From woody aromas to fresh citrus scents, we reveal 10 of the best men’s fragrances to try
On the hunt for a new signature scent or a gift for someone special? The choice is endless when it comes to men’s aftershave. From lighter daytime scents to deeper, more sultry options for the evening, the right fragrance has the power to elevate any occasion and bring out your personality.
But we know that buying a fragrance online is no easy feat. How do you tell your spicy scents from your citrussy ones, or your eau de parfums from your eau de toilettes? We’re here to break things down with our guide to buying men’s aftershave and ten of the best men’s fragrances to try.
What notes are in men’s fragrances?
First off, it goes without saying that any fragrance can be worn by anyone of any gender. If you like how it smells, then go for it!
Scents that are categorised or labelled as ‘men’s’ tend to include woody, spicy, aromatic, citrussy, ambery or leathery notes which are traditionally thought of as more masculine in contrast to floral, fruity or sweet notes that typically make up feminine fragrances.
Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, knowing which notes are in the fragrance is one of the best ways to help you find the right scent. We’ve also got plenty more tips in our article on how to choose a fragrance along with some dos and don’ts to help you hit the right notes.
What’s the difference between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, aftershave & cologne?
Technically, aftershaves are a scented liquid-based product (or sometimes a balm or lotion) applied to the face after shaving to help soothe skin. However, you might have noticed that the word ‘aftershave’ is often used as a catch-all for any fragrance that falls into the ‘masculine’ category.
There are actually many types of fragrances, each with their own unique properties. Wondering what the difference is? It’s all down to the concentration of oil which is used to create a fragrance’s unique aroma. Concentrations vary from fragrance to fragrance type, but here’s an average guide to how much oil is in each one:
• Extract/solid perfume – 20-30%
• Perfume – 15-25%
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) – 8-15%
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) – 4-8%
• Cologne (EDC) – 2-4%
• Aftershave – 2-4%
Generally, the higher the percentage of oil, the higher the price – but it’s not as simple as one being weaker or stronger smelling than another. Different concentrations of the same fragrance (like Eau de Toilette vs Eau de Parfum) may also use different notes, so if you really like a scent, try exploring it in its various forms for a new twist on your classic pick.
Where should I spray my aftershave?
Spraying your scent directly onto your skin is the best way to get the most from your fragrance, as our body heat really helps to make certain fragrance notes thrive. Aim for the pulse points on your neck and wrists.
If you have sensitive skin, spraying your perfume or aftershave onto your clothes is a perfect alternative. The fibres on your clothes will cling on to the scent for much longer than your skin, so as you move throughout the day, the fabric will continue to release a captivating aroma around you. Here are some more top tips for making your fragrance last longer.
Where & how should I store my aftershave?
Ideally, you should store your fragrances in a cool, dark place to shield them from sunlight and heat which will deteriorate the formula. It’s best to find something else to display on your dressing table!
10 of the best aftershaves for men
If you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s our round-up of ten top fragrances for men:
BOSS The Scent for Him Elixir Parfum Intense
• Size: 50ml
• Fragrance family: Ambery
A highly concentrated twist on the original BOSS The Scent for Him fragrance, this complex and spicy parfum opens with red hot pimento which melts into captivating lavandin absolute over an earthy base of Caledonian sandalwood. It’s a leathery and ambery signature scent that will last all day, exuding a charisma as bold as it’s fiery red and gold bottle.
TOM FORD Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum
• Size: 50ml
• Fragrance family: Floral leather
Look no further for a statement Eau de Parfum for men. This deeply textured scent combines cardamom top notes with a heart of jasmine and leather over a warming and fresh base of amber, patchouli and moss. It’s housed in a sleek black bottle, ready to unleash the exquisite aroma within.
Valentino Born In Roma Green Stravaganza Donna
• Size: 30ml
• Fragrance family: Floral, ambery & woody
Inspired by the abundant gardens of Rome, this opulent blend of lapsang souchong tea, radiant jasmine and captivating vanilla is an invitation to feel the energy, unleash your true personality and live excessively. Plus, the stunning green bottle is one to brighten up any day.
Giorgio Armani Code Eau de Toilette Refillable
• Size: 50ml
• Fragrance family: Citrussy & woody
Timeless and sensual, this classic scent strikes the perfect harmony of sophistication and seduction thanks to the citrus cocktail of bergamot and lemon with soft notes of olive tree blossom and a warming tonka bean base. Designed to impress, it’s an ideal evening fragrance in a striking black bottle that can be refilled time and time again.
Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette
• Size: 100ml
• Fragrance family: Spicy, leathery & citrussy
Break all the rules and flaunt your individuality with this spicy signature scent in a gilded gold bar bottle that’s sure to make a statement. It’s filled with fragrant notes of rose, cinnamon, blonde leather and white wood that exudes extravagance.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Eau de Parfum
• Size: 75ml
• Fragrance family: Woody & ambery
Capturing the power of a leader, this intense Eau de Parfum is infused with cardamom, lavender, iris and vanilla. It’s encased in a sailor-inspired bottle dressed in a black and gold officer’s jacket. Get ready to set sail into your new signature scent!
DIOR Sauvage Elixir
• Size: 60ml
• Fragrance family: Woody, fresh & spicy
Reinterpreting the iconic freshness of Sauvage, discover the surprising aroma of grapefruit, spices, lavender and smooth woody notes in this unique and highly concentrated elixir. The bold and sophisticated scent is matched by the deep midnight blue bottle that belongs in anyone’s fragrance collection.
Hermès Terre D'Hermès Eau Intense Vetiver Eau de Parfum
• Size: 100ml
• Fragrance family: Woody & spicy
Dive into the depths of vetiver combined with the liveliness of green bergamot and Sichuan pepper for an irresistible fresh, spicy and woody scent. Its power and intensity is reflected in its luminous yellow colour encased in a minimal glass bottle inspired by traditional travel vanity cases.
YSL Y Men’s Eau de Parfum
• Size: 60ml
• Fragrance family: Woody & aromatic
Blending sophistication, sensuality and strength, Y opens with fresh notes of bergamot and ginger, enhanced by juicy green apple, layered over a heart of sage, juniper and lavender and a woody base of frankincense and vetiver. It’s a modern scent that contrasts light and dark, just like its bottle that moves from inky black to stunning sky blue.
D by Diesel Eau de Toilette
• Size: 100ml
• Fragrance family: Fougere ambery
Embodying the confidence and freedom to act for change, D adapts and evolves with your skin like no ordinary fragrance. The top note unveils spicy and fresh ginger, followed by aromatic lavender. The heart note of denim cotton accord perfectly settles on your skin like your favourite pair of jeans. And the base note is a sensual and warm vanilla infusion that’s hard to resist.
That completes our round-up of the best aftershaves for men! Shop more in our full range of men’s fragrances.
