Issue # 13 - My top picks for Summer 2010 fragrances

Well, the Summer of 2010 has been a hot one indeed, and while it's not over yet, I have begun gathering my autumn clothes and have already bid farewell to my summer wardrobe...Fragrances included. We had some great times this summer, but now it's time for my favourites to step in. But before I say my final goodbye to them, i felt like sharing my favourite scents for this past summer; maybe you can pick a couple up for next year. For those who are unaware, retail stores treat fragrances like clothing as well, and you may find a good number of summer scents going on sale as fall draws closer. Pick them up cheap now, and you're set for next summer! Here are my faves of this past summer:

Lacoste Essential -

This has been my standby for several years now, and I have JUST started to run out (this is a testament to just how far your money will stretch when you buy a good scent). It's light, airy and just screams summer. It's very citrusy and fresh and works well during hot summer days AND nights, which makes it a versatile scent every man should have. The classic Lacoste alligator on the bottle is a nice touch as well.

Dolce & Gabbana Masculine -

I was not even aware of this scent until it was given to me as a gift from a co-worker a couple of years ago. Apparently her boyfriend bought it for her thinking it was a perfume. He didn't like the scent for himself, and she wouldn't wear it, so she gave it to me, barely used. This one was odd at first, with the top notes being a bit different than one would expect. This is one of the reasons i love it so much. It is strikingly masculine (hence the name), but not overbearing. It's a very understated scent that is perfect for sultry summer nights. I find it's best worn with a crisp white shirt.

Lacoste Red -

My girlfriend was the one who turned me onto this scent. I purchased it in the winter time, and wore it specifically for her. At first i found the top notes exceedingly overpowering and strange, but this has become one of my favourites. It's light, fruity and fresh, with a slight spice, and although it works perfectly for summer days or more sporty occasions, I also am fond of wearing this one in the winter time. It holds its scent well, so don't go crazy while applying it.

Hugo XY -

This is one of my most recently acquired scents, and it's fantastic. Light, crisp and clean with some nice warm notes, it is a casual use fragrance in my opinion; Not strong enough for formal occasions, but great for unexpected nights out, or days of cruising with the windows down. As with many of Hugo's male scents, XY has an air of spontaneous energy perfect for today's on-the-go man.

Burberry The Beat -

I received this for Christmas this past year, and the scent that was contained blew me away. It has a very unique, almost peppery top note that is undeniably its own. This scent is much like Lacoste Essential, in the way that it can be used day or night, but i also find it to be almost an all-season scent, with notes ranging from fresh and light to deep and sensual. This is one of the most unique scents I own, and it will remain a mainstay in my collection.

Well, there are my picks for this past summer. I know there are some of you out there who are wondering where the usual suspects of summer colognes are, and the answer to that is they simply aren't here. Not that traditional summer fragrances aren't great in their own right, but i tend to steer away from the "sport" scents and the overly "summery" ideal of men's fragrances. There are simply too many that smell too similar and just lack the depth that some of my favourites posess. On a side note however, a very honorable mention goes out to Biotherm Force for their latest scent, Perry Ellis Reserve for a wonderful just out of the shower sensation, and Ralph Lauren's new "big pony" line of 4 scents...had they released this at the beginning of summer, the "Fresh" scent may have made this list. If any of these choices has peaked your interest, i have included links to the creators of them in my link list at the top right of the blog. You can always find links to most things i review there. Go check it out!

On a final note gents, although we're speaking fragrances for sunny summer days, always remember to keep your fragrance OUT of the sun. Sunlight breaks down the elements in your bottles, ruining your cologne. And we don't want that, now do we?

And hey, if there is a scent on this list you think i missed, send me a comment and let me know YOUR faves!

Until next time gents,

S.G.