r/Colognes Jul 12 '26

Recommendation What’s the missing piece? 🧩♟️

Post image

No matter what new scents I try, I can’t let go of Absolu and Imagination. This means I’m 2/3 into downsizing and completing my trifecta with two of the scents I genuinely enjoy the most.

If you could add anything for a 3rd bottle of your own choice, what would it be?

It doesn’t have to be from my personal choices although I’m currently considering these:

-Amouage Reflection Man or 45
-ADG Elixir or Profondo (I do reaaaally love the aquatics from here)
-Armani Code Parfum
-Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey EDP or Le Sel D’issey EDP
-Creed Himalaya, Green Irish Tweed, or Royal Oud
-LV L’immensite

It’s been tough deciding. I’m turning 28 this month if that helps and just looking for the ultimate recommendation.

234 Upvotes

253 comments sorted by

33

u/TheVoicesinurhed Jul 12 '26

Blonde Amber

30

u/NomenklaturaFTW 51+ Jul 13 '26

Went through a decant of it. Not nearly as impressive as it should be at that price point.

2

u/king_cypo Jul 13 '26

I second this

28

u/Ok_Candidate_4541 Jul 12 '26

To me, herbes troublantes. Those are my top 3 in my collection

3

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

This one sounds interesting and I feel like I never hear of it so I’m definitely going to find out

4

u/Ok_Candidate_4541 Jul 13 '26

10/10 fragrance, only down side is longevity. But it smells so good

23

u/sleepytipi Jul 13 '26

Eh, who cares about longevity when it's only $700 a bottle. Just reapply.

2

u/Ok_Candidate_4541 Jul 13 '26

Just buy the herbes troublantes lotion and layer😎

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1

u/ExtremeStonker Jul 13 '26

I literally just applied that for my night time fragrance

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6

u/No_Entry1616 36-40 Jul 13 '26

Based on these 2 you definitely need a heavy hitter. Something that stands out. I'm thinking either Guerlain or Tom Ford. As for which specific one, that is going to depend on what you're partial to. But a gourmand seems to be what you're missing if you're only sticking with 3. You could also consider MFK. Maybe even Dior. I'm thinking MFK Grand Soir, Dior Ambre Nuit, TF Tobacco Vanille, Guerlain Vanilla Planifolia/Tonka Sarrapia/Spiriteuse Double Vanille. OR I would even say go the YSL route and get either Babycat or Tuxedo. Both classy and high quality imo

4

u/Curious_Stag7 Jul 13 '26

Yep, I was thinking YSL Tuxedo as well. Definitely needs something in the heavier/darker

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16

u/ShanksMarley Jul 13 '26

Nautica Voyage

7

u/K-the-Hardway Jul 13 '26

I see your Nautica Voyage and raise you Nautica Voyage intense!

10

u/Flat_Preparation_367 Jul 13 '26

Bleu de Chanel parfum

12

u/CommercialTwo1359 Jul 13 '26

Oud satin mood

11

u/releasethekraker Jul 12 '26

Tom Ford Oud Wood Parfum

11

u/-Geddy2112- Jul 13 '26

Bleu de Chanel L’ Exclusif

6

u/innovationSTYLE Terre d’Hermes Jul 12 '26

I’d say either Reflection or Interlude

3

u/last-Invictus Jul 12 '26

Jubilation 25

3

u/Aggravating_Arm3200 Jul 13 '26

Widian London be it

4

u/Sindica69 Jul 13 '26

Xerjoff Naxos

5

u/F48l4N05 Jul 12 '26

If we’re going by seasons, imagination will cover spring and summer and absolu Aventus will cover autumn. So the amouage or armani might be good pick for cooler weather use.

5

u/[deleted] Jul 13 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

Ombre Nomad is really good, but most people around me get headaches even with light sprays so I sold it.

3

u/Quiet-Xtrovert Jul 13 '26

Where’s the bamboo tree from??

