Helmut Lang Men (2000)
by Helmut Lang

When I say barber, you say shop!

Barber!

no?

Allrighty, I have samples of both this and Cuiron, and I know that Cuiron is fantastic just from smelling the vial, but Helmut Lang needed a full days wearing. Boy, was I treated to a wonderful surprise. This here fits in with all of the Gendarmes, Mugler Cologne, Original Vetiver, and cK be. Am I forgetting any? And although it fits in, it is unmistakeably unique. There is a solid, potent, soapy, musky barbicide base with citrus, mint, vanilla, and tonka swimming around in it. I'm kind of surprised at how both complex and simple this is; somehow it manages to be mature and distinct while being fresh and clean.

19th October, 2010.

Yup, this is Olde Time Barbershop done right. Manly in a refined, classic sense, but the furthest thing from the harsh smell that tends to be associated with hyper-masculine colognes. As other have noted, it's creamy and musky. Fairly linear progression - no surprises. Minimum sillage, decent longevity. Get it, even if it costs a few bucks, given its discontinued status.

14th October, 2010.

To me, this screams barbershop: it brings back the memory of the powdery, clean smell I would have after a haircut. I enjoy the experience and the smell. I probably won’t buy it for myself, as I would probably only reach for it 2-3 times a year. But I think it is an excellent fragrance.

25th June, 2010.

Sprightly grapefruit and sage top notes don’t quite mask the raw alcohol in Helmut Lang Men’s top notes, but given a couple of minutes the sage expands to join an understated herbs and white musk accord whose steamy shower ambience fits easily alongside the almost exactly contemporary Mugler Cologne. It’s an abstract, monochromatic skin musk that sustains an air of quiet cleanliness in a linear manner for a couple of hours before it fades away. This sort of scent is no longer all that novel or exciting, but Helmut Lang Men does what it sets out to well enough. Me? I’d probably go for the Mugler – it’s cheaper, it’s easier to find, and strikes me as having a bit more character.

29th May, 2010.

As other reviewers have attested, this is certainly a creamy fougere that clings close to the skin and retains a nice masculine and refined presence. I don't get the butter at all; on my skin it's more akin to a honey & fig aroma, with a rooty, musky undercurrent. After a few minutes the heavy powder of the opening begins to fade and an exquisite floral enters into the mix. This cologne certainly has a distinctive progression; it's a great scent for many scenarios, as the longevity is decent and the wearer is afforded a pleasant experience without Lang-bombing anyone nearby.

19th January, 2010.

One of my favorites - the review by HDS1963 is right on. To my nose HL is all about the heart, which comes together as a blend of jasmine, heliotrope, vanilla, and sandalwood. On first sniff this may appear to be a buttery vanilla musk, but over subsequent experiences the depth and subtleties really begin to show themselves. I've been wearing HL for years and I'm finding out new things about it every time I smell it - it's that well done. The EdC lasts a very long time, and in many ways I find it superior to the stronger EdP because the topnotes aren't as potent and forceful. An excellent fragrance that is sadly discontinued.

16th October, 2009.