Part three in our eight-part series on fragrance related holiday gifts features scented items for men, although there are plenty of “unisex” ideas in the other articles, and as always there are probably a few things here that women might like. Do add any of your own recommendations in the comments!
From DS & Durga, Bowmakers in a pocket perfume oil roll-on: "Amongst the transcendental woods of the 1800s, craftsmen from the Massachusetts Bay Colony built violin bows in the tiny towns of the Pioneer Valley. The shops were filled with old growth mahogany, burled maple shavings, amber pine rosin, aged walnut and the craftsmen’s unique, secret varnishes. An androgynous, full bodied scent, Bowmaker’s ether reek is subdued by supple leather and a variety of woods." $72 for 10 ml at Twisted Lily.
From Shinola Detroit, the Canfield candle (made by Joya): "Hand poured in Brooklyn, New York, this sophisticated artisanal candle is scented with pleasingly masculine notes of smoke, leather and shoe polish." 200g for $48 at Nordstrom.
From Atelier Cologne, the Oud Saphir bar soap: "These soaps are hard-milled, vegetable-based and enriched with aloe vera and shea butter. Citrus oils offer a clean, refreshing and invigorating experience with a skin-softening, frothy lather." 200g bar for $20 at Beautyhabit.
From Prospector Co, Peary & Henson Aftershave Splash: "This aftershave splash takes its roots from old maritime travels. The arctic blue color and the chilling smell of bay leaf and coriander brings to mind the voyage of Robert E. Peary and Matthew Henson who were the first explorers to reach the North Pole." 118 ml for $18 at Barneys.
From Aedes, the Cellarius gift box: "This Aedes Holiday gift box includes the rare Cellarius candle by perfumer Olivia Giacometti [sic] along with the Cellarius art work on a printed post card & matches with a star constellation motif, all gift wrapped in our black signature box." With spices, papyrus, rosewood and cedar; $85.
From Molton Brown, the Iconic Washes Gift Set For Him, with 300 ml bottles of Bushukan Body Wash, Black Peppercorn Body Wash and Tobacco Absolute Bath & Shower Gel. $75 at Neiman Marcus.
Etro's classic unisex Patchouly, updated with a spiffy new bottle and reportedly with a "more intense" juice: "From first spritz, bold beams of citrus awaken the nuances of deep dark woods, sparking the interest of the mysterious sandalwood facet. Glowing from the top down, dominant patchouli petals power up the intoxicating notes of labdanum and tonka bean as creamy vanilla and tolu balsam sweeten up the provocative dry down, revealing a fascinating signature for both men and women." In 100 ml Eau de Toilette, £106 at Escentual in the UK.
From Korres, a Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood gift set, with 50 ml Eau de Toilette and 125 ml Aftershave Balm for $38. You can find the matching shower gel ("Scented with aromatic vetiver, energizing green tea, and warm, woody cedarwood, it is a perfect complement to the Vetiver Root Aftershave Balm") at Sephora, 250 for $18.
From Parfums de Marly, a Pegasus gift set, with 125 ml Eau de Parfum and a matching candle: "Pegasus is an elegant fougere fragrance inspired by the winning stallion of the 18th century and the mythological creature of its namesake." $300 at Nordstrom.
From Tom Ford, the Tuscan Leather All Over Body Spray: "This ultra-sexy interpretation of leather captures its primal, animalistic scent and smooth, voluptuous qualities. The addition of olibanum, night blooming jasmine, and black suede gives it a distinctive, modern spin that is raw yet refined, sensual yet sophisticated." $67 for 150 ml at Sephora.
Is Tom Ford trying to attract the Axe generation with that All Over Body Spray format?
I had a funny incident at a local retailer recently.I know the owner fairly well and he lets me go in behind the counters and sniff and seek out things on my own.One day I headed for the then new TF Neroli Portofino Aqua(or something) and he exclaims “Oh no!!!Not the Fords!!All the schoolboys are wearing them…!!”Yup.Axe generation is upon us.
I suppose, and he’s not alone — lots of designers are doing them now, and not just for men.
The Etro Patchouli looks nice!
I love the new bottle. No idea if fans will like the new formula though!
Rituals has a nice gift set for men. I’m not linking to it because there is something wrong with the website or they didn’t plan right. There’s a 4-page glossy advertorial spread in this week’s T magazine which included all sorts of gift sets. Clicking through to Gifts for Her, Gift Sets, Gifts for Him and Shop (for perfumes) came up with your search did not find anything vs. the item is out of stock (like some of the other items). What a time to have a webshop fail!
Thanks! And wow, that is a huge fail — it cannot be cheap to pay for 4 pages of T Mag.
HA! I cannot see “Shinola” without thinking of the insult “You don’t know sh*t from Shinola.”
According to Wikipedia, Shinola Detroit’s name is a nod to the old Shinola shoe polish company.
But I am quite sure they knew that is what everyone would think of!
Indeed
Must get some of that ether reek for my fave guys.
🙂