Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › Fragrance Discussion › Just Starting Out › What size colognes do you normally buy?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

What size colognes do you normally buy?

post #1 of 51
1/10/13 at 12:01am
Thread Starter 
I'm considering buying a Tom Ford cologne, but I'm not sure if I should spend extra for the 100ml or just buy the 50ml. The 100ml is cheaper by the ounce, but just how many sprays can one get out of 50ml? Seems like most colognes are sold around the 100ml scale.
Reply
Reply

Features on Basenotes

Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
post #2 of 51
1/10/13 at 1:15am
Its up to you.

I buy the largest (up to 400ml). This way I don't need to keep registry of whats finishing and needs replenishing and so on. Buying the largest of everything will ascertain I have it (in its current formulation not some watered down future version) for longer.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 51
1/10/13 at 1:44am
^
^
Agree to what he said.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 51
1/10/13 at 1:51am
If you know you love it, its worthwhile to get the larger size.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 51
1/10/13 at 2:05am
2 or 3ml samples for test rides.
5ml samples if I think I'll like it.
50ml if I like it.
100ml if I love it.
250ml flacon if I love it enough to rebuy.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 51
1/10/13 at 2:19am
If you have a large enough wardrobe, you'll probably never end up finishing a larger bottle. Unless you want to collect the bottle or there's a nominal difference of price for the larger unit, it makes more sense economically to buy smaller (50ml) bottles.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 51
1/10/13 at 2:20am
Oddly the largest bottle I bought so far was 200ml of ESL Nuit, one of my first buys, and I don't like it much or wear it at all anymore. Still, I would continue to buy the largest if only for the volume discount.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 51
1/10/13 at 2:45am
Regularly, mostly bottles of 75 ml, 100 ml or above.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 51
1/10/13 at 3:02am
I only own a few 100ml bottles, these are fragrances I know I'll keep buying again.

Then some < 50ml bottles that have come about due to successful sampling.

And finally dozens of samples!
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 51
1/10/13 at 3:29am
Usually the 100ml size because purchasing the 50ml costs more ml per ml.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 51
1/10/13 at 3:42am
I'm a sucker for the deal and most of the time I'll buy the bigger (not biggest) bottle if it's close to the price of the 50 mL. I never buy the huge bottle because I simply won't go through that much juice myself and I don't decant so the excess is just a waste. My favorite size is a 75 mL.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 51
1/10/13 at 3:42am
I don't wish to have bottles lying around for years and so I buy small sizes (30-50mls) whenever possible, unless there is risk it will be discontinued.

A large volume is not good value unless you use it all.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 51
1/10/13 at 3:45am
It depends on several things. Current monetary disposal, degree of love for the fragrance, availability....
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 51
1/10/13 at 6:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by alfarom View Post

It depends on several things. Current monetary disposal, degree of love for the fragrance, availability....

That's how I do it also. With the rare case where I buy a size based solely on how much I like the bottle design of the bigger/smaller.
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 51
1/10/13 at 6:56am
In my case - 100ml or larger is the general rule.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 51
1/10/13 at 7:01am
Usually 1 oz (30ml) if available. Otherwise 50ml. It's rare that I get to finish a bottle with so many fragrance on rotation. The cost per ml argument only applies if you finish a bottle. If you don't you'd have spent more on the same fragrance than someone who bought the smaller size. Food for thought, eh?
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 51
1/10/13 at 7:41am
  • TLS
  • offline
  • Gender:
At first I bought the 100ml bottles because off the price/ml...

But now I buy the 50 ml or the 30 ml if available... Too many bottles now...
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 51
1/10/13 at 8:08am
I prefer 30-50 ml if buying blind. cost per ml is the only factor choosing between 50 ml or 100 ml. With too many fragrance in wardrobe it is difficult to get through 100 ml of a fragrance.
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 51
1/10/13 at 8:45am
Usually 100ml . . . better value and resale is also a consideration.
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 51
1/10/13 at 9:47am
standard 100ml, but ill get a split if its economical
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 51
1/10/13 at 9:57am
I prefer 50ml or 75ml bottles as they don't take that much room and can also take it with me when travelling. Sometimes I buy 100ml as well if the cost between 75 and 100 is minuscule.
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 51
1/10/13 at 10:17am
  • del
  • offline
  • Gender:
Quote:
Originally Posted by alfarom View Post

It depends on several things. Current monetary disposal, degree of love for the fragrance, availability....

