2245  milonguero's tackle box (smell, not tango)

Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 12:25:37 -0600
From: Frank Williams <frankw@MAIL.AHC.UMN.EDU>
Subject: milonguero's tackle box (smell, not tango)

Hi Friends,



I have it on good authority that the most experienced milongueros are very
particular about their aromas. Having benefited handsomely from the input
of some lovely tangueras, I'm glad to share some of what I have learned.



Rick sez:

>>I've been wearing the Brut stuff, from a green bottle, for 30 years & no

complaints yet, just the opposite. I have had friends recommend Obsession
For Men, as well as Drakkar Noir...<<



Hmmm. Doctor Panchi's considered but random thoughts:

1) First, there's no such thing as "Love Potion Number Nine"!

2) Don't wear a brand of cologne because you heard that it smelled
good on somebody else! Good cologne is a delicate mixture of many essences.
When applied to the skin, the chemistry of each aromatic substance
determines how rapidly it is released. Because each of our skins is
different, it is true to some extent that we each smell different in the
same cologne. I even notice the same cologne smelling different in the
winter (when skin is cooler and dry) compared to summer (when skin is warmer
with more surface 'oil'). Only put cologne on your skin, not on garments,
not on hair. Rick very well may smell good in Brut, but I assure you that I
don't!

3) The first person to please with the smell of cologne is -
*you*. If you don't like the aroma, what difference does anybody else make?
I think the smell should be "not TOO anything" - you should barely notice
it. Never listen to the opinions of the lady behind the perfume counter no
matter how nice she looks [well, *maybe* if she dances tango ;-)].

4) When shopping for cologne, narrow down the choices using
samples on paper, but don't buy anything until you have worn it on your own
skin for at least 30 min., though 60 min. is better. I've learned that one
the hard way.

5) Throw away old cologne! It looses it's most volatile (and
usually most intriguing) components after 2-3 years and will become 'heavy'
and boring.

6) Cologne is as personal a statement as clothes. Don't wear
seductive cologne during the day - save that stuff for seductions (e.g.
dancing tango).

7) For reasons of cell receptor biology, our sensitivity for smell
can vary significantly over time. I find that poor air quality is a
significant desensitizer for smell. Many room air 'fresheners' actually
work by intentionally desensitizing the nose, and do nothing to remove
odors! Keep these things in mind when deciding how much cologne to use.
Err on the side of caution - if it's good cologne, it will last many hours.
This is why I also object to fragrances that rub off of others onto me -
trashy!

8) My personal favorite 'seduction' cologne? This is like
recommending fishing lures! Everything depends on how you present it! ;-)
But, HEY! Don't expect miracles from any cologne. You have to put your
partner at ease. You have to be comfortable to touch regardless of your
aroma. Cologne will only help to accentuate that comfort.

9) And remember: if they're not 'biting' now, be patient and
practice. It's only a matter of time before you luck will change!



With smiles,



Frank - Mpls.



Frank G. Williams, Ph.D.

University of Minnesota

frankw@umn.edu

612-625-6441



Department of Neuroscience

6-145 Jackson Hall

321 Church St. SE.

Minneapolis, MN 55455



Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

1971 Commonwealth Ave.

St. Paul, Minnesota 55108