My Initial Reaction To Creed Aventus

I've mentioned Creed Aventus several times on this page. According to a lot of reviewers, it's supposed to be the king of masculine fragrances. In addition to being a top-tier fragrance, Creed Aventus is also one of the most expensive fragrances with a 100ml bottle going for $435 retail price.

Now, I have sampled a few different Creed fragrances in the past, but I've never actually worn one. That is because their fragrances are generally too expensive for me to justify purchasing. But recently, I found a site that decants expensive fragrances like Creed and sells them at a much more reasonable price. So I decided to finally get a small 15ml decant of Aventus.

I'm not going to be reviewing it in this post because there are already a plethora of reviews about Aventus; instead, I'm going to give you my first reaction to wearing this super-hyped scent.

Ok, so first thing I immediately thought after applying Aventus was how much it smelt like Dior Sauvage. I think it was the citrus in the opening of the former which made it smell like the latter. The similarity between the two quickly faded though, and I was able to understand Aventus a little better.

After the first 20 minutes or so, Aventus begins to dry down. This is when the birchwood and musk begin to come through. I think the combination of these two notes is what makes Aventus so appealing.

The next thing I noticed was more to do with its performance. Aventus is both subtle and loud. It is not something that you detect on yourself all day, but it is something that other people will notice. I'm not quite sure why that is.

I think this makes Aventus the epitome of office scents. It smells perfectly professional. 

I also think it has a lot of potential for being a signature scent.

So after wearing this a couple of times, do I think Creed Aventus is worth $435?

It's hard to say. I feel like it might be if you have the cash to buy it, but I haven't worn it enough to really say.

Personally, I don't see myself even considering buying a full sized bottle any time soon. Perhaps in the future at some point, but right now, I think I'll stick with designer scents.

If anyone knows any discount outlets where I could find Aventus at a cheaper price let me know in the comments, but paying retail price for a fragrance like this just seems ridiculous right now!

-Ryan S.

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How Many Fragrances Do You Actually Wear?

Recently, I was called out for wearing the same fragrance everyday despite having around thirty different bottles, and it made think that there are probably myriads of guys who are in the same exact situation. Personally, I've been wearing Dior Sauvage EDT most days, while wearing Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue and Sauvage EDP less frequently. 

So I started thinking: how many fragrances should a guy actually wear? Now, I'm not talking about how many fragrances does a guy need. That's a completely different line of thought. My collection of thirty bottles is a pale comparison to other collections I've seen online; some of them surpassing 100 different bottles. I don't believe any one needs 100 bottles of cologne or even thirty, but the thing is, there's a difference between buying a couple of bottles for daily wear and being a collector.

That being said, let's focus on the title question. For the sake of this post, let's assume you have thirty bottles like I do. With thirty, you likely have a wide range of fragrances and a lot of choice about what to wear. I'd be really surprised if a guy with thirty bottles is wearing them all; instead, what I'd expect is that they are wearing one or two of their current favorites like I do.

If that is the case, it means one thing: that you're missing out on all your other fragrances.

You never know when you might start to really like a particular fragrance, but you will never know if you don't experiment with what you have.

For example, recently I have started wearing Swiss Arabian Nawaf, which I mentioned in my seven days of oud post. I really liked it when I first got it, but after coming back to it for a few days now, I've realized that it's even better than I thought.

So, I think the reason you should use more fragrances than just your favorites is because your other less used fragrances may surprise you. Plus, you spent the money on them so might as well use them. Right?

Another reason I think you should wear more than just your favorite fragrances is because you might come across a new combination that you really like. Layering your fragrances can be fun and creative, so by putting your favorites aside, it'll give you the opportunity to experiment. 

For instance, I recently discovered that Montblanc Legend and Ralph Lauren Polo Double Black is a really good combination. The pineapple from the former mixes quite nicely with the mango and coffee beans in the latter.

So should you wear different fragrances all the time?

Well that's up to you. In my opinion, I think wearing a fragrance I don't often wear or haven't worn in awhile can be fun, but I think I'm going to primarily stick to wearing the one's I love. This makes me then question how many fragrances I actually need, and I think the answer is a lot less than thirty. 

What do you guys think? Do you collect fragrances or do you only own a couple? If you collect, how many fragrances are in your rotation? Do you primarily wear your favorites or do you like to switch it up? Let me know in the comments!

-Ryan S.

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Let's Talk About: Swiss Arabian Pure Instinct

Pure Instinct is one of Swiss Arabian's only fragrances that doesn't have oud in it. SA, having been established in the UAE, creates primarily Middle-Easter compositions. As you know, these tend to be very earthy and spicy; they're definitely not going to be for everyone. However, Pure Instinct is an anomaly in the sense that it is mass-appealing. I actually mentioned it in my designer vs. niche post as perhaps SA's attempt at a western scent.

In fact, I would bet that if you were to just smell Pure Instinct without knowing the company you would probably guess it was from Dolce & Gabanna or some other European brand. I have actually heard someone refer to Pure Instinct as a darker version of Bleu de Channel. I definitely get the similarities between this and BDC, but I wouldn't say it's necessarily a darker version. Remember: a dark scent is typically spicy and heavy, but that's not Pure Instinct at all.

Swiss Arabian Pure Instinct (100ml)

In fact, I would say it's a brighter version of BDC.