I'm in the 100ml camp, especially if the deal is irresistible, but I think I'm beginning to go this way ^ ^ ^





2676
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 51
1/10/13 at 10:19am
  • pav
  • offline
  • Gender:
Split of aventus is exellent buy But i want 100ml original flacon

Ending my 50ml of DHI
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 51
1/10/13 at 10:20am
I get 30ml and 100ml if i really like it
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 51
1/10/13 at 10:20am
I prefer small sizes (50 ml or even less, if available) and don't care for the higher price per ml (I tend to consider the actual expense, which is lower in any case). Big bottles, and the idea of never finishing them, make me slightly anxious
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 51
1/10/13 at 10:28am
I like the larger (75-100 ml) bottles too.
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 51
1/10/13 at 10:42am
  • TLS
  • offline
  • Gender:
Quote:
Originally Posted by iodine View Post

I prefer small sizes (50 ml or even less, if available) and don't care for the higher price per ml (I tend to consider the actual expense, which is lower in any case). Big bottles, and the idea of never finishing them, make me slightly anxious

Agree!
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 51
1/10/13 at 11:23am
Again...it's up to you and how often you plan on wearing it and/or how many other frags you own. For me...something in the 40-50 ML area is all I will likely need of any scent.
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 51
1/10/13 at 11:34am
Whatever is best value
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 51
1/10/13 at 1:11pm
I was going to start a new post similar to this, but will look for the answer here. I'm a newbie, and have typically owned no more than 2-3 bottles at any given time. After getting started here, I have my next 8-10 purchases already "mapped out," and am wondering how long fragrance keeps. I usually buy the 100 ml (3-4 ounce) size, but with a lot of scents, I can imagine it taking a long time, if ever, to get through them. Knowing that many buy "vintage" scents, am I correct in assuming that fragrances will keep for years? I think the larger size makes sense, but only if the juice will stay the same for at least a few years. Thoughts or guidance appreciated. Thanks.
Reply
Reply
post #31 of 51
1/10/13 at 1:29pm
I usually go for 50 mL because I plan to keep adding to my wardrobe and don't think I'll even use it all up
Reply
Reply
post #32 of 51
1/10/13 at 1:44pm
I usually buy the 3.4oz. or 100ml size. My skin eats fragrances so I tend to use more than the average person, unless it's an EDP or a powerhouse frag.
Reply
Reply
post #33 of 51
1/11/13 at 4:17am
Always 3.4oz. The smallest i own is Serge Lutens Chergui, and thats only because i couldnt find a bigger one.
Reply
Reply
post #34 of 51
1/11/13 at 11:27am
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys. I think I'll go with the 100ml sizes. Colognes last for years, correct?
Reply
Reply
post #35 of 51
1/12/13 at 12:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diamondflame View Post

Usually 1 oz (30ml) if available. Otherwise 50ml. It's rare that I get to finish a bottle with so many fragrance on rotation. The cost per ml argument only applies if you finish a bottle. If you don't you'd have spent more on the same fragrance than someone who bought the smaller size. Food for thought, eh?

A nice way around this is to use at least 2 perfumes n weekdays and 3 on weekends.
One for work, then another perfume in the afternoon/evening after work.
On weekends, one in the morning, then another in the afternoon and finally a third in the evening.
Spray liberally too. It'll drown out the Tempeh (I love the smell of tempeh though).
Reply
Reply
post #36 of 51
1/13/13 at 11:45am
Almost always the 100ml if it's available. It just feels right.
Reply
Reply
post #37 of 51
1/13/13 at 12:10pm
The smallest full size (not mini) bottle possible, generally, since I don't tend to go through perfumes very quickly. That being said, I seem to be positively racing through my 2.5 oz Sycomore, so that one might prove the exception.
Reply
Reply
post #38 of 51
1/13/13 at 12:58pm
The smallest available size, including minis. Even one ounce is too much; half an ounce is my ideal, 10ml will work, but I do prefer a manufacturer's bottle. The only exception so far is Osmanthe Yunnan, which is so light that I use three times as much as for anything else.
Reply
Reply
post #39 of 51
1/13/13 at 1:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diamondflame View Post

Usually 1 oz (30ml) if available. Otherwise 50ml. It's rare that I get to finish a bottle with so many fragrance on rotation. The cost per ml argument only applies if you finish a bottle. If you don't you'd have spent more on the same fragrance than someone who bought the smaller size. Food for thought, eh?

