What are some good men's colognes, body washes, shampoos etc.?
I'm just starting to come out so most of my body products are girly smelling perfumes and stuff. Next time I go shopping, I'd love to get some manly smell goods.
Stuff like that is pretty individual, with body washes and stuff like that you can always take the cap off and have a sniff. Deodorants a bit harder, Lynx is popular with teenagers. I can't really help personally because I always use Aldi's own brand because it's cheap and smells okay to me. I'm not that fussed as long as it doesn't smell like flowers and does the job.
I quite like Old Spice deodorants and sprays, but I find the body wash makes me break out. :( I like Axe Dark Chocolate.
Bath & Body Works has some pretty good body wash. I have the Oak for men wash, which is the only men's product I have and it smells great. I've smelled Axe and Old Spice's products and I like them as well and I'll probably buy them. Like I said, I only have girly perfumes like those vanilla and flower-y smelling stuff. I do have some Adidas perfume that I don't mind wearing. It's pretty unisex I think.
As long as it's warm I only need Lush Dirty! Usually get the shower gel + spray and it's awesome. I kinda smell like peppermint chewing gum with some rougher undertones. Grass is great too, little darker scent. They're a little pricier (though I got a hunch they're cheaper outside of my country) but really long lasting and I use a even the smallest bottle for a couple of months.
Other than that, Old Spice is awesome, been using it for years and still not sick of the smell.
(<<OT personal opinion, you've been warned>>In winter though I'm more drawn to warmer scents, really dig vanilla/sandalwood which isn't too sweet, but not easy to find (at least not being semi-on-a-budget). But sweet, flowery, fruity (pun intended) will do when it's dark and eww outside, and I'm over the urge to overcompensate ;))
Quote from: Clay on January 22, 2014, 06:36:02 PM
As long as it's warm I only need Lush Dirty! Usually get the shower gel + spray and it's awesome. I kinda smell like peppermint chewing gum with some rougher undertones. Grass is great too, little darker scent. They're a little pricier (though I got a hunch they're cheaper outside of my country) but really long lasting and I use a even the smallest bottle for a couple of months.
Other than that, Old Spice is awesome, been using it for years and still not sick of the smell.
(<<OT personal opinion, you've been warned>>In winter though I'm more drawn to warmer scents, really dig vanilla/sandalwood which isn't too sweet, but not easy to find (at least not being semi-on-a-budget). But sweet, flowery, fruity (pun intended) will do when it's dark and eww outside, and I'm over the urge to overcompensate ;))
Lush Dirty sounds interesting.
I literally just went up the aisle uncapping and sniffing almost every men's deodorant when I reached this point. I initially bought the Old Spice Hawkridge, but after a couple days of wearing it, I got annoyed with the fact that the smell never faded. So now I only use that one when I run out of time to shower in the morning. I like the Dove Cool Silver much better- you can still smell it if you lean in and give it a good whiff, but it isn't still the ONLY thing you can smell 8 hours later.
Quote from: BrotherBen on January 22, 2014, 06:58:10 PM
I literally just went up the aisle uncapping and sniffing almost every men's deodorant when I reached this point. I initially bought the Old Spice Hawkridge, but after a couple days of wearing it, I got annoyed with the fact that the smell never faded. So now I only use that one when I run out of time to shower in the morning. I like the Dove Cool Silver much better- you can still smell it if you lean in and give it a good whiff, but it isn't still the ONLY thing you can smell 8 hours later.
I hate when the smell lingers for a while, I agree.
Right now, I use some Suave women's deodorant that's not too strong. It doesn't smell too girly either.
I use Irish Spring soap and Old Spice deodorants. Unfortunately, this new deodorant has a habit of hanging around (for days even), which is annoying.
Here's a vote for unscented. :)
--Jay
Not axe.
I use arm and hammer deodorant. It's mostly a smell killer. No real scent.
I use Dove for Men deodorant. The smell is not as strong as Old Spice or Axe products.
Someone upthread mentioned Axe Dark Chocolate. I love that stuff. I've also used Dove Men Sports before, which I really like. Both of them caused my body acne to flair up though, so I'm back to using unscented body wash for the time being.
I wish that Brut made a bodywash that smells like their shaving cream. Mmm...smells tangy, faint hint of cherry and very masculine. Maybe they do and it just isn't sold where I live. ???
I use old spice swagger deodorant and body wash, With a touch of Chrome which is my cologne.
I'm really fond of using Gold Bond under my binder because it has a really fresh but faint smell to it and it has the added bonus of preventing chafing and stickiness from sweating. Particularly if you do a physically demanding job.
As for deodorant I like things with powder or neutral smells. I'm currently using some Axe stuff, but it's really too powerful. I also don't recommend aerosol products, partly because some people(such as myself) have allergies to them and they either fade too fast or linger too long and choke people to death.
You could, alternatively, go the less traveled route with something unique such as Campfire Cologne (https://secure.huckberry.com/store/huckberry-essentials-grooming/campfire-cologne--3)
I'd say choose a nice, subtle cologne. You don't want anything too strong because I find that any overpowering smells ruin the product. I used cool water when I was a teen and no one thought anything aside from the fact that I smelled good.
