The Best Festival Fragrances For Men
The Best Festival Fragrances For Men
Going to a music festival this summer?
During the summer, the UK buzzes with different music festivals. You find music festivals, and other festivals, from the Isle Of Wight to the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you are into the Blues or like doing a Highland Jig, you probably already have plenty to pack. The question is should you try to squeeze in a fragrance?
Adding a fragrance to your festival gear is a must. You can even say it is essential.
Let’s find out why you should pack a quality fragrance when heading for your next festival.
Quality
Matters!
Does buying a quality fragrance matter?
Buying a named brand quality fragrance is the best choice you can make.
Why? Numerous reasons spring to mind. First, you can rest assured your branded fragrance will continue to deliver. A dupe, or imitation fragrance, never offers the same potency. Before you know it, the fragrance has faded away.
Secondly, packing a quality branded fragrance takes up less space. You only need to pack one. A smaller size is often sufficient.
What
Factors Should I Take Into Consideration?
When you choose your fragrance, there are several factors you should take into consideration.
I love festivals and weekend breaks. Let me share with you what I take into consideration.
Your
Accommodation
It is a common misunderstanding that all festival goers stay in tents.
Depending on the type of festival you are heading for, you find a variable accommodation choice.
Staying directly on festival grounds may mean staying in a tent or camper. If that is your cup of tea, that is fine. However, I am afraid my Bruno Magli slingbacks and the slightest bit of mud don’t mix.
Many more “mature” festival goers like myself prefer to stay in more comfortable surroundings.
When staying at a hotel or Bed and Breakfast, it is nice to bring a special fragrance. That way, you know you smell nice at breakfast and dinner.
But, there is no reason why you should not smell nice when camping or glamping.
Summer’s
Natural Scents
Let’s be honest - the British climate does not mean a constant supply of sunshine.
But, the summer air is still packed with natural fragrances which overpower copycat and duped perfumes. Don’t forget, dupes are perfumes made from synthetic essential oils instead of “genuine ones.” This means they stay fragrant for a shorter time.
Sometimes, perfumes are overwhelmed by natural summer scents. This is another reason why you should opt for a branded quality perfume when travelling or going to festivals.
What
Are The Best Fragrance Notes for Summer?
When it comes to men’s fragrances, I personally don’t think you can go wrong with aquatic notes.
Aquatic notes are refreshing on hot summer days. I also find them intensely sexy. They go hand in hand with summer. Often, they make you think of seaside visits or days out.
Aquatic fragrances work well during the day as well as into the night. They are simply a must. Further down on this page, I have added a short list of my favourite aquatic perfumes. Read my mini reviews and discover the perfect festival scent for you.
Vetiver is an essential oil which comes into its own in summer. Guerlain Vetiver is the perfect choice.
Pepper and Tonka bean are two other essential
oils which come into their own in summer.
And don’t underestimate citrus-based fragrances. Essential oil of lemon which
works particularly well whether you are in hot Mediterranean countries or the
UK.
Avoid
Complicated Fragrances
As the summer air is packed with fragrances, it is best to avoid scents with too many “component parts.”
Choose fragrances that know what they are all about. In other words, buy a fragrance where one particular note dominates. This helps to cut through the summer air and makes your fragrance stand out.
It is a bit like buying a new summer shirt for your wardrobe. You want a shirt which enhances your tan and is slightly brighter.
Fragrances with too many layers get lost.
Large
or Small Bottle
That is a good question.
As a woman, I always change my perfume with the seasons.
Buying a smaller size bottle is often a better idea. As a general rule, I think it is better to have a choice of at least two different summer fragrances. That applies if you are heading for a festival this summer, staying at home or heading for the Mediterranean.
Meeting
Other Festival Goers
Going to festivals is a great way to meet new friends when you are a singleton. At least you know you have something in common right from the start.
Consider bringing a sexy festival fragrance just in case.
Let’s take a look at the best men’s fragrances for festivals in more detail.
The Best Festival Fragrances For Men
Armani
Acqua di Gio
Armani
Acqua di Gio is a summer classic. Not only does this
refreshing scent work well in festival settings. If you are planning a holiday
to a hotter climate this summer, this is one of the fragrances you should pack.
This
is a very harmonious men’s fragrance offering many notes in perfect proportion.
The
fragrance makes an opening statement with citrus. After the initial notes have
dissipated slightly, the fragrance offers salty sea air and aromatic
freshness.
Hints
of wood has been added for depth and a few floral notes offer a nice nuance.
Yes,
it is a classic, but what a fragrance!
A
great men’s fragrance which wears well during the day and night.
Armani Acqua
di Gio Profondo
Profondo is another offering from the same premier brand.
As
implied by its name, it has a few profound differences when compared to other
fragrances within the Acqua range from Giorgio
Armani.
You
can still enjoy those delicious hints of the sea along with a more in-depth
aquatic freshness.
Green
mandarines make this fragrance extra fresh. Bergamot
captures that freshness blending it smoothly with cypress, rosemary and
lavender.
The
finish is fantastic and what makes this fragrance such a profound experience to
wear. Patchouli, musk and amber are the final notes.
The
addition of the three final deeper notes makes Profondo
an intensely sexy men’s fragrance.
Azzaro Chrome
Haven’t
tried Azzaro Chrome yet? In that case, you should.
The
other day, I was in a perfume store watching this man trying to select a new
fragrance.
It
was obvious he found himself struggling. I normally don’t approach, but he
looked like he could do with a helping hand.
To
cut a long story short, I offered to help him. He told me he would normally buy
a fragrance for which he had seen a recent TV advert.
