Fragrance doesn’t stand alone but emerges associated with memory. The human sense of smell is more sensitive than we imagine. It can distinguish among trillions of scents, but smell is difficult to record independently; it must be associated with memory and emotion. So when we smell a certain perfume, we may describe it as “the smell of grass” or “the smell of caramel,” but if we have never smelled caramel, it is difficult for us to describe it, at best we can only say “very sweet.”
This is also the magic of perfume: the memories and emotions that scents can evoke are more vivid. Perhaps a certain perfume can transport you back 20 years, back to the high school campus where the lawn had just been trimmed, passing by that girl from the next class, and catching a whiff of her hair with shampoo scent.
So, how should perfume be matched with people? As mentioned above, scent elements are always associated with specific things. Therefore, when choosing a perfume, it should be considered how it matches with one’s external style, so as to achieve a complementary effect. Conversely, if the perfume does not match the external style, there will be a random mismatch, making people feel awkward. It’s like smelling candy on a burly man, or smelling spicy pepper on a cute girl.
If you’re spraying perfume purely for self-enjoyment, to feel the beauty of scent, there’s no need to worry about how to match it. Just spray what you like, without caring about others’ opinions. Of course, you can also select your favorite perfumes based on the perfume matching, achieving the best of both worlds.
To facilitate everyone’s identification, all external styles have been divided into 18 categories:
Mature and Stately Man
Fragrance Elements: Woody, Leather
The impression that trees give is erect, resilient, and reliable, which are qualities that a mature man should possess. Leather, on the other hand, often appears extensively in the world of adults, such as leather shoes and gloves, and its scent is quite heavy. Therefore, woody and leather elements are undoubtedly the first choice for mature gentlemen. For young men who want to appear more mature, woody and leather scents can also be of great help.
Recommended Perfume: Hermes Terre d’Hermes, 2006
It can be said that Terre d’Hermes is almost suitable for every mature man. Extremely classic, this perfume has been ranked at the top of the Perfume Times website rankings for years, indicating its classic status. The top notes are the citrus commonly used by Hermes, not the fresh citrus, but more like dried orange peel. After waiting for a wave of oranges to pass, the most charming part of the earth comes, the combination of woody scent and mineral scent, accompanied by the still fresh citrus, slightly moist. As it transitions to the middle notes, this woody and mineral scent becomes drier, the scent of vetiver begins to emerge, making it smell more mature. When Terre d’Hermes was first launched, the store BA once described it as “the smell of flint,” as mineral is not a common fragrance ingredient in perfumes, but here it is portrayed perfectly as the mature and dignified man. Many people are fascinated by the dry-down of Terre d’Hermes, saying that it gives a particularly reassuring feeling.
Melancholic Gothic Style
Fragrance Elements: Patchouli, Earthiness, Dark Notes
The scent of patchouli is gloomy and mysterious, with the fragrance of earth, evoking associations with religion and the divine. Between 1960 and 1970, due to the hippies’ admiration for Hindu deities, their pursuit of patchouli reached a fanatical level, making patchouli popular in Europe and America, and even became synonymous with hippies. Men who like melancholic styles often have melancholic eyes, speak little, and exude a cool feeling from their bones, giving people a sense of mystery. Corresponding to this style, matching with melancholic scents will make you appear more mysterious, as women are always attracted to people who are unpredictable.
Recommended Perfume: Lalique Encre Noire, 2006
The all-black body of the bottle seems to indicate its melancholic nature. The scent is slightly bitter, highly recognizable, with a damp earthy scent, accompanied by a strong smell of plant roots, as if running in a forest in the rain, the muddy earth mixed with the scent of grass and trees, making you feel like you can feel the rain hitting your face. It’s like being in a forest cabin, the sky is getting dark, an elegant black piano is playing a melancholic melody, the lingering piano sound with the rain outside the window, it’s really a melancholic moment.
Dandy Style
Fragrance Elements: Floral Notes, Various Floral Scents
Floral scents are usually exclusive to women, giving people a gentle, tender impression. Although floral scents frequently appear in men’s perfumes, they often exist as supporting roles. However, some men’s perfumes with floral themes fully express the fragrance of flowers without losing masculinity. If you are handsome, fair-skinned, and universally recognized as a dandy, boldly use floral scents, as no one is more suitable than you.