I use Ralph Lauren 4 right now. For shampoo, I've found anything that isn't specifically flower scented is used by guys. I had a dry scalp for years so I used head and shoulders. Turns out most of my guy friends at uni used the same thing. Body wash was old spice or dove. I like citrus smells. If you use aftershave, brut or old spice are nice. Check out what's popular for guys your age.
It also depends on where you are for what is normal. I'm in Japan and I shop in the men's section (can't pass as female to save my life here) and everything I have gotten is either mint scented or my most recent purchase which was "Man's Cherry Blossom". Most things here are like that. For deodorant I use speed stick. It's subtle and I like it. Under my binder I use baby powder. I always smell pretty nice, according to my students and my coworkers.
Even when I was just starting transition no one walked up to me, sniffed and said I was wearing men's/women's products, so it's really all about what you find pleasing.
Currently I use a Rexona roll on called 'All Blacks' - NZs national rugby team. Because nothing beats smelling like you've been playing rugby.
Really though, I just buy whichever of the men's ones at the supermarket is on special.
Quote from: Ayden on January 23, 2014, 01:11:21 AM
I'd say choose a nice, subtle cologne. You don't want anything too strong because I find that any overpowering smells ruin the product. I used cool water when I was a teen and no one thought anything aside from the fact that I smelled good.
I use Ralph Lauren 4 right now. For shampoo, I've found anything that isn't specifically flower scented is used by guys. I had a dry scalp for years so I used head and shoulders. Turns out most of my guy friends at uni used the same thing. Body wash was old spice or dove. I like citrus smells. If you use aftershave, brut or old spice are nice. Check out what's popular for guys your age.
It also depends on where you are for what is normal. I'm in Japan and I shop in the men's section (can't pass as female to save my life here) and everything I have gotten is either mint scented or my most recent purchase which was "Man's Cherry Blossom". Most things here are like that. For deodorant I use speed stick. It's subtle and I like it. Under my binder I use baby powder. I always smell pretty nice, according to my students and my coworkers.
Even when I was just starting transition no one walked up to me, sniffed and said I was wearing men's/women's products, so it's really all about what you find pleasing.
Yeah, I don't like really strong smelling colognes either, kind of strong but not too strong I guess. I use Head and Shoulders for shampoo as well as I have really bad dandruff. I'm not on T yet and don't have much hair on my face so I won't be using aftershave for a little bit but I'll keep those brands in mind. Same with binders.
Hey, crashing your forums guys. For a good guy smell try using stuff your grandpa would use. No lie like classic old spice and some old style after shave. Just rub some on your face even if you don't shave. Don't bother with cologne.
I personally use Old Spice deodorant, and I used to use the body wash as well, but seeing as how I've got acne in places other than my face I've recently switched to an Irish Spring body wash that is supposed to help with that. I generally don't wear cologne but when I do I have Stetson and also some old ones (found in the bathroom that were my great-grandfather's) which I try once in a long while. I do use aftershave though pretty regularly: Pinaud Clubman. It's a classic one which you can find in any drug store and I like it a lot. Obviously it's a lot of personal preference and also what smells good on you personally (body chemistry and all that), so don't be afraid to try out different things.
Edit: I just remembered this article: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/01/10/6-forgotten-drugstore-colognes-and-aftershaves/
Good info on some affordable and widely available stuff. And if you don't know the site, it's got a lot of other good articles you may be interested in. :)
Well I decided to add my input here even though I don't try to smell manly or anything anymore. Durning my denial days I liked old spice for soaps and aftershave. Still have a bottle I keep, never use it but the smell is perfectly manly, clean and refreshing. And I enjoy smelling it sometimes.
Never used much cologne but I was a fan of Bleu De Chanel. It isn't overly strong, starts out with a nice citrus smell. The dry down is nice, the under tones of wood are really good as well. It's not the best out there but a good versatile cologne.
Quote from: BrotherBen on January 22, 2014, 06:58:10 PM
I literally just went up the aisle uncapping and sniffing almost every men's deodorant when I reached this point. I initially bought the Old Spice Hawkridge, but after a couple days of wearing it, I got annoyed with the fact that the smell never faded. So now I only use that one when I run out of time to shower in the morning. I like the Dove Cool Silver much better- you can still smell it if you lean in and give it a good whiff, but it isn't still the ONLY thing you can smell 8 hours later.
After reading the thread, I guess I'm the only guy that stinks here. I have to use a different deodorant every time I buy one because the smell never lasts for me. Idk if I've tried that old spice one yet, but I'm going to if I haven't. I need something that smells good and lasts because I sweat non stop. Which makes me stink and the smells fade, and I end up giving the leftover to my dad.
Honestly the smell is personal preference and body chemistry. If I were to wear the same cologne as you, for example, it would smell different on each of us because of how it mixes with our natural oils and smells. So if you smell it and you like it keep in mind it may not always smell the same on you, you just have to try it out. I personally stick with citrus smells, light colored cologne. I try not to use scented body wash or cologne body wash because my skin is pretty sensitive, plus it mostly dries you out.
i ended up on a fairly pure crystal deodorant. no scent, no white stains, and no known toxins. baking soda usually contains the same type of salt as in the best crystal deodorants, and would probably work just as well as that.
when combined with a hot bath or sauna, rather than that quick skin drying shower, my natural scent ends up better than any unnatural ones that i could apply. and nobody would get any allergic reaction from me wearing too much of something or other.
nothing is more manly than the natural scent of a person with enough t in their body. i don't have that, but also don't care about masking a feminine scent. i have a nice and fairly natural aftershave cream that i can use when i feel like smelling a little manlier.
