The Unusual Suspects

Gender bender
Flower-based perfumes tend to be, well, feminine. These ones, however, have been tempered with raw or herby fresh notes more commonly associated with men’s fragrances, like wood, lemon and musk. They’re not exactly dripping with testosterone, but they have a more manly edge.

1. A Scent by Issey Mitake EDT, $118
Top: French verbena Mid: Hyacinth, galbanum, jasmine Base: Cedarwood, crystal moss Result: Crisp and vegetal in a woody, leafy way – think Japanese mountain air and forest.

2. Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte EDT, $139
Top: Sicilian lemon, bergamot, neroli Mid: Magnolia, jasmine Base: Abstract white flowers Result: A cool, dry take on “green” fragrances that’s not girlie-sweet. You’ll barely notice the floral notes over the wave of citruses.

3. The Different Company Rose Poivree, $169
Top: Damascus rose Mid: Pepper, coriander Base: Vetiver, civet Result: Unsweetened, musky and animalistic, this raw interpretation turns the conventional notion of a rose fragrance on its head.

4. Loewe Quizas Quizas Quizas EDP, $120
Notes: Red berries, cassia, jasmine, Bulgarian rose, patchouli, sandalwood, amber Result: This doesn’t follow the usual fragrance structure of top. ,id and base. Rather, it’s a well-rounded mix that’s a little floral, a little spicy, and rather warm and musky all at once.