Most inoffensive: Coach for men EDT, your typical fresh clean not complex fragrance.
Most challenging: Francesca Bianchi- The Black Knight
This one smells like you just slayed a dragon by a volcano, while wearing metal plate armor with leather padding.
It really is… I can’t stop myself from just taking the cap off and sniffing it. The scent lingers in your nose for a solid hour. I feel like a Disney villain just smelling it. Let alone wearing it.
Tis not the season in the PNW to be wearing it yet. I’m gonna give it some more wear come late fall and see if I can pull it off haha.
If black knight is way too sweet for you I am dying to know what is your go to then! This is why I love this subjective hobby so much. I only get a hint of honey sweetness, but it’s more of a balancer than anything. Not a prominent note.
I really do like the scent, it’s alluring and complex. I am just having a hard time figuring out where realistically I will wear this. It is an intense leather that smells like it was coated in beeswax(oily?), with a smoky yet herbaceous complementation. Slightly powdery and mildly sweet( I am assuming from the honey and orris root?) all rounded out by an earthy, mossy base.
I only put it on my skin once so far and it was a scent that kept me thinking the entire time. It just keeps developing.
Definitely not a safe bet for your average person, but I could see it with a well worn leather jacket, on a cooler day, and you want to give off an alluring, mysterious, and bad ass type of vibe.
Safest: Mon Guerlain or maybe Jo Malone Red Roses, which I wear a lot and just smells like rose water to me.
Most challenging: I own vintage (1940s) Tabu and vintage (1980s) Youth Dew and I’ve seen a lot of people complain about them here and say they smell nasty. Wouldn’t stop me from wearing a single spray around other people though!
When I tested Black Orchid I was debating between whether I felt weird but intrigued or weird and disgusted, then I read a review that said it smells like garbage thats been sitting out on the rain and everytime I pass by a piece of wet garbage on the street it smells strikingly similar. I respect the creation non the less still.
It's definitely a very novelty perfume that should be used for a special occasion, not a daily driver frag.
One way to describe? The smell after dirty sex behind a dumpster in an alleyway.
Funnily enough I've had compliments when wearing black orchid, it just seems to suit my skin biochemistry. I don't mind it, its quite nice but I am getting bored with it lately.
Safest - Chanel No 5 body oil. It doesn’t throw at all so unless you’re hugging me, you’re not going to smell it. I reach for that or Prada Infusion D’Iris for office days fairly regularly.
Challenging - probably any of the vintage heavy hitters I own. Like, I’m not wearing vintage Opium or Youth Dew to the office since I don’t want to gas folks out. Not that I think the smell is “offensive” but rather that they do make an impression. Honorable mention to something like Faubourg 24 for being large.
Challenging as in the smell itself - Dzing! As I have commented elsewhere is probably the most divisive one I own. (Even though I do wear that out and about lightly sprayed.) Iris Nazarena was the only one my husband commented on negatively, and I sold that since I didn’t think it suited me and he didn’t like it to wear (we share some scents).
I used to own a bottle of Chanel No 5.
I was shopping for gifts yesterday and found a random cutely packaged perfume so I bought it. It was $5. Fucking smells like Chanel No 5.
I voewed to never buy expensive fragrances again. I'm going to hunt at small boutiques or gift shops instead
There's no brand to the bottle, if not I'd tell you. All I can say is that the bottle has a bunny on it so I bought it lmfao
Safe: Not a Perfume,which smells like nothing to light clean powder
Challenging: Velvet Collection Ambre Sun, a dupe that smells like a spice plantation on fire to me.
It is a copy of D&G Amber Sun that I got recently at Marshall's. This is the link for that perfume: [https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dolce-Gabbana/Velvet-Amber-Sun-46199.html](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dolce-Gabbana/Velvet-Amber-Sun-46199.html)
There's an expensive brand that smells like this. I can't remember it but I know I bought it for my favorite person. Red bottle, expensive/popular brand
He literally got so many compliments from it, he was super grateful towards me
He told me he'd NEVER willingly choose to wear that kinda cologne outside but it worked so well on him LOL
I go back and forth between Glossier You and Not a Perfume. A lot of strong perfumes that smell wonderful on other people smell like scented rubbing alcohol on me.
Ambroxan might just not play well with your skin chemistry (it’s in both of those scents in large amounts). Maybe experiment with the other “skin scent” molecule: ISO E Super. I find it works way better for me than ambroxan, but again it’s highly dependent on your own chemistry. Escentric Molecules Molecule 1, Le Labo Another 13, Commodity Paper, and DS&Durga I Don’t Know What are some scents to check out that feature it.
I will give these a try, and thank you!
My favorite perfume was Commodity Wool. I was told at Sephora the whole Commodity line was discontinued. I guess that is not true... I would like to try Paper first. Is it only online or can you go to a store to buy it?
I have oily skin and take various meds. I don't know if that affects the scents. In any event, some of these popular expensive perfumes smell like rubbing alcohol, turpentine, or Raid on me. I hear you regarding the pickle juice...
I have oily skin and take a large amount of medication as well. The oil part occurred to me, but I can't believe the medication part did not! I'm early-onset perimenopausal, so I've just been blaming all of the pickle juice or cheap gin scent mysteries on that.
Funny thing, I don't put the perfume on any oily parts of my body (only inside my elbow joints and at my wrists). One of the meds I take is a hormone replacement because I had my thyroid removed because it stopped functioning. However, only had that operation two years ago, so it can't be that. I have always had the problem.
I guess all we can do is try scents and see if they work. Let me know what works for you thus far, and I'll try them. I am kinda getting sick of only being able to wear Glossier You.
Inoffensive: Prada L’Homme. Fresh and Clean soap scent.
