Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Living in a tropical country with hot and humid weather can cause us to have that dreaded amoy-pawis smell. Aside from using deodorants or antiperspirants, one way to combat this is to use perfumes. Scroll down below to know the advantages of wearing men's perfume.
Perfumes and scents can help you make deeper emotional connections with people. That's because our brains are wired to attach memories with scents more strongly than with visual cues.
And of course, a nice fragrance that suits you creates an impression that you are a confident and put-together person—not to mention, one who takes care of himself well. So go ahead and put on your signature scent!
Want to impress your date? Wearing perfume makes men more attractive to women. Many studies have shown that women respond most to a man wearing a perfume that excites her. In fact, because women have a finely-tuned sense of smell, they unconsciously rely on their noses when choosing prospective partners.
Have a big presentation? Putting on your favorite scent can help ease your nerves since the essential oils in perfumes have aromatherapy benefits. For instance, floral and citrus scents can make you feel more energized and focused on accomplishing the tasks at hand.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are many factors you need to consider before splurging on a bottle of perfume, such as the type and the scent notes. Whether you want a light fragrance for school or work or a sultry one for date nights, read on to know how to make the best choice for you.
There's more to perfumes than merely making us smell good. In fact, one's choice of scent can also impart a particular personality or convey a certain mood. Similarly, those fancy labels - eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne refer to different concentrations and, thus, corresponding durations those perfumes would last.
Perfume is made up of three notes, which are the top, middle, and base notes. When the middle notes fade and the base notes take over, it is called the dry down period, wherein the "real" scent of the perfume is revealed.
Perfume notes sort of creates this layer to the overall scent. In fact, these perfume notes are categorized based on their volatility or how fast they evaporate. When it comes to choosing certain notes, it's good to take into account what you like as well as how long you would like them to last.
When we smell a great perfume on someone else, it's so easy to assume that it would smell good on us, too. Not so fast! Before you whip out your wallet and head off to the nearest perfume counter to buy the same brand, it's best to pause and remember that it might not necessarily smell the same way on you.
Your natural body scent plays a huge role in how a perfume performs. The oils in a perfume interact with your natural oils, and together, they create a scent that is unique only to you. The pH level of your skin, hormones, and diet all come into play, too. All of these aspects should be considered when choosing your fragrance.
Our body naturally gives off a unique scent, which, when mixed with perfume, may cause it to smell differently from one person to the other.
Going to a business meeting or have a date at a fancy restaurant? Whichever the case, your perfume should deliver a scent appropriate for the occasion. Moreover, selecting the right perfume for your age is equally as important. Know more about these factors by scrolling down below.
If you're going on a date with your special someone, then you'd want to stand out and leave a lasting impression. We recommend getting a perfume with unique and seductive notes like amber, tonka bean, Turkish rose, and pomegranate, among others.
Men who are in their mid-thirties and up would benefit from these spicy (pepper, coriander, nutmeg, etc.), musky, and woody scents (teak wood, cedar, etc.). To balance it off, you can opt for perfumes that also have oriental (amber, sandalwood, etc.), fruity (pineapple, melon, etc.), and floral (jasmine, lavender, etc.) notes.
There is something enticing about someone smelling good—for yourself and/or for others. From a dermatologist's perspective, feel free to choose the scent you desire, just make sure to patch test before spraying it all over your body. You want to smell good, but you don't want a rash along with it.
A school or work-appropriate perfume should be something light such that your scent wouldn't be so overpowering for the people you share the space with. They are sometimes combined with green and aromatic scents for that clean, "just-showered" smell.
As such, perfumes with light and fresh notes like fruits (pineapple, melon, etc.) and citrus (lemon, lime, orange, etc.) would be a good choice for 20 to 30-something men.
Citrus scents typically give off zesty and fresh notes, making it a good choice for summer, too.
Given the Philippines' humid weather, you might want to stick to fresh and aquatic scents such as citrus (lemon, lime, orange, etc.), fruity (melon, cucumber, etc.), and water-based ones to keep you energized the whole day.
But if you are looking for a more mature scent, go for aromatic ones with a hint of spice, musk, and woodiness. For this, oakmoss, sage, and patchouli are some of the best choices. These scents are great for all ages and can be used for most occasions.
Tip: Check all the different products you use and if they contain fragrance. Chances are your shampoo, body wash, and laundry detergent all do. Best to try and see how these work with your overall choice of perfume. You don't want them all clashing with each other.
