Glenn Kelly lists the must-have fragrances for men this summer, from well-known classics to niche masterpieces.
You know the score. It's July in Ireland: clear skies, the heat of the sun on your back. You walk casually, floating through summer markets and attending never-ending barbeques on the beach in your finest white-linen ensemble. As you walk you inhale your freshest fragrance scent trail as it fills your senses.
Ok, maybe I’m pushing it a little with that description, but doesn’t everyone love a fairytale?
We may not be able to control the weather on our little island, but we can find a little bit of summer in our fragrance bottle that can transport our minds on a journey of our choosing.
If you think you have read or saw a spike in men’s fragrances of late advertised on social media, television or in a magazine, you may be surprised to learn it is not a coincidence. The men’s beauty, fragrance and cosmetic industry is the fastest growing in the sector, worth an estimated €220 billion worldwide in 2023 and expected to grow at eight per cent per year until 2030.
So, what better time to whet your appetite for all things scent-sational, than with a rundown of the best men’s summer-fresh fragrances you can buy to smell a million dollars.
With a budget to suit everybody what are you waiting for? Let’s go.
Best summer fragrance: Afternoon Swim by Louis Vuitton
From a fragrance house renowned for some absolute bangers in the form of Imagination and Pacific Chill, it is the mouth-watering Afternoon Swim that lifts the crown for king of the summer freshies.
Photo-realistic orange exists from the opening until the dry-down and transports you to a coastal paradise. Despite being relatively simplistic, a summer fragrance should not be too heavy or complex and, therefore, simplicity is best.
The drawback is the high-cost price, but LV will refill a bottle for a 40% discount and trust me you will be refilling this. Longevity isn’t great at around 4-5 hours on the skin but for a pool party or eating al-fresco at night, that is adequate for such a bright effervescent gem.
Available at Louis Vuitton at €280 for 100ml
Best aquatic summer fragrance: Acqua Di Gio Parfum by Giorgio Armani
Almost 30 years after the historic launch of the original Acqua Di Gio, this new parfum version takes the game to new heights.
Opening with Marine notes and bergamot, you are transported to the sea with blasts of freshness and airiness that portrays a freedom to the wearer. The Parfum modernises the original whilst staying true to the original. I must admit the Acqua Di Gio collection is a personal favourite of mine and this is top of the tree.
A touch of incense in this 2024 update brings it even closer to the discontinued Profumo flanker, but is brighter and that makes it even better for summer wear. Think a summer dinner in a crisp shirt or a breezy but warm evening and you have your ideal fragrance partner. Lasts eight to 10 hours meaning you get a full day’s wear from a few spritz. Result.
Available in Boots at €130 for 100ml
Best value summer fragrance: Explorer by Mont Blanc
Smelling good this summer doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and this woody/citrus fragrance could be right up your street. Drawing comparisons to Creed’s Aventus with its bergamot, almost pineapple opening, Explorer will be a compliment magnet and will especially attract a younger crowd but can be enjoyed by all. A must-have for any aspiring fragrance collector.
Available a Meagher's Pharmacy at €42.95 (was €68) for 60ml
Best designer fragrance: Allure Homme Edition Blanche by Chanel
Launched in 2014, this beauty is all about the creamy lemon accord; the light, airy vibes make this fragrance perfect for warmer climates. Lemony citruses and neroli blossom create a clean and revitalizing aroma that gets softened by the presence of tonka bean and white musk.
It’s great for daytime wear or evenings when you want a fresh and classy feel. If you are after some effortless sophistication on your holiday, look no further - and you won’t smell like anyone else in the room.
Available in Arnotts at €144 for 100ml
Best niche fragrance: Neroli Plein Sud by Guerlain
It may be expensive at over €300, but this year’s new release from Guerlain is a masterpiece. The name literally means "Neroli heads south" in a nod to its Moroccan origins of notes. Neroli and orange blossom are the stars of the show, ably accompanied by a spicy kick of ginger with more spices as it dries down.
A relatively simple combination of materials create a decadent summer fragrance that will have you oozing class and dreaming of north African days in Casablanca. Give it a try, you wont be disappointed.
Available in Harrods at £295 for 100ml.
Best budget fragrance: Sunrise on the Red Sand Dunes by Zara
Smelling good this summer doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. This citrus, aromatic fragrance punches well above its weight and should be tried by all - not just bargain hunters.
Notes of bergamot in the opening that follow quickly into an orange blossom/neroli heart, there are more than a few nods to Louis Vuitton’s Imagination, that costs 10 times as much.
Not only is the scent fantastic but it has performance to match. Eight to 10 hours means this one will last you the whole working day and is equally at home in the office as it is on the beach. For under €25, you really can’t go wrong.
