Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › Fragrance Discussion › Male Fragrance Discussion › MFD Archive › "Soft" smelling fragrances - any recommendations?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

"Soft" smelling fragrances - any recommendations?

post #1 of 50
12/3/05 at 6:54pm
Thread Starter 
Lately I've found myself becoming increasingly attracted to soft-smelling fragrances that are suitable for a guy to wear. Ones I've tried recently that have really hooked me include:

* the new Diors - Bois d'Argent and Cologne Blanche
* Patou Pour Homme Prive
* Lutens Douce Amere
* Creed's Royal English Leather - smells like a vast fragrance to me, but soft and mellow at the same time.
* Brit for Men
* Must de Cartier Pour Homme - actually I haven't bought this one yet, but each time I've tried it recently at a department store I've been wowed - does it last, though?

These fragrances all smell different, but to my nose each has a wonderful soft quality to it, without being insipid.

Any recommendations on other soft fragrances for someone who likes the above?

I've tried Dior's Homme, but it didn't seem to take to my skin chemistry for some reason.

I'm after soft fragrances that aren't excessively sweet. Unfortunately, I just can't cope with the sweetness level of some of the gourmands I've tried: Rochas Man, Casran, A"men are all too sweet for me to really enjoy.

Input welcome from all!
Reply
Reply

Features on Basenotes

Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
post #2 of 50
12/3/05 at 7:32pm
Verve, I got a decant of Chaumet Homme by Chaumet from Marlen today and this is a really nice, softer scent that also has some persistency, so while it's soft it doesn't disappear.

It's kinda woody/leathery and masculine and very, very nice. The Directory has some reviews that do a far better job than I can.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 50
12/3/05 at 7:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ballardbeau

Verve, I got a decant of Chaumet Homme by Chaumet from Marlen today and this is a really nice, softer scent that also has some persistency, so while it's soft it doesn't disappear.

It's kinda woody/leathery and masculine and very, very nice. The Directory has some reviews that do a far better job than I can.


BB. Thx for the tip. Chaumet H definitely sounds like it's worth exploring. Most of the frags I've mentioned above are actually ones I've bought recently from Marlen. That boy has amazing taste. And I think he's also into softer-smelling frags that a guy can wear.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 50
12/3/05 at 7:56pm
One that I would consider soft (others may disagree) that is starting to grow on me is FM's L'Eau d'Hiver.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 50
12/3/05 at 8:02pm
I would definately describe the 2 best fig fragrances - Philosykos and Premier Figuier - as "soft" smelling. Don't let the fact that Premier Figuier is labeled as feminine bother you. The 2 are very similar, with Philosykos being a little woody where PF is a little nutty (almond).
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 50
12/3/05 at 9:30pm
OK, people may totally disagree with this, but I think Tabarome Millesime is very soft but masculine at the same time. I think I fell this because of how well the ginger is balanced and mixed in.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 50
12/3/05 at 9:44pm
You might want to try Nemo (incense), Envy (cinnamon woody), Passage d'Enfer (incense), Tam Dao (sandalwood),
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 50
12/3/05 at 9:45pm
Try any of the Hermessence frags...soft, yet manly enough. And you have definitely not been baptized until you haven't tried Dzing! Hehe.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 50
12/3/05 at 11:08pm
How about JHL, a masculine oriental.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 50
12/3/05 at 11:15pm
I find Magnetism by Escada a soft scent. Armania Mania as well.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 50
12/3/05 at 11:18pm
I believe you're looking for something with a soft sandalwood base. As Vegas already mentioned, Passage d'Enfer and Tam Dao are some great ones.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 50
12/3/05 at 11:47pm
And from way out in left field: Acqua di Biella Baraja. Gee, I pick cheap fragrances.

Goes on shower-fresh and soapy, softens down like the rinse cycle, vanishes, and then reappears as a fantastic woodish skin scent without that "I'm wearing a winter's walk, dammit!" overkill. Wears a bit like Hotel Costes, which I also am going to recommend.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 50
12/3/05 at 11:49pm
Bois Farine and Daim Blond (after it dries down). Some may not consider DB masculine enough,but that soft suede/leather dry down is amazing -- it isn't too 'girly' IMO.

