I’ve written fondly about Old Spice, that very classic of aftershaves, before. It reminds me of my grandfather, who lived most of his life on a tiny island off the Virginia coast except for the time he spent serving in World War II, which took him to New York City, California, the Pacific Theater of the war, Washington, D.C, and then back home. What’s not to love about the clean, crisp scent ... the nautical theme that reminds us of our innate love of the sea ... the fact that it’s so doggone cheap.
But the past few years, things have changed at Old Spice. The products are more relevant to an active lifestyle, from body washes to high-tech deodorants that promise clean-smelling ways all day long. The square-rigged ship that so long served as its icon is now a fast-looking schooner with spinnakers-a-flappin’. There are TV ads that emphasize the sexiness of using Old Spice, from the Red Zone body sprays that claim users will be attacked in elevators by hot women to this one for deodorant that notes, “When she’s hot, it’s sexy ... when you’re hot ... you STINK!”
This rejuvenation was chronicled in late 2004 by Business Week, which notes even teen-age guys (that segment that usually overcompensates its manboy stink with buckets of cologne) prefer Old Spice because it’s so hip.
A new product that I may be imagining (can’t find it documented on the Web site yet) is a new body wash that doubles as a shampoo. The TV ad I thought I saw said, “It’s the easiest way to come clean” and had some guy sudsing up while his girlfriend/spouse kept asking him if there were any of her friends he’d like to sleep with, “It’s OK, you can tell me!” Yeah, right. I just think it would be great for traveling because it’s one less bottle I’d have to pack.
Old Spice is also a sponsor of a NASCAR race team, so that even toothless redneck fans can aspire to smell good, and is probably on the cusp of launching a cologne-powered space shuttle.
The main Web site says, “At Old Spice, we're dedicated to staying up-to-date on emerging technologies that protect you from odor and wetness, and keep you smelling great. With our new scents, and constantly expanding line of products, it's no surprise that Old Spice is a top choice among guys.”
I’m an easy sell, seeing as it’s part of my heritage and all. I’ve used Old Spice deodorants since my manboy body sprouted pubes (TMI!) and really started to reek. Sure, I’ve moved the same bottle of aftershave around with me for the past 15 years, but I rocket through bottles of High Endurance Body Wash (Mountain Rush scent) like it’s going out of style. Thankfully, it’s solidly in style.
Ladies, what do you like your men to smell like? Guys, what’s your favorite way to cover up your God-given stench?
I'm kinda partial to 212 for Men.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002JBVPC/qid=1142976872/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-6766707-2780940?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=3760901
though I havn't owned a bottle in a long time.
Yes, Old Spice has carved quite a nice little niche for itself. And it's much better than Hai Karate!!
T, I thought I'd never run across someones blog that mentions Chincoteague Island. What a small world. I used to love going there every summer when I was younger.
Anyway, in answer to your question of covering up our God-given stench, I prefer whatever is on sale that my wife doesn't object to. Brand isn't as important as the scent-du-jour.
Ok, you are so right about the teenage boys. When my 18-yo brother-in-law was visiting with us, he would drown himself in a cologne that was cheap and funky. It was awful!! A couple months later and the guest room still reeks. Anyway, I just like for my man to smell subtly fresh. Most male colognes do the trick, as long as only a touch is used.
True, but I never see those crusty commercials anymore.
My favorite scent on a guy is soap. That's all. Soap.
Just today one of our patients had a bottle of Old Spice by his bed. I had to ask if men were still using it.
Degree is what dampens down my pheromones. Have a large selection of colognes...which one I use depends on mood and which one I get my hand on first....other times depends on where I'm going...and with whom! ;-)