As someone that has spent countless hours sampling all kinds of scents, I can tell you that a lot of men's fragrances have that generic yet pungent smell. Think burning tires, the gym locker room, and the men's grooming aisle in your neighborhood corner store. What you're smelling is (probably) ambroxan which is a synthetic perfume note that a lot of the most popular men's fragrances have. There's nothing wrong it, of course… unless you want to smell different.
If you're here because you're tired of the usual suspects when it comes to men's fragrances, then you've come to the right place. We've put together a list of newly released scents that won't make you smell like cheap, aggressive body spray. Here are the best unique fragrances for men that will set you apart from the pack.
Gentle Fluidity Gold
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN
P11,350 AT RUSTAN'S
Vanilla fragrances are very versatile and Maison Francis Kurkdijan's Gentle Fluidity Gold is probably the best example. This vibrant and exciting mix takes vanilla and adds woody and spicy notes into the mix without being overwhelming.
At The Barber's Eau de Toilette
MAISON MARGIELA
P3,950 AT RUSTAN'S
You can't get any more unique than Maison Margiela's fragrances. The names of each bottle are a literal description of the scents. So, At the Barber's will transport you to the barbershop—plastic combs, vinyl cape, barbicide included. It's different but that's exactly what you want.
Phantom Eau de Toilette
PACO RABANNE
P4,700 AT RUSTAN'S
Paco Rabanne Phantom is a fresh, aromatic juice that uses creamy lavender, citrusy lemon, and woody vanilla to get its point across. Don't even get us started on the bottle.
Bad Boy Le Parfum
CAROLINA HERRERA
P5,000 AT RUSTAN'S
You asked for something different and we found it: Carolina Herrera's Bad Boy Le Parfum. All you need to know is that it has cannabis and leather accords which together are intoxicating, to say the least.
Miraceti Eau de Parfum
AESOP
P9,300 AT AESOP
Aesop makes the most unique fragrances so this list really wouldn't be complete without one from their selection. Miraceti is woody and herbal yet aquatic and floral at the same time. It definitely doesn't smell like anything you've tried before, which is exactly the point.
Giungle di Seta
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
P5,000 AT RUSTAN'S
Green! Floral! Giungle di Seta mixes notes that you won't find in your typical men's fragrance. And that's why it's so interesting. Pick this up as a casual day fragrance, especially when you want to smell fresh.
Terrae Essence Eau de Parfum
BULGARI
P5,500 AT RUSTAN'S
At first spray, Terrae Essence brings an earthy and citrusy kind of intensity. But, it dries down to be warm with a hint of sweetness. It's strong, for sure, but it's a different kind of strong than we're used to—in a good way.
On the Road
TIMOTHY HAN EDITION
P9,150 AT ADORA
We're in niche fragrance territory now so proceed with caution. Timothy Han Edition's On the Road has notes of galbanum, lemon, and lavender, to name a few. Knowing that, you'd expect it to be fresh but it's a complex scent that turns smokey and leathery. It's a whole experience really.
