Okay, I'm introducing a new scent post category - "New Signature Scent (NSS)". After my last post about exploring the scent world, realizing some industry faux-pas, and doing some exploring within my limited budget, I was confident I'd find an affordable quality product. In my 20s: - I used Axe Phoenix deodorant and Axe Black body wash, but never the spray scent. - No, I didn't know better; my only guidance back then was the occasional episode of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". In my 30s: - I used Bleu de Chanel cologne/shaving balm, but still Axe Black body wash. - Started using Art of Shaving products for pre-shave oil and cream. In my 40s/last couple of years? - Switched to Caswell-Massey for shaving cream and bar soap. - Started using Stetson aftershave and Stetson Black cologne. - Why Stetson? I like the combination of powder and spice. Most recently (at 42)? - Still use Stetson aftershave, but looking for alternatives (though it blends well with new items). - Discovered Cremo! - Scent? Spice & Black Vanilla (cardamom, black vanilla, tobacco). Result? It's been life-changing. Great scent, good projection, nice layers, lasts long (minimal spray required). Started with the deodorant, and that alone made me a huge fan. Body wash is an aromatic experience and has good moisture content; serves well as underlying "support scent". The cologne smells like something higher-end. Combined, I've already turned heads in a good way and gotten several compliments. Complaints? Deodorant struggles to fully wash out when showering. Luckily as a toddler-father, I have wet wipes which work like a charm. Prices? - Deodorant: $10 - Body wash: $10 - Cologne: $25 Future? - Thinking of trying Paris Corner Rifaaqat

Wearing this classic woody chypre today. It’s a powerhouse classic thats bold, masculine, and very much a product of its era. It opens with a sharp, aldehydic burst of citrus, herbs, and myrrh giving it a green, slightly bitter, soapy fresh start. In the heart is a spicy warmth evolving into a rich, dry base of leather, oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood, musk, and amber. Overall it’s aromatic, woody, leathery, earthy, and mossy. It has decent longevity for an EDT and good projection/sillage. It’s economical and performs reliably. This is a mature, confident, “man’s man” fragrance. Not a blind buy as some find it polarizing or “old-fashioned,” while some call it a masterpiece of masculine perfumery. If you’re into vintage fragrances and strong performance without sweetness overload, give it a try. It’s still widely available, and one of the last in the pre modernization of the brand to be so.