Quote from: notyouraverageguy on January 24, 2014, 10:42:54 AM
After reading the thread, I guess I'm the only guy that stinks here. I have to use a different deodorant every time I buy one because the smell never lasts for me. Idk if I've tried that old spice one yet, but I'm going to if I haven't. I need something that smells good and lasts because I sweat non stop. Which makes me stink and the smells fade, and I end up giving the leftover to my dad.
I have the same problem, and that was even before I was pre-T. I have to change deodorants every 2 or 3 weeks. I find I alternate between one I really like (like an Old Spice one) and a Arm and Hammer one, and that normally does the trick. I found after years of not using women's deodorant, though, it worked like a charm one time when I needed something in a pinch.
Irish spring body wash! Some Gucci cologne are my faves. Rue 21 black always got me compliments and random girls at bars and school would just come up and start sniffing me. Very easy conversation starter lol
Not to offend, but to honest, caring about things like colognes, "body washes" and shampoos is actually more of a girly thing in itself. Most guys have never heard the term "body wash" and just use whatever shampoo is in arms length when they need it. Colognes are another one of those things most guys don't even think about unless they're going on a date or something.
If you really want to get more into being a guy, I'd say pay less attention to body products and more to things guys get into-- or at least the things guys are doing that interest you.
~ Lyric ~
Quote from: Lyric on January 24, 2014, 11:32:48 AM
Not to offend, but to honest, caring about things like colognes, "body washes" and shampoos is actually more of a girly thing in itself. Most guys have never heard the term "body wash" and just use whatever shampoo is in arms length when they need it. Colognes are another one of those things most guys don't even think about unless they're going on a date or something.
If you really want to get more into being a guy, I'd say pay less attention to body products and more to things guys get into-- or at least the things guys are doing that interest you.
~ Lyric ~
That's because most guys grow up using daddy's soap and don't have to deal with switching from girl stuff to man stuff. So yeah, that IS kind of irritating because we have to learn this stuff but at an older age.
Quote from: Lyric on January 24, 2014, 11:32:48 AM
Not to offend, but to honest, caring about things like colognes, "body washes" and shampoos is actually more of a girly thing in itself. Most guys have never heard the term "body wash" and just use whatever shampoo is in arms length when they need it. Colognes are another one of those things most guys don't even think about unless they're going on a date or something.
If you really want to get more into being a guy, I'd say pay less attention to body products and more to things guys get into-- or at least the things guys are doing that interest you.
~ Lyric ~
If you feel the need to preface a comment with "not to offend" or "I mean no offense but", keep in mind that you usually *do* offend. I don't really care about them, but I am still not happy with this comment.
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on January 24, 2014, 02:20:25 PMIf you feel the need to preface a comment with "not to offend" or "I mean no offense but", keep in mind that you usually *do* offend. I don't really care about them, but I am still not happy with this comment.
Well, my intent was, as always, to be constructive, not offensive. One thing I've noticed often (in myself as well as others) is a tendency to approach gender crossing/changing from the perspective of your original gender. MTFs often apply the typically masculine trait of focusing on objects (like articles of clothing or bosoms or something). FTMs may approach masculinity with a focus on things like smells or sensations, a basic feminine tendency. These tendencies probably come from the basic differences between genetically male and female brains. This is not to say there's anything wrong with getting into masculinity from a somewhat feminine viewpoint. You have to start somewhere. If smells and body products do the trick for you, that's great. I suspect though, that once you spend a few years living a masculine life-- particularly if hormones changes are involved-- your interests in such things will probably diminish.
I like old spice Fiji for a spray deodorant under the arms (I can't do the sticks, they bug me) and then I usually do a single spray of Elixir Green from C.O. Bigelow (the mens brand they sell at bath and body works) front and center and go on with my day. The biggest thing there is don't use too much! I try to put it on right when I get out of the shower, so that by the time I get out in the world I don't really smell like much at all.
My room mates really like the elixir black, but its a little to heavy and old man-ish for me. I've got a couple other ones from bath and body works that my room mates also enjoy that aren't really my cup of tea (my mom likes to get me stuff from there, so its kind of pure chance if I like it or not), but I can't remember what they're called.
For soap I just found Every Man Jack which is nice... the citrus smelled a little too much like orange soda for my taste (though I love the elixir white citrus soap from c o bigelow) but I got the other scent and its fine. More so than the scent selection, however, I like that its actually a thick gel and so its easy to use just enough as opposed to some brands (like the old spice soaps) where more soap ends up down the drain without being at all useful to the cleaning process just because its so runny. Some cold mornings its so thickened its hard to get it to the end of the bottle to squeeze out without running it under water.
