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Why would you say a fragrance is good, when it smells like crap?

post #1 of 57
7/23/06 at 5:43pm
Thread Starter 
I notice that sometimes someone talks about how well-made a fragrance is, and how its a must-have, but when I get the fragrance it smells like crap (both from sniffing the bottle, and after spraying some on myself)? Is this just a result of my body chemistry, or is it just that the fragrance is reported to be nice because someone programmed themselves to like it?

I got Basi Homme, and Armand Basi Homme.. they smell like crap. Ok, so now I know that I don't like "tobacco" type stuff, because I also think Yang and Laguna are garbage.. they aren't the least bit nice-to-smell, and when (heh) women smell all these that I have just mentioned, they grimace, because they are repulsed by the scent that just hit their nose.



I mean, this just makes me nervous, now.. because I go to the store and try a few samples, they smell alright to me, but everyone else puts them down, and NOW, I go to basenotes, get a few recommendations, and the same stuff happens. WHERE TO TURN FOR GOOD LEADS.. where to turn.

I just ordered a bunch more samples/decants from people on this site, based on rec's.. if they all BUST, then I am going to be sorely peeved.. both for not getting a good fragrance, and for listening to (bad) advice.



Sorry.
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post #2 of 57
7/23/06 at 5:46pm
Wait till you try Yatagan, Bel Ami and Kouros...
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post #3 of 57
7/23/06 at 5:49pm
Thread Starter 
What do you mean? Are they more crap that has been evangelized?
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post #4 of 57
7/23/06 at 5:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by joellark

I notice that sometimes someone talks about how well-made a fragrance is, and how its a must-have, but when I get the fragrance it smells like crap (both from sniffing the bottle, and after spraying some on myself)

Well, this happens to me too. I think a person just has to learn how to listen to other people's recommendations, and yet at the same time exercise their own best judgement.
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post #5 of 57
7/23/06 at 6:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by joellark

Is this just a result of my body chemistry, or is it just that the fragrance is reported to be nice because someone programmed themselves to like it?

Probably both, and also the fact that different people have different experiences and preferences. Sometimes its body chemistry. Sometimes the other persons recommendation is not good. Sometimes the other person has different preferences.
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post #6 of 57
7/23/06 at 6:18pm
Hi Joellark,
Sorry to hear about your predicament but surely you don't think we all have the same tastes in fragrances? Some of us like to be understated, some like bold sillage and some like their fragrances to be floral, others gourmand. There are so many scents out there to cater to all these preferences (though i think they've gone overboard on the orientals lately). You have to find the one that works for you. For example, Laguna gets me many compliments, from both sexes and so does Yang while i agree the basi scents are "crap". See!

I'd love to find out what has worked for you so far. Perhaps from there, the collective that is basenotes, can give you better recommendations as to what to look out for?
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post #7 of 57
7/23/06 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by milamber

Hi Joellark,
Sorry to hear about your predicament but surely you don't think we all have the same tastes in fragrances? Some of us like to be understated, some like bold sillage and some like their fragrances to be floral, others gourmand. There are so many scents out there to cater to all these preferences (though i think they've gone overboard on the orientals lately). You have to find the one that works for you. For example, Laguna gets me many compliments, from both sexes and so does Yang while i agree the basi scents are "crap". See!

I'd love to find out what has worked for you so far. Perhaps from there, the collective that is basenotes, can give you better recommendations as to what to look out for?

Ungaro III, but lately that isn't working anymore. Its a multi-faced frustration I am having, because I have gone through all crappy scents, so I'm being burnt into thinking that there isn't a cologne out there that works well with me, that I like, and that others like (but on a real and physical level, not on some philosophical plain).

O/T: how would I go about finding out what notes I like, and what type of stuff I prefer general. Clearly, I have a preference, but maybe I am looking for the appropriate labels to put on those preferences, to be able to use the information being presented on this site, and reject the rec's that are "crap," from my personal view.

