Question:
To everyone on basenotes:
What is considered a "synthetic" type cologne?
Some of the BOSS line? I actually bought Abercrombie & Fitch back in 93"..is this a synthetic smell??? Would scents that go along with a clothing line or something be synthetic in notes and smell?
After being on this website and testing Traditional and L'Homme, you get the feeling that there is REAL notes (ingredients) in there. It actually smells like florals, musks, Patchouli..etc..etc. Real cologne or a real product.
I'm liking those 2 choices so far but I was wondering if any of you can thread this post out with suggestions of what is considered "synthetic" colognes? I definately want to stay away from them.

Answer:
Anything by Calvin Klein is mostly synthetic. And even more generally, any mainstream American fragrance is largely synthetic. Most of the "designer" fragrances can be included in that. Any fragrance that's internationally mass-marketed (American or otherwise) is heavily synthetic, for profit and also because it's easier to ensure uniformity among batches during production.

Answer:
"Odeur 53" by Comme des Garcons is a perfect example of a synthetic unisex fragrance (and was one of the worlds first!).
It comprises 53 COMPLETELY synthetically-recreated odours such as "washing drying on a line" and "running your tongue along a chrome pipe" and so on.
Perfumers build these scents using computers and synthetic ingredients that, when mixed correctly, best match the olfactory makeup of 'actual' smells.
The science behind the process is very inteeresting, however, opinions of the results are varied. Personally, "Odeur 53" at something like $140 AUD a bottle was a travesty... the scent lasted less than 10 minutes on my skin. But before you decide if its something to be avoided, its always best to give it a try.
Here is a link to "Odeur 53" the basenotes directory:
http://www.basenotes.net/ID26121209.html
Most mainstream scents use synthetically created accords - normally because the actual ingredient is too expensive/difficult/illegal to obtain (as is the case with certain animal products, civet, musks, or accords such as 'ozone' etc)... however these are often mixed with real oils to often produce a very fine fragrance.
Hope this has helped

Answer:
I'm not happy these a-holes moved my post to this area. I think this is a really good question and you guys helped, believe me.
I really would like a list of more colognes to stay away from, so the more that answer the better. Names of colognes would be great a full list. AND I"M SURE OTHERS WANT TO KNOW AS WELL!!!!!!! Who wants to wear cheap s&%T!?
Thanks again guys, too bad these idiots dont know better to leave this post IN A MENS FRAGRANCE DISSCUSION AREA. lol Little boys running these boards at times. Tisk, tisk.
Thanks again. Anybody else with colognes that are synthetic?

Answer:
Quote: Originally Posted by The Squire I'm not happy these a-holes moved my post to this area. I think this is a really good question and you guys helped, believe me.
I really would like a list of more colognes to stay away from, so the more that answer the better. Names of colognes would be great a full list. AND I"M SURE OTHERS WANT TO KNOW AS WELL!!!!!!! Who wants to wear cheap s&%T!?
Thanks again guys, too bad these idiots dont know better to leave this post IN A MENS FRAGRANCE DISSCUSION AREA. lol Little boys running these boards at times. Tisk, tisk.
Thanks again. Anybody else with colognes that are synthetic? ...

Answer:
The Squire,
Why are you so against synthetic cologne? A juice being mostly or completely synthetic does not equate to cheap. Furthermore, an all-natural frag will not necessarily play nicer with your skin - you could have an adverse reaction to any ingredient, natural or synthetic. You will severely limit your choices if you hang on to this idea.
DustB - a perfect response.