Recommendations please! for: 1) spiritual/uplifting, 2) sensual/masculine, and 3) natural/healthy

[jnailen]

Hello,

Newbie here. Great site, so glad I found it! I need some recommendations from you aficionados (men and women) for men's fragrances to try, there are so many to choose from!!

I've seen some threads using one or two of these criteria, but not all 3, so hopefully using these 3 criteria will help narrow down the list a bit!

I'm a holistic fitness trainer in my 40s living in sunny Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. I'm looking for a fragrance that fits my personality and makes me feel great!

Great to me is:

1) I'm spiritual but not religious (authentic tantra yoga) so I'm looking for something uplifting/inspiring that is meditative, contemplative, mystical in its vibe that might enhance meditation; but not necessarily 'churchy,' something mystical and perhaps outdoorsy for inspiring me to want to commune with nature or meditate or practice yoga outside

2) Masculine/sensual/sexy: I'm masculine, hetero, and single and like a bold confident scent that brings out the masculine/cocky 'Rolling Stones' side of my personality without being overpowering; masculine yet subtle ya know...not a 'club scene' 'player' scent appropriate for when I was in my 20s nor a 'mature' scent appropriate for a gentleman in his 60s but something in between...something women in their 30s may also like...but it's more important that it energizes me!

3) Natural/healthy/sporty: not just something that smells natural, but one that is natural using natural ingredients as much as possible without too many chemicals to worry about and that is humane/animal friendly...this is a personal preference as well as a requirement as I work with a few clients with chemical sensitivities who request I wear no cologne (or at least no 'cheap' ones), so it can't be offensive...

Wow, that's kinda detailed but hopefully will narrow down the list! Price is of no concern because I'm looking for quality...it's ok if it's expensive, even preferable as it'll likely be more unique...

Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to read this long shopping list and offers recommendations, I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Cheers,
Jeff

[Point Blank]

Perhaps Creed Millesime Imperial or perhaps Creed Silver Mountain Water.

The sporty critierion seems a bit conflicting with the spiritual criterion, if you consider what type of fragrances/notes that are usually associated with these terms.

The most spiritual fragrance I know is Comme des Garcons Kyoto - truly a fragrance for meditation - but it doesn't come across as sporty.

[jnailen]

Perhaps Creed Millesime Imperial or perhaps Creed Silver Mountain Water.

The sporty critierion seems a bit conflicting with the spiritual criterion, if you consider what type of fragrances/notes that are usually associated with these terms.

The most spiritual fragrance I know is Comme des Garcons Kyoto - truly a fragrance for meditation - but it doesn't come across as sporty.

Thanks! I'll try these...

Yeah, I realize some of these may seem contradictory, like something that's spiritual yet sporty, masculine and bold yet not offensive, etc. but there are so many frags that seem to be multidimensional...I've tried SMW and really like it...I'll try the others as well...thanks again!

Any other recommendations out there?

Thanks,
Jeff

[StylinLA]

3) Natural/healthy/sporty: not just something that smells natural, but one that is natural using natural ingredients as much as possible without a lot of chemicals to worry about and that is animal friendly...this is a personal preference as well as a requirement as I work with a few clients with chemical sensitivities and a few who request I wear no cologne, so it can't be offensive...

Not sure what to suggest for your first two. What I find uplifting and inspiring may leave you flat. Fragrance is pretty subjective.

As to number two...there are tons and tons of masculine/sensual/sexy. I'll throw out Le Labo Rose 31. I think it meets your criteria, but you'd need to smell it.

For number three, I would not call it "natural," but the Gendarme line may be what you should consider. While it is not truly hypo allergenic, the man who developed it is plagued with tons of fragrance allergies which he tried to address in developing his line of scents. You'll find more info about them in the directory. It's a very fresh, clean, light soapy sort of scent. There are some variants of the original that contain lavender and vetiver. Hard call to make as to whether or not it would disturb your clients who request "no cologne."

I don't know of any totally natural scents. I think the overwhelming majority of what we discuss in here are mass marketed fragrances all of which likely make some use of synthetics. While some tout their use of "natural" ingredients, there are synthetics involved on some level.

Truly all natural scents are likely very sold and marketed at a very local level that would generally not catch our attention here.

