I like to say that it’s a rite of passage for a man to have 1) a signature scent and 2) a signature drink (or mocktail!).
Both feel like distinct tentpoles on which to hoist the flag of adulthood, and you’d hope that by now you’ll have settled on some sense of who you are and what you like (though of course, that can evolve).
These lifestyle calling cards also leave people with a lasting impression of you. Just like when an old girlfriend thinks of you every time someone orders a Manhattan, wearing a signature scent is like leaving behind olfactory fingerprints.
Who wouldn’t want to be remembered every time an old beau got a whiff of your scent, even when it’s not on you?
There’s also freedom in removing choices. There’s less to think about each morning as you gear up for your workday, and evening when it’s time to go out when you at least know what fragrance you’re going to wear. And couldn’t we all spend our energy elsewhere? Like figuring out what to wear??
Below, 9 fragrances that have serious signature scent potential for guys:
1. Byredo Bal d’Afrique, $225-330
Wear it well: Get ready because a lot of these scents are unisex, like this Byredo best-seller.
Don’t let it freak you out.
Instead, embrace the ability to steal your wife or girlfriend’s fragrance when you run out of yours.
2. Le Labo Rose 31, $107-335
Another fan favorite of your gf’s, this schmancy-but-still-accessible brand is very popular for a good reason.
Skip the better known Santal 33 in favor of this more subtle scent.
3. Tom Ford Oud Minerale Eau de Parfum, $160-240
Wear it well: Tom Ford’s “oud” scents now encompass a whole bunch of different unisex varieties, and I’m obsessed with at least half of them.
Oud Minérale, counts salty seaweed in its ingredient list in a play on surf and sea. Perfect for getting through all four seasons.
4. Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum, $125-155
The signature Y scent is a bold and woody men’s fragrance. This seductive cologne is infused with sophisticated and revitalizing notes of sage and geranium and rounded out with a hint of sensual wood.
5. Jo Malone 154, $155
A fresh and uplifting mix of Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lavender, Basil, Nutmeg and Vetiver, this scent is great for a guy who wants something light.
Named for the address of the brand’s first London boutique, the price point is more High Street than high-end.
6. Commodity Book (Personal) Eau de Parfum, $150
A certified clean scent, this Commodity fragrance has a crisp, woody essence. The ingredients’ emphasis is on freshness with its aromatic notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, and black tea.
Inspired by turning the pages and breathing in the smell of dry paper mingling in with the open fresh air, this scent feels like a quiet, peaceful and warm experience.
It’s a soft, aromatic scent that reads close to the skin.
7. Versace Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, $64-140
Namechecked in SG’s summer fragrance guide, this on-its-way-to-a-classic scent blends essential ingredients of Mediterranean origin to hit aromatic notes that live in harmony with the natural world.
Dynamic and entrepreneurial, the Versace Pour Homme man communicates his forceful and passionate character through this decidedly masculine fragrance.
8. Creed Aventus cologne, $365
Okay yes, is this cologne wildly expensive? Sure. It also smells like what you expect Erik the Red as played in a biopic by Chris Hemsworth to smell like. As a woman, I can tell you, women are very into that.
Just saying, if you have the money, treat yo’ self.
9. Aesop Tacit Eau de Parfum, $160
Aesop’s ‘Tacit’ Eau de Parfum is inspired by the fresh scent of traditional colognes and the Mediterranean coast.
It opens with sweet, citrusy notes of Yuzu and rounds out with green Basil, woody Vetiver Heart and spicy Clove. The result is invigorating, refreshing and crisp.
The bottom line?
Don’t be afraid to experiment!
You might not find a scent that works for you on your first try.
And even after you’ve found a go-to scent, you can feel comfortable breaking out from your regular routine.
Maybe you want to change things up by the season, or have a special date night scent, or even drop the olfactory baggage and buy a new scent when you find yourself in a new relationship. Knowing what you like already will help the shopping process be less daunting the next time you hit up the fragrance counter at the mall.
