Gendarme Fragrances

I was first introduced to this fragrance back in 1990. At first I thought that it was too mild but I decided to try it on and the sales rep at what was back then called Bullock ‘s (now Macy’s) gave me a few samples. I was used to wearing Polo so I kept thinking Gendarme was too faint. Then soon after I started getting compliments from the most gorgeous women who were wondering «what is that scent you are wearing?» So I bought a 3.4 oz spray bottle and the rest his history. I’ve been wearing Gendarme for the past 20 something years.

I discovered Gendarme cologne a few months ago when my friends referred me to the Gendarmerie Spa, which is literally connected to the business of the cologne company by a stairway.
Quite literally, the most compliments I’ve ever received for a cologne. It’s unbelievable how many people have stopped me and asked me what I was wearing. Maybe because they don’t overexpose themselves like Obsession and Acqua di Gio, with stickytabs in every issue of GQ… maybe because it’s unique and not what five other people on the elevator are wearing… but everyone who smells it seems to love it. Not only that, but I sent my mother and sister their women’s fragrance, Carriere, for their birthdays and they both have the same experience. My mother told me last week that two nurses and a doctor all inquired when she went for her last mammogram (TMI, Mom, but you’re welcome for the gift).
The spa sells the fragrance line, and walk-​ins are welcome, so stop by and check out the testers. I’ve yet to meet anyone who didn’t rank it between 8 – 10 on a 0 – 10 scale. And everyone else is already wearing the one on your bathroom counter right now…

Is this a Unilocal page for a product rather than a public business at a fixed address? Assuming so, I can give just about everything the company — fragrance & skin care– makes 4 – 5 stars.
Their own website — perhaps that’s what this page is for? — is very customer friendly and a 5-​star class operation all the way. The rare times I’ve encountered any trouble placing or receiving my order online — I’ve found a phone number without hunting for it that’s actually staffed by Gendarme’s employees and not some 3^rd part order takers. There’s also an easy-​to-​find email address too — and my emails were also answered by friendly, helpful folks.
Whether you will like or dislikes a fragrance as much as I do is of course a very individual, emotional matter. But with several uniquely-​named fragrances that are quite different from one another and distinctly-​different from what else is on the market, there’s a good chance you’d give at least one of them high ratings too.
I’ve been wearing their namesake cologne for more than 20 years, but I occasionally have switched to their Sky & Grabazzi. Their shaving cream is the best I’ve ever used, but read the directions carefully — a little goes a long way and you should allow your razor to «clean up» under running, hot water frequently while using it. Otherwise, it tends to stick to the blades.
Fortunately, their «balms» or moisturizers do not «clump up.» They have the added benefit of really «sinking into» your skin quickly, instead of lingering on the surface as if it were cheap sunscreen.
Their bar soaps are pricey for soap, so I guess that’s why they call them «body bars.» But they last a long time before shrinking down to nothing — and for whatever reason, showering with it improves my mood. There’s also a liquid soap — excuse me, «body wash» — for those who prefer that. (To each his/​her own).
I do miss their anti-​perspirant-​free yet effective «baton» deodorant which has been out of stock for sometime. Perhaps they have some quality control problem, but I’d give them points for carefully working on a solution for whatever time it takes — as I wouldn’t want to buy it if the original quality has become elusive for now, whatever the reason.
Gendarme fragrances are not just for men by the way — many of my female friends wear them too with different but equally positive results. I have found their products at Nordstrom, Barney’s and Bloomingdales — no doubt other stores stock them too. But if they’re out of what I want, or I just don’t feel like going to the mall, Gendarme’s own website is a welcome alternative.
One hint — if you see any Gendarme product offered online at a huge discount, it is indeed too good to be true. The few times I have gone for «a great deal,» I’ve been utterly disappointed. The color, the smell, the feel just isn’t the same. The company claims they use no preservatives and that may explain why discounters can only make money buying product that looks or smells off.
Fine wine isn’t fine forever. I guess it’s the same for fragrances & skin care that’s a cut above.