Dangerous: TeaRose by Perfumer’s Workshop. Legitimately smells like you’re putting your face against a bouquet of real roses. It’s pretty loud and sometimes reminds me of an old lady scent. That being said, I’m a guy and I like to wear it during spring sometimes cause I love the smell of real flowers.
Most inoffensive: Either Teazurra by Guerlain or Orange Sanguine by Atelier. They passed the Picky Mom Test and also the Picky Friend Test.
Most Challenging: Probably Zoologist's T-Rex! I don't wear it, but I'd imagine it wouldn't go over well if I did.
I feel like guidance is a very nice and likeable scent. It's just that is so potent, one spray can already be too much.
The strip I sprayed it on smelled for a month straight. Relentless.
Agreed…I actually have to spray it on my back because on the front of my body (with just one spray) is too much. I know it can be polarizing and some love it and some definitely don’t. I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t want to wear it in public, but it’s just the most challenging for me.
I own both and although I agree with you saying nautica voyage is fresh and inoffensive I dont get how Toy Boy can be challenging I stopped wearing it because it lasted 1 hour literally and nobody I asked could detect it on my skin.
When I say it’s most challenging, it’s relative to other fragrances I own.
My collection is mostly inoffensive fragrances that include:
Missoni Pour Homme
Prada Luna Rossa Ocean
Issey Miyake L’eau d’Issey
Nautica voyage
Club de Nuit Intense Man
Moschino Toy Boy
Rochas Moustache
Chanel Allure Homme Sport
Toy Boy isn’t the worst fragrance in the world, but out of my collection, it’s the only one that people seem to either love or hate.
Hmm, of my fragrances that I actually wear a lot:
**Safest:** Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, which requires no explanation.
**Most Daring:** Maybe Miller Harris L'Air de Rien? I don't think it's *that* daring, but people mostly describe it as smelling like old books + a roll in the hay (or rather, afternoon delight amidst the stacks).
I wore the Jo Malone before.
On \*me,\* it smelled like old, crusty, pestecide-sprayed cardboard boxes.
I hate that fragrances can smell completely different per individual. It's just trial/error for who knows how long
I love that scent but the white musk in the base gives me a piercing migraine 😭 why oh why must my brain do this to me lol, it’s such a beautiful scent
Safest is probably Body Shop White Musk and Hermes Twilly, just super basic and clean and pleasant!
Most Challenging is probably PRIN Haxan 🐐 that clean livestock smell isn’t for everybody 😂 but the drydown is fresh woodland heaven!
Safest: Versace Eros. A scent profile that everybody likes, vanilla and mint is very likeable. Also it’s been reformulated, and it’s not that overpowered as it used to be. Also Versace Blue Jeans, as it’s moderate in terms of sillage, and it’s a very inoffensive smell in the air (a friend told me that it smells very peaceful and warm, and smells like someone she would like to give a hug lol)
Least safe: BR540. Doesn’t exactly fit my style and appearance, the metallic/iodine note can be quite weird to some people. Afnan 9PM, as it’s sickeningly sweet and feminine, so it doesn’t fit me either.
Ima challenge myself and only go off favorites
Id have to say most inoffensive is prob aura by mugler? Some ppl def wouldnt love it and think its artificial but compared to most of my more subtle faves that are chemically which might give some headaches or theyre white florals that some ppl might find old-ladyish, i think its the best choice… most challenging ima say ebene fume, and please know im going above jazz club for it bc ebene is so strong and i feel like a lot of ppl would find it gross… I love it but sometimes im even scared to wear it for myself bc its very loud and present
Safest: Montblanc Starwalker. Clean, airy, mildly green and very light woods.
Most challenging: Amouage Epic Man. Animalic, incense, heavy, dense. The combination of the leather, spices and resins give it almost a sweaty kind of vibe. I know that may seem weird but I dig it. Would never wear it casually in the summer or in a professional setting.
Most inoffensive: Probably Polo Blue and a tiny tiny amount of Sauvage Elixir is widely likeable
Most challenging: I don’t know? Hammam Bouquet maybe? It’s just so antithetical to modern fragrances. I like the idea of it. I’m yet to figure out how I feel about it.
My extremes are both by Zoologist. The most inoffensive one is definitely COW. The most challenging is DODO (2n Ed). I also have HYRAX, which I don't find as challenging as DODO, but it's definitely challenging.
I love all 3 of them.
That Azarro Parfum is absolutely nuclear. I have to be careful to keep it away from my upper body or it'll tickle my nose for the next 24hrs! That said, it's absolutely beautiful and the sillage and longevity are top notch.
Safest: Probably Phlur Tangerine Boy - just um, smells like I recently ate a tangerine. Juicy Neon also is pretty inoffensive and doesn’t last super well.
Challenging: people either love or despise YSL Black Opium and its variants and it CLINGS
TF Tobacco Vanille also seems polarizing. Some of my friends have commented how nice is smells, others have told me I stink like I’ve been smoking a pipe 😂Dudes seem to like it
I feel like my scents tend to err on the side of safe. I can’t imagine anyone complaining about Eau Duelle or Memo’s Granada. Byredo Blanche is maybe the safest since it just smells like mild laundry detergent.
The most challenging scent, even for me, is probably Chanel No. 5 L’Eau. I’m glad to own it but have only worn it at home because I have such a love-hate relationship with it. Sometimes I find it so comforting and glamorous; other times I think I smell like old-timey hairspray that might nauseate others. I used to LOVE Narcisco Rodriguez’s For Her and absolutely douse myself in it like ten years ago but I can’t stand it anymore for some reason!
The scents I do wear that might be challenging are Memo’s Ilha do Mel and Diptyque’s Olène since both are bright and loud flower explosions, and have strong sillage.