Recommended Perfume: Guerlain Habit Rouge, 1965
A classic work by Jean-Paul, the fourth-generation perfumer of the Guerlain family. With just a light spray, you will be shocked by the gorgeous scene before you. You seem to be in a spring with flowers in full bloom, various floral scents mixed with woody scents come to your face, your mind seems to be dyed with various colors of flowers, and your mood brightens up. As a men’s perfume, the application of floral scents in such a large dose is rare, but in the end, it completely lacks the feeling of being “feminine.” The balanced blend of various fragrance ingredients is Jean-Paul’s expertise. During the transition, the scent becomes thicker and the vanilla brings warmth and sweetness. Then the scent of leather gradually intensifies, like a handsome dandy, galloping in this colorful dream, which woman wouldn’t be fascinated by such a scene?
Quiet and Elegant Style
Fragrance Elements: Green Leaves, Grass, Papyrus
Green leaves and grass often evoke scenes of freshness and tenderness, such as the school playground or the shade of summer. It soothes people’s mood and has a high overlap with the elegant temperament of a scholar. This kind of scent matched with the scholar style will appear approachable and give people a very comfortable feeling.
Recommended Perfume: L`Artisan Parfumeur Fleur de Liane, 2008
The scent is like its name, full of natural greenery and moisture, an interpretation of returning to nature. Whenever you’re tired, smell its fragrance, and you’ll feel like you’ve returned to nature, experiencing the tranquility of the moment. The top note is a fresh sea breeze, taking people to another world, accompanied by the rich scent of greenery, it seems to be the smell of ferns. After transitioning to the middle note, the slightly sour magnolia, the somewhat milky gardenia, and the slightly bitter marigold blend together, weaving a light and ethereal natural melody, making people forget about the hustle and bustle of the city. When the melody reaches its end, the tune gradually stabilizes, with the woody scent of papyrus, the spicy oakmoss, and the earthy scent of patchouli occasionally reminding people of nature, endless greenery. The water vapor lingering in the air makes its dry-down still fresh, like a walk in the rainforest after the rain.
Sexy Muscle Men
Fragrance elements: Musk, Castoreum, Animalic notes
Musk, castoreum, or animalic notes have a slightly dirty feeling, reminiscent of natural body odor, giving people a sexy impression, most suitable when paired with solid muscles. For muscle men who are keen on fitness, of course, they should bravely show their sexiest side, no need to hide, using some light and soft scent to weaken their advantages. Emphasize your best side; the person you like will naturally be attracted.
Recommended Perfume: Chanel Antaeus, 1981
This deep, dark perfume, because of the castoreum, an animalic fragrance, has a full-bodied carnal feeling. Its unique scent has a somewhat dirty feeling, like human body odor, or even sweaty smell. But undoubtedly it is a sexy fragrance, evoking thoughts of robust muscles and a scent only detectable when in close contact with the skin. This primitive scent conveys a strong sense of imagery and immersion, irresistibly taking people into a world full of forbidden fantasies. It’s a fallen dark abyss where good and evil souls are fighting each other, with leather soaked in blood strewn all over the ground, no light but air as spicy as fire. A millennium later, the soul is redeemed, returning to the human world only to realize it was just a moment, leaving behind a trace of guilt and remorse.
Sunlit and Energetic Men
Fragrance Elements: Citrus, Pepper
The scent of citrus is fresh and invigorating, refreshing and stimulating, making people feel uplifted and their mood instantly active. The scent of pepper is different from the taste, it is spicy and stimulating, passing through the nasal cavity will give a brief sensation of heat, reminiscent of warm sunshine and vibrant things. Young and energetic big boys, wearing perfumes with citrus and pepper scents, are like adding music to the scene, making the dull lives of people around them full of fun.
