Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
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User ID: 894
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
Clubbing is just another thing that gen z has killed, I'm afraid. I've never been to a club in my life, so I can't relate, but if you just search on youtube, you'll find dozens of videos that lament how the clubbing culture from the 10's is completely dead.
I've been to a single music party (concert?) though, and I have to say that I don't think I've ever felt more out of place than I did when I was there. The music was alright, but I don't take drugs and I don't dance so it was just awkward for me to be there. Didn't help that the friend that actually invited me canceled at the last minute.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
If you’re a regular straight person, everything is basically designed for you. You can ask out basically any single member of the opposite sex. People try to set you up with their friends/co-workers/whatnot. You can hook-up with random strangers at a party if the chemistry’s right without having to worry if they’re in the <5% that’s attracted to you, if you’re sexually compatible, or if you’re trans and passing, that they won’t react violently.
I have to ask what you're basing your statements off of because none of these statements are true for the "average" man, and they haven't been for at least the last 10 years. Full disclosure, I'm a late millennial/early zoomer (late 90s to early aughts) straight male.
You can ask out basically any single member of the opposite sex
You can do that in the same way that you can run through a minefield and not get blown up. The fact of the matter is simply that the consequences for running into a vindictive, cruel, or simply insane woman is now much greater than it ever was in the past. They used to tell you that the worst thing they can do is say "no" (this was never true, but it was true enough to be good advice maybe 15 years ago) but now the worst thing they can do is pull out their phone and start blasting your face all over the internet. And that's not even the worst thing they can do. If she calls the cops on you, you'd really be in hell.
People try to set you up with their friends/co-workers/whatnot.
First of all, dating at work is on of the worst things you can do to yourself. Again, it's simply not worth the risk. You're not putting just your reputation on the line, but your career as well. Secondly, maybe this is just because of my circles, but I've only ever once seen someone else even attempt to set up their friends. It happens so rarely, that I have to seriously doubt that it ever happened at all, even before the current climate.
You can hook-up with random strangers at a party if the chemistry’s right without having to worry if they’re in the <5% that’s attracted to you, if you’re sexually compatible, or if you’re trans and passing, that they won’t react violently.
You can hook up with strangers at a party (Personally, I'm not sure where these parties are or who's going to them. I haven't been to a single party outside of work events after college). This is one that might be colored by my own experiences, but I have never hooked up with a stranger at a party, even when I was going to them back in college. I have to assume that it's due to my deficiencies because it apparently happens enough to other people for it to be a prevalent thing.
Plus most straight men seem to be attracted to most women? I don’t understand it but it should make your life easier to not be picky.
In my experience, it's not my pickiness that's the problem. Or maybe it is. I don't consider myself unattractive (I give myself 6/10 simply because I'm tall and not overweight and I don't have any physical deformities), but according to at least a sizable minority of women, most men are unattractive, so in reality a 6/10 is probably actually a 2/10.
All in all, I legitimately don't know on what basis you're making your claims because they run almost completely counter to what I've experienced as a straight male. I have to assume that they must have been true in the near, or even distant, past, otherwise they wouldn't be so oft repeated. The only people who talk about how supposedly easy it is to date are either old and out of touch or have at least one attractive trait that is above average (looks, charisma, or money). None of the people who I consider "average" have the experience of dating being "easy".
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
where and when it is supposedly the situation?
AFAIK it was never ever in no location considered the way you claim
The other poster is too narrow in saying just sex, but for most of known human history, men trade resources for sex and offspring. What exactly do you think a man is doing when he provides for his wife? Divorcing your wife because she was barren, while frowned upon, was completely acceptable. Maybe it's different in the enlightened 21st century (I don't think it is), but historically, most, if not all, marriages were entered into to support tangible, real world gains. Love was something you developed later, if it developed at all.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
There seems to be this presumption that disagreement must stem from misunderstandings or poor messaging rather than sincere values differences.