I
get it. Letting advertisements influence you is all too easy. But as he said,
none of the fragrances he had bought recently “resonated” with him.
I
asked him about his previous purchases. It was clear he seldom stepped out of
his comfort zone.
Would
he be okay to try something different? I suggested he try Azzaro
Chrome.
I
love this scent on men and find it sexy and sophisticated in equal measure.
Azzaro Chrome offers freshness along with an unexpected depth from
musk, cedar, sandalwood and cardamom. These notes are set against a backdrop of
Tonka beans and sandalwood.
The
fragrance is clean and zesty exuding masculinity at the same time. I know I
said I find Chrome sexy, but it is more than sexy. It also offers sensuality.
If
you are after the best of both worlds - Azzoro Chrome
is a great fragrance for the modern man.
Anyway,
I am glad I managed to get one man to step out of his comfort zone. Are you
ready to step out of yours?
Givenchy Ultramarine Intense
The
name of this fragrance is slightly misleading. It is easy to think you are
going to get an intense marine experience.
Although
when combined, the notes offer a hint of the sea, the fragrance is more floral
and modern masculine.
I
love this fragrance - it dares to be different. The base notes are vetiver,
cedar and tobacco. However, the addition of black currant and bergamot brings
them to the forefront.
Lily-of-the-Valley,
Magnolia and carnation offer floral nuances. For spice, you can rely on sage
and cardamom.
A
wonderfully rich but at the same time floral fragrance. When you are looking
for a fragrance with excellent longevity - Givenchy Ultramarine is the perfect
choice. In other words, perfect for festivals.
Kenzo L'eau Par
Kenzo Pour Homme
When
I first caught a whiff of this fragrance, I could not recognise
its opening notes.
Yes,
it is citrusy, but there is a gentleness to the citrus tones. Unlike other
fragrances which have foundations in citrus, they do not dominate.
After
doing some research, I found out the inspiration behind this L'eau par Kenzo Pour Homme is a small Japanese lemon called
Yuzu. I had never heard of it before.
But, when I opened my first bottle of Nikka Coffey Japanese gin -
I immediately recognised the smell. And sure enough,
Yuzu lemons are added to this refreshing and lush Oriental gin.
Kenzo L'eau par
Kenzo is a “lush” fragrance offering a touch of Oriental mystery and
seductiveness. It does not overwhelm you but certainly lets you know you are
wearing something with a difference.
A
great scent for men of almost any age.
Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche
Hey,
who came up with the idea of combining vetiver with lemon and what can only be
described as creamy vanilla?
Chanel
always offers something different when it comes to fragrances. Allure Edition
Blanche confirms what I believe - Chanel is an outstanding fragrance brand.
Edition
Blanche makes a fantastic men’s fragrance. It is refreshing and soft but not
sweet. I love it.
I am
jealous. I wish Chanel would come up with a similar fragrance when it comes to
festival fragrances for women.
Not
only is this a great fragrance for festivals but it also makes you feel fresh.
Blanche is also perfect for days off and easy, relaxing Sunday mornings.
Dior Homme Sport
When
away from home, you often need a fragrance which offers a pick-me-up and
longevity. This is exactly what you get with Dior Homme Sport.
The
fragrance launched in 2008 and remains popular today.
Is Dior Homme Sport citrus-based? Yes, it is. But, unlike similar fragrances,
it does not derive its citrus notes from lemon. The very essence of this Sport
is its hints of grapefruit. Yes, a touch of Amalfi lemons has been added but it
is just a touch.
Ginger
enhances the essence of grapefruit. Vetiver and Cedar add further interest.
Hints of rosemary, sandalwood and vetiver turn Dior Sport into one of the great
classic men’s fragrances.
Guerlain Vetiver
I am
so in love with this fragrance!
When
it comes to modern fragrances for men, I think it is a must.
Guerlain
Vetiver was first launched in 1961 and then again in 2000. Instead of being
relaunched, I say it was rediscovered.
How
could this fragrance go out of fashion? Guerlain Vetiver is a genuine men’s
fragrance. Although fragrant, it does not overreach, but you recognise Vetiver in an instant.
It
is rich, woody, aromatic and fresh all at once. Very few layers to this
fragrance - it just arrives on the scene.
Is
Guerlain Vetiver worth the price tag? Yes, it is.
Ladies
- I would say this fragrance would work for you as well. When it comes to
unisex perfumes, I think it is on the borderline. Of course, many ladies love
it because it is super seductive.
Hermes Voyage d'Hermes
Clean
and floating on clouds spring to mind when it comes to Hermes Voyage.
A
sexy scent with strong masculine overtones thanks to wood and cardamom. Notes
of tea and citrus offer freshness. A hint of wood has been thrown in for good
measure.
When
you are heading away for the weekend, it does not have to be a festival, I
think this is a wonderful fragrance to pack.
Voyage
also works well for work or for wearing during your precious leisure hours.
When you want to wear a nice fragrance to the gym or sporty activities, I think
Hermes Voyage is a good choice.
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo
Last but not least we have Acqua
di Parma Blu Mediterraneo.
There
is no reason why this fragrance is last on the list of best festival fragrances
for men.
Acqua di Parma is a fantastic scent for men. This is not a complex
scent but it has so much to offer.
Citrus
accompanied by myrtle and juniper makes this a fragrance made in heaven. It is
fresh and sensual - few fragrances manage to pull off this combination.
A
great fragrance to pack for when you are next heading for a festival or weekend
away.
Final Thoughts
All of the scents in this men’s fragrance guide are great for
festival weekends or when catching a few days away.
But, don’t just buy a new fragrance and leave it sitting until
the next festival. Fragrances are meant to be used. Wear them and enjoy them!