The best fragrances for men that'll set you ahead in the bedroom and boardroom

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Cosmic

• Fragrance Family: Fruity/woody/amber
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Invigorating

Jonathan Anderson continues his annual collaboration with iconic boutique Paula’s Ibiza with a third Loewe fragrance that pays tribute to the free-spirited hedonism of the Balearic playground. Inspired by the intriguing and spiritual awakenings of cosmology and the earthy pleasures of psychedelia, Cosmic is the perfect summer holiday fragrance. The first notes I picked up on were of fresh pear and juicy mango, which are brought into check with a splash of aromatic cypress resin. Sweet gourmand accents of coconut cream and vanilla then appear, amplified by cedarwood, sandalwood and mineral-like amber. Created by Loewe’s in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles, it also features the unique and exclusive ‘Loewe accord’, which brings the raw and resinous aspects of the Spanish rock rose wildflower to deepen the scent’s resonance. Like an evening sunset and a vibrant celebration of living it large, it put a smile on my face and will accompany me on the festival trail this summer.

Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio

• Fragrance family: Aromatic/aquatic
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Fresh and hyper-masculine

Armani’s Acqua di Gio (launched in 1996) defined a generation by being one of the first and subsequently one of the most successful aquatic masculine fragrances. This new interpretation, in an intensified eau de parfum concentration, shows the Italian designer’s commitment to sustainability: it's eco-conceived, refillable and composed of consciously-sourced ingredients. Aromatic and luminous, it ingeniously captures the original fragrance’s marine signature with a new molecule that allows its freshness to last infinitely. Natural and sustainably-sourced sparkling green mandarin from Calabria opens the crystalline scent, with a heart of clary sage from Provence and lavender and geranium bourbon from Madagascar. Patchouli Guatemala essence, with woody, balsamic and earthy qualities, cedarwood Atlas essence, vetiver heart (sustainably sourced in Haiti) complete this brave and evocative eau de parfum.

Gucci The Alchemist's Garden The Heart of Leo

• Fragrance Family: Fruity/amber
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Decadent and empowering

New to Alchemist’s Garden — Gucci's collection of fine fragrances made with rare and refined ingredients — The Heart Of Leo celebrates the majestic essence of the lion. Encapsulating the nobility and strength of the jungle king, the scent leaves an enduring trail that is amber-infused and slightly fruity. Created by master perfumer Amandine Clerc Marie, it's been designed to be worn on its own or layered with other eaux de parfum and perfume oils from the collection. Opening with an energising and sweet yet acidic blackcurrant accord, the opulent elixir then unfolds to an incense-like, olibanum extract at its heart and a base of balsamic and resinous myrrh essential oil. As brave and forceful as the animal it represents, it's a Harrods exclusive and is in our opinion better reserved as an evening fragrance. A deep and distinctive scent that exudes charm, sensuality and richness.

Byredo Mojave Ghost (Alcohol-Free)

• Fragrance Family: Woody/amber/musk
• Concentration: Eau de parfum (alcohol-free)
• Motivation: Comforting

Part of an ongoing retrospective of Byredo’s most beloved fragrances, Mojave Ghost receives a limited-edition, alcohol-free reformulation. A first for Byredo, the skin-friendly, water-based fragrance delivers a more subtle alternative whilst still retaining the original scent’s longevity on the skin — as well as its inimitable soulful spirit. I actually preferred this to the alcohol-laden version and found it better-suited to the heat of the summer. Inspired by the arid wilderness of the Mojave desert, it opens with the musky aroma of ambrette seed and the fresh but slightly spicy Jamaican naseberry before doing an about turn with creamy magnolia, suede-like sandalwood and powdery violet. With crisp amber and cedarwood in its base, it’s essentially a lighter and more delicate rendition which allows for more versatile application.