Or even worse, it's because you're stupid or evil (or both).
you can't possibly believe that illegal immigration is bad for the country so you must actually be a secret racist trying to get rid of brown people
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
For my part, I'm disgusted that so many people seem to think it's okay to cyberbully celebrities
Saying mean things about someone online is not cyberbullying, especially when she specifically searched her name to see all the mean things people said. Also, her entire business is attention, so negative attention is just a part of the bargain she made. I have no sympathy for someone who literally courts attention receiving negative attention.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
look into the face of a god
deny its existance
Just how based can one man get?
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
I suppose that’s not quite the same, as there isn’t the presumption of agreement.
That's the real difference for me too. There's less of this "voting against your interest" messaging on the right. It seems that if you disagree with the left, in their eyes, you're either stupid or evil.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
tumblr in anno domini 2025
But yeah you completely articulated some of my feelings on this subject. Great writeups.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
Then she goes basically says later (can't find it now) that though she knows she's breaking taboos, she thought being kind and honest and data driven would be enough to break the stigma and have people treat her with respect, basically. And to be fair to her she does seem to be doing that stuff.
Idk if this is actually a thing, but I'm recognizing a pattern here (lol). There seems to be a group of people that I've noticed, broadly on the left, that apparently think that saying something I find completely reprehensible in a nicer way, it would make me agree with it more. Like if they asked me nicely enough to rape my daughter, that I'd somehow be convinced (purposefully hyperbolic example). Outside of Aella, the whole SAM (Speaking with American Men) initiative is indicative of this line of thinking. SAM seems to be focused on how to "market" Democrat's ideas to men instead of finding ideas that men actually want. I don't know if this is just me or if anyone else noticed this or if I'm just recognizing too many patterns. To me, it's back asswards, but what the hell do I know.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
9mo ago
To be honest, it's only had the opposite effect for me. The riots have actually made me more authoritarian inclined simply because riots are bad and we should stop the riots. Never in my life have been more open to the idea of simply shooting rioters dead (with the exception of the BLM riots). To be clear, I still don't support killing rioters, but I am now less against the idea than I was in the past.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
10mo ago
Vintage Sam Hyde 2070 Paradigm Shift TED Talk: https://youtube.com/watch?v=4jRoatZizQ0
Sam Hyde on The Ladies: https://youtube.com/watch?v=SPRupa0oShs
Fantastic sketch Officer Maggot: https://youtube.com/watch?v=7qJqEgWRTQ8
MDE Moms sketch: https://youtube.com/watch?v=cS0jTbzd8Q8
Sam Hyde's thoughts on Self Defense: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q4Ui8BdIYRk
The Idubbbz documentary must be enjoyed on both sides, especially after recent Idubbbz revelations that have come to light. Chronologically, Sam put his side out first, but I think Sam's video serves as almost a commentary track on Ian's:
Ian's video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=5jTdu3FI7vo&t=5s
Sam's video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=xn52d_vTtSk
The Mind of Samuel Heydrich: https://youtube.com/watch?v=5LfAu-evUl8
I'm trying to find the World Peace episodes online, but I can't. Here are the first 2: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFmy7ubUEy0KNr27q7yLDLvLBX_6wtIg0
Finally, watch Fishtank. The season 1 edited episodes aren't that good, but the season 2 edited episodes are kino. Season 1 you're going to have to piece together through commentary and recap channels if you want the full experience:
Season 1 official: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnvpt5I0X2oyiViFuwi995k8JNJgdS0CN
Season 2 official: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnvpt5I0X2oxdWx0V94TxNKJWMKTuMOwr
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
10mo ago
Purely in terms of career, Bill Maher had a successful 20 year long running show before what you mentioned. He's a legitimate C to B list celerity. He's not a Colbert or Fallon, but he's not nobody.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
10mo ago
I don't think he's actively trying to gun for that spot, just trying to create good content. Even if he was, he should know that his association with Sam Hyde (aka the Ghost of Kiev, aka the Tiger of Jerusalem, aka the Sandy Hook Mastermind, aka The Candy Man) would preclude him from any serious talks of being a lefty Joe Rogan. Adam gets to not care right now because he's still relatively niche. If he gets a legitimate push toward the mainstream, it'll take 20 minutes for clips of him hanging out and shooting the shit with one of the biggest leftist boogeymen to surface and sink him straight into hell.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
11mo ago
Light Blue is quite nice, but I'm a bigger fan of Eau Intense. They also release new versions every year, some of which are great. Light Blue Forever and Light Blue Summer Vibes are tow that I've enjoyed. I've actually never smelled Coach for Men, but I can't imagine hating it just from the note breakdown. I'll check it out the next time I get a chance.
