Win This! Dawn Spencer Hurwitz St. Valentine Fragrance

Sweetcakes
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 02:51 pm: [report]

Try finding something that has a simular aroma to what they normaly wear, nothing to flashy. Something you don’t mind smelling.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 02:56 pm: [report]

I think paying attention to what they currently wear is a good way to start.  Fragrances vary on how strong/soft they are and particularly for girls, whether they are sweet, spicy, floral, etc.

Keeping that in mind, just about any dept. store sales person can guide you in the right direction if you know at least what type of scent they currently wear.

Or you can pay attention to dropped hints

lifesaver10
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:02 pm: [report]

When it comes to choosing fragrances, I think its best to be yourself. You want to love what you are wearing, cause you’ll be smelling it all day!  If you are choosing a scent for someone else, look for something that could evoke strong emotion/memory, yet is still subtle.  I once got lavender perfume, which reminds me of my garden.
I hope I win this, I ran out of perfume!

Cheerios
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:10 pm: [report]

The bf is known to be adventurous/clueless about scents so he’s not above using cologne samples. I would probably leave some lying around and say I got them in magazines and see what he thinks.

At the end of the day, whatever scent i find sexy will probably win. If it turns me on, it’ll turn him on (to it).

betty123
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:16 pm: [report]

When me and my boyfriend were close I noticed a fresh smell on him, which turned out to just be the soap that he had used that day. That opened the door so that I was able to ask him if he had a favorite scent that he liked to wear and what kinds of scents he likes. So it would be easy to use that to start a conversation. I also get some clues from other scented items, like my perfume, candles and such as to what kind of scent he likes (sweet, spicy, floral, etc.) Then I find something for men that goes along those lines.

Of course, if it makes me jump his bones, he would probably put on anything. Haha.

TudorPrincess
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:17 pm: [report]

I pick the colognes that I really like because I know what I want to smell. After all, I’ll be smelling it when I’m getting all close and cuddly with him.

Buhri
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:24 pm: [report]

Find a scent that mirrors the soap he uses. That way the two smells work together and he’s guaranteed to like it.

ladyluck
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:25 pm: [report]

My BF is really sensitive to smells, both good and bad, so both times I bought him cologne, it was a challenge. He has go-to scents that he loves for soaps, deodorant and cologne, so I picked ones that were different, yet on the same page. That being said, if you choose a cologne for a man that is classically manly and smells sexy to you, it will usually be a good pick. I think it has something to do with the fact that if the man is sexy and the scent is sexy, usually they pair well together

femmefatale
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:36 pm: [report]

I’ll stand in the fragrance section of sephora,close my eyes and sniff out the ones that smell most like my guy or could imagine on my guy. be confident, and smile. he’ll def want to wear it

GypsyQueen
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 03:51 pm: [report]

Check out what scented things he already has lying around, that he uses regularly. Finding something that meshes well with the deodorant, shampoo, and detergent he uses means that it should blend into this lovely mish-mash of smells, not make it into a senseless putrescence—and you should like it too, since you’ll be the one cuddling up to him. ^_^

ahubbard
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 04:53 pm: [report]

I choose fragrance based on how he dresses. If he’s simple in dress (jeans, t-shirt, plain button-down every once in a while), I’ll choose a clean, simple scent. If he dresses a little flashier, then I’ll pick something strong and distinctive. Works every time!

hollycaust
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 05:25 pm: [report]

I just had to do this. My current SO wears no cologne at all, so I couldn’t go off of what he wore normally. So, I think the best thing to do is to find a masculine version of your favorite scent. Mine happens to be Escada’s Moon Sparkle and they make a male version. He likes the Moon Sparkle on me, so I purchased the masculine version for him.

AnitaBath
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 05:47 pm: [report]

Anything overwhelmingly floral reminds men of their grandmas. Pick something that’s musky or vanilla scented, because guys are usually hardwired to react to those scents. Before splurging, perhaps sample a tester on your wrist and then go to see him. If he reacts positively to the scent and makes a comment, you know it’s a good buy!

Having a signature scent can also help, because then your s/o will automatically associate that scent with you and get excited every time he smells it.

connoe
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 05:48 pm: [report]

pick something neither of you are allergic to!

