Smell Good All Day, Feel Good Every Day: A Scent Guide For Men
Men are no longer left behind when it comes to the world of scent. From luxury cologne to supermarket body wash, the smell of money is in the air and consumer brands are thrilled to grow their market share in the fragrance industry by focusing on men. Typically the men’s market lags behind women’s in terms of trends, so it would only make sense that the latest men’s magazine or blog is not yet focused on introducing the latest concepts of clean beauty and clean fragrance, after all most men don’t care about fragrance or beauty. They care about smelling good, period. That explains why scent-based products marketed to men are typically found in the mass channels where shaving cream, soap and shampoo are the dominant ways scent is introduced into a man’s daily routine. Ask a man if he has considered replacing his aftershave or cologne with the best organic perfume he can find because it will be better for his health and also help him with everything from stress to productivity and you will probably get a big “What?”
Should men care about the ingredients in their cologne?
Women have taken on the fragrance industry and asked for safer cleaner products. They want less petrochemicals, natural fragrances and sustainable brands that are green, clean, vegan and cruelty free. Where are men in this conversation? The demand for clean men’s products is growing, and so is the supply. Men have better options for clean skincare, body, and hygiene products than for fragrance. Unisex fragrances are popping up but unless marketed to men directly probably won’t be on their radar. So we’re happy that men are getting more options. What we’re not happy about, though, is that men might not be aware of all the chemical ingredients fragrance usually contains. Search for “Clean Cologne” and you will see lots of scents that smell clean but nothing on the concept of Clean Fragrance.
After Shave Versus Cologne
So let’s talk about the choices: After Shave and Cologne. After Shave contains an astringent that closes the pores and minimizes bacterial infections from cuts or open wounds after shaving. It can provide hydration to keep your skin from drying out. Cologne is alcohol based and most often has synthetic fragrance that evaporates slowly, allowing perfume to become a mask for body odor. You can use a lighter scent for the day and a muskier scent for the evening, but the truth is if masking odor is what you are going after then deodorant is what you should be going for. Everyone loves a man who smells great, but smelling great is not enough.
Gender-less Scent Trends
As the women’s market moves away from perfume and Eau de Parfum and shifts towards clean fragrance what is the alternative for men? Today’s focus on diversity is allowing new brands to emerge that offer bespoke collections with unique and innovative olfactory profiles that allow you to choose your fragrance depending on the time of day, the place you’re going to, your mood, and so on. Combining olfactory notes, in order to achieve a unique and personal scent is called “layering”. Mixing and matching scents is a way to self-express. Scent profiles that were traditionally considered feminine like rose or florals can be replaced with orange or ginger, sandalwood or oud. In other words defining scent as feminine or masculine is no longer necessary. Scent should and can transcend gender. Let’s not forget sustainability: everything from the production process to packaging made from recyclable materials, “greener” formulas to functional ingredients is now as important as the scent itself.
Scent with Intent
So how do you find and choose organic, clean, green and vegan scent? Who carries unisex scents that will appeal to someone who is looking to try new alternatives? Adoratherapy has created a line of the best organic perfumes. Their Chakra Spice collection is formulated with organic jojoba and essential oils. That’s it. You can’t get any cleaner. The jojoba hydrates, and absorbs through the skin. Use it on your neck, body and face. Designed around the Chakra system, each scent takes you back to your healthy center and purpose. A chakra is a center of subtle energy and part of our energy body. These healing synergies are ready to roll on your body, palms and neck to open your chakras and awaken your senses. Why a roll on and not a spray? Easier to travel with, throw them in your gym bag and take them on a plane, the bottle size is TSA approved. Better for you than a spray, especially if alcohol is still the primary ingredient, roll on, breathe and smell great.
