Lo and behold the effortless, crème de la crème of fragrances that have been crowd-pleasers for a reason. They continue to soar above the everyday scents like a stylishly dressed peacock at a pigeon convention.
These are the eight fragrances for men that you must learn to love.
Colonia, Acqua di Parma
Acqua di Parma’s Colonia is hands-down, one of the brand’s most beloved fragrances. It sings of ripe, zesty and citrusy notes that somehow would be apt for any occasion. With the vibrancy of lemon, bergamot, lavender and patchouli, a few spritzes of this is akin to sipping a freshly squeezed glass of your favourite citrus juice, on holiday on the Italian Riviera – but minus the sticky fingers and breakfast crumbs.
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Eau Sauvage, Dior
This fragrance is probably best served as an evening wear option because of its undeniably sensual appeal. It’s a scent James Bond probably wore but never told you about. A classic from the ’60s with notes of lemon, rosemary and vetiver, it captures the essence of free spirited men of all eras.
Burberry Brit For Men, Burberry
A perennially fresh-scented, modern cologne with an outdoorsy vibe, it’s spiced up by notes of mandarin orange, warm cardamom, ginger and nutmeg. It’s not the heavy, rugged spice most are accustomed to that also verges on being too heady or feeling like you’ve been hit with a spice rack. This ‘to the manor born’ cologne is all about staying invigoratingly fresh while flaunting a touch of sophisticated flair.
Terre D’Hermes, Hermes
The maison’s shining fragrance has earned its rightful place in the annals of the fragrance world since it stormed onto the scene in 2006. This earthy concoction of orange, pepper and cedar, with a touch of minerality, is perfectly tailor-made for those who are both rugged and refined — think of it as the cologne equivalent of a stylish lumberjack who knows his way around a six-course dinner.
Bleu de Chanel, Chanel
Introduced in 2010, Bleu is a symphony of scents that packs a punch and makes a powerful statement. Lemon, mint, pink pepper, ginger, jasmine and incense live harmoniously in this bottle, mingling together in smooth, hedonistic harmony that’s simply impossible to ignore.
Ralph Lauren Polo Blue, Ralph Lauren
The epitome of laid-back sophistication, this classic fragrance boasts a fresh, green bouquet with cardamom, clary sage, basil, and a touch of refined woodiness. It’s best worn in warm, balmy weather — though you could wear it every day of the year — and delivers a scent that’s as crisp as the high-end polo shirt you bought it with.
Aventus, Creed
This British-blended scent was released in celebration of the brand’s 250th anniversary back in 2010. Inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte, many of the ingredients used to create this fragrance were taken from his storied life. Featuring blackcurrants from Corsica, Napoleon’s birthplace, and birch from Louisiana, where he spent a robust amount of time, it presents a citrus-championing, chypre-centric scent that echoes his legendary influence on the world.
Cool Water, Davidoff
Cool Water is the ultimate hit on the forever-favourite colognes playlist. No man has gone through life without a bottle of this fresh scent sitting in his grooming cabinet at some point or the other. Picture diving into the crisp, refreshing sea, where you first encounter earthy sandalwood and musk before being buoyed by floral notes like geranium, lavender and jasmine. Cool Water is like getting a refreshing wake-up call from Neptune himself.