Shelves in beauty stores today are heaving under the pressure of fragrance bottles, which see new additions and versions launch often. In such a cluttered market, how do you save time and choose one that you can be sure is a winner? Luckily, there are a handful of quintessential fragrances that have stood the test of time – these are our favourite six fragrances for men, which are cult classics.
Chanel Pour Monsieur
Described as Chanel’s first men’s fragrance, the Pour Monsieur is a 1995 Henri Robert impression. The cologne opens valiantly with citrusy bursts, topped with equitable amounts of verbena, orange, lemon, and neroli. While the base delivers citrus tones, the subtle notes of basil, ginger, cardamom, and coriander give this unique concoction an added edge. Allowing its wearer to embrace the robustness of the mix, the novel fragrance has a signature woody Chypre aroma, which offers a musky ending. Worth a king’s ransom, and conclusively, a classic.
Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi
Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi features a dainty dose of orange blossom, delivering a rich mandarin essence. Inspired by the picturesque beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the most beguiling detail of the unique mix is the ultra-fine notes of lemon, basil, jasmine, shiso leaf, and spearmint. It’s a distinguished piece that is able to capture the quaint cliff-clinging abodes of Amalfi in a bottle. A sophisticated gent would not think twice before indulging in this olfactory experience.
Colonia by Acqua di Parma
A design unblemished by time, the Colonia by Acqua di Parma was created for the modern man in 1916. An all-time Hollywood favourite, this masculine cologne is sweet and intoxicating. The unparalleled blend of sandalwood, cedar, lavender, Bulgarian rose, verbena, rosemary, vetiver and ylang-ylang give it a revitalising spin. The mellow composition is bolstered with strong, citrusy opening notes that radiate elegance. After all, who doesn’t like a fragrance that’s all about modern masculinity?
Jubilation XXV by Amouage
When it comes to pure extravagance, there’s nothing quite like the Jubilation XXV. Unveiled in 2008, this is an opulent choice for the young, modish man. Created by the legendary Bertrand Duchafour, the Jubilation XXV by Amouage is the exquisite scent that’s dominated by the scent of frankincense, rock rose, and fruity liqueur. All in all, it’s this eau de cologne that is all about a warm, woody elegance.
Dior Eau Sauvage eau de cologne
House of Dior’s first men’s fragrance, the Eau Sauvage is a 1996 composition by perfumer Francois Demachy. A floral, citrusy scent infused with woody notes of vetiver, it evokes grandeur. What’s more, the refreshing notes of Calabrian bergamot, bitter grapefruit, and pink pepper give out a tinge of spiciness, just like a surprise done right.
Terre d’Hermès
Literally translated to the ‘Earth of Hermès’, this Jean-Claude Ellena formula opens with powerful notes of acetic grapefruit and the mirth of orange. The Terre d’Hermès gets its inspiration from the core elements of the Earth, featuring invigorating pepper and geranium notes with a fusion of patchouli, cedar, and vetiver. It’s an absolute fit for the gentleman who loves a delicate earthy scent.
All images: Courtesy brands
Tharayil Aishwarya Gopinath
A gourmand at heart, an aspiring novelist, and an enthusiastic writer by nature, Aishwarya loves to dig deep into the culture and lifestyle of the place and people around her. A beauty and wellness addict, she is on the ball with the latest launches and beauty ideas and hopes to change the world with her writing. 
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