u/Reasonable-Regret-67

I've realized something recently. A fragrance can be excellent and still be completely wrong for me.

For example, I really like Terre d'Hermès EDT. So naturally I bought Terre Eau Intense Vétiver thinking it was a pretty safe bet.

Nope.

My brain immediately went: "Шипр!" 😂 (old Soviet cologne, for those wondering).

That made me look at the other bottles I never really got along with:

Terre Eau Intense Vétiver

Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT

Grey Flannel

Halston Z-14

I don't think any of them are bad. They all have plenty of fans for a reason. They're just... not me.

On the flip side, I keep reaching for Allure Homme Sport, L'Eau d'Issey, Terre EDT and Bleu de Chanel EDT.

Made me wonder if everyone has a list like this.

What's a fragrance that gets tons of praise but just doesn't work for you?

I think I just discovered that fragrance isn't only about notes—it's about memories.

For context, I'm a guy in my early 50s who grew up in the Soviet Union.

After reading countless reviews, I finally bought Terre d'Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver. Everyone describes it as elegant, sophisticated, mature, refined...

I sprayed it. And my brain screamed: "ШИПР!!!"

I know they're completely different fragrances with vastly different quality ingredients.

I know Hermès is Hermès.

But apparently my olfactory system has other ideas.

It's like 40 years of Soviet scent memories overrode everything else.

The funniest part?

I actually like the original Terre d'Hermès.

This one, however, instantly transported me to every middle-aged Soviet man who had just shaved on a Sunday morning.

Now I'm wondering:

• Is this just my Eastern European/Soviet scent memory talking?
• Has anyone else had a fragrance completely ruined (or transformed) by childhood associations?
• Or should I give it a few more wears before gifting it to my son?

Please tell me I'm not the only one whose nose time-traveled before it smelled the actual perfume.

P.S. Before anyone sharpens their pitchforks: I'm not saying it's a bad fragrance. I'm saying my brain apparently has unresolved issues with Soviet-era colognes.

Guys, I love wearing fragrances. I like fresh ones. The issue is I mostly work from home (4/1) and the office is a scent free for whatever reason. What would you suggest. I mean I can wear some at home just for myself. Currently I wear some very light day time ones with only one spray on my abdomen area. Are any of you in a similar situation? What is your strategy? And yes, the image is an AI slop but I do not have a picture of my real collection here. From the Pic only the Givenchy are nit properly shown - in own the original gentleman and the casual chic. Thanks!

Went for a walk in a park

LL Bean Flying Tiger jacket

The Strike Gold Shower Slubby series jeans

Wolverine 1000 Miles boots

Vintage hat from Sweden