They say smell, above all, evokes memory. Makes impressions. It’s the signature by which prospective ladyfriends, employers and assorted well-to-doers will remember you.
So why not take some notes from the pros?
The men below are far more than just memorable. They’re icons. Icons of looking good, and — at least according to our research here — icons of smelling good.
Just remember: a good spritz will help, but it can only be as charming as the man it introduces.
Burt Reynolds
Gendarme
In its heyday, fresh and citrusy Gendarme had a cult following as it was regarded as the “ideal office scent.” Also the choice of Sugar Ray Leonard.
Cary Grant
Green Irish Tweed, Eau De Cologne Imperiale and ADP Colonia
Green Irish Tweed, from world-renowned perfumery Creed, was originally created for Grant. It’s sporty while retaining romantic hints of violet and sandalwood. Currently a favorite of Robert Redford, along with his own private bespoke fragrance created by Creed.
Charlie Chaplin
Mitsouko and Crown Fougere
Released in early 1900s Hollywood, Mitsouko was every bon vivant’s go-to in its day. Now marketed as women’s fragrance, it is strong, musky and reminiscent of another time altogether.
Clint Eastwood
Dirt by Demeter and Green Irish Tweed
Dirt by Demeter smells like fresh dirt. Literally. Hat tip to Clint.
David Bowie
Silver Mountain Water and Floris
Bowie was once described as “the best-smelling human I’ve ever met” by Will Butler of Arcade Fire. “You walk into a room, and you’re like, something’s different. I’m in a different dimension. It smells so good in here! And then you realize — oh, David Bowie’s here.”
Elvis Presley
Brut
While the fanciful makers at Creed list Presley amongst their roster of notable clients, the King was known best for wearing perhaps the most classic scent ever made: Brut.
Frank Sinatra
Bois Du Portugal, Tribu, Zizanie, Yardley’s English Lavender Soap and Lavanda Puig
Creed’s roster also shows Bois Du Portugal, warm and inviting, as Sinatra’s favorite scent. Later in life, though, he was partial to Lavanda Puig, which approximates the aroma of straight gasoline, at least in this writer’s humble opinion.
George Washington
Caswell-Massey Number Six
From one of the oldest continually operating companies in the U.S., Number Six is citrusy with dabs of rosemary and anise. A bit cloying nowadays, if distinctly presidential — John Quincy Adams and Harry Truman also donned the scent.
Humphrey Bogart
Creed Tabarome Millesime
Originally commissioned for a British statesman with a love for fine brandy and cigars, Tabarome was worn by Bogart and Winston Churchill.
James Bond
Geo F Trumper’s Eucris
Spicy and mossy, Eucris is most famously worn by Bond in Ian Fleming’s Diamonds Are Forever. Sean Connery, meanwhile, prefers Habit Rouge.
John F. Kennedy
Creed Vetiver and Jockey Club
Created for J.F.K. in 1948, Creed’s Vetiver is crisp and sophisticated. But it’s Kennedy’s aftershave, Caswell-Massey’s Jockey Club, that earned a sole spot in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library’s store. A somewhat disputed if endearing family story, meanwhile, spins that Kennedy preferred the bright and refined Eight & Bob.
Main image via Voxsartoria
A special thanks to Aedes de Venustas, the Perfumed Court and Celebrity Fragrance Guide for their expertise.
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