We recommend buying the small bottle first if you’re not too confident with your choices yet. Even better, some brands have tester bottles, which are tiny sample bottles that you can take home and try out for a week or so. This is the best and most pocket-friendly way to test a perfume!
Getting a trial or travel-sized perfume is a good idea as it allows you to try out the product for a relatively long amount of time to see how the scent mixes with your pheromones as well as if it lasts given your lifestyle and activities from day to day.
If you're looking for a versatile perfume, then check out Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gio. At the heart of this EDT are salty, aquatic notes complimented by citrusy notes of bergamot, neroli, and green tangerine. It's a great daily perfume that'll keep you smelling fresh, no matter the occasion.
It also features hints of cedarwood and musk. These provide a subtle, masculine undertone that makes the perfume light yet pleasantly complex. Despite being an Eau de Toilette, it can last for up to six or seven hours— perfect for a regular day at the office or a fun night out!
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Duration | 6-7 Hours |
Top Notes | Bergamot, Tangerine, Neroli |
Middle Notes | Marine, Jasmine, Rosemary |
Base Notes | Cedar, Patchouli |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best for | Formal Events, Casual Events, Dates, Office, School |
True to its name, the Clinique Happy perfume will surely brighten up your day! With its crisp and citrusy top notes, it is great to use for school, work, or even for outings when you will be meeting a lot of people. The middle notes consist of floral extracts that give this perfume a fresh and powdery scent.
The perfume ends on a woody and musky note, which balances everything out and makes it more masculine. It is a simple summer-y scent that users love because they get a lot of compliments when wearing it. Since it gives off a fun vibe, it's a hit with younger users and is a great match for sporty outfits.
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Duration | 3-4 Hours |
Top Notes | Lime, Green Notes, Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Sea Notes |
Middle Notes | Freesia, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Rose |
Base Notes | Cypress, Musk, Guaiac Wood, Cedar |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best for | Casual Events, Office, School |
After its launch, Chanel's Bleu de Chanel has become one of the best selling perfumes in the brand's lineup. This fruity and musky perfume is a good scent to have on your dresser for any occasion, whether it be a romantic date, a formal meeting, or a casual hangout with friends.
The combination of woody and citrus notes like vetiver, sandalwood, citrus accord, and grapefruit makes for a seductive and enchanting scent. This dark and long-lasting fragrance is great for the cold weather or when you just want that cozy feeling. Bleu de Chanel will surely make the ladies swoon!
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 6-8 Hours |
Top Notes | Citrus Accord, Vetiver, Pink Pepper |
Middle Notes | Grapefruit, Dry Cedar Tones, Labdanum |
Base Notes | Frankincense, Ginger, Sandalwood |
Net Weight | 50 ml |
Best for | Formal Events, Casual Events, Dates |
Tom Ford's Oud Wood features a unique blend of ingredients such as cardamom, Brazilian rosewood, oud, and amber. What you get is a sophisticated warm and earthy scent that's perfect for both a black-tie event and a boys' night out! As an eau de parfum, it'll last you a good four to six hours, making it great for formal dinners and cocktail parties.
This fragrance is filled with complexity from top to base note, evoking imagery of incense-filled temples from faraway lands. With fiery Sichuan pepper on the top note, exquisite oud at the heart note, and a sweet amber note on the base, it's the perfect perfume for projecting confidence and charm.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 4-6 Hours |
Top Notes | Rosewood, Cardamom, Chinese Pepper |
Middle Notes | Oud, Sandalwood, Vetiver |
Base Notes | Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amber |
Net Weight | 50 ml |
Best for | Formal Events, Casual Events, Dates |
When it was launched, Sauvage broke into the perfume scene with a loud and very much-welcomed bang. With its formulation made up of earthy scents, it broke the mold of men's perfumes that flooded the market at the time. A few years later, it is still a strong contender for men who want a unique scent that creates a lasting impression.
It starts out with a vibrant, citrusy note that is complemented by its sweet vanilla middle notes. Eventually, it softens into a warm and longer-lasting musky and woody fragrance. This sweet and sexy combination makes it the perfect choice for date nights and romantic encounters. Christian Dior's Sauvage is definitely a new classic!
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 8-10 Hours |
Top Notes | Sichuan pepper, Calabrian Bergamot |
Middle Notes | Geranium Lavender, Elemi, Pink Pepper, Vetiver, Patchouli |
Base Notes | Cedar, Labdanum, Ambroxan |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best for | Formal Events, Dates |
This perfume for Hermès has captured the delicate balance of being a sweet but musky fragrance. It starts out with a citrusy and fruity explosion until the base notes of vetiver, olibanum, patchouli, and amber wood start to develop. It also has herby middle notes that tie everything together.
