We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Masculine Notes: A New Fragrance Trend
What they smell like, why we love it and how long they last.
Whether it's the rise of the boyfriend jeans, oversized shirts and tailoring or the omnipresent bomber jacket, when it comes to borrowing from the boys all bases are usually covered. But how about the way you scent yourself?
We're not talking about sweaty gym kits here but rather masculine notes in fragrances. We're talking; the citrus family, floral lavender, balmy leathers or smoky woods.
A quick poll in the office revealed that 70% of the team would wear fragrances 'for him' or indeed with the aforementioned notes, so we've rounded up the best juice on the market with more masculine notes (some for made with him in mind and some unisex), broken down with all you need to know; What's in it and what it smells like, why we love it and how long it lasts.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The Fragrance:
Cologne Pour Le Matin by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, 100ml. £160
What's in it?
Bergamot, lemon, lavender.
Why we love it?
Inspired by an early morning (it's literal translation is For the Morning) and the anticipation of the day ahead. A refreshing dose of citrus which is expertly toned down with powdery lavender notes on the dry down. Francis advocates liberal application.
Staying Power:
4/5
Available from Liberty
Acqua Di Parma
The Fragrance:
Cedro Di Taormina Blu Mediterraneo by Acqua Di Parma, 150ml. £87
What's in it?
Petitgrain, mandarin and lemon, pepper.
Why we love it?
Inspired by rocky Italian landscape of Taormina, this transports you to instantly to sunnier climes. It's the initial burst of fresh and zingy notes which makes this fragrance sing.
Staying Power?
3/5
Available from Aqua Di Parma
Escentric Molecules
The Fragrance:
Escentric 02 by Escentric Molecules, 100ml. £69.50
What's in it?
Ambroxan (a synthetic molecule that is reminiscent of Amber gris) and citrus.
Why we love it?
An unassuming but powerful fragrance with light citrus and warm amber notes that caresses your clothes lovingly so, that the next time you grab your scarf you're reminded of the beauty of it's construction.
Staying Power?
5/5
Available from Cult Beauty
Floris
The Fragrance:
Bergamotto Di Positano by Floris, 100ml. £120
What's in it?
Bergamot, mandarin, ginger, amber.
Why we love it?
A citrus-marine fragrance that is super refreshing. It's the ginger that lifts the heavy amber notes to leave a suprisingly clean scent.
Staying Power?
3/5
Available from Floris London
Kenneth Cole
The Fragrance:
Blue by Kenneth Cole, 100ml. £49
What's in it?
Lemon, mint, musk.
Why we love it?
A zingy blend inspired by the perfectly blue Mediterranean waters that is perfect for a warm and balmy summer.
Staying Power?
3/5
Available from House of Fraser
Mizensir
The Fragrance:
Bois de Mysore by Mizensir, 100ml. £160
What's in it?
Sandalwood, cardamon, white musk.
Why we love it?
If you're familiar* with the infamous Mizensir candles you'll be expecting pure luxury from a fragrance from the house, and quite frankly you won't be disappointed. Mizensir fragrances masterfully blend the best natural ingredients with synthetic molecules (the house prides itself on the relationship with technology). Bois de Mysore is equally spicy, creamy and long lasting.
*If you're not, then I suggest treating yourself.
Staying Power?
4/5
Available from Harrods
Miller Harris
The Fragrance:
Vetiver Insolent by Miller Harris, 100ml. £95
What's in it?
Vetiver, amber, tonka bean.
Why we love it?
As with all Miller Harris fragrances expect a powerful fragrance. The grassy and woody notes of the Haitian vetiver are long lasting and made warmer with mellow amber.
Staying Power?
5/5
Available from Miller Harris
Creed
The Fragrance:
Green Irish Tweed by Creed, 75ml. £100
What's in it?
Sandalwood, violet leaf, Iris.
Why we love it?
An elegantly green, herbal and rich scent that has a sporty edge with an impressive silage.
Staying Power?
4/5
Available from House of Fraser
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The Fragrance:
Lumiere Noire Pour Homme by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, 75ml. £110
What's in it?
Rose, patchouli, caraway.
Why we love it?
A sophisticated take on a floral fragrance - there is no saccharine sweetness here (the spicy caraway deepens the Bulgarian rose). It's luxurious and should be worn at night. A little also goes a long way.
Staying Power?
4/5
Available from John Lewis
MiN New York
The Fragrance: Shaman by MiN New York, 75ml. £200
What's in it? Incense, Violet, Patchouli.
Why we love it? A hypnotic blend of spices with a rather poetic back story (the perfumer created each as an abstract expression of art) which is truly beautiful and packs a serious punch. A real head turner.
Staying Power? 5/5
Available from Liberty
Acqua Di Parma
The Fragrance:
Colonia Sandalo Concentree by Acqua Di Parma, 100ml. £176
What's in it?
Sandalwood, cardamon, lime.
Why we love it?
Every single note comes through at some point throughout the day; the spicy cardamon which is softened by the lime or the tonka bean that is lifted with orange. A seductive scent that begs to be complimented.
Staying Power?
5/5
Available exclusively from Harrods
Davidoff
The Fragrance: Horizon by Davidoff, 125ml. £59
What's in it? Rosemary, patchouli, cocoa absolute.
Why we love it? A zingy and peppery potion which opens with fresh notes of rosemary. It's the balmy dry down (thanks to the powdery cocoa absolute) that makes you fall in love with it.
Staying Power? 3/5
Available from Boots
Atelier Cologne
The Fragrance:
Poivre Electrique by Atelier Cologne, 100ml. £160.
What's in it?
Black and pink pepper, pimento, Turkish rose.
Why we love it?
The juice is built around chords of pepper so it expectedly spicy, but what's special about this is the notes (sandalwood and rose) that soften any initial headiness which result in a cool and powerful fragrance.
Staying Power? 4/5
Available from Selfridges
Ormonde Jayne
The Fragrance:
Isfarkand by Ormonde Jayne, 50ml. £110
What's in it?
Pink pepper, Bergamot, Cedar.
Why we love it?
An understated and sophisticated addition to your fragrance shelf which leaves hints of the most beautiful natural ingredients on your clothes that you'll be smelling for days.
Staying Power?
4/5
Available from Harrods
Beaufort
The Fragrance:
Coeur De Noir by Beaufort, 50ml. £95
What's in it?
Tobacco, leather, rum.
Why we love it?
The Labdanum (a resin from the Cedar tree) is rich and spicy and elevates the leather and tobacco notes here. A real unashamedly in-your-face fragrance that exudes luxury.
Staying Power?
x5/5
Available from Bloom Perfume
Watch Next
Gwen Channels Cher With Peroxide Waterfall Hair
The Secret World Of Taylor Swift's Nails
ELLE Edit: Best Vitamin C Serums
The Best Retinol Serums On The Shelves Now
