Cologne

[GameBoy]

Below is a comprehensive list of colognes that have been mentioned on this site. When applicable forum members have been quoted and credited with their input.
The Cologne Guide is on version 1.6!! UPDATED 9/30/06
Download the new PDF now.
RIGH HERE! - WOO HOO!(Version 1.7 update in progress...)
New to this update: I am working on asthetic changes to help discern positive feedback from negative feedback and to up the readability.
New for V.1.3: M7, Verry Irresistable & Cool Water have been added. New comments have been added where available. New and clearer images have been added/updated. And a new post on the 'Innergame of Cologne' has been moved to the fore-front.
New for V.1.4: Keneth Cole Black and Gucci Envy were added as-well-as more info on existing scents. Also Frangrances.net has been added with a discount code for 10% off.
- GameBoy
Praise for The Cologne Guide:
Brass - "Thank you Gameboy...And Hysteria: Yesterday, this girl complemented me on my cologne (I was wearing my new Gavenchy) And then went on to say, "That not many guys no how to wear cologne properly".... YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!!"
Lafora - "I think most guys dont' invest enough time to sample fragrances before they purchase the one or two that they wear all the time...It's just another piece of accessories or expression of oneself. Some people like to put crazy looking shirts on, some people spritz non-generic fragrances. Colognes aren't just a random pair of socks you put on :P thnk of it as more like a tie or cufflinks."
Online Cologne resources:
http://www.fragrancenet.com/ *Save 10% with discount code FRAGSVE until the end of the year!
http://www.perfumecountry.com/
http://www.strawberrynet.com/
http://www.perfumeemporium.com/
http://www.99perfume.com/
http://www.usaperfumes.com/
http://www.scentiments.com/scentiments/welcome.asp
http://www.fragrancex.com/
http://www.kingersons.com/
http://www.perfume-bay.com/index.html
For Body Wash/Etc:
http://www.drugstore.com/
*Note: Prices on all brands/fragrances will vary depending on the website you visit.
Eg: I recently saved $20 more on a 4.2 oz. bottle of Marc Jacobs by comparing each site against the other. If you hunt for a bargain – you will find one.
How to Apply:
Aside from reacting to your bodies own chemicals (pheromones and oils), cologne react to heat. Body-heat specifically. When applying; you want to target the areas of your body that product the most heat and are exposed to air. You want to trigger and release the scent in the most effective ways.
So, where are these magical locations?
-Wrists
-Neck
-Behind the ears
-Chest (if exposed)
In that order. You can also spray the back of your knees and ‘Big-Ben’ (as one forum member referred to it) if you like, but the effect will be largely lost.
*Note: Do not spray cologne behind your ears – it will come off way too strong.
Instead; spray your wrists/the palm of one hand at close range – then swipe your finger in it and apply behind ears.
Tips:
-Do not apply cologne to wet skin. The cologne will dissipate incredibly fast and you will be left with a minor residue on your skin. (A residue that doesn’t smell that good at close range.)
-Do not rub your wrists together after you spray them. The friction and heat will increase the cologne’s breakdown in a bad way.
-If you are layering scents (applying more than one cologne to create a custom or richer scent) wait several seconds from the time you apply the first cologne to apply the second.. This will allow the first scent to ‘settle’ and bond with your skin before introducing the second.
-Rotate you cologne. Be that adventurous guy who’s got it all-together. You’re stylish, classy and refined. You have different colognes to match the occasion/outfit/mood. Have a variety and wear them to match. Women (and everyone else) will take note. It’s one of those incredibly sexy/confident/thoughtful details that stands out for being subtle.

[GameBoy]