Santa Fe would be one of the most likely places on the planet to find some. But if there are any well known, someone here will weigh in.

[tott]

A pure fragrance oil might be an option. Vetiver is lovely and I think it would meet your criteria. It's certainly natural!

www.profumo.it makes wonderful fragrances using natural ingredients. Definitely worth a closer look, highly recommended!

[jnailen]

Truly all natural scents are likely very sold and marketed at a very local level that would generally not catch our attention here.

Santa Fe would be one of the most likely places on the planet to find some. But if there are any well known, someone here will weigh in.

Great idea, didn't think of that...how would I go about searching for this either on Google or in the local phone book??

Thanks,
Jeff

[LucasKane]

Heeley's Spirit of the Tiger!

Very spiritual, masculine, natural and healthy. Smells a bit like Tiger Balm but more refined. It's just not very sensual or sexy

[StylinLA]

Someone better versed than me may know. I know we have other members from your area. There are likely some holistic, natural food type stores in your area. Maybe some spiritual bookstores; meditation shops. Ask some questions in some of those stores.

But as a side note, just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it might not P.O. your clients. I'm sure there are many people who have very real considerations and reactions to scents. I've known some. I also think some people are just annoyed by many things- allergies or not.

As I mentioned earlier, fragrance is highly subjective. I'm sure my boss is quite annoyed by many of my wide variety of scents. But workplace etiquette is such that he feels no right to tell me "NO COLOGNE." He frequently comments on his disdain for many women's scents. Has nothing to do with allergies. Just personal preferences. He's of the mind set that any fragrance should worn inordinately discreetly. Very close to skin. He also has very exacting standards of his own.

A woman I know always wears a natural oil called "China Rain" or something like that. It suits her well. I love it. But I'm sure some would find it too strong, choking and cloying.

[jnailen]

A pure fragrance oil might be an option. Vetiver is lovely and I think it would meet your criteria. It's certainly natural!

www.profumo.it makes wonderful fragrances using natural ingredients. Definitely worth a closer look, highly recommended!

Thanks! I'll check out profumo.it
and thanks for the vetiver recommendation...what is 'vetiver' anyway? I notice many fragrance houses produce vetiver products; I'll try a pure fragrance oil, sounds natural and inexpensive, but if you were to recommend a vetiver from one of the houses, which would you recommend that may have some of the other qualities I'm looking for?

thanks in advance...

[The_Cologneist]

Thanks! I'll check out profumo.it
and thanks for the vetiver recommendation...what is 'vetiver' anyway? I notice many fragrance houses produce vetiver products; I'll try a pure fragrance oil, sounds natural and inexpensive, but if you were to recommend a vetiver from one of the houses, which would you recommend that may have some of the other qualities I'm looking for?

thanks in advance...

Firstly, welcome. As for your question.. vetiver is a versatile grassy note. It's a dark type of grass with usually a very earthy smell. The plant itself is very fragrant from what I hear; it isn't really grown in the states, more in India, Africa, and South America. Often though, it's difficult to smell the vetiver in a fragrance vs something that's vetiver based and emphasizes on that note. I personally am not a huge vetiver fan, but I do enjoy what it does to some of my favorite fragrances.

[tott]

Vetivers are popular around here, and there are often threads about them, like this one: Seeking first Vetiver

You'll find plenty of recommendations all over the place!

My personal favourites are Sycomore (Chanel) and Encre Noire (Lalique)

[Bigsly]

I've found that one thing that has changed since I adopted this "hobby" is that I don't really attach such notions to scents. I am much more "objective" now about my sense of smell. I certainly like some and dislike others, but to me they are all just smells.

[StylinLA]

I'm not a big vetiver fan, but in traditional scents, it can have a green and earthy somewhat "natural" feel to it.

Grassy. Earthy. But the blending variations of them are near infinite.

You might also be able to find some vetiver based natural oil type things too.

It's pricey, but to me, Malle's Vetiver Extraordinaire presents a fairly simple vetiver scent.

[jnailen]

Heeley's Spirit of the Tiger!

Very spiritual, masculine, natural and healthy. Smells a bit like Tiger Balm but more refined. It's just not very sensual or sexy

Thanks LucasKane, I'll try it!

