The best summer aftershaves for men
These are the freshest fragrances to wear in warmer weather
Balmy evenings, afternoon barbecues, days whiled away by the coast and wedding invites by the dozen. The summer promises so much, mostly a welcome break from the vitamin D deficiency that proceeds it. Granted, the British summer has made a less than fitting start with a deluge on the first official day but when the month of solid sun arrives, don’t ruin it with pungent musk that’ll put people off your company.
Your fragrance choice should change to fit and reflect the season. An unchecked heavy woody scent isn’t going to win you many friends. Instead, these tried, tested and much loved bottles have survived the trial of time and remain a most stylish olfactive option come the rise in mercury.
Originally crafted in 1951, Floris’ best known bottle takes its name from the label’s store on Jermyn Street. It’s famously marked as the scent that Ian Fleming and by de facto, Bond, wore and made his signature. No. 89 is a truly timeless scent, largely in part due to its complexity and the blend of accords.
There are detections of citrus and woody accords, with aromatic and spicy notes also appearing at different points of the perfume pyramid. At the head, there’s lime, orange, neroli and lavender. This is warmed with nutmeg that is later supported with fresh a woodiness and floral tones, mellow cedar, ylang-ylang, vetiver and rose.
Citrus and white floral dominate this modern classic, it couldn’t be more fitting for the locale it’s named for. It’s cool, refreshing, evocative of the Riviera, as you’d expect – but surprisingly well balanced.
Opening with a basket of citrus fruits, lime, orange, bitter orange and lemon. There’s a floral heart of neroli, jasmine and orange flower. This is all balanced with lavender, bergamot, rosemary and a warming undertone of amber.
Another scent that has lasted more than a lifetime, Colonia celebrates 100 years this year – famous fans over the years have included Cary Grant, David Niven, Eva Turner and Audrey Hepburn – yet it continues to settle on the pulse points of men and women alike.
Elegant, natural and fresh, it’s head notes of grapefruit, mint and blood mandarin are propped up by aromatic accords of lavender, warming amber and rosemary. It continues to be an eternal favourite and each product is made in Italy by skilled master artisans.
Inspired by the smell as your yacht approaches the crystal shores of the Virgin Islands, this signature Creed fragrance is an intoxicating summer scent, shaped by the Trade Winds and the dazzling tropical palette of the Caribbean.
You’ll get hints of ginger and mandarin alongside bolder fragrances of coconut and sensual ylang ylang flowers. And the final punch is a hit of crisp lime juice – as refreshing as a dip in the Virgin Island’s emerald ocean.
First blended way back in 1902 by Walter Penhaligon and taking its name from Blenheim Palace, the citrus top notes have made it a fragrant favourite for over a century. Those head notes are predominantly of lemon and lime with a slight hint of lavender. This is then later supported by an aromatic base of black pepper, pine and a smattering of musk.
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