While that floral-scented perfume will always have a special place in our hearts and beauty cabinet, there’s also something to be said about those stronger, spicier notes that oozes passion and charisma – the type of fragrance that are not only attractive to guys but are also worn by them. For years we’ve been programmed to think that delicate floral fragrances are strictly for women while musky woody notes are for men.
However, the truth is there is no such thing as an intrinsically masculine or feminine scent, it’s all a result of years of marketing. Versatile unisex perfumes that don’t fit those stereotypes can smell fresh, interesting and sensual. Plus, if you split it with your significant other, not only are you saving money, but it’s also a subtle way for you to show your love for each other. Much better than cheesy matching couples tees, if you ask us. To help you decide on your new (shared scent), here are some of our picks.
Made with a unique blend of sustainably sourced ingredients including Bourbon vanilla and Diva lavender heart, D by Diesel is a fragrance perfect for those looking to make a strong impression. At first spritz, the scent comes across as masculine, but as the cool cotton and vanilla accords come out, the scent is a little more universally appealing, making it an excellent option for those who are looking for a gender-fluid scent.
The CK One Eau De Toilette Spray is one of the most classic must-haves to have when it comes to unisex fragrances. Clean, pure and contemporary, the CK One EDT is a citrus-green fragrance that comes across as an intimate scent — one has to come close to get a whiff of its intoxicating scent. Designed for both men and women to wear, this refreshing scent combines both masculine and feminine scents to create a single bold yet harmonic fragrance.
Whether you’re looking for a clean and minimalist fragrance or for a scent that will whisk you away into its own story, Aesop has what you need. While they offer an extensive range of fragrances for you to choose from, we personally like the Eidesis Eau de Parfum for its woody, spicy and ambery aroma. The perfume opens up with notes of petitgrain, black pepper, frankincense that fades into notes of cumin and cedar, finishing with base notes of sandalwood, cedar and vetiver.
Like the rest of the scents in the stellar lineup, Le Jour Se Leve, which translates to daybreak also traces an emotional journal. Thanks to its subtle complexity, the Le Jour Se Leve can be worn by a man or woman. While most brands use lime and lemon extract to add a citrusy punch to their fragrances, the designer brand uses mandarins from Sicily, Italy to create a citrus fragrance with a softer edge that will not be too strong. This seemingly feminine blend of mandarin, Jasmine Sambac, bergamot, magnolia petals, osmanthus, blackcurrant and musk somehow yields a sunny fresh scent that anyone can wear.
If getting lost in a smoky, spicy haze isn’t really your thing, you might want to try this fragrance on for size. Nature-loving city slickers will lean towards this scent created by the French luxury goods company. The nose behind the L’Eau des Hesperides is perfumer Olivier Pescheux who was behind the creation of other cult favourites like the Kenzo Homme Eau De Parfum and 1 Million.
Inspired by Greek mythology, where the Hesperides were the nymph guardians of a garden with precious “golden apples”, L’Eau des Hesperides is grassy and green, with subtle hints of musk, cedar and immortelle plant to provide an urban edge.
Created six years ago by perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena, the original ten fragrances – part of its Hermessence collection that features rare and unexpected notes – now has a follow-up. Inspired by a desert, this new fragrance marks the house’s first foray into fragrance oils.
This exotic scent is equal parts spicy and soothing. The cool cascading spice is given added depth by the decision to contrast its warm and enveloping animal notes of musk with a sharp hit of cardamom as its top note.