It’s true. If you smell good, you’re immediately more desirable to the opposite sex. But are certain scents more or less appropriate for different seasons?
While it’s not a rule that you can’t wear a summer scent in the winter, a seasonably appropriate cologne may appeal more to a lady’s senses. “You want something warm that will make her want to cozy up to you,” says Irina Burlakova, a perfumer at Givaudan, a Swiss company that develops fragrances for many major brands. “Try to look for rich scents with dark woods, warming spices, and amber notes in them.”
Rich what? Amber huh? Don’t worry if that last part left you head-scratching, because we’ve got you covered. When you’re ready to take the plunge—and trade in that good old Axe for a special-occasion scent—we’ve rounded up our 10 favorite fragrances of the season. Use one pre-date tonight, and trust that you’ll be thanking us…tomorrow morning.
If the sweet-looking hand-woven flask this scent comes in doesn’t sell you, the smell of Indian murraya (that’s a plant) mixed with hints of Mexican winter oranges and Spanish marjoram will. It’s perfect for an outdoorsy guy who prefers a more natural musk. ($80 for 4.2 oz; johnvarvatos.com)
This scent has seductive in its name for a reason. A crisp fragrance that gives off a woodsy and musky scent—mixed with a hint of black pepper—it’ll make your masculinity go up a solid 10 points in her eyes. Easily. ($65 for 3.4 oz; guess.com)
Part of the newest line inspired by polo players, this one’s a little spicy—blending dark chocolate and musk for a scent she’ll likely find sensual and comforting. A couple of light sprays and you’ll transform yourself into her knight in shining armor. ($50 for 2.5 oz; ralphlauren.com)
Any risk takers out there? Dab this one on. The strong patchouli herb, combined with cedar and sandalwood, give this scent its manly feel, and the addition of amber notes make it earthy—yet exotic. ($80 for 3 oz; macys.com)
This classic fragrance is elegant—with a side of sex appeal. Fresh lavender paired with spicy hints of sage and pepper balance a feeling of tenderness with power, while a tobacco base brings forth the dry notes of cedar wood. Think traditional man-scent…with a twist. ($78 for 4.2 oz; macys.com)
Inspired by the sophisticated soccer star himself, this bottle—with its fresh and woodsy tones—screams athletic, yet sexy. It mixes hints of citrus, pine, cashmere wood and leather balanced by a mahogany and skin musk. We say: pretty smooth. ($33 for 1.7 oz; beckham-fragrances.com)
Calling all bad boys! Contrasting scents—such as bittersweet grapefruit and sparkling pink pepper, warm vanilla and a tough amber musk—will immediately spark her interest. Then, simply leave it to the intense aroma of vetiver to keep her locked….all night long. ($64 for 2.5 oz; sephora.com)
Let her know you’re an adventurous yet down-to-Earth kind of guy with a spritz of this pure potion. Together, the light scents of bergamot and grapefruit, combined with the rich vetiver root and cedar, will have you feeling like no mountain is too tall to climb. She’ll pick up on the vibe, too. ($82 for 3.3 oz; saksfifthavenue.com)
Nautical splashes may remind your lady of summer, but the spicy and woody undertones in this fragrance bring her back to the current season. The scent reveals top notes of sea breeze accord paired with spicy-sweet coriander; a lighter mid of watermint and violet leaves; and a finish of masculine amber wood and water musk. Read: This is cologne for the All-American bro. ($65 for 3.4 oz; macys.com)
Bring a little joy to those cold winter dates. Bold yet refreshing, this fragrance perfectly balances a burst of citrus top notes, followed by spicy hits of black pepper and ginger. The lasting impression comes from acacia wood and golden Laos benzoin. It’s basically energy in a bottle.($65 for 3.4 oz; macys.com)