Grooming expert shares the best men’s fragrances for Father’s Day gifts – including the £18 Zara dupe that smells divine

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and if you want to get into your dad’s good books, a new fragrance is the answer.

With insider information what men are really wearing – thanks to your Instagram series where he asks stylish men on the street exactly that – grooming expert RobinJamesFounder of Man for himself (@ManForHimself) shares exactly what to buy.

Here’s everything you need to know…

MEN’S FRAGRANCES WITH BEST BUDGET

Montblanc Explorer, £38

For the day, Montblanc Explorer It is one of my most recommended fragrances.

It’s citrusy and strong on opening, drying down to a warm base of wood and leather. It’s a fantastic fragrance for daily use.

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Zara Addictive Hot Rich Tobacco Collection, £17.99

For the night, Zara Tobacco Rich Warm Addictive CollectionIt’s a bargain!

It is refined and modest, but confident and attractive.

Notes of rum, white peony (a powdery floral), and vanilla bourbon make it the perfect evening fragrance.

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Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct, £33

For all occasions, Abercrombie & Fitch First InstinctIt’s one of my favorites.

Don’t be fooled by Abercrombie & Fitch brand. First Instinct is a juicy, lively scent that would feel right at home in one of the niche fragrance brands.

With notes of melon, gin and tonic and an amber base, it’s easy to wear and has a luxurious drydown.

BEST UNISEX FRAGRANCES

Technically, all fragrances are unisex – they’re just scented liquids with a lot of marketing around it! But these are some of the best fragrances that I think men and women would like…

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Tone Ford Ombré Leather EDP, £106

When I think of a typical leather fragrance, I think of something heavy, heady and that doesn’t go down so easily.

Tom Ford Ombre Leather It couldn’t be further from that.

It’s so approachable and is softer and sweeter than other leather scents. You could easily use this all year round.

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All Saints Concrete Rain, £49

Concrete rain it’s bright and energetic with a lovely musky base. The perfume’s floral note is grounded and mature, while the musk lends familiarity and warmth.

It’s a really great price for fragrances that smell premium and last on the skin.

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CK One, £49

For those of you who don’t know this iconic perfumeopens with an energetic citrus explosion with bergamot, pineapple, tangerine and refreshing cardamom.

From lively to sensual with jasmine, violet, nutmeg and just a hint of rose.

But for me, it’s the drydown that makes this scent so iconic. Sandalwood, amber, musk and cedar create an enveloping warmth that adapts perfectly to your skin.

NOTES TO NOTE

If you want to buy a new men’s fragrance but don’t know where to start, there are some fragrance notes and compositions that have been marketed toward men.

According to personal care expert Robin James (@manforhimself), although the fragrance notes have no gender, for summer, citrus, woody and ozonic fragrances are a great choice.

Citrine – Bright, sparkling notes that energize. Bergamot (which looks like a big lemon), tangerine, lemon, grapefruit.

Ozonic – Think scents that evoke the fresh, clean, fresh smell of the ocean or sea breeze. Notes include sea salt, seaweed and marine accords.

Woody – These notes provide depth and warmth. Sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, patchoulli.

BEST BUDGET FRAGRANCES

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LBTY Zephirina, £225

Created by Frank Voelkl (the nose behind Le Labo Santal 33 It is Brighter you), there is familiarity and comfort in this perfume.

Creamy fig, dewy pink, and a soft suede base give me cozy Sunday vibes.

Think sweets, cashmere, coffee, messy hair. It has everything I want a Sunday to be.

This will be part of my heavy bedroom rotation. I will use this over and over again.

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Matiere Premiere Radial Rose, £220

This fragrance is one of the purest, most complete and concentrated rose scents I have ever encountered.

While this may seem like a radical recipe for disaster, it is anything but.

Radical Pink defies expectations; It’s not a typical floral fragrance. Instead, it’s a bold, modern interpretation of the classic rose that turns heads.

Spicy floral notes are beautifully complemented by a bright amber background, adding depth and allure to the scent.