I just got samples/decants/bottles of:

Habit Rouge 3.4oz Brand new
Terre d'Hermes 1.6oz 95% full
Envy 3.4oz 99%full
Vera Wang 1.7oz 55%full
VeraWang(aftershave) 3.4oz 90%full

New Haarlem Bond No. 9 New York 2003
Égoïste / L'Égoïste Chanel 1990
Bois du Portugal Creed 1987
Ambre Extrême L'Artisan Parfumeur 2001
Idole de Lubin Lubin 2005
Chergui Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido 2001
Relax
M7 Fresh
JHL, by Aramis 1982
Millésime Impérial, by Creed 1995
Tea for Two, by L'Artisan Parfumeur 2000
Dior Homme, by Christian Dior 2005
Voleur de Roses, by L'Artisan Parfumeur 1993
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post #8 of 57
7/23/06 at 7:02pm
Use the fragrance families. There are several types, but keep it simple. Just look at scents as floral, citrus, oriental, fougere, chypre or marine and see which construction you favour most.

What are your impressions on the samples/decants/bottles that you've just received? Bear in mind, it takes a while to truly know a scent, but initial impressions are a good guide. Pick 3 of those you just got that you wouldn't mind spending the time to get to know better. Then in a systematic way, try them out:
1. Different methods of application. Full blast or walkthrough.
2. Different times of the day. Morning or Evening.
3. Different parts of the body. Chest only or chest + exposed parts like wrists, elbows, neck or just exposed parts etc.
4. Check out the fragrant's pyramid. How is it supposed to behave. What notes are dominant. Do you still like the scent after the topnotes have burnt off etc.
5. Take it out for a spin. Socialise with people, using the scent. Any perceptible reactions on others and/or yourself?

That's basically what i do before the scent gets written in my notebook.

To know a scent is to find out a little more about yourself.
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post #9 of 57
7/23/06 at 7:25pm
Thread Starter 
Is that really effective?

No, no.. that's not what I mean.. I can get to know a scent, no problem, as long as I know straight away that it doesn't smell repulsive. I'm scared that something I initially think is repulsive will grow on me, and become something magnificient. I'm wearing cologne partially for myself, but ALSO to smell good to OTHER people. I won't lie. If a scent grows on me, then probably everyone else I meet will probably be set in my initial "this is repulsive" mode, which is no good.

Or am I missing something?
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post #10 of 57
7/23/06 at 8:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by joellark

Is that really effective?

No, no.. that's not what I mean.. I can get to know a scent, no problem, as long as I know straight away that it doesn't smell repulsive. I'm scared that something I initially think is repulsive will grow on me, and become something magnificient. I'm wearing cologne partially for myself, but ALSO to smell good to OTHER people. I won't lie. If a scent grows on me, then probably everyone else I meet will probably be set in my initial "this is repulsive" mode, which is no good.

Or am I missing something?

Am I hearing you correctly? You're scared of a frag growing on you, because you don't want to have to explain yourself to people who knew you initially didn't like the frag?

We have posts here on just that topic ALL THE TIME. And even in my own personal experience I have several frags that I didn't like @ first that have grwon on me & are now some of my favorites. There's absolutely no shame in that .
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post #11 of 57
7/23/06 at 8:30pm
Thread Starter 
No, no.. that it grows on me, but is actually still crap.

Like, I don't like Laguna now, and people are repulsed by the scent that comes from me when I wear it, but all of a sudden I have an epiphany and start loving Laguna, and start wearing it all the time.. all while repulsing everyone who was unlucky enough to catch a whiff of the juice coming from my person..
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post #12 of 57
7/23/06 at 8:39pm
I think he means that if his initial impression of a scent is negative, then it others will find it repulsive, even if it has grown on him.

This shouldn't be a big worry. Fragrances are meant to smell GOOD and most people will have a positive response to most fragrances. Most of my favorites took me a while to appreciate, but that doesn't mean others who smell them on me won't like the way I smell right away.

I think the original poster needs to be a little less self-conscious (which can be easier said than done!). Although we all have our insecurities, you can't go through life terrified that people you meet you will find you repulsive.

