So Fresh & Clean: My Top Five Fragrances for Men
October 10, 2010 by Arash Mazinani
Filed under All Content, Gentlemen, Wardrobe Staples
When I was younger I accumulated a vast selection of fragrances, my mum was a manager for a perfumery department at a department store. I used to get random testers and samples of various different fragrances for men. Now i still have a hefty collection that I tend to cycle through from time to time, but I thought I’d share with you my all time top five favourite fragrances. I don’t claim to be an expert and won’t be using the traditional perfumery jargon, I’ll be describing them as best as I can and why I like them in real terms for real people. As women have a better sense of smell than guys and the fact I know you’ll be wanting to find out which scent women prefer I thought I’d get my girlfriend to rate them out of 10 to give a woman’s opinion as well.
I shouldn’t really have to explain why wearing a fragrance is important, other than it helps you stay smelling fresh it definitely won’t go unnoticed when you’re spending time with a woman. I think fragrances are a personal thing as long as you smell fresh and clean it doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing. Make sure when you do apply though you don’t go over board with it, a little goes a long way. You can also try spraying a little on your scarf at winter time then give it to your lady when it’s cold, she’ll appreciate it.
If you are interested in what I believe are among the best out there for men, or you just want to pick up something new then read on.
I’ll start by saying Issey Miyake’s l’eau d’issey pour homme is an eau de toilette that from experience is often mentioned by most guys as one of the best scents around. While I agree I have omitted from my list as I believe it is quite widely known so I’ll be focusing on five alternatives.
Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche
This is a really light fragrance probably best suited to summer times (although I wear it all year round). It is quite strong, although not an eau de perfume and has an almost zesty hint to it. I’d have to say this is probably my most favourite out of all my fragrances at the moment.
Girlfriend’s Score: 6/10 “ has a fresh from the shower smell”

Paul Smith Man
Paul Smith Man is quite a new fragrance in fact it’s the newest out of the top five. I found out about it through my girlfriend who got me a sample. As soon as I smelt it I knew it would be one of my favourites. It’s not as light as the Chanel and may not be to everyone’s taste but I’d definitely recommend trying it out.
Girlfriend’s Score: 6/10

Armani Code
This along with Paul Smith Man are a nice change if you’re wanting a fragrance that is less ‘citrusy’. It’s a strong fragrance that will last through out the day, I tend to wear this one on a daily basis as my general day to day fragrance. It’s meant to be an ‘oriental-style’ fragrance due to the ingredients used.
Girlfriend’s Score: 10/10 “ Sexy and strong!”

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
This is another sweet citrusy fragrance that is probably one of the closest to L’eau d’issey. It probably doesn’t last as long as some of the other fragrances with it not being as strong, but out of all on the list it probably gets most comments from the opposite sex.
Girlfriend’s Score: 2/10 “ just don’t like it”

Emporio Armani He
This is the oldest of the bunch, I’ve ran out of this on a few occasions. Again this is a nice alternative to the lighter fragrances and seems to go down well with the ladies. It tends to also make it through the day nicely which is a plus. Scent wise it tends to be more on the woody side without being over powering.
Girlfriend’s score: 8/10 “more subtle than Armani Code but still quite sexy”
If you disagree, or you think there is a fragrance for men that I should have mentioned, let us know by commenting below.
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I have to say I do love Issey Miyake for men but would be happy to sniff a few blokes to see if I could change my ways lol, for myself I am a great veteran of Armani Code for women and occassionally sway to Gucci by Gucci for women