Perfume/cologne thread!

[fakely mctest]

This was a pretty popular topic back on the old forums so I'm bringing it here!  I know some of you probably have your personal favorite Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab scents, among other things.

Hands down, my favorite independent perfumer is Christopher Brosius.  His scents are really amazing, full of unusual combinations that work beautifully.  Definitely recommended if you're ever looking for something singular.  Fire from Heaven is probably my favorite so far.

D.S. & Durga is a brand I'm looking forward to exploring more fully.  I wore Bowmakers about a year ago and got incredibly enthusiastic compliments every time I had it on.

[UristMcBunny]

I really, really want to try some of the Black Phoenix stuff when I can afford it. I've been a bit nervous about it due to not knowing what to expect, but recently the comics artist for Platinum Black and MGDMThas started doing some excellent, detailed reviews of their scents on her Tumblr.

For independent perfumers and makers of various nice smelly things, I can recommend For Strange Women if you want clear, simple but unusual scents (I love Widdershins, Moss and Ivy and French Oakmoss). Madame Scodioli also makes some lovely, alluring masculine and neutral scents (I want to smother my spouse in her Laudanum scent! I plan on treating him for Crimbo now she's started doing beard tonics as well as solid colognes).

[Gentleman Johnny]

If anyone wants a cheaper alternative to BPAL, I've got a friend who makes her own perfumes. She did a wonderful spicy/earthy "Crowley" scent to help me channel my inner Mark Sheppard. She's working on her etsy site but its not up yet. You can email jessethaxton@yahoo.com and tell her The Ringmaster sent you.

[Herr R]

I'm becoming interested in those Madame Scodioli scents there, Bunny. I do wish you could send for samples though, since trying to pick a scent that works for you is kinda hard over the Internet.

[Guest]

GJ, I'm holding out for my greaseproof-paper-wrapped bottle of Artisanal Masculinity.

[UristMcBunny]

I'm becoming interested in those Madame Scodioli scents there, Bunny. I do wish you could send for samples though, since trying to pick a scent that works for you is kinda hard over the Internet.

Yeah, it's one thing that makes buying from small perfumers more difficult. think she does do a pack of three solid cologne samples for about the price of one full-size cologne, or buying her soaps might be a cheaper way to test her scents.

[fakely mctest]

buying her soaps might be a cheaper way to test her scents.

Plus you get soaps! I may have a small soap-buying problem.

[Gentleman Johnny]

GJ, I'm holding out for my greaseproof-paper-wrapped bottle of Artisanal Masculinity.

So that's what? Leather, motor oil, maybe gunsmoke and and a basic musk? She can do that.

[Herr R]

GJ, I'm holding out for my greaseproof-paper-wrapped bottle of Artisanal Masculinity.

So that's what? Leather, motor oil, maybe gunsmoke and and a basic musk? She can do that.

Seriously? If she can capture the essence of post-apocalyptic machinery, a steel foundry, the smell of a new Nintendo cartridge (anybody remember that "new game smell"?) and make it sexy, I'll shoot her an email.

[Nerdator]

This should probably go in a separate thread, but seeing this one, and the old forums/DNL's posts/comment threads, creates the impression that perfume use is self-evident and not a moot point.

I personally don't use any ever. I've hated all the cologne smells I've encountered, and I can't stand cologne-like-smelling men's products (and there's nothing like taking a Saturday night walk and having a gomer who stinks like a glammy conifer ahead of you). If I'm ever given cologne as a gift, I only use it as a disinfectant for all the alcohol it contains.

So am I missing out on something? Am I losing a +1 Charisma bonus out there somewhere?

[eselle28]

This should probably go in a separate thread, but seeing this one, and the old forums/DNL's posts/comment threads, creates the impression that perfume use is self-evident and not a moot point.

I personally don't use any ever. I've hated all the cologne smells I've encountered, and I can't stand cologne-like-smelling men's products (and there's nothing like taking a Saturday night walk and having a gomer who stinks like a glammy conifer ahead of you). If I'm ever given cologne as a gift, I only use it as a disinfectant for all the alcohol it contains.

So am I missing out on something? Am I losing a +1 Charisma bonus out there somewhere?

No, perfume is strictly optional, and preferences for it vary. Some people like it, some people despise it, some people are allergic to it. I tend to like it if it's a scent I like, but I don't necessarily like the same scents that are popular, and not wearing any is a decent second runner up. I wouldn't be surprised if others were in that category as well.

[UristMcBunny]

I almost never wear any, and I mostly stick to unscented deodorants, too. But I find it fun to play with sometimes, much like with make-up and clothes that look like I actually gave a shit when I woke up! It's nice to be able to grab an unusual scent that actually pleases me on the rare times I do wear some.

[Gentleman Johnny]

Its optional but so is facial cleansing, makeup and wearing anything cooler than just clothes from Target that fit well. When I use it, its more for me, to help me get in the right mind set.

[Nerdator]

So essentially, there is no point for me to look into these things unless I'm interested (which I'm not): not using any perfume is fine, and there is advantage only if you're a connoisseur?

I almost never wear any, and I mostly stick to unscented deodorants, too.

Crikey, they make unscented deodorants? Has the world changed in the last whatever years since I stopped using deodorants because they were actually odorants – masking one smell and adding another?

[eselle28]

So essentially, there is no point for me to look into these things unless I'm interested (which I'm not): not using any perfume is fine, and there is advantage only if you're a connoisseur?

I wouldn't take it quite as far as you have. There's an advantage even if you're not a connoisseur if you enjoy it personally or if it makes you feel confident. If it's something that bores you to tears, I'd say other things might be better uses of the same time and energy, though.

Crikey, they make unscented deodorants? Has the world changed in the last whatever years since I stopped using deodorants because they were actually odorants – masking one smell and adding another?

Yes, it comes in unscented versions.

[Guest]

It's kind of a shame, but I have a really sensitive nose (or something's wrong with it) and perfume / cologne / deodorant can bring about all sorts of ew reactions. Nauseousness and headaches being the worst.

There are some perfumes that I've noticed women using that smell sublime and don't make me want to rip my nose off and stuff it with cotton wool, but I've never had luck with deodorant or cologne.

I pretty much decided to stick to fiddling with the wardrobe.

[Enail]

Some people like perfume/cologne and will find someone using a scent they like more attractive; some people don't, or even have sensitivities to them and avoid them. So either using them or not using them has its advantages.

[Guest]

I'm kind of ashamed of this, being a bi, feminist, kickassingly sort of gal, but I love the very traditionally masculine cologne smell on a man. Makes me weak at the knees, as long as it's not too strong.

Except Hugo Boss. Thanks, Evil Ex™, for making the hairs on the back of my neck go up every time I smell this otherwise very pleasant scent. I even hate Gerry Butler now for advertising it, and he used to be my bit-of-rough-of-choice. Harrumph.

[Nerdator]

Some people like perfume/cologne and will find someone using a scent they like more attractive; some people don't, or even have sensitivities to them and avoid them. So either using them or not using them has its advantages.

So, not using when you're already not using is actually preferable: the position is already advantageous, plus you don't have to do or change anything.

[InkAndComb]

Has anyone actually purchased from ZOMG smells? I like the idea of a sample pack, and they are so clever and interesting in their mixes that I've always been tempted (I think these people were selling a Last Centurion in honor of Rory from Dr.Who for some time but I can't remember...), but I always get nervous on guessing if a smell will work.

I usually give up and use the Twilight Woods spray I have from BBaB

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