N'thing what a number of people have said in that thread - putting cologne on you will just make you part of the problem - perfumes and colognes are very subjective, there's one particular scent that puts me back in the terror of my childhood, and if someone gets on the train wearing it, I need to get out at the next station. Strong colognes can also trigger migraines or allergic reactions in some people.

Using a scent of your choice on a handkerchief is a good idea. My particular favourite men's cologne is Eau Sauvage - citrussy, masculine, classic. Do not wear anything you can buy in a drugstore.

Get yourself down to Sephora, try a few out, ask for some samples, they usually have these little vials of samples they're happy to give away.

Oh, and when you're trying them, don't put them on yourself - at Sephora there are these little strips of card that are intended for testing perfumes. Spray a little on the end of the card, waft it in the air to dry and then sniff it.

If there's one you think you might like to wear, spray a little on the inside of your wrist, and wait for half an hour so it has time to react with your body chemistry before you decide you really like it. A decent cologne will set you back at least $50 so it's a considered purchase.

As an 52 year old man who is neither a gel-head or trying to be sex-ay I refuse to answer your question. And I know about some kick ass colognes. Try to be nicer next time.

N'thing what a number of people have said in that thread - putting cologne on you will just make you part of the problem - perfumes and colognes are very subjective,

Ahhhhh, I see.

Do not wear anything you can buy in a drugstore.

Got it. I really and truly wouldn't have thought of Sephora; I tend to view it as a girlzone.

Many thanks!


Try to be nicer next time.

I am myself middle-aged. Forty years old. The goof was largely aimed at me. If that makes you feel better.

I also advise a handkerchief with scent sprayed on it or a little cloth bag with some herbs and/or dried flowers (a modern pomander). Either one of those will work much better than dumping a bunch of cologne on yourself.

I posted too soon. Do you like lavender? Do you have a Trader Joe's near you? They sell a box of little packets of dried lavender that are for use in the clothes dryer. One of those would work great.

MeFi's being slow for me. I'll tell you the best way I've found to select a cologne: bring your girlfriend/spouse/partner with you and narrow down to two or so using the card technique. Then put one of each on each wrist and let her/him decide for you.

OK. Good advice here. Thanks, guys!

This is why I pinch off a sprig of basil or a tendril of ivy when leaving the house, and in the winter I put a drop of jasmine oil inside my gloves.

My friend spills some coffee on a little sponge in a handkerchief and sniffs that when she's on the bus.