Quote from: Lyric on January 25, 2014, 10:40:16 AM
Well, my intent was, as always, to be constructive, not offensive. One thing I've noticed often (in myself as well as others) is a tendency to approach gender crossing/changing from the perspective of your original gender. MTFs often apply the typically masculine trait of focusing on objects (like articles of clothing or bosoms or something). FTMs may approach masculinity with a focus on things like smells or sensations, a basic feminine tendency. These tendencies probably come from the basic differences between genetically male and female brains. This is not to say there's anything wrong with getting into masculinity from a somewhat feminine viewpoint. You have to start somewhere. If smells and body products do the trick for you, that's great. I suspect though, that once you spend a few years living a masculine life-- particularly if hormones changes are involved-- your interests in such things will probably diminish.
Hmm. Or it could be seen in this case that the toiletries are being seen as male or masculine "Objects" which prior to transition were potentially not accessible for one reason or another. These objects are now becoming available, and in the same way one would ask advice on which car to purchase once one finally got the money the OP decided to ask us our advice on which products have suited us best.
Also, not everyone is interested in being the type of man you're describing. Some men, biological men (and not just flamboyantly gay ones), really do take time to find a good scent that they'll use for years and years.
If anything, on these forums I'd hope we all had some understanding that gender is fluid, and that stuff men are interested in and stuff women are interested in are not prescribed by genetics in that XX means you like these things and XY means you like these things. There are many females with stereotypical male jobs, and males with stereotypic female jobs, who love what they do. Maybe some people on this forum aren't the type of men who would naturally enjoy stereotypical male things regardless of their birth gender. For every transman with an interest (non-trans issue related) I could show you a biological male with that same interest.
Quote from: Lyric on January 25, 2014, 10:40:16 AM
Well, my intent was, as always, to be constructive, not offensive. One thing I've noticed often (in myself as well as others) is a tendency to approach gender crossing/changing from the perspective of your original gender. MTFs often apply the typically masculine trait of focusing on objects (like articles of clothing or bosoms or something). FTMs may approach masculinity with a focus on things like smells or sensations, a basic feminine tendency. These tendencies probably come from the basic differences between genetically male and female brains. This is not to say there's anything wrong with getting into masculinity from a somewhat feminine viewpoint. You have to start somewhere. If smells and body products do the trick for you, that's great. I suspect though, that once you spend a few years living a masculine life-- particularly if hormones changes are involved-- your interests in such things will probably diminish.
Studies seem to suggest that our brains are closer to those of our gender than of our sex, so your reasoning doesn't really make sense there. It's more likely a case of being brought up in a specific way than the make up of our brains, because if the gender of our brains matched the bodies that we are in then surely there wouldn't be gender dysphoria and a need to transition?
I saw this thread as less of trying to "get into masculinity" but more as someone looking to replace their toiletries (because let's face it, not many men want to smell of flowers and have a bathroom full of pretty pink bottles) and looking for advice as to where to start, because no one wants to spend money on stuff that doesn't smell at least all right. Same as I don't want to buy the deodorant that made everywhere it touched flake again.
I've never understood people's need to smell like something else, but I have to admit that I prefer not to be discernible AT ALL to other people. So I am interested in odor suppression, not enhancement or augmentation. For my purposes, a good unscented deodorant/antiperspirant is best. I use it only when I must, though.
If you do use scented products of any kind, try to go easy on them. A little usually goes a long way.
I was on an elevator last year with some students, a guy and three young women. He reeked to high heaven of something...maybe Axe, I don't know. The girls/women (they were about eighteen) were doing some kind of teenage girl thing, whispering and giggling. I didn't pay much attention. I was more concerned about the allergy headache I was getting from Mr. Axe. I was starting on a real headpounder.
The guy got off on his floor, and as soon as the doors were closing, the three girls SHRIEKED like a steam whistle (my ears were ringing for several weeks) and started talking about how much he had laid on the cologne/body spray/whatever. I've never been comfortable with teenage girls, but this was one of those few times that I felt like saying, "Amen, sisters." I was just arriving at the library, and I had all of this research to do while I did battle with a monster allergy headache.
I would have taken the stairs, but my middle-aged body is going downhill fast, and old injuries are coming back to haunt me. :P
Quote from: Lyric on January 25, 2014, 10:40:16 AM
Well, my intent was, as always, to be constructive, not offensive. One thing I've noticed often (in myself as well as others) is a tendency to approach gender crossing/changing from the perspective of your original gender. MTFs often apply the typically masculine trait of focusing on objects (like articles of clothing or bosoms or something). FTMs may approach masculinity with a focus on things like smells or sensations, a basic feminine tendency. These tendencies probably come from the basic differences between genetically male and female brains. This is not to say there's anything wrong with getting into masculinity from a somewhat feminine viewpoint. You have to start somewhere. If smells and body products do the trick for you, that's great. I suspect though, that once you spend a few years living a masculine life-- particularly if hormones changes are involved-- your interests in such things will probably diminish.
But aren't you gender/presentation policing? Who gives a fig?
Why is there are sharp demarcation of what's acceptable for one gender and not another? I think going thru this journey of ours, we can decide what we want to take with us and what we don't. I, for one, like doing jigsaws of puppies and kitties and don't plan to have you (or someone else) tell me it isn't manly enough. I know trans guys who after a few years on T decide they are safe to start knitting or whatever. I think we have a bit more freedom than cis men on this sort of thing. Besides ever know any metrosexuals? These guys are more interested in such things than the most feminine of women. We are free, why make some kind of false and ridiculous gender walls that don't need to exist?