I've never read Jitterbug Perfume, but I'll check it out.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
11mo ago
Just out of my own curiosity, which criteria did my perfume post fit?
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
11mo ago
Any time. I'm surprised something like this even made the Quality Contributions haha. Hope you enjoy Jazz Club
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
11mo ago
In my experience, it depends on what type of deodorant you use. If you use spray-on, it may interfere with the scent as those are designed to be smelled a little more. If you use rub-on, I haven't noticed a real difference. Get unscented if you're really worried, but I haven't noticed any interference from rub-on deodorants.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
11mo ago
Any time. I just added L'homme A la Rose to the formal occasions list as well. Enjoy.
Tbh it doesn't sound like you need any more "rounding out". You got one for warm, one for cool, and one for dressing up. I haven't smelled the Comme de Garcon or Serve Lutens fragrances, but they sound very lovely. I don't own Red Tobacco because for whatever reason, it turns on me when it's on my skin, but I've smelled it in the air and it's nice. If you're looking to explore more, I can suggest a few beyond what I've already posted. I'll again only suggest what I've smelled.
All of your fragrances sound pretty heavy, so if you're looking for something on the opposite side of the spectrum, beyond the spring and summer frags I've suggested:
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Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay EDC. This one is really really light, being an Eau de Cologne. It's fruity and soft, and in summer, I just go to town on this. At retail it's a little expensive for what you're getting, but I'm a fan and I own a full bottle. Another one from the house is Grapevine & Cypress. This is more of a generalist, but it's very masculine to my nose. I'm a huge fan of it and will be getting a bottle in the future.
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Acqua Di Parma Arancia di Capri. This is the same line as Fico di Amalfi and it's similarly geared for summer. For me, I'm spraying this for the opening, which is zesty citrus all the way. I reapply this every couple of hours just to get that opening.
It also seems like you're looking for something for formal occasions so I'll suggest a couple of those as well:
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Mancera Cedrat Boise. Also from the house of Mancera, this one has similarities with Aventus. Really easy to wear and likeable, and wouldn't be out of place in a suit. There's an intense version that I haven't smelled, but the consensus online is that it's also very good. Mont Blanc Explorer is another fragrance that's a twist on Aventus. I own Mont Blanc Explorer, but not Cedrat Boises. I already own Aventus and Explorer so they're a little redundant in my collection
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Creed Green Irish Tweed. In my imagination, this is what James Bond smells like. It's sophisticated, elegant, and gentlemanly. This was what Creed made their money off of before Aventus came along and for very good reason. Davidoff's Cool Water EDT has a lot of similarity to this (there's drama behind that, if you can believe it). I own Cool Water and Will be getting GIT for a special occasion.
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Edit: I just remembered this one, but Maison Francis Kurkdjian's L'homme A la Rose is an amazingly elegant men's rose scent. To me, it's a very realistic rose scent that works really well in a suit or tux. This is another one that's on my list.
Finally, since you love Red Tobacco, I'll suggest a couple that you might like as well:
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Parfums de Marly Layton. This one dials up the spiciness and leaves the tobacco note behind. It's also a heavier fragrance, so during summer, definitely go lighter on this. I will get a bottle of this soon.