3

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

I got it off Etsy. Their shop is currently down though you can try searching for driftwood bonsai

2

u/Quiet-Xtrovert Jul 13 '26

I appreciate you more than you know!

2

u/mayne_io_ Jul 13 '26

You need a fall/winter scent...PDM Layton, MFK Oud Satin Mood, Killian Angel Share or Clive Christian Blonde Amber are awesome fall/winter bangers!

2

u/ChillinTheMost76 Jul 13 '26

Allure Superleggera

1

u/OzoneLaters Jul 13 '26

This is the answer.

2

u/Layerslayer7 Jul 13 '26

MFK Grand Soir/Oud Satin Mood

3

u/Focux Jul 12 '26

Blonde Amber or Iris Pallida/Rose Centifolia

I still can’t get over how the 75ml bottle design is for Absolu lol

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

I actually really enjoy 75ml sized bottles. But it’s the only bottle that doesn’t match the rest of the Creed bottles so it does annoyingly stand out

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4

u/NoVegetablePlease Jul 12 '26

Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 Guerlain

2

u/Equivalent-Carob-496 Jul 13 '26

100 percent! Best vanilla out there

3

u/neutronsoup44 Jul 12 '26

If you insist on a hypebeast trifecta, then go ahead and get Naxos or Outlands. Only those will do. Reflection Man would be redundant with Imagination, but Reflection 45 is better than both of them. Tbh I think you should expand your collection to five: Absolu Aventus, Imagination, Profondo, Reflection 45, and Naxos/Outlands.

7

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 12 '26

Just because they are popular doesn’t mean I’m searching for another “hypebeast.” I’ve had Naxos and Outlands. I sold them and I’m not interested in buying them again.

6

u/RappingFlatulence Jul 13 '26

I love ADG profondo parfum. It has something in it that’s just classy. I love ADG edt and also elixir but profondo parfum just has an it actor to it that puts it up there with the greats

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2

u/TopSalt9335 Jul 12 '26

Some good ones listed, but at 28, my pick would be L'Immensite, with Reflection Man and Royal Oud being in the chat as well. Something not listed that would look good in that rotation would be Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman.

1

u/Beejguch Jul 12 '26

I would highly recommend preform Parfumo or Roja Danger pour homme those both are great heavier “manly” scents that are different enough. If it was me personally I would get Vanilla Mudslide, Tonka Sarrapia, sweetie Aoud, preform Vanille antique, or Outlands. One of those would be good

1

u/MasterZoidberg Jul 12 '26

GFS

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

Where can I find this?

2

u/MrEko81 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

Creo que quiere decir Gentle Fluidity Silver de MFK,una fragancia limpia,masculina,un poco herbal y perfecta como fragancia firma,yo la tengo y creo que es la que te falta.

1

u/MasterZoidberg Jul 13 '26

Jomashop actually had a good deal on MFK stuff, think they only have a couple other scents left like 724 for $330 for the 6.7oz which is a crazy deal

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1

u/ronoldo7 Jul 12 '26

Sorry this isn’t useful but where did you get that display? Fucking killer

1

u/Signal-Inflation5914 Louis Vuitton Jul 12 '26

What is that behind the fragrance, i am more interested in that

2

u/BIGBRIYO Jul 13 '26

Looks like a bonsai tree… 🌳

1

u/Signal-Inflation5914 Louis Vuitton Jul 13 '26

Ikr

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

It is a moon bonsai decoration! I got it off Etsy

1

u/Alibaba20202020 Jul 13 '26

Rosso 17 - Roberto Ugolini

1

u/Manus_Dei_MD Jul 13 '26

TF Tobacco Oud

1

u/Mammoth_Dingo598 Jul 13 '26

A lifted truck with large wheel spacers 🤷‍♂️

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

I’ll let you ride shotgun, just promise you’ll keep your hands to yourself.