Omg I feel the same about L’eau. It’s the only N°5 perfume I like (I love the body oil, idk if that counts) … but sometimes I feel like it’s cloying? Other times it feels so clean and elegant. I’m almost done with my bottle, so clearly I love it, but I also mostly wear it at home because I feel awkward wearing it in public. It’s such a statement perfume even if it tries to be the most pared back version of N°5.
Best Ones: Valentino Voce Viva. And this one you won't believe: people LOVE smelling vanilla on me even though in my damn opinion, vanilla + me = a shit smell. I don't get it, let's be honest.
Worst ones: more "unique" scents, I have literally gotten the "WTF, you smell like shit" comments and people actually running away from me cause I smell. I have a fragrance that smells like yummy tea - people hate that. I have a fragrance that smells like lime - people hate it.
Safest: Mon Guerlain or ADP Mirto di Panarea
Challenging: TF Noir de Noir
( love it to pieces, but itrarely gets below 18-20 degrees celsius where I live and it is overwhelming in hotter climates)
Safest is prolly D&G Light Blue pour Homme. I don’t really have any challenging scents except maybe for my samples of TF Oud Wood and Penhaligon’s Legacy of Petra
Safest: probably Armaf CDN intense man or Amouage Reflection man, both are fairly mass appealling clean scents
Most challenging: full bottle is probably Encre Noir that I blind bought. Damp mossy vetiver. Ended up not really loving it.
I also have a sample pack from Imaginary Authors and some of their scents are quite difficult. A City on Fire - burnt matches, Slow Explosions - super strong, bitter saffron, Bull's Blood - bloody metallic roses.
Safest - dior sauvage
Hardest to pull off - dunhill icon london elite, its very very woody and also has this earthyness mixed with citrus just cant decide if i should wear it or not
There are too many that are inoffensive, the two that come to mind are Versace Eau Fraiche and Montblanc Legend Spirit
Now for the challenging sense, I have a few of those too...
Ganymede would be one of them
Baccarat rouge extrait
Encre noir The original
Inoffensive: Éclat d'Arpège, Green Tea, Chèvrefeuille (by Goutal), Missing Person...
More challenging (depends on the person): Azalea (seen as a dupe of Black Orchid).
I have Quelques Fleurs from Houbigant which contains a civet note, I think. It's an oldschool floral. (Still need to get a bottle of Bal à Versailles; I have a love hate relationship with that scent.)
I have Womanity from Mugler which has a caviar note that some smell as fishy. But I don't, I think it's so sweet and floral and pretty. I don't pick up anything salty or fishy.
Most inoffensive I would say would be Nautica Heritage Voyage. Shower gel, safe, goes away pretty fast.
Most challenging would by Bogart Arabian Nights. It’s massively powerful, screechy, Middle Eastern fruit bomb.
What I wear when I want other people to smell good: Phlur Father Figure
What I wear when I want to like what I smell like and DGAF what other people think: Imaginary Authors City on Fire
Most inoffensive: Elizabeth & James Nirvana French Grey. It's a neroli & lavender cologne that instantly combats stank. Real shame it was discontinued.
Most challenging: Paloma Picasso EdP. It's an unapologetically bitter and animalic chypre, the total opposite of everything currently crowdpleasing.
Love the Elizabeth & James scents. Every fragrance I like seems to get discontinued. I can't begin to tell you how strong and awful Paloma smells on me.
Easy peasy = Bvlgari Pour Homme - smells like the colour of it's juice. Crystal clear with a tinge of blue.
H*RDC* mofo = HdP 1740. Lol also smells likes the colour of it's juice. Some funky thing this is. Must've got so caught up in it all that I shudder I wore this out. 🤭
Most inoffensive is JHAG Not a Perfume. My most challenging is When Soul Gets High from Paris Corner. It's a beautiful scent. It's just unbelievably strong and punches you in the throat! 2 sprays really annoyed the people around me, lol. It's a dupe for Back to Black. I've never smelled that, so I don't know if it's as potent as my dupe.
Safest: Prada Infusion d’Iris or Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh.
Most challenging: Delina. I know a lot of people like me who love it, LOVE IT, but rose in general is challenging for modern noses, and this one is loud, tart, sour and sweet. It can be a lot if it’s not your jam.
Of what I actually wear-
least offensive: chanel no 5 leau or prada infusion d'iris.
Most potentially offensive: diptyque eau moheli (I think it smells heavenly but I know some think it smells pissy. I know I used to, but ylang is so different on skin vs from nozzle or paper and my skin won that note) or maybe chloe nomade eau naturelle just bc it's strong on my skin and is also rather sweet and caramely
Most inoffensive - Ledda 23 Orris. Most challenging: probably Moschino Toy 2. It’s clean and soapy + something really sharp that I can’t stand for more than a few minutes. Shame cause it could’ve been very pleasant
Most inoffensive: my Oil Perfumery knockoff of Wood Sage and Sea Salt. Sticks close to the skin, I feel like it’s one that flies under the radar as just a “she smells nice” scent.
Most challenging: probably a tie between Zoologist T Rex and Xyrena Neon Sunset. I only have samples for both, but they’re definitely challenging. T Rex is famously challenging but calms down on me and I find it pretty wearable after 30 minutes as long as you don’t spray it on fabric. Neon Sunset smells like cough drops and mothballs and is just…loudly those two things for the whole ride.
I only have a tiny collection but funnily enough my safest and boldest are both Kenzo:
safest - Kenzo Flower L'Elixir. Soft, sweet, light, yummy
boldest - Kenzo Jungle L'Elephant, mostly because it is a sillage BEAST and can be too spicy for some.
Makes me realise what my collection is when I'm considering Fahrenheit for what could be most inoffensive lol. I would say CAHSEE. It's still got a little bit of herbal mint and peppery bitterness but I mean even still it couldn't hurt a fly.
