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 ), 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.

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! ?
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?