The Brides.com office is full of experts on all things bridal. But we know our genius ability to critique the latest products isn't limited to our editorial staff. Production, event planning, design, marketing—everyone has his or her thoughts when it comes to what smells good on a guy.
We held a two-day spray-and-sniff test with our staff to see just how some of the new scents of the season would fare among the guys in our office. Before you shop for a fragrance for the man in your life, see how these gentlemen (and even a few ladies) rate and review what's new.
Banana Republic Slate
“It's very clean, a little peppery. It sort of smells like I just got out of the shower, which I do like. Although it is maybe a little too sweet for my tastes, I do like it; but I would not wear it everyday. I would probably wear it if I knew I had a party to go to.” —Eric Handelsman, Senior Business Manager
Eau de toilette, 50 ml., $45, bananarepublic.com
Burberry The Beat for Men
“When you first spray it, there is this intense, spicy, almost peppery note. But it is not at all a heavy, lingering spiciness—in fact it is quite fleeting. The overall impression is subtle and cool, with a pleasant woodsy, outdoorsy character. The scent dissipates fairly quickly and doesn't linger on. I like that it is not all musky and assertive. On the other hand, it is not feminine either. Maybe a little metrosexual?” —Erik Klein, Digital Media Asset Manager
Eau de toilette, 2.5 oz., $65, burberry.com
Burt's Bees Cologne
“This scent is light and earthy, but not too overpowering. I like it. I don't generally wear cologne or fragrance. I like to keep it simple, and this scent is simple. It dries and leaves just a hint. I like the brand in general, so if I'm going to choose a cologne, it'd be from this company, or one with similar philosophies.” —Paul Duey, Associate Director, Internet Applications Condé Nast Publications
$25, CVS, Whole Foods and Walgreens stores
212 Sexy Men by Carolina Herrera
“The scent was immediately appealing to me as a musky, masculine scent. Although it became thick and a little overpowering as I wore it throughout the day. It had a buttery quality to it that felt a little too rich for day to day use. As the name would connote, this scent is definitely put to best use in a bar or club situation. Despite my wariness of the scent, my wife seemed to really like it—which is really the most important opinion of all.” —Aaron Reed, Web Designer
Eau de toilette spray, 3.4 oz. $69, sephora.com
Christian LaCroix Noir
“This is a classic, heavy, citrus scent with a little bit of earthiness and spice. It is a little feminine for a guy—not sexy. But it is something a bride might choose for her groom on their wedding day.” —John Vaccaro, Senior Director, Product Development
Eau de toilette spray, 2.5 oz., $28, avon.com
C.O. Bigelow Barber Hair and Body Wash
“I like the fresh, sporty scent. I don't like heavy or musky or over masculine scents, which are the opposites of C.O. Bigelow. It has the right balance of being a great scent, while being subtle. I think it would be perfect to wear on a date.” —Dean Adams, Web Producer
$10, bbw.com
C.O. Bigelow Barber Body Spray
“This scent is classy and understated. It's not overpowering, where you can smell it from three rooms away. My wife thought it was pretty good as well. It seemed applicable for a work environment or even to go out. I'd wear this scent anywhere (except a Giants or Yankees game).” —Matt Michelman, Director of Production
$10, bbw.com
Davidoff for Men
“This scent has a subtle, cedar aroma that I like, and it is not as overpowering as some of the other options. Most importantly, my wife likes how it smells, and that is all that matters.” —Daniel Wells, Production Manager
3.4 oz., $59.50, macys.com
Derek Jeter Driven
“It is not overpowering, which is a huge plus for me. After the scent settles in, it leaves you feeling clean and fresh. I don't tend to wear cologne on a daily basis but would definitely wear this when going out.” —Joseph Server, Java Analyst
Eau de toilette spray, 2.5 oz., $26, avon.com
Deseo by Jennifer Lopez
“It smells very fresh, clean, energetic, sexy, slightly feminine and warm. It's not something I would give to my Grandpa. I like the fresh smell of it. It reminds me of how I smell when I finish showering. I also like how my wife responded to the scent. She thought that the last cologne that I used smelled like 'something an old man would wear', but she really liked Deseo and said it 'suits you'. The only thing I don't like is the bottle. It takes up too much space in my cabinet.” —Joe Stevens, Web Developer
3.4 oz., $55.00, macys.com
Diesel Fuel for Life for Men
“This is a masculine fragrance that gives out a very rugged persona. I like that it draws compliments, and the packaging speaks for the product itself. The simple bottle with a rugged jacket gives it the tough guy vibe!” —Dev Pathi, Senior Analyst
75 ml., $59.50, neimanmarcus.com
Lancôme Hypnôse Homme
“Women love this scent. It has staying power, which will be appreciated by anyone whose days are long—but it is very potent. A little dab'll do ya.” —Jamie Watson, Front-end Web Developer
Eau de toilette spray, 2.5 oz., $55, Lancôme counters
Prada Infusion d'Homme
“This scent reminds me of the freshness of morning after the night rain. I like that it is clean and fresh, but I don't think it's masculine enough. I think it is best for day-to-day use, not for going out at night.” —Ed Bachtin, Quality Assurance Manager
Eau de toilette spray, 6.7 oz., $100, nordstrom.com
91X Rocawear
“I definitely thought this was very masculine, but still smelled soft and nice enough [for my boyfriend] to wear every day. I liked that it didn't smell like other colognes—it was a little more distinct without being feminine.” —Cari Wolfert, Associate Editor
3.4 oz., $65 at Macy's and Dillard's and specialty retailers.
University of North Carolina custom men's fragrance
“I loved the theme right off the bat. The North Carolina symbol caught my eye because my fiancé is a big fan of the school. The good news was the scent lived up to the packaging! It was very masculine and sporty. It's definitely the kind of cologne my fiancé would wear everyday—but he did mention saving it for a UNC basketball game!” —Kate Cavanna, Marketing Assistant
3.4 oz., $60, masik.com
Unscripted by Patrick Dempsey
“This scent was masculine with a subtle woody undertone. It would be great for every day or at work, but my boyfriend said that he would want something that stands out a little more for a night out or a special occasion.” —Kathryn Papanek, Assistant Editor
$32, exclusively through Avon Representatives
For Best Scents of the Season for Her, click here.