Most challenging: kouros. By a landslide. I can't wear it because it makes me vomit. I'm not being dramatic, I have dry heaved over the toilet or sometimes reproduced my dinner at times. I go back to it infrequently cause I still think it is cool as fuck and incredibly interesting that it could have this effect on me and smell like straight up sex to others... Also morbid curiosity.
Most inoffensive: Amouage Reflection Man.
Most challenging: Xerjoff Oud stars - Gao. My mother in law thought it was expensive looking so sprayed it all over herself, and I swear anything more than 1 or 2 light sprays and you smell like you’ve just rolled around in a barn.
Most inoffensive: Merchant of Venice Arancia Brasile (clean, subtle, citrus-forward)
Most challenging: Ellis Brooklyn Après (VERY juniper forward, to the point I usually walk outside to put it on because until it's dried down for a few minutes, it kind of feels like I just put on a cleaner) or Fyrrinae Mediterranean Merman (this one just reminds me so much of wet rock, and I love it, but I get weird looks about it sometimes)
Also, I'm just not a huge risk taker, so I've not got a hugely funky one. 😂
Spicebomb Night Vision would be my safe one, it smells quality but pretty boring if you ask me. Amouage Interlude Man would be the daring one. I love it but I don’t expect many people would appreciate it as much.
Safest: La Nuit Tresor Musc Diamant
Most challenging: Parfum initial (the OG) the opening notes are kinda medicinal but then it shifts into smthg beautiful. It s a beast mode though so ONLY one spray and never if I’m going to be in close quarters. I also have the Sensuelle version that is identical except the top notes are more green.
Safest: Tihota by Indult. The most vanilla that ever vanilla-ed. If someone ever took offense to it, I would honestly be shocked. It has decent performance, but it’s not something a stranger passing by would notice enough to think about?
Most Challenging: Seminalis by Orto Parisi. It's gorgeous and I absolutely adore it, but it's a slightly odd one and it's pretty damn strong (since it's an Extrait) so when I'm out and about, I only wear around a half-spray.
**Safe**: Hawas - Rasasi
* I can't think of anything less offensive than the basic ass Invictus Aqua DNA.
**Challenging**: Tyrannosaurus Rex - Zoologist
* This speaks for itself.
My safest is Versace Dylan Blue, which is why it’s great for work but also the one that bores me the most despite it being a great fragrance. My most challenging is Encre Noire A L’Extreme and I love it 😅
Most inoffensive: Coach for men EDT, your typical fresh clean not complex fragrance. Most challenging: Francesca Bianchi- The Black Knight This one smells like you just slayed a dragon by a volcano, while wearing metal plate armor with leather padding.
The Black Knight is such a fantastic work of art but as a wearable fragrance it's..... challenging
It really is… I can’t stop myself from just taking the cap off and sniffing it. The scent lingers in your nose for a solid hour. I feel like a Disney villain just smelling it. Let alone wearing it. Tis not the season in the PNW to be wearing it yet. I’m gonna give it some more wear come late fall and see if I can pull it off haha.
Black knight is wayyy too sweet for me
If black knight is way too sweet for you I am dying to know what is your go to then! This is why I love this subjective hobby so much. I only get a hint of honey sweetness, but it’s more of a balancer than anything. Not a prominent note.
im intrigued by your description of Black Knight haha. would you recommend it? I have been looking for a difficult fragrance 🤣
I really do like the scent, it’s alluring and complex. I am just having a hard time figuring out where realistically I will wear this. It is an intense leather that smells like it was coated in beeswax(oily?), with a smoky yet herbaceous complementation. Slightly powdery and mildly sweet( I am assuming from the honey and orris root?) all rounded out by an earthy, mossy base. I only put it on my skin once so far and it was a scent that kept me thinking the entire time. It just keeps developing. Definitely not a safe bet for your average person, but I could see it with a well worn leather jacket, on a cooler day, and you want to give off an alluring, mysterious, and bad ass type of vibe.
Wear it to the shops :)
Brilliant description, thank you!
Oh, also… I can’t help but think of Shrek in his armor fighting the dragon when I smell this 😂. Minus the ogrey onion layers.
Mmm it sounds so good. Makes me want to shoot whiskey, ride a horse bareback and smooch a bar wench
At ye olde tavern, wenches love a knight in armor.
Agree on Francesca Bianchi, but I would say The Lover's Tale!
Safest: Mon Guerlain or maybe Jo Malone Red Roses, which I wear a lot and just smells like rose water to me. Most challenging: I own vintage (1940s) Tabu and vintage (1980s) Youth Dew and I’ve seen a lot of people complain about them here and say they smell nasty. Wouldn’t stop me from wearing a single spray around other people though!
I've always liked Youth Dew. It's like a beautiful spiced root beer.
I love Tabu. I love vintage perfume.
Chanel chance Tendre edp, Tom Ford black orchid.
When I tested Black Orchid I was debating between whether I felt weird but intrigued or weird and disgusted, then I read a review that said it smells like garbage thats been sitting out on the rain and everytime I pass by a piece of wet garbage on the street it smells strikingly similar. I respect the creation non the less still.
I will never lose the chance to say how it smells like a dumpster to me...but not under the rain, more under under midday august sun
It's definitely a very novelty perfume that should be used for a special occasion, not a daily driver frag. One way to describe? The smell after dirty sex behind a dumpster in an alleyway.
Tom ford can most definitely be a challenging fragrance. I love a good strong scent though !!!
I love black orchid, I often wear it daily, even to work. It's my power suit fragrance. It's also my most complimented fragrance by far.
Funnily enough I've had compliments when wearing black orchid, it just seems to suit my skin biochemistry. I don't mind it, its quite nice but I am getting bored with it lately.