The composition of this one is really good and relies heavily on citrus notes. At the top, we have grapefruit, pineapple, apple, and pepper, in the middle there's tuberose, rose, cardamom, and patchouli, and at the bottom there's amber, cedar, vetiver, leather, and vanilla. When I initially apply this one I get a rush of the pineapple, grapefruit, and apple mixed with a bit of vanilla and amber. The opening is actually very similar to Versace Eros minus the mint note.

As it begins to dry down, I get more of the woodsy notes and a bit of the rose. The citrus becomes more of a secondary note after about an hour, but it persists throughout the life of the fragrance. I never really get any of the leather or pepper, but it could be because there are so many different notes in the composition.

The performance on this one is nothing special, but it's decent enough. I get 4 solid hours of light projection and 3 more of the fragrance being a skin-scent. It doesn't sit super close to the skin though which means it's detectable as long as someone's within an inch or two of you. I also love how strong the sprayer is. I think it's even stronger than the sprayer on Dior Sauvage, and that's saying something.

I would wear this one casually; definitely not professionally. Considering how similar the opening is to Versace Eros, I wouldn't want to wear Pure Instinct in an office or classroom setting because the citrus may be too strong for some people. I think it would work great for outdoor events or just hanging out with friends. When you think of this one, think casual and fun.

Price-wise, you can get a 100ml bottle from Swiss Arabian's website for $60 which definitely isn't a bad price especially considering that the EDP Version of BDC is twice that much. I really don't think you'll regret getting this one. It's mass-appealing, has pretty decent performance, and I could easily see this one being a big compliment getter.

Overall, I would give Pure Instinct an 8/10. It's a great composition and I love the citrus accords in it. I probably would reapply this one at some point during the day because it's not a beast in terms of performance, but for $60, it's a very good choice. If you've been hesitant to try out Swiss Arabian because you're not sure you like oud, Pure Instinct would be a great fragrance to start with!

-Ryan S.

Guide To Finding Your Signature Scent, Pt. 2 (Repost)

So now that we know what a signature scent is and how to keep track of which notes you like/dislike it’s time to discuss the best ways to initially find fragrances that you’ll love. If you missed my last post or would just like to reread it before moving forward in this guide you can click here. If not, let’s continue.

How to Find Fragrances That You’ll Love: The Discovery Process

Looking for and smelling new fragrances– i.e. the discovery process– is something that never gets old. No matter how many fragrances you own or how many signature scents you’ve had, looking for the next great one is always a thrill. 

Before I get into it, I feel I should provide another warning of sorts: the discovery process should be fun and should rely mostly on your own sense of smell. You should never, I repeat, never buy anything based on hype. What I mean is that you should never listen to your friends or the fragrance community about how great a fragrance is and go out and buy it.

Why?

Because that fragrance is most likely going to react differently on your skin, so even if it smells great and projects like Odysseus shooting his great bow when he returns to Ithaca, i.e. like a BEAST, the same fragrance might perform poorly on you.

For example, I'm always hearing people rave about how great Versace Dylan Blue is. I mean, it is a very nice fragrance and probably has a lot of potential on some people, but for some reason, Dylan Blue doesn't perform well on me. In fact, it performs poorly. I'm not sure why that it, but to my point, you shouldn't expect a particular fragrance that works wonders on one person to work well on you. It might but it might not.

Basically, you’ll go out and spend $100 thinking you’re getting something amazing, but find out afterwards that instead of being Odysseus, you’re the first guy he snipes with his bow.

While doing your research and watching fragrance reviews is always a good idea, going out and buying something without smelling it– what is known as “blind buying”– is not. The only slight exception is if you really know what you like. 

For example, I bought Versace Eros without smelling it first because I knew based on its composition and the reviews I read that it was completely me. Sure enough, to this day, it is one of the only fragrances that I have used multiple bottles. Some would even say it’s my signature scent.

But for now, for you, don’t listen to hype. The discovery process is yours and you should have the most important part in it.

Anyway…

There are three major components to the discovery process:

1. Going to stores and talking with specialists, 
2. Doing research and watching content, and 
3. Signing up for a monthly subscription service.

A lot of the discovery process requires trial and error, especially for less common scents like Oud which many people probably have never smelled before. What I mean by this is that you’re going to have to go to a department store and just smell around. I actually do it all the time. 

You could even talk with someone there and ask them what notes you’re looking for. 

For instance, “Hi, I’m looking for something with oud. I’ve never experienced it before, so I’d like to see what Oud-based options there are”. You could even show them your list of scents to let them know what you like! 

Department stores are great places to experience various different fragrances for a couple reasons. First off, they most likely have all the most popular fragrances. I know for a fact that each beginner fragrance I suggest below can be found at Macy’s and presumably other department stores. 

What this means is that you can walk in and experience several different fragrances because they have a wide selection. Next, department stores are a great starting place because they tend to hire “specialists” for each department. This means that chances are you will have the opportunity to talk and get information from an associate. 

This is awesome especially if you’re still not exactly sure what you want. Be warned though, some of these associates rely on company guidelines to make sales, so listen to what they tell you, but always be slightly skeptical. 

For instance, before I bought Ralph Lauren Polo Red Intense I was talking to the sales associate at Macy's. She was both professional and helpful, so definitely not a bad employee, but most of what she was telling me was based on a cheatsheet she had, presumably written by someone in the company. 