--Steve
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post #13 of 57
7/23/06 at 8:50pm
If you don't like a scent, don't wear it and it won't get the chance to grow on you. I fell in love with Laguna on the first sniff. I grew to like Ungaro III. Wear a scent that you like and let others think what they may, otherwise you'll end up not wearing anything at all. Perhaps a suggestion is for you to try these "safer" alternatives, instead of all the niche and rare stuff that gets mentioned a lot here:

1. Acqua di Gio
2. Davidoff Cool Water
3. Cool Water Deep
4. Cool Water Game
5. CK One
6. CK One Summer
7. D&G Masculine
8. Polo Blue
9. CK Eternity
1o. CK Eternity Summer
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post #14 of 57
7/23/06 at 8:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by joellark

No, no.. that it grows on me, but is actually still crap.

Like, I don't like Laguna now, and people are repulsed by the scent that comes from me when I wear it, but all of a sudden I have an epiphany and start loving Laguna, and start wearing it all the time.. all while repulsing everyone who was unlucky enough to catch a whiff of the juice coming from my person..

Ah ok, I see. But you're not taking into consideration that people will have different reactions to different frags. A chick may love a certain scent on you upon first sniff, whereas it might've taken you awhile to warm up to that particular scent. Just because YOU had an unfavorable reaction to something at first doesn't mean that everyone else will have the exact same reaction.
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post #15 of 57
7/23/06 at 9:17pm
It also helps to make a list of notes that really work well on you, and notes that are truly repulsive (at least in most cases). You'd be surprised what that list looks like! For example, licorice and anise both work brilliantly on me (who could guess?), but my favorite flower, rose, does not. Nor do some of my favorite kitchen smells like saffron and honey. And tobacco and aldehydes are the biggest NOs of all! Then I look at a frag I'd be interested in or one that gets a lot of good buzz. I check out the notes. Those that match my list, I order a sample, try it, and ask relatives and friends for opinions, too. If that makes the cut, I'll try another sample or a mini. If it's still love, I buy a bottle. This system seems to be working really well and saving money, too!
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post #16 of 57
7/23/06 at 9:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CologneJunkie

Just because YOU had an unfavorable reaction to something at first doesn't mean that everyone else will have the exact same reaction.

Indeed! And vice versa.

One guy's "crap" is another guy's "masterpiece".
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post #17 of 57
7/23/06 at 10:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tigrushka

Indeed! And vice versa.

One guy's "crap" is another guy's "masterpiece".


Indeed! I think Yang and Laguna are both "masterpiece". In fact, Yang is one of my most complimented fragrances. But please, the key to Yang is "less is more" if you know what that means.

P.S. there are no "crap" fragrances, if you dont like it then you dont like it, and let's leave it at that.
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post #18 of 57
7/23/06 at 10:03pm
crap is relative.
if there are no crap fragrances then there are no masterpiece fragrances.
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post #19 of 57
7/23/06 at 10:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HackerX

there are no "crap" fragrances, if you dont like it then you dont like it, and let's leave it at that.

So true, but still "debates" like this one here seem to be endless... Scent solipsism, perhaps?
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post #20 of 57
7/23/06 at 10:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by genvy5

crap is relative.
if there are no crap fragrances then there are no masterpiece fragrances.

too true. You'll never find a consensus frag. Once we find something that 100% of us believe is wonderful Grant can just shut this place down. What would the point be.

After a while pn basenotes, you'll learn to single out particular other members who have similar noses and tastes to yours. Read their reviews, and disregard the rest (though, for less utilitarian purposes, its very fun to read the opinions of those who have contrary noses)
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post #21 of 57
7/23/06 at 10:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by genvy5

crap is relative.
if there are no crap fragrances then there are no masterpiece fragrances.

Sure, you can say whatever you want to say, this is a place to express freedom of words. And i'm not here to judge what people say, i just think that one better think twice before using the choice of word.

