The beauty regime for most men is usually a three step journey: showering, shaving and quickly tossing some aftershave.
Those men who are willing to put on cologne usually gravitate towards fragrances that have an aftershave accord, which accordingly evokes a desirable notion of heightened masculinity.
In an attempt to encourage men into experimenting with fragrances, and showing them that there is an entire playground perfume beyond the deodorant alley, I have polled several of my BFFs to reveal their favorite male colognes.
Men, if you really want to impress women with your cologne choice, I suggest sticking to these colognes unanimously handpicked by a pack of female perfume connoisseurs. Especially if you want to pick a scent that is women’s favorite as opposed to men.
TERRE D’HERMES EDT BY HERMES: NOT FOR BOYS
This is success personified. My friend says she cannot help but move closer to every guy who wears this olfactory triumph by Hermes.
This is what she said: I love it when men opt for Terre d’Hermes. It grips me with its fresh, clean, smooth, elegant, sophisticated blend of spicy pepper which hits you like a tidal wave and the “dirty” and “earthy” citrus, combined with the vetiver, which draws the curtains on this explicit scented show. There is definite coarseness in this perfume, which makes a clear distinction between men and boys.
GUILTY POUR HOMME EDT BY GUCCI: FRAGRANT LADYKILLER
Designed with the profile of the ultimate ladykiller in mind, this bad boy in the world of perfumes is actually as smooth and subtle as his seduction technique. This fragrance invites women to come little closer and feel the aura of the perfume, mixed with the personality of its owner. Unlike most men colognes that try to mimic the strength of the stouter sex by being cloying, the man wearing Guilty will give off a whiff of masculinity and class with a much desired subtleness.
ACQUA DI GIO POUR HOMME EDT BY GIORGIO ARMANI: SCENTED CHIVALRY
“This is a perfume that reminds me of a hot, steamy love séance. I imagine kissing him, and his lips are salty from the sea and sweat, but I tame his combusting look on the face by meeting my orange sated lips with his”, is what my friend says about this cologne. It is a scent that balances in equal measures citrusy, aquatic and sweet notes. A perfume for the man that says: I will lay my world at your feet!
LE MALE EDT BY JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: SEXY, POWDERY AND MANLY
This perfume oozes masculinity. It radiates through its name, the shape of the bottle, but most of all through the eclectic combo of fragrance notes: bittersweet grapefruit sliding on warm, powdery vanilla, amber and musk. And just when a girl is to suspect the surprises have come to an end, the vetiver comes unannounced, and all you want to do all night is to snuggle up to this masculine scent till dawn comes and breaks all fun. Kudos Mr Gaultier, a real winner.
DOLCE & GABBANA POUR HOMME EDT BY DOLCE&GABBANA: GENTLEMAN’S CHOICE
This perfume elicits thoughts of a very modern, 21st century, driven man with early 20th century manners. It is oriental, with a velvety plush scent of tobacco radiating through a powerful jasmine. The citrus is there also, making sure the perfume never gives way to being too sweet or too mellow. If this perfume was a boyfriend, it would have been the best boyfriend ever: clever, protective and always in charge.