Horace & Horace

• Fragrance family: Spicy/woody
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Soft and sensual

A spicy-cum-woody combo of cedarwood, iris root, white pepper, tobacco and sandalwood, this fragrance is modern in its composition and is unlike most traditional perfumes. Rather than opening with bright top notes before drying down, its first impression stays pretty much consistent from first spritz until bedtime. It also comes with a set of alphabet stickers that you can use to customise the bottle with your name or initials.

Diptyque Ilio

• Fragrance Family: Floral/fruity
• Concentration: Eau de toilette
• Motivation: Revitalising

Working on the premise that not everything in life need be too deep, Diptyque’s limited edition fragrance Ilio invites you on a summer of care-free hedonism. Inspired by the lifestyle and landscapes of the sun-drenched Med (Ilio actually means sun in Greek), it combines the golden signature of bergamot with the unconventional choice of barbary fig, which is dry and almost cactus-like. Supported with subtle notes of iris and jasmine, it doesn’t really finish with any powerful, lingering base notes. Of course, not every fragrance needs to make a bold move: sometimes (as is the case here) we just need them to put us in the right headspace.

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Black Tea

• Fragrance family: Aromatic
• Concentration: Eau de toilette
• Motivation: Calming

Escentric Molecules’ Molecule 01 scent rewrote the perfumery rule books by being composed of a single aroma-molecule called Iso E Super; an abstract synthetic created in a laboratory. To celebrate the aroma-molecule’s influence on the modern fragrance landscape, Molecule 01 has been given a plus-one in 3 new iterations; collectively known as ‘Molecule +’, each paired with a single complementary natural guest ingredient. EM perfumer, Geza Schoen explains, “Molecule 01 is an exceptional molecule: radiant, velvety and cocooning with a cedarwood tonality. I started to wonder, what if I could take the molecule and add just one other beautiful ingredient to see how they danced together in the bottle?" Molecule 01 + Black Tea gives the original fragrance a renewed sexual chemistry. Using the dried leaves of the black tree plant, which has a subtle and complex aroma, with an infusion of mate tea absolute, it has a comforting, subtle and airy persona.

Moncler Sunrise Pour Homme

• Fragrance Family: Aromatic/woody
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Warm and enveloping

True to Moncler’s pioneering spirit, Sunrise Pour Homme revisits the brand’s original masculine signature scent (launched in 2021) and highlights its 70-year connection to the Alps. A tribute to the majesty of nature and exploration, it captures the simple yet thrilling emotion of the breaking dawn in the heart of a mountain range; the tipping point between light and darkness. Bold, innovative and a fresh take on luxury, the scent is defined by its overdose of magnetic and masculine woods. Created by a partnering of perfumers, it opens with a burst of fresh and zingy Italian bergamot, lemon and frosted pink berries that immediately heightens the senses. The velvety smoothness of suede follows, as well as the aromatic warmth of clary sage and smoky facets of Indonesian nutmeg.

Louis Vuitton Lovers

• Fragrance Family: Aromatic/woody
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Enlightening

With a brief to capture the scent of sunlight distilled in a bottle, Lovers is new to the LV masculine fragrance universe, and the first scent created under Pharrell Williams’ tenure as the brand’s men’s creative director. Working with LV’s master perfumer, Pharrell has shown that he has what it takes to ignite the world of perfumery as he has in music and fashion; a man for all seasons who can tap into the zeitgeist with aplomb. Using healing and therapeutic ingredients, the perfumers observed the science of photosynthesis for Lovers, identifying the notes that emanate from nature as a result of the vitalising power of light; leaves caressed by rays, the nectar of freshly grown grass and the earthiness of tree trunks expanding under the forest sun. I was hooked from the first spritz.