So tell me, is "crap" complementary to "masterpiece"?
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post #22 of 57
7/23/06 at 11:09pm
if crap rates a 1 and masterpiece rates a 10, then sure, it's antagonistic. i dont think you need to take intellectual offense to that, do you?
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post #23 of 57
7/23/06 at 11:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by genvy5

if crap rates a 1 and masterpiece rates a 10, then sure, it's antagonistic. i dont think you need to take intellectual offense to that, do you?

Maybe you misunderstood me, sure they are quite contradictory, but do you think "crap" is the right word to use? And does it make you intellectual to use a word such as "crap" to contradict with "masterpiece"? If you can convince me that "crap" sounds intellectual, please enlighten me.
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post #24 of 57
7/23/06 at 11:26pm
i don't care what word you replace crap with. i decided to use the word crap in lieu of this topic's focus, which seems mainly to be around the word crap. i can get far less intelligent in wording than the word crap, and conversely i can be far more intelligent in my wording. however i'm not trying to impress anyone here with my brainpower(obviously, or i'd take the extra centisecond to bother with punctuation, capitalization, etc)
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post #25 of 57
7/23/06 at 11:35pm
Oh, Crap.
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post #26 of 57
7/23/06 at 11:47pm
Fair enough. Of course to every "masterpiece" there is a "non-masterpiece", which in turn is a subjective matter. Obviously i know "crap" contradicts with "masterpiece" somewhat, and obviously i'm smart enough to know the difference. What i've been implying so far is the choice of words, that's why i put crap in "". Certainly, "crap" is offensive to a fragrance collector, every fragrance is an art, you dont have to like it, but that doesn't make it "crap", it surely can make "non-masterpiece". So i hope this misunderstanding is not taken too far. No offense taken at all.
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post #27 of 57
7/23/06 at 11:51pm
My wife thinks i'm somewhere between "crap" and a "masterpiece".
Hopefully i'm closer to the latter and not the former.


KO
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post #28 of 57
7/24/06 at 12:14am
why is there such a heated discussion going on over the word "crap"?? Why not discuss fragrances instead?

I mean really people, who gives a crap....
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post #29 of 57
7/24/06 at 12:22am
I love cologne
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post #30 of 57
7/24/06 at 12:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rockford

I love cologne

Me too!
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post #31 of 57
7/24/06 at 12:44am
ROFL, best thread ever.
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post #32 of 57
7/24/06 at 1:36am
And how about those frags that really do smell like crap? Like Eau Sauvage on me? Would get me plenty of compliments from coprophiliacs.
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post #33 of 57
7/24/06 at 4:08am
But crap was really used as a fragrance ingredient. Babies crap to be exact. I can't remember by which house, perhaps Guerlain. So, if that crap note was in a masterpiece, and you'd have to say it smells like crap to compliment the scent's authentic use of the crap note, then crap could actually = masterpiece... couldn't it?
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post #34 of 57
7/24/06 at 4:50am
Back on topic a tad. I believe Milamber had the right idea. Pick something safe. I believe you like the idea of a niche frag but only if it comes with the gratification of being universally loved. That's a tall order. A lot of niche frags are like independent music. They require more than the 5 seconds that most people give to truly appreciate it. Do't give up on these completely.
Milamber's list in this same thread should be a great starting point for you.
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post #35 of 57
7/24/06 at 5:21am
This is a board of fragrance afficionados. As such, although many of us enjoy some simple scents, many of us have developed tastes for more complex and unusual fragrances. This is not very unusual. If you went to a wine lovers board or a gourmand food board, I suspect people would be raving about complex flavors that the typical joe would find weird, distasteful, or even revolting. Some complex things just take a good bit experience to enjoy fully. Sure peanut butter and jelly, or a wine cooler may taste sweet and refreshing, but a gourmet wine or food board is unlikely the place where you would read about that. So what would one expect? On this board, many people will rave about stuff that at first sniff may not appeal to the nose at all. Some will never ever appeal to some noses.

