Among the major olfactory families of men’s perfumes, woody and oriental ones enjoy definite success. But to stand out from the crowd and let your romantic side speak, nothing beats a subtle floral perfume.
The stereotypes being tenacious, these fragrances are still too often associated with a female audience. You will see that some of them are however perfect for men and know how to transcend genders. We propose you to discover here 5 masculine (or unisex) perfumes that beautifully highlight flowers.
Olibanum Floral Set: The important thing is the rose
Undress the perfume to reveal its fundamental dimension. Create perfumes that say what they smell like and smell like what they say. Such is the mission set by the young brand Olibanum, with fragrances known as evocative as “Vanilla”, “Patchouli”, or, for the theme that interests us here, “Rose”…
For each of these creations, the essence of frankincense is combined with the key raw material that gives the perfume its name. And if the Rose of Olibanum may seem too floral at first glance, it takes on a whole new dimension when combined with the Tuberose, which is richer and headier, or with the Osmanthus and its velvety sweetness. This layering, or layering, is at the heart of Olibanum’s proposal and allows for all kinds of boldness. It’s enough to make you want to play the master chemist or the apprentice perfumer!
MYSLF by Yves Saint-Laurent: the pretty flower of the woods
Launched in the fall of 2023 with big advertising splashes, the MYSLF perfume of Yves Saint-Laurent turned out to be a pleasant surprise. This first woody, floral men’s fragrance from the Parisian house stands out with its powerful, multi-faceted trail.
In a different genre from La Nuit de l’Homme for example, this MYSLF opens with fresh notes of bergamot, quickly joined by an intoxicating orange blossom. The background, more classic, mixes a blend of textured woods with patchouli and Ambrofix.
Geranium for Monsieur by Frédéric Malle: as its name suggests
Here is undoubtedly the most iconic floral fragrance for men. Imagined by Dominique Ropion for Frédéric Malle’s Perfume Editions, Géranium pour Monsieur displays a delicate mentholated sweetness that is particularly addictive.
As its name suggests, this fragrance pulses to the rhythm of the geranium flower. It is in good company as it is a combination of mint and anise that kicks off the proceedings. The sandalwood, benzoin, incense, and clove add more depth and sensuality to this trail that is like no other.
A Garden on Hermès’ Lagoon: magnolias forever
With its Jardins collection, Hermès offers us a delightful “olfactory stroll”. Each new creation obviously reflects the spirit of the Parisian house, the soul of a place and the inspiration of the perfumer.
For this Garden on the Lagoon created by Christine Nagel, Hermès thus takes you to Venice to explore “an intriguing place hidden in a city of a thousand contrasts”. Delicate, almost feminine if we stick to clichés, this unisex fragrance combines magnolia with Madonna lily, with a hint of pittosporum, a shrub that gives the whole a honeyed, almost vanilla note.
A true poetry emanates from this Garden on the Lagoon, conceived “like a dream”, both romantic and nostalgic.
Sunkissed Goddess from Kilian Paris: exactly under the sun
Less romantic, more erotic, Sunkissed Goddess is reflective of many creations from the house of Kilian Paris: a bold and intoxicating perfume that one either loves… or hates!
The founder Kilian Hennessy describes it as the “scent of summer” or the scent of happiness. Inspired by Monoï oil, it certainly gives a yearning for holidays, with its delectable blend of Ylang Ylang, Tiare flower and coconut. Close your eyes, you’re already on a beach at the end of the world, your body anointed with tanning oil…
Floral and blooming, Sunkissed Goddess certainly is. But this new fragrance from Kilian Paris is much more than that… like all the creations from the Les Fleurs Narcotiques collection in the end!
From 1 Million Perfume to CK Be by Calvin Klein, passing by Givenchy Gentleman Society, Fahrenheit by Dior or L’Homme à la Rose by Francis Kurkdjian, many masculine perfumes feature flowers at different scales. Rose, geranium, violet… don’t hesitate to incorporate petals into your olfactory arsenal!