Recommended Perfume: Burberry The Beat for Men, 2008
A vibrant perfume, positioned as youthful but not lacking in depth and charm, the combination of refreshing watery citrus and pepper in the top notes smells particularly fresh and cheerful, making people feel uplifted, and the addition of slightly powdery violet adds a lively and charming quality. With the transition of the fragrance, the scent gradually becomes more stable, indicating that this boy next door also has a mature side. The fresh and watery qualities fade away, and the stability dominated by vetiver becomes prominent, until finally, the wateriness completely dissipates, and the dry-down of vetiver and cedarwood combines maturity without being too stiff.
Bold and Unrestrained Style
Fragrance Elements: Spicy Oriental Notes
The Oriental style is the most exotic fragrance in the perfume world. The formula often uses Oriental trees, spices, resins, musk, and other fragrances. It features warmth, spiciness, sexiness, strong penetration, and rich layers. The fiery Oriental fragrance often gives people a strong impression, consistent with the impression given by a rugged man, making it a perfect match when worn on such a person.
Recommended Perfume: YSL Yves Saint Laurent Opium Pour Homme, 1995
The top note of citrus is like an appetizing cocktail, the fruity scent of blackcurrant and the sweetness of spices, after careful deliberation and blending, melted into this cup of fragrant wine, arousing people’s appetite. After this flirtation, of course, it won’t disappoint, followed by a magnificent feast of fragrances. Vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, and the rich floral scent, with rich layers and a rich spicy flavor, cannot help but shock people. The fiery fragrance conquers every man’s and woman’s nostrils like a raging fire, slaughtering every soul that tastes the forbidden fruit. What kind of man can wear such a taboo fragrance? By the time of the dry-down, Opium presents another scene, a warm fragrance, like two people cuddling by the fireplace, the sweet fragrance between their skins also enters your and my nostrils with the hot flames, like the tenderness after the rain, the eternal warmth that never fades.
Gentle and Warm-hearted Guy
Fragrance Elements: Amber, Cardamom
Cardamom has a misty and mellow fragrance, not as spicy as other spices, but it carries a warm temperature and leaves a lingering, faintly mature scent. Amber is not a single fragrance but rather a conceptual scent, often blended with resinous fragrances, exuding a sweet, warm aroma. Amber in perfumes can be reminiscent of the resinous scent of pine trees in childhood summers or the aroma of whiskey late at night. Both cardamom and amber are gentle fragrances that give off a warm impression, making them enigmatic. Their qualities perfectly match the public’s definition of a warm-hearted guy: gentle, considerate, and warm.
Recommended Perfume: Dior Homme, 2005
Such an elegant men’s fragrance, the exquisite use of iris creates a unique gentleness exclusively for men, reminiscent of the gentle demeanor of a gentleman. The addition of a hint of cardamom adds necessary maturity, but in moderation, never allowing it to become too heavy. The slightly sweet cocoa in the middle note reflects the inner world of women, making them feel sweet at this moment. The combination of iris and lavender in the heart note represents a man’s tenderness, while behind the scenes lies a heavy woody scent and leather, portraying the towering figure that a man should have, surrounded by blooming flowers like water, and stable as a mountain behind. Perhaps this is the perfect image of a man in the hearts of women.
Fresh and Youthful Teenage Guy
Fragrance Elements: Aquatic, Marine, Freshness
Aquatic and marine scents are fresh, natural, and light as the wind. Perfumers often use them to express rain, salty sea breeze, or clean air. The impression these things convey is often simple and natural, without too much embellishment. This simple quality matches well with the dressing style of the fresh boys, and the colors associated with aquatic and marine scents, such as blue and white, also give a light and fresh feeling.
Recommended Perfume: Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme Marine, 2008
Sunshine, beaches, waves, and cacti, full of marine atmosphere. At first smell, you can feel the real sea breeze, with a slightly sour citrus note, natural and fresh. The bursting citrus lemon seems to explode in the air. Just then, a wave rolls over, mixing juice with seawater, splashing on the face, making people feel exhilarated. After the top notes, you step into a clean beach, filled with the smell of sunshine and the primitive smell of seaweed. By the end, the scent transitions to lavender and stable woody fragrances. It’s such a perfume that doesn’t require you to travel far, just a light sniff, and you’ll be transported to the sunny beaches of Hawaii. All the gloomy moods will dissipate, leaving only a blue sky and a pleasant mood.
