Swell Guys: Eternity Aqua

Where do you stand on the subject of "flankers"? What is a flanker, you ask? Well, that is very easy to explain, dear reader, it's another fragrance in a series. Eternity Aqua Eau de Toilette is another fragrance in the Eternity for men series. Earlier in the year I looked at Eternity Summer for Gadabout Media. It was nice, but I think I prefer this newer version.


Eternity Aqua is an aquatic woody fragrance - the first of this type for Calvin Klein Fragrances. It's meant to invoke the following impressions or feelings: refined, cool, modern, easy-going confidence, sophisticated, and relaxed man.

I'm going to begin this review by saying that I am not a fan of cucumber notes (they make me feel a little nauseated, sort of like turned fruit) and right off the bat this fragrance throws cucumber at you. Fortunately, it's sharpened with the addition of notes like pepper and lavender. Then, it's grounded in a woody base - I'm a sucker for a woody men's fragrance. If I see the words cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, I know I'm going to like it.

After about 15 minutes, the cucumber note really started to stand out and I thought, hhm, maybe I don't like it after all. That's when the wood notes really started to do their thing. It has a freshness, this sort of breeze blowing over the woods (yes, I am aware of how corny that sounds, but it's my impression) that I really like. I would hand this one over to my man (although I'm currently man-less) and happily sniff his neck all day.

Top note: Chilled Cucumber, Citrus Cocktail, Water Lotus, Drenched Green Leaves
Middle note: Szechuan Pepper, Mirabelle, Lavender, White Cedarwood
Bottom note: Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Patchouli, Musks

This fragrance will be available after July 15, 2010 and will run $32 for an ounce, $50 for 1.7 oz, and $65 for 3.4 oz. You will be able to find it at department stores or online at Calvin Klein Fragrances.com

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Guys: AXE's New Twist & Rise Lines

Personal hygiene products for men have come a long way in the past few years. AXE and Old Spice, in particular have gone from being something your dad used to wear (Old Spice) or something only a teenage boy could love (AXE) to products that are built in the same way as a high-end men's fragrance.

An example of this would be AXE's new Twist fragrance products. The Twist line opens with fresh Lime and Citrus notes, then deepens in time with base notes of Cedar and Sandalwood. The Rise line is made with citrus notes that are meant to "conquer morning grogginess." The body wash contains minerals from the Himalayan moutains that are "uplifting.". Both the Twist and Rise lines are super-reasonably priced and include Deodorant, Deodorant Sprays ($4.99), and Shower Gels ($3.99).

AXE sent me both of the new lines to sample for review. I found both to smell very refreshing, but my favorite AXE fragrance is still the Instinct scent (Smoky/Woody, very nice). Max, my oldest son (19) is wearing the Rise line and my daughter's boyfriend, PJ, likes the Twis (PJ's Twist quote, "Fresh.").  I'm not sure if the new fragrances wake the guys up, but they sure do smell good.

For more AXE info visit the AXE Effect website.

Image credit: Michelle Hamor Smith