Fragrance Reviews - Men Only

Hot Dude
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When the names of fragrances are permutations of the word ‘men’, you know it’s going to take some doing to separate the men from the boys.

What will it take to get red-blooded men rushing to the store? Could it be the FiFi awards (the Oscars of the fragrance industry) the scents have won? Or perhaps the packaging? Well, the following five fragrances have found ways to hit the right spots. Follow the finger snaps (1 for EW! to 5 for AH!) and you’ll know how to choose.

Jean Paul Gaultier – Le Male

Finally! A scent we can call our own!

Admit it: we do judge a man by his package. And in this case JPG wants you to judge Le Male (or The Male to you Anglophiles...duh) by its packaging.

A bottle in the shape of a muscular torso in a sailor’s outfit can cure any man’s homo-erectile dysfunction. It’s the stuff gay men’s fantasies are made of, and using the iconic sailor is a validation that gay culture is merging into mainstream consciousness. Mind you, a straight man might be tempted to push that poor excuse of a homo-wannabe status called metrosexual a little further!

Still, smooth sexy body aside, it’s always the inside that counts. A fine mix of lavender, mint, orange blossom and vanilla makes this scent sweet, and almost romantic. Fear not, sweet doesn’t mean feminine, and its musky undertones ensure that.

This is one distinctive scent that will make you unforgettable and it guarantees attention. Absolutely love it. Wear it like a badge on your sleeve, it solidifies your indentity without having to be draped in Pride colors! What does it deserve?

Verdict: 5 Snaps with both hands baby!


Dolce and Gabbana –Pour Homme

Have you ever arrived at the airport to check into cattle class, only to envy the gentleman walking confidently into the First Class lounge?

Well, guess what he would be wearing on his body? If it’s not you (yet), don’t worry. You can still get there if you run out and get Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme (For Men…duh again).

Its sophistication starts right out the box. The blue velvety feel is as elegant as a Dolce and Gabbana fall collection suit, and the bottle follows a clean, uncluttered line.

The fragrance follows this idea through. The lemon, orange and lavender essences is surprisingly fresh and calm at the same time. It wraps around you without being overpowering. This is a scent that is truly an accessory, not the main attraction.

It would not be out of place in Monte Carlo or the French Riviera. It doesn’t scream, “Look at me!” and is more likely to suit the self assured, global traveler who gets invited to black tie events.

If you are yet to experience the joys of First Class, try this fragrance first. Aspiration always begins with inspiration.

Verdict: 4 Snaps in a Discrete Round the World Fashion


Marc Jacobs – Men

The bottle and the packaging would have us believe that men are as simple as a brick. I can’t say it wows me but together they garnered a FiFi for best packaging of 2003! Go figure.

The scent is something else though. It is certainly in a class of its own. It is distinctive although because it isn’t as visible or provocative (or targeted) as say, Le Male, it will take a while for people to catch up with recognition.

The first testing conjured up these words: creamy, coconut, tropical. I know it’s odd but smelling this made me want to order a pina colada and put on my tanning lotion.

Perhaps it is the rich, heavy odor of gardenia with honeysuckle. Or perhaps it’s the Egyptian jasmine, which is the costliest scent in the fragrance, that imparts the smooth silky mood.

Seeing that this scent is also a FiFi winner for Fragrance of the Year, it must have done something right. If you like your scents light, this could be for you. Now if only the packaging comes complete with your own beach boy!

Verdict: 3.5 snaps (as in snap, snap, snap and that’s enough!)


Chanel – Allure Men

I love Allure period. Case closed.

Seriously though, Chanel really knows how to make a person stand out without having to be outlandish. The ring on its cap is all it needs to attract attention. That is the mark of great style, which is what this fragrance is about.

I could go on and on about its composition, such as the sweetness of vanilla and the earthiness of patchouli. But to truly appreciate Allure Men is to understand the mastery in how it’s crafted.

Most fragrances "dry down" and smell different from the start to the finish. First you smell top notes, then middle, then base. Allure is rare in the fact that it is a multi-note fragrance that does not dry down in this fashion, but rather consistently maintains its own integrity.

Similarly, style is consistent. And the man who chooses this scent possesses this quality. He is comfortable in his own skin; he is not a wannabe. Imagine a man who is able to walk tall in tuxedo pants and sandals. Why? Because it’s just him. It’s the small details that sets him apart. They say that God is in the details, and if that is true, Allure is pure heaven. Really, really love this one.

Verdict: 5 snaps in a sweeping circle (like a Chanel ring!)


Ralph Lauren – Polo Blue

FiFi winner? Really? This is like Marisa Tomei winning the Oscar!

The flask like bottle is a yawn. And the blue packaging is a little expected. But the fragrance? Fortunately it is a little more than what was expected. There is a refreshing perkiness when you first spray it on, thanks to its top notes of cucumber and tangerine. And I am happy to report that this zing still carries through even though the dry down notes of basil and moss sets it down to a warm and spicy base.

Ralph Lauren says this latest fragrance is for the man who is masculine without being macho. I say that this fragrance is ‘safe’ and is for the homo in the blue jeans. This is not for the guy in that great Zegna suit, or the Zara shopathoner. This is for the man who prioritizes casual comfort over sharp elegance. He is the guy who labels himself as straight acting although there is nothing straight about him.

He is the anti-thesis of the guy who would love Le Male. Don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with the blue jeans dude. So if this is right up your alley, spray spray spray. I however, like my Zegnas. So….

Verdict: 3 Snaps, done really slowly…..