I personally am not, never been into scents. That's fine too. But funny thing. I got some shaving gel and hated it. I figured it had a flowery scent and that's why I didn't like it. What it really was was that I wanted the old fashioned stuff that smelled like what my dad used.
I know trans women who have very "masculine' interests. Who cares? One thing I know, boys have a much more rigid socialization than girls. So they are slapped down really fast for what even appears to be any kind of remotely feminine interests. I am not interested in this socialization, because it has bred a lot of violence in our society, imo.
I know boys now being raised in a much more healthy way.
--Jay
Quote from: Lyric on January 25, 2014, 10:40:16 AM
One thing I've noticed often (in myself as well as others) is a tendency to approach gender crossing/changing from the perspective of your original gender. MTFs often apply the typically masculine trait of focusing on objects (like articles of clothing or bosoms or something). FTMs may approach masculinity with a focus on things like smells or sensations, a basic feminine tendency.
I see what you're saying, however, I think it's actually the opposite. Women are usually the ones interested in clothing and the body. They may like scent as well and they probably do like such things more than guys. But women are the ones stereotypically concerned with all this stuff - clothing, body shape, toiletries, etc. However, typical guys are concerned about not smelling (or acting, looking) feminine, so this thread fits right in for guys who grew up with female products.
Anyway, your first point is interesting and I bet there's some truth to it for some things.
FWIW my brother uses all girly scents, and when I sleep over, I use them too. I can't say anyone has ever said anything. I tend to use stuff that my parents buy so sometimes it's something like Ivory, or a Costco brand, other times my dad will buy Old Spice.
Quote from: Yasmine on January 25, 2014, 04:32:46 PM
Well, not to offend either, lol, but I was acually thinking the same thing before I even read Lyric's reply. I was thinking about my bf and ex bf's (all very macho type of guys) and none of them gave a sh*t. They just grabbed whatever what was available even if it was my (women) stuff. Some washed their hair with body wash as if it was some kind of all in 1 product, or washed their body with my expensive shampoo (dammit) or even conditioner, lol) and one guy even sometimes put on my Coco Chanel perfume after he ran out of his after shave (Paco Rabana 1 Million, it's nice!). Even on his clothes and coat. As if it was some cheap perfume.. Watching him do that was priceless though. This same guy would just as easily not shower for 3 or 4 days (and still smell yummy.. I loved his natural smell). They don't care.
All of them could wake up and leave the house 5 minutes later (where I need at least an hour to get ready, jealous!). I personally think that guys should only wear perfume when they go out, but that's just me. Oh, and none of them used deodorant now that I think about it. One used antiperspirant once a month or so (or when I told him to). Things they all kept using from me were shaving knives, shaving cream, toothpaste and toothpicks. That's it.
How does that sum up the male population though? There is nothing wrong with a man wanting to look after himself. In fact i find it damn attractive when a man gives consideration to how he presents and smells. There was an article recently in GQ by the editor on how he takes a heck of a lot longer in the bathroom than his gf, how most of the bathroom shelves are occupied by his styling products and how he gets compliments most places he goes regarding his style. In fact i think he wrote than at one point his gf actually asked him to dress down a bit for a wedding so he didn't make the groom look bad lol! From the article photos he did look really dapper.
To use another cheesy example, James Bond was very dapper, had great dress sense in sharp suits, and i'm sure smelt just as great as well. I'm sure most men wouldn't question the masculinity of actors like Sean Connery and Daniel Craig.
Go with whatever cleans you good and keeps you from being smelly. Dove makes man products that work quite well on both accounts without making you smell girly. If u Dont break out in acne, try the cheapest brand of whatever you can find! Some men skip deodorant as well(far more than you'd think)
Quote from: aleon515 on January 25, 2014, 02:21:10 PM
But aren't you gender/presentation policing?
Ha! Anybody who knows me would get a laugh at the idea of me be accused of "gender policing". Actually, I was speaking more from a biological standpoint than a social one. There are certain sensitivities known to be common human gender traits. The areas of the brain that sense smells and discern colors and patterns are tend to be more developed in human females than in males. In fact, by evolutionary standards, the human female has, in many ways, been considered to be generally more highly developed than the male. This helps explain why g-males tend to have so little passion for bathroom potions.
Anyway, as I said before, if drugstore products make you feel the way you want, go for it. We all take our own approach to our destination.
Quote from: Lyric on January 25, 2014, 06:36:49 PM
Ha! Anybody who knows me would get a laugh at the idea of me be accused of "gender policing". Actually, I was speaking more from a biological standpoint than a social one. There are certain sensitivities known to be common human gender traits. The areas of the brain that sense smells and discern colors and patterns are tend to be more developed in human females than in males. In fact, by evolutionary standards, the human female has, in many ways, been considered to be generally more highly developed than the male. This helps explain why g-males tend to have so little passion for bathroom potions.
Anyway, as I said before, if drugstore products make you feel the way you want, go for it. We all take our own approach to our destination.
Well maybe if I knew you... but I only know from a random post. Sounds sort of policing, based on your behavior. Not on you soul. I don't have any idea on that.
G-males (you mean cis males maybe?) or genetic? Who cares what anybody else thinks. I don't care what the average cis male thinks tbh.
I have heard though that T makes your olfactory sense less strong. Not sure how this affects trans guys who might still have some ability to tell one sense from another. Also we know that metrosexual guys are very aware of smell, so...
