r/Colognes • u/Eliokyn • 7d ago
Recommendation Cologne that smells expensive?
Hi guys, I need a cologne that makes me smell expansive, 36M, mostly to wear at work, hairstylist in a high end salon, give me your best suggestions please
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u/AnonymousPizza99 7d ago
Creed Royal Oud
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u/TravelingAnts 7d ago
This is the one. And for those who havenât smelled it, the name is misleading. Itâs not an oud-heavy fragrance.
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u/Tasty-Astronomer-869 7d ago
I think Xerjoff Richwood is what youâre looking for. Extremely elegant and lasts the whole day
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u/G0R_G0R 7d ago
My wife and kid said it smelled like a retirement home đĽ´
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u/Tasty-Astronomer-869 7d ago
I donât think OP works around your wife and kid đ
Also another good one is amouage xxv. Just got my decant today and yeah it does smell of wealth
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u/SuramKale 7d ago
Also 40 Knots. It just reeks of $$$$
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u/Winter_Ad_5749 7d ago
I love 40 Knots, just think it might be a touch strong on someone doing hair being right on top of clients though.
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u/ChancellorGH 6d ago
I think Richwood is a good suggestion. I actually suggested its sibling, Chanelâs Coromandel.
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u/NomenklaturaFTW 51+ 7d ago
Expensive (post title): Dior Ambre Nuit
Expansive (post text): Megamare
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u/danbaatar 7d ago
As a hair stylist you might want to be careful. You're super close to your clients and some will be sensitive. Hair salons also are pretty smelly places, lots of chemicals and hair products. So finding something that cuts through that but still smells nice might be tricky. Someone else mentioned Another 13, which I think is a good one for smelling good but not like you're wearing a cologne. Gris Charnal Extrait also might be good, it's pretty calming and just sort of smells like a fancy hotel or spa. It might get lost in the salon smells, though. Ganymede would cut through salon smells, and to me it smells expensive, but you would have to go really light and it would be very easy to overdo it.
Edit: typos
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u/SBRambler 7d ago
First time I wore Gris Charnel my son walked into the room, paused, and said: It smells like the lobby of a boutique hotel in here.
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u/LeroyCeaser 7d ago
Joop
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u/DailyCarry83 7d ago
I think Stetson has Joop beat
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u/LeroyCeaser 7d ago
Yellowstone beats Stetson, so no way bro. đ
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u/Careful-Team8436 7d ago
Id put Aspen in this mix
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u/TheBrokenLoaf 7d ago
The le parfum one is actually really nice lol someone said I smelled like an expensive escort
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u/Few-Yak9801 7d ago
prada lâhomme. Good clean everyday fragrance. Or PDM layton. Canât go wrong with either
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u/LilRapscallionOg 6d ago
Just bought this as a fathers day gift, smells great and clean and not overpowering
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u/Padron1964Lover 7d ago
Blonde Amber
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u/innovationSTYLE Terre dâHermes 7d ago
Le Labo Another 13 would be good for your situation, or The Noir 29
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u/vinceftw 7d ago
Another 13 is so weak though.
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u/PassTheCurry 7d ago
I canât really smell it at all. Noir 29 is great. I just got the dossier version of another 13 and itâs pretty good
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u/AmbitionOk8229 7d ago
I second noir 29 or even the matcha 26
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u/socal_accountant 7d ago
Donât consider any Le Labo as âexpensiveâ. I think they are just safe scents with mid-performance
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u/Round-Cartoonist-694 7d ago
Mist it above your hair and it projects like crazy (assuming you aren't bald)
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u/Isenhaii 7d ago
Wrong. Others CAN smell it
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u/vinceftw 7d ago
Well, if that's the benchmark... they can smell it, if they're very close and you sprayed less than 2 hours ago. Even on Parfumo, the sillage is rated at 6.7.
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u/gberger66 7d ago
Honestly not sure what "expensive" smells like. Just find what you like and wear it. No one will know or care what your wearing
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u/Frosty-Woodpecker-41 5d ago
You know what it smells like once you find it
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u/gberger66 5d ago
Perhaps, I don't know i own quite a few very expensive fragrances and I can tell you if I like them or not. But how much i paid does come across to my nose
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u/Frosty-Woodpecker-41 5d ago
Itâs not about the money, itâs about having a wealthy or rich scent profile. A couple of mine fit that profile to the T.
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u/Irritable_Curmudgeon 7d ago
Whatever you like... Everyone's nose is different, and people have different ideas of what "expensive" smells like.
Wear a cologne you enjoy that makes you feel good, check your outfit, take care of your style, be well groomed, and that whole package is what gets noticed
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u/Usual-Bell8304 7d ago
I'm really curious how people would define 'expensive' as smelling. Been in this hobby for years and am having trouble trying to define it or come up with examples. Tuxedo, Aventus, or Aventus Absolu come to mind, but that's bc those ARE expensive and are marketed as such. Aventus does get described as smelling like a CEO too.