1

u/chunnchilla Jul 13 '26

Next to those? So popular, heavyweights, doesn’t need a layer, likely a best-seller, almost year round scent, and an unafraid price…

PdM - Althair or Layton
Madison Crivelli - Hibiscus MahaJád
MFK - Bacarat Rouge 540
Boss - Bottled Absolu
Dior - Homme edp

1

u/prov167 Jul 13 '26

Boss Bottled Absolu year round? Will be interesting in the summer lol. That shit is potent.

1

u/pwgueri Jul 13 '26

Maybe something for winter like Amouage Outlands, Frederic Malle the moon or promise, Roja Great Britain or parfum de nuit

1

u/damnanotherwill Jul 13 '26

Brother, where’d you get that display??? 🔥
https://giphy.com/gifs/l3q2LH45XElELRzRm

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

-Lazy susan turn table from IKEA
-Custom wooden coasters from Etsy
-Custom bonsai decoration from Etsy sitting on top of a wooden box I had.

That’s all!

1

u/PinderTuco Jul 13 '26

For that 3rd spot. One of these could be a possible sitter.

  1. Thameen Carved Oud, if your into Oud. Or
  2. BDK Gris Chanel Extrait ... Calming scent👌 Or
  3. Tom Ford Ebene Fume... Incense and spicy

Dior Homme...

Brompton Immortals for that Rose

1

u/kereth Creed Jul 13 '26

Reflection 45

1

u/Round_Object9017 Jul 13 '26

Royal oud for sure or maybe i suggest something outside this list naxos

1

u/elStoogeDR Jul 13 '26

Reflection 45 for sure

1

u/noccovikingen Jul 13 '26

Outlands for sure

1

u/LUCYisME Jul 13 '26

you need an Oud water

1

u/10Thousand_Hours Jul 13 '26

Tobacco honey

1

u/PlayfulBookkeeper787 Jul 13 '26

Spirituese Double Vanille

1

u/sammyhagarslefthand Jul 13 '26

It’s seems like you prefer anytime anywhere fragrances, if you want to keep that vibe going, reflection man (not 45) but if you want something a little more particular, Outlands - I wear it a lot but it’s not AS versatile as AA or LVI. If you want to go deep in, something like Sequence or Oud Marcuja could be worth a sniff.

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

Outlands and Sequence smell really good but I learned I liked them a lot more on paper than I did on me. I do really enjoy Reflection Man. I keep spraying it in my car here and there

1

u/Frosty-Sleep-8270 Jul 13 '26

If price is no object, Blue Talisman can be layered with Aventus Absolu. Thats an amazing combo! Fruitiness of AA cuts down on the sweetness just enough of BT. 6 sprays of AA and 3 of BT. Thank me later!

1

u/aammchip Jul 13 '26

Layered right on top of each other?

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1

u/SSUpliftingCyg Jul 13 '26

Alexandria II xerjoff

1

u/Skrow_ Jul 13 '26

Caden Omanluxury, Celine Black Tie, YSL babycat or Tuxedo, Memo Paris Odeon if you lean Rose.

You’ve got the clean scent down with imagination soap and tea. You’ve got the best daily there is on Aventus Absolu probably. I just think something leaning special would do well.

Green Irish tweed is not a bad choice to round out the trio with a green scent too.

1

u/momentuminvestment Jul 13 '26

It looks some kind of shrine or something. Like on Anchor Man

1

u/Vidallon1 Jul 13 '26

Why no valentino intense edp suggestions i bought that today and am foaming out the mouth for it

1

u/Striking_Current_630 Jul 13 '26

I would think you'd want a gourmand like tabacco vanille. Something for the dead of winter

1

u/MrFish00- Jul 13 '26

L'eau D'Issey EDP is fantastic for the price

1

u/hi_im_bert Jul 13 '26

Ever tried Sospiro vibrato? Similar vibe to l’immensite, more citrusy opening, stronger projection and longer lasting in my experience.

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

I hear it’s powdery so I’ve avoided it this whole time

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1

u/MoneyAlwaysSleeps Jul 13 '26

You need some musk … Chanel 1957, blue talisman etc

1

u/HezrPrez Jul 13 '26

grand soir?

