When we first launched the inaugural Men’s Folio Grooming Awards in the annus horribilis year 2020, we were surprised that we managed to pull it off with 33 categories with 140 products tested, but one of our suspicions was right. More than ever, men have been getting down and dirty by elevating their skin, body, and hair care routines.
While the 2021 edition had 38 categories with 217 products tested before increasing to 68 and 286, respectively, in 2022, the 2023 edition of our Grooming Awards involves a batch of 10 judges — an internal team consisting of Managing Editor Asaph, Beauty & Grooming Director Bryan, and Group Creative Director Izwan alongside an external one who includes makeup artists Larry Yeo, Eric Lim, Kenneth Chia, Priscelia Wong and content creators Naz and Kevin Brendan — testing 477 products across 90 categories.
The Men’s Folio Grooming Awards 2023 includes a heavier focus on hydrating products across various formulations, different kinds of sun protection for different skin types, and introducing technology to make routines simpler but sleeker. Trust us: you’re going to like these 90 winners.
Pictured left to right:
BEST SPORT FRAGRANCE — Chanel Allure Homme Sport All-Over-Spray
Despite the spray being a lighter version of the Eau de Toilette, Izwan says it is a positive: “it smells even fresher, and its formula feels cooling on the skin.”
BEST HOT WEATHER FRAGRANCE — Tom Ford Costa Azzurra
A classic barbershop fragrance, an aquatic one reminiscent of the nineties, or a “summertime fragrance with great sillage”, Bryan also mentions that it sparkles from first spritz to dry down.
BEST ALL–PEOPLE PLEASER FRAGRANCE — Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Eau Cèdre
“Expect lots of compliments,” says Izwan referencing its clean, citrusy, and woody notes and to expect more later in the day when this fragrance dries to a sensual warmth.
BEST CITRUS FRAGRANCE — Clinique Clinique Happy For Men
With zesty mandarin, lime, and base notes of musk, the “straightforwardness of this classic is refreshing”, in Kenneth’s words and how “its longevity of six hours is surprising”.
BEST NIGHT FRAGRANCE — Byredo Vanille Antique
According to Kevin, each “fine mist” of this product delivers a scent that is “complex for a night fragrance”, which means that it is for the bold who love sweet ones with equal spiciness.
BEST WOOD FRAGRANCE — Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt
“Describing it as a “light, airy, and refreshing scent that turns heads in a room”, Naz notes that “its sillage lasts at least six hours and makes for a refreshing re-spritz.”
BEST LEATHER FRAGRANCE — Acqua di Parma Leather
A “sexy scent that’ll leave you smelling like you mean business,” Eric also describes this fragrance as “sleek and polished, intense but not harsh, and smells like leather”.
BEST UNISEX FRAGRANCE — Creed Silver Mountain Water
“Men will like its sportiness and sophistication,” says Sha about its citrus and woody notes and as for women, how it can also smell like “sweet florals and cream milk,” which makes it fresh and feminine too.
BEST AMBER FRAGRANCE — Dior Sauvage
The warmth of this fragrance “suggests a man who is sophisticated as he is suave,” according to Bryan, and compared to other such scents, “is surprisingly versatile for all occasions”.
BEST ORIENTAL FRAGRANCE — Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory
“A rich scent with amber, pink pepper, and fresh lemon,” this fragrance also receives “compliments even from people who typically don’t like sweet scents,” according to Larry.
From left to right:
BEST NEWCOMER FRAGRANCE — Gucci Beauty Guilty Parfum Pour Homme
The mass appeal of this fragrance, with its incense, green, and woody notes, makes it a clear winner, but according to Bryan, its versatility across all seasons makes it too.
BEST GREEN FRAGRANCE — Armani Beauty Armani Prive Thé Yulong
With a moderate sillage and projection of hints of tea, smoke, and florals, Kenneth thinks that “this is a scent best suited for a man with places to be and the confidence to not shout about it”.
BEST ROSE FRAGRANCE — Diptyque Eau Rose
“This is a classic rose fragrance that has freshness and lightness,” says Bryan, adding that a musky dry down that “smells sensual” can be expected after at least three hours.
BEST ALCOHOL FRAGRANCE — Givenchy Beauty Gentleman Réserve Privée Eau De Parfum
Smelling exactly like “an expensive whisky that has been beautifully aged,” Asaph also suggests that there is “something syrupy which might be from its use of amber”.
Photography Jaya Khidir
Styling Manfred Lu
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our May 2023 issue!
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