In men's fragrance, patchouli often hides
Here is the odd thing about men's perfume. Patchouli is everywhere and hardly anyone notices it. In Acqua di Giò, Invictus or Luna Rossa it is the glue under citrus and sea notes, never stepping forward. Women's perfumes tend to use a cleaned-up patchouli under flowers and sugar. Men's perfumes keep it rougher. It sits with leather, tobacco or incense. And it is allowed to smell like wet earth. Polo puts it in the heart next to pine. Interlude Man drowns it in resins. If you want to actually smell the note, check the pyramid. Patchouli in the top or heart is more likely to come through than patchouli buried in a crowded base.
Matching the scent to the time of day
For the office, Terre d'Hermès and Acqua di Giò Profumo are the safest. Their patchouli stays in the background, under orange and flint in one, under incense and sea air in the other. Gentleman works too, thanks to its powdery iris. In the evening, A*Men and 1 Million take over. Both are sweet and both project. Tuxedo is for dressed-up nights, a dinner or a wedding in a dark suit. Polo and Interlude Man are fall and winter scents, strong and a bit old-school. Two sprays at most, on a sweater or a wool jacket. None of these eight is ideal in real heat. If you want patchouli in summer, stick with Terre d'Hermès and go light.
