Written by Nick Hogan in Fragrance on the 3rd August 2020

2020 is feeling like the year that never was, the year when life turned upside down. If we’ve ever needed something to lift our spirits, it’s now. A new fragrance may be just the thing! So, I’ve put together a selection of my favourite fragrances that I've been wearing over recent weeks for this guide to best men's fragrances of this year so far.

Roja Parfums - Danger Pour Homme Cologne  

Roja Parfums injected new life into their fragrance collection with Cologne variants of the Pour Homme line. Danger Pour Homme Cologne is a combination of lavender, cumin, oakmoss and citrus notes of bergamot and lemon. Sophisticated, refined and masculine, an excellent addition to any fragrance collection. 

Available from rojaparums.com - £225 for 100ml

Dolce & Gabanna - K 

My current favourite designer release, the King indeed. The bottle design certainly splits opinion, but the scent is a wonderful combination of juniper berry, citruses, clary sage and blood orange, with a spicy pimento note in the heart. K makes an excellent choice year-round, and for all occasions, an extremely versatile fragrance. 

Available from escentual.com - £63.75 for 100ml

Tom Ford - Beau de Jour 

I’d recommend Beau de Jour on the bottle design alone, stunning fluted glass that fits perfectly within Tom Ford's signature line. Beau de Jour is a Fougere scent that features a combination of lavender, patchouli and rosemary, a modern take on a classic gentleman’s fragrance, and one that will look great on your bedside table. 

Available from tomford.co.uk - £117 for 100ml

Creed - Aventus Cologne 

Aventus by Creed needs no introduction. It’s bold, perfectly balanced and world-renowned. However, my personal choice is to reach for Aventus Cologne, which to me is the mature and sophisticated cousin, it’s understated and doesn’t seek the same attention. Mandarin orange, musk and birch take centre stage in one of the best fragrances you can wear this year. 

Available from creedfragrances.co.uk - £215 for 100ml

Bleu de Chanel Parfum  

The best version of the greatest designer fragrance. Whilst Dolce & Gabanna K is my current favourite designer release, Bleu de Chanel is my all-time favourite. Lemon zest, sandalwood and cedar are the dominant notes, which create a depth and richness that makes the Parfum a mature take on the original edt, and even the edp. If you have to pick one, go for the Parfum.  

Available from chanel.com - £106 for 100ml

Acqua di Parma - Colonia Pura 

An incredibly easy reach, daily wear. A modern interpretation of the timeless Colonia, this is the fragrance that started it all for Acqua di Parma. Colonia Pura is bright, refreshing and has a wonderful mineralic quality, with a note lineup featuring bergamot, petitgrain and narcissus. Crisp, contemporary and the next addition to your fragrance lineup. 

Available from acquadiparma.com - £110 for 100ml

Lalique - Encre Noir  

The easiest fragrance recommendation I can make, and the best value on the market today. A handsome and elegant bottle design, as you’d expect from the renowned glassmaker. Encre Noir is a sharp yet comforting vetiver scent, that is my go-to on a rainy day. Cypress, cashmere wood and musk complete the extremely elegant note lineup, a must-have in your collection! 

Available from allbeauty.com - £27.95 for 100ml

We feature Roja Parfums Danger, Dolce & Gabanna K, Tom Ford Beau de Jour, Creed Aventus, Bleu de Chanel, Acqua di Parma Colonia Pura, and Lalique Encre Noir in this guide to The Best Men's Fragrances of 2020.