I've been out sniffing today, as I start my investigations.
I have a fair idea of what my local outlets (Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis, and a couple of others) have available for sampling, and I chose a small number to test on my skin. The process was - spray a different fragrance on each wrist (they seem to develop more quickly on my wrist than anywhere else), then go walk around and see how they go, make some notes, find a washroom and wash my wrists clean, then go find another two to test. Anyway. here's what I tried and what I thought...
Cerruti 1881: Smelled of mouthwash. Didn't like it
CK be: Smell seemed sort of chemical and artificial, and had very little longevity on me. Didn't like it.
Givenchy Gentleman: Packed with fragrance, with nice but not overstated vetiver, and a great spicy leathery base. It took a lot of soap and hot water to wash it off, so I expect it will last a long time on the skin. A firm winner so far, and one I will definitely test again.
Body Shop White Musk: I'd heard good things about this, and I was quite impressed. It has a light but sweet fragrance. Don't know how long it would last, but it seems linear - I only gave it about 40 minutes, but its scent didn't change at all in that time. It's exceptionally good for the price, but I'm not sure if it's for me - I'll have to try it again.
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver: A more delicate vetiver than the one I have (Guerlain), and it seems more "modern", if that makes sense. It seems quite finely balanced, and I can see why people like it. I don't think it's for me - but I wouldn't rule it out.
Tom Ford White Patchouli: Didn't like this at all - I got a sour smell that I really found disagreeable.
Prada Infusion d'Homme: Want to smell like those shops that sell old hippie clothes and "new age" paraphernalia, and are heavy with musty incense? Then get some of this. I don't, so I won't. This one took a lot of washing off.
Chanel No 5: Yeah, I know this is supposed to be a women's fragrance, but my wife has been using it on and off for years, and I don't see why there should be a gender distinction - given a few minutes for the possibly feminine opening to subside a little. Wife hasn't actually had a bottle for a little while, so I had some while it was there in the store - and it's the same classic it ever was. I must buy her a new bottle so I can steal some.
That was about it - I tentatively tried a couple of others, but my nose was exhausted, so I'll come back to those another day.
I have a fair idea of what my local outlets (Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis, and a couple of others) have available for sampling, and I chose a small number to test on my skin. The process was - spray a different fragrance on each wrist (they seem to develop more quickly on my wrist than anywhere else), then go walk around and see how they go, make some notes, find a washroom and wash my wrists clean, then go find another two to test. Anyway. here's what I tried and what I thought...
Cerruti 1881: Smelled of mouthwash. Didn't like it
CK be: Smell seemed sort of chemical and artificial, and had very little longevity on me. Didn't like it.
Givenchy Gentleman: Packed with fragrance, with nice but not overstated vetiver, and a great spicy leathery base. It took a lot of soap and hot water to wash it off, so I expect it will last a long time on the skin. A firm winner so far, and one I will definitely test again.
Body Shop White Musk: I'd heard good things about this, and I was quite impressed. It has a light but sweet fragrance. Don't know how long it would last, but it seems linear - I only gave it about 40 minutes, but its scent didn't change at all in that time. It's exceptionally good for the price, but I'm not sure if it's for me - I'll have to try it again.
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver: A more delicate vetiver than the one I have (Guerlain), and it seems more "modern", if that makes sense. It seems quite finely balanced, and I can see why people like it. I don't think it's for me - but I wouldn't rule it out.
Tom Ford White Patchouli: Didn't like this at all - I got a sour smell that I really found disagreeable.
Prada Infusion d'Homme: Want to smell like those shops that sell old hippie clothes and "new age" paraphernalia, and are heavy with musty incense? Then get some of this. I don't, so I won't. This one took a lot of washing off.
Chanel No 5: Yeah, I know this is supposed to be a women's fragrance, but my wife has been using it on and off for years, and I don't see why there should be a gender distinction - given a few minutes for the possibly feminine opening to subside a little. Wife hasn't actually had a bottle for a little while, so I had some while it was there in the store - and it's the same classic it ever was. I must buy her a new bottle so I can steal some.
That was about it - I tentatively tried a couple of others, but my nose was exhausted, so I'll come back to those another day.
)
