GENTS’ SCENTS

I have to confess, I love wearing a gent’s scent. Don’t you?

Women can wear them too!

I’ve always been obsessed with men’s fragrances – sometimes even more than with women’s. I’m not sure if it’s because of their leathery, woody notes, or because I love the simple, clean designs of the bottles – yes, I’m a pack(aging) hound. But I also find that they last longer … and they seem to suit my skin type. Often when I’m wearing a men’s fragrance I’m complimented on it, and people are always surprised when I say it’s for men.

These are the ones I wear on a regular basis. Give one to your man for Father’s Day, then use it yourself. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! 1. Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum (R1566 for 90ml) is a spice explosion of lavender, caraway, black pepper, tobacco and vanilla.

2. Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Exotic

Leather EDP (R5080 for 150ml) Savour the blend of black leather, cade oil, clary sage and lavender while sipping on your scotch.

3. Bentley for Men Azure Eau De Toi

lette For Men (R1195 for 100ml) Citrus and pine segue into sage, tea and lavender, then cashmere woods and Tonka bean.

4. Azzaro Chrome Intense EDT (R1085

for 100ml) Better for summer, perhaps – grapefruit and bergamot deepen into ozone and jasmine water and finally, a woody fusion. 5. Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme EDT (R965 for 50ml). Fresh, with bergamot, lemon and water lily top notes.

6. Armani Code Profumo Parfum Pour

Homme (R1231 for 60ml) is ideal for winter with its warm aromatic and spice notes. Cue a glass of red and a crackling fire…

7. Avon Elite Gentleman Untailored

EDT (R250 for 75ml) is very easy on the nose. Basil, cypress and cashmere wood become more intense with each spritz.

8. Bvlgari Man Black Cologne EDT

(R1060 for 60ml) Intensely fresh; opens with tuberose flower and neroli. Sandalwood, benzoin and musk are the calm base notes.

9. Gucci Guilty Eau Pour Homme (EDT,

R1230 for 90ml) For special occasions. Lavender and lemon soften into orange flower and settle on patchouli and cedarwood.

If you’re a bit wary of buying a full-sized men’s fragrance for yourself, ask for testers at the counters to try at home first.