I wonder how true this is though. When going to the drug store, I find it hard to find unscented products. I have to wade thru the display full of guy-scented products from a zillion different Axes and Dove and other things. If cis guys didn't like them I'm guessing they wouldn't be there.
Why the heck are you so concerned with what the guys here do anyway?
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on January 25, 2014, 09:49:16 PM
I have heard though that T makes your olfactory sense less strong.
I was actually hoping that this would happen to me because I have such a keen sense of smell that being around other people can be unpleasant. Alas, no progress on the olfactory front. My sniffer is just as sharp as ever.
Quote from: Arch on January 26, 2014, 12:09:46 AM
I was actually hoping that this would happen to me because I have such a keen sense of smell that being around other people can be unpleasant. Alas, no progress on the olfactory front. My sniffer is just as sharp as ever.
I haven't noticed any difference in this either. But I have heard this. It would be advantageous if I did, being on the autism spectrum.
--Jay
Moderation.
Arguing about deodorants? Please! That just stinks.
Let us have some respect for each other.
BTW I have a similar experience of being in a lift with guy who really overdid 'Brut'. I've also been with women who overdid perfume, it hurts! My nose was ill for hours.
Quote from: Cindy on January 26, 2014, 01:50:35 AM
BTW I have a similar experience of being in a lift with guy who really overdid 'Brut'. I've also been with women who overdid perfume, it hurts! My nose was ill for hours.
I use brut. It's not generally an overpowering smell so he must have bathed in the stuff! Yikes! O.O
I think everyone should use whatever they want, but moderation is indeed the key.
To respond to men not caring and all the various other comments: depends on age group, socioeconomic status and where they live. Most men I know around my age are VERY aware of how they smell. They might not use cologne, but they don't just roll out of bed and leave after slapping some deodorant on. I've known women who smelled like canned tamales. It's the person, not the gender or sex that determines what they use. Some people stink because they never had anyone teach them proper bathing and hygiene. My brothers never smelled, even when they were 14 because I and my father took the time to teach them how to clean themselves.
Here in Osaka everyone either smells fine, or they reek of BO, the women included. I actually had to move down the train once because I doubt the woman next to me had washed her groin region in a week. And she wasn't a young kid either. She was probably in her mid twenties.
Thanks for all the replies, guys. I'll definitely look for some of this stuff when I go out shopping.
And to reply to Lyric, I'm not trying to be as 'masculine' as I can, I just wanted some suggestions on some men's products to replace the women's products I have no use for anymore.
Quote from: Frank on January 24, 2014, 02:01:30 PM
That's because most guys grow up using daddy's soap and don't have to deal with switching from girl stuff to man stuff. So yeah, that IS kind of irritating because we have to learn this stuff but at an older age.
I didn't have to deal with that actually I asked my Dad for my Old Spice Swagger because it smelled good on him and I liked it. And some guys just like to smell good not a female thing at all, All my male friends where cologne we don't wanna stink either especially in front of a Hot Girl!!!
Brandon, I was making a generalization. I realize not everyone has the exact same life experiences.
Mr Hockey, up until now I've been reading your name as Mr Hockley, and assuming it was a reference to Titanic's Caledon Hockley. Oops. ::)
Quote from: Frank on January 28, 2014, 08:47:29 AM
Brandon, I was making a generalization. I realize not everyone has the exact same life experiences.
Mr Hockey, up until now I've been reading your name as Mr Hockley, and assuming it was a reference to Titanic's Caledon Hockley. Oops. ::)
Lol. :)
Quote from: Frank on January 28, 2014, 08:47:29 AM
Brandon, I was making a generalization. I realize not everyone has the exact same life experiences.
Mr Hockey, up until now I've been reading your name as Mr Hockley, and assuming it was a reference to Titanic's Caledon Hockley. Oops. ::)
Well you said everyone assumng everyone has been through that. That's why
I suppose there might be a 2013 guide somewhere. But here's a nice guide by some cis men btw:
http://www.menshealth.com/grooming/2011-grooming-guide
--Jay
Quote from: Brandon on January 28, 2014, 11:12:00 AM
Well you said everyone assumng everyone has been through that. That's why
That's why it's a "generalization". Most people would catch that. Sorry Mr Hockley, I'll quit hijacking your thread now.
Quote from: BrotherBen on January 22, 2014, 06:58:10 PM
I like the Dove Cool Silver much better- you can still smell it if you lean in and give it a good whiff, but it isn't still the ONLY thing you can smell 8 hours later.
I think I'm going to go to CVS later today and get some of that... Right now I'm using Axe Excite body wash, Axe Excite spray, Axe Armor two-in-one shampoo/conditioner, and Speed Stick Sport deodorant. But I want to try a new body wash, plus the shampoo/conditioner seems to be drying out my hair. Plus I need some more shaving cream and razors.
Speaking of which, what do you guys use to shave? I currently use Bic Comfort 3 razors (I needed small ones because I'm not on T anyways, so it's really just for peach fuzz) and I also use Neutrogena Men Sensitive Skin Post Shave Balm
I use a Gillette razor I thieved off my dad back in September. I should probably replace it but it doesn't seemed to have dulled, and cuts the peach fuzz fine still. For shaving foam I think that's Lidl's own brand, its cheap and does the job better than some I've used. I find that as long as it comes out blue and then turns foamy its okay, I had one once that was foam straight out of the can and disappeared within half a minute.
