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5 new men’s fragrances to try this Christmas

New Men’s Fragrances To Try This Christmas 2017

Plus, how to shake up his scent wardrobe

By Iantha Yu

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / December 13 2017

The fail-safe option when it comes to buying a gift for a man is a fragrance. Whether we’re talking about your other half, a relative or a special friend, a nice-smelling cologne is practical and is always going to brighten someone’s day. New to buying men’s fragrances? Samantha Taylor, fragrance evaluator and founder of The Powder Room, explains the different note groups for this gender. “There are five main fragrance groups for men - woody, citrus, marine, fougere and aromatic. Aromatic fragrances are herbaceous and energetic, and fougere means fern-like, so think green and earthy.”

While picking the perfect spritz for someone other than yourself may seem daunting, Taylor suggests sticking to this advice: “I always encourage my clients to try something new when shopping for a fragrance as it is easy to get stuck in a rut and buy the same scent. If your man likes to wear a citrus or marine fragrance, try an aromatic fragrance. It is just as clean and uplifting, but a much less common fragrance family so you are less likely to smell that fragrance on someone else. If woody fragrances are his choice, fougere offers the same earthiness, however it is a bit lighter so more suitable for warmer weather and day wear. When you are smelling the fragrance, imagine if you can smell this fragrance on him. Does the fragrance match his personality? Is it a work fragrance or something to wear on date night?”

Here are five new men’s fragrances to try this season.

If he usually likes marine fragrances

Traditionally, Issey Miyake is best known for creating aquatic and fresh scents for both men and women, but L’eau Majeure d’Issey EDT is an exciting side-step for the fashion brand. This new men’s fragrance is a delicate blend of citrus, marine and woody notes, and consists of bergamot, grapefruit, sea salt and ambery woods. Doesn’t it sound divine?

If he usually likes citrus fragrances

Every Creed fragrance we’ve ever come across is always bursting with character, and Viking EDP is no exception. This aromatic perfume is perfect for those that regularly go with zesty scents, and is ideal for the adventure-seeker. Inside you’ll spot top notes of Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian lemon, which are refined with pink peppercorn, softened with Bulgarian rose, and anchored by rich Indian sandalwood, Haitian vetiver and Indian patchouli.

If he usually likes woody fragrances

Shake things up this season with a leathery scent if your man’s favourite notes tend to be rich and woody. Malin+Goetz Dark Rum EDP is a delicious tipple that carries notes of leather, rum and creamy vanilla, and is lightly sweetened with bergamot and plum. The final result is smooth and slightly zingy, making it perfect for everyday wear.

If he usually likes fougere fragrances

A rich, woody men’s fragrance like Comme des Garcons Wonderoud EDP could tickle his fancy if he usually steers towards earthy notes. Filled with patchouli, vetiver, and of course, oud, this powerful scent is mysterious yet warming at the same time, and is one that he’ll want to spritz before a night out.

If he usually likes aromatic fragrances

Y by Yves Saint Laurent EDT may sound fresh and aromatic due to its notes of bergamot and geranium, but it’s really a play on a traditional fougere fragrance with the additions of aldehyde, ginger, ambergris and incense. We can’t get enough of this crowd-pleasing scent, and we think it’s great for all ages.

Get the most out of your perfume with our guide to applying your scent correctly.

What is your favourite men’s fragrance of all time, and why? Tell us in the comments below.

Iantha Yu

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.