Some of it was pretty general information, but a couple things she said I knew to be misinformation. She told me that when applying it to my wrists I should rub them together so to only have to apply to one wrist. She also told me that spraying the fragrance in the air and walking into it is actually better than applying it directly to the pulse points on your body.

Now, you can look-up any fragrance person online and they will tell say no to both claims. I've personally tried to apply fragrance by spraying it in the air, and it just isn't the same. So that's why you should listen to what they say, but don't automatically assume that it's accurate.

Actually, you should never do that with anything, in my opinion. You should always do your own research!

In addition to actually going to the stores to experience the different fragrances, you should make researching and watching videos a part of your process. 

In terms of research, I highly recommend Fragantica. These guys are like an encyclopedia for fragrances. They have just about every fragrance listed in their catalog, and each one comes with pertinent information such as a brief bio/history, note break down and which notes are most prominent to users, statistics of how popular the fragrance is, user comments, and more.

Spend a few months on here and you’ll go from a novice to expert real quick.

For videos, there are a ton of people out there producing content. I won’t get too into which people I think are the best, but one of my favorite reviewer is Redolessence. His videos are the most to-the-point I’ve seen and he focuses on both the essentials of the fragrance, like how long it lasts, and the superfluous factors like how likely you are to get compliments, albeit this is never guaranteed. 

You should take a look around online, and see which influencer vibes most with your personality, but regardless of who you choose to get your information from, consistently watching content can be incredibly helpful while in the discovery process.

Just remember: like with the sales associate, you never want to assume everything one person is saying is accurate. Watch multiple reviewers to formulate your own insights!

I should say that because fragrances are a unique experience for everyone who uses one, you should get your information from more than one person. For example, one person may talk highly about how great Versace Dylan Blue is, but another person might think it’s too subtle and not worth the money. As with anything in life, you want to keep an open-mind while engaging with fragrance reviews.

Both exploring the fragrance department at Macy’s-- or wherever you go-- and reading/watching content is super helpful, but the most important thing you can do is sign-up for a monthly subscription service. 

The one I used when I was getting started was Scentbird. For just $15 a month for one fragrance or a little bit more for two or three, you can quickly experience different compositions, and not just experience them, but try them out for a month. 

They give you an 8ml decant which is most likely going to last all month especially if you're getting multiple scents like I did. Much like with the above paragraph, I won’t get too detailed about their service, but it is incredibly helpful to be able to try many different fragrances before you buy one.

It took me about five months until I bought my first bottle. It could be more or less for you, but what I will say is that for fragrances you want to be a well-informed consumer. Take your time, do your research and enjoy the discovery process!

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The Discovery Process During Covid-19

Things are finally starting to get back to the way they were, but actually sampling fragrances might be a bit more difficult. 

So how should you experience different fragrances during the lock-down and recovery process?

Now, if you know which scent notes you like, like I do, this might not be an issue. Just do your research and buy either a 50ml or 100ml bottle. I wouldn't go for a bigger bottle personally, but you can if you want. During the lock-down, I've actually bought a handful of new fragrances, but they were all ones I knew I'd love. And sure enough, I do.

But if you're not sure yet which scent notes you love, I would suggest signing up for a subscription service now more than ever. This is probably the only way you'll be able to test fragrances out without spending too much money.

Or if you'd prefer, check out some discount outlets like fragrancex.com. You can buy full sized bottles from them for cheap, so if you have an idea of what kind of scents you'd like, I don't think it would hurt to look on there.

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Your First Bottle

You know what scents you like. You’ve spent some time trying out different fragrances. You’re now ready to go out and buy your first full bottle.

Full-sized bottles vary in sizes but often come in small, regular, and large (50ml, 100ml, and 200ml, respectively). Most of the time you’ll even save money if you buy a 200ml instead of the 100ml. Consider the price of Ralph Lauren Polo Red which comes in four sizes: the 2.5oz spray, which is around 90ml, costs $70, whereas the 6.7oz, which is about 200ml, only costs $114. That means that for only $40 more you get more than twice the amount of fragrance.

Personally, I prefer the regular size (100ml). It still lasts a long time, six months for me depending on how frequently I use it, and unlike the larger bottles, it’s much easier to apply. My first bottle was 50ml, but only because the store I went to didn’t have the 100ml one. 

Whichever size you go with is a matter of personal preference, and ultimately, isn’t that significant of a decision considering the fragrance is the same in all sizes.

Before I get into my top five beginner fragrances, I have one more warning for you. When you decide to finally buy a full bottle, make sure it’s from a reputable vendor. These include stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Saks Fifth Avenue (for more expensive fragrances), and even drug stores like CVS and Walgreens. 

Even though you will probably find great deals on places like Amazon, I would caution you against buying it there, at least at first. I have heard some nightmarish stories from people who bought a bottle from Amazon. It really depends on the vendor, but just to be safe, I would stick to buying from stores. 

Also, never buy from random people online, no matter how good the deal they offer you is. I hear stories all the time of how people get ripped off because they tried to buy something from someone else. It is very easy to get scammed when dealing with fragrances so be vigilant.

Buying your first bottle can feel intimidating, especially if you’re used to spending $10 on body spray. It is an investment into yourself analogous with buying a new wool suit or genuine leather jacket. 

However, once you buy a bottle or two the process becomes much easier, and you will begin to develop your own sense of autonomy with fragrances.

