A trip to the perfume counter can be overwhelming – what with the pushy salesmen, the melee of scents, and the steep price tags.
You can make the transaction quick and painless by having an idea of what you’re looking for before you get there. Fragrances are usually classified into four olfactory families: fresh, floral, woody, and oriental.
As smell is a sensory thing and words on a computer screen only have a limited capability, it’s best that you seek out the examples we’ve mentioned here and start your search there.
1| FRESH SCENTS
The most palatable of the olfactory families, Fresh spans citrusy, green (grassy, herbal, and mossy) and aquatic notes – which can be confusing because, well, what is water supposed to smell like?
Fresh scents like…
Jimmy Choo Man Ice
Smells like: A citrusy, youthful musk—very friendly, in stark contrast to the cold name and frosty bottle
Best worn: In the daytime
Will help you: Smell clean and friendly
Clinique Happy for Men
Smells like: Oranges and then fades into a mild yet unmistakable fragrance (This is among those that have the mythical aquatic notes.)
Best worn: On a hot day—which is virtually every day in our country
Will help you: Stay positive and pleasant
2| FLORAL SCENTS
The easiest to pick out in the list, florals are self-explanatory, except they don’t always take on the smell of flowers. Expert herbs and spices, like lavender, lime and musk.
Floral scents like…
Acca Kappa Muschio Bianco
Smells like: Familiarity and clean sheets
Best worn: In small enclosed spaces, like your car
Will help you: Seem neater than you actually are
Diptyque Eau Des Sens
Smells like: Baby cologne but adapted for grown-ass men
Best worn: To places of worship—church or club—depending on your god or idol
Will help you: Feel holier than thou
3| WOODY SCENTS
Think of your rich mahogany, cedar blocks and the oak that you can taste in your favourite whiskey. These are most often referred to as ‘woody’ notes. These are scents that are both comforting and complex, and are good both during the day and with on a night on the town.
Woody scents like…
Jo Malone English Oak and Redcurrant
Smells like: Wood! Mild with a sharp spiciness
Best worn: With plaid flannel and a full beard
Will help you: Become a lumbersexual
Acca Kappa Sandalwood and Black Pepper
Smells like: A warm, spicy Christmas treat
Best worn: To an intimate gathering
Will help you: Leave an olfactory trail
4| ORIENTAL SCENTS
Oriental is a heady mix scents of spices, incense, and amber. The best are smoky and smooth. Or like a strong cup of spiced coffee; intense, powerful, and bold.
Oriental scents like…
Diptyque Volutes
Smells like: A sweet, burning pyre of flowers and wood
Best worn: On a boys’ night out
Will help you: Keep warm
Jo Malone Nutmeg and Ginger
Smells like: The epitome of men’s cologne
Best worn: By traditionalists
Will help you: Start a conversation