Handsome Guy Who Loves Wearing White Shirts
Fragrance Elements: Soapy, Aldehydic
As the name suggests, a soapy scent smells like soap, giving a clean feeling as if just bathed, with the scent of soap lingering on the skin. Aldehydes in perfumes are not a single fragrance but rather a general term for a series of compounds, many of which have a soapy scent, hence the soapy feeling. Aldehydes are more commonly used in women’s perfumes, such as the classic Chanel No. 5 and Lanvin Arpege. These fragrances are sharp and have a strong aura. When used on fair-skinned men, they can also have a good effect. The soapy and aldehydic scents give the feeling of a freshly washed white shirt, with a clean soapy fragrance lingering on it. Some men do not have special requirements for fragrances but like to emit a clean scent. They use this safe and understated way to increase the goodwill of people around them. If you like wearing white shirts, you must try this type of perfume.
Recommended Perfume: Prada Infusion d’Homme, 2008
Starting with a slightly bitter orange blossom, it emits a gentle fragrance, elegant yet giving a cold feeling, like the cold dew on an early spring morning, the cold light fragrance blended in the damp atmosphere. Soon, iris also joins in, also a cold floral fragrance, not sweet or greasy, naturally with a pink and soft texture. The combination of orange blossom and iris is like a reserved man, although his words are cold and distant, there is a hint of gentleness between his eyebrows. You know that beneath his cold surface, there must be a warm heart. In the middle and base notes, the soapy scent becomes more and more prominent, giving a clean impression, without messy odors, low-key and elegant.
Professional Men in Suits
Fragrance Elements: Sweet Moss (Fougère), Oakmoss
Sweet moss is a long-standing fragrance trend that was very popular in the last century and can often be found in various classic old perfumes. Oakmoss is often used in sweet moss fragrances, giving off a scent similar to the dampness of a forest or with a hint of earthiness, with strong penetration. Sweet moss fragrances often give off a low-key, rugged impression, and if described in colors, most people would describe it as gray. These qualities resonate well with the design philosophy of suits. Men who often wear suits in the workplace paired with sweet moss fragrances will appear even more steady and rugged. Its penetrating scent will also make them appear more dominant.
Recommended Perfume: Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme, 2008
At first whiff, there’s a very rugged, deep feeling, giving off a cool impression, but thankfully, there’s bergamot to balance it out, adding a touch of fresh and sour texture, so it won’t scare people away. But bergamot is the only light texture among them. Apart from that, it’s all stable and serious fragrances, like successful men in the workplace, with habitual politeness and smiles, but more often than not, they exude a tough attitude and meticulousness. The middle note is a blend of tobacco and leather, still a rugged masculine scent, with a hint of warmth from the leather within the bitterness. By the end, the vetiver with a Chinese medicine scent begins to emerge, deepening the bitterness further and adding more profound connotations and layers.
Sporty and Active Style
Fragrance Elements: Sporty Fragrances
For those who exercise regularly, major brands have already made choices for us. Just choose a sports fragrance with a scent you like. Sports fragrances are designed to blend better with sweat and won’t change their scent like regular perfumes after encountering sweat. Healthy and strong men always have more charm. Spraying on the right sports fragrance to cover up sweat will make people smell more attractive.
Recommended Perfume: Burberry Sport for Men, 2010
The top note is grapefruit and ginger, followed by a burst of icy sea breeze, extremely refreshing. This ice-cold and exhilarating feeling will drive away all the laziness and boredom of summer. After this refreshing feeling subsides, a soft and sweet scent begins to permeate the air. Upon closer inspection, you can detect the scent of wheat, which is an uncommon fragrance but a stroke of genius that immediately evokes the unique scent of wheat fields in summer, dry yet not cloying, perfect for use during exercise.