Same here.
Reply
Reply
post #40 of 51
1/13/13 at 2:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by southerngardens View Post

I usually buy the 3.4oz. or 100ml size. My skin eats fragrances so I tend to use more than the average person, unless it's an EDP or a powerhouse frag.

I hear you my friend. I just cannot be a 2-3 spray guy, 2-3 sprays are lost on me and not due anosmia ( if that's a word) or olfactory fatigue, I just seem to absorb the stuff.
Reply
Reply
post #41 of 51
1/13/13 at 5:16pm
100 ml only or the largest size. Looks better when u have all the same size bottles in ur collection
Reply
Reply
post #42 of 51
1/13/13 at 5:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by totaldominasian View Post

Thanks guys. I think I'll go with the 100ml sizes. Colognes last for years, correct?

Correct . . . protect from heat and light.
Reply
Reply
post #43 of 51
1/15/13 at 7:29pm
3.4 oz if the difference is $15 or less.
Reply
Reply
post #44 of 51
1/15/13 at 7:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scentsucker View Post

I don't wish to have bottles lying around for years and so I buy small sizes (30-50mls) whenever possible, unless there is risk it will be discontinued.

A large volume is not good value unless you use it all.

very good thought..i agree
Reply
Reply
post #45 of 51
1/15/13 at 9:31pm
I generally go for 100ml bottles, largely because the cost per ml is a lot less than for smaller bottles. But even with my relatively small wardrobe and with my wife sharing some of them, I've probably got enough for around 10-15 years even if I don't buy any more, which in fact I will. (And some of my favourites are doubled up too - Jicky EdP, Rive Gauche, Eau Sauvage Parfum)

Quote:
A large volume is not good value unless you use it all

Exactly.

So will I move to buying smaller bottles? Shouldn't think so
Reply
Reply
post #46 of 51
1/16/13 at 6:04pm
I would buy everything in 30ml if they made it for everything
Reply
Reply
post #47 of 51
1/17/13 at 6:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeJ View Post

3.4 oz if the difference is $15 or less.

This.....^^^^^^

I only own 1; 1oz bottle, 6; 1.7 oz bottles and 2; 2.5 oz bottles.

My 1.7 oz of Aventus will definitely be fbw, if and when I ever use up. I feel as though this will be a big hit in spring and summer for me.
Reply
Reply
post #48 of 51
1/17/13 at 6:43am
Honestly? Whatever's cheap! (following successful sampling, only occasionally buying blind).

I currently don't have a lot of funds available to indulge my hobby but I do like like to own a variety of scents in all shapes and sizes so I tend to shop for bargains.

I have a few 100ml bottles that I picked up for very little, such as Aspen, Paul Smith Man, Colors Uomo and Oscar for Men (all under £19, some way under!). I also have 100ml of A*Men Taste of Fragrance which was a very happily received gift, but the vast majority of my purchases are eitrher samples, 30ml, 50ml and a couple of 75ml bottles as they tend to be a lot more affordable and, like many BNers, I don't expect to empty the bottles any time soon.

The only downside as I see it, is that the bottles often look much more impresssive in 100ml size.
Reply
Reply
post #49 of 51
1/17/13 at 7:20am
1-2.5oz if I like, 3.4-4.2 if I love.

Sometimes I've bought the 1.7, only to buy the 3.4 shortly after (which is terrible money wise).

Sometimes I buy a size to keep like Brands in the same volume/bottle size, such as 3.4's for all my Versace's.
Reply
Reply
post #50 of 51
1/17/13 at 9:06am
I go with the smaller sizes because I feel like once I use up a bottle I will want to try something new. The better price per oz doesn't appeal to me all that much and if I really do like a scent I can just buy another bottle.
Reply
Reply
post #51 of 51
1/17/13 at 9:35am
50-75ml are the sweet spot for me...but I do own some 200, 125, 100 and 30ml bottles also.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Just Starting Out

Features on Basenotes

Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › Fragrance Discussion › Just Starting Out › What size colognes do you normally buy?