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Need a replacement - difficult question!

post #1 of 16
Thread Starter 
I need some help guys - I wouldn't start a thread like this thread if I didn't!

Lately, Mugler Cologne haven't been as it used to be, or the experience haven't, to be more precise. Juice have not changed, i have. Nowadays it smells synthetic and sour to my nose. All four bottles I have tried. No fragrance in my wardrobe serves the purpose MC did back in the days - it was clean, pleasant, natural (sigh), casual and somehow not tiring. It wasn't bad in the gym, yet - here is an important point - it still wasn't actually sporty in a banal way.

As the title suggests, this is not that easy. I don't want any of the designer fragrances - Allure Homme Sport Cologne was very nice, but in the end not what I'm looking for. I am very familiar with Gendarme and Original Vetiver. I really don't want Gendarme - it's synthetic, fake, white and clean. It has no real substance; even smell of good quality soap has some nostalgia, smell of cleaning detergent or fabric softener does not. It is just as real as a smile on Miss America's face. Original Vetiver then again is a great scent, but despite being similar to MC, it's drydown is fuller and more sophisticated. For me, it's not a replacement. I don't want white musk drydown, it must smell absolutely natural. It can be green or more citrusy - although I don't want sweet citrus. Basenotes better be earthy than soft and powdery. Longevity is not important, let alone sillage. Traditional colognes often has this sophistication that doesn't quite fit my purposes.

Thanks for reading - I count on your help!
post #2 of 16
My problem with MC has always been the drydown too. If I had to, I'd choose OV between the two.
However, in reality, my choice of "cologne" type scents (although they're not that in the traditional sense) are YSL Pour Homme (origianl or concentrated) and Armani Eau Pour Homme.
YSL is simple, a little peppery/incensy, and has a "dusty" vetiver drydown and Armani is very classy and understated with just enough complexity. Both give you enough substance and longevity as opposed to traditional colognes and most important for me, no "barbershop" notes (for me at least).
Otherwise, I'd go with a vetiver by Roger & Gallet, L'Aromarine, or CdG (cologne series).
RM
post #3 of 16
I don't think it's that difficult, though you may disagree
1st choice: Creed Selection Verte
2nd choice: CdG Vettiveru
3rd choice: Adolfo Dominguez Vetiver hombre
4th choice: any good Eau de Cologne - particularly Farina Gegenüber and Guerlain Eau Impériale for zesty freshness, R&G Extra Vieille for more neroli (much cheaper as well)
5th choice: Trumper Extract of West Indian Limes - short but fabulous

That's what I can think of offhand, though there are quite a few more.
post #4 of 16
I thought of Selection Verte too.
post #5 of 16
Concentree Eau d'Orange Verte by Hermes will work nicely.
post #6 of 16
I will add Trumper's GFT. A beautiful, natural smelling citrus with a some spice, a little musk and some wood in the base. It remains "natural" and lasts very long. It takes freshness and traditional eau de cologne to a different level.
Nothing like Mugler's Cologne but I think it'll fit your requirements. Not sweet, not green, very, very natural smelling citrus made from quality ingredients. Nothing soft and powdery in the base.
The longevity and some sillage will be added benefits for you.

Eric
post #7 of 16
I would suggest trying Iceberg Twice Homme.
post #8 of 16
I 2nd Vettiveru by CDG, and will add Sel de Vetiver by The Different Company, Eau Sauvage or Monsieur de Givenchy, and Mandragore by Annick Goutal for something a bit different.
post #9 of 16
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys!

It sure is difficult for me; otherwise I would have not asked! Selection Verte for example doesn't fit to my mental image - most likely it's due to my text not corresponding with my idea of what I am searching for, so my bad. Any good eau de cologne is an answer I would have figured out myself if it would have satisfied me. I often associate fine eau de cologne with sophistication and tradition. I have tons of classy fresh scents, I want something else... something I can't quite describe. When I said longevity is not an issue, I didn't remember Trumper's Limes existed . Sorry mate for being critical, I just want to point out that my question (or maybe just my thought behind it) is not quite that obvious.

