I only use the British equivalent of Axe body-spray for day-to-day usage when I'd prefer not to smell for a proportion of the day. That being said - as long as you aren't drenched in it no one will complain that you are wearing too much to begin with. I personally see body-sprays as a cheap method to not smell like sweat - because sweat is obviously the worse of the two smells.
I personally use cheap body-sprays everyday, after a shower, only where I sweat lots (under the armpit). If I am going out to impress I will use a bit of cologne. Literally one spritz for the wrist and a dab behind each ear (you don't need to bathe in it).
In all honesty, how a woman perceives a fragrance is completely down to their anatomy, I've known women that like the smell of Axe-type bodysprays so much so they prefer it over female body-sprays so I think what you have heard about women disliking Axe is bull, if they dislike the smell of Axe ask them if they prefer the smell of sweat. I wouldn't worry about what you use in the end.
If you are struggling to buy a fragrance that you want to impress people with buy what you like the smell of, you are the one that will have to smell it the most.