Recommend a mild men's cologne!

[yojitani]

Bottom line: I've NEVER worn cologne for any extended period. I had a girlfriend once who liked a particular scent (can't remember which one), but I had to wash it off after a few hours. It just irritated my olfactory senses too much. I'm extremely sensitive when it comes to smells so I'm wondering if there is a cologne out there for men that is fairly mild.

[jecapaga]

Bottom line: I've NEVER worn cologne for any extended period. I had a girlfriend once who liked a particular scent (can't remember which one), but I had to wash it off after a few hours. It just irritated my olfactory senses too much. I'm extremely sensitive when it comes to smells so I'm wondering if there is a cologne out there for men that is fairly mild.

I think most cologne that is sold may be too much for you if you're not used to it. Without sounding like a tampon commercial, here I go...I have a couple scents from Bed Bath & Beyond and whatever that other one is. They are more like scents or sprays and focus on more natural smells.

Sometimes I just feel like jumping in the breeze with my dress on, holding a box of product and looking lovingly at the sun I guess. Seriously though, try those soap/shampoo/skin type shops. You can get samples as well without handing over your cash.

[Surely]

My favorite cologne is Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male. It has a mild cinnamon smell. I wear it always.

It's not a very strong cologne, IMO.

Check out the Summer version of Le Male- it's an even milder/lighter version of it.

[iBlue]

Colognes can be so off-putting sometimes. I'll go against the grain here and say that nothing is as pleasing to the sense of scent than simply a clean bod. Invest in a good shower gel and scrubby thing and leave it at that.

[ddiogyn]

Go Jo Malone if you want subtlety. Doesn't give you a headache if you overdo it, others have to be quite close in order to smell it and it doesn't leave a pungent trail.

[spillproof]

Very Sexy® For Him (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EE-150033&page=1&cgname=OSFRGMENZZZ&rfnbr=2544&atp=a)

[comictimes]

I never wear cologne either, but I do wear Old Spice deodorant, and have had a good number of people say I smell great and ask what cologne I'm wearing, so that seems to be plenty.

[arkitect]

nothing is as pleasing to the sense of scent than simply a clean bod.
+1

My favorite cologne is Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male. It has a mild cinnamon smell. I wear it always.

It's not a very strong cologne, IMO.

Check out the Summer version of Le Male- it's an even milder/lighter version of it.

Gaultier Le Male? :eek:
Yikes! I always found that just slightly lighter than that '80s favourite Kouros.
A dab or two and people could smell you two blocks away. :D

I'd recommend Acqua di Parma…

I do wear Old Spice deodorant.
Ah, "The mark of a man!". ;)

[nullx86]

personally, I dont use cologne, but i use Old Spice After Hours deodorant. Works as both. I cant smell it 5 minutes after i put it on, but thats cause I'm used to it, but out in town, it does work. Last time I used cologne, it was either Old Spice, BRUT, and some unknown sample from Macy's. personally, I would go to a deptartment store and get some samples, and see which one fits you best.

[thatdarnfish]

This one's always good as a conversation starter:

http://www.thepopescologne.com/

[Shivetya]

Many girlfriends liked http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=16469&CategoryID=31708 (Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Collection by Giorgio Armani) and a few liked Kenneth Cole's Reaction

[themoonisdown09]

I wear DKNY Be Delicious for men. It's not way too strong, but it's not so weak that you don't smell it after 10 minutes.

http://www.s272494713.onlinehome.us/originalfragances/images/DKNY_Be_Delicious_300.jpg

[shivermetimbers]

AXE in the shower and deodorant....werx fer me. Its not funky or overpowering. Some feel the need to wear so much cologne that it eats the oxygen out of the air and you cant breathe.....hate that!

