You might have it all going on . . . but it means zilch to the ladies if you smell like a dirty gym bag. Yet endless rows of shiny fragrance bottles can prove puzzling for weary nostrils. So in our highly nonscientific comparison, we got the verdict on hot scents from the people who really matter . . . hot women.
Tom Ford Private Blend Venetian Bergamot Eau de Parfum $298 / 50ml
The Scent: Sexed up and sensual: bergamot meets ginger with a clean, cedar-wood finish
The Vibe: Dinner and possibly more . . .
The Verdict: “Whenever I’m at an event, I know when a dude is wearing a Tom Ford scent,” says Elle Ferguson, fashion blogger of TheyAllHateUs fame. “For me it’s that understated cool. And trust me, you always want to be standing next to that guy. They tell the best stories.”
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne $185 / 100ml
The Scent: Mineral freshness of salt, sand and rock
The Vibe: Beach to beers
The Verdict: “The guy wearing this is too nice for me!” laughs international beauty brand PR director Simone Rochelle. “He’s classic with a beautiful, cheeky smile. I would steal this fragrance from his bathroom cabinet and wear it to brunch by the beach.”
Davidoff The Brilliant Game EDT $110 / 100ml
The Scent: Sharpness of an Americano cocktail with bitter orange and fresh green leaves
The Vibe: Urban card shark
The Verdict: “I adore the bottle – it’s really sexy,” says Rochelle. “Before I’ve even smelt it, I imagine a guy who loves designer labels and is confident with women. This is a sultry scent that if I smelt on a man in a bar he definitely would have my attention!”
Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge Energetic $89 / 100ml
The Scent: Attention-grabbing and spicy with ginger and cardamom notes
The Vibe: After-work drinks
The Verdict: “My boyfriend wears oriental scents and I love them on any guy,” says model Stephanie Smith. “It’s always nice when a guy smells particularly good because it gives you an insight into their personal hygiene.”
The Scent: Raw and roguish with boozy bergamot, amber and spice
The Vibe: On the prowl
The Verdict: “I recently bought this for my sister’s boyfriend – BIG mistake, as I’m obsessed with it,” says Ferguson. “It’s so smooth and it lasts. He sprays it on in the morning and if we all go to dinner at night he still smells good. Like I said, it was a big mistake because now my sister’s boyfriend smells too good.”
Thirdman Eau Inexplicable $142 / 100ml
The Scent: Minimalist scent of pure-blond wood
The Vibe: Quiet confidence
The Verdict: “This scent speaks to the K.I.S.S. philosophy (Keep It Simple Stupid!),” says Alice Treloar, Men’s Health’s Girl Next Door columnist. “This morning I walked past a guy and it was like being punched in the face with fragrance. He needs this instead – it’s sophisticated and clean. Perfect for the office hero, day or night. Added perk: spritz it on your pillow and sheets for those last–minute lady visits.”