Jeff
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 50
12/4/05 at 12:38am
An intersting question, here's a few--taking Creed's REL and its mellow quality as the starting point:

Niche,

* MpG: Santal Noble
* Serge Lutens: MKK
* SMN: Acqua di Cuba
* Etro: Gomma

Designer amd Mainstream,


* Annuci PH
* Roberto Cavalli Man
* Salvador by Salvadoe Dali
* Nicole Miller for Men
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 50
12/4/05 at 1:11am
Thread Starter 
Squires. I'm quite stunned by the response here! So many interesting suggestions, including quite a few frags I've never tried - or even heard of - when it comes to a "softer" experience in fragrances. Actually, most of the frags I currently own and love are ones I've bought after reading about them on this board, including all the ones I've mentioned in my root post above -I don't think I would ever have tried any of those fragrances but for Bnotes. Of course, that means I'm going to hold you personally responsible if I sink into personal bankruptcy after trying your suggestions!

Only kidding lads, keep the suggestions coming!
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 50
12/4/05 at 1:43am
Eau d'Hiver and LV Musk are my absolute favourites; extremely soft and sensual. I don't think you'll be dissapointed with these gems!
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 50
12/4/05 at 1:53am
I would like to second Tam Dao and Passage D'Enfer.

I would add a couple of designers: Â*Helmut Lang --baby powder soft. And the softest fragrance I've experienced--cK be--so soft its almost nonexistant. Â*It's one of two CK's that I approve of.
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 50
12/4/05 at 7:15am
Verve, if you like Brit, I'd recommend Escada Magnetism. To me, it has a similar soft feel, but I like it even better than Brit (and I like Brit a lot).

I also think of M7 as having a soft feel, although I can how others might disagree, and it has quickly become one of my favorites.

--Steve
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 50
12/4/05 at 7:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SmellsLike

Verve, if you like Brit, I'd recommend Escada Magnetism. To me, it has a similar soft feel, but I like it even better than Brit (and I like Brit a lot).

I also think of M7 as having a soft feel, although I can how others might disagree, and it has quickly become one of my favorites.

--Steve

Funny, I actually ended up choosing between Brit and Magnetism. I also like Magnetism more than Brit. Just remember that Magnetism isn't soft in the beginning - on my skin I have to wait for 10 minutes or so before the weird topnotes go away.

Also Bulgari Black turns into a very soft vanilla after some time but the rubber smell in it might turn you off.
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 50
12/4/05 at 11:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by foetidus

And the softest fragrance I've experienced--cK be--so soft its almost nonexistant.


I will second ck be. I love that fragrance. Romance Silver by Ralph Lauren, Very Sexy for Him by Victoria's Secret are two that you might be interested in.
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 50
12/4/05 at 11:17am
Hmm. I don't know whether it is soft or not, but I have considered Habit Rouge a velvety scent in the past.
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 50
12/4/05 at 4:20pm
Any of the Gendarmes.
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 50
3/7/06 at 7:54pm
marlen? all of these french sounding fragrances, where can i find them>??? Do i have to go to europe?!?

The only places i know are department stores and makeup type places
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 50
3/8/06 at 1:57am
The softest fragrances in my collection are:

Dior Homme
Chanel Pour Monsieur
Creed Royal Water
Guerlain Vetiver
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 50
3/8/06 at 2:01am
I second Nemo. So soft and cozy.
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 50
3/8/06 at 2:48am
Wow! This whole 'soft' thing is subjective indeed! Of the ones suggested, especially Guerlain Vetiver and Romance Silver are both sharp instead of soft in my humble opinion. But when you use adjectives like this when it comes to olfaction, you are bound to get some different opinions. After all, soft is something you can feel, not smell.
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 50
3/8/06 at 4:58am
I might suggest one of my favourites, Royal Bain de Caron. After the intial effervescent blast it dries down to a warm soft comfort scent, a "soft oriental". Not everyone's cup of tea, but I wouldn't be without it!
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 50
3/8/06 at 5:02am
I agree with Eau d'Hiver.


Plus i'll throw in:

Caron's Pour Un Homme (after it dries down).

Chez Bond by Bond 9.

Greyland by Montale.
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 50
3/8/06 at 10:21am
For me thes softest scent ever is Jaipur EdT.
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 50
3/8/06 at 11:20am
not to add to the creed frenzy on the boards, but every creed does smell soft (and round) to me. it's the ambergris they put in everything. so there's a whole house of soft for you.

minotaure is also very soft.
Reply
Reply
post #31 of 50
1/15/07 at 7:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennard

I will second ck be. I love that fragrance. Romance Silver by Ralph Lauren, Very Sexy for Him by Victoria's Secret are two that you might be interested in.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny_Ludlow

Wow! This whole 'soft' thing is subjective indeed! Of the ones suggested, especially Guerlain Vetiver and Romance Silver are both sharp instead of soft in my humble opinion. But when you use adjectives like this when it comes to olfaction, you are bound to get some different opinions. After all, soft is something you can feel, not smell.