[MacBoobsPro]

I dont like strong cologne/aftershave either. I wear the Hugo Boss one in the pic. And I really like CoolWater by Davidoff (I think) both nice and fresh smelling and not to strong.

http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/c0/7d/d9/70544161-300x300-0-0_Hugo+Boss+Hugo+Aftershave+for+Men+100+ml.jpg

[yojitani]

Colognes can be so off-putting sometimes. I'll go against the grain here and say that nothing is as pleasing to the sense of scent than simply a clean bod. Invest in a good shower gel and scrubby thing and leave it at that.

I do agree with that for the most part, blue. I mean, I'm nearing my mid-30s and don't wear scents. I go through these phases of wanting to try something out though - failed every time :D.

I was going to make a snarky remark about Lynx/Axe and Old Spice in my original post. Both of those, but especially Lynx (which I believe is Axe in the US), STILL remind me of secondary school.

Thanks for the recommendations! Keep them coming.

[velocityg4]

Personally I can't really stand colognes either. But occasionally go through a phase of wanting to wear the stuff. Anyways I always found Tommy to have a mild and pleasant odor.

196055

What cologne I want is whatever it is that nearly every doctor seems to use. Though it may just be some anti-bacterial hand scrub. If it is someone needs to start making scent of doctor:rolleyes:.

[Surely]

Gaultier Le Male? :eek:
Yikes! I always found that just slightly lighter than that '80s favourite Kouros.
A dab or two and people could smell you two blocks away. :D


I use like half a spritz of it on my neck. It's very subtle.

But yes, if you put a full spray on both sides of your neck, it can be quite strong.

[appledyl]

Claiborne - For Men

Its a sweet subtle smell that just makes people happy when they're around you.

[mscriv]

Have never worn cologne regularly and haven't actually put some on for years. However, now that you know I'm not an expert, my advice would be to check out Paul Sebastian. My mom always bought that for my father and it is very mild. She has allergies and can't be around lots of cologne, but PS never bothered her.

[comictimes]

I do agree with that for the most part, blue. I mean, I'm nearing my mid-30s and don't wear scents. I go through these phases of wanting to try something out though - failed every time :D.

I was going to make a snarky remark about Lynx/Axe and Old Spice in my original post. Both of those, but especially Lynx (which I believe is Axe in the US), STILL remind me of secondary school.

Thanks for the recommendations! Keep them coming.

I agree on the Axe, it's just awful, especially the spray-on stuff. I've had room mates who use either that or the regular deodorant, and after either of them took a shower I could hardly breathe upon entering the bathroom, it's that bad. I personally don't find Old Spice to be anything like that, but maybe it's just a personal preference.

[iOrlando]

i'm in the pro-Pheromone camp.

i dont want to be attracting the wrong type of girl masking my pheromone with a cologne

[yojitani]

Personally I can't really stand colognes either. But occasionally go through a phase of wanting to wear the stuff. Anyways I always found Tommy to have a mild and pleasant odor.

196055

What cologne I want is whatever it is that nearly every doctor seems to use. Though it may just be some anti-bacterial hand scrub. If it is someone needs to start making scent of doctor:rolleyes:.

I had this (the Tommy) once and ended up giving it to a friend. Waaay too strong for my tastes.

Hmmm... I can't say that I associate an appealing smell with my doctor.

Thanks mscriv. That's really good to know!

[BeyondtheTech]

Maybe it's just me, but I really like the smell around the Abercrombie & Fitch stores. They spray their cologne "Fierce" through the ventilation system and it permeates outside the store.

Unfortunately, when you go in there, you're presented with a 1.7oz bottle for $50 and a 3.4oz for $72, which is much higher than your usual colognes in Macy's, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, etc.

Luckily, eBay became my source. Perhaps it was a ex-employee or someone on the inside, but there are a few sellers who sell the large 12oz (!) bottle of Fierce that's used for the ventilation system. Supposedly, they're more potent, but when I bought it for $80 shipped, it was identical in strength to the retail bottles and testers at the store. That 12oz bottle would easily be worth over $250!