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Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme. This one turns the spiciness way way up, and kind of leaves everything else behind. Technically, it's got rum and tobacco as notes, but they're more undertones to my nose. Definitely wear this during winter. You'll be choking people out during summer with this. A lot of people say that it's been reformulated so it's not as good as it was when it first came out, but try it and see if you're a fan.
I'm a fan of the entire Blu Med line tbh. I have a couple of bottles and will be getting more in the future. My favorites are Fico and Arancia di Capri
I know Sauvage has a rough reputation lol but the Elixir is a completely different fragrance to me nose. I don't smell any Sauvage until maybe 10 hours in. By then I'm ready to shower off.
Edit: spelling
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
11mo ago
Sad to hear about your Covid. I was lucky when I got mine that my smell came back within a couple of weeks.
Closedshop
話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
11mo ago
Haha thanks. What's your one cologne, if you don't mind me asking.
Here's a legitimately unhinged blog post: 15 fragrances in 5 different collections. I'll group 15 fragrances into 5 collections. These are ways that I'd organize a one, two, three, four, and five fragrance collection. I'm a man so I will be recommending mostly masculine fragrances. I will point out the feminine marketed fragrances if those are not your bag. I'll also only be suggesting fragrances I've tried and like. Further, I won't be double dipping, so I will be suggesting different fragrances in different situations. If I suggest one fragrance for warm weather, it'll generally be interchangeable if the same situation comes up in a later list. These are all my personal picks, so please don't get angry if you hate something I suggest or if your favorite isn't on here. Fragrance is personal and everyone has their own nose. Something I love might remind you of the worst day of your life. Finally, wear whatever you want, but be cognizant of the people around you. SECRETIONS MAGNIFIQUES (IYKYK) might be your favorite fragrance, but no one around you is going to be happy if you wear it in public in 90 degree weather.
Before I start:
Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Parfum: Historically, these denoted different oil concentrations that fragrances came in. In fragrance, oils are what make the actual fragrance smell like what they smell like. Eau Fraiche would have 2-3% oil concentration, Eau De Cologne (EDC) would have around 5%, Eau de Toilette (EDT) would have 5-15%, Eau de Parfum (EDP) would have 15-25%, and Parfum would have >25%. These are not hard rules. In fact, in modern days, fragrance companies will use these are names instead of designations of oil concentration. For example, Versace Man Eau Fraiche is an Eau de Toilette concentration despite having "Eau Fraiche" in the name. A general rule of thumb is that as you go up (EDT to EDP) the fragrance will smell deeper, heavier, and more mature.
Notes: These are items that the fragrance should evoke when you smell it. Notes are broken into top, mid, and base. Top When a company releases a fragrance, they will release notes to help you imagine what you're smelling when you spray the fragrance on. Note that these are not necessarily indicative actual ingredients. A fragrance with a "Rose" note may or may not contain actual rose oil. A general rule of thumb is to think of notes as marketing pitches. The company is selling you the image of what you'll smell like. Because of the differences in a human's sense of smell and skin biochemistry, the fragrances you buy may or may not smell like what the notes indicate. This is also why it's important to test on your skin before you buy a fragrance. I'll be using notes from Fragrantica, a website that serves as a database for fragrances.
Opening and dry-down: These are related to notes. The opening is what the fragrances evoke when they're first sprayed on, and the dry-down is what they evoke after a few hours on the skin. These are also not hard rules.
Performance: How easy it a fragrance can be smelled after it's sprayed on. Performance is generally separated into projection, longevity, and sillage. Projection is how far away you can be smelled. Generally, projection is strongest when you first spray it on, and becomes weaker over time. Longevity is how long the fragrance can be smelled for. A fragrance with high longevity can last for a while day, and some are so powerful they can last multiple days. Sillage is a little weirder. Sillage refers to the "scent trail" that you leave when you walk by. Generally, all fragrances perform better in warmer weather, and fragrances designed for warm weather have weaker performance.
