Our top men's fragrance picks under R500

We all know that a lovely, expensive perfume is the accessory that rounds off every perfect outfit, but sometimes it’s just not in the cards. When you’re at the point where you’re choosing between smelling lovely or splurging on a full tube of toothpaste of your very own (imagine the chaos!), buying a perfume that goes for a couple of thousand Rands can seem pretty ludicrous. 

We caught up with local perfumer Tammy Frazer, founder of Frazer Parfum (a bespoke perfumery in Cape Town that produces natural and organic fragrances for the home, body and mind), to find out what the best course of action would be to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to perfume. 

Longterm goals

“Well, if it were me, I’d try to find an indie perfumer or artisan perfume store where they are just starting out, so you’ll get something really unique and likely not overpriced,” says Tammy. “However, if you’re not near a city and would still like get something memorable, there’s another way to go, although I might sound a bit like your mom when I say it.” 

“If you don't have an uncapped budget for fragrances, it's actually better to save and buy quite an expensive fragrance, and look at premium products like Issey Miyake rather than buying two or three cheap and cheerful scents over the course of six months. If you can manage to save up and buy a stronger fragrance that lasts and suits your unique personality, it could be a better option in the long run,” Tammy explains.  

However, we know that it’s not always possible to adult quite that hard, so to give you an idea of what's out there, we've rounded up 5 of our favourite men's fragrances under R500.

David Beckham Instinct EDT 

This fragrance brings you David’s signature sophistication mixed with citrus, crisp green apple and creamy sandalwood for a fresh, invigorating scent.

Coty Dark Gravity Cologne Spray 

A sophisticated fragrance that will make an unforgettable impression. Bold, warm and dark, it makes for a seductive addition to your collection.

Steel & Ice EDP 

This EDP has a powerful combination of aquatic, woody and spicy nuances. It has notes of cardamom and rosemary at its heart which lead to an invigorating bergamot base note.

Lenthéric Solo Supreme Parfum Pour Homme 

A charming scent for men that contains a sophisticated blend of fragrance notes that will help you feel ready to conquer the world.

Adidas Victory Edition EDT 

The fragrance packs a punch with aromatic, gourmand and spicy accords that match your victorious attitude.
 

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