AnitaBath
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 05:49 pm: [report]

Ahem, and if by “scent for a significant other”, you mean a scent for HIM to wear, then I fail at reading. :’( Embarrassing.

lip3
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 06:15 pm: [report]

The best way is to sniff your husband/wife an hour after he/she has taken a shower, provided he hasn’t worked up a sweat.  That is his natural smell, and you should get something that compliments it and builds on it slightly.  You are more likely to pick something he/she would like inherently/subconsciously like because it would be an familiar intuitive scent of their own body and mind.  And it won’t be anything so overbearing or extreme to make people yak.

AnnaS
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 07:18 pm: [report]

I think scents are too personal to pick out for other people. If my boyfriend is going to have to smell a certain cologne for hours on end, I think it should be a joint purchase.

Ginger
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 08:20 pm: [report]

Look in the medicine cabinet/wherever they keep these things.
And if your significant other doesn’t wear any sort of fragrance, you might be better off getting them something else.

Likesuchas
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 09:47 pm: [report]

I think the key to picking a scent for a significant other is to NOT pick anything your previous significant other wore.

gbo777
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 11:40 pm: [report]

Choose a scent that isn’t on every other person on the street; something that makes you smile just by smelling it.  Knowing it turns you on so much is sure to win their vote!

PostcardsFromFarAway
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 11:43 pm: [report]

Every type of occasion (work versus leisure) requires a different type of scent.  I personally like to pick out a couple of different small (even travel sized!) colognes for the S.O.—something tried and true (based off of his previous tastes) and something new (based off of my tastes).  That way, you don’t blow all your cash on one purchase he might not like AND you give him a little eau de variety. 

gbo777
wrote on February 3 2010 @ 11:50 pm: [report]

Choose a scent you don’t smell every time you walk down the street…  Something that gets your smile going is sure to win his/her vote!

synthia
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 10:34 am: [report]

What is very important when buying cologne for the first time for a significant other is the amount of cologne. Don’t buy a large bottle, both for cost and in case he dislikes it. If he really enjoys the fragrance and uses it all up, you know what to get him for the next holiday!

j868jenn
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 11:22 am: [report]

I decide what I like since I have to smell them.  If he’s a good guy he’ll wear it like it or not.

Madge711
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 11:26 am: [report]

I think it’s important to keep in mind the effect that ads have on consumers. I know my guy, who is cologne-shy in the first place, would be mortified to find out that his new scent was being marketed by rugged old cowboys, metrosexual D&G models, or celebrities he can’t stand. Smelling great is the number 1 priority for cologne, but once you get past that (and there are SO many that smell great) I think it’s a good idea to keep in mind that ad campaigns are aimed at certain demographics, so whether your guy falls into that demo or not can be pretty helpful guidance.

cerevisiae
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 11:56 am: [report]

I actually have three bits of advice to share.

First, if my guy was interested in buying me perfume he wouldn’t really have a difficult time with it. That’s mainly b/c he knows what I wear, but it’s also because I put on different “perfume” (I’m allergic, so I use body splash) every day depending on what I’m wearing and how I’m feeling. He also knows that I, personally, dislike the smell of powder (b/c it smells like powder) and flowers (b/c they remind me of funerals) so he can easily knock those out. But regardless, he has an unlimited supply of choices and whatever he gets is something he’ll likely find appealing and something that I’ll likely wear at least on a semi-regular basis. There’s no need to change what you like to wear simply b/c your wonderful guy just bought you a scent he may or may not be confident is great for you. But if you wear it often enough that he knows you’re using it and pleased then he’s happy, too (in my opinion).

Next, I have actually lucked out with my guy (for numerous reasons), but in the scent department it’s b/c he likes things that my dad likes. Creepy? No. My dad has great taste. So if I was buying my boyfriend some cologne I’d probably go for something I know my dad would like. And since my guy only uses soap while my dad uses aftershave I’d probably introduce my guy to the new stuff. He has allergies to some things, so I wouldn’t want to risk irritating his skin with cologne. But a nice, manly smell that is intended to be mild but “strong” would be perfect for him and he’d be happy.