I'll second Romance Silver. And I'll add in Boss Bottled. They smell soft to me.
Reply
Reply
post #32 of 50
1/15/07 at 10:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ailric

I find Magnetism by Escada a soft scent. Armania Mania as well.

Agree with Magnetism. It's the main reason why I like it.
Reply
Reply
post #33 of 50
2/26/09 at 10:39am
I would say try Marc Jacobs...soft and nice
Reply
Reply
post #34 of 50
2/26/09 at 10:46am
TDC's Un Parfum des Sens et Bois
Reply
Reply
post #35 of 50
2/26/09 at 12:05pm
Where do these old topics come from? I'll have to second myself from year 2005, L'Eau de Hiver and LV Musk aren't bad suggestions at all.
Reply
Reply
post #36 of 50
2/26/09 at 1:41pm
The original poster hasn't been here since 2006.

But he could be still looking for that perfect fragrance....


-Slim
Reply
Reply
post #37 of 50
2/26/09 at 1:53pm
My recommendations are:

Burberry London

Fahrenheit 32

Allure Homme

Hypnose Homme



Reply
Reply
post #38 of 50
2/26/09 at 1:54pm
Jaipur
Pi
L`Instant
Burberry Touch
Guerlain Homme
Reply
Reply
post #39 of 50
2/26/09 at 3:18pm
Prada Infusion d'Iris or the Homme version... I prefer the Iris female version myself.
Reply
Reply
post #40 of 50
2/26/09 at 6:03pm
Softies:

Jaipur Homme - soft vanilla
Kiton Black - soft fruit suede
LV Yerbamate - soft herbs
Dior Homme - soft iris leather
Joseph Statkus - soft incense
Kolnisch Juchten - dark leather & softness
Armani Mania - soft linen
Signoricci - soft citrus
Daime Blonde - apricot suede
Reply
Reply
post #41 of 50
2/26/09 at 6:30pm
I'll endorse L'Eau d'Hiver, Ambre Precieux, & Tam Dao. Allure Homme is also a smooth fragrance
Reply
Reply
post #42 of 50
2/26/09 at 9:05pm
Second Helmut Lang EDC. Soft, powdery musk and sweet woods. Great stuff!
Reply
Reply
post #43 of 50
2/26/09 at 9:11pm
The notion of softness seems to vary tremendously here, so I suggest sampling and determining what notes and construction you like, then asking the question again but in a more specific context.
Reply
Reply
post #44 of 50
2/26/09 at 9:22pm
Versace Baby Blue Jeans would be my recommendation.
Reply
Reply
post #45 of 50
2/26/09 at 9:26pm
The unisex Guerlain Après L'ondée is probably one of the softest fragrances around. Think barely audible piano notes off in the distance.
Reply
Reply
post #46 of 50
2/26/09 at 10:52pm
Carven Homme is supremely good and soft.
Reply
Reply
post #47 of 50
2/26/09 at 11:27pm
Daim Blond - Serge Lutens
Santal - L'Artisan Parfumeur
Reply
Reply
post #48 of 50
2/26/09 at 11:59pm
I second (or third or...) Helmut Lang, and add Vol de Nuit by Guerlain. I prefer the edt over the extrait.
Reply
Reply
post #49 of 50
2/27/09 at 2:05am
  • cpk
  • offline
  • Gender:
Encre Noir
SMN Nostalgia
Sever SL's, my personal favourites in the "softness" department, Daim Blond, Dattura Noir, Iris Silver Mist
L' homme du Coeur
Aramis 900 (the ultimate floral for men)
Reply
Reply
post #50 of 50
2/27/09 at 2:20am
Two soft fragrances which I would recommend as being very elegant would be Penhaligon's Opus 1870 which just smells soooo classy, it's addictive.

I would also recommend (ignore the somewhat dismissive reviews in the BN Directory) is the original Canali for men which is masculine and refined in a classic cologne sense. A real smart jacket/suit fragrance which women will love.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: MFD Archive

Features on Basenotes

Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › Fragrance Discussion › Male Fragrance Discussion › MFD Archive › "Soft" smelling fragrances - any recommendations?