Top 5 Fragrances For Men

When shopping for your man this holiday season, consider making a fragrance purchase. He’ll enjoy it, because smelling great makes a person feel good. You benefit because you get a little something extra whenever he comes in close for a hug (Mmm nothing better than a warm, great-smelling man). 

Plus, it makes life easier for him. When it comes to choosing a suitable scent, many men are confused and directionless. For those of you gentleman who do know your way around the fragrance section, thank you, you make shopping in holiday crowds just a bit more tolerable.

This year I had the opportunity to sample some really interesting fragrances. I gave a lot of them away, because I’m on a mission to make the world a better smelling place, (also to get the world to wear sunscreen – don’t forget your SPF!!), but I’m not self-less. I kept the best ones for myself.

Here are my 5 favorite men’s fragrances for 2009…..

1. Gucci Pour Homme by Gucci – I love this stuff and you would not believe the fight I had with my daugther to keep the bottle for myself. She wanted to give to her (then) boyfriend. I’m newly single, so I’m saving this one for someone special. (James Franco is the face of Gucci – he’d probably come with his own supply…. Can someone get my number to James??) It has a classic smell to it and it was named a finalist in the Global Fragrance Foundation’s Fragrance of the Year competition.

Fragrance notes: Cypress, Calone, Violet, Bergamot, Incense, Leather Accord, Tobacco, Amber, and Black Pepper

2. L’Eau Par Kenzo Homme Eau Indigo – The Indigo Pour Homme is the male part of a two-fragrance scent that Kenzo launched last Summer. If you pick this one up, grab the lady’s version for yourself. They smell wonderful together.

Fragrance notes: Ginger, Gourmand, Lemon, Coriander, Elemi, Vetiver, Cedar, Amber, and Tonka Bean

3. CLEAN Shower Fresh For Men – I loved the scrubbed-fresh smell of this one. It has a strong citrus note that wakes you right up. It smells like a Summer day and that’s the best way I can think of to warm up a cold and dreary winter day.

Fragrance notes: Bergamot, Green Lemon, Thyme, Cardamon, Nutmeg, Spearmint, Muguet, Black Tea, and Cedarwood

4. Field Notes From Paris by Ineke – This unisex fragrance is made by a boutique perfumery in San Francisco. It is gorgeous – a warm, Woody Oriental. Get this for the man who wants to stand apart from the crowd.

Fragrance notes: Coriander Seed, Orange Flower, Bergamot, Tobacco Flower, Tobacco Leaf(Nicotiana), Cedar, Patchouli, Amber, Tonka Bean, Beeswax, Vanilla

5. Kenzo Power Cologne – This might be a controversial pick for some people. It has an earthiness to it that borders on funky, but I cannot stop sniffing it. I think it’s a combination of the Cardamom and the Black Pepper. I used to have a bad boy boyfriend who smelled just like this. I loved to borrow his jacket.

Fragrance notes: notes: Verbena, Bergamot, Cardamom, Geranium, Black Pepper, Vetiver, and Cedar

Image credit: Michelle Smith