Help a guy out with his first step

[fireballw360]

Heya everyone!
I attempted to start out a while a go, but then got a little side tracked : /
So im 16, have just started venturing out into the world of fragrances and scents. I have been browsing the forums for a few days, and decided to take the advice mentioned by many: visit a local Macy's. So I went there this morning, and was immediately overwhelmed by the Sale's lady throwing every conceivable frag at me. Nonetheless, she was very helpful....but perhaps a bit too detailed for someone just starting out.

So I was wondering if anyone could give me some starting frags to try/and tips on finding a signature scent?
I found that I like aqua's and citrus scents, things that are more "fresh," not so much more mature scents. However, I also want to avoid Aqua di gio (although I did like the scent) and whatnot, as it seems that it is overwhelming overused.

I noticed that some threads tend to provide a bit of background info (does it help?)
Im a swimmer and a runner, so relatively athletic and have a pretty lean/trim look. I tend to dress either in Nike's and sweatpants, or jeans and solid color shirts/sleeves (nothing too fancy). Generally im a pretty outgoing guy, tend to joke around, but am also serious at times too.

Thanks in advance, anything is highly appreciated!

[Tony T]

at 16 and i'm pretty sure you ar on a strict budget go for perry ellis 360 line. red is a better version of adg. white is similiar to jean paul gaultier and black is similiar to bvlgari black. each costs about 20 dollars.

[NYCBoomBoom]

Try sampling some of the following:

Bleu de Chanel
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme
Allure Homme Edition Blanche
Terre d'Hermes
Cartier Declaration d'Un Soir
Gucci pour Homme II

[silvermountainhigh]

Try sampling some of the following:

Bleu de Chanel
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme
Allure Homme Edition Blanche
Terre d'Hermes
Cartier Declaration d'Un Soir
Gucci pour Homme II

These are excellent choices....my top from these are:
Bleu De Chanel
Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme

[canuck21]

These are excellent choices....my top from these are:
Bleu De Chanel
Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme

Agree, although I'm not Chanel's biggest fan, they do make very safe and well done fragrances that are crowd pleasers and enjoyed by the general masses.

[docluv45]

Bulgari Aqua for Men

[hednic]

Burberry London

[chili_willi]

Add another vote for Bleu. You might also want to consider Nautica Voyage. For a while it was a staple in TJ Maxx and Marshall's and can be had on the cheap.

[Attila]

Try sampling some of the following:

Bleu de Chanel
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme
Allure Homme Edition Blanche
Terre d'Hermes
Cartier Declaration d'Un Soir
Gucci pour Homme II

this guy knows his stuff.
try his suggestions. i guarantee you will fall in love with one, if not two

[NYCBoomBoom]

this guy knows his stuff.
try his suggestions. i guarantee you will fall in love with one, if not two

Or watch your bank account dwindle as you wake up one morning to find you own them all...

[noirdrakkar]

Make sure you buy online on authentic websites like fragrancenet rather than at retail (you will save a lot of money).

That said, Versace Man's Eau Fraiche and Yves Saint Laurent's L'Homme you may enjoy.

[Kaern]

Try Acqua Di Parma -- start 'niche'.

[senore01]

Try sampling some of the following:

Bleu de Chanel
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme
Allure Homme Edition Blanche
Terre d'Hermes
Cartier Declaration d'Un Soir
Gucci pour Homme II

Excellent start up list. I guess the safest one to choose from the list would be Bleu de Chanel.

[NYCBoomBoom]

Excellent start up list. I guess the safest one to choose from the list would be Bleu de Chanel.

I think Gucci pour Homme II is comparable, quite versatile and very much inoffensive.

[juanderer]

grab yourself some CLinique Happy for Men

[fireballw360]

thank you so much everyone for the responses! Just went back to the mall today and got to work trying out scents.
Tried out the following:
Bleu de Chanel - Quite liked it, nice projection too. Very nice recommendation, could probably wear it daily too.
Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme - Not bad, but seemed to come off a bit too strong and harsh to me. Still, want to go back and look at it again. How is the regular Allure homme sport?
L'Homme - Loved this one, especially after it developed. Seems to wear very close to the skin tho. Interested in buying, but would like more feedback on longevity and projection.
Cool Water - Better than aqua di gio, not that interested either.
Eau Savage - Didnt really like this one, doesnt seem to wear on me very well.

Thanks again everyone for the well rounded recommendation list.
Still want to try out Perry Ellis 360 red.

Im about to head back this afternoon, are there any more suggestions??
furthermore, are there any other yves st laurent frags you guys would recommend?

Thanks again!

[NYCBoomBoom]

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme - Not bad, but seemed to come off a bit too strong and harsh to me. Still, want to go back and look at it again. How is the regular Allure homme sport?

They are very similar but the regular Allure Homme Sport is a bit toned down, so you might like it more if you thought Eau Extreme was 'strong and harsh'.

Im about to head back this afternoon, are there any more suggestions??

I found one of the best citrus scents to be Mulholland by Keiko Mecheri, but that's not something you'll find in Macy's. If you have a Bloomingdale's close by, there could be a few more suggestions to add.

furthermore, are there any other yves st laurent frags you guys would recommend?

La Nuit.

[DanielPlainview]

You did not like Eau Sauvage because it has an animalic note. You are unused to it. I promise that you can change your mind after a few more wearings. It is a wonderful perfume.

[Skyline]

Sample
A&F Fierce
Azzaro Chrome
Allure Homme sport Chanel

[cello]

I would say buy yourself the bottle of Bleu de Chanel. And then...start your journey! Sample, sample, and sample. Don't go buying a bunch of stuff yet. Bleu is great smelling and good quality, and will serve you well as you develop your taste and experience. It is easily a can't go wrong fragrance!

Sample the whole Chanel line, and the Dior line for sure. Solid ones all the way through. Then branch out as you like. Sephora carries some Hermes, sniff them.