Vintage Style
Fragrance Elements: Fougère Fragrance, Classic Old Fragrances
The term Fougère is derived from a discontinued perfume – Fougère Royale. This perfume was born in 1882. Fougère fragrances typically include fresh citrus, floral notes like lavender and geranium, moss and woods, as well as spicy aldehydes, hence it is described as a combination of all fragrance families. Its fragrance is rich, warm, and sexy, giving off a masculine scent. Fougère fragrances have a very prominent sense of layering, rugged yet refined, and give a feeling of an old-school style, commonly used in many classic men’s fragrances of the last century. Men who like a vintage style are naturally very particular about the details of their clothing and exude an old-fashioned gentlemanly demeanor in their every move. Only classic old fragrances that have stood the test of time can better express their taste.
Recommended Perfume: Van Cleef & Arpels Tsar, 1989
Tsar starts with bergamot and lavender, expressing the classic Fougère fragrance expression. The gloomy and heavy fragrance is like a shimmering emerald, perfectly echoing the emerald green bottle. The damp oakmoss brings a forest-like green feeling, and with the addition of musk and leather in the middle notes, it becomes even more deep and heavy. A faint hint of rose and lavender can be smelled during the transition from floral to soapy. In the base note, the clean soapy scent of lavender blends with the dirty body odor of musk, and these seemingly conflicting feelings blend perfectly, like yin and yang, creating a perfect fusion, like a man bathing, with a mix of soapy scent and body odor, without any sense of dissonance. This fragrance born in 1989 can be considered a microcosm of the fragrance style of the last century, allowing one to feel the old-fashioned gentlemanly demeanor in its rich layers.
Rock Punk Style
Fragrance Elements: Tobacco, Leather, Musk
The scents of tobacco and leather are familiar to us all, evoking a sense of rebellion and a hint of edginess. Tobacco in perfumes is very straightforward, reminiscent of the smell of cigarettes and the scene of smoke swirling. Leather, on the other hand, brings to mind the leather jackets often used in punk styles. Musk expresses a dirty, sensual scent, adding a touch of sexiness. When these three elements are mixed together, it’s the perfect expression of rock punk style. Wearing this fragrance fills the air with the scent of Rock’n’Roll.
Recommended Perfume: Juicy Couture Dirty English, 2008
Good guys aren’t as attractive to women as bad boys. The bad boy has a unique appeal to all girls to some extent, perhaps most strongly during the green campus years. It’s not just the “bad” in bad boys that attracts girls; it’s the humor, rebelliousness, and interesting qualities they possess. So men shouldn’t think that being handed a “good guy card” means hopeless pursuit. “Having both good and bad qualities” is what makes one irresistible. Dirty English is such a fun bad boy, with tobacco, leather, and a hint of herbal scent, like a man smoking and wearing an old leather jacket, complex and unpredictable. But by the dry down, this bad boy reveals his true feelings, with warm musk combined with sandalwood, giving a sense of reassurance. This warmth is even more precious on this bad boy, with a perfect blend of good and bad qualities, reaching maximum charm.
Casual and Carefree Western Style
Fragrance Elements: Chocolate, Coffee, Gourmand
The delicious scents of chocolate and coffee give off a relaxed and natural impression. These scents, highly associated with taste, give a feeling of playful living when worn, as both chocolate and coffee have a bittersweet aroma, expressing sweetness without losing masculinity. Paired with casual Western-style clothing, these fragrances evoke a playful, fun feeling. Women naturally have a DNA for liking sweet scents, so feel free to wear them boldly.
Recommended Perfume: Givenchy Play Intense, 2008
At first sniff, there’s a refreshing citrus scent, but don’t be deceived by its appearance. This fragrance’s greatest charm lies in its unique coffee-chocolate scent. Usually, fragrances centered around these two elements are categorized as gourmand, but Black Play doesn’t lean too much towards food, smelling rather clean and crisp, like a freshly brewed black coffee, with a strong scent wafting in the air. It makes one think of the pleasant afternoon tea time, enjoying a moment of leisure amidst a busy schedule, adding a playful touch to life. Paired with a black suit, Black Play becomes a playful gentleman, well-mannered and witty. The subtle spicy notes add thickness to the scent, like his solid arms under his playful appearance.