I've yet to use something better than barbasol tbh. I still shave while I wait for money for laser. Barbasol+gillete fusion power works great.
I like the axe apollo, I use it for deodorant and body wash, far as razors go, I stick with Gillette
My wife has never complained about me being unmanly so I suppose these qualify ;)
I use Dr. Bronners peppermint soap for just about everything, doesn't smell a lot after the shower but feels amazing and gets me clean which is the point. I've used head and shoulders for years and my dad did too, guess it's just habit but I like the way it smells now. For deodorant I like Old Spice Swagger.
I have a lot of stuff I use to wash my face with twice a day because I have pretty acne prone skin but none of it is particularly smelly or manly :)
I also use Chanel Bleu for men. I LOVE this cologne. I put it on really lightly and get lots of comments on it. One thing I know is smelling good makes a big impression.
Good luck finding what works for you!
Update: I just got back from CVS
I got Old Spice Swagger spray, Old Spice Sport shampoo and Old Spice Swagger shampoo (I couldn't decide :P), some more Neutrogena for Men face wash and some Neutrogena for Men shaving cream, Dove Men body wash, and some Gillette Sensitive Skin razors.
Quote from: birkin on January 24, 2014, 11:04:18 AM
I have the same problem, and that was even before I was pre-T. I have to change deodorants every 2 or 3 weeks. I find I alternate between one I really like (like an Old Spice one) and a Arm and Hammer one, and that normally does the trick. I found after years of not using women's deodorant, though, it worked like a charm one time when I needed something in a pinch.
I was also the same before t, glad I'm not the only one. I have to buy two deodorants each time and switch off every so often, its annoying because most people can just go in and buy the same one every time as where I have to go through and smell them all each time trying to remember if I've tried it yet. And then some give me rashes so at times its a waste of money at times.
Also, guys do care about how they smell. Maybe not all, but most that I've known want to smell good. Who wants to stink anyways? I don't think its a gender thing, but a hygiene concern everyone should have. Do you really want to be that person that smells like b.o.
I was using men's products before I came to my senses of being trans. I had to, I stunk and would sweat like crazy and women's products weren't cutting it. Its trial and error mostly.
And for everyone saying to use unscented products or to barely use any smell, whether its cologne or deodorant. Maybe its because you don't have a strong b.o. or you don't sweat much. But for me personally I use scented stuff, even with my slightly sensitive skin, and I use a lot of cologne. I've never gotten a negative comment, except from my dad, but he doesn't like anything I like. I've always gotten really good compliments on my colognes, and the way I smell.
I have always had a super strong nose, and most of the time someone who smells "too good"(according to some of you) doesn't bother me. Its the "old man" and "old women" perfumes that give me headaches(they give my dad headaches as well) when it seems people shower in them and you can smell it a mile away. Other than that if I smell a guy from far away I'm impressed and my senses are turned on. Because I'd rather smell that than bad body odor. Same with females who smell like flower or candy body spray, etc.
For razors, I recently found one that works really well for me. But again its personal preference, and I have really thick body hair. Schick hydro 5. For shaving cream I use whatever really. And after shave I use nivea post shave balm.
Theres no wrong or right way to be a certain gender, you could care about how you smell or not, but that doesn't mean you're being feminine about it.
I recommend Bod body spray and their products.Dove + Men care and such products and I'm personally into Old spice and some more classic wears.brings a sence of 'old fashioned' into the mix lol
Axe is also some good shiz nit lol I love the dark temptation so far but personally looking into other names under there.
Quote from: Rían on January 29, 2014, 04:50:27 PM
Update: I just got back from CVS
I got Old Spice Swagger spray, Old Spice Sport shampoo and Old Spice Swagger shampoo (I couldn't decide :P), some more Neutrogena for Men face wash and some Neutrogena for Men shaving cream, Dove Men body wash, and some Gillette Sensitive Skin razors.
Very good choices.dove men is good for pores and works for all skin types.old spice is what I grew up on lol best classic scent around.I like Bod because its more of a modern smell and gives it a wild twist.irish spring is also good and head & shoulders works wonders.
I'd say aim for gender neutral products as products for men tend to be designed for teenage body or just bad. I use cucumber dove body wash its really nice smelling and good for your skin. I use a Pantene two in one shampoo. I use a manly shaving cream thats in a tube its a odd brand I don't really remember what its called. I use a gillette razor and deodorant, and a old spice deodorant. I use st. Ives apricot scrub and an oxy 10% benzol peroxide wash.
The ladies love anything Ralph Lauren
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.
For body wash, I like the 'Every Man Jack' line. Made in San Francisco, not tested on animals, no fake crap and smells great :D
Quote from: Mr Hockey on January 22, 2014, 05:33:18 PM
What are some good men's colognes, body washes, shampoos etc.?
I'm just starting to come out so most of my body products are girly smelling perfumes and stuff. Next time I go shopping, I'd love to get some manly smell goods.