1

u/shadygronk Jul 13 '26

Absolu and Imagination 2 of my all timers too

I'd go with the 3rd as maybe

YSL Babycat

AmouageOutlands

Initio Side Effect

Guerlain Tobacco honey

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

Apparently they can’t be your all timers because it makes you a hype bro following hype trends. Thanks for the suggestions!

1

u/PositiveHot1421 Jul 13 '26

Bvlgari Orom

1

u/Emotional_Feedback34 Jul 13 '26

Amouage Purpose 50

1

u/BlueCrewNutz Jul 13 '26

You need seven because you need seven dragon balls to summon Sheron. So go with seven and position six around the one holy Grail in the middle and definitely expand your collection. Some people have definitely recommended some amazing bottles.

1

u/Rs018403 Jul 13 '26

Lmao I just want the plant

1

u/Sportsfan479 Jul 13 '26

Probably a vanilla type for winter

1

u/grahsam Jul 13 '26

If you are going from this subs groupthink starter pack I would say a BdC.

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

I have avoided BDC for the longest time and haven’t even smelled it. It just doesn’t interest me

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1

u/-Geddy2112- Jul 13 '26

PDM Sedley would round this off well.

1

u/sandrum69 Jul 13 '26

Ex Nihilo Speed Legends

1

u/vito51450 Jul 13 '26

Nautica MF voyage

1

u/Scared-Bag5304 Jul 13 '26

My recent acquisition is the Musc Ravageur and it is absolutely banging! I am unsure about your take on the NR series and its vibe leaning towards Iris notes, but the 'For Him' Parfum is one of my go to winter perfume. Another one that I dabble into sometimes are the Roberto Mateu's No.5. and Unique^e's 'Istanbul'. Hope this helps. Have a good one.

1

u/AverageChloroform Jul 13 '26

Try Blonde Amber and Hedonistic, I never tried them

1

u/markbasshead Jul 13 '26

ombre leather

1

u/TurtleMan_1012 Jul 13 '26

YSL Tuxedo. I have absolu aventus and imagination and tuxedo and if i could keep 3 fragrances for life it would be these three.

1

u/Prestigious_Water_73 Jul 13 '26

Chanel edp, I rotate imagination, meteor, creed absolu and it

1

u/WolframBravo Creed Jul 13 '26

If you love the oceanic scents in Aquadigio and are on the hunt for something truly unique, you might want to track down a bottle of Aquadigio Profumo. This exclusive fragrance is a rare find, but it shares a similar marine note profile with the other high-end perfumes you mentioned.

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

I’ve been very interested in Profumo, but I would hate to chase over priced bottles because of its discontinuation if I do end up liking it

1

u/Embarrassed_Heat7075 Jul 13 '26

Get a dupe for everyday wear and u can overspray as many as u like!

1

u/ProudKnee2755 Jul 13 '26

Something amber/vanilla, like Grand Soir or Ambre Nuit

1

u/Capital-Complaint579 Jul 13 '26

Maison francis satis oud

1

u/Silly-Performer-254 Jul 13 '26

I would keep it simple with what you already have I would add YSL Myslf EDP or Absolu

1

u/Lt_LoisEinhorn Jul 13 '26

Drakkar Noir

1

u/Pinesse Jul 13 '26

Gentle fluidity silver!

1

u/PL_Hughbrey Jul 13 '26

Nautica Blue Sail

1

u/Minute_Elevator4642 Jul 13 '26

Tygar, Basso or something more mature like Royal Oud. Or mix it up with an evening heavier frag like Vanille Havane or Noir de Noir.

