Affordable men’s fragrances is a relative term when we consider that a designer perfume for any gender now comes in at the thick end of a hundred quid. This realisation prompted me, quite uncharacteristically, to honour Valentine’s Day and see if I could find a selection of gift-worthy scents for men that cost significantly less, without the aroma or gesture seeming cheap. And, having now sniffed my way through enough perfume to douse the Premier League, I find myself spoilt for choice.
Swedish high-street fashion chain & Other Stories does a remarkable line in elegantly packaged, gender-neutral fragrances from £17. I was wowed by the entire selection, but my sons, husband and I all loved Midnight Encore (£28 for 50ml), a salt-and-peppery, cosy but quietly brooding and magnetic jasmine fragrance that, if priced at £150, wouldn’t cause me to balk. The Lost Chapter (£29 for 50ml) is my other favourite. Spicy, creamy sandalwood and expensive leather are leavened by a bright and cheerful carrot note and a papery crispness. It’s a perfect daytime fragrance – vibrant and polite.
