Olfaction & Satisfaction

One may have the most impeccable sense of style and henceforth dress flawlessly.

One may have the chiseled features of Michelangelo's David.

But if one smells like a landfill on a hot afternoon, all the above are to no avail.

Smelling good is an important feature of the stylish, modern man. Spraying on some perfume is the finishing touch and might just be the key to your success.

However, there are many mistakes to be made, so take heed!

Common Mistake #1: Abundance

I used to have a male teacher who had a very distinct fragrance he used to wear every day. The problem was he used so much, you could smell the man from miles away and after one of his classes you were quite sure your hair still smelled like him!

You may be wearing the best scent out there, if you apply too much of it you simply become nauseating. One or two spritzes should suffice!

Common mistake # 2: Seasonal Errors

This should be simple, though some simply don't grasp the fact that light and fresh fragrances are for the spring and summer months, while heavier, woodier scents are meant to be worn in the autumn and winter months.

Common mistake #3: Storage

I know the feeling when you get or buy a new fragrance you love to just display it for all to see. But trust me on this one: if you put your bottles in their packaging in a nice box or dark closet they'll last for a whole while longer and they'll retain their original smell much more. Sunlight and heat change its chemical consistency, you see.

What scent works best for you is quite personal, a fragrance you think is to die for may smell like cat pee to another person. When you've found the one smell everybody seems to give you positive comments about, stick to it and make it your signature eau de toilette.

There's a plethora of fragrances out there, but my personal favourites remain Dior Homme, Chanel Homme Sport (Edition Blanche) and good old Ralph Lauren Polo Sport.

Here are some of the latest fragrances.

The Beat For Men (Burberry). It's described as "a fresh woody fragrance contained in a metal and glass bottle with classic Burberry check. The scent captures all the characteristics of the beat man, it's masculine, effortless and distinctive with a modern, original identity."

I just really like its cocktail shaker bottle!

Only The Brave (Diesel). If the name of this fragrance wasn't enough of a give-away, how about the bottle? It's a clenched fist of glass with a Diesel-embossed ring! It doesn't get more rugged than this, so try at your own risk! It contains lemon, leather, cedar and amber and is very masculine and determined.

And finally, this new fragrance by Hugo Boss called Hugo Element. The bottle supposedly symbolises an oxygen tank. It's targeted towards young, urban men. Jonathan Rhys Meyers reprises his role as Hugo Boss face and spokesperson. The scent is fresh and aquatic with notes of ginger and coriander.

(images and sources: www.uk.burberry.com, www.nstperfume.com, www.hugoboss.com, www.images.google.com)