I'll try to make my list more beginner friendly. That means I'll lean toward fragrances that are readily available and not extremely expensive. There will be a few exceptions, but I'll point those out. Further, please sample fragrances before buying a full bottle, especially if you're going to be spending hundreds of dollars on a single bottle.
1 Fragrance Collection
If you're only going to wear a single fragrance, you need it to be a generalist. Something that's classy enough to bring to work or an event, but casual enough to wear in a t-shirt and shorts.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Grapefruit Lemon Mint Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Ginger Nutmeg, Jasmine, Iso E Super
Base Notes: Incense, Vetiver, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Labdanum, White Musk
Bleu de Chanel EDT, as the original "Blue" fragrance, serves all of those purposes. Blue fragrances (named after Bleu de Chanel) are fragrances that are clean and versatile, with a generally fruity/citrus opening and a musky or woody dry-down. These are all things that make Bleu De Chanel the perfect fragrance for any situation. The performance is average, but this is a positive. For a generalist fragrance, you generally don't want the fragrance to be incredibly powerful. Although it leans slightly youthful, BDC EDT is a fragrances for all ages and situation. If you're looking for something more mature, the EDP and Parfum are both great choices for every day. They iterate on the formula beautifully. The online consensus is that the EDP is the best in the line, but to my nose, the EDT is superior. There's a reason it innovated its own genre of fragrances.
2 Fragrance Collection
For two fragrances, you can have a little more variety. I'd separate the two into one for warm weather (Spring and Summer) and one for cool weather (Fall and Winter). In general, in warm weather, people like to smell cleaner and lighter. Think citrus, aquatic, and floral. In cold weather, those notes become a lot more muted, so during winter, you'll smell things that are a lot more robust. Think woods, spices, and booze notes.
Hot: Prada L'Homme Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Neroli, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Carrot Seeds
Middle Notes: Iris, Violet, Geranium, Mate
Base Notes: Amber, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli
While it's marketed as masculine, Prada L'Homme is quite feminine. The opening is quite powdery and floral, giving it a very make-upy feel. That being said, the fragrance very nice in warm weather. It's a very classy fragrance that really opens up in the warmer months. Again, performance is average, but that's not a problem in the warmer months. The fragrance is not necessarily groundbreaking, but it's a very nice fragrance in spring and summer. This may be a little feminine for a lot of people, but I'd suggest every man give it a try. It's a real shame that the line seems to have gotten the Old Yeller treatment in favor of the Luna Rosa line.
Cold: Maison Martin Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Neroli, Lemon
Middle Notes: Rum, Java vetiver oil, Clary Sage
Base Notes: Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla Bean, Styrax
I would call this a modern masterpiece. The tobacco, rum, and vanilla come together into something that is very evocative of its namesake, a jazz club. The fragrance is heavy and boozy, but still soft enough to be inviting. Its performance isn't as powerful as a heavy oud or heavy leather fragrance, meaning it's less noticeable in the deep winter, but during fall and a cool winter, Jazz Club serves me very well. This is legitimately one of my favorite cool weather fragrances. I love to smell this on myself. Another great cool weather from the Replica line is By the Fireplace. Personally, I'm less of a fan of it, but the consensus online is that it's neck and neck with Jazz Club within the line.
3 Fragrance Collection
With three fragrances, I'd do the same as before, but with a twist. One for warm, one for cool, and one for special occasions. When you get to 3 fragrances, you don't really need a generalist fragrance anymore, as you'll have one every-day scent for warm and one for cool. So the third fragrance should really be more for special occasions.