You really cannot rely on others to give you the recommendations for what your favorite fragrances will be. It is worthwhile to take the time to determine what categories, notes, and styles appeal to you. Sometimes one can find someone else whose tastes are similar enough that one can read his or her reviews and have a reasonable sense that it will be likewise enjoyable--but no one likes ALL the same fragrances that someone else does.
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post #36 of 57
7/24/06 at 6:11am
Some perfume has crap-notes in it - they call it certain 'crap-accord'. I wish they use crab-juice as well, it will be good for a seafood bbq party. But seriously, civet notes are indeed animal-crap smell use in many expensive perfume. Google around and you can find out more.

The topic of this thread is 'Why some members are recommending crap?' They aren't, they love what they were recommending to you. Why do you think some people like eating parmesan cheese? It smells like something you dig out from your ears. Cheese-lovers know that the stinkier the cheese, the more fungus-infested it becomes, the better and tastier it is. Same with perfume, after collecting dozens of bottles - its natural to seek something different and unusual - even the ones that may seem odd and repulsive to certain people. Personally I think its best exercise balance, there are fragrance that can offend others around you, some are safer and tends to appeal to everyone. With music - you can carry an ipod and listen to the songs with the headphone without disturbing others around you. Perfume - you can't! People can smell you, you have to exercise your common sense.

Try getting some fresh smelling scents - they are the safer bet.
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post #37 of 57
7/24/06 at 8:11am
One thing I'm still trying to understand is the notion of a complex sense of smelling... People who only like Acqua di Gio, cool water etc have a non developed sense of smelling? People who love niche scents should be perfumers? I'm still trying to find out what's the right answer. All I know is that I like A LOT OF classic scents, A LOT OF aquatic/fresh fragrances and I HATE MOST of the niche stuff I've tried...
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post #38 of 57
7/24/06 at 8:39am
Thread Starter 
This sounds kinda degrading for me, but I'm more interested in finding the notes that come off me well, than finding the notes I like. Personally, I like the smell of lavender and tobacco, but I hate the way they smell when they are coming off me. 10% of my purpose for getting into colognes has to do with enjoying the scent myself. My main goal: I want to smell good, but with scents that aren't too mainstream. Like, Cool Water does work well with me, but that's a bit too popular. My reason for being here should be one commonly heard, so hopefully no one is surprised.

Again, I want to find some uncommon/not-too-popular scents that smell good on me, that I like, and that most people will like as well. I mean, if the verdict is split 50/50 on the stuff I wear (as in half like it, and half don't), then even then I'd be alright.
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post #39 of 57
7/24/06 at 9:12am
I'm still anxious to hear from the OP about his new purchases.
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post #40 of 57
7/24/06 at 11:19am
this may be an off topic suggestion...have you tried black XS by paco rabanne, very mainstream notes but in a non conformist arrangement...men and women both give comps on this one to many on here....
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post #41 of 57
7/24/06 at 12:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrBubba

I'm still anxious to hear from the OP about his new purchases.

I ordered them, but I have not received the items as yet.
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post #42 of 57
7/24/06 at 3:26pm
Sometimes I would like a bottle so much that I would try to convince myself I liked the scent.The last time I had this problem was with Givenchys Very Irresistable. Not bad, but not good enough to buy for the bottle alone. I had this problem big at one time.Now, Im stronger.
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post #43 of 57
7/24/06 at 4:40pm
...
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post #44 of 57
7/24/06 at 5:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Derawk

There are a few factors to keep in mind, body chemistry, the weather, and unrefined noses.

In middle school, this kid smelled like he crapped himself, and everyone was keeping their distance... he said he put on his dad's cologne, I think he said it was obsession.

Now I've heard that obsession doesn't smell like knickers full of crap, so I must assume that either that kid crapped his pants, or it just didn't work with his body chemistry, or we all had bad taste in cologne because it really did smell like shit to us.

Personally, I've lacked of chemistry with a cologne (Live Jazz), it smelled fine in the bottle though, only when on my skin did it smell like burnt monkey fur.

As far as Armand Basi Homme, try it in colder weather as opposed to the heat. I know some colognes go with certain seasons, and that one isn't a summer scent in my opinion.

A lot of people would hate Ungaro III in summertime, and a lot of people hate Guerlain Vetiver in wintertime...

