There have been numerous perfume launches this year in the men’s category alone. But what does it take for one to be among the best men’s fragrances of the season? Perhaps it is the accurate delivery of timelessness and sophistication as demonstrated by Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel collection. Or it could be the way a niche fragrance is so specifically blended that it makes you feel truly unique. After all, we should never undermine the power of a scent. Upon first spritz, it possesses the magnetism to draw someone in, lift moods and even bolster one’s confidence.
In the quest to find the best men’s fragrances of the season, we kept an eye out for formulas that truly make an impression. Not only did these aromas unlock forgotten memories and help create new sensations, some brands have also upped their game by looking to novel technologies in formulating their fragrances. One that stood out is Hermès’s latest H24 eau de parfum, where the brand’s in-house perfumer Christine Nagel formulated the cologne with a note called sclarene. The unique ingredient calls to mind industrial areas thanks to its warm, woody note with metallic undertones. Another is Paco Rabanne’s Phantom eau de toilette, where the brand employed artificial intelligence to produce a punchy fragrance that is well-received. The chrome-hued robot-shaped flacon that it comes in also makes for a great conversation starter.
Grounded on invigorating elements and modern concepts, Vogue Singapore presents seven standouts that will get nods of approval from everyone you encounter, whether you’re in the office or going about your weekend in the city.
1 / 7
Paco Rabanne Phantom Eau De Toilette
This fragrance’s futuristic chrome bottle says it all—this is where innovation meets Paco Rabanne’s luxury. A team of four diverse, esteemed perfumers were assembled by the brand to formulate this perfume using artificial intelligence. Daring sensuality and confidence reverberate through this perfume with its combination of creamy lavender and vanilla, in addition to lemon and vetiver notes. A meeting point of fresh fruitiness and earthy woodiness, this is a long- lasting scent that endlessly surprises with its unexpected combination.
Paco Rabanne Phantom Eau De Toilette, $153 for 100ml, available at Metro
2 / 7
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Eau & Cèdre Eau de Toilette Intense
‘Fresh’ is the word that best epitomises this legendary scent from Issey Miyake. True to all its creations which are minimalist in nature, this water-based composition encased in sleek packaging is anything but basic. Rather, inspiration from nature’s raw properties shine through the aquatic accord as this scent’s heart is further sculpted by dry cedarwood. This calming blend of wood and water is enhanced by vetiver and patchouli for an understated and masculine statement.
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Eau & Cèdre Eau de Toilette Intense, $148 for 100ml, available at Tangs
3 / 7
Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau Givrée Eau De Parfum
While developing this transportive scent, perfumer Christine Nagel sought inspiration from the intense freshness of an ice-covered land. This is achieved courtesy of citron, juniper berry and Timut pepper. Against woody base notes, this fragrance’s crisp, citrus layers impart a sparkling zest that can’t be ignored while remaining pleasantly light. Cool as ice, indeed.
Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau Givrée Eau De Parfum, $207 for 100ml, available at Hermès
4 / 7
Penhaligon’s Sports Car Club Eau De Parfum
From enduring British perfume house, Penhaligon’s, Sports Car Club is a fragrance for the modern gentleman. Evocative of freshly clipped grass and an expansive pine-filled forest, this fragrance will linger through the day. Opening with sharp bursts of pink pepper and pine, the scent dries down into a blend of woody cypress and sharp eucalyptus, with an eventual evolution into base notes of patchouli and musk. A charismatic impression is left in its wake.
Penhaligon’s Sports Car Club Eau De Parfum,$300 for 100ml, available at Sephora
5 / 7
Ferragamo Bright Leather Eau De Toilette
Ferragamo’s Bright Leather Eau De Toilette is where freshness and sensuality collide. The fragrance opens with a burst of citrus, which effortlessly adds a bright and effervescent flair to your aura. It quickly warms up to reveal the aromatic notes of basil, rosemary and patchouli that smells clean and sophisticated. The scent of white leather reveals itself in the dry down, and lingers long after the day over. This handsome fragrance works well in the boardroom as well as when you’re out bar hopping, and is perfect for tasteful gentlemen across all ages.
Ferragamo Bright Leather Eau De Toilette, $155 for 100ml, available at Tangs
6 / 7
Burberry Hero Eau De Parfum
Burberry’s Hero Eau De Parfum conveys strength and charisma with an artful blend of resinous notes of olibanum and benzoin. We also love that the fragrance features the heady aroma of pine needles and incense, which give the fragrance an element of depth and complexity, making it mysterious and sexy. Thanks to these aspects, we highly recommend that you save this ultra masculine scent for date nights.
Burberry Hero Eau De Parfum, $200 for 100ml, available at Tangs
7 / 7
Hermès H24 Eau De Parfum
Think of Hermès’s latest H24 Eau De Parfum as a “clean guy” scent with a sophisticated edge. The fougere fragrance opens with aromatic notes of oak moss and clary sage that are both fresh and elegant. The sweet floral note of narcissus is complemented with a hint of woody rose wood, softening the scent with their delicate aromas. We love that sclarene gives the scent a unique mineral-like note which makes this scent smell like a walk in the city. Whether you spritz it before a game of golf or when you’re having Sunday brunch with your family, you’ll be sure that this scent will start conversations for all the right reasons.
Hermès H24 Eau De Parfum, $207 for 100ml, available at Sephora
