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Gay man's guide to smelling good
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items I often feel that fragrance recommendations just dont ‘fit’. Hearing that a scent will ‘make her swoon’ can be so jarring and immediately takes me out of the fantasy. So, with that being said - here's a gay man's guide to smelling good.
I view scent as each person's first opportunity to impress. In crowded places, at a party, or on a first date - you can smell someone and either get turned on or turned off - so lets aim for ON.
I've tried to find a broad range of price points. I'm actually UK-Based, but have built this page with the USA in mind. Apologies if the prices are slightly off, I tried!
I view scent as each person's first opportunity to impress. In crowded places, at a party, or on a first date - you can smell someone and either get turned on or turned off - so lets aim for ON.
I've tried to find a broad range of price points. I'm actually UK-Based, but have built this page with the USA in mind. Apologies if the prices are slightly off, I tried!
Sections
5
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
LGBTQ+ Brands
Winter
In those cold winter months, opulence is everything. I love a gender-neutral oud, or even a sticky gourmand - my priority in Winter is longevity and sillage.
This was my first oud fragrance, and it completely changed my perspective on woody scents. Warm, sophisticated, and perfectly gender-neutral—ideal for winter nights out when I want something memorable but not overpowering.
($195) Oud Wood | Tom Ford (via Sephora)
Gives an affordable luxury vibe - vanilla, bourbon, coconut, musk - works for work!
($72) Madagascar Vanilla - NEST
Another niche pick but could so easily be a queer winter signature. Cardamom, Fig, Black Tea, Sandalwood - great pick.
($220) Gris Charnel - BDK (via Twisted Lily)
Fantastic holiday gift or for winter date nights. A real maximalist scent - it stands out from the crowd without being overpowering. Tobacco, ginger, cocoa… I love it so much.
($390) Tobacco Vanille - TOM FORD (via Sephora)
Boozy, Cherry, Cinnamon fragrance inspired by Tom Ford. It's quite alcoholic in general, but it dries down so well with such a warmth and sweetness that I think it's a great pick.
($30) 494 – The Scent Reserve
Definitely one of the hornier scents on the list. It's provocative - clove, musk, vanilla - it's almost animalistic but the vanilla pulls it back. You'll have people biting you.
($295) Musc Ravageur - Frederic Malle
I resisted the hype at first, but after finally trying Baccarat Rouge 540 on a cold winter evening, I immediately understood its cult following. It's warm, sweet, and luxurious without ever feeling heavy—perfect for making a statement in the coldest ...
($245) Baccarat Rouge 540 | Maison Francis Kurkdjian
I know there's a lot of hype around this scent, but it's warranted. Angels' Share smells exactly like sipping cognac by a fireplace—rich cinnamon, oak barrels, and cozy sweetness. It has become my go-to gourmand fragrance whenever temperatures drop a...
($275) Angels' Share | Kilian
Chergui feels like wrapping yourself in a cashmere scarf: honeyed tobacco and warm spices that linger beautifully. It's a secret weapon for winter evenings when I want to feel effortlessly elegant. Don't judge it from the initial opening - wear it a ...
($290) Chergui | Serge Lutens
Spring
Spring! Feeling renewed and much more fluid. I like fresh, subtle scents like androgynous citrus scents or very light floral accords. Avoid anything heavy!
Clean floral, Office-Safe, Aquatic energy - a subtle scent, but I promise it lasts
($78) Wisteria Blue - NEST
Unisex, floral, great for outdoor events, good longevity - only buy if you like lily/pear/jasmine
($145) Springtime in a Park - Maison Margiela Replica
Vintage Luxury - LGBTQ+ STAPLE. Apricot, Grapefruit, Peach. Definitely on the more feminine side, but can pass for gender neutral for sure.
($395) Spring Flower - Creed
A sustainable scent, citrus and floral. If you like to layer, this is a great base layer for Pride month too. Bergamot, Orange Blossom. Gender neutral.
($125) Orange Soleia - Guerlain
This is a great alternative if Tom Ford's Venetian Bergamot is out of your price range. It's earthy and floral, but softened by vanilla - it doesnt ‘scream’ floral because of that.
($29) Fleur de Patchouli - Zara
Colonia is classic Italian elegance in a bottle—fresh citrus notes that instantly lift my mood every spring. It's clean, timeless, and perfect for daytime wear or casual brunches.
