Back in the days of perfumed shower gels and body spray, which you applied with limitless enthusiasm each morning, your signature scent changed with every new Lynx release.
Now you’ve got to grips with the difference between parfum, eau de toilette and cologne, and learned a valuable lesson about how more really is less, you’re keen to find a more sophisticated fragrance to make your own.
But with so much choice available and the price for a 50ml bottle rising all the time, discovering your new favourite is proving an expensive challenge.
It’s out there waiting for you, all you need to do is sharpen your bargain hunting skills to find it without breaking the bank along the way.
There are plenty of discount online retailers offering heaps of mens aftershave deals (for our money, Fragrance Direct typically has the best offers) that’ll let you cheaply explore the varied world of colognes.
Here’s our pick of six of the best.
Paco Rabanne 1 Million
One of the most covetable aftershaves of recent years, Paco Rabanne 1 Million is an exotic blend of grapefruit, amber and cinnamon that’s almost as bold as the striking gold packaging it comes in.
It’s been around for a while, but it’s yet to get old for its legions of fans. So grab a bottle and discover what all the fuss is about.
Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy Men
An expert balance of mandarin orange, bergamot, pepper and musk gives Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy a distinctly oriental vibe you won’t be able to resist.
The fresh green top notes keep it light enough for everyday wear without compromising on style or intrigue.
Beckham Instinct
Who doesn’t fancy a taste of David Beckham’s super successful life? One of the more refined options from his extensive aftershave range, the casual yet intense Beckham Instinct seamlessly reflects his impeccable style.
Patchouli and white amber combine to create a long-lasting, spicy scent perfect for romantic dates and nights out.
Calvin Klein Obsession for men
Calvin Klein Obsession has remained a classic aftershave staple since its release in the 80s, all thanks to a timeless mix of sage, nutmeg and sandalwood.
Even the current runway execs behind the designer label can’t resist its charm, turning to Obsession when it needed some inspiration for a show a couple of years ago – the lucky attendees arrived to find a free bottle waiting patiently for them on their seat.
Joop! Homme
If you prefer softer and more sophisticated scents, then Joop! Homme is definitely worth a shot.
A captivating composition layering orange blossom, jasmine and tonka bean builds a youthful and brave fragrance. It’s much sweeter than other more traditional offerings on the shelf, but it also has some serious staying power – one spritz is all you’ll need.
Diesel Bad
Diesel aftershaves have been going from strength to strength, culminating in 2016’s stunning new release, Diesel Bad.
A unique combination of tobacco and caviar is just daring enough to help this strong, masculine scent stand out from the crowd. Intense and luxurious, it’ll stylishly see you through any evening dinner date.