[jnailen]

Firstly, welcome. As for your question.. vetiver is a versatile grassy note. It's a dark type of grass with usually a very earthy smell. The plant itself is very fragrant from what I hear; it isn't really grown in the states, more in India, Africa, and South America. Often though, it's difficult to smell the vetiver in a fragrance vs something that's vetiver based and emphasizes on that note. I personally am not a huge vetiver fan, but I do enjoy what it does to some of my favorite fragrances.

thanks for the background, sounds nice!

[kärleksparfym]

1. Olivier Durbano Turquoise. Or Tauer L'Air du Desert Marocain -- this one is a powerhouse and just a few drops last forever.

2. Recommend sampling these three: Amouage Dia Homme, Terre d'Hermes, and Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire.

3. Infusion Organique Buddha's Fig -- very fresh and green and something that should not be offensive to anyone; very natural.

[jnailen]

1. Olivier Durbano Turquoise. Or Tauer L'Air du Desert Marocain -- this one is a powerhouse and just a few drops last forever.

2. Recommend sampling these three: Amouage Dia Homme, Terre d'Hermes, and Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire.

3. Infusion Organique Buddha's Fig -- very fresh and green and something that should not be offensive to anyone; very natural.

Awesome, thanks so much. They sound interesting. Where can I find samples of these and the others that are being recommended here without having to visit and order from each house individually?

Thanks again,
Jeff

[Buzzlepuff]

Jeff- these are a few recommendations that might fit what you are looking for. Give em a try. You can get samples of all these from Luckyscent (except for the Cartier)

LesNez Let Me Play the Lion - this is a dusty green incense that smells very much like the mesquite and sage brush as it bakes in the sun up on the desert outside of your home town Santa Fe. It smells like a walk in the desert outside Gallisteo.

CdG Kyoto - a gentler but very subtle incense that carries considerable presence due to the excellent blending.

CdG Jaisalmer - also a nice incense that is livelier due to patchouli in the base.

Cartier Declaration L' Essence - this version of Declaration has a penetrating incensey spice vibe that I find very uplifting.

CdG Artek Standard - smells like freshly cut logs.

CdG Scent One Hinoki - very green but very healing sort of fragrance.

good luck.

[DavidBond007]

Creeds Aventus perhaps, mi and smw are great ideas, i would even say green irish tweed.

[jnailen]

Jeff- these are a few recommendations that might fit what you are looking for. Give em a try. You can get samples of all these from Luckyscent (except for the Cartier)

LesNez Let Me Play the Lion - this is a dusty green incense that smells very much like the mesquite and sage brush as it bakes in the sun up on the desert outside of your home town Santa Fe. It smells like a walk in the desert outside Gallisteo.

CdG Kyoto - a gentler but very subtle incense that carries considerable presence due to the excellent blending.

CdG Jaisalmer - also a nice incense that is livelier due to patchouli in the base.

Cartier Declaration L' Essence - this version of Declaration has a penetrating incensey spice vibe that I find very uplifting.

CdG Artek Standard - smells like freshly cut logs.

CdG Scent One Hinoki - very green but very healing sort of fragrance.

good luck.

Thanks! you know the area, well you're not too far away. I think I'll try a CdG sampler of their best scents as well as the others you recommend. I'm going to be trying a lot of samples!

Thanks,
Jeff

[jnailen]

Creeds Aventus perhaps, mi and smw are great ideas, i would even say green irish tweed.

Thanks David, that's good to know...Creed is the only house I've experimented with so far because I've heard so much about it on these forums. I love silver mountain water and green irish tweed...I bought a 1 oz. bottle of GIT and am having the same longevity problem being talked about on the other thread...great scent, just doesn't seem to last long on my skin.

As someone pointed out, it may still be noticeable by others after 2 hours, but what's the point if I can't smell it? I either don't get the benefit of smelling it or I'll apply too much, so I'm kinda down on GIT.

Love SMW tho, seems to last longer too. I like that they're masculine yet with a sweet scent.

I didn't care for a sample of MI I tried; too flowery/feminine for my tastes, I know it's supposed to be unisex but I felt like I was wearing women's perfume--no offense to those who appreciate it--altho it has a great rep...

