Their names sound like a week’s worth of programming on the Weather Channel or ESPN. But those names–Tsunami, Arctic Peak, Sport Fever–tell only part of the story of men’s body sprays.
A quick look at the labels hints at their promises. As for how the sprays smell–and with the caveat that one man’s pine forest is another man’s fruit orchard–Q pulled together eight of them for an informal, blind sniff test. A mix of male and female staffers decided whether they liked a scent and what it brought to mind. Most are available at Target and drugstores for $3 to $5 each. Here they are in rough order of popularity.
Axe Deodorant Bodyspray
Fragrance: Tsunami
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Sniff stuff: “Dishwashing soap . . . Furniture polish–in a good way . . . Citrusy . . .You shouldn’t smell like Pledge.”
On the label: “Caution: Habitual use of Axe could lead to seriously close encounters.”
Gillette Series Body Spray Deodorant
Fragrance: Wild Rain
Sniff stuff: “Takes me back to my teens . . . British Sterling and Doug at the drive-in . . . Very youthful . . . Overwrought . . . High school . . . Generic perfume.”
On the label: “Keeps you ready for anything.”
Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant Body Spray
Fragrance: Pure Sport
Sniff stuff: “Piney . . . Ireland, in the countryside. She runs toward me with open arms. . . . Like my dad . . . Vaguely industrial.”
On the label: “Effective deodorant protection.”
adidas 24hr Fragrance Deodorant Body Spray
Fragrance: Dynamic Pulse
Sniff stuff: “Ocean tropics . . . Musky . . . Smarties . . . Definitely a unique scent . . . Room deodorizer . . . Necco wafers . . . Kind of sweet.”
On the label: “High performance.”
Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant Body Spray
Fragrance: Fresh
Sniff stuff: “Outdoorsy . . . Nostalgic . . . Musky shag carpet . . . Antiseptic . . . Detergent . . . Head shop . . . Doll perfume.”
On the label: “To keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.”
Axe Deodorant Bodyspray
Fragrance: Kilo
Sniff stuff: “Vanilla/butter . . . Too sweet . . . A jock (athlete) . . . Too foody . . . Doesn’t get the hormones cookin’.”
On the label: “Just hold can 6 inches from your body and spray it all over, including your chest, neck, underarms–all the hot spots.”
adidas 24hr Fragrance Deodorant Body Spray
Fragrance: Sport Fever
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Sniff stuff: “Exotic, yet subtle . . . Girls locker room . . . Floral . . . New furniture . . . Baby powder . . . Too sweet . . . Off lemony.”
On the label: “Developed with adidas’ in-depth skin and body knowledge.”
Right Guard Xtreme Sport Deodorant Body Spray
Fragrance: Cool Peak
Sniff stuff: “Pine-shaped car air freshener . . . Trapped in a newly cleaned bathroom against my will . . . Fruity . . . My uncle Bob . . . A bit overwhelming.”
On the label: “Leaves you feeling fresh, clean and ready for action.”