[momoisright]

This one's always good as a conversation starter:

http://www.thepopescologne.com/


Review by perfume critic , Marie-Helene Wagner, an excerpt:

The Pope’s Cologne will probably mostly reveal his aesthetic taste. Judging from the cologne itself, it shows a man of refined taste who obviously valued subtlety, elegance, and even the rare. The scent has an ancient charm about it, especially when the floral notes start being felt, that is quite remarkable. It is a perfume recipe made in a time when flowers in masculine colognes were felt to be perfectly natural hence an absolute lack of showiness and complete sense of maturity and naturalness about the floral notes in this composition. Being a cologne meant to be worn by the Pope, it had to be restrained in principle and it is in fact; there is no unexpected flamboyance or hidden coquetry pointing its nose. Naturally, the animalic notes are extremely discreet. Perhaps we can also imagine that a certain ethereal quality, a lightness and freshness were cultivated as befitting the pope’s image. The citruses and lemon verbena are invigorating, a definite plus for a man in a public function. The fragrance is that of a man of patrician or aristocratic tastes.

The combination of citruses, lemon verbena and violet is enchanting, almost childlike in its softness and innocence. One feels inspired to make a drink that would be scented with these two main notes, violet and lemon. The “visual impression” the colors yellow and mauve suggest next to each other is also appealing.

From the flacon, the first aromas that strike the nose are citruses, woods, and amber. The start of the perfume is very citrus-y, a bit candied evoking lemon drops, like an outburst of freshly squeezed lemon juice with undertones of oceanic ambergris. The cologne then warms up becomes more powdery and vanillic but in a very understated way. Then there is a more vegetal, aromatic impression suggestive of the underbrush which kicks in. One smells a stylized subtle violet with some clove in it, perhaps some carnation since the powdery feel becomes a little bit more accentuated gliding even into a creamy impression. The blend at this point feels very elegant and refined, aristocratic even, showcasing an accord that feels rare and unusual. Very delicate floral nuances arise betraying tinges of rose, peach and then mauve. It smells a little bit of orange-blossom scented mauve guimauve, but in a very elegant manner. The woods then become more apparent and the most finely textured one of them, sandalwood in particular, it seems. There is also a little bit of a birch tar impression, but very discreet as the dry-down evokes a more familiar impression found in Russian leather scents. The longer dry-down smells a bit of the woodiness of orris. All the while the citruses impart their freshness to this elegantissime scent.

The recipe of the 19th century cologne was faithfully followed by Dr. Fred Hass (he happens to be US Poet-Laureate Robert Hass’ brother by the way) therefore the longevity is also authentically that of a perfume from that period. Fred Hass told us that he prefers not to touch the original recipe. It leaves nevertheless a very subtle scent on the skin, which contributes to the overall feeling of authentic old-world elegance.

Marie-Helene Wagner www.ThePopesCologne.com

[Shaun.P]

Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet

Armani Mania

The latter is more subtle. Both of these fragrances are my favourite and I'm very fussy.

I hate Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male! It gives me a headache and it's very, very strong!

[Surely]

I hate Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male! It gives me a headache and it's very, very strong!

Meh, I don't wear it to attract you anyway...... and the ladies sure dig it. Women always ask me what I'm wearing and tell me I smell great.....:D:p

[waloshin]

Gravity Cologne for Men!

[instaxgirl]

I'm a girl who generally CAN'T STAND the smell of men's fragrances. I find most of them so strong I want to choke. Not nice. There are a couple I like though. My ex-boyfriend used to wear Hugo by Hugo Boss and it was pretty nice. I really liked that one.

My dad always just asks "smelly stuff" at Christmas etc as well which is a nightmare for me to buy seeing as I hate most men's fragrances. Last year though I totally fell in love with One Million by Paco Rabanne. Literally the best men's fragrance I have ever smelt. It's amazing.

[Leareth]

have you thought about blended essential oils instead ?

tend to smell less intense , just a hint when close to person.

