Magnetism for Men (2004)
by Escada

I had heard and read so many rave reviews from both men and women regarding Magnetism for Men. So when I saw this fragrance selling rather cheaply in a chemist the other day, I immediately tested it on both my skin and a tester card believing that I would be walking out the door with a purchase.

Unfortunately, (I must be the first woman to say this), I didn't like it. Magnetism for Men, was in my opinion, far too sweet and strong.

I like sweet scents on myself, however on a man it just doesn't seem right. Magnetism for Men, opens with an overly sweetened smell of glace cherries, which somehow smells medicinal to my nose, like that cherry flavoured cough syrup I used to take as a child.

The leather note is not strong enough in my opinion and it tends to be rather synthetic and rubbery. The scent, although unique, has been composed in such a strange manner.

I do agree that this fragrance is dark and in some ways sensual, however it is not my idea of a sexy scent. I would have liked to have seen more spiciness and richer woodsy notes.

The lasting power is very good, very lasting on the skin. And as you may have guessed, the sillage is extra strong. The only thing I can manage to say in conclusion to testing Magnetism for Men, is that you really should test before you buy.

7th August, 2011.

I purchased this as a blind buy. 'Oh no'! I hear the cry from the gallery. I had read some interesting things about this scent and it tweaked my interest.

On first whiff I thought 'Uh-oh, what have I done'? It sure was a sweet cola smell and I was worried I might go out smelling of a man trying to bring his early twenties back! I could hear one of my best mates ribbing me, laughing and pointing his finger at me while holding his stomach while squawking 'What were you thinking'?. My wife shaking her head with a grin thinking 'You can't pull that off you poor old man'.

But then it dries down to a lovely woodsy smell. It does keep a metallic twang to it as well. This projects well and lasts decently. I have had compliments on it too.

This is different and would be a great night out scent and great in winter. I think it will bring compliments and people will be attracted to it. I wouldn't over apply it though. Sensual dry down imo.

16th February, 2011.

Grape/Cherry soda with a lot of amber/vanilla. Actually not as bad as it sounds - just don't over do it, the opening can smell a bit like permanent marker.

12nd October, 2010. (Last Edited: 30th January, 2011.)

When I see the words "metallic", "modern" and "vanilla" used to describe what a fragrance smells like, I either yawn or run for the hills. Luckily I didn't read anything about Magnetism before I first sampled it years ago, because I would have skipped over this excellent woody oriental scent.

Escada Magnetism smells like a very simple and linear scent to me: basically it's wood over vanilla. Doesn't exactly sound creative or innovative for a perfume. Also, both the woody notes and the vanilla smell rather synthetic to me. And yes, this does have a very "modern" and metallic overall feel, like something you'd expect only pretty boy college guys to wear when they're out partying and trying to pick up chicks.

I, on the other hand, am 40, happily married, and have no interest in hanging out at nightclubs partying. Yet Escada Magnetism, for some weird reason, works for me. In fact, I actually considered it my signature scent for about a year after buying it, and I'm about half way through my second bottle.

I think what makes Magnetism such a cool fragrance is how it can smell so SMOOTH, while also having a metallic and woody smell on top. There's a certain electricity to Magnetism that I find so appealing. It smells very modern and hip, but without smelling wimpy, trendy or smelling like every other designer clone juice. I also like it because it is an anomaly in my collection, which consists of almost all classic and powerhouse fragrances.

Give Magnetism a try, even if it doesn't sound on paper like something you'd like. You might be pleasantly surprised. I sure was.

1st June, 2010.

I really wanted to enjoy this one as much as I know many on this website have but it never lived up to its acclaim. Some people say its somewhat juvenile, or at least verging on for-teens-only, but it redeems itself later on in its progression. It starts with a very grape-cola and vanilla vibe that doesn't seem like something one would want to wear but its oddly captivating (and vaguely reminiscent of Opium pour homme (EDT). After the bright, cola-spice vanishes the saffron, pepper, and leather and wood start to come out. I get the pepper, wood and saffron, but I'm struggling to perceive much leather, yet I feel like I know its there. I can sense it like I sense the masculinity which is beginning to shape this fragrance. But unfortunately there is one distinct problem: The smell does not project at all on my skin...its so close, its like a second skin! Oh how nice this would have been with some projection! Finally, the fragrance simmers down to a very sensual, sweet balsamic amber and musk. It is this dry down that makes Magnetism sexy; it really is sensual, masculine and modern. Almairac did a fine job - if only it had a modest projection on my skin....

16th January, 2010.

Cedarwood soaked with fizzy grape soda. I finally understood why MAGNETISM FOR MEN is one of the popularly recommended fragrances for a night out at the club - to get past its drugstore-synthetic overdosage, you practically need to get yourself inebriated, your senses overwhelmed by pounding music, distracted by the sight of heaving bosoms and gyrating hips on the dance-floor. It just feels so...juvenile.

10th January, 2010.