Lance Carson
A barber shop cologne is a fragrance that evokes the feeling of being in a traditional barbershop. While there is no single scent associated with barbershops, common fragrance notes include leather, musk, citrus, spice, lavender, and powder. The best barber shop colognes not only smell amazing but also soothe and protect the skin, leaving you feeling freshly pampered throughout the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top notes | Italian Bergamot, Flower Apple, Bay Rum, Lime, Lavender, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli, Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Cardamom, Star Anise, Basil, Bitter Orange, Geranium, White Musk, Citrus, Bergamot, Carnation, Geranium, Orchid, Oakmoss, Tonka Bean, Musk, Grapefruit, Lemon, Cedar, Iris, Aldehydes, Ginger, Neroli, Water Notes, Lavender, Cyclamen, Oakmoss, Woody Notes, Patchouli, Star Anise, Bergamot, Lavender, Geranium, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Patchouli, Peppermint, Bergamot, Lavender, Orris Root, Jasmine, Cedar, White Musk, Vetiver, Citrus, Bergamot, Carnation, Geranium, Orange Blossom, Neroli, Bergamot, Cardamom, Oakmoss, Amber, Musk, Bergamot, Star Anise, Basil, Vetiver, Patchouli, Cardamom, Oakmoss, Amber, Musk |
| Middle notes | Tonka Bean, Fresh Greens Notes, Warm Spices, Clove, Orange Peel, Carnation, Patchouli, Orris Root, Jasmine, Vetiver, Cedar, Geranium, Honey, Tonka, Amber, Musk, Vanilla, Clove, Lemon Zest, Clary Sage, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Ginger, Lavender, Musk, Patchouli, Lavender, Cyclamen, Oakmoss, Woody Notes, Patchouli, Lavender, Cardamom, Musk, Ginger, Neroli, Water Notes, Lavender, Cyclamen, Oakmoss, Woody Notes, Patchouli, Jasmine, Cedar, White Musk, Vetiver, Citrus, Bergamot, Carnation, Geranium, Orange Blossom, Geranium, Honeysuckle, Rose, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Heliotrope, Cinnamon, Musk, Ambergris, Bergamot, Star Anise, Basil, Vetiver, Patchouli, Cardamom, Oakmoss, Amber, Musk, Bergamot, Star Anise, Basil, Vetiver, Patchouli, Cardamom, Oakmoss, Amber, Musk, Bergamot, Carnation, Geranium, Orchid, Oakmoss, Tonka Bean, Musk, Lemon, Cedar, Iris, Aldehydes, Ginger, Neroli, Water Notes, Lavender, Cyclamen, Oakmoss, Woody Notes, Patchouli, Star Anise, Licorice |
| Bottom notes | Mystic Cashmere, Oak Leaf, Clove, Citrus, Musk, Vanilla, Honey, Tonka, Amber, Musk, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Lavender, Patchouli, Musk, Patchouli, Lavender, Cyclamen, Oakmoss, Woody Notes, Patchouli, Jasmine, Cedar, White Musk, Vetiver, Citrus, Leather, Musk, Amber, Musk, Geranium, Orange Blossom, Vanilla, Caramel, Amber, Musk, Citrus, Musk, Incense, Labdanum, Ambery Character, Earthy Note, Citrus Accords, Spicy Notes, Powdery Character, Earthy Notes, Sweet Accords, Honey, Musk, Fresh, Herbaceous Notes, Brazilian Rosewood, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery Scent, Citrusy Notes, Spices, Warm Notes, Citrus Accords, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Creamy Character, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous Notes, Spicy Notes, Powdery, Woody, Citrus, Herbaceous |
What You'll Learn
Notes and accords
Barbershop colognes typically feature a combination of leathery accords, musk, and fresh scents. Here are some examples of notes and accords found in popular barbershop colognes:
Maison Martin Margiela At The Barber's:
- Top notes: Lavender, Rosemary, and Basil.
- Middle notes: Oakmoss, Pepper, and Musk.
- Base notes: Not specified, but described as having a soft yet long-lasting scent.
DS & Durga Burning Barbershop:
- Top notes: Lavender, Lime, and Mint.
- Middle notes: Vanilla and Lavender (again, as a middle note).
- Base notes: Burnt oil.
Pinaud Clubman:
- Top notes: Citrus (lemon, lime, lemongrass, and bergamot).
- Middle notes: Musk and vanilla.
- Base notes: Not specified, but described as having a cooling freshness.
Paco Rabanne Pour Homme:
- Top notes: Earthy notes, honey, musk, and Brazilian rosewood.
- Middle notes: Not specified.
- Base notes: Not specified.
Penhaligon's Sartorial:
- Top notes: Metals, aldehydes, and leather.