Sandalwood, cinnamon, wintergreen etc.

[Surely]

^^^ Good idea. I love the smell of my sandalwood and lavender shaving creams by Taylor of Old Bond Street.

[rhsgolfer33]

Very Sexy® For Him (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EE-150033&page=1&cgname=OSFRGMENZZZ&rfnbr=2544&atp=a)

Good choice, that is what I usually wear.

[InvalidUserID]

Woman's advice: Less is more. Nothing beats just a fresh body.

That said, there are some colognes that I find yummy. "Weekend" and "Touch", both by Burberry although Weekend is more for a hot summery day. Touch is more everyday.

[yojitani]

have you thought about blended essential oils instead ?

tend to smell less intense , just a hint when close to person.

Sandalwood, cinnamon, wintergreen etc.

I did try that but my skin reacted badly. My sister told me I should have diluted the oils with something else beforehand... this was years ago, mind. Great idea though so long as it's not patchouli.:D

So here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to write down (copy and paste) all the suggestions here and see if I can get samples of them this weekend. The only way to really get a sense of these is to try them out.

Has anyone ever tried this very realistic rain fragrance (http://apothica.com/Demeter-Rain-Fragrance.html)? I came across it a few years ago and really liked it although I didn't try wearing it.

[wvuwhat]

Bottom line: I've NEVER worn cologne for any extended period. I had a girlfriend once who liked a particular scent (can't remember which one), but I had to wash it off after a few hours. It just irritated my olfactory senses too much. I'm extremely sensitive when it comes to smells so I'm wondering if there is a cologne out there for men that is fairly mild.

They get wet for my Polo Black...

[Leareth]

I did try that but my skin reacted badly. My sister told me I should have diluted the oils with something else beforehand... this was years ago, mind. Great idea though so long as it's not patchouli.:D


yeah

you have to dilute them 1:10 in carrier
except lavender that one OK to use as is.

I mix lavender, clary sage, rosemary in almond oil for body cream with a hint of scent.
for men sandalwood or lemongrass are good and if have the $ a little of ambergris too.

[mgguy]

Givenchy Gentleman and Royal Copenhagen are two of my long-time favorites. The ladies love them so much, my wife won't let me wear them unless she is around.

A good way to sample popular contemporary colognes is to buy a Men's Health magazine. It is full of samples (the folded pages that you lift up to get the smell).

[gauchogolfer]

I lived near Grasse in France for a while, and there are lots of parfumeries there. I brought back a stash of Concerto by Fragonard that I really like, as well as M by Molinard. I think you can find both of them online here in the States.

[electroshock]

I once was given a large jar of cologne as a gift many years ago. Not being familiar with cologne at the time, I didn't realize how strongly scented they normally were. Oops. I got a few unflattering comments, let's put it that way. :D

Fast forward years later. Having forgotten about the strongness, having not used cologne since the first and only time years before... I splashed some on, not realizing how strong it was. More unflattering comments ensued at a community event. I got mad and went home to take a shower to get rid of it then went somewhere else that evening.

So, that's the only two times I've worn cologne. I think it's just often too overpowering by default to be worth wearing. Aftershave is about it for me. :D I do look forward to seeing recommendations for mild colognes, though.

[Shaun.P]

So here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to write down (copy and paste) all the suggestions here and see if I can get samples of them this weekend. The only way to really get a sense of these is to try them out.




With the Armani Mania I recommended, it really does smell brilliant, however spray it on your skin (such as your arm). After an hour, smell the area you sprayed. I think you'll agree it's a lovely aftershave!

I am uncertain if this comes in EDT and aftershave form. I have the EDT, which is stronger than the aftershave. This fragrance is not very strong though.

[yojitani]

With the Armani Mania I recommended, it really does smell brilliant, however spray it on your skin (such as your arm). After an hour, smell the area you sprayed. I think you'll agree it's a lovely aftershave!

