if it is done well, it can be powerful, for men and women. the problem is not a lot of people do it well. They'll pick a very cheesy scent that degrades within an hour and over splash it on. There's also a lot to be said for not picking the same scents as every other schmoe has picked because it was a trendy scent a few years ago. The key is a pleasant smell/experience and if it doesnt provide that, or if it is used too often, then it is done wrong.