British Style with a Trench Coat
Fragrance Elements: Leather, Woody
Leather evokes impressions of various leather products like Oxford shoes, belts, and leather cases commonly used in British styles. The scent of leather gives off a mature feeling. When combined with woody notes, it gives off a solid, mature, and elegant gentlemanly impression, well-spoken and well-behaved, conveying the message of British style.
Recommended Perfume: Dior Fahrenheit, 1988
Since its launch, Fahrenheit has been defined as a warm fragrance. The top notes are full of cool citrus and violet leaves, giving off a feeling of a cool breeze in summer. However, as the fresh feeling fades, the anticipated warmth gradually emerges. Some say it smells like gasoline, but it’s not quite like that. Along with ample leather, there’s an indescribable feeling of spices mixed in, reminiscent of the scent of plums. At this point, the boy has graduated, countless memories remain hidden, hidden in his heart. With his hair styled like a grown man, wearing a handsome suit, the dry down reveals dry tobacco, woody scent, and musk, symbolizing the transformation from boy to man, the ultimate destination for every boy.
Japanese and Forest Style
Fragrance Elements: Forest, Bamboo, Aquatic
The scents of forests and bamboo are full of the rhythm of nature, with a fresh greenness compared to ordinary woody scents. Combined with aquatic notes, they create a fresh and comfortable feeling, subtle and lingering around, natural and effortless. Japanese and forest-style clothing styles are quite similar, giving off a casual, natural feeling. In terms of materials, they tend to use soft fabrics, pursuing layering but not seeking ruggedness. Paired with this style of fragrance, it’s simple yet not plain, exuding a low-key and harmonious natural beauty.
Recommended Perfume: Kenzo Homme Eau de Toilette Boisee, 2010
The top notes of basil and mint are extremely fresh and refreshing, like a cool breeze in summer, very pleasant. Mixed with the breeze is the verdant greenery, upon closer reflection, it’s the scent of bamboo, with a touch of Zen. Following the scent, one quickly finds the source in the bamboo grove, where morning mist and cool dew abound. A clear stream flows through the mountains, the murmuring water never-ending, and the sweet water vapor flows into the heart. After patiently waiting, the sunlight penetrates through the thin mist in the bamboo forest, dispelling the scattered water vapor. At this point, the scent of bamboo mixes with cedarwood, adding a warmth. Amidst the haze, the vision becomes clearer, and the scent of rosemary emerges, this scent of the bamboo forest in the mountains, full of Zen, is the bamboo of Zen.
Korean Style
Scent Elements: Fresh Woody Notes
Korean men’s fashion style often mimics the Western formal wear but also develops its own unique twist, such as short-cut tailored trench coats. Therefore, Korean men’s attire blends casual and formal elements, exuding a sense of stability yet with a hint of elegance. Therefore, when it comes to choosing a fragrance, opting for a fresh woody scent strikes the perfect balance, offering both a mature sense and a refreshing natural feel.
Fragrance Recommendation: Gucci Pour Homme I, 2007
The refreshing green tea combined with zesty lemon creates a refreshing and invigorating opening, reminiscent of the milk tea sold on the streets near campuses, slightly nostalgic. Suddenly, images of campus life flash before one’s eyes. As the watery aspect dissipates, the mature scent of tobacco gradually emerges, bringing one back to reality. The blend of cinnamon and lemon, reminiscent of preserved plum, evokes memories of the past. At this moment, the graduate reminisces while grooming himself into a mature man, donning a handsome suit. In the dry down, the dry tobacco, woody notes, and musk symbolize the transition from boyhood to manhood, signifying the ultimate destination for every young man.
In conclusion:
When it comes to fragrance, personal preference reigns supreme. While a particular perfume may perfectly complement your style, it may not necessarily please your nose. Despite providing numerous fragrance recommendations, it’s still advisable to try a sample before committing to a full-sized bottle. Consider purchasing decants from Branddecant to test the scent. If you find yourself still enamored with the fragrance after using the sample, then feel confident in investing in the full-sized bottle. This approach helps prevent unnecessary waste and allows you to explore a wider range of scents. If a certain fragrance doesn’t suit your taste, continue exploring within the suggested categories until you find that perfect balance of compatibility and preference.