It is great for business meetings, date nights, and special occasions since it can last for up to 5 hours. Although it can be overpowering and does not seem to last as long as other heavy perfumes, users say that they love its fruity, woody, and spicy scent.
Type | Eau de Parfum |
---|---|
Duration | 5 Hours |
Top Notes | Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon |
Middle Notes | Sichuan Pepper, Geranium |
Base Notes | Vetiver, Olibanum, Patchouli, Amberwood |
Net Weight | 50 ml |
Best for | Formal Events, Business, Dates |
Since it's light, it's perfect for use at school, the office, or while running your daily errands. Additionally, thanks to its grassy, floral, and sweet accords, it'll keep you smelling fresh even as you sweat throughout the day.
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Duration | 6 Hours |
Top Notes | Bergamot, Mandarin Oil, Cedar Leaf Oil |
Middle Notes | Lavender Absolute, Sage Clary Oil, Violet Leaf Notes |
Base Notes | Vetiver Oil, Amber Notes, Musk Note |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best for | Casual Events, Office, School |
Transport yourself to an exclusive jazz club filled with the aroma of cigar smoke and sweet rum with this one-of-a-kind perfume from Maison Margiela. Replica Jazz Club recreates the smells of a classy club with pink pepper and citrus top notes, clary sage oil, rum, and java vetiver heart notes, and intense styrax resin, tobacco leaf, and vanilla bean base notes.
This perfume is perfect for cold or rainy weather as it excellently projects a warm and cozy fragrance. It usually lasts around five to six hours and dries down to the intoxicating smell of tobacco, vanilla, and rum. If you're looking for an interesting nighttime perfume to spice things up, the Replica Jazz Club will surely do the trick!
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Duration | 5-6 Hours |
Top Notes | Pink Pepper, Neroli, Lemon |
Middle Notes | Rum, Java Vetiver Oil, Clary Sage |
Base Notes | Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla Bean, Styrax |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Best for | Formal Events, Casual Events, Dates |
Cool Water for Men is an oldie but goodie—it has remained a steady choice for men all over the world. It has a sea breeze scent that is open and airy and reminds you of cool water indeed! This fragrance has hints of lavender and peppermint, with grassy and woody notes from oakmoss, geranium, and sandalwood. The scent finishes on a woody base note, courtesy of the amber and musk essence.
Spraying it on would transport you to the beach and make you forget your worries, even just for a while! Older men continue to use it loyally, but it also appeals to the younger generation because of its light and crisp fragrance. And it is great for people who are always outdoors since it can stand up to sweat and has good staying power.
Type | Eau de Toilette |
---|---|
Duration | 5-6 Hours |
Top Notes | Sea Water, Lavender, Mint, Green Notes, Rosemary, Calone, Coriander |
Middle Notes | Sandalwood, Neroli, Geranium, Jasmine |
Base Notes | Musk, Oakmoss, Tobacco, Cedar, Ambergris |
Net Weight | 125 ml |
Best for | Formal Events, Casual Events, Dates, Office, School |
Aspen for Men is a wonderful choice for people who want to smell good without burning a hole in their pocket. This is a great option for beginners who don't want to splurge too much on their first perfume. You can use it in between breaks to feel refreshed, especially when it gets hot outside.
The amber, cedar, and musk notes give it a deep and multi-layered scent. Once you get a whiff of it, you will think of clean mountain air, as if you are walking through a forest and smelling pine needles. Indeed, it's a wonderful break from the soot and grime of the city air!
Type | Eau de Cologne |
---|---|
Duration | 4-5 Hours |
Top Notes | Green Notes, Bergamot, Lemon, Galbanum |
Middle Notes | Lavender, Juniper, Geranium, Coriander, Cyclamen, Orange Blossom, Jasmine |
Base Notes | Balsam Fir, Cedar, Oakmoss, Musk, Amber |
Net Weight | 118 ml |
Best for | Casual Events, Office, School |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
There's no gender-associated difference when it comes to perfumes. The dose makes the 'poison,' so to speak. The length of time a perfume would last is more hinged on the particular notes that comprise that particular scent as well as its concentration.
Ready to look and feel your best? Browse through our other article reviews on the best clothing and accessories for men. Who knows, you might find something new that looks good on you!
Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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