9 fragrances to give him this Valentine’s Day

Tom Ford’s Vert d’Encens is by no means typical. Labelled as an aromatic fragrance, the earthy mixture of pine resin, basil, lemon, earthy tree sap accord and spicy cardamom is a mysterious concoction that wears well from the first spritz right through to dry down. It’s one we can’t stop spraying in the office, and one you’re bound to love, too.

This fragrance is a clever compound of ingredients hand-picked from around the world. There’s lavender from Bulgaria, patchouli and clove from Indonesia, star anise from India, and a special touch of blue cypress from Australia. Altogether, it’s zesty without being too sour, woody without being too heavy, and green without being overtly earthy. This is one he’ll use for years to come.

For something more pared-back, you can’t go past this simple yet effective combination of lavender, Omumbiri myrrh and tonka bean. While it is a gorgeous scent to wear on its own, it can also double as an anchor to floral spritzes like Mimosa & Cardamom from the Jo Malone range or even intensify something spicy like Vanilla & Anise.

Pick this if you’re after a gift that’s mild and sophisticated without being overpowering. Inside, discover cedarwood, sage and vetiver, captured in a sustainably recycled glass bottle and natural wooden cap. 

If he’s one to lean towards bespoke and limited edition items, then Tauer Au Coeur du Désert EDP is perfect for him. Not only are the scents made by hand in Switzerland, but they’re also incredibly lush; Au Coeur du Désert EDP begins with citrus, jasmine and spices, followed by geranium and leather, and ends with patchouli, ambergris, vetiver and oakmoss.

This spritz will fit in seamlessly into his wardrobe if he’s constantly seen sporting a grey marle t-shirt and leather jacket. Starting from the top, there are notes of bitter orange and saffron to provide a burst of flavour, followed by resin and frankincense for balance, which all settles into cocoa bean, vanilla extract, patchouli and leather - a great combination of fail-safe base notes that smell deliciously masculine.

Yes, the bottle may be somewhat novel, but it’s the bold yet enticing muddle of citrus and woods that has us swooning. Six standout ingredients are featured in this scent - there’s juicy lemon, spicy cardamom, leathery juniper, rich ginger, smooth tonka bean and freshy woody vetiver blended together.

This sparkling scent sits within the fresher scale of fragrances, and shows off water fruits, clary sage and patchouli inside. Interestingly, peppermint is also added to the mix, which really dials up the active vibe that the blend brings about.

Perfect for day or night wear, this fresh and spicy fragrance encapsulates grapefruit, ginger, rosemary, vetiver, patchouli and cocoa and is something that your other half will love. In particular, we’re loving the EDT formulation; it may sound light and airy, but the juice still packs a punch - making it a top choice for those that are usually heavy-handed with their application.

For more fragrance content, here's how to make your scent last longer, and follow this guide to set the mood with home fragrances.

Main image photography: Edward Urrutia