Many fragrance websites neglect their male shoppers, not so at DM Fragrances. Here we offer many of the top selling brands and have reviews and articles specifically for men. This article is all about male fragrance and aftershaves and looks more closely at some of the top selling brands.
There are four standard perfume "familes" - Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh; (these have been further divided into three sub-divisions). There is a fifth family that makes an exception from the others and this is the Fougére family, which is regarded as being the "classic" fragrance.
(Fougére means fern in French, and is built on a base of lavender, coumarin and oak moss. The family signature is a sharp herbal and woody scent.)
Fragrance for men tends to focus around the following perfume "families":
Woody Oriental
Mossy Woods
Dry Woods
Citrus
Green
Marine/water/aquatic
Aromatic Fougére
(and combinations of all the above)
Usually, men's fragrance is sold in either EDT (Eau de Toilette) or EDC (Eau de Cologne) concentrations, but aftershaves or splashes are also common, contain the least amount of aromatic compounds and are generally light and refreshing. Men should wear aftershave/fragrance in the same manner as women (i.e. on the pulse points and on the neck). Unless specifically using a light "splash" it can be very drying to the skin (not to mention stingy) to put it on the face.
Don't just stick to one brand, as it's nice to have a selection to choose from to suit different occasions and it also prevents getting too used to just the one, as you will cease to smell it if you over-wear it. Don't be afraid to seek female advice on a fragrance or aftershave, as most women genuinely enjoy critiquing them (and it gives you a good idea on what appeals to the opposite sex too!)
Here are some of the top selling aftershaves and male fragrances, together with a brief descriptive guide:
L'eau D'issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake
L'Eau d'Issey for Men is a Woody Aquatic fragrance. It has both spicy and woody notes that are accompanied by a citrus twang. It was created to be a universal aftershave that is perfect for every occasion. It also has immense staying power.
Aramis by Aramis
As a traditional male Woody Chypre fragrance, it never dates. Although strong and woody it's opening notes are fresh and "green", but soon settle into floral/spicy mid-notes with a definite cinnamon edge. It finishes on a wonderful warm leather note.
Aramis Life by Aramis
This is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance. It is fresh and zesty and is ideal for wearing in the summer or during the day. Dries down to a pleasant woody finish.
1 Million by Paco Rabanne
This is classified as a Woody Spicy fragrance. Warm, sweet and sexy. Not too strong but is long lasting on the skin.
Acqua Di Gio for Men by Armani
Aromatic Aquatic. A light classic cologne that's a pleasant combination of subtle fresh citrus, woody and ocean scents.
Dior Homme by Christian Dior
This is classed as a Woody Floral Musk. Not for everyone, but this is a complex and interesting fragrance that needs to be given time to settle on the skin. It's floral notes do soften to a nice musky finish. Women like this one on men!
Black XS by Paco Rabanne
Oriental Woody. This has sweet, fruity and spicy heart notes that dry down to woods and spices to finish. Very sexy, perhaps best worn as an evening scent?
Boss In Motion by Hugo Boss
Oriental Fougere. This is a classic male fragrance. Citrus opening notes and a lovely musky spicy finish. Can be worn anytime.
Selection by Hugo Boss
Aromatic Fougere. Zesty, herby opening notes and a spicy finish. A nice clean, herbal scent. Can be worn anytime.
Ultraviolet for Men by Paco Rabanne
Oriental Woody. A very unusual fragrance and not your run-of-the-mill Oriental. This is a sweet and spicy evening scent. I would recommend it for the younger man too.
Cool Water for Men by Davidoff
Aromatic Aquatic. Not the most complex of fragrances, this is simply a classic fresh and sharp male fragrance with marine notes. Strong, long-lasting and very masculine. Can be worn anytime.
Energise by Hugo Boss
Woody Aromatic. Initially zesty/fruity it has a warm and spicy dry-down with a hint of vanilla. Can be worn anytime.
Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein
Aromatic Fougere. A light and complex aromatic fragrance. Fresh, light and green at first, it then settles to reveal floral and woody middle and base notes. Subtle, sensual and masculine. Can be worn anytime.
Jazz by Yves Saint Laurent
Woody Aromatic. A very elegant fragrance. Fresh and slightly sweet at first, it has floral notes and a very woody and mossy dry-down. A hard one to describe. Can be worn on any occasion.
Homme by Joop
Oriental Fougere. This has a fresh citrus opening notes and warm and soft floral heart notes with a touch of cinnamon. The exotic base notes are woody and spicy with a waft of vanilla . A real recipe for seduction – so wear this one in the evening guys!
This is just a small selection of the hundreds of male fragrances now available. Just like women's fragrance they will compliment a mood or an occasion and can be either subtle or intense. However you like your fragrance/aftershave, there are always one or two (in fact, many more) that will suit your taste and style, so why not buy and try!?
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