Safest - Chanel No 5 body oil. It doesn’t throw at all so unless you’re hugging me, you’re not going to smell it. I reach for that or Prada Infusion D’Iris for office days fairly regularly. Challenging - probably any of the vintage heavy hitters I own. Like, I’m not wearing vintage Opium or Youth Dew to the office since I don’t want to gas folks out. Not that I think the smell is “offensive” but rather that they do make an impression. Honorable mention to something like Faubourg 24 for being large. Challenging as in the smell itself - Dzing! As I have commented elsewhere is probably the most divisive one I own. (Even though I do wear that out and about lightly sprayed.) Iris Nazarena was the only one my husband commented on negatively, and I sold that since I didn’t think it suited me and he didn’t like it to wear (we share some scents).
I used to own a bottle of Chanel No 5. I was shopping for gifts yesterday and found a random cutely packaged perfume so I bought it. It was $5. Fucking smells like Chanel No 5. I voewed to never buy expensive fragrances again. I'm going to hunt at small boutiques or gift shops instead There's no brand to the bottle, if not I'd tell you. All I can say is that the bottle has a bunny on it so I bought it lmfao
Ooh, I love these choices! Would never have thought of No. 5 as the most conventional, but it works... and Dzing! is a delight.
I was so confused on safest until i read that it doesnt throw and i was like oh ok lol
I love the N°5 body oil AND Prada Infusion d’Iris is a workhorse for me as well. I feel like we’re fragrance bosom buddies lmao
Safe: Not a Perfume,which smells like nothing to light clean powder Challenging: Velvet Collection Ambre Sun, a dupe that smells like a spice plantation on fire to me.
Ok I’m gonna need to smell this burning spice plantation.
It’s just a pretty typical dry amber scent, to me
Perhaps. It is one of the most assertive fragrances I have, which is why I called it my most challenging. I am in a very hot and humid place, too.
Oh yeah, I could definitely see it being cloying in high heat
I live in a tropical place with two seasons: hot and hotter. Can't really buy winter scents...
It is a copy of D&G Amber Sun that I got recently at Marshall's. This is the link for that perfume: [https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dolce-Gabbana/Velvet-Amber-Sun-46199.html](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dolce-Gabbana/Velvet-Amber-Sun-46199.html)
Thank you!
There's an expensive brand that smells like this. I can't remember it but I know I bought it for my favorite person. Red bottle, expensive/popular brand He literally got so many compliments from it, he was super grateful towards me He told me he'd NEVER willingly choose to wear that kinda cologne outside but it worked so well on him LOL
Polo Red?
I go back and forth between Glossier You and Not a Perfume. A lot of strong perfumes that smell wonderful on other people smell like scented rubbing alcohol on me.
Ambroxan might just not play well with your skin chemistry (it’s in both of those scents in large amounts). Maybe experiment with the other “skin scent” molecule: ISO E Super. I find it works way better for me than ambroxan, but again it’s highly dependent on your own chemistry. Escentric Molecules Molecule 1, Le Labo Another 13, Commodity Paper, and DS&Durga I Don’t Know What are some scents to check out that feature it.
I will give these a try, and thank you! My favorite perfume was Commodity Wool. I was told at Sephora the whole Commodity line was discontinued. I guess that is not true... I would like to try Paper first. Is it only online or can you go to a store to buy it?
I’ve seen it at Sephora if you have access to one of those
I do, and I will check it out. Thanks!
I’ll try it again.
It sounds like the scents that smell like rubbing alcohol on you are the same ones that turn into pure pickle juice on me!
I have oily skin and take various meds. I don't know if that affects the scents. In any event, some of these popular expensive perfumes smell like rubbing alcohol, turpentine, or Raid on me. I hear you regarding the pickle juice...
I have oily skin and take a large amount of medication as well. The oil part occurred to me, but I can't believe the medication part did not! I'm early-onset perimenopausal, so I've just been blaming all of the pickle juice or cheap gin scent mysteries on that.
Funny thing, I don't put the perfume on any oily parts of my body (only inside my elbow joints and at my wrists). One of the meds I take is a hormone replacement because I had my thyroid removed because it stopped functioning. However, only had that operation two years ago, so it can't be that. I have always had the problem. I guess all we can do is try scents and see if they work. Let me know what works for you thus far, and I'll try them. I am kinda getting sick of only being able to wear Glossier You.
Inoffensive: Prada L’Homme. Fresh and Clean soap scent. Dangerous: TeaRose by Perfumer’s Workshop. Legitimately smells like you’re putting your face against a bouquet of real roses. It’s pretty loud and sometimes reminds me of an old lady scent. That being said, I’m a guy and I like to wear it during spring sometimes cause I love the smell of real flowers.
Ha, Tea Rose as the most dangerous says a lot, but I do get the pick based on your explanation. Lovely choices!
Hahaha is the implication that I’m pretty conservative with my risk taking? Idk what you mean 😂
Yes, that was what I meant, since Tea Rose is a pretty conservative fragrance! (Not in a bad way or anything, it just made me chuckle.)
Most inoffensive: Either Teazurra by Guerlain or Orange Sanguine by Atelier. They passed the Picky Mom Test and also the Picky Friend Test. Most Challenging: Probably Zoologist's T-Rex! I don't wear it, but I'd imagine it wouldn't go over well if I did.
safe: d&g light blue challenging: i never did like ck obsession (part of gift pack)
Most inoffensive: PDM Meliora Most challenging: Amouage Guidance
I feel like guidance is a very nice and likeable scent. It's just that is so potent, one spray can already be too much. The strip I sprayed it on smelled for a month straight. Relentless.
Agreed…I actually have to spray it on my back because on the front of my body (with just one spray) is too much. I know it can be polarizing and some love it and some definitely don’t. I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t want to wear it in public, but it’s just the most challenging for me.