At this point, you probably have a good idea of which family of fragrances you would most enjoy, but in an attempt to help you find something you’ll love, below are my top five fragrances for beginners listed in order from one to five.

Top Five Beginner Fragrances:

Dior Sauvage (EDT)

Family: Spicy/Oriental

Dior Sauvauge is essentially animalistic attraction in a bottle, in my opinion. It is such a simple fragrance when considering the three listed notes which are bergamot (i.e. citrus), pepper, and ambroxan, but when wearing it it becomes much more complex. It’s the perfect combination of citrus and spice which results in a real head-turner. 

Make sure to get the EDT concentration to start because the EDP and Parfum, while still sexy and attention-grabbing, lack the raw primal allure and power of the EDT. 

As a first fragrance, you likely want something both mass-appealing and versatile, something that won’t potentially offend other people. Sauvage is the epitome of that kind of fragrance because it can be worn in almost any situation. 

Dior Sauvage EDT 100ml ($95 retail)

Whether you wear a suit and tie or a leather jacket, this scent is a winner. If you’re just looking for something to make you smell great without getting too invested into the fragrance world, this one is very easy to wear and requires virtually no thought. 

Just spray it on and let the world know you mean business. Sauvage in French means wild and that is exactly what you get with this fragrance.

Versace Dylan Blue

Family: Blue

Versace Dylan Blue, in my opinion, is the Dior Sauvage of blue fragrances (i.e. aquatic-based scents). This one was inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and it is evident. It reminds me of relaxing outside on a warm, sunny day watching the boats glide in and out of the harbor, feeling the cool breeze from the water as they do. 

It definitely has more of a casual vibe than Sauvage, but it is just as versatile. It is also mass-appealing. I have never met a person who disliked Dylan Blue.

Versace Dylan Blue 100ml ($93 retail)

In terms of composition, this one is comprised of several different notes including: water notes, bergamot, grapefruit, and fig leaf at the top, violet, ambroxan, and pepper in the middle, and musk, incense, and tonka bean at the base. 

As noted above, an issue I have with this one is that it doesn’t last very long on my skin; that is, it’s far too subtle for my liking, but considering that fragrances react differently on everyone’s skin, it might work great for you.

Another foible, in my opinion, is that Dylan Blue lacks the sexual allure of Sauvage, but again, it really just depends on what you’re looking for in a signature scent. Regardless, this one is easy to wear and smells great. A perfect first scent!

Note: My fiancee actually disagrees with this one though. In her opinion, Versace Eros Flame would make a great first scent. To her, it is “light, crispy, and easy to work with”. Personally, I don’t think Eros Flame is incredibly versatile, but if you can get your hands on a sample of it, go for it. Despite what the name implies, Eros Flame is a citrus-based fragrance. There is nothing about it that warrants the word flame, which to me suggests spiciness.

Dolce and Gabbana: The One EDT

Family: Spicy/Oriental, Citrus-based

This was the first full-sized bottle that I purchased. They say you always remember your first, and I remember this one quite well. I had just spent five months using a subscription service during which time I probably tried a dozen or so fragrances, but there was something about The One that just stood out, other than it being implicitly suggested in the name that it indeed is the One fragrance you need.

D&G The One 200 ml ($118 retail)

It is a great first fragrance. Incredibly easy to wear, very versatile, mass-appealing, and it smells amazing. The only downside to this one– and actually most fragrances from Dolce and Gabbana that I've tried– is that the longevity is pretty bad; that is, the scent doesn’t last very long. Most people say that they have got about four hours from this before having to reapply. 

Interestingly enough though, my fiancee gets over eight hours when she wears it. I have no idea why. 

Despite its slight downside, with notes like coriander, basil, ginger, cedar, and tobacco, Dolce and Gabbana The One would be a great introduction into the world of fragrances.

Coach for Men

Family: Clean/Fresh

If you like lavender then Coach for Men is for you. Consisting of an amalgamation of different family notes including four different citruses, three different spices, and a couple floral, this one is perhaps the safest beginner fragrance on this list.

Personally, I feel like it resembles an air freshener used to briefly make a room smell pleasant. That’s what you’ll get with this one. 

Coach For Men 30ml ($30 at Marshalls)

Much like The One, Coach for Men is not the greatest in terms of longevity; you’ll probably get around four or five hours before you need to reapply. However, this is the fragrance you want to wear when you spend time with your grandmother with a sensitive nose who constantly complains about your fragrances. With this, you’ll smell great without having to worry about offending anyone.

English Laundry Nottinghill for Men

Family: Earthy/Woodsy

The reason this is last on my list is because it isn’t one of my favorite fragrances. It’s one, that for me, has lost its appeal. I’m not even sure exactly why, but regardless of my feelings towards it, I think English Laundry Nottinghill for Men is an incredibly good choice for a first fragrance. With this one you have bergamot and lemon at the top, pepper in the middle, and cedar, sandalwood, and musk at the bottom. 

I have heard this scent described as something an older gentleman would wear, and I definitely get that vibe from it, but the word I would use to describe it is sophisticated. It reminds me of something a college professor would wear. 

One thing to note though is that unlike the previous four fragrances, this one is potentially offensive. If you spray this ten times on a really hot summer’s day, you will upset people because it's potent. Just be aware of that when applying.