I am uncertain if this comes in EDT and aftershave form. I have the EDT, which is stronger than the aftershave. This fragrance is not very strong though.

Thanks for the tip. I'd forgotten about after-shave. I don't use it - never have. I use witch hazel instead. No scent, no burn, no irritation, and cheap.

[mondesi43]

It's called Sex Panther by Odeon

[kellen]

Perhaps instead of a spray bottle get the other kind, the after shave bottle top where its not a spray, just a dab. Maybe make your own as someone else said.

I use aqua di gio and acqua di parma. Never had anyone complain that I was wearing too much. I don't like it when other people know I am wearing something, besides when they are close. I hate when someone walks by and you can smell them from feet away.

[Surely]

I once was given a large jar of cologne as a gift many years ago. Not being familiar with cologne at the time, I didn't realize how strongly scented they normally were. Oops. I got a few unflattering comments, let's put it that way. :D

Fast forward years later. Having forgotten about the strongness, having not used cologne since the first and only time years before... I splashed some on, not realizing how strong it was. More unflattering comments ensued at a community event. I got mad and went home to take a shower to get rid of it then went somewhere else that evening.

So, that's the only two times I've worn cologne. I think it's just often too overpowering by default to be worth wearing. Aftershave is about it for me. :D I do look forward to seeing recommendations for mild colognes, though.

Maybe you just need to learn how much you should be wearing? Splashing it on is just a bad idea.

[conch575]

My boyfriend's cologne smells amazing.. Too bad I don't know what it's called.. All I know is that it's by Calvin Klein, so that's a lot of different smells.. Go smell them all and pick the one that smells so good :D

[IBradMac]

Hugo Boss or Aqua di gio. My top two.

[momoisright]

This one's always good as a conversation starter:

http://www.thepopescologne.com/
This ewview by perfume critic, Marie-Helene Wagner may be of interest:
Review by perfume critic , Marie-Helene Wagner, an excerpt:

The Pope’s Cologne will probably mostly reveal his aesthetic taste. Judging from the cologne itself, it shows a man of refined taste who obviously valued subtlety, elegance, and even the rare. The scent has an ancient charm about it, especially when the floral notes start being felt, that is quite remarkable. It is a perfume recipe made in a time when flowers in masculine colognes were felt to be perfectly natural hence an absolute lack of showiness and complete sense of maturity and naturalness about the floral notes in this composition. Being a cologne meant to be worn by the Pope, it had to be restrained in principle and it is in fact; there is no unexpected flamboyance or hidden coquetry pointing its nose. Naturally, the animalic notes are extremely discreet. Perhaps we can also imagine that a certain ethereal quality, a lightness and freshness were cultivated as befitting the pope’s image. The citruses and lemon verbena are invigorating, a definite plus for a man in a public function. The fragrance is that of a man of patrician or aristocratic tastes.

The combination of citruses, lemon verbena and violet is enchanting, almost childlike in its softness and innocence. One feels inspired to make a drink that would be scented with these two main notes, violet and lemon. The “visual impression” the colors yellow and mauve suggest next to each other is also appealing.

From the flacon, the first aromas that strike the nose are citruses, woods, and amber. The start of the perfume is very citrus-y, a bit candied evoking lemon drops, like an outburst of freshly squeezed lemon juice with undertones of oceanic ambergris. The cologne then warms up becomes more powdery and vanillic but in a very understated way. Then there is a more vegetal, aromatic impression suggestive of the underbrush which kicks in. One smells a stylized subtle violet with some clove in it, perhaps some carnation since the powdery feel becomes a little bit more accentuated gliding even into a creamy impression. The blend at this point feels very elegant and refined, aristocratic even, showcasing an accord that feels rare and unusual. Very delicate floral nuances arise betraying tinges of rose, peach and then mauve. It smells a little bit of orange-blossom scented mauve guimauve, but in a very elegant manner. The woods then become more apparent and the most finely textured one of them, sandalwood in particular, it seems. There is also a little bit of a birch tar impression, but very discreet as the dry-down evokes a more familiar impression found in Russian leather scents. The longer dry-down smells a bit of the woodiness of orris. All the while the citruses impart their freshness to this elegantissime scent.

