Thread: Do I focus on top, middle, or base notes to keep AS from clashing with this cologne?

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Notes? Are you auditioning for a musical?
You're getting pretty sophisticated, but I presume you are referring to primary, secondary and tertiary aromas present in the product, yes? Such discernment is beyond my meager abilities, but I will watch this thread to learn as much as I can. Sorry I've been no help!

I think OP is referring to the fragrance pyramid found in all fragrances. This is the standard way to describe a fragrance. Have a look at some of the fragrance-specific forums like Basenotes, Now Smell This, Fragrantica, etc for more information.

Originally Posted by rum

I think OP is referring to the fragrance pyramid found in all fragrances. This is the standard way to describe a fragrance. Have a look at some of the fragrance-specific forums like Basenotes, Now Smell This, Fragrantica, etc for more information.

Correct. Thanks. I've pasted the top middle and bottom notes above. I'm hoping to avoid buying numerous aftershaves through blind trial and error.

Yes of course notes, that web site mentioned is very good. Is it true that the base notes will remain longer than the top notes?
I do know that Dominica Bay rum and 'Whisky' by Evaflor go really really well together.

It's a great question. And I wish there was a "rule," as it would really help with not spending a fortune in trial and error.

The problem I found when I thought this way, was that even if say a base note was sandalwood - there is seemingly 1,000 versions of sandalwood. I ended up giving up going the "logical route" lol. It all became about trial and error for me (a trip to NYC and all the department stores helped though lol).

Seems as though scents are an art every nose doesn't agree on If you find out otherwise, I would be very interested in hearing your success.

I don't know about any rules of thumb, but here's my take on pairing AS with Colognes/EdT's....

Top notes are probably the least important factor overall, but are likely to be the biggest determining factor for many men. If the initial top note clashes badly with an AS most men would probably be rushing to the washroom to rinse it off before the middle notes even emerge. Unfortunate, because after the drydown the pairing that may once have been offensive may turn out really nice. Experimentation may be in order, leaving enough time to "get the whole picture", if you know what I mean. But you also have to consider that AS longevity can vary greatly too. If an AS fades quickly this is not so much of a problem. As well, how long between AS application and the first spray of cologne?

So in my opinion basenotes are most important, middle notes can give you an idea of where things are going and top notes are fairly unimportant. It's probably best to match an AS scent with the basenote scent, or least keep them within the same category.

Of course, the easiest solution would be to have matching AS's and colognes

Is it all really just a bit of wank, though? Like wine tasting and stuff? I listened to a documentary about a guy who worked for Chanel of whatever it is, with the Number 5. It was a very entertaining program, but the only thing he said I really remember was that one should also apply scent down low on the body; as the body's heat activates the scent and heat rises.

Ryan is right IMHO, but it does vary according to fragrance. Some top notes may be stronger than others and may 'stay' there until the dry-down. Some fragrances can have a superb transition between the pyramid, meaning you won't even detect when the transition occurs! That's super-clever in my opinion, so in this case I would just go for a light or unscented balm to be on the safe side. I haven't worn after shave (lotion) in a while primarily because of this.

Don't know if this is a coincidence, but this thread over on Basenotes is one of many and hopefully it'll be of use:

Best practices when pairing aftershave with cologne? Top, middle or bottom notes?

It is near impossible to give any substancial answer to your question.
There are so many problems in it that I hardly know where to start. For instance; there usually is a lot of fragrance molecules in fragrances, so it might not be bergamot in it at all even if it says so, perhaps just a small part of the bergamot fragrance. So, if you try to match the bergamot to an AS containing bergamot, you would perhaps experience they are different. And you still might encounter problems in the heart or the base notes of your gragrances.

In days of the past, it was customary to distinguish between colognes, aftershaves, eau de toilettes or whatnot, each would generally have different odor strengths. These days there seems to be less of this classification, and a product may be released as a cologne, or an aftershave, depending on the manufacturer's customer demographic. People tend to mix and match, and just use what every they like. If you do wish to add an after shave into your mix, I would recommend sticking to the same fragrance, Creed Bois de Portugal. That way there would be no clash.

Alternatively, you could select a very short lived fragrance, like the colognes of old - citrusy, they only last for a few minutes, and thereby would not clash. An example of these would be Kölnisher Wasser 4711.

Let your nose be your guide, try out alternatives - and above all, have fun.

Best of luck.