English Laundry Nottinghill For Men 100ml
 ($30 at Marshalls)

Perhaps the best part of Nottinghill for Men is how inexpensive it is. I mean, yeah, you can find a 100ml at Macy’s for $85, but nearly every time I shop at Marshalls or T.J. Maxx, they have at least two different English Laundry fragrances. 

I bought a 100ml for only $30. So if you’re still not sure you want to buy an expensive designer fragrance something from this house may be a great choice. A couple other pretty decent ones from them are Cambridge Knight and Oxford Bleu.

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As mentioned in my very first post, wearing a fragrance is powerful. It effects how people see you and how well they remember you. That’s exactly why finding a signature scent is a good idea. If people begin to associate a particular scent with you, it’ll make you that much more attractive; remember what Moore said, that it is incredibly romantic if not erotic to smell like a particular thing. 

Animals in the wild utilize the power of scent every single day for a plethora of reasons including attracting others and marking their territory. I hope that after reading my rather long two-part post that you are in a position to do the same! 

If you have any questions or concerns for me, I can be reached at tnpersona@gmail.com or send me a message on my Facebook page. Until next time.

-Ryan S.

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Guide To Finding Your Signature Scent, Pt. 1 (Repost)

Close your eyes and take a couple deep breaths. Take a few moments to relax. Try to clear your mind of any superfluous thoughts, anything that requires critical thought or consideration. Try to focus on this moment alone, as if nothing else matters. Once calm, allow your thoughts to drift. Think about a place where you feel serene, perhaps it’s a calm, cool oasis or a dim, quiet, forest. Now gently inhale through your nose. What do you smell? 

Give yourself a few minutes to really think about it.

Most people have at least one scent that they absolutely love. It could be the smell of newly printed paper or the scent of grass after a light spring rainfall. Maybe it’s the smell of strong coffee or of freshly washed linen. Whatever scent or scents you are drawn to, discovering your signature scent will be a much easier process if you can identify what smells you already love.

Even if you have never really given much consideration to which smells you like– because let’s face it, the sense of smell is often severely underappreciated– finding a great cologne is still possible, albeit, it may take a little more effort to find.

I’m going to break this topic into four parts; the first two will be discussed in this post and the last two in my next post:

First, I’m going to explain what a signature scent even is.

Next, I’m going to tell you how to keep track of which scents you prefer.

After that, I’m going to go talk about the discovery process; that is; how to find a scent you love. Note: I've added a new section about the discovery process during Covid-19.

And last, I’m going to help you buy your first bottle. This last part includes my top five best fragrances for beginners. 

Let’s get to it. So…

First Off: What is a Signature Scent?

A lot of other people talk about finding or having a signature scent without really explaining what it is. Before I really get into helping you find yours, I want to explicitly define it.

Sure, it may seem obvious, but it’s a bit more than simply a scent you frequently wear. It’s actually a potential part of your identity. 

Think about it: the sense of smell is so important in the wild because it is used by animals for a plethora of reasons including to distinguish friend from foe, mark their territory, and find a sexual partner.

Fortunately, for us humans we need not rely so much on smell because we have superior intelligence; however, be that as it may, the sense of smell still influences what/how we think and who/what we remember. 

Some actually consider it to be the most powerful of the five senses. That’s why it is crucial that you find the perfect signature scent for you. If people begin to associate your image with a particular scent you will become that much more memorable to them.

According to Madison Moore, “A signature scent is your way of leaving a mark everywhere you go…[it] is associated with you. People remember you for it even when you’re not in the room…[not only that but] it’s totally romantic if not erotic to smell like a particular thing”. I definitely agree with Moore, however, taking it a step further, I believe having a signature scent is a sure-fire way to boost your own confidence, and as the results of my poll in the last post suggest, most people wear a fragrance for their own reasons.

Me?

Confidence is a huge factor for me wearing a fragrance, but I definitely appreciate the attention it gets me from other people. 

Being able to smell the cologne I applied a few hours after putting it on is a huge confidence boost for me. I know that if I can smell the fragrance other people surely can as well.

Before I continue into how to begin keeping track of the scents you like, I want to provide a clear definition of what a signature scent is:

A signature scent is a scent one frequently wears which people begin to explicitly connect with the wearer; it is a potential piece of one’s identity and makes them more memorable.

I should also say that you will probably end up having more than one signature scent, so don’t feel like finding a signature is akin to marriage. You’re not committing to anything. You simply are picking a scent that you love to wear frequently, but sometimes after a while, that attraction diminishes. What you thought was the perfect scent may get redundant and old. If that happens, don’t feel like you’re stuck. Simply get back out there and find another fragrance you love. 

I swear, I’m talking about fragrances here!

How to keep track of scents?

There are myriads of different potential notes that can be used in the creation of a fragrance, but I consider there to be six major fragrance families. These are earthy/woodsy scents, clean/fresh scents, citrus-based scents, blue (i.e. aquatic) scents, spicy/oriental scents, and gourmand/sweet scents. These categories are not official and other people may think there are more, but to me it makes the most sense to use these six.

Belonging to each family are specific notes or scents. Some of the most popular used for men’s fragrances are ambroxan, bergamot, cedarwood, lavender, leather, marine notes, musk, oud, pepper, patchouli, sandalwood, tobacco, tonka bean, vanilla, and vetiver, just to name a handful.