CdG Vettiveru, now that's a good suggestion. Perfect one, in fact!
post #10 of 16
There is new Gaultier which people say is similar to Mugler Cologne. There is also Lancome Miracle Aquatonic.

And I would suggest CK Truth.
post #11 of 16
Hey,

Have you tried Etro`s Palais Jamais?? I thinks it`s an amazing scent. And you know what, I haven`t smelled anything that spells Finland more like this one. Really, it is the summer in Finland, bottled.

To me it is extremely natural smelling, fresh, but it also has tons of character to it. Very unique stuff. Green, a bit bitter and smoky, subtle yet complex, both soothing and vitalizing only depending on your need and mood. It`s quite strange indeed. There`s something that is very remiscent to the smell of fresh, oily and waxy birch leaves.

I have seen two very different kind of pyramids for this one. The official goes like this :

Top: Bergamot, Tangerine, Petitgrain, Jasmin
Middle : Birch, Sage, Musk
Base : Vetiver, Oakmoss

However, I have also seen a different kind of pyramid for this, and to me it makes even more sense. This one is available right here : http://parfyym.pri.ee/ (it`s Estonian)

Top: Tuberose, Jasmin, Ylang-Ylang, Mimosa, Violet, Mandarin
Middle: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk
Base: Leather, Tobacco, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Vanilla, Civet



Palais Jamais is kind of controversial scent, it probably needs some time to be understood, and it`s nothing like Mugler Cologne. Still, I thought this was quite an appropriate suggestion.
It was a blind buy for me in the past, and at first it was a disapointment. To be honest, I thought it was pretty lame.
But I gave it one chance after another, and eventually it stole my heart completely. Now in my books it is a 5 star fragrance all the way. Very recommended, and Perfume Emporium has it in quite good discount price.
post #12 of 16
What about
l'Eau par Kenzo
Givenchy Vetiver
Concentrée d'orange verte?
post #13 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny_Ludlow View Post

...I really don't want Gendarme - it's synthetic, fake, white and clean. It has no real substance; even smell of good quality...

There's a myth.

Gendarme's success is based on the consistent use of above avergage raw materials. It smells great (smell it others to get a better idea) and the high quality blending is precisely what belies its substance. After wearing it for awhile, I find it far more satisfying and susbtantial than some of the others mentioned. I prefer Gendarme V, as the civet gives it a little more complexity and makes it more interesting in the long run.
post #14 of 16
Here`s my suggestion:
- Guerlain Vetiver
- Lancome Miracle L`Aquatonic
- Gaultier Monsieur Eau Du Matin
post #15 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny_Ludlow View Post

Thanks guys!

It sure is difficult for me; otherwise I would have not asked! Selection Verte for example doesn't fit to my mental image - most likely it's due to my text not corresponding with my idea of what I am searching for, so my bad. Any good eau de cologne is an answer I would have figured out myself if it would have satisfied me. I often associate fine eau de cologne with sophistication and tradition. I have tons of classy fresh scents, I want something else... something I can't quite describe. When I said longevity is not an issue, I didn't remember Trumper's Limes existed . Sorry mate for being critical, I just want to point out that my question (or maybe just my thought behind it) is not quite that obvious.

CdG Vettiveru, now that's a good suggestion. Perfect one, in fact!

1 out of 5 ain't bad

Here are some more possibilities:
Acqua di Portofino EdT (uomo)
Clear citrus/green, no powder, but not EdC-style. Very leisurely, refreshing and natural-smelling

de Nicolai Balle de Match: Queen of grapefruits, otherwise like above

Sisley Eau de Campagne: grassy green, tomato leaf. Whether it smells natural is a matter of debate. The illusion works for me.

Fragonard Eau de Hongrie: "authentic, timeless and elegantly sober" (scenteur7).

Laura Tonnato Albi: although there's a certain sweetness about this it has nothing to do with what passes these days as sweetness in designer frags. Quite unique.

If Selection Verte isn't the right thing this will be neither, but I'll still mention Fath Green Water, because it's so good
post #16 of 16
I third the suggestions of Lancome Miracle L'Aquatonic!
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