Dude, Terre D' Hermes is good, IMHO, in warm weather. I've found myself wearing it to work almost everyday, and when it gets hot, it just gets better.

You'll have to keep us informed on the next batch.

I didn't get Terre yet. You have now gotten my hopes up.

I'll try what you said about Armand Basi.
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post #45 of 57
7/24/06 at 6:19pm
I can really sympathise with you man, because I'm another one who wears fragrance about 30 percent for myself and 70 percent so i smell good to other people. In an average day I'm bouncing from meeting to meeting trying to convince people that my opinion is the right one. If I smell like garbage then its going to be that much harder.

Some people would feel bad and say that you should wear it for yourself, and would say how sad it is that I don't have the confidence to just wear what I love. But for me, and it seems for the original poster, fragrance is, yes, a luxury item, but one with a very utilitarian purpose. Its another part of my outfit. While I might think a fire engine red and purple pinstripe suit is neat, I'm not going to wear it. People would think I looked like weirdo. Thats why I don't wear in your face fragrances.

Azzaro Visit
Emporio Armani He
Dior Fahrenheit
L'eau D'issey by Issey Miyake
Versace The Dreamer

Are all standards and favorites, I also just got a sample pack from Trumpers and I've enjoyed everything I've tried so far, especially Royal. You might want to send an email to Geo. F. Trumper, ask for royal, gft, wellington, bay rum, sandalwood, maybe a few others, they are classic, warm and elegant might be your style, but don't take my word for it.
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post #46 of 57
7/24/06 at 6:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by joellark

I notice that sometimes someone talks about how well-made a fragrance is, and how its a must-have, but when I get the fragrance it smells like crap (both from sniffing the bottle, and after spraying some on myself)? Is this just a result of my body chemistry, or is it just that the fragrance is reported to be nice because someone programmed themselves to like it?

My Friend,
I know you're bummed, and I'm sorry about that. This may be a hard lesson to learn, but it's one we all go through.

If you let other people choose all your music, would you expect to get stuff you liked?

And if you like something, but others don't, does that make you a jerk, and all of them right? More importantly, if you don't like something, does that mean it universally sucks?

I would hope your answer would be no to all of those, but if not, then you have a lot more annoyance coming your way.

The good news is that by actually trying things yourself, you'll get the real answers you need, and that's exactly what you're doing!
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post #47 of 57
7/24/06 at 11:43pm
This is a place to learn about fragrance, to learn what's out there and what other people like. Until the WWW can transmit odors, it will never be a place to learn what you like.

I can only think of two possible answers to the title question:

1. You are expressing an opinion; or
2. You are mischievous or a sadist, and take pleasure in convincing others to waste their money on Guanorade or whatever

My favorite sushi is saba, by the way. You will love it. Or not.
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post #48 of 57
7/24/06 at 11:57pm
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's the same thing with fragrances. A scent that beautiful to one person is not necessarily beautiful to someone else. This is a silly thread and debate. It should have been ended a long time ago.

Joellark, go to the mall and smell and test different fragrances. Ask for samples if you want to also. You shouldnt just give up after blindly ordering some fragrances.
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post #49 of 57
7/25/06 at 12:01am
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post #50 of 57
7/25/06 at 9:24pm
Thread Starter 
Items recently received, and what I think:

New Haarlem Bond No. 9 New York 2003 -- I haven't tried this on yet, but just sniffing the bottle, this thing smells weird as hell. I think I'll wait for the weekend before I spray some on.

Égoïste / L'Égoïste Chanel 1990 -- Will try tommorow.

Bois du Portugal Creed 1987 -- Eww. I am very happy I didn't spend hundreds to get a full bottle of this stuff. It is so highly rated, and yet is so sharp and intrusive. Its alright, though, because it doesn't smell bad. I just wonder when I'd ever be able to wear it. Am I right in thinking this smells like Azzaro, or Cartier?

Ambre Extrême L'Artisan Parfumeur 2001 -- Yummy.

Idole de Lubin Lubin 2005 -- Haven't tried.

Chergui Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido 2001 -- Another I haven't tried.