To make matters even more confusing though, a fragrance often consists of notes from different families, and depending on the combination of notes, this results in different scents.

 In fact, I have never encountered a fragrance in which all the scent notes were detectable. For example, the tobacco in Burberry London has a completely different smell than the tobacco note in Dolce and Gabbana The One because of the composition of each fragrance, and the lavender note in London, which I didn’t even know was present until researching for this post, is not very detectible, whereas lavender in Coach for Men is one of the most noticeable in that composition.

So how do you figure out which notes you would love wearing in a signature scent?

I would recommend keeping a list. Assuming at first you don’t have any idea of which notes you like, writing them down and keeping track of each one you smell could be incredibly helpful. Here’s what I recommend doing:

Start by making a list of all the notes you have smelled on the left side of the page [A]. These could be notes you’ve experienced in a fragrance or body spray or they can be something you’ve smelt throughout the course of your life (e.g. you love the smell of ocean water). This list will grow over time as you smell more notes, so don’t worry if your initial list is small.

Next, give each scent a rating [B]. Any rating system will work, but I always find ratings from one to ten to be the most insightful. In addition to each numerical rating, give each scent a letter grade to help quickly discern your favorites. For example, my letter grades are as follow: 1-3 is an F or a scent I dislike, 4-5 is a D or a scent which I mostly dislike but with some exceptions, 6 is a C or a scent I’m neutral about, 7-8 is a B or a scent I mostly like, and 9-10 is an A or a scent I almost always love.

You want to keep track of the As. Put a star next to each one [C]. After you have discerned your favorite notes, begin a list of which ones are your favorites [D]. This list will be helpful in finding a signature scent later, and of course, it will continue to grow as you experience more scents.

So for me, both cedarwood and vanilla received an A rating which means I probably will always like a scent that includes one or the other.

Lastly, after you create a list of your favorite notes, make a list of good combinations that you’ve experienced [E]. This will likely be a little more difficult and will require a bit more time to figure out, but it is potentially the most useful information in helping you find your signature. 

Keeping a physical list isn’t compulsory though. If you’d rather keep track of notes in your head that works as well. Ultimately, you want to get to a place where you can browse through a catalog of fragrances and identify which ones you will likely enjoy based on the composition of the fragrance. 

Well, this seems like a good place to end today’s post, but before I do, I want to give you a warning of sorts. At this point in the post, you may feel ready to go out and buy your signature scent or head to the store and work with a salesperson to find something you like. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Unless you have $100 to spare, which most people I personally know don’t at the moment, avoid putting yourself into a sales situation. Just focus on building your list of scents for now. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when you find something you love that makes you feel great!

-Ryan S.

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Let's Talk About: Trump Empire

Those who personally know me know that I love trying out interesting fragrances. Sure, sometimes I get excited to try a designer or niche fragrance, but it's typically a different kind of excitement than when I bought Kitten Fur by Demeter, for example. I think it's because with designer fragrances, I am able to predict how well the fragrance will perform based on the company's credibility.

Anyway, I was pretty excited when I came across Trump Empire. Perhaps because he's now the president or just because he's a top-tier business guy, but either way, I thought it was fascinating that he had released a couple fragrances back in 2015.

The one major thing to note about celebrity fragrances is that they typically suck. They are super generic and typically have very poor performance. Also, the celebrities who's names are attached to the fragrances usually don't even put much effort into making them; rather, they are akin to another form of memorabilia. I would be willing to bet that most celebrities don't even wear their fragrance.

Trump Empire is a slight exception, but still nothing to go crazy over.  

Trump Empire 50ml 

The exception is that the scent is pretty unique. It has notes of spicy mint, tea, apple, orange blossom, jasmine, amber, musk, and Tonka beans. When I first apply it I get a lot of the mint, amber, and apple. Unlike Khateer, which I reviewed in my seven days of oud post, the mint and amber in Empire works really well with the apple. I don't get much of the tea note which is disappointing. Overall, it is a very pleasant scent.

The performance is where this one fell flat. Honestly, I was expecting a lot more from this considering Trump has the money to create a beautiful long-lasting fragrance if he wanted to. I did get six hours out of Empire, but I had to apply a lot of fragrance. When I first applied it I used 10 sprays. It immediately became a skin-scent though with no projection. About four hours after I initially applied it I sprayed it 15 more times, and was able to get 30 minutes worth of light projection.

Bottom line: this stuff it's extremely weak.

Really for a scent that was created for optimal use in a professional setting, I'm really disappointed. This stuff would easily be subsumed by your first collegue who's wearing Bleu de Chanel (i.e. the most overly saturated office scent). Sadly, it's pretty much your typical celebrity fragrance. I'll probably use it to spray around my apartment, but not to wear.

Overall, because of the great scent, I would give this one a 5/10. It's not bad, but it's definitely not good either. It is rather cheap, costing $30 retail for a 50ml bottle, which isn't bad really. But I think there are some much better alternatives for under $30. I'd probably pass on Empire unless you like Trump and want his fragrance. Otherwise, you can find better.

-Ryan S.

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Dressing-Up: 4 Tips on How To Start + Beginner's Wardrobe Example (extended)

This transition phase between dressing like most other people and looking sharp can be awkward. It can be even more awkward if you have no idea what to do or where to start. Some of us are fortunate and are born into families that are already successful and fashionably inclined, but let's face it, most of us aren't. For the majority of people, we need to learn style and professionalism ourselves. 