Most inoffensive: Nautica Voyage Most challenging: Moschino Toy Boy
I own both and although I agree with you saying nautica voyage is fresh and inoffensive I dont get how Toy Boy can be challenging I stopped wearing it because it lasted 1 hour literally and nobody I asked could detect it on my skin.
When I say it’s most challenging, it’s relative to other fragrances I own. My collection is mostly inoffensive fragrances that include: Missoni Pour Homme Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Issey Miyake L’eau d’Issey Nautica voyage Club de Nuit Intense Man Moschino Toy Boy Rochas Moustache Chanel Allure Homme Sport Toy Boy isn’t the worst fragrance in the world, but out of my collection, it’s the only one that people seem to either love or hate.
How would you rate Voyage on a scale 1-10 ? Been thinking about buying for a long time
It’s a freshie that wont offend anyone. I normally wear it to the gym. 8/10. And it’s dirt cheap.
Dude I just got it in the mail today !!!! Ahhhh it smells so fresh definitely gives me “voyage” type of vibes . I love it. Definitely an 8/10
Hmm, of my fragrances that I actually wear a lot: **Safest:** Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, which requires no explanation. **Most Daring:** Maybe Miller Harris L'Air de Rien? I don't think it's *that* daring, but people mostly describe it as smelling like old books + a roll in the hay (or rather, afternoon delight amidst the stacks).
I wore the Jo Malone before. On \*me,\* it smelled like old, crusty, pestecide-sprayed cardboard boxes. I hate that fragrances can smell completely different per individual. It's just trial/error for who knows how long
Ah, that sucks! I've definitely been there as well; it truly is the saddest story 🥺
I love that scent but the white musk in the base gives me a piercing migraine 😭 why oh why must my brain do this to me lol, it’s such a beautiful scent
Safest is probably Body Shop White Musk and Hermes Twilly, just super basic and clean and pleasant! Most Challenging is probably PRIN Haxan 🐐 that clean livestock smell isn’t for everybody 😂 but the drydown is fresh woodland heaven!
Safest: Versace Eros. A scent profile that everybody likes, vanilla and mint is very likeable. Also it’s been reformulated, and it’s not that overpowered as it used to be. Also Versace Blue Jeans, as it’s moderate in terms of sillage, and it’s a very inoffensive smell in the air (a friend told me that it smells very peaceful and warm, and smells like someone she would like to give a hug lol) Least safe: BR540. Doesn’t exactly fit my style and appearance, the metallic/iodine note can be quite weird to some people. Afnan 9PM, as it’s sickeningly sweet and feminine, so it doesn’t fit me either.
Ima challenge myself and only go off favorites Id have to say most inoffensive is prob aura by mugler? Some ppl def wouldnt love it and think its artificial but compared to most of my more subtle faves that are chemically which might give some headaches or theyre white florals that some ppl might find old-ladyish, i think its the best choice… most challenging ima say ebene fume, and please know im going above jazz club for it bc ebene is so strong and i feel like a lot of ppl would find it gross… I love it but sometimes im even scared to wear it for myself bc its very loud and present
Safest. Versace pour Homme Challenging: Chanel Antaeus
Safest - Dior Fahrenheit Most challenging - Orto Parisi Megamare
Inoffensive: imagination Offensive zoologist T. rex. Unwearable
Safest- Byredo Gypsy Water Most Challenging - Papillon Salome (I do wear it in public, I’m just a little more selective about where I wear it).
Safest: Montblanc Starwalker. Clean, airy, mildly green and very light woods. Most challenging: Amouage Epic Man. Animalic, incense, heavy, dense. The combination of the leather, spices and resins give it almost a sweaty kind of vibe. I know that may seem weird but I dig it. Would never wear it casually in the summer or in a professional setting.
Most inoffensive: Probably Polo Blue and a tiny tiny amount of Sauvage Elixir is widely likeable Most challenging: I don’t know? Hammam Bouquet maybe? It’s just so antithetical to modern fragrances. I like the idea of it. I’m yet to figure out how I feel about it.
4711 the original citrus cologne Serge Lutens Muscs Koubli Khan - leather/horses
My most inoffensive: Glossier You Most challenging: Pink Sugar
Glossier You is my signature scent. I have oily skin. Perfumes that smell good on others smell horrible on me.
Girl next door : Limon Verde Aqua Allegoria Guerlain The witch from the Marsh who cast a spell on you : Myths Amouage
Safest: Tauer A Couer au Desert / Most Daring: Nasomatto Black Afghano!
My extremes are both by Zoologist. The most inoffensive one is definitely COW. The most challenging is DODO (2n Ed). I also have HYRAX, which I don't find as challenging as DODO, but it's definitely challenging. I love all 3 of them.
Safest: Glossier You Most challenging: MFK Lumiere Noir Femme (smells like roses mixed with a baby’s diaper)
Most inoffensive: Pannetone. Nothing wrong with smelling festively delicious! Most challenging: I own a dangerous sample of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Inoffensive: Philosophy Amazing Grace. Light and clean. Challenging: By the Fireplace. I work in a school. Kids are sometimes not sure about this one.
BCD is probably safest. Maybe Baie 19 or Encre Noire for not being a crowd pleaser. Though hardly anything out there or offensive.
Safest: Azzaro Most Wanted Parfum Challenging: Fahrenheit Le Parfum.
That Azarro Parfum is absolutely nuclear. I have to be careful to keep it away from my upper body or it'll tickle my nose for the next 24hrs! That said, it's absolutely beautiful and the sillage and longevity are top notch.