Popular Colognes:
Acqua Di Gio
Georgio Armani

*See also: Very irresistable by Givenchi
Has a strong citrus tone combined with a hint of rosemary and offers a spicy aquatic freshness. Men prefer its summer feel and women like the fresh scent. It is recommended for casual wear and summer days.
Price:
1.7 oz. - $37.99
3.4 oz. - $55.99
What others (fellow MM forum members) have said:
Thumbs up
Mardy – “aqua de gio is the best cologne I have not met a girl who didn’t like it. Get it.”
The_Shezzler – “…it’s pretty good stuff”
Slide - "I wear Aqua....but it depends on the occasion and audience...21 to 25....I'll always wear Aqua"
Weatherman - "I use aqua de gio personally. My friends refer to it as my "crack for women" becuase when I go to a party, I will be off in a room somewhere just hanging out, and girls will follow the scent into the room to find out who is wearing it"
Thumbs Down
EEZerik – “overplayed though. Maybe for good reason…but could remind them of their ex/bad experience. Widen horizons…”
Method – “I used to wear aqua, honestly man it smells cheap and old man ish… find an original cologne don’t use aqua di gio”
GameBoy – “It’s always good to have ‘Acqua’ around – basically every woman loves it. I do NOT recommend using it as a first impression however. It isn’t unique enough. .”
Hysteria – “ … today I gave Acqua Di Gio a good test. I'll be honest... it does smell pretty good. I can understand why guys (and the ladies) might like it. And it has decent longevity.... It's too linear and not challenging enough. It smells common. The scent is completely inoffensive (which most people will like) but therefore it's not daring enough for my tastes. I like fragrances with a bit of an edge. I do consider myself to peacock with unique fragrances although … wearing Acqua Di Gio isn't my way to do it. Sorry guys.”
Token - "I'll agree with alot of the posters about aqua.. it smells nice sure, I like it, but EVERY single one of my friends has it"
Lafora - "I bust the sales assoc' at Sephora's and Sears all the time when they push Aqua di Gio at me. There are literally 80 colognes in the store and they sell me THE most generic one? Come on. That's one bottle I'll NEVER put in my wardrobe just cuz everyone and their grandpa has it "
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs

Contains Italian bergamot, cypress, spices, fig leaves, Indonesian patchouli, and deep musk. I’d recommend it for casual or office wear (Unless you wear a suit to work.)
Price:
2.5 oz. - $24.89
4.2 oz. - $46.99
What others have said:
Thumbs up
**Styles** - “I got this collone after I heard good reviews from it. And deadset its the best collone out there, I has getting really good feedback from it, its a bit pricey, but soooo worth the money, trust me you will stand out in the crowd with this One, its unique and not something you will smell very day, its also a nice smelling collone, not over the top just right ”
Adonis – “I followed recommendation from David D's stuff, He had recommended Mark Jacobs. Me and a group of mates went the perfume section of Myers and were trying the stuff out. I had asked a few gilrs opinions and the said Mark Jacobs was good.”
Rick – “Marc Jacobs is the one of the best I have”
GameBoy – “I've been describing this cologne to people as 'powdery', and on that note - there is really nothign else to fill this void like Marc Jacobs. It has a very pleasant, airy, clean sense about it. I imagine that this will come in handy when chilling on the couch or other close-quarters casual settings. It’s not try-hard at all. It just seems ‘right’.”
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with Marc Jacobs
Very Sexy
Victorias Secret

A spicy citrus blend, has top notes of tangerine, pink lime and bergamot leaves
Price:
3.3 oz. - $44.99
*Only size found on 3 sites.
What others have said:
Thumbs up
TrueStory – “Very Sexy is good… def. remember buying it…”
silverback – “I’ve gotten many compliments on Very Sexy as well.”
PrivateParrot – “I have found that Very Sexy for men is the best. I get it at Victoria’s Secret. I always get compliments on it.”
Eggman17 – “ ‘Very Sexy’ for men, sold at Victoria Secret is pretty good. I wear it a lot, and always get compliments by women.”
Entice - "Very sexy works wonders. I didnt even realize until I started getting so many compliments."
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothing wrong with Very Sexy
Armani
Georgio Armani

A luxurious, fruity fragrance. Explores essences of lemon, mandarin and basil, blended with notes of cedar, musk and sandalwood. Recommended for romantic settings.
Price:
1.7 oz. - $39.50
3.2 oz. - $62.50
What others have said:
Thumbs up
GameBoy – “While not in heavy rotation I think most men would benefit from adding this scent to their arsenal. Many women swoon for a rich, musky, complex scent and Armani hits that mark dead-on. This the scent I lent my wing for his first romantic evening with his ‘desperate housewife’. The woodsy tones blend well into the background and help to spice up this otherwise musky scent.”
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with Armani.

