PLAY IT COOL IN SUMMER

As the mercury remains high, you can stay cool with citrus and vetiver on your skin

- Ashwin Rajagopalan

GUCCI GUILTY LOVE EDITION POUR HOMME

THERE’S an element of retro chic in the mint green flacon that houses Gucci’s new limited edition men’s scent. The Gucci Guilty line kicked off in 2011, the first scent was positioned as an intense scent for the confident male. One that would make women swoon. This flanker marks a further toning down of that magnetic appeal.

Gucci classifies this as an aromatic fougere, this scent rides heavily on its fresh citrus appeal that comes to the fore in its top notes. Kumquat and mandarin orange combine with the spicy vibe of ginger and pink pepper in the first whiff. It’s these two citrusy notes that linger as the fragrance settles on your skin. A floral heart — geranium and lavender contrasts with rosemary while the base notes include the strong presence of vetiver. Gucci tells us that this is a scent for eccentric lovers but it doesn’t break too many rules, choosing to play safe with its fragrance pyramid.

The perfume’s icy cool, almost frozen citrus vibe, is its biggest draw. Just what you need to keep a cool head at work as the mercury begins to soar. Sillage and staying power are average. This scent doesn’t have the same longevity on your skin as the Cologne Pour Homme version that we checked out back in 2019. But if you’re a fan of easy to wear scents with the zesty appeal of citrus, the striking green flacon might be worth checking out.

THREE MODERN MEN’S SCENTS WITH A HINT OF BERGAMOT

CUIR VETIVER BY YVES ROCHER

TRUE to its name, vetiver is at the core of this intense scent full of woody notes (sandal and cedar) and balanced by the presence of tonka bean and leather. The mock-wood, light oak cap complements the scent’s intense, woody appeal.