My Favourite Aftershave - Tom Ford for Men
Why did I buy Tom Ford for Men Cologne?
I’m an absolute sucker for fragrances. From an early age, I’ve been obsessed with smells and smelling good. Everything from flowers, scented candles and fine fragrances and aftershaves. I think it stems back to my childhood, everyday around 6pm, my Dad would come home from work, jump in the shower, and when he was getting dressed would douse himself in gorgeous smelling aftershaves, the smell used to waft into my bedroom and I began to look forward to the day that I could wear it. Back then, putting on aftershave would cause me to react very much how Macaulay Culkin does in Home Alone when he puts his Dad’s aftershave on.
I’ve always been interested in fashion, and one designer who had always caught my eye is Tom Ford. I like his style. He’s rather high end and his aesthetic is very sophisticated. I first found out he had released his first fragrance when I was living in Ohio. I had to have it! After being able to get out to a Bloomingdale's in Easton, I got my hands on it, and I'm so glad I did, it is delicious. Yes, it’s expensive, but it's so worth it. And here’s why:
What does it smell like?
Smelling it directly from the top of the bottle the fragrance is rich and musky. It definitely has a classy scent, the sort you could imagine a suave, cool guy wearing. The fragrance conjures up images of classy sophistication. It reminds me of a country lodge where men would go after their day spent playing polo (which of course, they celebrated their win with fine french champagne).
Aftershaves and perfumes have top, mid and base notes. Often the first spritz will smell different to how it smells on your skin an hour or so later. The top notes of Tom Ford for Men is Lemon Leaf Oil and Ginger. It’s fresh and zesty. There are also tones of Bergamot and Violet Leaf too. The mix is complex and utterly beautiful. Fragrance notes also say that you can find Mandarin Orange as well as Basil. Personally, I don’t smell any Basil, but the zesty quality would certainly relate to the Mandarin. The first spritz is strong, and immediately, smells alcoholic somehow – but straight after the intial punch, you are greeted with the citrus and bergamot. Yum!
The Mid notes are described as including Tunisian Orange Blossom (how decadent does that sound, I mean, seriously – fabulous), Pepper and Tabacco Leaf. I definitely smell the pepper, a few minutes after a spritz. It’s spicy and warming in the nose. I’m not really sure what Tabacco leaf smells like, if it smells like Tabacco to smoke, then I don’t get that at all. I can however detect an orangey glow after the initial spicy hit of the pepper. It's really good.
As for the Base notes, personally, I find it to be slightly vanilla smelling – which is odd, because there is no vanilla in it! The base notes are predominantly Amber, Cedar and Oakmoss. There is also Virginian Patchouli and Vetiver, but I have to say, I don’t detect those either. Tom Ford has other fragrances that are certainly vetiver, but I don’t really smell that at all. The overall fragrance left on my skin up to fifteen minutes after spraying is a gorgeous musky fragrance. It reminds me of a cold winters day, being inside, snuggled up by a fire with a delicious glass of single malt whisky – and perhaps a fine selection of orange liquor chocolates.
How long does Tom Ford for Men last?
Personally, I don’t think this fragrance lasts as long as the price tag suggests it should. However, I can still smell it on my skin after a good few hours. I have friends who use it, who swear by it lasting all day into evening (but I would always reapply for evening anyway). I’ve tried other Tom Ford aftershaves that last much longer and you can smell them after a good eight hours. Having said that, this fragrance is so delicious and a true original, being one of Tom Ford’s first fragrances, that it’s not really the sort of aftershave you would buy to wear in the morning and expect to last through to evening. I’m often complimented on how lovely I smell, even up to two hours after applying the aftershave. I love it.
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Click thumbnail to view full-sizeWho is Tom Ford anyway?
Tom Ford is an American fashion designer and film director. He is best known for completely turning around high end fashion house, Gucci. As well as being Creative Director for Yves Saint Laurent. So there you go, this guy is a pretty big deal in the world of fashion!
What’s the packaging like?
The bottle is beautiful. It’s a simple design - a glass bottle covered in vertical ridges. It looks very classic, with a beautiful golden label, that simples says “Tom Ford for Men” - and that's it. Take a look at my pics for a more detailed look. The bottle comes in a really smart black box (I don’t know where mine has gone, so I don’t have pics, but you should be able to see it in the item view at the top of this page), that screams high quality. This is no cheap or tacky creation. Whenever people see my fragrance collection, everyone automatically gravitates to this bottle. It has an air of class and style. Beautiful.
Why should you buy this?
Well, I see this as an investment. It will last a good few months (depending on much you use it, of course). If I got this as a gift, I would be utterly delighted. It’s not just a gift though, you would be giving a sense of classy chic and refined style. Every year, I hope and pray for another bottle under the Christmas Tree!
If you’re feeling like you deserve a treat, then you could no wrong in buying this as a gorgeous and decadent gift to treat yourself.
All images on this page are my own, apart from the main one from Amazon.com
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What do YOU think?
Have you tried Tom Ford for Men? If so, tell me what you think? Are you going to buy it - if so, be sure to bookmark this page then come right back and let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you!