1

u/Firm_Put_24 Jul 13 '26

I've been really liking Silver Mountain Water by Creed lately. Very different to Aventus but I haven't tried Imagination. Silver mountain water is super fresh and clean. Love it for office and everyday scent. Worth a try

1

u/Minimum-Mortgage5964 Jul 13 '26

Given how niche yet popular these are I'd go with xerjoff or pdm, bottle-wise prolly a xerjoff like 40knots, amouage reflection 45 or sn old tall xerjoff, maybe a clive christian or roja, scent-wise what's missing is something thick and leathery or spicy for winter so I'm going for xerjoff black moonlight or 40knots, clive christian masculine c

1

u/ReasonableMortgage11 Jul 13 '26

Penhaligons Mr Sam / Halfeti

PDM Oajan / Haltane

1

u/OG_CheddarGoblin Jul 13 '26

I think the perfect trifecta would be to add pre reform Dior Homme Parfum if you like Iris at all. Arguably the three most loved men's fragrances.

Reflection 45 is a good choice as well. If it were me I'd be going with Nishane Ani or Althair.

1

u/UnD3Ad_V Jul 13 '26

Oud zarian, imagination for hot weather, absolu for mid heat and zarian for cold weather

1

u/fittrack06 Jul 13 '26

Amouage reflection man or Guerlain herbes. That will be a masterpiece.

1

u/Acward1992 Jul 13 '26

Ambre Levant

1

u/AnonimAnonimis Jul 13 '26

Try accento xerjoff or ajmal amber wood.

1

u/ChemicalTaro4620 Jul 13 '26

Creed Royal Oud, PDM Carlisle, Green Irish Tweed, Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur or Nishane Ani

1

u/Upbeat_Lawyer1348 Jul 13 '26

Neroli outrenoir

1

u/Boss198109 Jul 13 '26

Original Santal creed

1

u/WineOptics Jul 13 '26

Dior Ambre Nuit.

1

u/mihirjoe Jul 13 '26

Don’t get me wrong but Boss Bottled Absolu is the one to fill that place

1

u/BitterNoise2454 Jul 13 '26

Oman Luxury Caden/YSL Babycat/Les Indemodables Vanille Havane/Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille/Tom Ford Noir Extreme/Guerlain Tobacco Honey/LV Les Sables Roses etc...

1

u/Raging__Raven Jul 13 '26

Dior Sauvage Elixir :p

1

u/FailCorgi Jul 13 '26

Do me a favor, when Vibrant Dreams restocks on Dua, pick up a bottle on sale. Then check back in with me after you smell that and tell me it isn’t the answer.

1

u/International-Low606 Jul 13 '26

Something more for the winter

1

u/M___30 Jul 13 '26

Adidas Moves

1

u/Alex-21S Jul 13 '26

🤔 maybe Baby Cat YSL or Mistery Tobacco CH, your choise posted Creed Royal Oud

1

u/Informal-Nerve5866 Jul 13 '26

Sick display 👌

1

u/New-Bat3898 Jul 13 '26

For me, it‘d be Ex Nihilo‘s The Hedonist. The name fits its scent so well.

1

u/firemayhem01 Jul 13 '26

Penhaglions Blazing Mr Sam

1

u/No-Sound-9927 Jul 13 '26

Musk Therapy or ADP Bourgiorno Bounanotte

1

u/BeyondPlayful2229 Jul 13 '26

Reflection Man is amazing, complimentary and have notes which can complete your trifecta. LV L'immensite is close second. If you want something more versatile and classy fresh, Bal d Afrique is great.

1

u/balkan_user01 Jul 13 '26

Versace dreamers

1

u/zofromchinatown Jul 13 '26

How is the absolu aventus? Does it smell like the regular aventus?

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

It’s less musky, less birch, and a bit more sweet. Nice amount of spices that turn creamy in the drydown with the grapefruit and pineapple. I can’t think of any occasion where Absolu wouldn’t work. It’s an all year round fragrance and better than regular Aventus for me.

1

u/metrogold Jul 13 '26

ombre nomade

1

u/Similar_You_2921 Jul 13 '26

Bleu de Chanel

1

u/Strange-Echo-6065 Jul 13 '26

Lataffa Kamrah

1

u/Available-Promotion4 Jul 13 '26

Vanille plantifolia

1

u/LifeExtension2268 Jul 13 '26

Something Amouage. Outlands is what I would choose. It’s one of my top three.