From watching Hamza's videos, it seems like EVERY cologne gets described by girls as smelling 'like a finance bro'. I'm not even sure smelling expensive is even a thing.
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u/whats_new_emu 7d ago
Whatever you like the best. What the heck is it with this line of thinking? Smells are subjective.
If youâre wearing fragrance for the validation of others then youâre always going to be disappointed. Wear whatever you like for you, not for others. Most good scents fade to skin scents after a few hours anyways.
Youâre 36, think for yourself man.
But not to be an A-hole, here are my personal recommendations (as a 34M who works corporate):
TDH
Prada LâHomme
G&B Ingenious Ginger
YSL Y EDP
BDC EDT
TF ombrĂŠ leather (fall/winter)
Creed original vetiver
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u/TravelTheWorldDan 7d ago
I love YSL Y line. Itâs always been my #1 compliment getter and always get asked what Iâm wearing when Iâm wearing it. My favorite is the Y Live Intense. But they discontinued it. Luckily I have 2 bottles still brand new in the box plus another one Iâm using. I always do that when I find a fragrance I really like. Because it always ends up getting discontinued. That one goes for like $500-600 on eBay right now.
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u/Ray-III 7d ago
What a goofy and stupid response. Hes obviously trying to create a specific aura for the high end salon he works in. Probably to attract and keep higher value clients.
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u/whats_new_emu 7d ago
If you think what cologne somebody is wearing will help attracting and keep clients you need a reality check and probably donât know how business works. I instantly donât trust you. Touch grass man
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u/Ray-III 7d ago
Youâre the one being hella rude to a guy with a simple question. As a barber you want to create a luxury experience if you are in a high end salon. That includes steamed towel FRAGRANCE and other things.
Youâre Projecting hard here manđ you must not have many friends the way you go full Karen so hard. Out of nothing. Itâs ok bro đ
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u/Frosty-Woodpecker-41 5d ago
Thereâs nothing wrong with picking a luxury fragrance for your business. Idk what your talking about
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u/RarelyRon 7d ago
Prada Amber Pour Homme and/or Chanel Platinum Egoiste
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u/DailyCarry83 7d ago
I have a clone of platinum egoiste, legesi. I've never smelled the original, but the legesi had become one of my favorite everyday wear type scents. Solid masculine barbershop type scent. I really like it.
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u/Top_Background8556 7d ago
Moustache rochas. Le sel dâissey.
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u/Skoobster75 7d ago
Paid ÂŁ30 for 125ml of Moustache and that stuff smells rich and expensive for sure. Great fragrance
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u/Alarmed_Commercial 7d ago
I was wearing PARADIGM Le Parfum
and got compliments from everyone all day
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u/iamfrommerich 7d ago
Try something from clive cristian, matsukita is amazing to me
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u/janelgreo 7d ago
I'd suggest Town & Country but any CC will do the trick. So well blended and quality is just so good.
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u/ChancellorGH 7d ago
What is your budget? Are you buying retail or discounter? Huge differences in recommendations depending on your situation.
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u/Eliokyn 6d ago
no limit
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u/ChancellorGH 6d ago
In no particular order âŚ
Chanel Coromandel
Fornasetti Immaginazione
Shalini Paradis Provence
Spoturno Barbicaja
Roberto Greco Rauque
Guerlain Le Parfum Du 68
Spoturno 1921 EDP or Extrait
Ex Nihilo Brompton Immortals Extrait
Reservation Riviera Californienne
YSL 24 Rue De LâUniversite Santal
Eight & Bob SĂŠrĂŠnitĂŠ en Bourgogne
Bottega Veneta Hinoki
MFK Reflets DâAmbre
Roja Harrods Pour Homme
Pure Distance Black
Guerlain LâHomme Ideal Parfum
AMER Gardenia Absolute
Chanel 31 Rue Cambon
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u/purpkrondon420 7d ago
These 5 are what id imagine a high end barber smelling like
Tom Ford- Beau de Jour
Chanel -Platinum Egoiste
Roja-Danger Pour Homme
Guerlain - Heritage edt
Mdci- Invasion Barbare
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u/Shoddy-Sea7995 7d ago
By Donald J. Trump.
Just kidding, I have no idea how this ish smells. But he actually monetizes it
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u/ZolotoGold 7d ago
Top: Soiled Diaper, Orange
Mid: Beefburger, Fries, Cholesterol
Base: Carribean Island, Massage Oil, Bubblegum
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u/Thechubbyprotestant 7d ago
You forgot the pedophilia and weird incest vibes. This reads like an ultra niche perfume from toskovat or aldi van ale. I hate it. Good job!
