients - this means more essential oils - especially when it comes to more expensive ingredients (i.e., sandalwood, rose, etc.)
3) Better, and in many cases, longer-lasting scents - while you won't necessarily love a high-end scent, you're far less likely to detect synthetic/chemical notes, also the elements will be well integrated so that the scent is more than the sum of its notes.
This being said, you should wear what you like and like what you wear, price be damned.
While I enjoy my high-end stuff, I'm in no rush to get rid of my Aqua Velva!
The Perfect Scent: A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York by Chandler Burr is worth reading as relevant to why scents cost what they do!
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