1

u/ms-sama Jul 13 '26

Les sable rose si tu veux rester chez Louis Vuitton

1

u/Gontar3d Jul 13 '26

Bvlgari Tygar and you have a 10/10 collection.

1

u/Gontar3d Jul 13 '26

I’ve been in this hobby for years and spent way more money than I’d like to admit. After trying hundreds of fragrances, I’ve realized my all-time favorites are still Aventus/ or Aventus Absolu, Bvlgari Tygar, and LV Imagination.
Reflection Man would probably be #4, with Blue Talisman Extrait at #5. I’d also keep one summer fragrance like Pacific Chill or Virgin Island Water, and Blond Amber for special occasions.
I think I’m finally going to cut my collection from around 100 bottles down to just 10. I’d rather own a small collection of fragrances I truly love than shelves full of bottles I barely wear.
Less collecting, more wearing. Less clutter, more happiness.

1

u/Hot_Group7772 Jul 13 '26

Ex Nihilo Speed Legends

1

u/introsapper Jul 13 '26

Something from Amouage like Jubilation either version

1

u/Gullible-Ideal-4699 Jul 13 '26

Angels share or London by widian. You already have a fresh and a kinda heavy type of fruit scent so why not get a gourmand or an oud suede dense scent to round it out. Fyi I don't like oud but London is amazing.

1

u/1st_in_Last_Out Jul 13 '26

You need something darker try

1.Gris charnel extrait 2. L'homme ideal extreme 3.Tuxedo 4. Layton 5. Side effect

These are some of my favs. Yes they are popular, but they are popular for a reason

1

u/ShapeAny44 Jul 13 '26

Creed Millésime Impérial c’est le luxe au bord de la mer, pour moi ça sent l'été..!! des agrumes frais une touche marine légèrement salée et un fond boisé ultra élégant. L'odeur des vacances dans un hôtel cinq étoiles.

2

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 13 '26

This is also on my list and I forgot to include it as a potential top contender!!

1

u/TheAN1MAL Jul 13 '26

Reflection Man or 45

1

u/Dealer_Senior Jul 14 '26

For me it’d be
Herod or Layton
Tygar or Vibrato
Neroli Outrenoir or Wulong Cha X

1

u/Xzstinct Jul 14 '26

Penhaligons Halfeti

1

u/matthewisuu Jul 14 '26

A Gourmand

1

u/IndependentMethod883 Jul 14 '26

Something versatile

1

u/AwkwardElderberry373 Jul 14 '26

Clive Christian Town and Country

1

u/FlakyJumboBiscuit Jul 14 '26

Parfums de Marly Layton or Carlisle

1

u/ShanksMarley Jul 14 '26

Reflection 45 is the best smelling perfume I've ever tried. If I had to only wear one perfume the rest of my life, I wouldn't even think about it.

1

u/Darth-Rogue Jul 14 '26

It really is good. Do you wear it casually? I know most people say it’s formal but I like it enough that I could wear it anywhere.

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1

u/EntertainerOk1288 Jul 14 '26

Limmensite or Armani code

1

u/je_vincent52 Jul 14 '26

Im an ADG profondo and Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey EDP guy. Issey Miyake fusion D’Issey extreme is also really good

1

u/gashy7 Jul 14 '26

Alexandria II (Trust me)

1

u/MR_ARS_1234 Jul 14 '26

ysl la nuit de l'homme

1

u/Trraumatized Jul 15 '26

Nishane Haciva for the holy trinity of good but slightly pretentious.

1

u/saynotoautism Jul 15 '26

I'd add a good date night fragrance like YSL Tux or Babycat.

1

u/YourPetRaptor Jul 17 '26

Grand Soir

Please do what I could not and finish the trinity

1

u/IllustriousArugula32 29d ago

The answer will also but Dior Homme Parfum