Anyone know of any "manly but floral" scents for AS, reminiscent (ha, just realized the probable etymology of that word) of Honeysuckle, Jasmine, White ginger flowers, lily of the valley, etc.? So far my wife has not been a fan of the Masters bay rum, the Clubman Pinaud, or the Aqua Velva blue. But I like those flower scents (the ones in my list above) and might try something with a bit lighter scent like flowers... IF I can find something that doesn't smell too ladylike or perfume-y. Still waiting for my Blue Spruce and Cedarwood TSD aftershaves to arrive. But anticipating that since my wife is very particular about my scents, I figure I'll start some of the legwork on alternates now
Nag Champa maybe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nag_Champa https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=nag+champa+aftershave
Fragrances don't have genders. I also do custom blends. If you want I can make a sample of something floral and woodsy to throw in your order. Just send me a PM and we can discuss it.
Of course, for a real manly smell you should go with the Burger King cologne, but unfortunately I don't think it's still in producton. http://www.firemeetsdesire.ca/
If you're truly manly, you can wear anything you want. Today I used Cavendish (tobacco) and a little bit of Special Reserve (leather/spice/whiskey). Yet I can just as easily use Lilac (the Veg), Rose, Vetiver, etc. It helps if you wear a tool belt or at least carry a hammer
I am a big fan of floral scents, especially in shaving soaps. I use rose, lilac, and lavender on a regular basis. I have never had anyone comment on the scents being feminine.
According to Basenotes.net here is the composition of AV. Top Notes Bergamot, Lavender, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Lemon Middle Notes Clary Sage, Jasmin, Vetiver, Sandal, Cedarwood Base Notes Labdanum, Musk, Amber, Moss, Leather So it would seem from your discussions with your SWMBO she does not like earthy or strong scented fragrances. The Base Notes are the strongest and longest lasting scents in every cologne, EDT, or after shave and the Top Notes are the shortest lasting scents (maybe even a minute or two for some frags). So scents where Musk, Amber, Moss, Leather, Bay Rum, and Cloves are dominant are a no no. You might want to try some scents that have Vanilla or Lime as the Base Note to see if that is more to her suiting and to yours.
I love this article about six forgotten aftershaves. http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/01/10/6-forgotten-drugstore-colognes-and-aftershaves/
Agua Lavanda Puig is an EdC but light enough to use as an aftershave. It's a bright, clean lavender fragrance, supposedly was Sinatra's favorite. Or try Pour un Homme de Caron's aftershave. Lavender, vanilla, a little musk. Also, I heard Barrister & Mann is coming out with their Vetiver, Heather & Clary Sage scent in an aftershave. Heather smells similar to lilac. Clary sage is sort of grassy and herbal and the little bit of vetiver grounds the whole thing and keeps it masculine (I'm speaking from experience with the soap, presumably the AS will be the same).