It is usually a tedious process-- one full of trial and error-- but it is one that is well worth the struggle. In today's post, I'm going to try to help ease the struggle by giving you four tips and tricks that really helped me start dressing for success. 

This post is primarily for people interested in transitioning styles or people who need to start dressing-up for work, not necessarily those who already look sharp.

Without further delay, let's get into it:

Tip #1: Emulate Others.

I actually started to notice different styles and mannerisms long before I started to make the change myself. Noticing other people and trying to emulate their style can be incredibly beneficial especially for those of you who have no idea where to begin. 

I would say spend at least a few months observing different styles and use your observations to begin to create your own.

Now, the easiest place to start to notice different styles is in the movies or on television. Personally, I spent a couple years watching the soap opera, Days of our Lives. If you've ever seen a soap opera you know that two things are consistent: the storyline is incredibly cliche and that fashion/style is a big part of the show.

 Typically, you're not going to find trendy outfits on such shows; instead, you're going to see classic pieces like three-piece suits and polo shirts. 

I won't get into too much detail, because frankly, it is kind of embarrassing to admit this, but I learned a lot from particular characters on the show. 

James Scott as E.J. Dimera from Days of our Lives  had a huge impact on me when I was younger.
E.J always wore dark, conservative colors, expensive looking suits and sports coats, and always looked like a million bucks. Although I didn't buy my first coat until years after he left the show-- and I stopped watching-- I have to give James Scott some credit for my style today (Photo Credit: Days of our Lives Pintrest)

It doesn't have to be a soap opera though. Maybe you're into action movies or crime dramas. Just find four or five different characters who you could envision yourself as. In essence, you want to become these characters, at least from a stylistic perspective.

In addition to fictional characters, look around at those you cross paths with on a daily basis. Maybe you live on a college campus and admire the style of some of your professors or maybe you go to a country club and really like how others are dressed. Whatever the case, you want to find people who exemplify a style or trait you could see yourself using.

It can feel a bit strange at first, but after awhile you'll become a master observer and be one step closer to having the style you want or perhaps need.

Tip #2: "Just Do It"

I don't know how serious Shia LaBeouf was when he gave his infamous "Just Do It" inspirational speech, but serious or not, it is really good advice and definitely applicable when it comes to changing your style. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who are thinking about changing their style but never do because they think about the potential negative thoughts others might have.

What will they think about me?

What if I stand-out?

What if they make a joke?

What if they mock me?

(Photo Credit: quotespics.com)

The best way to overcome these thoughts is, simply put, to just do it. Wear that sports jacket. Put on that waistcoat. Rock those polo shirts. The trick is to do it before you overthink it. LaBeouf's video is a bit comical because of how intense he is in it, but I definitely recommend you watch it if you haven't already seen it. His advice doesn't just apply to style, but it applies to anything in life. Really wholesome stuff!

Tip #3: Find Colors You Love

Figuring out exactly what you want to wear can be the most challenging part of dressing-up. You could potentially put so much time into deciding what outfits you specifically want to wear that the negative thoughts noted above have a chance to creep in. Remember: don't overthink it. So if you find yourself struggling to figure out what you want your style to be, I recommend instead considering which colors you want to primarily wear. Believe it or not, this can help.

Robert Redfern as Jay Gatsby in the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby.
Here, Gatsby shows Daisy his collection of colorful shirts.
(Photo Credit: The Eye of Faith Vintage)

Let's say you're someone who really loves pastel colors: light blues, greens, yellows, and pinks. You most likely will not want to implement many three-piece suits into your wardrobe because typically such clothes are darker, more conservative colors. Instead, you are going to want to look at linen sports jackets or polo shirts and chino pants because these pieces typically come in lighter pastel colors. Of course, you probably will want one or two pastel colored suits but they won't be the center of your wardrobe.

Tip #4: Find Your Center piece (i.e. your signature piece)


Often times, it is easiest to base your entire wardrobe around one or two key pieces. These pieces are going to be the substratum of your entire wardrobe, your go-to when nothing else feels right. People will eventually associate you with your signature piece-- just like if you have a signature scent-- so you want to make sure it's something versatile and classic like wearing a sports coat or wristwatch.

It seems to me that many people when starting out seem to try to create outfits instead of simply curating individual pieces. I know I did when I was younger. And see, the problem with thinking like that is that you're going to have to put way too much thought into a single outfit-- the shirt, the pants, the socks (maybe), the shoes, the belt. There's a lot of thought that could go into creating an outfit like this, and what did I say before about overthinking?

Right.

You don't want to do it. You just want to find something you love and work with it. You could even start implementing your new clothes into your current wardrobe that you're trying to get rid of. This may be a more comfortable way to transition into your new style.

One of my new signature pieces: the waistcoat.

For example, when I really started transitioning styles I started with a simple black sports coat. That's it. I still wore my old loose fitting shirts and baggy jeans, but because I started wearing a coat every single day it became my centerpiece over time. Everything else in my current wardrobe was built around the coat. Get it?

So instead of buying a number of completely new outfits I began with a single sports coat. The rest is history!

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Still unsure how or where to start?

That's ok. It can be a daunting task especially if you're figuring everything out on your own. Trust me. I went through it.

