Confessions of a Social Climber

Ever heard of Robert Greene? You know, just the author of the highly successful line of books, “The 48 Laws of Power,” “The 33 Strategies of War” and, of course, “The Art of Seduction.” After getting to read slivers of it, I can’t help but wonder how the “seducer types” are like … I could already picture the difference in my mind, of course, but I’m thinking more of … how they smell and whatnot.

So, here’s what I think of what some of ‘em might probably smell like.

The Rake – Being a master of seductive language, his perfume mustn’t overpower his words, and is hopelessly enslaved to his love for women, I think the best choice is Kenneth Cole Reaction – with a twist of citrus, (very unusual, I am told for men’s fragrances) it carries a warm, woodsy aroma with a citrus twist that is attention-grabbing, and yet, unassuming.

The Dandy – From the book, “Dandies excite us because they cannot be categorized, and hint at a freedom we want for ourselves. They play with masculinity and femininity; they fashion their own physical image, which is always startling; they are mysterious and elusive. They also appeal to the narcissism of each sex: to a woman they are psychologically female, to a man, they are male.” From that description alone, I could picture a dandy jumping over and using something made for a female, if only, to provoke more intrigue and mystery their way. I would say, “Be Happy” by Clinique — it provides a great floral fragrance with a hint of citrus. Understated, and yet alluring.

The Charmer – These seducers create pleasure and comfort. (Sometimes through manipulation!) They seemingly understand what a girl is all about, never presenting a counter-argument (or never arguing, actually) – by aiming at a person’s vanity and self-esteem, they gain a foot hold in their targets. For that suave and sophisticated seducer, I’m thinking Incanto by Salvatore Ferragamo will do the trick.

The Star – They project the unattainable. They are the stuff of dreams, or legend, always being distant, and yet, instead of getting repulsed, we wonder what it is they have that’s just so captivating. For these wonders, I imagine something that truly stands out in the realm of floral, citrus and “shore” scents — Gucci Envy Pour Homme — it’s the spice that draws you in, while the hint of vanilla softens the blow for the knock out.

The Charismatic – “Passion,” is what comes to mind when describing the charismatic seducer. They are intense individuals that don’t invade your world, but instead, brings you to theirs. Their motivation and drive combined with a sense of detachment is what gets you. For these men with ambition, Black by Kenneth Cole seems about right — not only will this work for seduction purposes, this would also work for them in the corporate ladder.

The Ideal Lover – Like a long-lost lover, they bring out their romantic guns and just blow their targets’ minds away. What can perfectly encapsulate something like that, but a scent, of which itself, seems so familiar, and yet still pleasing after all these years? There’s a reason why Davidoff Coolwater just works … it just does. Bold, and yet sweet.

The Natural – Finally, what else could suit a natural, other than the natural musk of the body? While other men cover up their smell with scents, the natural, to me, is a creature of pure primitive urge.

Now I didn’t cover all the seducer types, but that should do for now. Most of these fragrances are available at Amazon.com. And, if you’re asking, no, I am not a target for these seducers — I’m the seductress!