Around 63% of men in the U.S say they wear fragrances occasionally.
It’s clear men want to smell good which is why it’s important to know the best fragrances on the market. With the holidays coming up, there’s no better gift than a fresh-smelling cologne.
If you’re brainstorming Christmas gifts for him but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top 10 fragrances.
The Difference Between Cologne, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Parfum
Before you brainstorm romantic gifts for him, it’s important to understand the different types of fragrances.
For instance, ‘cologne’ is a fragrance that men use as opposed to ‘perfume’ which is associated with women. Cologne is made up of 3% of perfume oils blended with alcohol and water.
‘Eau de Toilette’ is a spray, often a lighter scent as it’s made from 10% perfume essence. And ‘Eau de Parfum’ has the strongest aroma, made from 20% perfume essence, so it lasts the longest.
What Are Top Notes, Base Notes, and Medium Notes?
You’re at the perfume shop and you’re trying to find cologne, the perfect gift for him. You’ll notice bottles refer to top notes, base notes, and medium notes to explain the build-up of the scent.
The top scent is what you smell first and is the lightest one. Then you have base notes which are bolder, the scent he’s left with after spritzing the cologne. And lastly, medium notes are often fruity and tie the top and base notes together, so you have a harmonious fragrance.
The Top 10 Fragrances For Him
Once you understand the different types of fragrances, it’ll be easier to get gifts for him. Men’s fragrances are versatile and the best way for him to smell fresh whether it’s during work or after a workout.
Check out these top gift ideas for him.
1. Dior ‘Sauvage’
One of the best-selling fragrances from Dior, Sauvage features notes of vanilla, lavender, bergamot, and a hint of pink pepper. It’s a musky scent that oozes confidence thanks to the aromatic blend.
Sauvage is perfect for the warmer months as it has a mild, light composition. And a bonus is the eye-catching bottle, complete with a flashy, magnetic cap.
2. Chanel ‘Bleu de Chanel’
When it comes to fragrances, no one does it better than the French. Then you throw in Chanel and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind cologne.
You’re instantly hit with a woody mix with lighter notes of citrus and jasmine. He can use it all year round, making it a genuine must-have fragrance.
3. Commes Des Garçons ‘Blackpepper’
Slightly different from other fragrances on the list, Commes des Garçons has produced an edgier cologne. ‘Blackpepper’ opens with an intense scent of black peppercorns that’s slowly accompanied by smoky cedar. It’s perfect for winter months thanks to the heavy pepper notes.
4. Acqua di Parma ‘Colonia Pura’
Stumped for Christmas gift ideas for him? Then look no further than Acqua di Parma’s ‘Colonia Pura’.
With a single spritz, you’re enveloped by a luxurious scent thanks to the smokey balsamic, orange, and nutmeg. This fragrance’s not-so-secret ingredient is the myrrh extract, a resin that’s extracted from the rare myrrh tree in northeast Africa.
5. Gucci ‘Guilty’
Even though it’s called ‘Guilty’, don’t feel bad for splurging on this sumptuous fragrance. You’re greeted with a wood and berries notes that complement each other perfectly. Gucci’s cologne is perfect in the warmer months as it’s light and refreshing.
6. Calvin Klein ‘CK One’ Platinum Edition
Calvin Klein re-vamped their classic ‘CK One’ by releasing a platinum edition. This fragrance is an aromatic blend of Granny Smith apple, a hint of spicy pepper and rounded off with cinnamon. As a result, you get a cologne that works with any occasion and for every season.
7. Paco Rabanne ‘1 Million’
One of the most popular fragrances of all time is Paco Rabanne’s ‘1 Million’. Not only is the gold bottle striking but ‘1 Million’ makes the perfect evening fragrance, whatever the season. The scent opens with a sharp woody blend before settling on a cinnamon base note.
8. Versace Man ‘Eau Fraiche’
If you’re looking for a light, modern fragrance than Versace is the perfect gift for him. One spritz and you’re enveloped in white lemon, musk, and rose wood. And thanks to this cologne’s versatility, men can wear it during the day or night.
9. Viktor & Rolf ‘Spicebomb’
You know Viktor & Rolf’s ‘Spicebomb’ is distinctive after one look at the bottle. The scent opens with bergamot, cinnamon, with a dash of leather so it’s enough to turn heads. And because the spiciness of this fragrance is reminiscent of Christmas time, it’s the perfect gift for the holidays.
10. Burberry ‘Mr. Burberry Indigo’
Burberry’s ‘Mr. Burberry Indigo’ isn’t for the faint-hearted. This fragrance packs a punch as it’s an intense blend of blackcurrant, driftwood, and mint. And then, as the day wears on, you’ll notice the base notes of moss and amber, a truly lavish scent.
Those Are the Best Christmas Gifts For Him
Now you know the top 10 Christmas gifts for him especially if he’s a fragrance fanatic.
These colognes are designed by experts so whichever you choose, he’s guaranteed to love it. Whether it’s Commes Des Garçons’s hip fragrance to Chanel’s classic, your man is going to smell fresh all year round.
When you’re browsing fragrances, check whether it’s an Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum to see how long the scent lasts. Happy shopping!
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