Whiff of Winter

“What you're looking for here is a rich, earthy smell,” says Rula Hijawi, showroom manager at Va Va Voom's City Mall branch. “Winter is all about that powerful smell that's full of spice.” Sounds a bit alchemical, but the mixtures of musk, leather, wood and frankincense in the new male fragrances coming out really does give off a muscly smell.

“This is something you're going to be wearing for a night out, then you can really go wild, with smells that are confident and long-lasting,” Rula continues. “If there's a certain smell you like that may be a bit light, see if there's an eau du parfum version of it, which is more concentrated. But for the love of heaven, don't wear that heavy version to work. Unless you really want the world to give you a wide berth...”

1.Driving fanatic
Smell: Ferrari Uomo
PR description: “A blend of beauty, passion, technology and innovation.”
Real world: This is almost as manly as it gets, with even leather incorporated to give that gloriously masculine edge.
$80 for 100ml

2.Preppy hip
Smell: Paul Smith Man
PR description: “The new fragrance embodies British elegance and is truly Paul Smith, truly addictive.”
Real world: If nature played polo and swore by its Patek Philippe watch, it would smell like this. Rich without being douchey.
$65 for 100ml

3.Marlboro Man
Smell: True Religion for Men
PR description: "A modern timeless fougere that breaks all the rules with a surprising citrus and herbal aroma."
Real world: Despite the fact that the company feels it's necessary to write “fern” in French, this is actually a classic smell for everyday wear.
$80 for 100ml

4.Bedouin sheikh
Smell: Epic Man by Amouage
PR description: “An oriental fragrance evoking the legends of the Silk Road journey from China to Arabia.”
Real world: It doesn't get any more bedouin-esque than  frankincense, saffron, oud and musk. Might as well splurge on a sheep-skin abaya...
$355 for 100ml