So I ordered a bottle of the Veg. I opened the package, and apparently it had opened during shipment. It spilled all over me. It smells like something urinated on me. Does the smell change after a bit?

Nope.

I'm wearing it right now and I smell like lilacs on a warm summer's eve. I think maybe a cat got into yours.

Well, that explains the guys in the HazMat suits.

Yes, but not for the better.

I think the cat problem occurs at the factory….

First impression isn't great. I will try it again, but not on a day I can't shower if it smells like this again. I am beginning to understand the hate.

The good news, is that it's not a full bottle

Here is a direct quote from Shoebox Shave Shop comparing Master's Lilac Vegetol with Pinaud's Lilac Vegetal.
Product Description
Master LILAC VEGETOL After Shave

When Master decided to knock-off Pinaud's classic Lilac Vegetal they changed the spelling of Vegetal, replacing the "a" with an "o" & they left out the ingredients which open the Pinaud version with a blast of Cat Urinesque.

Some guys like their LV with the opening blast of Cat Urinesque, some don't.

Try them both and decide for yourself, they're both great fragrances.

It's refreshing and has a smooth and cooling effect to your skin.

A small investment in Master aftershaves goes a long way in bringing back that old school barbershop experience into your personal shave den.

6 oz bottle

The Veg really does seem to depend on body chemistry more than any other fragrance we discuss. Very polarizing: either it smells okay on you or it doesn't.

I wonder what the Veg has that Vegetol left out?

I knew that was the case, so I only ordered a six oz bottle. Not sure if it being hot from being in the mailbox impacted the smell or not.

No. You would at least have to go beyond 212F to impact the smell by shear evaporation!

Supposedly the stuff was invented for the Hungarian Calvary. I guess anything is a step up from wet horses and old goulash.

I think the old goulash was made using the wet horses and it smelt better than the veg!

I believe it changes once its on the skin. never had the courage to try it but I guess that why people say u have to be chosen to wear it.

And later outlawed by the Geneva Convention.

was it invented for them, or used by them? I knew the HC was involved somehow in the story.