For our new members, I want to say "Welcome!" This post is inspired by an interaction I had with a young teammate here at work who trusted me enough to ask a question; "What is a good fragrance to wear?" It's open-ended and leaves enough to interpretation, but he explained that I always smell good, and he wants to learn to smell good himself. I started by answering his initial question by drilling down to what he wanted - something to wear every day that allowed him not to overpower a room. I started by asking him his knowledge of cologne vs. parfums, explaining the differences between them. Then getting into office safe/ every day wear fragrances. He took notes, and then wanted to know more about the different types, notes, strength, layering... the exuberance in the discussion of fragrances was wild... and a lot, as I could see, he was starting to stress himself out. I reassured him with something that just came to me- off the tip of my tongue... “Before you learn the language of fragrance, learn to listen to what your nose is telling you.” To me, as I explained, "...it means experience should come before terminology. Experience the fragrance on you- two sprays max for now, then revisit at least four hours later. Don't layer your fragrance with another, or rub it on you like aftershave. Moisturize your skin with non-fragranced lotion, and avoid overspraying even though you may think the aroma has dissipated. One spray above your clavicle - each side- is good. The terminology and the wherewithals will come later if you're serious about wanting to go that deep." It was just me encouraging him to discover what he smells first and how he feels about the fragrance on him before jumping into types, different notes, strengths, and what layering means. He thanked me and smiled. I just got back to my desk, and he told me he DoorDashed a Papatui discovery set! He just got back to show me, which inspired me to type this post. Not bad for paying it forward.

Was able to score a travel exclusive 100ML bottle locally for $95 with tax this past weekend. 6051 batch code dates to February of 2026. This is my initial wear and so far: Opening is a citrusy lemon, salt mix with a hint of coconut. I expected a bigger hit of coconut off the top. Fragrance is not as sweet compared to Le Beau EDT, Paradise Garden or Cocktails and Catamarans. Reminds me of Creed Virgin Island Water due to the lemon and coconut. Saltiness hints at Invictus Aqua as well. Projection the first hour and a half has been good and I received three compliments so far. I applied 7 sprays and honestly could do another 2-3 sprays without offending anyone. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80's and humidity is at 88% so this was a good choice. Will update later with additional thoughts

Good evening gentlemen. Hope all is well. This is a very mass appealing, office friendly fragrance. Still smelling it. But I only applied it 5 hours ago. Have a good night all. THE FRAGRANCE NOTES Top: Marine Mist, Tangelo, Black Coconut Mid: Sea Kelp, Yarrow, Geranium Base: Amberwood, Tonka Bean, Musk