Frankly, the Men’s Folio Grooming Awards 2022 has not changed much since its inauguration in 2020. Its metrics are still yardsticks that have not shrunk in length — does a product feel and work as they claim to do besides looking good on the table? If we are to play spot the difference, then there are smarter upgrades to the daily staples we use such as serums for the eyes, a greater focus on makeup removal, hydration, and many new solutions to scent oneself.
There are, of course, even more choices this year — roughly 528 nominations were made across 80 brands. We narrowed it down to 286 products from 68 brands, of which were tested by this panel of eight — Managing Editor Asaph Low, Deputy Editor Bryan Goh, Makeup Artists Eric Tan, Larry Yeo, Priscelia Wong, Sha Shamsi, and grooming enthusiasts Smita de Souza and Aiman Haikal — resulting in 68 winners (click here for part one , two, three, four, and five) that were deeply vetted, tested, and of course, loved.
From left to right, the best fragrances from our 2022 Grooming Awards:
BEST HOT WEATHER FRAGRANCE — Issey Miyake Fusion D’Issey Eau de Toilette
“Light on the skin and semi-sweet without being overbearing,” says Eric, nothing too that it “smells a bit like an expensive suntan lotion” which is a reference to its coconut milk top notes.
BEST GOURMAND FRAGRANCE — Paco Rabanne 1 Million
Besides being a “super boyfriend smell, I 100% guarantee it”, Aiman also mentioned that its sillage of warm spices, rose and cinnamon lasts for hours and hours.
BEST ORIENTAL FRAGRANCE — Maison Margiela Whispers In the Library
“Wood pulp splashed with sweet vanilla extract, paint lacquer and a spicy dash of black pepper” says Bryan, adding on that “at its warm heart lies a gentle but intoxicating sweetness”.
BEST SPORTS FRAGRANCE — Dior Homme Sport
“Sparkling ginger, zingy citruses and the punch at the end that comes with resinous and spicy elemi”, Bryan appreciates its stunning sillage too: 10 hours on properly moisturised skin.
BEST WOOD FRAGRANCE — Tom Ford Oud Wood
A holy grain of perfume enthusiasts since 2007, Larry also notes that “the classic fragrance has a warm amber heart and amazing wood notes that last for hours in our weather.”.
BEST AMBER FRAGRANCE — Maison21G Amber Affair Immortal Incense
“Smoky and beautiful like you’re in an old-world cathedral,” says Bryan about this spicy and peppery stunner that comes in a 30 or 100ml bottle. “The sillage is amazing too” he adds.
BEST ALL-PEOPLE PLEASER FRAGRANCE — Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic
Starting off bright and fresh with a citrus note, Asaph also enjoys its middle notes of a “fragrant basil and natural fruity notes” and its dry down that is “both gentle and bright that lasts and lasts.”
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2022 issue!
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