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

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