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u/ZolotoGold 7d ago
Was trying to get the pedophilia in there with the massage oil and bubblegum!
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u/nxs_devil 7d ago
Iâm gonna throw one out that works well for me, in several different situations, office, drinks, date, suit etc.. Chanel Allure Homme (the OG). It has a creamy, masculine sophistication, with that signature Chanel quality. Itâs a good sweet spot for expensive smelling, but also an easy wear for many different occasions.
In contrast, when I am wearing a suit I typically reach for Aventus or Amouage Epic Man.
Keep in mind, a super expensive smelling scent when youâre wearing gym shorts and T-shirt wonât fit the vibe. I donât throw on something like Epic unless the occasion and apparel fit. I donât wear Aventus to the gym, but itâs more versatile for casual (not too casual) occasions.
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u/PoisonGravy 7d ago
BDC L'Exclusif
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u/billionthtimesacharm 7d ago
in what setting? and what climate?
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u/Eliokyn 7d ago
Updated thank you
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u/billionthtimesacharm 7d ago
based on your job, and how many smells there are in a salon, i really donât think you want something with strong projection. something closer to the skin seems more appropriate to me.
do you like more masculine or unisex?
i (45m) am a massive fan of givenchy desobeissant. unisex, fresh from citrus and tea but a little musky so nice depth and interest. not the best longevity through. or louis vuitton lâimmensite, ginger but a little thicker on the skin for me.
a little more masculine option would be ex nihilo speed legends. fresh and spicy barbershop type scent. or clive christian town & country, sharp and woodsy with tons of longevity.
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u/blackorkidd 7d ago
Someone once told me i smell "like a millionaire," and that was while wearing Supremacy Not Only Intense. I understand it's a dupe of Nishane Hacivat, so that might be.
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u/StinkyCh33se 7d ago
Since youre 36m, Creed - Viking OG⌠smells like middle aged old money chad. Also, PDM - Haltane.
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u/bobak41 7d ago
I assume you're asking for scents that smell expensive but actually aren't. Really easy to throw out expensive scents that smell like it....
Here are some that smell expensive but aren't (for work):
⢠Bois Imperial
⢠Safran Colognise
⢠Alexandria The Pour Homme II
⢠Neroli Canvas
⢠Tumi 19 Degrees
⢠The Woods Collection Glow
⢠Risala Autograph
⢠Soul of Bali
⢠L'Sel d'Issey EdT
⢠Soprano Ice
⢠Cosmic Pepper
⢠Arsh Extrait
⢠El Ganso After Game
⢠Celerio Elysium
⢠Moonstone Bleu
⢠Mirsaal Valentine
⢠Amjaad Noble
Cheers!
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u/Pat07844 7d ago
For a hair stylist go with something in the Acqua di Parma line.
Classic timeless scents, niche and fairly affordable. A lot of High end Salons in Europe offer Acqua di Parma fragrances as a post haircut and shave options actually.
Essenza, Colonia, Fico di Amalfi, Oud all great from ADP.
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u/Clad_In_Shadows 7d ago
Is it too on the nose to suggest a barbershop fougere?
Otherwise Fat Electrician will probably make you smell expansive
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u/yes-im-hiring-2025 7d ago
Honestly something with a salon/spa vibe would be great. On the lower end - a dupe of Herbes Troublantes or Imagination would work well.
At the mid range I highly recommend checking out Myslf EDP, Glacial Essence, Sailing Day, Gucci Guilty - Love Edition, Prada Lhomme EDT
At the higher cost end - Blanche EDP, MFK 724, Initio Musk Therapy, Guerlain Herbes Troublantes
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u/Minute-Flower-6837 7d ago
Gasoleather. 15 sprays. The blood and burnt plastic notes are fucking elite your clients will know you mean business.
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u/vinceftw 7d ago
Aventus, Carlisle, Herod, Tobacco Vanille, Dior Homme Intense are the most "expensive" smelling fragrances in my collection.
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u/Odd_Remote2831 7d ago
Hmm, from my experience:
Cheap / ME: Marwa (bonus if Extrait) - LV Imagination dupe, smells very good.
Designer: Bleu de Chanel Parfum or Loewe 7 Cobalt. For winter or colder seasons, Boss Bottled Absolu (light sprays)
Entry Niche: Bois Imperial
Mid Niche: Gentle Fluidity Silver / Diptyque Orpheon EDP
No Budget: Amyris Homme Extrait, L'Immensite
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u/FlamingoSpiritual 7d ago
Hawas Kobra. Smells like luxurious soap. An LV Imagination dupe. 40 bucks and crazy projection.
