Your Complete Guide To Men's Scents
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Click here to follow AskMen Fashion on Twitter.Even the most unspeakable acts of cruelty sound passable -- poetic, even -- in French.But while the Franglais emblazoned on fragrance boxes may conjure up images ofsophistication and glamour, most guys are still clueless as to what the words actuallymean. So we’ve sniffed out the difference between an eau de toilette and an extraitto help you navigate your way to that elusive signature scent. Aftershaves
Seasoned groomers will know that there are far better ways to soothe a freshly shavenjawline than dousing it with alcohol. Yet aftershaves, which usually contain 1% to 3%perfume oil and a whole lot of alcohol, are still widely available (perhaps because theword has become so ingrained in the male consciousness). The low concentration ofperfume oil makes aftershaves ideal for guys who are still a little shy about wearing ascent. The fragrance is unlikely to be too overpowering or to linger for verylong. Recommendation: L’Homme Aftershave Lotion byYves Saint Laurent Eau de Cologne
This is where it gets confusing, not least because most American men have incorrectlycome to use the word “cologne” for any kind of men’s scent. A truecologne has about 2% to 5% perfume oil and will last only slightly longer than anaftershave. Most colognes have a light and summery scent and, given the amount of alcoholthey contain, they’re ideal for hotter climates in which you wouldn't want a big,fat leathery perfume weighing you down. Modern marketing being what it is, manybrands now use the term “cologne” when they actually mean “eau detoilette.” Your nose will know the difference between the two with a littlepractice. Recommendation: Colonia by Acqua Di ParmaEau de Toilette
The most popular fragrance concentration for men, an eau de toilette contains 4% to 8%perfume oil and has good staying power. The vast majority of commercial/designermen’s scents on the market will fall into this category. The term actuallycomes from the French phrase faire sa toilette, which means “to getready” (not, we hasten to add, “to go to the restroom”). Recommendation: Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior.Eau de Parfum
It’s unlikely you’ll gravitate toward an eau de parfum unless you’re atrue fragrance connoisseur and want your signature scent to get noticed. These juices canpack quite a punch, since they contain a hefty 8% to 15% perfume oil and can lastthroughout an entire day (and probably well into the next). This “purer”concentration is usually reflected in the higher price point. Recommendation: Terre d’Hermes (Eau de Parfum version) by Hermes Continue Reading
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