Creed sent a sample of Aventus with my order...wow, it's strong! but I think I got some on my nose while smelling it from the vial! ;-) looking forward to trying it more...as well as other Creed scents you might recommend!

Thanks,
Jeff

[andym72]

For criteria 3, try all the Clarins 'Eaux'. Even the ones the SA says are for women, I found only one I couldn't wear (can't remember which though).

[SculptureOfSoul]

Two come to mind that fit all three aspects, I think:

Scents of Time Ankh - this is a beautiful and very natural smelling green incense scent that is subtle and yet masculine. It is spiritual and uplifting and yet fresh and invigorating in the same manner that a good frankincense or manilla copal incense might be. It's not at all churchy, instead it smells more like, well, let me break down its progression:
fresh lime + juniper berries + hints of wood which progresses to a slightly spicy heart of cinnamon and other spices over a more prominent sandalwood and frankincense, and a drydown that becomes woodier and drier with just a tiny hint of smoke. It is a light and subtle scent that does not project very far so it is more for your own enjoyment and peace of mind than it is to impress others. Samples of this can be ordered from the site "Aqua de Luna." This is the most natural smelling incense scent I've come across (the CDG incenses, such as those recommended above, while nice feature a very synthetic and irritating woody/incense note in the drydown.)
(more info on Ankh. Also, note that although it lists the MSRP as $99, there is a 40% off promotion running which can be found by clicking the specials & promotions tab http://www.aquadeluna.com/en/products/ankh )


The other is

Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Bois de Turquie - this is another one of my top 12 scents (out of the 400 or so i've smelled). It perfectly balances the spiritual/aesthetically pleasing elements, along with the masculine and feminine elements. It starts out with a sweet orange and orange blossom along with a nice dose of bay leaf. This progresses to a jasmine, cinnamon, ginger and iris heart with some dusty dry frankincense in the background, and finally dries down to a soft incense with hints of dark patchouli. The scent evolves wonderfully throughout the day but is always subtle and natural smelling, just as is Ankh. While its character is that of an oriental scent, its lightness makes it wearable in any weather and nearly any situation. (Luckyscent description here: http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/secti...e_Turquie.html )

[DavidBond007]

Thanks David, that's good to know...Creed is the only house I've experimented with so far because I've heard so much about it on these forums. I love silver mountain water and green irish tweed...I bought a 1 oz. bottle of GIT and am having the same longevity problem being talked about on the other thread...great scent, just doesn't seem to last long on my skin.

As someone pointed out, it may still be noticeable by others after 2 hours, but what's the point if I can't smell it? I either don't get the benefit of smelling it or I'll apply too much, so I'm kinda down on GIT.

Love SMW tho, seems to last longer too. I like that they're masculine yet with a sweet scent.

I didn't care for a sample of MI I tried; too flowery/feminine for my tastes, I know it's supposed to be unisex but I felt like I was wearing women's perfume--no offense to those who appreciate it--altho it has a great rep...

Creed sent a sample of Aventus with my order...wow, it's strong! but I think I got some on my nose while smelling it from the vial! ;-) looking forward to trying it more...as well as other Creed scents you might recommend!

Thanks,
Jeff

No Prob Jeff it seems smw might be your main scent.

[SculptureOfSoul]

I see Buzzlepuff mentioned Let Me Play the Lion and I don't know how I forgot it. It's another beautiful and natural smelling incense scent that is subtle and yet spiritual. Whereas many incense scents are either churchy or green or lemony or what have you, this scent smells very golden orange in color. It is warm and dry and dusty and yet there is a note (carnation perhaps) that is utilized to perfection here that keeps it from being too dry. It adds a hint of creaminess and sexiness to something that could otherwise have become too harsh and austere. Another scent that I rank in the top 12 of all I've sniffed. (more information on Let Me Play the Lion here: http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/secti..._the_Lion.html )

[jnailen]

For criteria 3, try all the Clarins 'Eaux'. Even the ones the SA says are for women, I found only one I couldn't wear (can't remember which though).

Thanks Andy I'll check them out.

