Aromatic Distractions
Whether you’re heading to a job interview or on a romantic date, you probably ought to smell nice while you’re at it.
On my recent trip to New Zealand, I was the last person to board the plane. I asked the steward if I could check my bag, and as he reached over to grab my luggage I immediately looked up to him and said, ‘You smell wonderful’. Now I do know that this might have gotten awkward all of a sudden, but I have to admit that this compliment must have made him feel good the entire flight.
And that’s why this matters, gentlemen. Fragrance is an invisible part of our personal style, and it has a powerful effect on how people see and remember you. A good cologne offers numerous benefits, from making you more attractive, to helping you feel less stressed and more confident. And yet 80 per cent of men do not wear fragrance on a regular basis. Now that is something we immediately need to change.
Choosing the right fragrance – whether for yourself or as a gift for someone else – is never easy. So subjective is the process that it’s easy to come an olfactory cropper, especially if you base your selection on how something smells one someone else.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best men’s fragrances to sniff out this season. From citrus spritzes to aqua orientals, our list means you can spend less time wandering off scents but rather find your signature smell.
Coach Platinum by Coach
Inspired by the classic All-American road trip, it is a dynamic new scent that was launched in the summer of 2018. Created by perfumer Bruno Jovanovic, this fragrance appeals to the modern adventurer who is unafraid of where the route may lead him. It begins with top notes of pineapple, juniper berries, and black pepper which provide a refreshing opening. Then enter the heart notes of geranium and floral sage combined with masculine base notes of leather, sandalwood, patchouli, and cashmere to create a warmly sensual scent. Price: ₹6,000.
Mercedes Cologne Eau de Toilette by Mercedes-Benz
A perfect fragrance for the modern man who wants to smell fresh and bright but with a mild choice of scent. A summer must have, it is a fragrance inspired by freedom. With top notes of grapefruit, mandarin, Brazilian orange, and pink pepper, the first whiff is encapsulating. Crafted by Oliver Cresp, it is followed by heart notes of ginger, verbena and base notes of blonde woods, vetiver and a dash of musk. Price: ₹5,750.
Jimmy Choo Man by Jimmy Choo
Launched in 2014, this fragrance is for men with a sharp sense of style, sophistication, and confidence. Keeping these qualities in mind, the creative director of the house Sandra Choi chose actor Kit Harington, popularly known as John Snow in the iconic Game of Thrones as the face of this fragrance. The scent combines sensuality with aromatic, fruity and woody notes. It includes accords of honeydew melon, pink pepper, pineapple leaf, lavnder, patchouli and suede by perfumer Anne Flipo. Price: ₹5,700.
Aqva Pour Homme by Bvlgari
Crafted by Jacques Cavillier, this fragrance captures the heart of the ocean. It starts with the aroma of petit grains and citruses, and then we begin to capture heart notes of Posidonia Oceania seaweed. The base is extremely masculine with mineral amber and woody notes. Price: ₹5,700.
1 Million Cologne by Paco Rabanne
Paco Rabanne 1 Million is probably one of the most recognisable fragrances from the 21st Century so far. The three noses behind this scent are Michel Girard, Olivier Pescheux, and Christophe Raynaud. 1 Million caused a stir when it first came out in 2008. It was an immediate success and young men of all backgrounds flocked to grab themselves a bottle. An intoxicating and powerful blend. It starts out fresh with notes of blood mandarin, and transitions into a spicy leather accord of cinnamon and rose absolute. An arresting alchemy of passionate seduction. Finally ending with base notes of peppermint and amber ketal. Price: ₹5,200.
Prada L’Homme Intense by Prada
It made its debut alongside it’s feminine counterpart, Prada La Femme in 2016. But this masculine aromatic scent promises a multi-layered experience. With intensified top notes of leather and patchouli and heart notes of tonka beans brings an airy, oriental dimension to the top end. The aim of the perfumer Daniela Andrier was to evoke the elusive nature of the multi-faceted Prada man. Price: ₹5,475.
Legend Night Eau de Parfum by Mont Blanc
The aromatic notes of clary sage, peppermint enhanced with cool spices of cardamom and sparkling bergamot, set the fragrances crisp and spirited tone. Mont Blanc carefully selected each and every note used to create this one-of-a-kind mixture. This interesting combination is followed up with heart notes of cedar, fir resin, lavender, apple, and violet. These notes then blend into base notes of Black vanilla husk, vetiver, musk, akigalawood and earthy patchouli. Legend night was created by Antoine Maisondieu and Oliver Pescheux. Price: ₹4,200.
From the August 2019 issue of FHM India.
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