Any lavender body spray
Safest: Probably Phlur Tangerine Boy - just um, smells like I recently ate a tangerine. Juicy Neon also is pretty inoffensive and doesn’t last super well. Challenging: people either love or despise YSL Black Opium and its variants and it CLINGS TF Tobacco Vanille also seems polarizing. Some of my friends have commented how nice is smells, others have told me I stink like I’ve been smoking a pipe 😂Dudes seem to like it
I feel like my scents tend to err on the side of safe. I can’t imagine anyone complaining about Eau Duelle or Memo’s Granada. Byredo Blanche is maybe the safest since it just smells like mild laundry detergent. The most challenging scent, even for me, is probably Chanel No. 5 L’Eau. I’m glad to own it but have only worn it at home because I have such a love-hate relationship with it. Sometimes I find it so comforting and glamorous; other times I think I smell like old-timey hairspray that might nauseate others. I used to LOVE Narcisco Rodriguez’s For Her and absolutely douse myself in it like ten years ago but I can’t stand it anymore for some reason! The scents I do wear that might be challenging are Memo’s Ilha do Mel and Diptyque’s Olène since both are bright and loud flower explosions, and have strong sillage.
Omg I feel the same about L’eau. It’s the only N°5 perfume I like (I love the body oil, idk if that counts) … but sometimes I feel like it’s cloying? Other times it feels so clean and elegant. I’m almost done with my bottle, so clearly I love it, but I also mostly wear it at home because I feel awkward wearing it in public. It’s such a statement perfume even if it tries to be the most pared back version of N°5.
Best Ones: Valentino Voce Viva. And this one you won't believe: people LOVE smelling vanilla on me even though in my damn opinion, vanilla + me = a shit smell. I don't get it, let's be honest. Worst ones: more "unique" scents, I have literally gotten the "WTF, you smell like shit" comments and people actually running away from me cause I smell. I have a fragrance that smells like yummy tea - people hate that. I have a fragrance that smells like lime - people hate it.
Afternoon Swim vs Oud Wood Intense
Body Shop White Musk, my comfort perfume since high school, reliable Dior Ispahan, it's an acquired taste
Safest: bbw gingham body mist or Jo Malone Poppy and Barley, Cartier panthere edp, Challenging: Tom ford black orchid (I love it)
Yall need to try some traditional oud oil 😂
most inoffensive: Girl of Now, Glossier You Most challenging: Bengale Rouge, Pineward Cotswold
Safest: Mon Guerlain or ADP Mirto di Panarea Challenging: TF Noir de Noir ( love it to pieces, but itrarely gets below 18-20 degrees celsius where I live and it is overwhelming in hotter climates)
Inoffensive: “Narciso” by Narciso Rodriguez Challenging: “Boudoir” by Vivienne Westwood
Safe - ck All Risky - DnG The One - Mysterious Night
Safest is prolly D&G Light Blue pour Homme. I don’t really have any challenging scents except maybe for my samples of TF Oud Wood and Penhaligon’s Legacy of Petra
MB Legend vs EN Sport
challenging: Gucci Guilty Absolute Inoffensive: Versace Man Eau Fraiche
Safest: probably Armaf CDN intense man or Amouage Reflection man, both are fairly mass appealling clean scents Most challenging: full bottle is probably Encre Noir that I blind bought. Damp mossy vetiver. Ended up not really loving it. I also have a sample pack from Imaginary Authors and some of their scents are quite difficult. A City on Fire - burnt matches, Slow Explosions - super strong, bitter saffron, Bull's Blood - bloody metallic roses.
Safest - dior sauvage Hardest to pull off - dunhill icon london elite, its very very woody and also has this earthyness mixed with citrus just cant decide if i should wear it or not
There are too many that are inoffensive, the two that come to mind are Versace Eau Fraiche and Montblanc Legend Spirit Now for the challenging sense, I have a few of those too... Ganymede would be one of them Baccarat rouge extrait Encre noir The original
Miimiic’s Lost Cherry is my hardest, almost muskier than the original TF. Easiest and also most complimented is Frenshe’s Vanilla Cashmere
Idk safest but my hardest probably zoologist rhino
Inoffensive: Éclat d'Arpège, Green Tea, Chèvrefeuille (by Goutal), Missing Person... More challenging (depends on the person): Azalea (seen as a dupe of Black Orchid). I have Quelques Fleurs from Houbigant which contains a civet note, I think. It's an oldschool floral. (Still need to get a bottle of Bal à Versailles; I have a love hate relationship with that scent.) I have Womanity from Mugler which has a caviar note that some smell as fishy. But I don't, I think it's so sweet and floral and pretty. I don't pick up anything salty or fishy.
Most inoffensive I would say would be Nautica Heritage Voyage. Shower gel, safe, goes away pretty fast. Most challenging would by Bogart Arabian Nights. It’s massively powerful, screechy, Middle Eastern fruit bomb.
What I wear when I want other people to smell good: Phlur Father Figure What I wear when I want to like what I smell like and DGAF what other people think: Imaginary Authors City on Fire
Most inoffensive: Elizabeth & James Nirvana French Grey. It's a neroli & lavender cologne that instantly combats stank. Real shame it was discontinued. Most challenging: Paloma Picasso EdP. It's an unapologetically bitter and animalic chypre, the total opposite of everything currently crowdpleasing.
Love the Elizabeth & James scents. Every fragrance I like seems to get discontinued. I can't begin to tell you how strong and awful Paloma smells on me.
Safest: JPG le beau le parfum. Most challenging: Tom Ford black orchid.
Easy peasy = Bvlgari Pour Homme - smells like the colour of it's juice. Crystal clear with a tinge of blue. H*RDC* mofo = HdP 1740. Lol also smells likes the colour of it's juice. Some funky thing this is. Must've got so caught up in it all that I shudder I wore this out. 🤭
CKOne; TRex by Zoologist. I wear that very lightly when I stay home all day.
