Do you want to try out a new fragrance, but aren’t sure where to begin?
If you are a guy, you may notice that most fragrances are labeled ‘Pour Homme’, but what does that mean?
What is Pour Homme?
You may have heard the phrase ‘Pour Homme’ and thought it related to a specific brand of male scents, or a strength of male aromas. There are some cologne brands that specialize in Pour Homme, such as Givenchy, but the phrase ‘Pour Homme’ means ‘for men’ in French.
So, pretty much any male Cologne, aftershave, or even Eau de Toilette is ‘Pour Homme.’
However, this has somewhat evolved in recent times. The Pour Homme meaning is now linked to higher-end brands or male scents and is seen as something of a status symbol amongst men who love to spritz it on in the morning.
Why French, you ask? Across the world of fashion and perfumery, the French are associated with having refined the art form. If you have ever seen an advert on TV or online for a scent (usually in the run-up to Christmas), more than likely, there was a person singing in French in the background! Think of French brands like Jean Paul Gautier and Dior.
What Does Pour Homme Smell Like?
This may vary on the brand, but, generally, if you opt to buy a Pour Homme fragrance, it will likely have one of the following characteristics in its aroma.
- Woody Notes: You will likely notice that Pour Homme has a distinct cedar wood, sandalwood, or velvet scent as a base. This leads to an earth quality, which is a stable base and creates warmth. A good example is Dolce and Gabbana Intenso.
- Spicy: Next, Pour Homme is often linked to spicy accents, such as black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom. This creates an intriguing scent when it hits the nose and also offers depth to the fragrance. If that sounds good, you may like Versace Man EDT.
- Aromatic and Herbal: Pour Homme is also associated with deep aromatic scents, such as lavender, basil, and sage. These are often found in men’s aftershaves as well, as they create a fresh, clean scent and tend to have a long-lasting effect. A good example of this would be Gucci Guilty Pour Homme.
- Citrus: Think of scents like orange, lemon, and grapefruit. All of these are often a feature of Pour Homme and are an uplifting addition to any occasion. Like the sound of that? Try Boucheron Eau De Parfum.
- Leather, Tobacco, or Musk: Last but not least, Pour Homme is associated with the masculine scents of musk, leather, and tobacco, which are typically used as base notes. These help to keep the scent strong and can maintain its presence long after the spray has dried. So, try Incanto Blue for a good leather aroma.
How To Choose the Right Pour Homme Fragrance
So, how do you go about choosing the right Pour Homme fragrance? Yes, there are many options, but, as highlighted above, the aromatic range is vast, which can be somewhat overwhelming. Here are some tips!
- Look into Fragrance Notes: You may have heard of fragrance notes, but when choosing the right Pour Homme, there are three to consider. The top note, is the initial scent, the middle note, is the core fragrance, and the base note, is the aroma that lasts all day. Fragrances like Dolce and Gabbana ‘the One’ have a very strong base note.
- Try it First: It is often preferable and cheaper to purchase fragrances online. However, it is advisable to try the scent before you buy it. Your body chemistry will have an impact on how the aroma smells on your skin, so try to spray it on your neck or on your wrist.
- Try to Match the Setting: Much like perfume, it is essential to match the Pour Homme you choose to the setting. For daytime wear or work, opt for something fresh and clean with a citrus base. For evening wear, try something woody, or with musk-based undertones or base notes. Finally, for dates, or other romantic liaisons, try something with a vanilla base, or even a leather base.
- Your Own Taste: If the smell of lavender and vanilla in a Pour Homme gives you a migraine, or you can’t stand the smell of leather, then don’t opt for them! There is nothing wrong with going against the norm and if you like a particular scent for your aroma, then stick to it!
OK, so the Pour Homme meaning is literally ‘for men,’ so why do you get Pour Homme for women? Isn’t that Pour Femme? Technically, when choosing a Pour Homme, there is no strict gender divide, but there are certainly some fragrances that are labeled as both Pour Homme and Pour Femme. So, if you are feeling adventurous, try them out!
FAQs
Are Pour Homme Fragrances Only For Men?
As the translation of Pour Homme is ‘for men,’ it is easy to assume that all of this type of fragrance is for guys. However, there are fragrances like Jive, which are Pour Homme, but for women. So, ladies can also enjoy the strength of the aroma that this perfume offers.
What is The Difference Between Pour Homme and Eau De Toilette?
The name ‘Pour Homme’ translates as for men, highlighting the target audience. Eau de Toilette refers to the strength of the fragrance, which contains between 5% and 15% oils. You may find a fragrance known as ‘Pour Homme Eau de Toilette,’ such as Intenso Pour Homme.
Can You Get Different Strengths of Fragrance with Pour Homme Products?
Yes, you can find Pour Homme products in Eau de Cologne (two to five percent oil), Eau de Toilette (five to fifteen percent oil), and Eau de Parfum (fifteen to twenty percent oil). The higher the percentage of the oil, the longer the scent will last.
Overall, if you want a stronger scent, go for a Pour Homme or Eau de Parfum. Remember, you don’t have to be a man to enjoy Pour Homme, as it is frequently worn by ladies, too!
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