Have you ever caught a whiff of a smell that instantly reminds you of a person, or a distant memory? As humans, our brains are wired to remember specific smells that can trigger a memory or even an intense emotion. We’re all scent-imental beings, after all. That’s why finding the right scent that accurately represents you is so important, since it’s often the first impression that people would remember the most. And who doesn’t like to be complimented on how great they smell?
But, finding a signature scent can be hard. You want to smell good, but you also don’t want to be basic. Best case scenario? You’ll smell sophisticated and people will remember you as the guy who smells really good. Worst case? Well, you might end up smelling like a basic f**kboy that just got out of a club filled with other basic f**kboys, which is not necessarily a bad thing – to each their own!
Here are our picks of 6 not-so-basic fragrances for men:
Diptyque “Do Son”
Main Accords: Floral, Sweet, Fresh, Green, Powdery
A great smell for both men and women, this perfume smells like a fresh bouquet of flowers. The fragrance notes are mostly made out of florals such as Tuberose, Jasmine, Orange blossom. While it could be a bit sweet for some, the sweetness settles and the floral and powdery scent takes over. While the scent is not too strong, it still lasts around eight hours. Think of it as taking a short trip to the beach, as it has a hint of sea-breeze in the opening notes, perfect for the sunny climate in Malaysia. Some say this perfume might be hard for a man to pull off, but we say it’s daring, and it shows a softer and warmer side of you. So why not give it a try?
Issey Miyake “L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Fraiche”
Main Accords: Aromatic, Fresh Spicy, Citrus, Woody, Green
For those looking for a citrusy scent with some woodiness, the L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Fraiche by Issey Miyake might just be your next signature scent. Airy and fresh, you’ll feel a surge of energy the moment the scent hits. Top notes include Grapefruit, Bergamot, Rosemary, Mint and Cardamom, while the base notes are Vetiver, Musk, and Patchouli. Another great scent for the sunny weather, it’s instantly recognizable, similar to the original L’Eau d’Issey, but with its own aquatic twist. While it’s citrusy in the beginning, it dries down to a blend of woody and musky scent.
Le Labo “Iris 39 Eau De Parfum”
Main Accords: Powdery, Violet, Iris, Woody, Warm Spicy, Musky, Patchouli, Earthy, Animalic, Floral
Another unisex perfume, this scent opens with a fresh and light Iris scent. Imagine the smell of fresh soap that lingers when you just got out of the shower – that’s Le Labo’s Iris 39 Eau De Parfum. If you’re looking for a scent that’s not as strong, but comes with a refreshing and clean scent, the Iris 39 is the one for you. The scent may subside into something more powdery as the day goes by, but the green and earthy smell does not go away.
aesop “Karst Eau De Parfum”
Main Accords: Aromatic, Fresh Spicy, Woody, Citrus, Soft Spicy
It’s hard to describe what this smells like – you just need to experience it for yourself. aesop is great at making scents that aren’t like anything you’ve smelled before. Karst smells like taking a walk at the beach, with mineral, metallic and herbaceous notes swirling in the air. While the fresh and aquatic smell will immediately catch the attention of anyone walking past, according to some reviews, the scent is not as long lasting. Nonetheless, it’s a scent that’s both moody, cozy, and especially inviting.
REPLICA “Lazy Sunday Morning”
Main Accords: Fresh, Musky, White Floral, Rose, Powdery, Soapy
If you’re a sucker for scents that smell like clean laundry, REPLICA’s “Lazy Sunday Morning” is the ideal intimate fresh fragrance. The fragrance opens with a fresh and soapy scent, almost like entering an elegant hotel suite. It then transform into something warm and rosy, while still maintaining its musk. Don’t get this if you’re not into soapy scents, or if you want something that’s super in-your-face. But for what it is, “Lazy Sunday Morning” is a great perfume for everyday use.
Narciso Rodriguez “for him”
Main Accords: Musky, Patchouli, Aquatic, Powdery, Woody, Ozonic, Green
The first masculine perfume from Narciso Rodriguez, this scent is the opposite of soft and gentle. So if you’re looking for something more intense, this might be a good option. The fragrance starts off musky, almost animalistic. As it dries down, the fragrance becomes more rounded and sweeter, giving it a more mellow smell as compared to the initial scent. Peeps who enjoy old-style fragrances would probably like this one, as the muskiness is the main theme here. It lasts around eight hours, so it’s pretty good in the longevity department. Though unfortunately, this fragrance was discontinued, you can still find it online, or you can try out their “for Him Bleu Noir” line, which also gives off a powdery and musky scent.