So in order to help you out further, I've included a short list of items that will surely add a jolt of professionalism to your wardrobe:

Suits (x2): They don't necessarily have to be three-piece suits, but I think it is crucial that newcomers to the style world have at least two suits, one black and one either charcoal or navy blue. These are the epitome of classic style, and as such, you are going to want to wear these colors to job interviews, career fairs, et cetera. I would avoid anything with patterns, at least at first.

I know a lot of people discourage wearing a black suit for general purposes,
but it is probably my favorite to wear. It's simple, clean, and you can do so much with
it. I highly recommend starting your collection with a black suit!

Sports Jackets (x3): Wearing a sports jacket is a great alternative to a suit because it is both professional and casual. Sure you won't see most people wearing a sports jacket while at a bar, but when you do see someone wearing one, you'll know that person means business. I would get a brown, tan, and grey jacket to start, albeit, the beauty of sports jackets is that there are so many different options. Don't overthink it though!

Older picture of me wearing a sports jacket more casually. I'm not a huge advocate
  of wearing sneakers with a jacket, but considering I was on my way to the airport, I wanted to go with comfort over style.

Oxford Button-Ups (x5): These are going to be your go-to shirts for when you wear a jacket or suit. They're classic, eloquent, and make anyone look a bit more professional especially the lighter colors. For that reason I would start with two white shirts, one light blue, one yellow, and either a pink or lavender depending on if you like wearing pink.Why these colors, you might be wondering? Because they will match with virtually all of your jackets, and will make dressing-up a bit easier.

A white Oxford button-up will likely be your most worn if dressing-up. White is a super versatile, formal color. Make sure you check out my in defense of white post to learn all the reasons I love wearing 
white. Pretty much any light color will work for button-ups though. You can also go with darker
colors, but they won't likely go with as much as the lighter colors.

Chino Pants (x3): Chino pants are essentially what sports jackets are to suit jackets. They're both professional and nonchalant. The reason I say chinos and not khakis is because I feel like you have many more options when it comes to chinos; that's not to mention how much more comfortable I think they are. I would start out with a navy blue, tan, and off-white colored pair. Again, because those colors will match with virtually anything

I love Chino pants for two main reasons: they come in a variety of colors and they can either be worn professionally or casually. Here, I'm wearing a grey pair with a stone colored linen shirt. Perfect combination for the warmer weather!

Dress Shoes (x2): You might think your shoes aren't that big of a deal, but my friend, you are gravely mistaken. Having the right pair of shoes can be the difference between looking like a million bucks and looking like $100. In fact, having a good assortment of shoes is actually part of my Big 4 of Style. To start out, I would get two pairs: one black and one brown. You'll probably wear your brown shoes more often, but black shoes are a bit more formal. Everyone could use a good pair.

I would get a pair of black dress shoes before anything else especially if you start by getting a black suit. There's an old rule that says you shouldn't mix brown and black, which actually is one of the few traditional rules I adhere to.

Belts (x2): To be worn especially with your suits and sports jackets, I feel it's compulsory to have a black leather and brown leather belt. You don't have to get anything fancy, and in fact, I don't think you should, but try to get thinner belts because these are seen as more professional. Much like shoes, there's a common myth that your belt doesn't matter as much, but trust me, it does. 

Neckties (1-3): Neckties are becoming more and more archaic in many industries, and not many guys are apt to wear one, including myself. But a necktie just makes you stand-out in certain instances like job interviews, and therefore, even if you don't plan on regularly wearing a tie, I think it's still important to have at least one. If you're going to just buy one, I would go with a solid black. If you want to get a couple more, I would go with blue and silver. Nothing flashy either. Make sure to stick to solid colors at first.

Despite often forgoing the necktie, I own about a dozen different ones. This Burgundy tie by Tommy Hilfiger is perhaps my favorite. Because I usually don't wear one, I normally go for a loose knot. But if you were to make ties your signature piece, you would see that there are many different ways you can wear one.

A Wristwatch: Nothing says that you're mature and professional quite like a classic wristwatch, one with an analog clock, not a smartwatch. Not A Smartwatch. This will essentially be the icing on the cake, and very well could become your signature piece as time progresses. Personally, I don't have a big collection of watches, but I have a few different ones to switch it up. To begin, I would either go with a black leather band watch or a silver metal bracelet watch. If interested in the former, check out my unboxing video from 5/3 in which I talk about such a watch I bought.

There's something incredibly formal about a black leather strap watch. Would look optimal with a black suit!

Of course, there are many many more items you could get to enhance your style like pocket squares, tie clips, and waistcoats, but I think if you start by curating the above pieces you'll be well on your way to dressing for success!

Also, keep in mind, that when starting off, you should never look for luxury materials or fabrics. Ok, maybe for your suits I'd recommend going with wool, but for everything else, I think polyester would be fine. I didn't start consistently wearing wool jackets until I felt 100% comfortable and confident in the polyester ones I had. I guess, if you have the money to go straight away for wool or cashmere than do it but many of us don't.

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Well, there you have it. Four tips to help you on your way to looking sharp, plus a list of beginners items that I think would add a bit of professionalism to your wardrobe. Obviously, if you have any questions or want me to elaborate on anything feel free to contact me on my Facebook page or email me at tnpersona@gmail.com. I'd be more than happy to fill in the blanks. 

-Ryan S.

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