Select your fragrance like you would choose your clothes – whatever you’re doing, it should always suit the vibe.
That doesn’t mean to say you need to have countless scents available to you at all times. As a self-confessed aftershave addict (I literally won’t leave the house without a bottle in my bag), I’ve tried countless fragrances over the years and have a shelf full of sprays at home. Even so, there are a few key scents I have in my rotation, I go back to time and time again, each of which ticks a different box.
If you’re heading to the office, for example, it’s best to go for something understated yet distinctive – you want to pique your colleagues’ interest without giving them a headache. Going out-out? Something musky will give off a sexy, self-assured confidence. Or, for a beach holiday, a light second-skin spritz is the only accessory you need with a pair of swim shorts.
Regardless of the situation, a lot of guys tend towards scents which feel manly. If that sounds like you, there are a few fragrance profiles to look out for which will tip the scales in the right direction. As a general rule, it’s best to avoid anything too sweet or floral and instead look for musk, oud, woody notes of sandalwood or cedar or even something grassy like vetiver.
When it comes to the warmer months, it’s best to look for fragrances which balance these traditionally boyish scents with uplifting notes which bring some freshness – lemon, neroli, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, mint, thyme, basil, et al. Do that and your chosen fighter will give off a masculine energy without being too in-your-face macho – the perfect balance.
Then, there’s some technical lingo to be aware of. Fragrances are separated into a few different strength categories. Eau de parfum (EDP) sits on the top step of the potency ladder, while eau de toilette (EDT) is the next rung down, and cologne is the lightest of the three.
Having tried multiple iterations of all three, I’d always recommend going for an EDP which has more staying power throughout the day. Some prefer to opt for something lighter when it’s warmer, but I just find myself reapplying more, which feels wasteful in the long run. Saying that, it’s important to make sure you follow the aforementioned steps so you don’t go for an EDP with an overpowering profile, which would be too much in the heat.
Or, you could simply choose one from the list of the best available now below. You can thank me later.
Keep scrolling for the best
Byredo Bal d'Afrique 50ml
Byredo’s founder Ben Gorham is all about translating memories through fragrance. Bal d’Afrique is one of his earliest blends, which he describes as “the fantasy of arriving in Africa through somebody else’s words” – it’s actually based on his father’s diaries of travelling around the continent for 10-15 years. Though it has some floral elements, the base of cedarwood and vetiver comes through for a woody yet spicy finish.
Buy now £150.00, Cult Beauty
Malin + Goetz Vetiver Eau De Parfum 50ml
Though Malin + Goetz has an unisex approach to beauty and fragrance, Vetiver, which balances the earthiness of vetiver with citrus and wood, feels like the perfect masculine summer scent. It’s refreshing. It’s subtle. And it settles down to a second-skin scent which feels like it could be your natural aroma.
Seeing as it’s a 50ml EDP for just £89, it would be rude not to.
Buy now £89.00, Malin + Goetz
Perfumer H Steam 50ml
Steam is the newest addition to Perfumer H’s repertoire – and it lives up to the brand’s rep for creating sophisticated blends which make you think twice. This time, it’s an aromatic mix of coriander, black pepper and green tea which is set off against mandarin and three types of wood, namely juniper, cedar and sandalwood. It feels bright, crisp and full of intrigue.
Buy now £130.00, Liberty
Horace L’Étiquette 50ml
Parisian grooming expert Horace was once best known for skincare and haircare, but now its fragrance offering is becoming just as renowned.
Each blend puts a different twist on masculinity – this scent, made in collaboration with French magazine L’Étiquette, for example, supercharges the summery scent of lavender with an undercurrent of tobacco for a new take on the classic. Now the temperature’s rising, it’s quickly becoming my go-to for a night out.
Buy now £62.00, Horace
Creed Original Santal 50ml
Creed may be best known for its best-selling scent, Aventus, but IMHO, Original Santal is even better – especially when it comes to summer. Where Aventus feels unmistakably masculine, almost to a fault, Original Santal offers a manly touch that’s toned down a little with lavender, geranium, bergamot and rosemary. But, like Aventus, it’s a scent that will leave a lasting impression for sure.
Buy now £195.00, Creed
Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau De Parfum 50ml
New York-based perfumery brand Le Labo has amassed a cult following since its foundation in 2005 - and with just one sniff, you’ll see why. Each and every one of the brand’s handmade scents boasts a unique, addictive blend that will keep you coming back for more.
One of the lighter aromas, Bergamote 22 is lifted with notes of tart grapefruit and fresh bergamot and balanced with the woodiness of vetiver and musk, resulting in a deep, complex fragrance that you’ll want on your shelf for years to come.
Buy now £170.00, Cult Beauty
Hermès H24 eau de toilette 50ml
A shining scent, herby notes of sage are layered over a soft woody base of rosewood for an aromatic and metallic finish that’s fit for wear from AM to PM - especially during the warmer months.
Buy now £75.00, Selfridges
Aesop Tacit Eau de Parfum 50ml
Anyone who’s shopped in one of Aesop’s beautifully minimal and deliciously smelling stores will be familiar with the brand’s signature herbaceous aroma - and Tacit is the best of the Australian label’s fragrances if you’d like to exude these fresh, green notes yourself.
Buy now £127.00, Aesop
Pleasing Bright Hot Eau De Parfum 100ml
A perfect, visually beautiful addition to any scent collection comes from Harry Styles’ Pleasing collection. The notes of amber, tobacco and plum will take you to your dream coastal destination with a simple spritz - even if all you’re actually doing is commuting on the central line.
Buy now £135.00, Selfridges
Vilhelm Parfumerie Basilico & Fellini
Vilhelm Parfumerie’s fragrances are unmistakable - and you only need a couple of sprays for each of them to stick with you throughout the day. Our favourite is Basilico & Fellini, which is one of the greenest, freshest, herbiest scents we’ve ever tried.
From the top note of basil to the base of vetiver and green hay, as well as the distinctive minty kick, there’s not an ingredient sight that you couldn’t find growing in a luscious (deliciously smelling) garden - and who doesn’t want that?
Buy now £220.00, Liberty
