Your dad has given you so many valuable things over the years, and has never once asked for anything in return (okay, so maybe there was that time when he begged you to study first before getting a boyfriend). Now that you’re older, why not give him something special he can treasure too? Try getting him a bottle of scent.

Fragrances have gained men’s approval since forever, probably during the same era when our moms decided to be imeldific in nature with their insanity over a pair of shoes. What I’m trying to put across is that whatever kind of dad you have – traditional, conservative, fun-loving, young-at-heart, experimental or contemporary – and even if he may not be an all-out perfume fan, you’ll find in the innermost pits of his chamber of secrets that a bottle of scent can indeed  make his heart leap out of excitement, even for a weensy bit. 

Eau de What?

How long do scents last? That depends on their essential oil content. The more essential oils, the longer your dad will smell mighty fine.

This perhaps is a good time to address a seemingly persisting fallacy that “genderizes” scents: perfumes are NOT just for women, just as much as colognes are NOT just for men.  Below is a proper description of the types of scents:

  • Perfume – has a 22% essential oil content; the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

  • Eau de Parfum – has a 16 to 22% essential oil content; the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

  • Eau de Toilette – has an 8 to 15% essential oil content; the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

  • Eau de Cologne – has a 4% essential oil content; the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

But wait!

Before you have that perfume bottle gift-wrapped, here are a few things to consider:

  • Body Chemistry – What smells great on you (or your brother) doesn’t necessarily smell the same way on your dad. If you get him to tag along at the mall, you can spray some of the scent on his wrist and wait for ten minutes for it to work its magic. If it smells less than enchanting, maybe he’s better off wearing another scent.

  • Personality – Some scents spell sophisticated businessman; others suggest fun family-man. Choose the perfume that suits your dad’s personality. What do you think he’d like: a fresh, fruity scent, or a strong, musky one? You can also browse through his closet to get a general idea of his scent preference. Sniff his soap, shampoo, aftershave, lotion, or even his deodorant. That way you’ll be able to match your purchase with the scents he’s already used to.

  • Price – If you want to go designer, you might have to burn a few thousand pesos for a single bottle. But if you want something luxurious for dad without the price that goes with it, you can try buying a smaller bottle for a few hundred pesos. Walk around the mall and you might just spot one of those kiosks that sell the perfume of your choice in smaller amounts. You’ll only have to spend P100 to P200 for these. They’re also a good idea if you aren’t so sure your dad will flip for the scent you picked out for him.

  • Shelf Life – The tropical heat isn’t exactly kind to perfumes. To make sure that precious scent doesn’t evaporate, keep the bottle at room temperature and away from sunlight. Store the perfume properly and your dad can enjoy it for years.

Gift Suggestions:

  • I Am King – Take a page out of the book of Sean John, better known as Diddy, and lavish your dad with the scent of the loaded and powerful. Who would’ve thought that key lime pie and lemon creme would actually make its way into a perfume bottle?  P1,400 for 30ml
  • Ferrari Black – Feed your dad’s car addiction by getting him a scent under the same brand as legendary sports cars. Ferrari Black’s woody scent has notes of plum, red apple, and cinnamon, and is described by reviewers as “desirable.” Hmm, sounds like your mom might be happy about this gift too. P850 for 75ml
  • Bvlgari Pour Homme – So we can’t be absolutely sure how to pronounce it. Who cares? This scent is clean and elegant. Perfect for everyday wear at the office. Dad might just land more clients than usual! Bergamot, tea, and coriander are just some of the intriguing elements of this scent. P2,120 for 30ml
  • Cartier Roadster – The bottle looks almost as fantastic as a luxury car does. A minty scent, Roadster will energize your dad faster than he can say, “Vroom vroom!” Ingredients include French labdanum, patchouli, and vetiver. Don’t look it up in the dictionary; experience it! P2,700 for 50ml
  • Kenzo pour Homme – This scent is a classic. Picture the beach at sunset, with the waves rolling all around. Pine, amber, and nutmeg are just some of the notes that give Kenzo pour Homme quite a fanbase. P1,600 for 30ml

Photos courtesy of The Perfume Shop

Click here to know the things to know in the choice of men’s perfume

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