High roller Lifestyle

My top five fragrances pour homme

Written by The Eagle

This article first appeared in the Nov/Dec 2013 issue of World Gaming magazine.

Whether known as cologne, fragrance, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, or simply perfume, the subtle art of using scent to enhance a man’s natural aroma has changed significantly over the past 30 years. Long gone are the days when “Brut 33”, “Old Spice” and “Musk” were the only available bottles of masculine redolence on chemists’ shelves.

With the vertical integration and cross over between fashion and cosmetic houses, men are now spoilt for choice in selecting their individual scented statement.

The 4,000 year old ancient art of distilling and layering aromatic oils from flowers to produce lasting aromas has become a global multi-billion dollar industry which caters not only to women, but to the fast growing market pour homme (for men).

Perfume is described, using a musical metaphor, as having three sets of “notes”, making the harmonious scent “accord”. The notes unfold over time, with the immediate impression of the “top notes” leading to the deeper “middle notes”, with the “base notes” gradually appearing as the final stage. These notes are created carefully with knowledge of the evaporation process of the perfume. Producing top notes, middle notes and base notes, and ensuring they retain their impact beyond just an hour or two, has become relatively complex and scientific compared with the bespoke fragrances made for those crazy 19th century French aristocrats.

Choosing a fragrance to suit your style and mood, and ensuring one which complements your own individual body aromas is a matter of personal taste. It can involve significant trial and error, often soliciting interesting comments from those who are most affected by your choice – the people around you.

Fortunately, much of the hit-and-miss associated with the selection process has been solved by “style experts” of the many fashion houses. They have created a range of fragrances that cater to our many tastes, and are easily comparable.

The following are my top five fragrance houses pour homme:

1. Burberry.

This established icon of British style has released a range of fragrances for men that exhibit woody, aromatic, fresh spicy tones evocative of olde-worlde England. The scents are crisp yet warm and reminiscent of what you would expect the Lord of a country manor house to wear – traditional, yet exotic. Whether it is “The Beat”, “Touch”, “Weekender”, “Sport”, “Brit” or the traditional “Burberry for Men”, the wearer feels downright British and very 007. Available in 100 ml and 50 ml measures, you can equip yourself for both home and away.

 

2. Chanel.

This house, famous for the “No. 5” for women, has released a range for men. Masculinity is the over-riding scent throughout the men’s repertoire. Select from the light and sporty “Pour Monsieur”, the more spicy “Allure”, “Allure Sport” and “Allure Édition Blanche” range, the woody “Bleu”, and the self-assured fougère, or fern-like, whiff of “Platinum Égoïste”. What is on offer is in keeping with the exclusivity expected from the House of Chanel.

 3. Christian Dior.

Dior has consistently released new fragrances for men every few years, one of the latest being the “Aqua Fahrenheit”, a fragrance based on leathery tones, built upon with citrus, grapefruit and mint. Dior perfumes never disappoint. From the “Eau Sauvage” to the traditional “Fahrenheit” and then “Higher” ranges, each fragrance has a timeless manly elegance.

 

 

4. Issey Miyake.

Since initially releasing the signature fragrance, “L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme” in 1994, the Issey Miyake house has continued to tweak its formula and make variations of this highly regarded parfum. In addition to the original are “L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Sport”, “Intense” and the seldom-sprayed “Limited Edition”. Part of the success has come from an ability to attract a following amongst ladies who prefer this fragrance on their man above all others. Tobacco, sandalwood, cinnamon, saffron, coriander and sage are amongst the scents that combine to make this perfume a lady magnet (or perhaps she just wants a meal?)

5. Hugo Boss.

When this German luxury style house partnered with Proctor and Gamble to produce a fragrance range in the late 1980s, new scents came thick and fast. The current Hugo Boss offerings come in three categories. The “Boss Black” modern and sophisticated range includes the simply named “Boss Bottled”, “Boss Bottled Sport”, “Boss Bottled Night”, “Boss Selection”, “Boss Number 1”, “Boss Soul” and “Boss Pure”. Then there is the urban, light-hearted and cool “Boss Orange” range, featuring “Boss Orange Man”, “Boss in Motion” and “Boss in Motion White Edition”. The “Hugo” fragrance line is a progressive and creative selection that gives us “Just Different”, “Hugo Man”, “Element”, “XY”, “Energise” and “Dark Blue”. Hugo Boss has covered all the bases to help you do the same, and all promote a high-energy and active lifestyle feel. These are scents designed to appeal to a man of perpetual action.

A few final tips when selecting your favorites – your quest in choosing your intended pheromone should be to make the environment more pleasant for those around you, and when applying a dab, always adhere to the golden rule of “less is more”.