Scents of Summer 09

Our sense of smell is arguably one of the most primitive.  We associate most anything with a scent- people, places, events and especially sex.  There are certain colognes that still to this day, remind me of past boyfriends and either put a smile on my face or bring back horrible memories.  Picking just the right fragrance can make his memory of you last a lifetime.  Weather it be a long lasting summer love or a short summer fling, the right scent will have him remember your time together for years to come. 

Summer is the time of year we shed our clothing, show off some skin and lighten up on the fragrances.  Summer scents are typically light, fresh and clean-smelling.  Winter has melted away and the smells of summer heighten our senses and kick our hormones into high gear. I have reviewed five of the most anticipated best sellers for summer 2009 according to YOCISCO.com’s Sephora correspondent, Sabina. If its one thing the girl knows its cosmetics.  In the end though, the way you smell is a very personal preference and with the countless fragrances for men out there, let this be a road map to sorting through what’s on the perfume counter at your local department store.  Summer is in full affect, time for making love, looking good and smelling great!

#1 -Very Irresistible Givenchy For Men Fresh Attitude

Fresh Attitude is all about being daring and optimistic and having a zest for life. It's about radiating masculinity, taking risks, being spontaneous, lighthearted, and a free spirit. But it's also about being caring and deeply compassionate. It's about being naturally elegant and naturally irresistible. It's about loving freedom and being true to oneself. The magic of one stolen moment captures all the spontaneity of the Very Irrésistible Givenchy man: the irresistibly charming smile and intensely luminous gaze of a man who loves life.

This is a woody, fresh aromatic fragrance whose aromatic heart notes are highlighted with the intense sparkle of fresh mint and enveloped in Virginia cedar wood - a refreshing new interpretation of Very Irrésistible for Men's masculine personality.
Notes:
Grapefruit Zest, Mint, Lavandine, Basil Grand Vert, Mocha, Cedar Wood.
Style:
Fresh. Masculine. Distinctive.

Cisco's Take:

This is my top pick of all the fragrances.  It is clean, fresh and isn't overwhealming.  As it wears, it smells soft like baby powder yet still masculine because of the woody undertones. Great for wearing all day while at work or just spending a lazy summer afternoon with your man. Definitely a scent for summer and one he will remember you by.

#2-Pour Homme
The new fragrance for men, Versace Pour Homme, blends essential ingredients of Mediterranean origin to hit aromatic notes that match the man of today: knowledgeable and self-confident, he has the ability to live in harmony with the natural world. Dynamic and entrepreneurial, the Versace Pour Homme man communicates his forceful and passionate character through this decidedly masculine fragrance.
Notes:
Bergamot, Neroli, Citron of Diamante, Bitter Orange Leaves, Geranium, Clary Sage, Blue Hyacinth, Cedar Wood, Old Wood, Mineral Amber, Tonka Bean, Musk.
Style:
Strong. Virtuosic. Unique.

Cisco's Take: 

This one is a close second.  It is also woody yet fresh smelling and clean.  It is a little sweeter than Givenchy but still sexy.  Maybe a fragrance for the club on a hot summer night.  One wiff and you'll have him speeding back to the crib at 100 miles an hour with the top down.

#3-Burberry Classic Summer for Men
For the first time, Burberry introduces a limited-edition, summer version of its essential franrance, Classic For Men. Crisp citrus mixes with light woods and musk for a scent that recalls walking through a verdant forest on a perfect summer day.

Notes:
Pineapple, Citrus, Frozen Mint, Thyme, Woods, Cedar, White Musk, Tonka Bean.
Style:
Fresh. Tranquil. Relaxed.

Cisco's Take:

This one might take a little getting used to.  It is a little strong when first sprayed on but as it lingers, it settles onto the skin very pleasantly.  It is sweet and fresh, perfect for summer but maybe a little too sweet with the pineapple hints.  Summer is the time for fresh fruits but is cautioned if you don't like smelling too fruity.  I guess you'd have to be in the right mood for this one. Still a memorable scent for Summer 09.

#4-Only The Brave
Do you have what it takes? It's a question of conviction, a matter of self-confidence. Experience Only The Brave, the new fragrance from Diesel—a magnetic duality connecting the warmth and masculinity of lemon and leather with the energy of amber and cedar wood.

Notes:
Lemon, Leather, Amber, Cedarwood.
Style:
Bold. Compelling. Dynamic.

Cisco's Take:

Diesel's "Only the Brave" is a masculine smelling cologne with deep woody undertones.  I like woody scents but usually associate them with fall and winter, not the freshness of summer.  Maybe a great scent for night time, spray it on before the club but doesnt capture the essence of summer.  The bottle is super hot though, love the design. 

#5-L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Summer Limited Edition Bottle
Two years after the creation of his women's fragrance, Issey Miyake launched his men's fragrance, L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme. Reflecting the principles of his women's scent, it embodies yin and yang, and the extreme polarities of the world. L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme is a fresh yet warm, woody scent, accented with spicy notes.

Notes:
Verbena, Tangerine, Cypress, Yuzu Zest, Coriander, Clary Sage, Geranium Bourbon, Blue Water Lily, Nutmeg, Saffron, Cinnamon Bark from Ceylon, Amber Tobacco, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Musk.
Style:
A fresh, herbaceous scent with warm, woody undertones.

Cisco's Take:

This is definitely a summer fragrance as it is light, fruity, and fresh.  It comes in last because it is not masculine-smelling enough for me.  It can almost be confused with a womens perfume. Straight out the bottle is smells ok but once its sprayed on, it takes on the scent of a woman.  Not really the best signal to give off if you are trying to attract a gay man.  Still many may like this one anyway but it just didn't scream "Sexy Summer Man."