Catalyst for Men (1994)
by Halston

Smells like something that belongs on a ham, not on skin. Thumbs way down.

Hmmm what to say what to say...? Well, I smell sandalwood. It's sweet and spicy in the opening but lacks longevity. It's spicy throughout with sage and nutmeg (which in this case smells more like cinnamon) but it kicks the bucket in the long run. Semmed like it was filled with promise.

This is a spicy scent. I Mostly wear it on cold days and nights. I like it but does not seem to attract any ladies and no men ask what it is either. I will continue to use, but wouldn't use it for clubbing or special occasions.

This one is about as spicy as I’ve experienced in a designer fragrance. It certainly doesn’t hold back with the drama, and yet the notes are presented quite clearly with very good balance and differentiation. It is easy for me to pick out the clove, nutmeg, artemesia, and lavender with a suspicion of cumin and parsley in the opening accord, and I find that impressive in a fragrance with so many potent notes — normally, an inexpensive fragrance with a multitude of strong notes would present a muddled, amorphous spicy conglomerate. To my nose, the middle accord is dominated by the clove, nutmeg, and lavender, and, as with the top, the middle level has excellent longevity. The drydown is a good musk / sandalwood combination with a helping of oakmoss, amber, and a tiny bit of incense – the spices are pretty well spent, but they still echo. The drydown hugs the skin for a long time, and the entire fragrance is wonderfully masculine in its aromas and presentation. This is a spicy treat with the classic solidity of the early Halston fragrances. It exhibits very good quality, a greater-than-modern sillage, and very good performance throughout. Definitely for the spice lover, though — don’t even think about it if you don’t like lots of spice.

Clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, almond? No thanks, I decline. Such a spicy cocktail works better on an afternoon tea with grandma.

One of my top ten favorite scents of all time. (Yes, it ranks right up there among the Bois de Portugals and the JHLs.)

Should they ever discontinue this spicy classic, you can rest assured that I'll be lined up to buy every bottle I can find before the price skyrockets. Fortunately, Halston seldom discontinues a scent. (I can think of only two or maybe three the firm's ever sent packing.)

Rich and warm and spicy -- the clove and nutmeg really make this one enticing. Definitely a cold weather frag, though -- not for those who want to spend their winters wearing Bermuda shorts in Boca Raton.

Consistently nets a massive number of compliments for me, too -- hell, vanity alone would dictate that I keep wearing this wonderful stuff even if I didn't like it so darn much!