Break out of an aftershave rut by adding these scents to some familiar bases

When it comes to buying fragrance as a gift, the old rules about what constitutes “men’s” (and “women’s” for that matter) needn’t apply. It’s no longer about men wearing a traditional musky or woody scent, but instead embracing both sides of the perfume aisle.

Layering scents can ease the transition between time-worn favourites and something new. Many men’s fragrances are built on notes such as amber, leather, vetiver and sandalwood – all of which make a great base to build on. Try adding vanilla to sandalwood or musk; a leather-based scent with a hint of iris; cedar combined with rose; or vetiver and cherry blossom.

If all this sounds confounding, it can help to visit a specialist retailer, such as Libertine Parfumerie, and have someone walk you through the options.

Once you’ve chosen a scent, help him get the application right – one spritz to each side of the neck and one to the chest, then let it dry down. For a more subtle effect, a dab behind each ear does the trick. And if you want your fragrance to last even longer, spray it on your hairbrush and brush through for a scent cloud that will last the entire day.

By hook or by crook, here are gifts to spread some joy this Father’s Day.

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