Nine of the best new men's fragrances for 2016

As we slide towards the end of the year the traditional scent-buying frenzy begins. Gillian Ridley Whittle, from Myer notes that modern men are more likely to select their fragrance personally rather than being given one at Christmas.

"A man's cologne is now part of his daily grooming ritual and, as such, they're far more comfortable shopping for their own fragrance, rather than waiting for that special gift," she says.

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What they opt for has also shifted. "Most fall into a few note categories, traditionally these were heavy woody fragrances, but in recent years the notes are lighter with hints of citrus, water or floral."

Sporting style

Younger men are more likely to be drawn to scents advertised by sporting heroes, with Ralph Lauren's Polo Red Intense a strong performer for Myer while advertised during the Melbourne Grand Prix, Whittle adds.

While celebrities fronting advertising campaigns still hold some sway, like Gerard Butler for Hugo Boss or Chris Pine for Giorgio Armani Code, discerning men are increasingly pulled towards prestige like Chanel, Tom Ford and Armani Prive. "Their scents are remarkable, but beyond the fragrance, it's all about the brand and their luxury."

Niche fragrances

Nick Smart, director of Sydney fragrance boutique Agence de Parfum says niche brands like Creed and Amouage are leading the way when it comes to unique fragrances for men. "Men are wanting more connection or emotion with fragrance. Creed dates back to 1760. It's old school perfumery, still family owned. Celebrity scents are dead. The public realise that's all just marketing. The celebrities aren't tinkering in a lab."

As well as houses like Chanel, Dior and Armani creating increasingly boutique ranges, Smart says men are more likely to splash the cash on their face with fragrances from a lesser known but more prestigious houses. "Creed made famous scents for the likes of Winston Churchill, Cary Grant and JFK. You can't compete with the story of that brand and they also manufacture themselves."

Bold tradition

Men are getting bolder in their choices too, harking back to tradition. "There's kind of a throwback to where perfumery started, using really interesting ingredients like rose and wood ouds, more gender neutral scents that men in the Middle East have been wearing for centuries. Some of the new concoctions are heavily floral."

It's all about presentation, he says. "Prestige brands are working hard on the image of a man's scent, with some amazing bottle designs. That's where we're at."

Scroll through the gallery above to see nine new scents that are on the nose this season.

Executive Style