Men’s Perfume Oils

Choosing a perfume oil for the occasion

A perfume oil for men doesn’t have to be heavy. Think about when you’ll wear it most, then start with the matching family.

Every day and at work

Go for something clean that won’t crowd a meeting room. Fresh and citrus oils such as Malaki and Nasmah pair citrus and pepper with woods. One swipe is plenty.

Evenings

This is where the darker oils come in. Oud and woods and leather and tobacco give depth. Obsidian Oud is smoky, Jild al-Sahra brings saffron and leather, and Noir Oud adds pepper and a touch of vanilla.

Cold weather

Spice feels right in winter. Warm and spicy oils like Karak Oud, with cardamom and star anise, or Inferno, with pepper and cinnamon over tobacco, suit a coat and scarf.

Warm weather

Lighter, brighter oils suit summer. Success opens with pineapple and bergamot, and Mukhallat Oud lifts its oud notes with neroli. Apply a little less when it’s hot.

Perfume oil or aftershave?

Most aftershaves and eaux de toilette are alcohol-based sprays. A perfume oil works differently.

You don’t have to choose. You can wear both. Put the oil on first, let it settle, then spray your usual scent over it or on your clothes. Pick notes that get along, such as a woody oil under a woody spray.

How to apply it

• Wrists, neck and behind the ears. Roll a short line on each and leave it to settle. Don’t rub.
• Mind the beard. Apply to your neck below the jawline rather than into the beard, where it mixes with beard products and sits right under your nose.
• Mind your collar. Oils can mark some fabrics, including shirt collars, so apply to your skin rather than your clothing.
• Start small. One swipe is enough to begin with. Add more after a few minutes if you want.

For more detail, read how to apply perfume oil.

Switching from aftershave

An oil doesn’t open with the burst of alcohol you get from an aftershave, so give it a moment. Don’t reach for a second swipe straight away. Give it ten minutes on warm skin, then check your wrist. You’ll also stop noticing your own scent long before the people around you do. Wear the same oil for a few days before you judge it, and you’ll get a feel for how much you need.

Buying for him

If you don’t know his taste, the Discovery Set gives him seven to try. Our gift sets come in three sizes of bottle if you’d rather choose for him. UK delivery is free on orders of £20 or more, and we dispatch within 1 to 2 working days.

Looking for traditional attars?

Our Attar for Men collection shows the same oils through a traditional lens. If you’d like to know what makes them alcohol-free, read about alcohol-free perfume.