The sense of smell is a powerful thing. It can evoke memories, emotions, and associations, so a signature scent can enhance your prescience wherever you go. It can become something that people come to know you by, so whenever they encounter that smell again it will make them think of you.
I wrote about colognes for winter before, but now with summer coming it’s time to switch things up. While winter calls for a woody, musky sent, summer demands a lighter bouquet. Something with citrus and floral tones is ideal. That being said, here is a list of a few hot colognes to put on this season. Bear in mind that the world of colognes is vast, and these are just a few. At the very least, this should give you a sense of what to look for.
Royal Apothic by Heroes and Aristocrats ($36)
A spritz of Scent No. 1 will make you smell like a fresh shower coupled with a pleasant evening stroll through the English countryside. Channel you inner gentleman with this melange of jasmine, mandarin, lily, amber, vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli.
Blu Mediteraneo by Acqua di Parma ($94)
There are six different fragrances to choose from in the Blue Mediteraneo line up, but any one of them could be a good choice for summer. The blend found here is complex and varied and will both energize and invigorate.
D’Orange Verte by Hermes ($84)
First created in 1979, D’Orange Verte is the Hermes’ signature scent. It was inspired by the scent of “undergrowth moist with morning dew” (their words, not mine) and contains a mix of citrus and fruit scents like orange, lemon, mandarin, mint, and blackcurrant bud among other things.
Guilty Black by Gucci ($78)
This new scent from Gucci is being called the scent of seduction in the 21st century. That’s a pretty big claim to fame. It’s fruity and floral, and targeted at today’s modern player who, ironically, is without guilt. Main notes are raspberry, peach, patchouli, violet, pink pepper, lilac, and amber.
Eros by Versace ($62)
New this year, Eros is a cologne inspired by the Greek god of love. Main notes are vanilla, tonka bean, mint, green apple, and lemon. It is reputed to unleash unbridled passion in all who encounter its sent, hence its namesake. Consider yourself warned.
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Chris Riddell is a freelance writer from Toronto who covers art, business, and urban life for various fine publications. Also a poet and aspiring novelist, he’s busting his butt trying to get his name into a few literary magazines these days. He encourages you to check out his website for a look at what he’s been working on lately.