Aqua Di Parma Crystal Incense

• Fragrance Family: Woody/ambery/reinous
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Sensual

A divisive fragrance with a Marmite effect, Aqua Di Parma’s latest addition to its Signatures Of The Sun collection won’t be to everyone’s taste. But for those who are drawn to it — as I immediately was — it’s a knockout evening fragrance. Drawing its inspiration from the natural prisms of olibanum crystals that scatter sunlight in a myriad of colours across the desert, it revitalises the rich, smoky and intense darkness of incense with a crystalline brightness. On first impression, top notes of grapefruit, black pepper and ginger oil from West Africa give Crystal Incense a unique spicy embrace. The heart unfolds with olibanum CI2, wrapped in cardamom and cedarwood of Atlas oil; a symphony of earthy, woody nuances. What really sold it for me is how the base notes of velvety patchouli, benzoin Siam and musk lingered on my skin.

Floris Wilde

• Fragrance Family: Citrus/amber
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Elegant and sophisticated

A family-owned perfumer in London’s Jermyn Street since 1730, Floris has had its fair share of illustrious clients. One such beloved patron, Oscar Wilde, is now the inspiration behind a brand new fragrance. Wilde is an affirmation of Oscar’s forbidden love and affection for Lord Alfred Douglas, with whom he shared many letters and poems. Paying homage to Floris’ iconic Malmaison scent (which Wilde wore himself) it captures sparkling bergamot, marine notes and gentle citrus blossom in its top notes. It's layered with white jasmine, spicy ginger and green carnation (Wilde always fastened a single green carnation to his lapel; a Parisian trend to identify oneself as homosexual). A warming base of pure sandalwood oil, olibanum and benzoin add a rich and resinous sophistication and depth; understated but with an unmistakable presence.

Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF

• Fragrance Family: Woody/floral
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Energising

The first new signature masculine fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent since L’Homme (2006), MYSLF is also the only woody/floral fragrance from the heritage Parisian house. With Austin Butler as its poster boy, the refillable scent combines radiant floral freshness with earthy woods and patchouli and has an ever-evolving personality that is very provocative. A fresh and vibrant accord with a Calabrian bergamot base opens this show, followed by a prominent Tunisian orange blossom absolute heart that blooms throughout the scent. Bright and authentic, it drys down on a foundation of earthy patchouli and comforting woody notes. Aimed at a younger demographic, this new outing from YSL cleverly contrasts light with shade.

Maison Crivelli Tubéreuse Astrale

• Fragrance Family: Floral/leather
• Concentration: Extrait de parfum
• Motivation: Sensual

The white flower tuberose is a traditional ingredient in haute parfumerie — particularly women’s fragrances. Maison Crivelli has rewritten that rule with the introduction of Tubéreuse Astrale, a tuberose-based scent undercut with fiery leather that will be as popular with men thanks to its part angel, part demon characteristics. The thing I initially noticed when wearing it for the first time was its incredible ability to just keep going strong; it’s a perfume extract which has been mixed at 32 per cent concentration. Inspired by Crivelli’s childhood memories of a shared passion of astronomy with his father, I found it quite addictive and very sensual. Opening with a pinch of cinnamon and a touch of cumin, the heart pairs Indian tuberose with leather-like osmanthus and carrot seed essential oil; the base is centred around leather, musk and vanilla notes.

Acne Studios Par Frederic Malle

• Fragrance Family: Floral/aldehyde
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Breezy

There is cause to get excited when a titan of contemporary Scandi fashion and an icon in Parisian perfumery team up… enter Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle. The first, and unique, collaboration between founder and creative director of Acne Studios Jonny Johansson and Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, this eau de parfum is driven by the ambition to create a radically new aesthetic that meets at the intersection of fashion, perfumery and art. My first takeaway is how contemporary and fresh it is, like clean jeans fresh out of the dryer. This has been achieved by using aldehydes, unfolding in a pure crystalline breath that develops into a long-term radiance. I’m a sucker for a floral dust down, and this scent does that with classical hints of rose and violet, underscored by the luminosity of orange blossom. A hint of frankincense gives the scent a mineral freshness, whilst the striking contrast of vanilla alongside creamy sandalwood and a note of peach skin caress the skin, with white musk like a comforting mohair sweater.

Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Solar Lavender

• Fragrance Family: Aromatic/spicy
• Concentration: Eau de toilette
• Motivation: Uplifting

It would be difficult to exaggerate the influence that Issey Miyake’s aquatic masculine masterpiece L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme has had: since it launched, it’s never been out of the top ten best selling men’s fragrances globally. To celebrate its 30 year anniversary, then, the brand has released this new interpretation of the iconic scent; a subtle balance between invigorating aromatic notes and a dry woody base, defined by its abundance of natural Provencal lavender. What I love most about it is how it starts with a kick of Sichuan pepper rather than relying on more traditional citrus top notes to bring some heat, before it dives deep into its fragrant floral centre. Having been a long-standing fan of the original I was sure it would take a lot for my head to turn, but this genuinely is as good as the original fragrance, just a bit more contemporary.

Bvlgari Pour Homme

• Fragrance Family: Woody/musk
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Comforting

Bvlgari’s signature masculine eau de toilette scent Pour Homme, created in the mid-nineties by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, has been reimagined as a more intensely concentrated eau de parfum. Revisited by the same creator, it also continues with the same key ingredients and is powered by the same duo of soothing tea notes — albeit in a new interpretation. Blending the great outdoors with home comforts, it cleverly balances the intense woody, smoky notes of ceylon and darjeeling tea with a reassuringly musky underbelly (made up of four individual musks), amplified by powdery ambrette seeds absolute. Vibrating with the freshness of spicy ginger in its top layer, it also features hints of guaiac wood essence, anchoring its woody and slightly smoky trail. Harmonious, refined and elegant, this is a great everyday perfume.

Tom Ford Vanilla Sex

• Fragrance Family: Amber/vanilla
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Sensual

The House of Ford’s latest private blend elixir, Vanilla Sex, has taken a very familiar — and tongue-in-cheek — route. It's the epitome of sensual pleasure and a masterclass in olfactive contrasts: a maximalist vanilla in its purest form. Any preconceived notions of vanilla’s sweetness are dashed by the introduction of sandalwood and orris notes that amplify the fragrance’s sophistication and give it a soft powdery personality; floral notes of jasmine, meanwhile, deliver seductive richness. Opening with bitter almond, it then utilises an interplay of deep vanilla facets to give exhilarating spiciness to this very smooth operator.

Gucci Guilty Elixir De Parfum Pour Homme

• Fragrance Family: Amber/leather
• Concentration: Elixir de parfum
• Motivation: Seductive

This revved-up new addition to the Gucci Guilty universe celebrates the signatures of the original scent by intensifying its most precious ingredients. An amber/leather scent, it showcases precious patchouli and is hypnotically seductive. Orange blossom absolute with peppery pimento seeds and smoky hints of nutmeg set the opening scene for this warm and enveloping perfume, followed by an infusion of noble orris butter and vanilla extract. Base notes of exhilarating ambrofix and benzoin leave a lingering, distinctly masculine and magnetic trail. Employing A$AP Rocky as its frontman, this contemporary and punchy elixir opens the doors to self-confidence and is an ideal evening fragrance.

Aesop Gloam

• Fragrance family: Woody/spicy
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Enchanting

The fifth instalment of Othertopias — a collection of fragrances inspired by spaces both imagined and real — conjures a dreamscape where imagination enters and the waking world slips away. A cocktail of rich florals, warm spice and a bed of wooded depths, it blends the tangible and the illusive, rousing the senses and enchanting the mind. Created in partnership with long-term fragrance collaborator Barnabe Fillion, it's been formulated to allow individual body chemistry to contribute to the overall impression of the scent, making it ‘personal’ to each wearer. The arresting first impression of spice composed of cardamom and pink pepper is softened by fresh notes of neroli and its sweeter counterpart, orange flower, seasoned with aromatic accents of saffron, clove and herbal mate. A warm and sumptuous base of powdery iris, patchouli, copaiba and sandalwood follows heady narcissus, rose, jasmine sambac and pollen-like mimosa that fill its comforting floral heart.