The recipe of the 19th century cologne was faithfully followed by Dr. Fred Hass (he happens to be US Poet-Laureate Robert Hass’ brother by the way) therefore the longevity is also authentically that of a perfume from that period. Fred Hass told us that he prefers not to touch the original recipe. It leaves nevertheless a very subtle scent on the skin, which contributes to the overall feeling of authentic old-world elegance.

Marie-Helene Wagner www.ThePopesCologne.com

[skunk]

Mild men don't use cologne.

[yojitani]

Mild men don't use cologne.

...said skunk.

[electroshock]

Maybe you just need to learn how much you should be wearing? Splashing it on is just a bad idea.

Yeah, but that'd be more useful if I ever found any halfway decent cologne that I liked. :) So far, haven't. No great loss.

[ceezy3000]

Burberry is pretty good but for what your asking I'd recommend curve

[electroshock]

It's called Sex Panther by Odeon

That's the one the EPA recommends not having open flame nearby when wearing that one, right? :D

Laughed to tears at that whole scene, especially the quotables: "What is that? Smells like a **** covered in burnt hair!" and "It smells like Bigfoot's ****!" ;)

[Maccin475]

Water based colognes are usually milder/not as strong as oil based colognes. CK and Nautica have a few fresh/mild colognes. My personal favorite is Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, not very strong and smells fresh.

[MacRy]

Vera Wang for Men.

Always gets comments from ladies on me. Might just suit my pheromones though I guess.

http://www.johnlewis.com/jl_assets/product/230395675.jpg

[momoisright]

If you don't like heavy and overpowering colognes as an aftershave but something more subtle, refreshing and elegant, I suggest that your try either Eticuera or Loma Alta from Excelsis:
www.ExcelsisUSA.com

[Gelfin]

It's called Sex Panther by Odeon

I actually have an actual bottle of that. Got it as swag at a film festival. Christ but it stinks. :D

For something really mild, I'd suggest washing with Lush's "The Olive Branch." It smells a bit to me like Royal Copenhagen, and it lingers a bit, but isn't overwhelming at all. They make a solid perfume version, but the scent doesn't last and seemed slightly different to me, sweeter and more pastry-like, than the soap. The soap might take some getting used to. It will separate overnight and you'll have to shake it up again in the morning. I find myself wishing they put spraypaint agitators in the bottle. It is less viscous and doesn't lather quite as much as you might be used to, but i still recommend it.

When I wear actual cologne, it's Acqua di Gio, but very conservatively. I put half a spritz right in the center of my chest and let it dry before putting on a shirt. The point isn't to olfactorily announce yourself to the room, but to say something a little more personal to those who get close enough to notice.

[yojitani]

I'd forgotten about this thread. I think I'm too sensitive to even mild colognes. I tried a few, but they all made me feel somewhat nauseous.

Soap and water it is!

[renewed]

http://www.dutyfreeperfume.co.uk/dfp/images/product/large/556%20large.bmp

[Abstract]

Frankincense. The oil would probably only cost you around $10-15 all up. Companies that make cologne and perfume do so using a combination of these perfume oils and sell them to you for $50-100.

I don't have it, but my friend uses it and gets asked about it by men and women all the time. I have another scented oil, but it makes me smell like rich mahogany. ;)

[Funkatronic]

Joop or Issey Miyakes L'Eau d'Issey perhaps? The later is rather mild, to be honest, but this coming from someone who prefers a really strong fragrance like the Armani Code

[Arran]

Chanel Pour Monsieur (the old original version, not the concentrated one)

Problem is it's impossible to find in the US.