- Middle notes: Lavender, floral notes, honey, and woods.
- Base notes: Musk.
MDCI Parfums Invasion Barbare:
- Top notes: Bergamot, cardamom, ginger, and lavender.
- Middle notes: Musk.
- Base notes: Patchouli.
Prada Amber Pour Homme:
- Top notes: Citrus and orange blossom.
- Middle notes: Leather.
- Base notes: Labdanum and amber.
Old Spice Original:
- Top notes: Citrus.
- Middle notes: Geranium and other clean florals.
- Base notes: Amber and musk.
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Pour Homme:
- Top notes: Not specified, but described as elegant and uplifting.
- Middle notes: Earthy notes.
- Base notes: Vetiver.
Versace L'Homme:
- Top notes: Citrus and herbaceous notes.
- Middle notes: Spicy notes.
- Base notes: Woody notes.
Boucheron Jaipur Homme:
- Top notes: Citrus accords.
- Middle notes: Spicy notes.
- Base notes: Not specified, but described as warm and amber-like.
These are just a few examples of the notes and accords found in popular barbershop colognes. The specific ingredients and combinations can vary widely, depending on the desired effect and the perfumer's interpretation of the "barbershop" scent.
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History
The history of barber shop colognes is a little hazy, but it's clear that they've been around for over 100 years. The first known fougere (fern, in French) fragrance was created in 1882 by Houbigant and was called Fougere Royale. This scent, which included notes of herbal lavender, fresh geranium, hay-like coumarin, and woody oakmoss, set the standard for what would become barber shop fragrances. While Fougere Royale was originally marketed towards women, it is now considered a primarily men's classification.
Over time, perfumers built upon this fragrance profile, adding and tweaking notes to create new iterations. Notable mentions include English Fern by Penhaligon's, Azzaro Pour Homme (1978), Paco Rabanne Pour Homme (1972), and Brut (1968). These fragrances are considered to have formed the backbone of modern fougeres, which are often associated with barber shop scents.
While there is no definitive scent family for barber shop fragrances, they are typically characterised by musky, woody, leathery, and herbal notes. Some common examples of barber shop colognes include Rive Gauche Pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent, Clubman by Pinaud, Brut, and Old Spice.
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How to choose
Choosing a barber shop cologne can be a difficult task, especially with the variety of options available. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect barber shop cologne:
- Consider the scent family: Barber shop colognes typically fall into the fougere scent family, which was first introduced in 1882 by Houbigant. This family features herbal lavender, fresh geranium, hay-like coumarin, and woody oakmoss notes. However, modern iterations have introduced new notes such as rose, mint, metallic accords, and citruses.
- Understand the implied smell: Barber shop cologne is an implied smell, meaning it is highly subjective and can vary according to cultural interpretations of a barbershop. Some people associate barbershop fragrances with spicy bay rums, shaving talc, or cream, while others may think of Brut, Azzaro Pour Homme, or powdery lavender scents.
- Choose based on your preferences: If you don't like powdery smells, opt for a bay rum fragrance. If you prefer metallic and clean smells, try Hermes H24 or Penhaligon's Sartorial. For a traditional scent, Pinaud Clubman is a popular choice.
- Seasonality: Consider the season when choosing a barber shop cologne. Summer colognes tend to be fruity, zesty, or floral, while winter colognes are often spiced, smoked, or warming.
- Longevity: If you're looking for a staple scent to use regularly, opt for a long-lasting cologne. For special occasions, choose a striking scent with less staying power.
- Size: If you plan to use the cologne exclusively for special occasions or if you travel frequently, a smaller size may be more suitable. For daily use, a larger size will be a better investment.
- Personal preference: Ultimately, choosing a barber shop cologne comes down to personal preference. Consider your favourite scent styles, such as light and fruity or earthy and musky, and whether you prefer a stronger or more delicate fragrance.
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How to use
So, you want to smell like you've just walked out of a barber shop? You've come to the right place.
Barber shop cologne is designed to give you that freshly pampered feeling throughout the day. It's an implied smell, highly subjective, and can vary according to culture. But, generally, it's an uplifting, weighted fragrance with leathery, musky, or citrusy notes.
Here's how to use it:
- Use it fresh from the shower or after grooming.
- Gently dry your neck and face.
- Apply a spray or a small palmful of cologne to the desired area, ensuring even coverage.
- Avoid mixing with other scents.
Now you know how to apply, here are some barber shop colognes you may want to try:
- Prada Amber Pour Homme
- Paco Rabanne Pour Homme
- Penhaligon's Sartorial
- Pinaud Clubman
- Maison Martin Margiela At The Barber's
- DS & Durga Burning Barbershop
- Versace L'Homme
- Azzaro Pour Homme
- Old Spice Original
- Rive Gauche Pour Homme
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Best products
The best barber shop cologne will make you smell great and feel freshly pampered throughout the day. While some colognes will make you smell like you've just walked out of a high-end barber shop, others fail to deliver.