Boss Bottled Parfum

• Fragrance Family: Woody/amber/leather
• Concentration: Parfum
• Motivation: Charismatic

The latest chapter in the iconic Boss Bottled franchise is an intensely masculine scent with inner strength and charisma. A reformulation of the classic fragrance in a beefed-up parfum concentration, it is bolder and more impactful than any of the other Boss Bottled variants in the line and encourages you to be your own boss, write your own rules and find your own purpose. Co-created by perfumers Annick Menardo and Suzy Le Helley, it adds exceptional richness and texture to the timeless original Boss Bottled signature scent with a woody-leathery-amber profile. Zesty mandarin and spicy incense oils merge in the top, leading into a noble heart of rare orris and fig tree root accord. Woody base notes of cedarwood essence and vegetal leather accord turn up the heat and leave a long-lasting, skin-deep impression.

Le Labo Thé Matcha

• Fragrance Family: Woody/aromatic
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Comforting

Le Labo has carved out a niche and earned a loyal following with its luxurious and unconventional hand-blended scents. An ode to Japan, Thé Matcha 26 is the first new addition to the brand’s Classic Collection of fine fragrances for quite some time. In the same way matcha tea is much more than just a drink in Japanese culture, Thé Matcha 26 is much more than just a scent. Reassuring and comforting, it takes you away from the hum of city living and into a moment of peaceful solitude and introspection. Uplifted with bergamot and bitter orange, the matcha tea accord is enriched with a creamy fig note and grounded with woody vetiver, sesame and textural cedar woods. Falling into the category of a ‘skin’ scent (introverted fragrances deliberately composed for the enjoyment of the person wearing them) it is very sensual, whispering rather than shouting and reminding you of all things familiar and treasured.

Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit

• Fragrance Family: Citrus
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Energising & uplifting

If you’re a man who favours a shower-fresh scent, look no further. True to its name, Fresh’s Hesperides Grapefruit opens with an exhilarating citrus spritz, sliced through with Amalfi lemon and orange for good measure. And it doesn’t end there: bergamot bursts through this EDP’s heart with energising effect, then dries to reveal a fruity base of rhubarb and peach. It’s a vibrant mix that shines best in summer heat, but can be called on anytime your scent needs a refresh. Mist generously in the mornings, between meetings, and post-gym for a crisp and clean aroma.

Miller Harris Hydra Figue

• Fragrance Family: Aromatic/fruity/marine
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Uplifting

Inspired by an afternoon breeze that carries the scent of fresh fig trees, Miller Harris’ latest creation captures the essence of the Greek island Hydra, also known as the pearl of the Aegean Sea. A complex woody/citrus/marine fragrance with a free, bohemian spirit, it features natural, sustainably-led ingredients such as upcycled notes of sage, which give the scent a fresh and aromatic gentleness, and oakwood derived from pre-used wine barrels. Looking to the long-treasured natural springs of the island, perfumer Emilie Bouge, who has been at the creative helm of the brand since 2020, has created a nirvana for the senses. Arguably the perfect summer fragrance, it opens with fresh cedar and lemon, combined with a spicy kick of Greek saffron and Ouzo, before settling into tranquil notes of fig, white tuberose and Mirabilis Jalapa.

Montblanc Collection Patchouli Ink

• Fragrance Family: Woody
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Dark and mysterious

Using its rich heritage of creativity and craftsmanship as a starting point, the Montblanc Collection celebrates the luxury brand’s backstory through the artistry of fine fragrance. Having first found notoriety with its premium writing instruments back in 1906, the line of four takes inspiration from different aspects of the legendary marque: writing culture, the beauty of ink on paper, leather craftsmanship, and the glacial majesty of the Mont Blanc mountain. On first inspection I can vouch that they all smell expensive (no cost has been spared in the ingredient break-down) and all have a timeless and very archetypal masculine quality. My personal favourite of the four is Patchouli Ink, which, as the name suggests, magnifies the dark and mysterious facet of patchouli. This is the kind of fragrance I like to wear out-out thanks to its strength of conviction without being too polarising.

