With Fathers day on the horizon, and surrounded daily by lovely scents and oud out here in the Arab world, I can’t help thinking that a new fragrance would make such a lovely fathers day gift for any husband, partner or father.
Fragrances have always been an essential part of men’s grooming, and offer an ideal gift choice. With each passing year, new trends and scents take over the market and in 2023, men’s fragrance trends will centre on giving classic scents a modern spin. Men’s fragrances are becoming more vibrant, youthful, and energetic, reflecting the needs of a modern man’s lifestyle.
So let’s dive into the latest fragrance trends for men in 2023 and discover the perfect scent to match both personality and lifestyle of the men/dad’s in your life.
Understanding fragrance notes and families
Before we dive into the latest fragrance trends, it is important to understand the basics of fragrance notes and families – especially if you’re new to them and want to be able to find the ideal fragrance. Basically, fragrances are made up of three layers of notes: top, middle, and base notes. The top notes are the first scents you smell when you apply the fragrance. They are usually light and refreshing and last only for a few minutes. The middle notes are the heart of the fragrance and emerge once the top notes evaporate. They last for about an hour and are usually floral or fruity. The base notes are the foundation that give the fragrance its depth and richness and can linger for several hours.
Fragrances also belong to many different families; including floral, oriental, woody, and fresh. Floral scents contain essential oils extracted from flowers such as jasmine, rose, and lavender. Oriental perfumes are made up of spicy and warm notes like cinnamon, vanilla, and orris, whereas woody fragrances are composed of scents like sandalwood, cedarwood and oakmoss.
Lastly, fresh perfumes are mostly made up of citrusy notes like lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit.
Evolution of fragrance trends for men
Fragrance trends for men have evolved over the years, reflecting the changing lifestyles and preferences. In the past, fragrances for men were usually heavy and musky, reflecting a more traditional and masculine image. They were also referred to as aftershaves or colognes instead of perfumes. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards fresher and lighter scents; reflecting a more modern and youthful image. Men are now more conscious of their grooming and are looking for fragrances that reflect their personalities and lifestyles.
Remember in the early 2000s, the fragrance trend for men shifted toward aquatic and cool scents. We saw fragrances like Cool Water by Davidoff and Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani became popular for their fresh and vibrant scents too. But, by the late 2000s, the trend had shifted back to woody and musky scents, which represented a more traditional and masculine image.
The fragrance trend in 2023 however is all about transitioning from woodsy and musk scents to more citrusy and fruity notes, or mixing them to create a signature scent. While woody fragrances have long been a popular trend for men, the image of the modern man has evolved over time, and this is being reflected in the fragrance industry— woody fragrances are becoming lighter and more citrusy, reflecting the new trend for men’s fragrances.
Fragrances like Tom Ford’s Ombré Leather and Yves Saint Laurent’s Y Eau Fraîche are great examples of how trends are changing – combining woody scents with citrusy notes like bergamot and lemon to create a fresh and vibrant scent. Citrus perfumes and colognes are also becoming more popular, reflecting the lifestyle of the modern man. Fragrances like Diors Sauvage, Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin, and Paco Rabanne’s Invictus Legend, incorporate citrusy notes like orange and grapefruit, creating a bold and refreshing scent that can be worn any season or any time of the day.
In recent years, there has also been a shift toward unisex fragrances, especially in 2023, as they are ideal for any man or woman who wants to experiment with different scents. Fragrances like Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, Gucci’s Memoire D’une Odeur, and Le Labo’s Santal 33 are some of the most popular unisex perfumes this year.
Fragrance application techniques for men
Applying fragrance correctly is often important to ensuring that the scent lasts longer while also not being overpowering. The best way to apply any type of fragrance is to test it on a small patch of skin to make sure you’re not allergic to the scent or its ingredients. Once you are happy, you can spray it on your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat, which helps activate the aromatic compounds contained in the fragrance and make it last longer. It is also important not to over-do it, as this can be overpowering and unpleasant for you and others.
All in all, men’s fragrance trends are constantly evolving, reflecting the changing lifestyles and preferences of men. The latest trend for men in 2023 is all about transitioning from traditional musk notes to more citrusy and fruity notes. So why not try something new this season – and gifting for Fathers day, could be extra special for the season ahead.
*Collaborative Post