[SculptureOfSoul]

Another scent worth mention, simply because it is truly unique in its utter minimalism, is "Wicken 3000" by Six Scents. It does not smell like a perfume, per se, but instead simply like purified air with hints of a salty sea spray. It actually does a really good job of capturing both the smell of water (unchlorinated water, more like the scent of the water (not the plants) that permeates the air near a pond at sundown), and then transitioning into the scent of air, with a hint of salt. Luckyscent's description of the scent is pretty accurate IMO - http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/detai...id=44902&attr=

I do find this to be a great scent to use for meditation or yoga as it is just so utterly minimalist and truly blends in with the wearer and ones surroundings, instead of calling attention to itself in any way. Despite being so minimalist it actually is fairly strong and lasts a long time.

[Ekove]

1. Gucci Pour Homme II: Smells like black tea, very calming and subtle. Generally though for meditation I wear any fragrances I LOVE but know they won't get me compliments, sort of my-alone-time-fragrances. Many vetivers or spicy complex scents fit there perfect.
2. That's too general, I'd go for a good vetiver like Encre Noire or something like Narciso Rodriguez for Him EdP, or if you're willing to pay more, go for something with Aoud in it, like Amouage Gold, though at the same time most Aoud's are somewhat unisex. Animalic/deep/bitter Ambre's (as opposed to soft ones like Ambre Precieux) are good, I like CK Obsession even though it's not stricly an Ambre perfume, though it's too old for me and probably for you as well to make a signature masculine fragrance.
3. No idea, not into "Sporty" fragrances, the only one I really like Allure Blanche Edition but it's not very natural smelling, smells like lemon tarts. But as far as I'm concerned, most synthetic fragrances are made with allergies in mind compared to fragrances that are made with natural ingredients. But I guess some people are allergic to chemicals in general. To be honest I'd recommend visiting one of those gift boutiques if you're close to one and grabbing something from there since they sell a lot of organic stuff, fragrances with allergies in consideration and such. I would even go for a nice smelling citrus body cream/lotion if you're really that concerned about allergic reaction. That if you don't consider putting a scented lotion too girly.

Good luck,
-Ekove

[jnailen]

Two come to mind that fit all three aspects, I think:

Scents of Time Ankh - this is a beautiful and very natural smelling green incense scent that is subtle and yet masculine. It is spiritual and uplifting and yet fresh and invigorating in the same manner that a good frankincense or manilla copal incense might be. It's not at all churchy, instead it smells more like, well, let me break down its progression:
fresh lime + juniper berries + hints of wood which progresses to a slightly spicy heart of cinnamon and other spices over a more prominent sandalwood and frankincense, and a drydown that becomes woodier and drier with just a tiny hint of smoke. It is a light and subtle scent that does not project very far so it is more for your own enjoyment and peace of mind than it is to impress others. Samples of this can be ordered from the site "Aqua de Luna." This is the most natural smelling incense scent I've come across (the CDG incenses, such as those recommended above, while nice feature a very synthetic and irritating woody/incense note in the drydown.)
(more info on Ankh. Also, note that although it lists the MSRP as $99, there is a 40% off promotion running which can be found by clicking the specials & promotions tab http://www.aquadeluna.com/en/products/ankh )


The other is

Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Bois de Turquie - this is another one of my top 12 scents (out of the 400 or so i've smelled). It perfectly balances the spiritual/aesthetically pleasing elements, along with the masculine and feminine elements. It starts out with a sweet orange and orange blossom along with a nice dose of bay leaf. This progresses to a jasmine, cinnamon, ginger and iris heart with some dusty dry frankincense in the background, and finally dries down to a soft incense with hints of dark patchouli. The scent evolves wonderfully throughout the day but is always subtle and natural smelling, just as is Ankh. While its character is that of an oriental scent, its lightness makes it wearable in any weather and nearly any situation. (Luckyscent description here: http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/secti...e_Turquie.html )

Awesome, they both sound wonderful...your descriptions are great, I'll most definitely try them. Man, you guys know your stuff...this will save me years of experimentation.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Bossa Nova]

Essence of Jerusalem for Men



http://www.essenceofjerusalem.biz/

^ Near the bottom of the page, click on the link that says Perfumes for Men and Women