Hot: Armani Acqua Di Gio Eau de Parfum (2022)
Top Notes: Sea Notes, Green Mandarin
Middle Notes: Clary Sage, Lavender, Geranium
Base Notes: Mineral notes, Vetiver, Patchouli
This one is a little confusing as Armani has just released a new version of Acqua Di Gio Eau de Parfum in 2025. I haven't smelled that one yet. The 2022 version, however, is a fragrance that I am a huge fan of. While it's technically discontinued, it's still readily available. The fragrance is a more mature version of the original Eau de Toilette, with the florals stripped away and while adding more mineral notes. This fragrance is an example of a warm weather fragrance that performs well in most situations. However, the fragrance being an Acqua Di Gio means that it'll do its best work in in the warmer months. When I spray this on myself, I can get whiffs of it throughout the day, and every time I do, my mouth literally waters from the zesty citruses. Performance is strong. On my skin, this lasts an entire day and after I spray it on in the morning, I've gotten compliments from other people even in the evening. The original Eau de Toilette is the best selling male fragrance in history for very good reason, and the EDP updated it for a more modern audience. I'm sad to see it go and I'll probably get another bottle while it's still available.
Cold: YSL Y Eau de Parfum
Top Notes: Apple, Ginger, Bergamot
Middle Notes: Sage, Juniper Berries, Geranium
Base Notes: Amberwood, Tonka Bean, Cedar, Vetiver, Olibanum
This is another of the Big Three of the "Blue" fragrances. To me, however this is a lot less of a generalist fragrance than the other two. The apple top note gives this fragrance a sweetness that becomes cloying in summer. During spring, fall and winter, however, I think it lets the fragrance a way to cut through the cold air. From there, the tonka bean and woody base notes gives the dry down a heavier feel. To my nose, the fragrance does its best work in Spring and Fall. In Winter, you might need to spray more, but the sweetness helps the fragrance stand out in even cold weather. If you wanted a fragrance with a more stereotypical "Blue" smell, the EDP Intense replaces the apple top note with bergamot, which gives the fragrance a citrussy pop. Overall, Y EDP is sweet and warm while still being clean. Perfect for a cool day.
Special Occasion: Tom Ford Beau De Jour Eau de Parfum
Top Notes: Lavender Extract, Lavender
Middle Notes: Oakmoss, Rosemary, Mint, Basil, Geranium
Base Notes: Patchouli, Amber
In my opinion, this fragrance is what "Classic" smells like. Tom Ford made Beau de Jour specifically as a tribute to the classic aromatic fougeres of old. Classy, sophisticated, and mature, Beau De Jour goes perfectly with a suit or tux. The lavender, oakmoss, and rosemary gives the fragrance the classic masculine fragrance smell while the dry down has a sweetness that makes it less harsh than some other aromatic fougeres. If I had to classify it, it would be a Spring, Fall, and Winter fragrance as it becomes a little heavy in high heat, but for occasions, you'd generally be in air conditioned rooms, meaning the weather matters less. Overall, Beau De Jour is perfect for any formal occasion. I'm a huge, huge fan of this.
4 Fragrance Collection
With four fragrances, you'll have a fragrance for every season. Now, you'll be able to target a specific feel during specific seasons. Here is also where the prices of some of the fragrances that I mention will be creeping up. So far, pretty much everything can be found for ~$200 (Beau De Jour not withstanding), but now I'll be recommending things that are >$300 at full retail. This is why it's so important to sample and test before buying a fragrance. I've spent $300 on something that I haven't smelled before and hated it after smelling it. Don't be like me, especially when you're just starting out. Is it idiotic to spend that much on a fragrance? Yes. Am I an idiot? Also yes. Let's move on.
Spring: Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Fig
Middle Notes: Fig Leaf
Base Notes: Fig Tree
You might be able to tell from the notes, but this fragrance smells like fig, fig leaf, and fig tree. Fruity, fresh, and light, Philosykos is the perfect spring fragrance to my nose. There's a sweetness from the fig fruit that makes the fragrance really fun. This is another fragrance that leans more unisex than masculine. I've smelled this multiple times on women and it's just as lovely on them as it is on my skin. I really love this on a warmer spring day. Performance is average but on a warmer spring day, it wafts beautifully. Absolutely try this. I cannot recommend this enough.
