Realm (1993)
by Realm Fragrances

I have a lot of cologne. This remains one of my favorites, got it as a valentine gift from my gf, she became my wife. You may think the pheromone thing is bull and maybe it is, not sure. But, one funny side effect of this cologne for me is that it makes me relax and actually sleep better, only cologne that does that for me in my experience. Is it the pheromones? Maybe? Who knows. Could be just the scent.

This cologne starts off very strong for me, the wife doesn't like it right after it's been sprayed, very spicy and warm. But, soon tones down to woody spice notes that are very comforting. I've only gotten compliments on this cologne, women like to snuggle up to you when you wear this. But, only wear a little, be subtle, works best and is most complicated when you just use one spray.

31st August, 2010.

I don't know what a "phermone" smells like, but I have to assume its the sweaty, beef-like odor that pervades this powdery oriental fragrance. Realm smells like raw, bloody steak tips marinating in Jaipur Homme, left out in the hot sun. This is the first fragrance ever that actually made me sick to my stomach. STINKS!!!

21st March, 2010. (Last Edited: 23rd March, 2010.)

It smells nicely, no overpowering but with acceptable long-lasting although discreet to my taste...About the pheromones it is a myth, urban legend, nothing special, no crazy women, no sensuals affairs...just another good scent, very masculine, very similar to Aramis (1965).

13rd December, 2009.

Wearing Realm always made me happier, more confident, when it first came out. It was a nice spicy, uplifting scent.

But I recently bought a very weak version of the cologne at Marshall's for $9.99 and wonder if it's been reformulated, or if I bought a knock-off.

The old bottle was amber all over. The new bottle is clear with red edging. The old Realm was rich and warm with juniper and ginger predominating, drying down to a very sexy scent. The new one comes on strong with a blast of alcohol that turns to a very watery version of the original. Doesn't last long at all.

I loved the original. If this new version is a reformulation (and not a knock-off), I can't recommend it and won't be repurchasing.

24th September, 2009. (Last Edited: 15th December, 2009.)

I smelled this at a pharmacy and was totally blown away this is one of those NO NAME scents that stand out and its a hot buy

its spicy and the juniper berry and lavendar make it very strong, but it all blends well into a sexy masculine accord

overall i would say that this is one of the best aromatic spicy fougere types and its a very nice exotic smell i highly reccomend

29th August, 2009. (Last Edited: 12nd October, 2009.)

I think Realm gets no respect because so many people see it as a "gimmick" fragrance. Just because they threw some estratetraenol (EST, pheromone chemical) into the mix.

First, as EST is a feminine pheromone, Realm is not intended to be a babe magnet. Rather, at such low levels, the pheromone would only cause what are known as self-effects, EST acting as a calming and focusing agent (Androstadienone has similar effects on women).

As for the fragrance itself, it is rather nice. Very decent sillage and longevity. The scent is somewhat linear, but rich, classy, and romantic.

The ginger is prominent, without making Realm smell like ginger bread the way Gucci Envy tends to (though that one is nice too), as the florals, herbals, and vanilla balance the ginger nicely.

29th January, 2009.