I can't really tell ya what's the best for you since colognes and body washes and whatnot all mix with people's pheromones and stuff differently, but I personally use the Old Spice Pure Sport deodorant and the body wash for my hair, and then the Irish Spring with 2% Salicylic Acid for my body (keeps acne from happening). Then I use either the McGraw cologne or Tommy Hilfiger cologne.
Quote from: AJarrah on February 15, 2014, 02:08:36 AM
McGraw cologne
Man I just remembered I used that last year and loved it.
I just got a new bottle of it for Valentine's Day right when I ran out of my last one, so stoked. The Southern Blend version of it is pretty good too.
McGraw cologne is pretty good.
Quote from: xsmittyx on February 14, 2014, 10:18:06 PM
For body wash, I like the 'Every Man Jack' line. Made in San Francisco, not tested on animals, no fake crap and smells great :D
Second vote for Every Man Jack, everything they do smells great and never gives me a headache. One caveat though: their deodorant doesn't work for me or anyone I know who has tried it. For that I use Degree Intense Sport deodorant to avoid the aluminum. Having also been made in San Francisco, I'm hippy enough to be concerned about that kind of thing... I've gotten several compliments (from attractive girls, no less) on that deodorant, Polo sport and Lacoste Sport are similar smelling colognes if you're interested.
Younger guys tend to smell best with cleaner and brighter scents, old spice and aqua velva type scents don't seem to work as well... As one girl friend put it to me: "Old Spice (the classic) smells like all Grandpas". But maybe I'm wrong and the trend is changing lol.
Third vote for Every Man Jack, at least with shampoo/conditioner. I've started using it more often because whatever problem my hair had with getting oily seems to have been alleviated by henna.
Also in the bathroom are... Irish Spring (Mother got that one for me, haven't used it yet) and Dial (what I normally use as body wash). The deodorant I use is Degree, so nothing special here.
Can say I've taken to using a bit sandalwood essential oil in place of cologne. My Every Man Jack is also sandalwood scented, come to think of it.
Quote from: xsmittyx on February 14, 2014, 10:18:06 PM
For body wash, I like the 'Every Man Jack' line. Made in San Francisco, not tested on animals, no fake crap and smells great :D
Every Man Jack is what I am using now for deodorant. I am anti-aluminum in my deodorant, but the others I tried (Jason, Trader Joe's), still had my armpits getting wet. I am happy with this product.
I just scrolled down and saw Polo's post. Good to know about the Degree, as my Every Man Jack will really be put to the test in the summer.
For bar soap I just pick up something natural at the Co-op. I have always used a Redkin product I get at my hair salon for shampoo, but I recently picked up a Burt's Bee's product to go more natural. Unfortunately, the Redkin works much better, but I will shop around before I go back to unhealthy chemicals being poured onto my head.
I don't wear cologne much at all, but I like the Versace (men's).
My go to body wash and shampoo is Dr. Bronner's peppermint (organic and all natural, which is a huge bonus). I use Lush Dirty body spray on top and Lush Dirty hair creme. For deodorant, I use Every Man Jack Cedarwood (It works fine for me, although, as Brett said, it's yet to withstand the test of a hot and humid summer).
I think those scents combine rather nicely together: they smell masculine but also subtle and fresh. I've gotten quite a few compliments. Once, while I was getting a procedure, my dentist said I smelled amazing and legit kept leaning in to smell my hoodie while she was working. lol.
Old spice, axe etc are just too heavy for me, especially during the summer and spring. I second what Polo says about young guys and those scents. Plus, they contain a litany of skin irritants and potentially toxic ingredients. I read a report that rated the neurotoxicity of different products out of 10, and Old spice got a 9 for their sprays and aftershaves. I would stay away.
When I do want to smell more rustic and classically masculine, I skip cologne/body spray all together and just put some pomade in my hair. The pomade I use is called The Iron Society. It smells absolutely amazing. Warm, old school manliness without being heavy handed (the downfall of so many of those types of scents). It's also quite effective and allows me to slick back and part my hair into some pretty cool styles. The only downside is that it's pricey and (unless you live in Brooklyn) you have to order it online.
Deodorants: Typically Speed Stick Irish Spring or Fresh scent. I did find a $2 off coupon at Walmart last week so bought some Axe deodorant. Stuff doesn't work all that great, imo.
Shampoo: Axe Apollo 2 in 1 and sometimes Garnier Fructis (I don't think it's a "girly" smelling shampoo...kinda smells like apples to me).
Soap: Old Spice Wolfthorne body wash, Zest Ocean Breeze, Dial men's body wash.
Colognes and aftershaves: British Sterling or Lacoste Challenge.
I always smell good. It's not unusual for a girl to tell me I smell good. I have read that a lot of you guys like to smell plain and I can't do that. If I am going outside for the day I won't put anything on because of bees, but other than that I like to smell nice. People typically like other people that smell nice.
Brett, that's nice you Have had luck with the Jack deodorant, I discovered they just don't hold up for me In the summer. The Degree deodorant claims 24 hour protection, uses silver ions and stood up to long shifts working as an EMT in hot humid summers for me so I'm a pretty big fan.
Aveda has a decent line of natural hair products, including a woodsy smelling paste that won't break my face out if it touches it.
I do like smelling nice but most chemical fragrances give me headaches so I'm always searching for good natural colognes, the only one I've found is Excelsior, if anyone knows of others or of hypoallergenic ones I'd appreciate the tip.