An aftershave that makes me happy (Clinique: Happy For Men, Eau de Cologne)

Member Name: micksheff

Product:	Clinique: Happy For Men, Eau de Cologne
Date:	02/11/08 (207 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Smells nice, long lasting fragrance

Disadvantages: Quite expensive

When I think about all of the different fragrances for men that are now available the name Clinique is usually the first thing that springs into my mind. This may have something to do with the fact that Clinique were one of the first companies within the cosmetic and beauty sector to attempt to actively market not just a single product for men but a whole range of different products.

Clinique is one of the leading brands of cosmetic companies in the UK. It began back in 1968 as an offshoot of the Estee Lauder Company, and despite having successfully carved out its own unique identity within the market place, it still remains under the umbrella of the Estee Lauder group of Companies.

Happy for Men is an aftershave that I am currently wearing for casual use. It is classified as a masculine scent with a citrus fragrance and comes in a rectangular shaped cardboard box that is such a vivid bright orange colour you could be forgiven for thinking that Stelios from Easyjet had launched his own brand of "easy-aftershave".

In the ever changing world of perfumes, where the packaging and bottle shape is almost as important as the fragrance itself the bottle inside this eye-catching box is a little bit of a disappointment. It comes in a short, fat bottle with a silver push on lid that takes up half of the container. Below this lid the bottle is transparent with an orange-red coloured tinge to it giving the impression that the liquid inside is actually of this colour. It is not of course, it is a clear liquid.

The initial smell of this aftershave is very refreshing. It has a very clean, fresh, fruity smell which is definitely predominantly of citrus flavours and in particular of oranges. Closer inspection reveals other citrus flavours of lemon and grapefruit.

Once applied I find that the initial strength of the fragrance fades rather quickly leaving only a subtle hint of its original blast of citrus laden scents behind. At this point it would be tempting to apply a little more of the spray but I would certainly recommend against this as once the initial smell has settled down it does remain for a very long time, leaving the skin feeling soft and very refreshed.

Clinique Happy for Men aftershave is a part of a small group of Clinique products in the Happy for Men range that also includes deodorants and anti-perspirents. These all come in the same distinctive bright orange packaging.

Happy for Men Aftershave is sold in 50ml and 100ml bottles. A 50ml bottle costs around £25 whilst the larger 100ml bottle works out at better value at around £35 a bottle. I currently have the 50ml size which I received as a gift. It is also available as a splash on liquid but I have found this difficult to find. It is not to be confused with the female equivalent of this product, which comes in a similar looking box (though slightly paler in colour) and is simply called Clinique Happy.

This fragrance is marketed as being suitable for office wear. Personally I wouldn't wear it for work as I think that it is too good for everyday use. Instead I wear it as a casual fragrance when I am going out in the evening but not going anywhere extra special. Using it in this way and alternating it with some of my other fragrances a 50ml will quite easily last me six months.

This fragrance is not the cheapest around but you do only need to use a very small amount so a little goes a long way and for this reason I believe that it is reasonable value for money. It is also very refreshing, and above all when I am wearing it always puts me in a good mood. Therefore it is recommended.

Summary: Part of Cliniques range of beauty products for men