Fragrance makes a great gift, so treat the man you love to a new scent this Father's Day. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the latest and her favourte colognes to spice up his life.
“Good manners and good colonge is what transfers a man into a gentleman.”
A fragrance is an invisible part of our personal style and has the power to evoke distant memories and foster deep emotional connections. But with so many new scents on the market each year, it can be hard to know what to choose. Luckily, we've done the hard yards for you. From the latest fruity offerings with a tropical twist to that ever-popular, fresh, sporty splash. Or if your man is the outdoorsy type he will be pleased to hear, woody scents are making a comeback, with the latest sporting a citrus and lavender twist.
Here's a guide to selecting the best masculine scents, all you have to do is follow your nose...
Fruity
COACH PLATINUM EDP 100ML, $149. The unexpected blend of pineapple, juniper berry and sage are the perfect ingredients to complement leather and sandalwood. Jimmy Choo Man Blue, from $97. PIneapple and apple add the bite and freshness to what is a modern blend of inviting clary sage and spicy pepper.
Cologne or parfum?
No one likes to be overpowered by fragrance so it's important to pick one that suits the man. Fragrances range in strength from long-lasting eau de parfum to faster-fading eau de cologne (eau de toilette sits in the middle). If he's the life and soul of the party you can amp it up but if he's the quieter type, play it safe with a less concentrated formula.
Fresh
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH First Instinct Blue Man EDT from $78. The blend of cardamom, apple and bergamot are instantly refreshing, while the addition of lavender, pepper and rosemary keeps this scent crisp. Yves Saint Laurent Y Men, 100ml, $175. On-trend, the dash of tropical pineapple blended with bergamot, lemon and mint, is the perfect complement to violet leaf and sage. This is the ideal scent to take away on a summer escape.
How to choose
Most fragrances sit within an aromatic family, which can help you choose a new scent if you already know one he likes. For example, if he's a fan of clean, fresh fragrances, look for something with green, water, or citrus notes. If he likes a headier, spicy scent, orientals are your target. For a safe middle ground, choose something with dry or mossy wood accords.
Aromatic
Acqua Di Gio Absolu, from $162. The essence of lavender, rosemary and bergamot blend effortlessly with the creamy warm woods. Azzaro Wanted by Night, 100ml, $135. Known as a woody oriental, this hypnotic fragrance has all the makings of a classic. Red cedar and cinnamon, are given sweetness by fruity notes and citrus, which helps the tobacco and cypress linger for hours.
Size matters
Fragrances come in many different sizes – which will also affect the price – so before you head to the checkout consider how often he wears fragrance. If he's a special-occasions-only kind of guy, opt for a smaller bottle. Fragrances have a shelf life and a large one may break down before he's finished with it.
Woody
Givenchy Gentleman, from $121. This is one of the most exquisite scents we own thanks to the mix of pepper essence and lavender. Orris and Tolu balm (similar to amber) with patchouli and heady black vanilla is why this scent lasts on the skin for hours. Prada Luna Rossa Black EDP, from $142. If you could bottle the scent of a romantic summer evening this is it. The blend of fresh citrusy bergamot and soft angelica, once enriched by patchouli, musk and ambergris, and you have the ideal fragrance for that outdoorsy guy.
And finally...
If the man in question is new to fragrance, give him a quick lesson in how to wear it. The golden rule is to use scent sparingly, applying it to the parts of the body that are naturally warmest, and for a man, it's the neck, chest, forearm and inner elbow. Spraying fragrance on clothes risks staining especially when wearing natural fibres like cotton and silk. It also prevents the scent from mingling with his body oils, which is what creates the unique way a fragrance will smell on him and nobody else.
All these fragrances are available at Life Pharmacy here