Buying a new fragrance for men may seem straightforward, but comparing options online involves more than choosing an attractive bottle. One men’s fragrance may be well suited to everyday wear, while another is better for an evening out. The differences between parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette and deodorant are also often not explained clearly enough.
The main pitfalls are easy to spot:
Start by looking at the fragrance family. Citrus, spices and aromatic notes often feel fresh. Vanilla, tonka bean, amber and woods create a warmer impression. Woody fragrances for men, for example, often work well with business attire, for evenings or in cooler months, but personal preference should always come first.
Check the listed notes too. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, for example, features notes including lavender, mint, cardamom, vanilla, tonka bean, amber and sandalwood. Together, they create an aromatic, warm profile. According to the product information, Bois Imperial Eau De Parfum 100 ml by Essential Parfums has woody, aromatic, green and spicy facets.
The product name can help you compare options:
Check the bottle size too. A 50 ml bottle is handy for a wash bag or for trying a fragrance first. A 100, 125 or 200 ml size may appeal if you wear the same fragrance often, but always check the shelf life and storage instructions on the packaging.
Fragrance products often contain alcohol and fragrance ingredients that may cause irritation or sensitisation in people with sensitive skin. So, check the latest ingredients list on the packaging before use. TOM FORD Noir Extreme 50 ml, for example, lists several fragrance allergens, including limonene, linalool, coumarin and benzyl salicylate.
Use parfum on the outside of the body only, avoid contact with your eyes, and stop using it if redness or irritation occurs. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks and naked flames. Spray onto clean skin and don’t rub the fragrance in; according to the product information, this may affect how it develops.
Why it suits this profile: With a 100 ml bottle and an aromatic fougère profile, this is a practical choice if you’re looking for an everyday men’s fragrance without opting straight away for a smaller designer bottle.
The product page clearly states that it’s an eau de parfum, gives the bottle size and explains that it’s intended for everyday wear, business and special occasions.
100 ml; aromatic fougère profile; suitable for a range of occasions.
Why it suits this profile: The 50 ml size is easy to manage for special occasions or evenings, and makes a thoughtful fragrance gift for him.
The product information includes directions for use, safety warnings, ingredients and details of the responsible person in the EU.
50 ml; full ingredients information; suggested application of one or two sprays.
Why it suits this profile: If you use deodorant every day, a multipack means you can keep several sprays handy for work, your gym bag or travel.
It’s clearly a deodorant body spray, not an eau de parfum. The product description says the fragrance combines citrus, spices, chocolate and amber.
6 packs of 150 ml; spray format; suitable for everyday use.
Why it suits this profile: A recognisable designer fragrance for men in a 75 ml bottle, ideal for someone who enjoys warm, aromatic and spicy scents.
The fragrance notes, bottle size, safety information and application instructions are listed on the product page, so you don’t have to rely on the packaging alone.
75 ml; lavender, mint, vanilla and tonka bean; clear safety information.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
For a typical working day, an eau de toilette for men can be a good choice if you’re after a lighter scent. An eau de parfum may be better suited to an evening or formal occasion, but apply it sparingly. Use deodorant when you’re mainly looking to control odour. According to the product description, Old Spice Original Deodorant Stick for Men, 50 ml, has a spicy profile with notes including sage, cinnamon, citrus, amberwood, vanilla and cedarwood.
When using sprays, follow the directions and avoid applying them to damaged or irritated skin. A fragrance gift for him is a more practical choice if you first check which fragrance families he already wears: fresh, woody, spicy, sweet or aromatic.
It varies depending on the concentration, formula, skin type, temperature and amount applied. An eau de parfum may feel richer than an eau de toilette, but there’s no set wear time that applies to everyone. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from direct sunlight.
Yes, as long as the scent and amount are right for the situation. For work or public transport, apply a light amount. A heavier or sweeter profile may be better suited to evenings.
Parfum is designed to add fragrance. Men’s deodorant is designed to help mask body odour or keep you feeling fresh. Always check the specific product description: a deodorant stick or body spray isn’t the same as an eau de parfum.