Splash it all over again

From rich to smoky, fresh to woody, these are the sexiest men’s fragrances ever created, says Rosie Green – one sniff and you’ll be smitten

t’s a truth universally acknowledged that just like the hit of a double gin and tonic, the right smell will render a man instantly more attractive.

It’s a double whammy.

The right blend of notes will delight your senses, trigger subconscious yearnings and elicit a physiological reaction that’ll make you want to lean in. Plus, a savvy choice of brand will mark out his sense of style and level of sophistication.

I have always been drawn to clean-cut, preppy fragrances, citrussy and cologne-y in type but with a complexity that elevates them from simply shower fresh. This natural inclination means I have guided (some might say strong-armed) my men in this direction.

In the interests of venturing beyond my chosen fragrance family, I’ve asked ‘sniffluencer’ and fragrance expert Alice du Parcq (@aliceduparcq) for her lowdown on the most seductive of male scents.

IDevilish

Tom Ford Ébène Fumé EDP, £145 for 30ml, sephora.co.uk Hold on to your rosary beads – Tom Ford is taking us to church and throwing us over a pew with this spiritual holy water. It’s packed with incense and rich smoky resins that reek of Catholic guilt and naughty choirboys.

Charming

Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan EDP, £125 for 50ml, harrods.com Sumptuous, golden, rich and opulent, with a touch of baby powder to soften its edges. On skin this one has an Indiana Jones effect: like you’ve opened a treasure chest and let the glow bathe you in amber radiance. And what partner wouldn’t want their lover to evoke a tanned, rugged Harrison Ford circa 1981?

Handsome

Hermès Terre d’hermès EDT, £74 for 50ml, boots.com

My husband wears this – ultra fresh, cold and citrussy at first, then mellowing into a huge hunky tree-trunk wallop of deep, handsome and strong wood. I don’t know a single friend I’ve recommended it to who hasn’t fallen hard for it.

L’occitane Eau des Baux EDT, £56 for 75ml, uk.loccitane.com Another sexy-church incense fragrance, but this time less smoky, more caramelised and smooth. Warm ‘unsugary’ gourmand perfumes like this are more interesting and elegant than the currently trendy sporty and eye-wateringly fresh scents.

Clean cut

Roger & Gallet Bois d’orange, £20 for 30ml, thefrenchpharmacy.co Imagine a classic citrus-woody splash, where all the elements of the bitter orange tree have been squeezed together. It won’t last all day on the skin but comes in a handy 30ml size so you can spritz on the run. It says: ‘I’m showered, shaved and have filed my tax return early.’ Which, frankly, is pretty damn sexy.

‘THE SCENT EVOKES A RUGGED HARRISON FORD CIRCA 1981’