I need serious cologne assistance

[Bloomey]

I could do with some excellent advice, that only b and b members can provide:

So far I've been using trumpers west indian lime cologne, col conk lime aftershave and also proraso aftershave splash, however this is where my issue comes in, as I find all of these don't last very long at all(an hour at most).

I'm looking for a cologne that is going to be strong enough to last most of the day but not so overpowering that people think "how much did he drink last night?"

Ideally either something oceanic and clean (t and h 1805) or something with an earthy scent to it (musgo real cologne no.2) I would appreciate any input you guys have?

 

[StylinLA]

Lime scents, and citrus scents in general are usually pretty short lived. The nature of the beast.

Here's a few to consider.

Bleu de Channel- the new kid on the block. It's getting mixed reviews from frag heads, but it's worth a sniff. Nice, modern, manly. Not exactly aquatic, but in the "blue" realm which is sort of similar.

L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme- One of the original aquatics. Has pretty good longevity on me and a lot of people think it's one of the longer lasting "light" scents. I believe 1805 is a blatant rip off of this one.

Prada Infusion d"Homme- SOAPY SOAPY. Not aquatic, but a very "clean" smell. Surprisingly long lasting- at least on me. A recent discovery that I'm thrilled with.

Gendarme - Nearly the definition of clean and soapy. It can be pretty short lived in EdC or EdT strength, so maybe check the EdP strength.

Aqua di Gio- Kind of the definitive "aqua" scent. I think it blows. It doesn't seem to have any life on me. But, the reality is that this is probably the number one sellng men's frag for many years running. Women like it. It's clean, fairly light. Wouldn't offend anyone. Some people say it lasts (NOT me) fairly well. Another concern is that it is very UNoriginal to wear this. That may or may not be an issue for you. To me, this is to cologne what Barbasol is to men's shaving.

 

[Masterkova]

You might also try Guerlain's Vetiver.

It has citrus top notes but the vetiver keeps it going all day long. To my mind, this is one of the "cleanest" smelling vetivers and an absolute classic.

Another classic in the same vein is Dior's Eau Sauvage, though probably not so long-lasting.

 

[Featherweight]

One of my first questions is - when you say cologne, do you mean literally cologne, or any eau de toilette? There's a significant difference in terms of strength and longevity, based on the amount of essential oil and fragrance concentration used.

Assuming you mean eau de toilette, as this is what most people actually mean by "cologne", I have some suggestions.

1st - not to contradict StylinLA at all, and he did warn you that Acqua di Gio sucks, but if this is the kind of scent you prefer, I think you're better off with Unbound for men by Halston. It's a clone, but a damn good one, and has the added character of tomato leaf, which puts the fragrance a cut above that which it copies. It's also 1/2 the price of Gio. Good aquatic, with a little spice and greenery in the mix.

Grey Flannel is a lot fresher and soapier than it gets credit for. You've probably tried this already, but if not, give it a go. It still has real oakmoss in it, and can be had for a song.

There's a whole genre of fresh, green, watery '80s scents, cast in the mold of Drakkar, but with less marketing - Lomani pour homme is one of them. It's straight out of Paris, costs $10 for a 3.4 oz bottle, and to my nose is one of the original aquatics. This is quality stuff, and a few respectable noses over at Basenotes find it to be quite competent. For the money it's hard to go wrong. It lasts all day. The French still have it.

As you can see, I'm a bargain hound - but I'm satisfied with what I've found. In the world of fragrance, the biggest myth is that big $$$ = smelling great. Marketing chops aside, the underdogs can be just as good, if not better than the big name brands.




..

 

[StylinLA]

^^^ Agree OP probably means EdT. At the very least, EdTs will last longer for sure.

Featherweight's picks are worth a sniff. Sounds like Unbound is a nice alternative to AdG.

 

[barneyb]

If You are looking for an earthy scent, look at Terre d'Hermes. Both the edt and the pure parfum are fantastic. It is strong so You may need to lay off the trigger a bit. I would classify it as a earthy/orange.
I have a hard time getting the aquatics to last on Me as well. John Varvatos Artisan is a real nice aquatic/citrus scent. I get 4-5 hours, but You can always re-apply.

 

[Drubbing]

I could do with some excellent advice, that only b and b members can provide:

So far I've been using trumpers west indian lime cologne, col conk lime aftershave and also proraso aftershave splash, however this is where my issue comes in, as I find all of these don't last very long at all(an hour at most).

I'm looking for a cologne that is going to be strong enough to last most of the day but not so overpowering that people think "how much did he drink last night?"

With the exception of Trumpers, The above aren't colognes. They're after shaves, and as such they're not meant to linger. The fact you can get an hour from Proraso is a feat in itself.

 

[mandoman]

Ralph Lauren Polo Big Pony Cologne for Men smells very good not to strong but last all you could find someat macys

 

[joshmpdx]

Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant. It's an Eau de Parfum, and will last on you for days on end if you don't shower. It's not overwhelming, though. It reminds me a lot of fresh linen, mixed with some incense and a hint of greenery.

That sounds really nice!

 

[Paris]

Taylor's of Old Bond Street Lime cologne last longer on me than Trumper.
You might want to give it a try.

 

[krevo]

Two that I've been wearing a lot of lately, which have absolutely trumped everything in my cabinet (and their are roughly 25 fragrances there) is the L'Occitane EdT (http://www.basenotes.net/ID26125038.html) and L'Occitane Eau de Baux (http://www.basenotes.net/ID26126827.html). The EdT is fairly unique to me, kinda like a how Tabac is unique.

The EdT is lavender floral but peppery and smokey. Slightly sweet. The EdB is just very soft, sweet, and woodsy.

Edit: the link to the EdT on basenotes is the wrong picture, but the reviews are for the correct fragrance.

 

[vertigo12314]

Creed Millesime Imperial or Erolfa for Oceanic

+1 on Terre D'Hermes for earthiness. (If you use less it won't be overpowering but it can be overdone if you're not too careful)

 

[6of1]

Another vote here for Terre d'Hermes. Fantastic stuff.

Practically the only clean aquatics I can stand are Bellagio Uomo and Pino Blue. They are both inexpensive and may suit your needs. The Bellagio has some staying power issues, but you won't have any trouble with Pino Blue.

The earthy end of your request could be partially fulfilled by Quorum or Yatagan. Either of those has a great woody, earthy vibe.

Be seeing you.

 

[mdevine]

I also have to give Terre d'Hermes a big thumbs up. Check out this review. It's worth watching if for nothing else than three minutes or so of listening to Katie Puckrick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVQ6C7w4LIE

 

[Klopstick]

Bijan for Men might suit you.

 

[nstenberg]

Giorgio Beverly Hills is *really* long lasting.

 

[hunter87597]

Hope I don't get hung for saying this... you did say musgo.. so I say...


BRUT

Seriously. It is dirt cheap, yes, found at every walmart and pharmacy, yes, but that smell is just downright addicting to me. And it lasts ALLLLLL DAAAYY LOONNGNGG

 

[Featherweight]

Hope I don't get hung for saying this... you did say musgo.. so I say...


BRUT

Seriously. It is dirt cheap, yes, found at every walmart and pharmacy, yes, but that smell is just downright addicting to me. And it lasts ALLLLLL DAAAYY LOONNGNGG

oof!



..

 

[hunter87597]

I guess I swing from the gallows now

 

[Sterling Cooper]

You answered your own question (T&H 1805) for the former (oceanic) question. For the latter (earthy), Royall Vetiver or for a more refined version (if you can find it) Floris Vetiver.