How many times have you read about my male characters wearing colognes with woody, spicy notes, e.tc?
Yes, you guessed right. I am a big on scents. I especially love it when men take out time to smell good. In my opinion, smelling good is something that should never be overlooked. Science has shown that scent is the best way to attract the opposite sex. So, in the spirit of the holidays, I have decided to compile a list of colognes for our male readers as well as those of us who are thinking of surprising our men with holiday gifts. Enjoy.
1) Tom Ford Extreme – I love this one. I discovered it through a good friend who has a weakness for Tom Ford colognes. Imagine my surprise to find it listed among great scents of 2013. From research conducted online, this one is full of rich, intense notes like Basil, Cardamom, Cinnamon bark, mixed with Persian lemon, Citrus, Black plum, Cedarwood, Saffron, pure essences of rum, Haitian vetiver, Caramel, Vanilla and Patchouli. It is a bold, sexy scent for the Alpha male. Found it on Jumia for N20,495
2) Paco Rabanne 1 Million – A sweet but masculine fragrance with notes of Rose, Cinnamon, Grape fruit, White Woods, Amber, Mint, Blood orange, and Patchouli. Its longevity is 10 hours plus. According to reviews, this one has a nice projection and will introduce you from at least six feet away. A single layer is good as wearing two layers can give off very cloying sweet scent. It is great for night parties. Available on Jumia for N13, 895.
                                                                                          
3) Tom Ford Gray Vetiver – Another from the Tom Ford stable. I picked this because well…I have caught the Tom Ford bug. It is said to have a clean, youthful and sophisticated fragrance with notes of Vetiver, Orange flower, Grapefruit, Aromatic sage, Nutmeg, Amber woods and Oak moss. It is available on Jumia at the price of N22, 395.
                                                                                    
4) Gucci by Gucci – A new release from Gucci. The cologne is characterized by woody notes like bergamot, cypress and also has violet, jasmine, amber and Elemi. Its longevity is about 6-8 hours. It is subtle and only detectable when standing close to the wearer. It is ideal for office environment. I did not find it on Jumia, but it can be purchased from other online stores.
                                            
5) Kenneth Cole Reaction – A Citrus Aromatic fragrance for men. The fragrance has notes of melon, green apple, lemon and lime, lily-of-the-valley, sandalwood and musk. It has a fresh, clean, masculine scent and ideal for those who do not like sharp spicy scents. It was not found on Jumia but it is probably very affordable.
                                                                                     
6) Calvin Klein Escape – A classic fragrance with a mesmerizing blend of Bergamot, Juniper, Rosemary, Apple, and Sandalwood to give off that masculine sexy scent that women love. ecommended for late night parties and that date with the woman of your dreams.  I checked Jumia but could not find it. I am sure it will be available in stores.
                                                                       
7) Gucci Pour Homme II – This one is missing our usual pepper notes but notes like Black Tea, Tobacco leaves, Violet leaves, Musk, Myrrh combine to give off that unique fresh scent. This is for those who are not too big on strong spicy notes. It is available in Jumia for N14, 495 (100ml) and N13, 895 (75ml). Â
                                                                                          
8) Chanel Allure Homme Sport – A cologne containing fresh, sensual, woody and spicy fragrance notes like  – Mint, Mandarin, Clary sage, White musk, Tonka Bead and Cedarwood. It is great for those who like to have their perfume on them for a long time. It is available on Jumia for N17, 395.
                                                                                          
9) Roberto Cavalli Black – If you are looking for a fragrance with unique, sexy and warm notes in the form of Coriander, Bamboo, White Pepper, Cedarwood, Musk and Lavender, then this cologne is for you. Among the positive reviews is that it stays close to the skin. Great for that night outing you have been planning for. I didn’t see this one on Jumia, but I am sure it is available in stores around the country.
                                                                                   
10) Givenchy Gentleman – Even though this one is at the bottom of the pile, its notes of Cinnamon, Tarragon, Russian Leather and Vertiver make it a mild, gentle and almost discrete fragrance that is good for certain outdoor activities. It is available on Jumia for N13, 295.
                                                                                            
The prices quoted here was done with our Nigerian readers in mind. As for those of us reading from other countries, do ensure to check your popular malls as well as online malls/stores for the listed colognes. Happy holidays.