Summer: Maison Martin Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Sea Notes, Aldehydes, Coriander, Red Pepper
Middle Notes: Juniper, Iris, Amyl Salicylate, Rose
Base Notes: Seaweed, Ambergris, Cedar, Amberwood
This is a photorealistic ocean scent. As the marketing states, this is supposed to smell like sailing in the open ocean on a sunny day and to my nose, that's exactly what this smells like. Aquatic scents are very popular during summer because they smell light and clean, and this is encapsulates exactly that feeling. Performance is actually above average for summer fragrances, and in high heat, this will radiate off the skin very nicely. Personally, this is neck and neck for my favorite summer fragrance.
Fall: Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Coriander, Basil
Middle Notes: Cardamom, Ginger, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Amber, Tobacco, Cedar
This might be a more controversial pick as traditionally, The One EDP is considered a more of a date night fragrance, but this has served my very well in fall. This fragrance is warm and soft, and it reminds me of a warm cashmere blanket. The fragrance is fresh enough to be used on a warm day, but it's also warm enough for cool weather. Performance is intimate, but that's fine if you spray slightly more. The fragrance is very very appealing, which also makes it great for a first date. This is a fragrance that's very hard to hate.
Winter: Cartier Oud & Santal Parfum
Notes: Sandalwood, Agarwood (Oud), Plum
This is probably the most challenging fragrance I will recommend. In some ways, this is probably the most simplistic fragrance on the list, as you might be able to tell by the note breakdown. On the other hand, to my nose, the fragrance is incredibly elegant, rich, and deep. In the summer, this will be extremely heavy and oppressive, but in the winter, it really comes into its own. This fragrance leans more mature and formal, and can serve you very will in a tuxedo provided you spray lightly. Performance in hot weather is beastly. This will choke people out if you spray too much of it. In cold weather however, this performs beautifully. Like I said, this will be very challenging for a beginner, so please please PLEASE try this before you buy a bottle. If this is something that you like, however, I think it will serve you very well.
5 fragrance collection
Same as before, but with an extra fragrance for special occasions. Some of these picks might be a little controversial, but I really do like these fragrances.
Spring: Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Eau de Parfum
Notes: Akigalawood, Woodsy Notes, Vetiver, Basil, Timur, Ambroxan, Patchouli
Here's another fragrance that doesn't have a full note breakdown. This is a very modern woody fragrance. In fact, to me this smells futuristic. Even though the fragrance focuses a lot on woods, it's not a heavy fragrance like Oud & Santal is. It's quite light for a woody perfume and to me, that's one of the main appeals. Performance on this fragrance is pretty strong, so on a warm day, I'd suggest lighter sprays. This fragrance leans more mature and is very masculine to my nose. On a warm spring day, this evolves into something that is very light and modern. This is a different take on a spring fragrance and I love it.
Summer: Acqua Di Parma Fico di Amalfi Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Citron, Lemon
Middle Notes: Fig Nectar, Jasmine, Pink Pepper
Base Notes, Fig Tree, Cedar, Benzoin
This one is another fig fragrance, this time focused on the fig tree. Compared to Philosykos, it's a lot less fruity and a lot more green. This fragrance is from the Blu Mediterraneo line, which is Acqua Di Parma's summer focused line. Each fragrance in this line is named after an ingredient from a place. Fico di Amalfi is named after Figs from the town of Amalfi. This fragrance is very personal to me as it's what I wore the first time I went to Korea. In the 95 degree Seoul summer, this fragrance smells absolutely beautiful. Though the performance is average, I would slightly overspray and smell it throughout the day. Every time I smell this it reminds me of that trip. Even without my memory associations, the green notes in the fragrance is beautiful in summer. One of my favorites of all time and very much worth a sample.
