Fragrances to try

Hi,

I am early 30’s and, very late to the party, starting to take a bit more of an interest into fragrances and what season to wear and what occasion etc. Caveated by technically you could wear whatever you want whenever you want!

I have very recently bought some Le Mâle Le Parfum as a more evening fragrance for winter and Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum as an everyday fragrance.

I suppose I am looking for any recommendations for some fragrances that people enjoy/receive compliments from for someone fairly new to taking an interest into fragrances.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

Welcome to Parfumo!

Maybe try leather? Bel Ami Eau de Toilette is a nice spicy leather.

Always sample; don't blind buy bottles.

I just bought Halfeti for my partner. It's a nice oud fragrance that is not overly macho and has a sensitive side. At least, that's how I perceive it. 🙂

Thank you for that one. Not heard of that but have read a lot of good things about Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette. Do you have any thoughts on this? Definitely will always be sampling first!

Thanks for that. Not heard of that one before! Looks slightly outwith my price range just now but will keep it in mind. Thanks

Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette is awesome. I'd suggest getting samples of both - the EdT and Terre d'Hermès Parfum . They are close but not identical. I prefer the EdT but some like the Parfum better.

Just be aware that TdH is not sweet like Le Male or Bleu. It's got a beautiful opening citrus and a dry down to a biting vetiver, which is not sweet at all but quite masculine. Also, if you like either of those, I'd then suggest sampling Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée which is the same DNA but has a stronger citrusy opening and is quite fresh - good for warmer weather. The EdT and Parfum are good all year round.

Also suggest you get your nose to a fougere and a chypre, just to get the scent in your head. For a fougere, there are plenty of classics that aren't very expensive. Three of my favorite fougeres are

Paco Rabanne pour Homme Eau de Toilette , Azzaro pour Homme Eau de Toilette and Bogart Eau de Toilette

Note that these are not sweet and have the typical barbershop scent.

For a masculine chypre, can't beat

Polo Eau de Toilette or Antaeus Eau de Toilette , both classics.

Again, these are not sweet. You may find you don't like any of these because they are not sweet. Most of the newer fragrances that designers come out with and are targeted towards young men are sweet (some very sweet). I personally don't follow age guide lines but then I don't like , most sweet fragrances. You might be different.

The above are good for all year, hot or cold.

If you've never tried it, the Sauvage line is nice. A lot of reviews say it's overplayed, everyone's wearing it, etc. I still think it's an awesome scent. There are three of them:

Sauvage Eau de Toilette , Sauvage Eau de Parfum and Sauvage Parfum . Sample all three to find the one you like the best. My preference is for the EdP but each has its proponents. The elixir Sauvage Elixir is somewhat related (more of a cousin instead of a brother) but a powerhouse fragrance. A few sprays and you are good for the day and night.

Two more and I'll stop. These are a bit different.

No Limit$ is a leather with a touch of chocolate that is quite good.

Fahrenheit Eau de Toilette is interesting because it has a subtle note of gasoline. For something a bit more refined and modern, there's also Fahrenheit Parfum .

As always, sample - do not blind buy bottles. I see you are in the UK. You shouldn't have any trouble buying samples. If you go into a store, don't base purchase exclusively on sniffing perfume sprayed on blotter strips - spray on yourself and live with it for a day at least. That's what's nice about samples, you can get at least 2 to 3 days out of 2ml.

Yeah from what I have read the edt is generally the preferred, but also everyone is different! Are you UK based? If so, do you get samples sent from online or just go round shops getting sprays on the bits of paper?

I am keen on sampling and possibly getting citrusy scents as well so will definitely be looking at trying these out! Thanks again for all of this!

Had to google what a fougere and chypre were! As I say, very late to the party!

Lots of info there! I like the ideal of the typical barbershop scent so will look out for those.

I don’t think I will be particularly restricted to sweeter scents but I won’t know until I try I suppose! Previously I’ve just pretty much bought whatever or been gifted whatever and just chucked it on whenever!

I’ve had Sauvage Eau de Parfum before and liked it well enough but already after a handful of wears I would say I prefer Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum.

I think if I was to try sauvage again I would go for the elixir Sauvage Elixir. Purely based on it being related but different from the rest! Keen to try others that are out there first though

This has all been brilliant, thank you so much for taking the time to provide so much info. There’s a lot out there that someone new like me doesn’t even understand or know where to start looking!

I like the idea of Fahrenheit Eau de Toilette having a hint of gasoline! I do like the smell of petrol!

Yeah I got the Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum and Le Mâle Le Parfum sprayed on me before I then went back and bought them. Ideally I would purchase samples online and try them out like that. Thanks so much for all your time and info!

You are welcome. Glad to help.

No, I'm in the US. I could recommend some US based decanters that ship internationally, but the shipping tends to be expensive, even more so if the UK has custom duties. There are other guys here who are in the UK. I'd suggest starting another topic and asking for decanter/sample webshops based in the UK.

Perfect, thanks so much. Will start another topic for that! Much appreciated! 

Hey there! @Smirky already mentioned some great fragrances! If you’re in the shops then be sure to try any of the Dior Homme line. I especially like Dior Homme Intense (2011) and Dior Homme Original (2011) Eau de Toilette .

Hi, thanks for that. I actually tried the Dior Homme Intense (2011) and found it to be a bit chemically almost? Not sure if that’s the right term at all for it. I do see it rated quite highly and people do speak positively about it so I’ll maybe try it again at some stage but it’s maybe one that’s not for me. Thank you though

I HIGHLY recommend Aventus Cologne and Imagination.

Hacivat will forever be a banger for me.

Herod

Thanks so much for that. Will have a look at those and see if I can get some samples!

i would probably recommend you Bois Impérial Eau de Parfum , it's below the 100€, it's made by a renowned nose, i believe it's a good "firs"t fragrance for someone trying to launch itself he perfume world ! Obviously it's woody and pleasant, for everyone, the wearer and the person next to them !