For the most parts, men prefer comfort over style, choosing to rock shorts and sandals or whatever they find in their wardrobe. However, there are still occasions when men need to dress up. It is during these times when a little perfume goes a long way at one-upping their peers. As ladies, wouldn't it be nice if your man carries an aroma that tickles your senses when you're out on a date? Here, we will look at 5 fragrances that men love to put on themselves and also equally adored by women, each catered for a different personality and style.

Before we dive right into it, here's a quick guide to the different types of men's fragrances you might see while shopping for one. These types differ primarily in the oil concentration level and roughly translates to how long a scent lingers, so be sure to keep an eye out for these terms:

Eau Fraiche (EF): lightweight, 1-3% oil concentration, stays for 1-2 hours.
Eau de Cologne (EDC): lightweight, 2-4% oil concentration, stays for 2-4 hours.
Eau de Toilette (EDT): moderate, 5-15% oil concentration, stays for around half a day.
Eau de Parfum (EDP): strong, 15-20% oil concentration, stays for 4-5 hours.
Parfum (P): strong, 20-30% oil concentration, stays for around the entire day.

1. Chanel Bleu De | EDP | Woody, Aromatic

The Chanel Bleu De carries a fresh woody aroma reaped from New Caledonian Sandalwood. A deeper appreciation reveals notes of cedar and Tonka bean, making it a fragrance that represents masculine charms and hormones. The simple yet elegant bottle with a suction cap design is also tailor-made for men. This fragrance by Chanel is suitable for those that are warm yet assertive, mature yet young-spirited, particularly of men between ages of 20-30 years old. 

2. CK One | EDT | Citrus, Woody

CK One primarily carries a tangerine scent as its top note, giving off a fresh and bright feeling. With more flowery midnotes such as jasmine and rose, and woody base notes such as sandalwood and cedar, this fragrance is suitable for men who carry a sturdy and energetic aura. Students should consider having a look as CK One rocks an affordable price and humble bottle design. Not only that, as an EDT fragrance, it is more than suitable to be an introductory perfume for young adults.

3. Bvlgari Pour Homme | EDT | Floral, Musk

The Bvlgari name needs no introduction and neither does its fragrance. A thing to note is that there are 3 different fragrances under the Pour Homme category, namely the original Pour Homme, the sharper Pour Homme Extreme, and the more subtle Pour Homme Soir. Here, we are recommending the original Pour Homme. With an acceptable longevity of about half a day, it gives off a warm and fuzzy feeling. Clean and comfortable also describes this Darjeeling tea based scent and is recommended to those who would like to exude a calm and capable air.

4. Terre d'Hermès | EDT | Earthy, Woody

Hermès Terre d'Hermès series (which translates to earth) also contains multiple different fragrances. The one recommended here is the most original one (black cap). This fragrance carries mainly classic wood scents with a hint of spicy flint, giving you the feeling of "lying on the ground" as described by world-famous perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena. Down-to-earth, trustworthy, mature men is the perfect carrier of the scent, and thus is more recommended to adults above the age of 30. This is the perfect touch to evenings that require a well ironed suit.

5. Dior Sauvage | EDT or EDP | Citrus, Woody

A fragrance packed with intense masculinity, showcasing the intense and unrestrained side of men. Its top note of mandarin, bergamot and pepper, paired with a warmer cedar and sandalwood base note instantly refreshes the those in close proximity, thanks to the ambergris component and its dense composition. Compared to the more reserved scent of Chanel Beu De, the Dior Sauvage is not afraid to demonstrate a masculine charm and bring out a certain animalistic attraction. Hence, this fragrance is perfect for bold individuals with a strong charisma, worthy of a try for men above the age of 25.

Alas, the best way to understand which scent is the most suitable for whom is to enquire at sales counters or purchase smaller volumes to test out. There is no one size fits all, as the perfect fragrance differs for everyone. Paired with the right personality and character, a seemingly simple bottle of perfume can be exceptional. Thus, there is no wrong in taking your time to try out different fragrances to find the perfect scent. Adding on to that, a perfume is NOT a replacement for showering or a means to cover up body odor. Never overuse a perfume. As a handy guide, spray the perfume on the neck or near the abdomen, 2 to 3 sprays at a distance of around 10 - 15 cm away is enough. This prevents any unwanted reactions from skin friction and still exudes a respectable aroma. For a longer lasting scent, put on perfume before your clothes to couple the perfume with your body temperature. 

"Buying a perfume is like buying the best first impression." - Mssimo Ferragamo

*Cover image source (left) (right).