I think gender in fragrances can work as a reference point (although everyone’s frame of reference will differ and change over time), but I don’t think they should ever be used as boundary. I wear many fragrances geared towards women as well, but here are 15 picks that I would personally always recommend to men.
Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede
As it stands, Ganymede is a top 10 fragrance of all time for me. It is also very divisive and there’s a lot of discussions on ‘who it is for’. This is me saying I think it leans far masculine (although the Ganymede Extrait takes it even further, but I think it’s not as good).
Argos Triumph Of Bacchus [#AD]
Sweet tobacco’s can be wonderful on women (for example Herod), but Triumph Of Bacchus has a grating, rough quality and loudness that I find most suitable to men. Similar to Mancera Red Tobacco.
Parfum D’Empire Ambre Russe
One of the best amber fragrances on the market. It pairs a sweet amber, with ambergris and touches of bitter fresh booziness. A unique fragrance that I often recommend to men looking for a ‘serious’ amber.
Fragrance Du Bois Sahraa [#AD]
Sahraa is often called a rose-oud, but for me it’s quite unlike any rose oud. I get hints of a grapefruit and masculine leaning woodiness here that reminds me of a (much creamier) version of Terre D’Hermes at times. One of the few from my top favorites that I have a hard time picturing on women.
Ormonde Jayne Ambre Royal
As with Ambre Russe, this is an amber unlike many. In this case, it’s 50% amber and 50% spicy masculine cologne. This feels classy, timeless and the quality of almost all of these Ormonde Jayne’s is excellent.
Les Indemodables Vanille Havane
Vanille Havane is a statement maker. Thick, a bit acrid with dirty tobacco and chocolate (more than vanilla to my nose). Extremely resinous throughout the wear. The slight skankiness squarely puts this in masculine-leaning territory to my nose.
Frederic Malle Noir Epices
The most underrated Malle for me and it took over from Portrait Of A Lady as my favorite from the house. Retro smelling with a sharp orange and spices. It’s sparkling like an aftershave and recalls fragrances like Nicolai New York Intense for me.
Zaharoff Signature Pour Homme [#AD]
The first (modern) offering from Zaharoff and still my favorite. I’m usually not big on lavender barbershop scents, but this is made softer, slightly fruity (pear) and almost resinous. A real gem that’s worthy of the hype.
Roja Parfums A Midsummer Dream
Roja has several great options that seem geared towards men (Oligarch/Isola Blu and Diaghilev for example). A Midsummer Dream is a sharp, bitter citrus with the weight of a heavy vintage fougere and green aromatic backbone. Definitely one that may smell a bit old-fashioned and may appeal to older men the most.
BDK Nuit de Sable
One of my favorites from BDK (trailing Gris Charnel EDP). One of their more masculine leaning offerings, with a lot of spices. Usually I don’t go for full on spiciness (lot of nutmeg in this), but there’s a milkiness that shines through that elevates Nuit de Sable.
Les Bains Guerbois 1978 Les Bains Douches [#AD]
My favorite Les Bains Guerbois and a masterpiece by Duchufour in my opinion. Opening sweet, boozy, almost gourmand, but doing a strong transition into a greener cologne-style with artemisia and sage.
Les Abstraits Des Cendres [#AD]
This is the greenest fragrance on the list (and in my collection). At times reminiscent of minty tree sap, with a vintage(ish) moss and spice. Charred woods warm it up. This smells like the outdoors in a primal way.
Electimuss Black Caviar
No caviar or real marine-like tones here to my nose. More so, a quite traditionally, spicy aromatic masculine scent. The connection to the sea is a metallic/inkiness (as in Zoologist Squid) and perhaps some driftwood laying near a beach. Mature and classy.
Alghabra King Of Flowers [#AD]
Now this will also work on women for me, but I do think it leans masculine and the name and comparisons may give off different expectations. It’s a spicy opening, with a sweet vanilla drydown. My favorite from Alghabra.
Tom Ford For Men Extreme
As bonus; Yes, I’m putting this on the niche list. One of the more traditionally masculine, fougere-esque scents in my collection. Semi sweet, but with a pine quality as well. Unfortunately discontinued now, but a top 3 Tom Ford .