What to try next?

Hi, this is my first post, and I'm looking for some ideas and guidance.

About two years ago, I came across this article http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/lif...cle1449464.ece

Curiosity piqued, I kept it for a while, then eventually bought myself 100ml of Habit Rouge. Loved it, and now it's nearly gone.

Then I bought 125ml of Pour un Homme. Bit disappointed with it, if I'm honest; it seems a bit one-dimensional, and I'm not the biggest fan of lavender. But I still wear it as a work-a-day because it's light and pleasant, and I think it's sensible to persevere. I don't hate it.

I recently bought some Hammam Bouquet (just 50ml, learning here) and while I prefer this to Pour un Homme, and do clearly like a powdery oriental, sometimes I can't help thinking all I smell of is babies. And for some reason too I keep thinking "liquorice", but have no idea why. I still like it, though, it's got something to it.

Anyway, I was in House of Fraser this weekend, and happened to spot the Guerlain stand. My little face lit up like a christmas tree. I tried Vetiver on one hand, and Heritage on the other. I thought I liked Vetiver at first, because all I could smell was spanking fresh leather, and that was a new experience, though after a while of sniffing my wrist, I did feel a bit sick. Heritage I preferred, I think, but it is quite sweet compared to Habit Rouge, and reminds me of Obsession for Men. Which I once had a small bottle off, and liked, but perhaps find a little sweet now.

I was kind of surprised and disappointed I didn't like these Guerlain fragrances, I guess I was hoping for at least one epiphany after liking Habit Rouge so much.

So now I feel a bit confused about what I actually like. I should probably also mention I tried Dior Homme last week, and found it way too sweet. I definitely don't like gourmands, and don't understand why anyone would want to smell like food. I also have some testers from Florascent, and liked the Vetiver, Santal and Habana, but not the dry Soleil herby one.

Oh, and I tried some Aramis Classic last week, wanted to like it, but while I can see what makes people like it, it hurt my nose after a while so that's definitely not me either.

Hmm.

I think basenotes is a great site, and find reading everyone's different opinions very interesting, but I have learned that smell is highly subjective and that perhaps over-analysis does not help me decide what I will like.

I've also realised I really lucked out with Habit Rouge as my first purchase.

Oh, I've tried Terre D'Hermes a few times too, and actually quite like it for its simplicity, so have an 8ml sampler on the way from Perfumed Court.

Sorry to ramble a bit, but if anyone has any comments or pointers, I'd be happy to hear them.

Many thanks.

Thanks for your reply Brad. I did like the vetiver from florascent, and like I said was surprised at my ambivalence to the Guerlain, but I may well try a sampler of Tom Ford.

What would anyone else recommend for someone who likes Habit Rouge, Hammam Bouquet and Terre D'hermes?

Thanks noggs.

I have tried Pour Monsieur, and liked it, though it might be a little subtle for me. I will definitely try it again though, on its own rather than on a stick. I do like Fahrenheit, so will try the Absolute, and look out for the others you mention also.

Yes, Gentleman is on the radar - I tried it on my coat this weekend, and it's definitely the next one I'll try on my skin. Will check out Third Man too.

This is going to cost me a fortune..

Heh.

Got me a sample of this after taking a sprayed card away from Harrods whilst on a day-trip, along with Bois du Portugal and Third Man. This was the one I kept coming back to sniff. It really is great!

CPM I've bought a sample of in Concentree, and like, though don't yet love. I think it might take a while; she's subtle alright.

Tiffany and Lalique I've found it hard to get samples of. Ebay is like $10 then same again for shipping from States. Tiffany customer services want your phone number; though their website form says it's optional, they then write to you and ask for it. Hmm.

Fahrenheit Absolute is a definite goodie - even my girlfriend likes it.

Thanks for tips!

Hi Ken. Dammit, that's more to add to my list!!! However, of these, I already have a few samplers:

Declaration I like and is perhaps more tolerable to me than Eau d'Hermes (I just don't get that, wish I did).
Opus 1870 I've only worn a few times, need a few more goes, but nice.
Endymion Man, is it just me or does this smell like fly spray? Only tried it once, but spent all my time thinking of the colour purple, fly spray/air freshener or something synthetic and trying to place it. Not overwhelmed, though I will try again. Much prefer Hammam Bouquet - more interesting than all other Penhaligon's I've tried, though I've not tried Castile yet.
Mouchoir de Monsieur I had on yesterday. I really like the Habit Rouge and Heritage, but to me - at the moment - MdM is too much powder (babies covered in talc), little complexity to balance the sweetness, though with a tiny peep of Heritage somewhere.
Jaipur Homme, right? Having read reviews for this, it sounds like I'd like it, and it's definitely on the to-try list.

Will look into Santos, No. 88 and Ungaro III too.

Thanks for recommendations though! All comments are, of course, only my personal opinion (i.e., please take no offense)

Having checked out reviews, I think I am going to like Santos, No. 88 and Ungaro III. This hobby is crazy!!

Thanks again!

Thanks very much!

A package of samplers, including Piper Negrum, Eau de Guerlain (both 2ml) and 5ml of Daim Blond and 10ml of Heritage arrived today.

God, I am LOVING that Heritage!