Garden state: The new trend in men's fragrances
A vibe shift has occurred in men's grooming towards more natural smelling creations
FRAGRANCE TRENDS for men have veered sharply into wood and gourmand territory over the last few seasons – a lot of weighty caramels, big ouds, rich cedars.
But a vibe shift is on. Spices and herbs like cardamom, chamomile and clary sage are finding a new audience, perhaps because they sit in that sweet spot between floral and woody, ideal for warmer weather without being too heavy on the nose.
So still edible, but more in the sense that you’re adding a little seasoning to the wardrobe instead of wrapping yourself up in thick layers of it.
Check out our favourite new releases below.
Coach For Men Eau de Parfum by Coach
The latest addition to Coach’s expanding fragrance family opens with a bright, peppery lift of bergamot and cardamom before moving into a warm heart of geranium and cedarwood. As it settles, the house’s signature Saffiano leather note comes through. Smoky, tactile and unmistakably masculine, layered with smooth vetiver.
Green Cedar by Abel
New Zealand brand Abel has created the holy grail of ‘clean’ products. The pinnacle of a stellar lineup (and choosing one was tough – Cyan Nori is a masterpiece) is their woody wonder, Green Cedar. Notes of fizzy magnolia, sweet cardamom and not one but two types of cedar, atlas and Texan, give this a cool juxtaposition of a cologne-like opening overlaying dry woods.
Stand Up Bravely by To My Ships
Scents inspired by The Illiad is a pretty noble blueprint on which to build a brand. The accompanying creations are nothing short of mythical in aromatic signature, so props to founder Daniel Bense. Stand Up Bravely it opens with bright notes of bergamot before unfolding into the spicy, floral warmth of marjoram and the earthy calm of sandalwood. You could happily meditate in this.
Sasra by Tulita
If you’ve ever attended a yoga class, you’ll be familiar with the symbolism and language used by Australian brand Tulita. Sasra, the throat chakra, is the fragrant version of sticking your face into a bowl of ice. Rosemary, chamomile and clary sage offer a cool herbal base, but the green apple and basil in the top notes are remarkable. Gym, office, date – cool and calming for everywhere.
Vigilante by St. Rose
St. Rose was founded by Australian businesswoman Belinda Smith, who was looking for clean, toxin-free scents that still smelt like a luxury product. Goal achieved. Vigilante has a rich and complex woody aroma with a tobacco-like backing track that comes from Australian sandalwood. Smoky-sweet labdanum, rose, ylany ylang and some bergamot in the opening balance it out.
No.09 Vallée de Farney by Maison Louis Marie
Founded by a descendant of the famed French botanist Louis Marie Aubert du Petit Thouars, Maison Louis Marie balances the natural requirement with French aesthetics. No.09 serves up a mouthwatering citrus accord of grapefruit and orange with some peppery notes and fresh geranium. A rich vetiver base with some cedar carries it along.
Jimmy Choo Man Extreme by Jimmy Choo
The latest evolution in Jimmy Choo’s men’s line, Man Extreme, dials up the fougère to eleven. Man Extreme opens with the fiery freshness of red thyme and black pepper before moving into the aromatic heart of geranium and clary sage. The clary sage facilitates the perfect transition to the vetiver in the drown, sweetened by a touch of tonka bean.
Related:
How Youth To The People created the perfect menu for healthier skin
