ON HEAVY ROTATION

Whichever way it swings at a given time, play up your personality with these fragrant picks that not only smell good, but builds you up to a fine, fine character

1 TOM FORD

Already touted as a masterpiece within a refined collection of fragrances from Tom Ford, the incarnation of Tobacco Vanille from its Private Blend line is an intoxicating invoking of an old-world charm that is infused with the grace of contemporary times. Smooth, dark, and heady, the traditionally oriental spicy scent opens up with an opulent whiff of tobacco leaf and aromatic spice notes, which then unravels to a creamy mix of tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla, and cocoa, before finishing to notes of dry fruit and sweet wood sap. A definitive staple for fans of the brand, the scent, and the man himself, the headlining fragrance chooses no time for perfection, but it is best sprayed on the pulse for a cool night out in the town.

2 CAROLINA HERRERA

Many things all at once, there is nothing quite like New York City. Bursting with big, bold energy with its colors, cacophony, and charm, it also can be—oddly enough—soothing, serene, and still. There lies the beautiful irony of the city that has played inspiration to just about anyone and anything, including the latest fragrance release from Carolina Herrera. A reflection of the dynamic spirit of the urban dwelling, the complex 212 NYC Men is an intriguing blend of refreshing citrus leaves and cut grass, a sharp contrast of ginger, spice of pepper, and lavender, and finally, a sturdy and sensual base of sandalwood and musk, that not only captures the compelling complexity of New York, but also lingers well into the after—much like the indelible imprint left by the city in your heart.

3 GIVENCHY

Masculinity has been played out so many times as a concept in fashion and fragrance that it almost becomes cumbersome when affixed to just about anything these days. Holding a firm grip on this, but taking into mindful account of the evolution of man over time and circumstance, Givenchy introduces a worthy reflection in the guise of the Gentleman Givenchy Cologne. An eventual equilibrium of strength and delicacy, the scent is an initial explosion of freshness, with a brimming breath of citrus, a boost of bold hearty rosemary, which is finessed by powdery tones of iris. Coalescing with your body’s chemistry, it agrees to an assertion of personality by way of vetiver, patchouli, and black vanilla.

4 HERMÈS

A confident stride that definitely says: Here I am, the Hermes Rocabar has gained quite the following since its release. Deceptive at a glance, the warmth of the head-turning amber fluid takes inspiration from striped traditional horse blankets made in the Hermès workshops, which translates to a fragrance that is rich, but with a touch of whimsy. Introducing its balmy and sweet, the heritage fragrance mixes evergreen needles with herbal lavender and spicy juniper berry, that gains traction with nutmeg and cinnamon. Ultimately, it dries to intense warmth of vanilla, oak moss, patchouli that keeps it grounded, focused, and intentional.

5 COMME DES GARÇONS

With irreverence coursing through its veins, Comme Des Garçons goes full steam ahead with a swirl of juxtaposition that is crafted for the man who sets his own rules. Oscillating between intellectual and humor, classic and unusual, the 2 Man eau de toilette is a lingering presence that is powers through with its complementing and contrasting notes. Beginning with the presence of nutmeg and caraway blend, the scent sills through with iris, vetiver, and saffron, before gently relenting to a settle of leather, incense, and mahogany. Understated as it is presented, there is nothing underwhelming with the fragrance as it builds up to a sense of character that is distinct and ultimately, truly memorable.

6 CHRISTIAN DIOR

Steering away from convention since its inception, Christian Dior manifests the same spirit in the modern era with a scent that exudes a sensual energy that draws you in from first spritz. Radically fresh with a burst of Reggio di Calabria bergamot and pepper, the fragrance opens up to a delightful medley of patchouli, geranium, vetiver, lavender, and pepper, which trails to a powerful woody ascent of cedar, labdanum, and ambroxan. Distinct and decided in its attempt to navigate layers of discovery, the Christian Dior Sauvage culminates to an enveloping of the senses that thrills.