Relax -- Wow. Weird is right. I'm not sure if I love it or hate it. It smells different, and NOT bad. But I'm not sure if its the good I'm looking for. I'll keep wearing this one, though!

M7 Fresh -- What a bummer. I was expecting some refreshing scent, but I didn't really get one. I put this on after Relax (wore relax to bed, showered, then wore this to work), so maybe that's why I think they smell similar.

I'm wearing Chergui to bed tonight, so we'll see how that goes.

I'm actually excited about the whole sample/decant splurge I went on. I can't wait for the rest of the stuff I got to come in.
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post #51 of 57
7/25/06 at 9:45pm
Hey joellark, I suggest you might want to give these fragrances some time to reveal themselves to you. It often takes me several wearings and the passage of weeks or even months before I learn to understand and appreciate a fragrance (of course, sometimes I "get" a fragrance immediately, as soon as I spray it on my skin).
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post #52 of 57
7/25/06 at 10:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by joellark

I didn't get Terre yet. You have now gotten my hopes up.

I'll try what you said about Armand Basi.


You may also want to try Very Irresistable Summer (also has a grapefruit accord) or even Azzaro Chrome.

Chrome is about as "safe" as it gets... and I have yet to find a girl or woman that didn't like it.
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post #53 of 57
7/29/06 at 11:52am
Thread Starter 
New Haarlem Bond No. 9 New York 2003 -- HORRIBLE. Smells like boiling caramel. This one made me want to vomit.

Égoïste / L'Égoïste Chanel 1990 -- HORRIBLE. Smells like the those fake scented wood chips that you find in bathrooms. I'm getting sick from smelling this.

Idole de Lubin Lubin 2005 -- Not for me.

Chergui Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido 2001 -- Very nice scent.

Bois du Portugal Creed 1987 -- Eww. I am very happy I didn't spend hundreds to get a full bottle of this stuff. It is so highly rated, and yet is so sharp and intrusive. Its alright, though, because it doesn't smell bad. I just wonder when I'd ever be able to wear it. Am I right in thinking this smells like Azzaro, or Cartier?

Ambre Extrême L'Artisan Parfumeur 2001 -- Yummy.

Relax -- Wow. Weird is right. I'm not sure if I love it or hate it. It smells different, and NOT bad. But I'm not sure if its the good I'm looking for. I'll keep wearing this one, though!

M7 Fresh -- What a bummer. I was expecting some refreshing scent, but I didn't really get one. I put this on after Relax (wore relax to bed, showered, then wore this to work), so maybe that's why I think they smell similar.
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post #54 of 57
7/29/06 at 10:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by joellark

Chergui Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido 2001 -- Very nice scent.

Ambre Extrême L'Artisan Parfumeur 2001 -- Yummy.

Alright, so you've helped us to establish that your nose likes really sweet scents. You should without delay go out and obtain decants or samples of the following: Roma Uomo by Laura Biagiotti; Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens; Pi by Givenchy; Jacomo de Jacomo Rouge; and Versace Man. You are SURE to love one of these and it will project beautifully off of you.

Jeff
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post #55 of 57
7/29/06 at 10:46pm
Thread Starter 
Hi,

What other samples would you recommend, given that I get along well with the following:

Ungaro III
Cool Water
Drakkar Noir
M7 Fresh
Relax

And that I don't really like the following:

New Haarlem
Yang
Laguna
Egoiste
Idole
Orange Blossom
Bois de Portugal
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post #56 of 57
7/30/06 at 1:53am
I think you dislike strong heady fragrances, none of the ones you like are niche, so maybe thats a hint!

If you like Coolwater, give GIT a try you will most probably like it as well.

Go for eau de parfum, not eau de toilette - maybe thats why it smells like crap to you!
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post #57 of 57
8/2/06 at 2:04pm
Yo,

What is fantastic for me is probably horrible for you

One word of advice is to try before buying - more than once

It is like if you get married without having "tried" a bit - see what I mean could be stuck a life time on something horrible LOLLLLLLLLLL

Thank god - here it will last you only 100 ml

Laurent
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