Paco Rabanne Invictus Platinum

• Fragrance Family: Woody/aromatic
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Stimulating

In 2013, Paco Rabanne dropped the olfactory bomb that was Invictus: an unapologetic vision of victorious masculinity. Invictus Platinum is a strong, forceful, inclusive and contemporary blend reimagined for a new generation. Audacious, confident and with a bit of attitude, it borrows the heady heritage of the original power scent but is even bigger, bolder and more intense: a daring and galvanising ascent for epic achievers. Designed to be a ‘greatness booster’, the invigorating EDP explodes with elegant lavender, laced with intense minty freshness. Juicy grapefruit stirred with absinth leads the way to rich, masculine tones of patchouli and cypress for a grounding and balancing woody finish. A complex and contemporary cocktail of radical, aromatic, mineral, smoky and earthy notes that stimulates the senses and pushes champions to their outer limits.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Il Était Un Bois

• Fragrance Family: Woody/aromatic
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Empowering

Overtly woody fragrances aren’t usually my bag: a hangover perhaps, from having to do detention in the woodwork room for inappropriate use of the equipment. L’Artisan Parfumeur’s latest creation, Il Était Un Bois, has changed my view. A spellbinding celebration of woody accords that is understated, chic and elegant, it ventures into the heart of the forest, treating woody notes with originality. The way vetiver and cedarwood accords have been combined with the slightly salty and nutty profile of buckwheat is inspiring, and way more palatable to someone like myself. Like an enchanted clearing, I can see myself coming back to this on those days I need a confidence boost; a fragrance with masculine edge and impressive staying power.

Dolce & Gabbana K Eau de Parfum

• Fragrance Family: Sweet/smoky/leather
• Concentration: Eau de parfum intense
• Motivation: Smooth and majestic

This new interpretation of Dolce & Gabbana’s signature masculine scent, K, is the third in the franchise and also the most intense, embodying the intrepid spirit of a man full of self-confidence. An expression of ‘Made in Italy’ it has been crafted with precious and powerful ingredients and has a distinctive energy that is both strong and decisive. Blended by one of the perfumers who worked on the original K eau de toilette (launched in 2019), the new interpretation is the most concentrated to date and takes you on an a more complex and grown-up olfactive journey. Preserving the energy and effervescence of Sicilian lemon and blood oranges featured in the original fragrance’s top notes, this update benefits from the addition of creamy notes of fig and is embellished with warm and spicy facets of saffron. Enhanced by an unforgettably elegant woody base, it's built on the deep and sensual notes of a leathery accord.

Jo Malone Red Hibiscus

• Fragrance Family: Amber/floral
• Concentration: Cologne intense
• Motivation: Bohemian

Initially launched in 2021 as part of a limited-edition collection, Red Hibiscus returns to Jo Malone London as a more permanent fixture to its alluring portfolio of Cologne Intense perfumes. Richer, deeper and more intense that the rest of JML’s signature fragrances, the Cologne Intense line foregoes the brand’s characteristic Britishness to find inspiration from trips taken and ingredients which can be found further afield. Red Hibiscus has a very bohemian flavour and is the perfect evening fragrance if you don’t want to be overwhelmed. An exotic amber/floral scent inspired by a chance encounter with a rare and vivid white flower in a tropical forest, it is both hypnotic and hedonistic, with sensual undertones. Combining sweet, tart and smoky contrasts, it opens with warming citrus notes of mandarin wrapped in ginger and black cardamom, which is complemented by a floral heartbeat of red hibiscus, black orchid, ylang ylang and jasmine sambac. A blend of vanilla, amber and incense in its base leaves a lingering trail.