Finally, assuming I didn’t know what to get my guy… well, I could always go to a store and describe his personality to some people in the cologne section and I’m sure they could help. And I’m sure my guy would appreciate the thought. I love a previous comment about being sneaky and getting your guy to test random scents from samples. That’s great. I don’t think my guy would do it without getting suspicious, but if you get something that isn’t quite right you can pretty much always just exchange it. And he’ll still be happy you tried.

Anyhoo, thanks for the contest!

justsomegirl
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 01:22 pm: [report]

Take a DNA sample to a frangance counter that offers those DNA-matching style, specially-blended scents and have them whip up a personalized cologne. 

No, I’m totally kidding.  That’s just absurd.  Find something with the same overall scent (i.e., musky, clean, etc) as the scent they have, but one that includes different ‘notes.’  So, if they predominantly use ‘clean’ scents, find a similar clean scent with a slightly citrus scent, for example.  That way it’s different enough to notice, but not so different that they won’t use it.

Also?  Save the receipt (or get a gift receipt).

grooovyali
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 01:28 pm: [report]

I chose one I like and makes ME feel sexy…the confidence means way more than the scent.

booklover
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 01:33 pm: [report]

I have to admit, I choose fragrances for my husband based on what I like. If he doesn’t like it, I just return it.  The same thing usually goes for when he buys me perfume, although I usually like what he chooses. 

hockeyandbeer
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 01:35 pm: [report]

I get him something he will hate, so when he smells it I get to watch him struggle to tell me how much he “likes” it.  Then we both have a great laugh about it and then go to the store together to get what we both like.

Quintessence
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 01:35 pm: [report]

By the mouthwash he uses -

If he uses minty products like Scope that denotes a woodsy, fougere characteristic.

If he uses mediciny products like gold Listerine that denotes a vanilla, woodsy characteristic

If he uses the store brand mouthwash then he’s a cheapo..and I can pick up a gift pack of Stetson from walmart

If he doesn’t use mouthwash well then I’d skip the cologne and give him a gift certificate to my dentist

sammyisadog
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 01:43 pm: [report]

In advising a boyfriend on what cologne to choose, I would typically opt for none.  While I know he likes for me to smell of flowers or fruit - which I have no problem doing for him - I prefer for my love to smell like himself, masculine, and the savory to my sweet.  Just the smell of his skin and hair, a smell that is unique to him and cannot be bottled.  If they could make a cologne out of the smell he leaves on his pillow after he gets up in the morning, I think fragrance companies could make millions.

halliekw
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 02:07 pm: [report]

Words of wisdom: When choosing fragrance for significant other, don’t just look for a unique bottle design. We’ve all learned the hard way, right? Appearances can be deceiving.

Ladies? I’ll be frank: Most men (that I know) aren’t totally aware of the importance of the way they smell when heading out the door. Regardless of your choosing, purchasing cologne for your man is a thoughtful, “scentimental” gift. Guys? Yeah, sure, it’s the thought that counts. But, two words of advice: Gift receipt.

I believe there are no hard-and-fast rules in choosing a scent for your lover/significant other, but your purchase should result in, well, exactly that.

While I’m not afraid to embrace fruity, floral scents and refreshing organic scents for spring and summer, I like my man smelly like a more untraditional – ahem – woody note, if you will. On that note, keep in mind that Eau de Toilette sprays last up to four hours, while Eau de Cologne (or Parfum) lasts around two hours. Wink.

spatula
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 03:01 pm: [report]

I definitely would buy him something I like to smell…preferably Aqua di Gio. Or however you spell it. Smells soooo sexy, and I think guys like knowing that their smell makes you want to eat them alive. I call that a win win.

nika
wrote on February 4 2010 @ 03:03 pm: [report]

Testing the fragrance on your skin is important. There can be a surprisingly big difference between cologne in the bottle and the scent that develops as he wears it. Once you’ve settled on a fragrance that goes with his soap/style/personality, spritz a little onto your inner arm. Walk around, wait a while, and then smell it.

Not only does this give your nose a break from smelling a ton of fragrances at once, it also lets you smell the cologne after it mixing with your skin a little. It’s the most realistic way to tell how the cologne really is.