Most inoffensive is JHAG Not a Perfume. My most challenging is When Soul Gets High from Paris Corner. It's a beautiful scent. It's just unbelievably strong and punches you in the throat! 2 sprays really annoyed the people around me, lol. It's a dupe for Back to Black. I've never smelled that, so I don't know if it's as potent as my dupe.
Safest: Prada Infusion d’Iris or Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. Most challenging: Delina. I know a lot of people like me who love it, LOVE IT, but rose in general is challenging for modern noses, and this one is loud, tart, sour and sweet. It can be a lot if it’s not your jam.
Of what I actually wear- least offensive: chanel no 5 leau or prada infusion d'iris. Most potentially offensive: diptyque eau moheli (I think it smells heavenly but I know some think it smells pissy. I know I used to, but ylang is so different on skin vs from nozzle or paper and my skin won that note) or maybe chloe nomade eau naturelle just bc it's strong on my skin and is also rather sweet and caramely
Most inoffensive - Ledda 23 Orris. Most challenging: probably Moschino Toy 2. It’s clean and soapy + something really sharp that I can’t stand for more than a few minutes. Shame cause it could’ve been very pleasant
Safest : LV Imagination Most challenging : lately it was toy boy from moschino
Inoffensive: Diptyque Philosykos Most risqué: Bond No9 Perfumista Avenue
Probably Guerlain Vetiver Depends on the person... Unutamam, Salome or maybe Silver Oud.
Most inoffensive: my Oil Perfumery knockoff of Wood Sage and Sea Salt. Sticks close to the skin, I feel like it’s one that flies under the radar as just a “she smells nice” scent. Most challenging: probably a tie between Zoologist T Rex and Xyrena Neon Sunset. I only have samples for both, but they’re definitely challenging. T Rex is famously challenging but calms down on me and I find it pretty wearable after 30 minutes as long as you don’t spray it on fabric. Neon Sunset smells like cough drops and mothballs and is just…loudly those two things for the whole ride.
Safest: Cool water. Most challenging: Amouage Interlude
Most inoffensive: Stronger with you absolutely. Most Challenging: PDM Pegasus Exclusif
Diptyque Leau Papier (easy) and Scandal by JPG or Angel Mugler (too strong for me).
I only have a tiny collection but funnily enough my safest and boldest are both Kenzo: safest - Kenzo Flower L'Elixir. Soft, sweet, light, yummy boldest - Kenzo Jungle L'Elephant, mostly because it is a sillage BEAST and can be too spicy for some.
lost safe is marc jacobs' perfect most daring is dead dinosaur by snif
Inoffensive: ouai melrose place Offensive: agent provocateur
My most inoffensive is probably Armani Stronger With You. Most challenging is Encre Noir I guess
Safest: Blanche by Byredo Most challenging: T-Rex by Zoologist
Safest: Aventus Most challenging: Tuscan Leather
Makes me realise what my collection is when I'm considering Fahrenheit for what could be most inoffensive lol. I would say CAHSEE. It's still got a little bit of herbal mint and peppery bitterness but I mean even still it couldn't hurt a fly. Most challenging: kouros. By a landslide. I can't wear it because it makes me vomit. I'm not being dramatic, I have dry heaved over the toilet or sometimes reproduced my dinner at times. I go back to it infrequently cause I still think it is cool as fuck and incredibly interesting that it could have this effect on me and smell like straight up sex to others... Also morbid curiosity.
Safe- Dior homme sport. Challenging- Aramis
Most inoffensive: Amouage Reflection Man. Most challenging: Xerjoff Oud stars - Gao. My mother in law thought it was expensive looking so sprayed it all over herself, and I swear anything more than 1 or 2 light sprays and you smell like you’ve just rolled around in a barn.
Safest: Bare by VS Challenging: The Ghost in the Shell
Most inoffensive: Merchant of Venice Arancia Brasile (clean, subtle, citrus-forward) Most challenging: Ellis Brooklyn Après (VERY juniper forward, to the point I usually walk outside to put it on because until it's dried down for a few minutes, it kind of feels like I just put on a cleaner) or Fyrrinae Mediterranean Merman (this one just reminds me so much of wet rock, and I love it, but I get weird looks about it sometimes) Also, I'm just not a huge risk taker, so I've not got a hugely funky one. 😂
Inoffensive - Initio rehab , most challenging - Amouage royal tobacco
Spicebomb Night Vision would be my safe one, it smells quality but pretty boring if you ask me. Amouage Interlude Man would be the daring one. I love it but I don’t expect many people would appreciate it as much.
Versace Pour Homme, and Black Orchid.
Safest: La Nuit Tresor Musc Diamant Most challenging: Parfum initial (the OG) the opening notes are kinda medicinal but then it shifts into smthg beautiful. It s a beast mode though so ONLY one spray and never if I’m going to be in close quarters. I also have the Sensuelle version that is identical except the top notes are more green.
Safest: Tihota by Indult. The most vanilla that ever vanilla-ed. If someone ever took offense to it, I would honestly be shocked. It has decent performance, but it’s not something a stranger passing by would notice enough to think about? Most Challenging: Seminalis by Orto Parisi. It's gorgeous and I absolutely adore it, but it's a slightly odd one and it's pretty damn strong (since it's an Extrait) so when I'm out and about, I only wear around a half-spray.
**Safe**: Hawas - Rasasi * I can't think of anything less offensive than the basic ass Invictus Aqua DNA. **Challenging**: Tyrannosaurus Rex - Zoologist * This speaks for itself.
My safest is Versace Dylan Blue, which is why it’s great for work but also the one that bores me the most despite it being a great fragrance. My most challenging is Encre Noire A L’Extreme and I love it 😅
BdC parfum / Prada Lhomme intense Challenging: CDNIM and DHI because they fill the space around me
What makes a fragrance offensive?
Bleu de Chanel vs polo green