Around a third of men wear cologne on a daily basis, while more than twice that reach for their signature scent for evenings out and special occasions.
In the UK, the fragrance sector is worth an £1.7 billion, with a significant amount of that spend going on aftershave and male grooming products.
Purchasing a new scent for yourself is tricky enough, however, buying fragrance for someone else is a different matter entirely. Need some help making sense of male fragrance? Read on for some essential tips to make your next gift-giving endeavour go without a hitch.
Don’t Rely Solely on Smell
Olfactory senses are fairly reliable, but it’s easy to overthink things when sniffing samples. Although it’s definitely worth getting to grips with base, heart and top notes, these aren’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to assessing a fragrance. Instead of assessing individual elements, follow your gut. How does a fragrance hit the nose? What’s your first impression? If you’re immediately put off by a scent, there’s a strong chance the recipient won’t enjoy it. If first impressions are good, check the ingredients list. Look for high-quality ingredients and naturally-sourced essences.
Get a Second Opinion
Buying fragrances for someone else can be daunting, especially if you’re purchasing something that’s not their signature scent. You can always test the waters and drop a hint in conversation, but you run the risk of giving the game away and spoiling the surprise. However, two heads are always better than one when it comes to shopping for cologne. Think about enlisting a male friend to join you on your shopping trip so you can glean their opinion. Alternatively, stock up on samples and take them into the office to see what colleagues have to say about your fragrance shortlist.
Think About Spending a Premium
If you’re buying a fragrance as a gift, you’re likely prepared to spend a little more on a bottle. You’ve probably already ruled out budget-friendly eau de fraiche and committed to shelling out for an eau de toilette at the very least. While products from the latter camp can be of good quality, they don’t always represent the best value for money. A premium eau de parfum like Creed Aventus might come with a high-end price tag, but you get what you buy for. Higher concentrations of essential oils mean an eau de parfum will last far longer than the average bottle of eau de toilette. If you’re watching the pennies, it’s tempting to look elsewhere for knockoff imitations of popular brands. While these smell-a-likes might have superficial similarities with more expensive products, they rarely deliver lasting results.
When in Doubt, Keep it Simple
If you’re at a complete loss about what to buy someone, go for clean scents that aren’t too complicated. Fresh and zesty fragrances are incredibly wearable and perfect for everyday application. Citrus-infused fragrances are always a good shout, but you’ll want something that evokes quintessentially masculine notes like cedarwood, sage and bergamot. When combined, these notes produce distinctly smoky aromas that any man will love wearing.
Limewashing: The latest interior trend that can help you sleep more soundly