[GameBoy]

Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana

A refined, masculine balance of sophisticated scents.
Base Scent: Cedar, Tonka bean, Sandalwood, Musk.
Primary scents: Lemon, Clary Sage, Lavender, Tarragon.
Secondary: Coriander, Pepper, Geranium, Cinnamon.
Suitable for casual wear but recommended for evenings.
Price:
2.5 oz. - $37.99
4.2 oz. - $46.99
What others have said:
Thumbs up
GameBoy – “I expected a richer scent with this one. What I found was a bland (but nice) musk scent. In fact, because it is so smooth, I find it layers well with other colognes."
Neutral (Good and bad points from the same person)
Adonis – “I followed recommendation from David D’s stuff, He had recommended Dolce-and-Gabanna, me and a group of mates went the perfume section of Myers and were trying the stuff out. Dolce and gabbana is good… cept the girls don’t really like it… but the guys do… So if you get this one, u might wanna watch your back.�
Brass - "A more refined smell for special occasions. Not really a Scent I use when going to the bar. I also notice the gay guy (or sexualy different) at my bar likes it when i wear it..."
Black Jeans *Discontinued
Versace

A Sharp, Spicy, Lavender, Amber Fragrance. This Masculine Scent Possesses A Blend Of Natural Citrus, Rosemary, Geranium, Musk And Vetiver.
Price:
2.5 oz. - $36.99
*Only size found on 3 sites.
What others have said:
Thumbs up
GameBoy – “I like Black Jeans. I usually layer it with a more musky scent ( Like DnG) What really ‘makes’ this scent is the light woodsy tones. At first, I admit to not liking it. However, after the cologne had a few moments to breath, it really opens up and gains a level of depth that you look for in a fine cologne."
Thumbs Down
Hysteria – “I finally received my sample of Versace Black Jeans (discontinued). I probably had exceedingly high expectations of this one, and it didn't make a huge first impression on me. I'm gonna test it again this weekend...�
Life
Aramis

Contains Orange, Lime, Bergamot, Tangerine, Violet, Pepper, Cardamom, Mint, Leather, Patchouli, Oak Moss, Vetiver, Musk
Price:
3.3 oz. - $49.89
*Only size found on 2 sites.
What others have said:
Thumbs up
silverback – “my normal ‘everyday’ cologne�
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with Aramis Life.
Dark Blue
Hugo Boss

*See also: Keneth Cole Black
A refreshing, woody, mossy fragrance. This masculine scent possesses a blend of citrus oranges, oakmoss, snadelawood and patchouli
Price:
2.5 oz. - $36.99
4.2 oz. - $39.99
What others have said:
Thumbs up
Orleans – “I wear nothing but Hugo Bos – Dark Blue. Every woman I know has complimented me on it. Almost changed to a new scent when I ran out and told my ex-girlfriend… she ran out and bought me a new bottle.�
Thumbs Down
GameBoy - "I had to go to Boss just to try this and my impression wasn't that good... I was expecting more. It turns out to smell a lot like KenethCole Black. They're both rather thin scents that try and do a lot but don't quite reach the depth that they shoot for."

[GameBoy]

Romance Silver
Ralph Lauren

A chic, oriental woody fragrance. Contains exotic herbs & spices. Perfect for casual wear.
Price:
1.7 oz. - $44.00
3.4 oz. - $65.00
What others have said:
Thumbs up
Dashing – “…I use this and tell hbs how much my ex-girlfriend paid for it…and yes I bought it. ”
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with Silver.
Bvlgari
Bvlgari

Classified As A Refreshing, Oriental, Woody Fragrance. This Masculine Scent Possesses A Blend Of Rosewood, Pepper, Musk, And Tea. Accompanied By Watery And Spicy Notes. It Is Recommended For Daytime Wear.
Price:
1.7 oz. - $50
3.4 oz. - $77.50
What others have said:
Thumbs up
GameBoy – “This is a very light scent. I’d recommend it for active daytime use. It has a very ‘clean’, refreshing quality about it. The best part? It’s a very unique and rare fragrance. I don’t know anyone else who wears it – that lets you stand-out [in a good way]
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with Bvlgari.
Sex Panther
Odeon

It’s illegal in 9 countries and it’s made with bits of real panther – so you know it’s good.
Price:
N/A
What others have said:
Neutral
Ron Burgendy – “It’s quite pungent… it’s a formidable scent: It stings the nostrils, but in a good way… I’m gonna be honest with you: That smells like pure gasoline.”
Nobile *Discontinued
Gucci

This green citrus is a classic blend of citrus, lavender, vetiver, and musk.
Price:
1 oz. - $49.99
2 oz. - $75.00
What others have said:
Thumbs up
Hysteria – “I have a decant of Gucci Nobile. It's a very green scent, reminiscent of a freshly mowed lawn.”
GameBoy - "I found a local store that still carries this (in the bay area) and picked up a bottle. It is a very green scent but has some musky undertones giving it a very '80s' feel. Most of my friends like it a LOT."
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong wtih Nobile.