Fall: Guy Laroche Drakkar Noir Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Lavender, Lemon, Bergamot, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Basil, Artemisia
Middle Notes: Juniper, Carnation, Cinnamon, Coriander, Wormwood, Angelica, Jasmine
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Pine Tree Needles, Fir, Leather, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Cedar, Amber, Resins
At this point, Drakkar Noir can be considered a classic fragrance. A true powerhouse in the 80s and 90s, Drakkar Noir is one of the fragrances that has a reputation outside of just the people who are into fragrances. I've never tried a vintage bottle, but the consensus is that Drakkar Noir has been reformulated so that the performance isn't the bomb it was in the 80s and 90s, but the fragrance itself is still pleasant to my nose. A lot of people would say that this fragrance is outdated and played out, I believe that it's gone beyond that. Like Chanel No 5, I think Drakkar Noir is a classic. While there are more than a dozen notes listed in the fragrance, a simple description would be an aromatic fougere with edge. It's not my favorite aromatic fougere, but I find that for whatever reason, I love the way it smells in spring and fall. Not as sweet as Beau de Jour and more edgy, Drakkar Noir is a little too casual to use in formal situations. However, as an everyday wear, I think it definitely holds up.
Winter: Dior Sauvage Elixir
Top Notes: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Grapefruit
Middle Notes: Lavender
Base Notes: Licorice, Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli, Haitian Vetiver
Sauvage is another one of those fragrances that has transcended just fragrances, and for very good reason. Today, however, I will be recommending the Elixir. The first thing you'll notice is that compared to the EDT, Elixir is very different. Deep, heavy, and syrupy, there's almost none of the youthfulness of the EDT left. The second thing you'll notice is that the performance on Elixir is nuclear. When I spray this, if I plan on being indoors for a long period of time, I legitimately have to spray in half sprays. I have sprayed this in the morning, gone through a whole day, taken a shower, gone to sleep, woken up, and still smelled it on my skin. The fragrance is very rich, mature, and elegant (if you smell past the absolutely beastly performance), and is perfect for winter weather. The consensus on this fragrance is that it's also a very good fragrance for Middle Eastern market. Whatever your feelings are on the original Sauvage, give this a try. It's quite different and in my opinion, great for winter.
Special occasion: Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum
Top Notes: Bergamot, Black Currant, Apple, Lemon, Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Pineapple, Patchouli Moroccan Jasmine
Base Notes: Birch Musk Oak Moss Ambroxan Cedarwood
Finally, we have Creed Aventus. Probably the first niche fragrance that has broken into the mainstream, the influence of Creed Aventus cannot be overstated. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that the modern landscape was changed with the release of this fragrance. Nowadays, however, the fragrance is very much maligned. There are many accusations of reformulation, with people paying up to a thousand dollars for older batches of the fragrance. The house itself also has come under controversy, with many calling into question the marketing history of the house of Creed itself. Creed as a house has even been in a rivalry with Mont Blanc (they've released some great fragrances in their own right). But let's leave that behind us. When I first sprayed Aventus on myself, it opened my eyes. To me, this is what a man should smell like. The fruit on top makes the fragrance instantly appealing while the woodiness in the base gives it an edgy base that just makes the fragrance magnetic. I have a 2021 batch and I've never smelled an older batch (I'm not going to pay $10 per ml for any perfume) but my bottle smells sublime. Performance is below average, but with how powerful the atomizer is, it's not that big of a problem. There's a reason that it's known as "The King of Fragrances" among the enthusiasts and I believe that everyone needs to at least smell Creed Aventus.
Edited for formatting and other mistakes.
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話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分
1yr ago
Glad people enjoyed my movie review post. I'm curious if anyone else has seen the movie and agreed or disagreed with my review. Most of the discourse I've seen is on what the movie means for Hollywood and not on if Ne Zha 2 is actually a good movie or not.
As opposed to the existential dread that you've wasted the one life you were given by working? And not even for nothing, but to actively fund the destruction of everything that used to give life meaning.
Everyone does.
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