Marmara Barber Eau De Cologne No 2
A fresh yet punchy offering from Marmara, this cologne has a face-smackingly fresh botanical scent and a high alcohol content. This cologne will cleanse your skin while making you smell epic all day. A small spray will go a long way.
Suavecito Bay Rum Aftershave
This spicy little bay rum number from Suavecito is irresistible and will leave you feeling squeaky clean for hours. With an affordable price point, Suavecito exudes barber-grade quality.
Stetson Original by Coty
This cologne from Stetson is a great scent for spring and special occasions. While it offers a botanical hit of citrus and sage, it also gives off balanced hints of wood, musk, and tonka bean.
Reuzel Wood & Spice Solid Cologne
This solid cologne from Reuzel is unique and luscious to the touch. It's earthy and spiced yet super fresh. This wax-based cologne will protect your skin throughout the day, and the hints of clove and lemon zest will turn heads wherever you go.
Imperial Bergamot After-Shave
This alcohol-free product from Imperial is perfect for everyday use. The zesty bergamot scent is moreish yet balanced, and the medicinal ingredients will soothe, cleanse, and disinfect your skin. This scent is awesome for hot summer months but it's not overbearing, so it works well for every season.
Barber Marmara Puerto Rico
Commonly known as 'Puerto Rico', this cologne is perfect for young men looking for an edgy modern scent with a classic barber shop twist. With bold hints of vanilla, this cleansing concoction will be a sweet-smelling hit on every occasion.
Raw Pheromone Cologne
If you want a barber-style cologne that ladies will love, this potent elixir from Raw is perfect. Packed with magnetizing pheromones, this soothing yet sensual concoction boasts a punchy floral scent finished with hints of black pepper.
Oak City Solid Cologne
Made with shea butter and beeswax, this solid barber-style cologne is lavish, long-lasting, and smells out of this world. The blend of citrus, mahogany, and lavender creates a manly yet vibrant scent that stands out from the crowd.
Chanel Platinum Egoiste
A modern iteration of the genre, this cologne includes notes of rose, mint, metallic accords, and citruses.
MDCI Invasion Barbare
Another modern take on the classic, this cologne has notes of rose, mint, metallic accords, and citruses.
At the Barber's by Maison Margiela
Margiela's old-school ode combines the freshness of lavender, rosemary, and basil with the gravity of oakmoss, pepper, and musk. The bottle is also a celebration of the apothecary.
Claus Porto Musgo Real
With notes of patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, and vanilla, the Portuguese-based Claus Porto's Musgo Real scent harkens back to the ritualistic pampering of classic shave-and-a-haircut joints.
Pinaud Clubman Citrus Musk
Pinaud is the most recognizable name in the vintage barber shop game. This cologne has a citrus-centric combo of lemon, lime, lemongrass, and bergamot, with musky vanilla base notes.
DS & Durga Burning Barbershop
Inspired by a barbershop in upstate New York that burned down in the late 1800s, this fragrance has notes of lavender, lime, mint, vanilla, and a burnt-oil base.
Paco Rabanne Pour Homme
Paco's signature scent is nearly 50 years old and is a great one to adopt as your own, with contrasting notes of oakmoss, lavender, rosemary, honey, musk, and tobacco.
Penhaligon's Sartorial
Sartorial is a nod to the tailors of yore. It has notes of oakmoss, lavender, vanilla (tonka), and tobacco. It coats you like a well-tailored suit and feels every bit as satisfying as a straight-razor shave.
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Frequently asked questions
A barber shop cologne is a fragrance that captures the essence of a traditional barbershop, with notes such as leather, musk, citrus, and fresh, clean scents. These colognes aim to evoke the feeling of being pampered in a high-end barbershop, leaving one feeling fresh, masculine, and uplifted.
The choice depends on individual preferences. Some people prefer powdery or spicy scents, while others might opt for metallic or clean smells. It is also important to consider the seasonality, as summer colognes tend to be fruity or floral, and winter colognes are often spiced or warmed.
It is recommended to use barber shop cologne right after a shower or grooming session. Gently dry your neck and face, then apply the cologne evenly to the desired area. Avoid mixing it with other scents for the best results.
Modern barber shop colognes include notes such as rose, mint, metallic accords, and citruses. Examples include Chanel Platinum Egoiste, MDCI Invasion Barbare, and Hermes H24.
Classic barber shop colognes include Penhaligon's English Fern, Brut, Old Spice, Colonia, and Azzaro Pour Homme. These fragrances are known for their powdery lavender scents and have become staples in the industry.