[GameBoy]

Armani Black Code
Georgio Armani

A fresh, spicy composition which opens on notes of lemon and bergamot, leading to a heart of olive flower. The base features Tonka bean and guaiacum wood.
Price
1.7 oz. - $44.50
2.5 oz. - $59.00
What others have said:
Thumbs Up
Angel - "Armani Black Code is real good stuff... girls eat it up, plus its not overbearing"
Token -"Armani Black Code is what I wear most of the time and chicks do like it alot from what I've seen."
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with Code
Tommy "T"
Tommy Hilfigger

A masculine scent consisting of woody notes exquisitely desgined to meet the needs of a working man. This fragrance is recommended for daytime wears.
Price:
1.7 oz. - $35
3.3 oz. - $55
What others have said:
Neutral
GameBoy - "This has to be the 'cleanest' scent I have ever smelled. Just having it on makes me want to go outside and wash my car or play football in the park. You want to be active when you have it on."
M7
Yves Saint Laurent

A luxurious, classic masculine fragrance infused with of bergamot, mandarin & woody note. Perfect for daytime or evening wear.
Price
1.7 oz. - $37.00
3.3 oz. - $49.50
What others have said:
Thumbs Up
GameBoy - "The spicy/woodsey tones work better at night and it manages to grab a good share of attention without being too over-blown."
Phoenix1 - "Have been using Yves Saint Laurent M7 for ages now because it is just an amazing smell and girls seem 2 adore it! Highly recommend it!"
Hysteria - "YSL M7 is indeed a masterpiece and a frickin' amazing design house... unfortunately, distribution is rather limited in North America, which is okay by me considering I won't smell my YSL favourites on everybody and their brother."
Thumbs Up
Ain't nothin' wrong with M7.
Very Irresistible
Givenchy

A dynamic fragrance with depth. Delivers fresh, edgy, bright & long lasting scent: Fresh, green top notes of natural mint leaf & grapefruit zest; Sensual, warm core notes of sesame seed & mocha; woody, highly masculine base notes of hazel wood & virginia cedar. Perfect for all occasions
Price
1.7 oz. - $41.00
3.4 oz. - $55.00
What others have said:
Thumbs Up
GameBoy - "Very Irresistable says that you're a guy who knows how to stand out just enough. I've been caling Irresistable 'Acqua version 2.' It's like Acqua, but better."
Brass- "I just got a bottle of "Givenchy very irresistible" and I must say it is damn nice smelling."
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with Very Irresistable

[GameBoy]

Cool Water
Davidoff

A clear, fresh & elegant fragrance for man. Top notes are lavender, rosemary and menthe with bergamot; Middle notes are jasmine, chevrefeuille, geranium, sandalwood, iris and oakmoss; Base notes are musk with ambergris clements.
Price
1.3 oz. - $21.50
2.5 oz. - $38.50
4.2 oz. - $55.00
What others have said:
Thumbs Up
bloodgroove - "It's a staple and it smells fucking great on me... I think it's a must have for any man that smells good in cool scents."
Neutral
GameBoy - "It's cool water, what needs to be said? Other than Acqua it's the number one selling cologne. Women love it, guys love it, and you can buy it cheep now. Why don't you own this?"
Black
Kenneth Cole

*See also: Hugo Dark Blue
A clear, fresh & elegant fragrance for man. Exudes with star anis, vetiver, evergreen & amber. Blends with notes of angelica & cumin. Suitable for daywear.
Price
1.7 oz. - $43.00
3.3 oz. - $41.00 *Yes, this size can be found cheaper right now.
What others have said:
Thumbs Up
Jack Handy - "I've been rocking Kenneth Cole Black. I love it. It seems to leave a memorable scent. One girl asked be a few days later what I was wearing nights earlier."
Dr. Zeus - "I'm a big fan Kenneth Cole Black."
Thumbs Down
GameBoy - "This one kinda let me down; The quality of the ingredients don't seem to be very high and because of this it isn't a very complex scent. (After smelling Hugo Dark Blue - they seem very similar) This cologne was launched as having a very distinctive 'leather' quality, but I just dont get that from it. It's a little woodsey, a little spicey and has good staying power however. In other words; it's a good scent, but not what was promised."
Envy
Gucci