($59) Colonia | Acqua di Parma
A compliment MAGNET. Rock River Melody instantly transports me to crisp spring mornings outdoors—green leaves, fresh air, like being in the woods. It’s unique without being overpowering, and the hints of ivy and rose make it feel quietly sophisticate...
($260) Rock River Melody | Régime des Fleurs
Mojave Ghost is delicate yet intriguing—a soft woody-floral blend that's perfect for spring days when I want something understated but memorable. It always sparks curiosity from friends.
($220) Mojave Ghost | Byredo
I discovered this fragrance while traveling and immediately fell in love with its fresh green mango notes. It's crisp, vibrant, and ideal for those early spring days when everything feels new again - and for that moment when you can say you're wearin...
($89) Un Jardin Sur Le Nil | Hermès
Summer
Pride! I really try to make a splash in summer - whatever you spritz should be able to transition well from the parade to the pool if you want people to pay attention.
Masculine leaning but does fit across the board. Sea Spray, Sage - Pride Picnic vibe
($150) Wood Sage And Sea Salt - Jo Malone
Kinda niche but SUCH a nice scent. Fig, coconut, kinda creamy. Great for days in the sun with an ice cream. Gender neutral.
($185) Debaser - D.S. & DURGA
Vegan! Perfect for the beach. Coconut, Jasmine, Gardenia - matches really well with sunscreen.
($65) Coconut Cove - Skylar
Definitely more of a splurge, but it has so much longevity - great for that summer trip to Italy. HOT tip: Also works as a linen spray! Think citrus and amber
($340) Neroli Portofino - Tom Ford (via Sephora)
Baccarat Rouge 540 Inspired (90%) - this went viral at one point, but it still stands in my opinion. It's sweet, with some saffron, but has an interesting marine flair that somehow takes it into a summer fragrance. Fantastic cheap pick.
($30) 149 – The Scent Reserve
Le Male is fun, sexy, and unapologetically bold—exactly what I want during those hot (and often steamy) months. It projects confidently without being too heavy in the summer heat.
($97) Le Male | Jean Paul Gaultier
Eros has been my go-to summer party scent for years—minty freshness meets sweet vanilla that lasts forever. Perfect for nights out in whatever beach town you've found yourself in when on Vacation this summer.
($105) Eros | Versace
This classic aquatic scent is crisp, clean, and refreshing even on the hottest summer days. It's versatile enough to wear from poolside hangouts to evening events without ever feeling overwhelming.
($118) L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme | Issey Miyake
Oyédo's bright citrus notes cut through summer humidity beautifully. It's lively yet sophisticated—I reach for it whenever I need an energizing pick-me-up during warmer months.
($185) Oyédo | Diptyque
Fall
As we move back towards the colder months, I find myself reaching for earthy gourmands - adding depth and layers to my scent without feeling sickly sweet.
smoky, vanilla, chestnut - really good for a bonfire night or cosy date night under the covers. Spiced up and androgynous.
($150) By the Fireplace - Maison Margiela
luxury spiced vanilla, fall staple, very androgynous - pink pepper, frankincense - almost mysterious
($180) Eau Duelle - Diptyque Paris
Brown sugar vanilla with a well-layered base. Tonka Bean and Jasmine. Really warm without being overwhelming.
($85) Kayali - Vanilla 28 (via Sephora)
This product went SO viral but it's such a gorgeous scent. It's a pomegranate oud - truly a unique scent that is great in the evenings. Be careful about over-spraying - it's strong.
($180) Oud Maracuja - Maison Crivelli
The best cheap combo if you want something with Tobacco, Vanilla and Honey. Sweater weather CENTRAL with this one - it's perfect for pub nights with your friends. Decent Tom Ford Vanille alternative.
($25) Tobacco Rich Warm Addictive - Zara
LGBTQ+ Brands
Support Queer Art. That's it. Thats the tweet.
Boy Smells in general are a fantastic brand challenging gender norms. Woodphoria is perfect for Pride - fig, coconut, jasmine all work so well together and the scent's longevity is ideal for day-to-night events.
($120) Woodphoria - Boy Smells (via Sephora)
This perfume is for you queer artists out there - it's great for winter shows, anything you'd wear a turtleneck to - Black Tea, Incense… a mysterious, smoky scent.
Indigo Smoke - Arquiste (via Twisted Lily)
Malin + Goetz are so underrated though I think that will change soon… this scent is so tasty - really great for short winter stints outside - it smells FANTASTIC for about 2 hours. Horrific longevity, but that first blast is crazy.
($69) Dark Rum - Malin + Goetz (via Sephora)