A gentleman's guide to choosing a signature fragrance
In an ideal world, a signature scent serves as a personal memory cherished by your loved ones, and that fragrance can linger on clothes, inside your room, and over the air.
But sometimes, getting to that point can be a daunting task, thanks to the complications of finding a signature perfume. One might ask: How on earth do I go about identifying a blend of smells that perfectly captures the multifaceted nature of my identity, or the very sense of myself? The thing about fragrances is that they’re complicated, but they don’t have to be. So, a general understanding of fragrance-speak is helpful, especially when you’re going blind.
The most important thing to know is the scent pyramid: top, heart, and base notes. Top notes are what you smell immediately; the heart is, well, the heart of the scent and what you smell after the perfume has dried down; and the base notes are the core smell that stays on your skin the longest.
In finding your signature scent, you literally just have to follow your nose—like, just find one that smells good to you. But it’s always nice to know what kind of scents you gravitate toward—woods, spices, freshness—to help cut through the options quickly.
To help you, we got a handy reference of fragrances that you can choose from. But remember: choose a signature scent that smells like you. Perfumes aren’t just about smelling good; they’re also about how they make you feel. And to find the one that makes you feel like you, here’s where you could start.
Developed and tested to be liked by 9 out of 10 women, this perfume is designed for a man full of passion and energy, a man who exudes a quiet sensuality and is completely irresistible. It consists of a slight apple aroma for balance, coriander, and cloves for spice and musk and amber for a woody scent.
The ICON Antonio Banderas Perfumes
The ICON is a fresh woody oriental fragrance for men. The brand has described the scent to “show masculinity and singularity of every successful man.” Featuring the notes of Black Pepper, Grapefruit, Sage, Lavender, Oakmoss, and Sandalwood, this scent is certainly identifiable by its unique blend. The distinctive bottle flaunts navy blue and a silver coin—“like the symbol of an icon that catches everyone’s eyes.”
Acqua di Gio Absolu Eau de Parfum
A reinterpretation of the classic Acqua di Gio, this is one seriously sexy scent. It’s both elegant and masculine, mixing aquatic and earthy inspirations. Woody and marine notes sit alongside sensual patchouli, while tonka bean and labdanum have the final say. It’s cozy, warm, and intense.