Contains Oriental scents with deep, woodsy notes with a blend of spices: Top note: Mandarin, Coriander, Pepper, Rosewood; Middle note: Rose, Jasmine, Carnation, Sandal; Base note: Patchouli, Vetiver, Leather, Vanilla. Perfect for casual wear.
Price
1.7 oz. - $30.00
3.4 oz. - $42.79
What others have said:
Thumbs Up
X-ICE - "I like Gucci envy it really works well and have had may compliamets for when I wear it and girls love it!!! every girl who u get near or ask the opinion for I 've never had a girl say its not great!"
Neutral
Hysteria - "Gucci Envy For Men is nice. It's pretty linear and doesn't develop throughout the day, but still enjoyable. "
L'Eau D'Issey
Issey Miyake

Top fragrance notes are juniper, bergamot and lavender; Middle notes are sage, coriander and freesia; Base notes are sandalwood, moss and cedar. It is recommended for romantic use.
Price
2.5 oz. - $48.50
4.2 oz. - $61.50
What others have said:
Thumbs Up
Deep - "I picked up a bottle at Bloomingdales about a year ago... and would highly recommend"
G.Q. - "I like L'eau D'Issey, it's a very formal scent, [I wouldn't wear it during the day.] With hints of citrus, spice, amber and woods, it's intoxicating!"
Deviate - "I use issay miakye to it has the best success with the ladies."
SoopaStah - "Lesser known by men, but widely recognized brand by women (pronounced EE-say me-YAW-kee). More of a sweeter smelling cologne. A good changeup... "
Thumbs Down
Ain't nothin' wrong with L'Eau D'Issey

[GameBoy]

Most negative feedback: Acqua Di Gio by Georgio Armani
Most Positive Feedback: Very Sexy by Victoria's Secret

[GameBoy]

Setting your frame: What it's all about
I view Cologne and fragrences as the Icing on the cake.
The entire thing has to look right, but this is one of those last little details that can tip something from 'good' to 'great!'. Showing that you take extensive care of yourself down to the very last detail, that you are a guy who's got it all togeather, that you are a MAN goes a long way to subtle DHV. Simply being a certain way because YOU want to be - not to get the approval of others is what it's all about. - That's my frame.
I get complimented on my choice of scents from women, but usually in isolation and when you DO get that compliment you know you're very-much 'in'.
Scentes have an attitude of their own. They are such a minor detail that they speak volumes about your personality. (This is similar to shoes - because it's something that is often overlooked, you can use them to tell a lot about a person. Watches and sunglasses too.) These little accent pieces are - as Cuba said in Jerry McGuaire 'The Quam'. It's an ultimate statement about the quality of life - your expectations - and the level that you opperate at.
Cologne should match, compliment, and enhance your persona. Are you in an agressive mood? Are you relaxed today? Do you feel active and fresh? There are scents that can inspire these feelings within you or serve to project that image into the minds of others.
Tommy T feels like a warm summer day to me. I see blue jeans and a white t-shirt without shoes on.
H.O.T. Always screams for attention with a spicy agressive attitude. (Couple that with a well-tailored suit and a Loud shirt/tie combo and you'll make one hell of a statement)
Very Irresistable says that you're a guy who knows how to stand out just enough.
Brit fits a casual office setting for me and could easily become a standard fragrance for the working man. It says 'corner office'.
Taking the time to find what works for you is one more way of distinguishing who you are and carving your own identity. It's one more level of refinement and that extra push that helps to set you apart from everyone else around you.

[Face]

Gameboy--u have too much time on ur hands!!

[GameBoy]

Originally Posted by Face

Gameboy--u have too much time on ur hands!!

This was time well spent. A lot of guys have a lot of questions or need a lot of help in this area. Instead of spreading the knowledge out amongst 7 different threads - we now have a resource to refer back to and build upon. I prefer to take a 'one stop shopping' approach to my information; if I can get it all in one spot - I do.