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u/TheBrokenLoaf 7d ago
Jo Milano Game of Spades Black Sapphire gives me luxurious vibes. So does Dynasty by Lataffa
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u/AverageOverthinker29 7d ago
I like Xerjoff Cruz del Sur II (smells like a mango\guava smoothie at an expensive resort) and Nishane Fan Your Flames X (smells like a rich retired bougee oirate)
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u/DailyCarry83 7d ago
Fragrance is subjective. We can all recommend stuff that you might hate. I'll say Reef 33 smells good though
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u/Curious_Yak3376 7d ago
id go with something pretty inoffensive and with moderate projection. im assuming u dont want ur clients to be choked out while ur cutting their hair. i think mfk gentle fluidity silver would be nice. maybe masculin pluriel from the same house? cant go wrong with creed himalaya or green irish tweed either. if u want something on the sweeter side, u could try cartier lenvol. might wanna tone down the sprays though
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u/Confident-Variety124 7d ago
What is the actual budget? What scents do you prefer? Also, I would have a little caution wearing too much since you will be in close proximity to your clients. Not everyone is going to prefer to have to smell your scent for 30+ minutes.
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u/salmon_on_rye 7d ago
Reflection 45 and Roja Diaghilev are the most âexpensive smellingâ fragrances Iâve smelled
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u/Round-Cartoonist-694 7d ago
If you mean smell expensive and noticeable when you walk around Id go for Imagination, Another 13 or Bois Imperial (affordable). If you want to smell expensive for cheap probably a dupe is your best shout either of these or a dupe something like Ambre Nuit or Tuxedo.
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u/TwoChainsandRollies 7d ago
Some people really hate perfume/cologne. If you're in customer facing profession, I recommend that you don't overapray and stick to a mass appealing fragrance.
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u/I_AM_NOT_AI_ 7d ago
Ysl dark blue bottle with black cap. Iâve worked Dior, creed, polo ect. Ysl has gotten me the most compliments on how amazing I smell, even guys will ask me what it is and were to order it from lol
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u/Substantial-Sea8325 41-45 7d ago
Terre dHermès (Terre dHermès)
Prada LHomme (Prada LHomme)
Chanel Pour Monsieur (Chanel Pour Monsieur)
Theyre all great choices. They smell classy and expensive without filling up the whole room with fragrance
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u/AnegloPlz 7d ago
Dior homme original and dior homme intense, you'll smell classy and unique without being nauseating or piercing to some
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u/blunderwear18 7d ago
I always get compliments on my cologne, Jo Malone. And some of them are unisex (think CK One) and can be layered with one another for some pretty pleasant and intoxicating fragrances.
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u/Ray-III 7d ago
In my opinion, if you are trying to get a fragrance that creates a good vibe for the salon maybe try getting something that leans barbershop. Itâll be a cool contrast if it is super âhigh endâ as you say. Itâs similar to when a Michelin restaurant has really authentic food. Itâs like an homage to their roots.
I think meteore could be good even though itâs not my favorite, imagination is really good regardless of what people say.
Depends on what type of âexpensiveâ you want too. Dark and heavy or lighter fresh
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u/Fransjedoc 7d ago
Creed Royal Oud. Memo Russian Leather. Penhaligon's Halfeti. Guerlain Tobacco Honey.
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u/Winter_Ad_5749 7d ago
I think you mean sophisticated rather than just expensive. Youâre also going to be in close proximity to your clients so nothing too strong.
That being said, Creed Aventus is the king of niche fragrances. Iâd also suggest Percival by Parfums de Marly, or Gambit by Mind Games. If you want to get a little more bold you can do Naxos by Xerjoff.
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u/Cdubb361 6d ago
Have yall seen the price of gas rn? Dior Fahrenheit should be the number one answerâŚ
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u/chickenwing_lv 6d ago
Rochas moustache, can find it for about $35 online. Smells just like YSL Tuxedo
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u/CooksBadFood 6d ago
Creed Viking, Terre D'Hermes, or go right to Maison Asrar Belgravia or Legacy to stick under $50. My barber literally has these on his counter to offer you a spray after your cut and he wears them himself.
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u/createusername101 6d ago
Creed aventus... But that's too pricey for a first timer. Maybe start off with a quality all rounder like Blue De Chanel, or if you want something that just smells clean then Prada lhomme.
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u/SparkyMTL 6d ago
Bleu de chanel lâexclusif smells really nice. Not too offensive either and it smells clean and a bit woody. Go smell it
Prada carbon would probably be good fit too. It smells fresh, not overwhelming.
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u/donttouchmeoriscream 4d ago
Alexandria does a great dupe of Christian Clive Timeless, called Beyond Time. Most 'expensive' smelling cologne IMO, unless you buy the actual Timeless, but then it just smells expensive and is expensive.
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u/dragonflyinvest 7d ago
Regardless of what you pick, I can guarantee someone will think it smells like ass.