By When choosing a scent it’s easy to get bogged down in marketing speak. We cut through the BS to bring you the true essence of four summer fragrances.
John Varvatos Artisan
The Pitch: The rattan-encased bottle signals its return to old-school artisanry.
The Truth: Even if the flask-like bottle fails to make you nostalgic, the fragrance is rich and masculine, but not too heavy. Citrus notes give it freshness, while the woody-amber notes keep Artisan from being overly sweet. $99 for 100 mL at Holt Renfrew
Nautica Oceans
The Pitch: With the salty-sweet note of “Regatta Accord,” Oceans unifies man and water.
The Truth: Aside from your spiritual connection to the sea, the water-based formula is eco-friendly and kind to your skin. Plus, bottling the ocean gives you that classic, fresh-off-the-yacht smell. $75 for 100 mL at Sears
Burberry the Beat
The Pitch: The Beat is the olfactory intersection of fashion and music: The perfumers apparently listened to the Arctic Monkeys mid-concoction.
The Truth: Notes of citrus, violet and vetiver (an Indian grass) balance pepper and woody notes to give the Beat a sharp, edgy scent – so you’ll smell like a rock star without reeking of cigarettes and booze. $90 for 100 mL at Holt Renfrew
Dior Homme Sport
The Pitch: A passionate celebration of cars, racing and men who race cars…passionately.
The Truth: The convoluted marketing metaphor belies an uncomplicated fragrance: Though “ginger oatmeal” and “sour citrus candy” sound quirky, the combination translates into a light, classic ginger-dominated scent. $96 for 100 mL at Sephora
Image courtesy of Groovenick.
Burberry Weekend is also great for the summer. It can be bought very modestly (the recession is still on) at many drug stores including Rexall.