Men's Grooming

The Best 5 Scents of Manliness (Updated 2019)

I inhale his clean, wholesome scent. He smells of freshly laundered line and some expensive body wash. It’s intoxicating. I inhale deeply ~ 50 Shades of Grey – E.L. James

Now then gentlemen, this quote came from the much-hyped novel that’s not only took control of the the best-seller charts; it’s also took over our women. Whilst we may not have read this romantic erotica, we should perhaps take a few minutes and think what makes the novel’s main protagonist, Christian Grey so dreamy and attractive. Aside from the kinky bedroom antics and other fictional attributes, there is at least one sense us mere mortals can take advantage of, and that’s the power of smell.

There are an almost infinite amount of fragrances out there, but these listed below definitely hold the key ingredients in making a masculine aftershave or scent. After my research in finding what women really like on a man, I narrowed it down to these five – scents manly enough to make even Christian Grey put down his handcuffs and pick up a bottle or two.

1. BOSS Bottled Night – Hugo Boss

Introduced in 2010, this is an intense masculine scent full of depth and warm charm. The fragrance is aimed towards the ambitious man who knows his goals and takes what he wants – every goal is achievable. Opening aromas of lavender and birch tree are intensified by middle notes of African violet, finishing on base notes of warm, precious woody nuances of Louro Amarelo tree and sensual musk. A woman loves an ambitious man, so go out and take it all!

2. Prada pour Homme – Prada

This is Prada’s first fragrance for men. Subtle and very sophisticated, it hints at the clean, reassuring smell of talc from childhood but with added allure. This is a clean scent, gentle and woody. Pour Homme is a very distinctive, modern scent, without being too overpowering. Top citrusy notes of orange, cardamom and neroli create fresh notes, whilst middle notes of myrrh, geranium, vetiver and musk add warmth. Base notes of suede and sandalwood are mixed with bergamot, mandarin and vanilla. Smell clean, fresh and reassuring – tick off one of those check boxes in every lady’s requirements list.

3. Tom Ford for Men – Tom Ford

Tom Ford was Gucci’s former head designer and has since branched out into fragrances. Luxurious and deep, rich and distinctive, this scent creates the impression of luxury and opulence. Tom Ford apparently created his fragrance for the refined gent, the sophisticated and seductive chaps. Top notes of ginger, mandarin orange, lemon leaf oil, basil, bergamot and violet leaf offer citrusy and spicy aromas, whilst middle notes of Tunisian orange blossom, pepper and tobacco leaf add depth and warmth. Woody base notes come from a concoction of amber, Virginian patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver and cedar. The girls will certainly notice you wearing this ostensible liquid gold.

4. 1 Million by Paco Rabanne

This best-selling men’s fragrance ticks all the right boxes – it’s fresh and fantastic smelling, has great longevity, and is designed to be daring and seductive. It’s rather spicy, so it’s balanced just right for formal occasions, or a night out on the town. Fruity notes of sparkling grapefruit and red orange combined with mint and rose creates the opening freshness. Cinnamon, spices, blond leather, blond wood, patchouli and amber make up the heart and bass notes. This is the ultimate fragrance for seducing a woman just by walking past her.

5. Cool Water – Davidoff

I’ve used up a couple of bottles of this potion over the years, and I have to say, I’ve been complimented on it. It’s not exactly elusive, Cool Water being a best seller since it hit the market in 1988, but the fragrance itself is sexy, masculine and suitable for any occasion. Cool Water is fresh and sharp, simple and very masculine. This fragrance opens with fresh notes of mint, lavender, coriander and rosemary. The middle notes of geranium, neroli, jasmine and sandalwood give the fragrance its heart, and the final base notes are composed of cedar wood, musk, amber and tobacco. Davidoff Cool Water hasn’t stood the test of time for nothing – find the proof in the pudding and attract your perfect women.

So there you have it – 5 potent scents that’ll turn the right heads. Take your pick and experiment with these men’s scents, and if you select the right one, stand back Mr. Grey, because there’s a new man in town.