Fragrances for your inner tomboy

Not crazy about smelling like a bakery or a bouquet of spring flowers? If you’ve got the androgynous thing going on, or simply prefer to steer clear from the sweets, it can be tricky to navigate the world of women’s perfume.
RELATED: Need help choosing a men’s fragrance?
RELATED: A beginner’s guide to fragrance types
Borrowing from the boys isn’t easy, either - too musky or too woody, their scents can be a little too masculine. But tomboys of the world, don’t despair! These days, fragrance houses recognise that not all women love spritzing themselves with something ultra-feminine. So if the smell of vintage leather, whiskey, rich mahogany and smoldering campfires are more appealing than roses or sugar, read on...
JUST A DASH OF PEPPER...
Jo Malone London Rock The Ages
This limited edition cologne is inspired by the history of Great Britain, so you know the notes are going to be cool. Breathe in the black pepper, cardamom and smoky birch and magnetic ink juxtaposed with the smooth warmth of gurjum.
Molton Brown Re-charge Black Pepper Eau de Toilette
Fancy yourself a world traveller? You can’t go past this warm, deeply spiced scent. Full of Italian coriander, cumin from Egypt, Slovenian oakmoss, patchouli from Indonesia, French leaf violet, Italian bergamot and Nigerian ginger, a sense of adventure is a spray away.
With the first hit of galbanum and black pepper, you know you’re in for an unexpected treat. It’s a ‘protest perfume’, made up of unusual notes that somehow work brilliantly together. The packaging continues the imagery with illustrations of a surveillance camera and the all-seeing eye.
Blk Dnm Perfume 11
Are you a cool city girl? Because the rich undertones of warm spice and woody musk in this perfume are your new best accessory. Spicy black pepper with lingering undertones of golden amber and incense give depth to this smooth, unforgettable fragrance.
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE...
Tokyomilk Bulletproof
The slow burn of smoked tea is this perfume’s major calling card - but the hint of sweetness from coconut milk and ebony prevent it from falling into barbeque territory.
HOT AND SPICY...
Penhaligon LP no. 9 for Men
Early on, the perfume is fresh and citrusy thanks to mandarin orange, but wait for the drying down phase - it changes dramatically. Past the nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon and jasmine lies an intoxicating blend of amber and spices finished off with vanilla, musk and patchouli.
Aramis Gentleman EDP Natural Spray
Don’t be put off by the name, this scent is light and contemporary, and blends the rich warmth of woods and exotic spices. Show the world who’s boss thanks to the heartier notes of tobacco leaf and cedarwood. Guaranteed show-stopper.
Do you prefer more floral fragrances, or are you a fan of heavier, spicier scents?
85 Member Comments
These are unique fragrances for me, all new and different. Molton Brown Recharge Black Pepper looks good, I bet it smells great as well. These are different men's scents.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'll stick with my sweet, fresh and feminine fragrances
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Jo Malone! Wood Sage and Sea Salt is a great unisex fragrance too
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Not for me I'm too girly and love smelling like a lady but great Selection for those who prefer something different
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Jo Malone, can't go wrong
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I haven't smelt the Lush Gorilla, I must do that
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My favourite perfume is vetiver mystique and Spicy Mandarin by "Gravan"
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I do like some of the mens perfumes out there and body washes.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I prefer the floral fragrances , I never liked to wear the men parfume.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've often pinched my boyfriend's or brother's perfumes and deodorants. They're great!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love a light male fragrance, some of them are nicer than the female ones
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Probably the most masculine scent I have is Rebel Fleur by Rihanna, I tend to like sweet scents mostly.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like a variety of scents really but nothing overly in-ya-face.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I had a guy approach me and said "gee you smell good". He was a bit shocked when I said "It's Bvlgari for Men."
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like them on men, but for myself I like sweet, vanilla, floral scents - masculine ones are a bit overpowering
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Awesome selection! I sometimes am in the mood for more masculine scents.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I prefer vanilla and musk scents.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Can not wear synthetic ones because of allergies, but like both (when coming from plant oils and extracts)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like oriental fragrances and do like to wear some men's fragrances, or unisex like Bulgari Black fragrance.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have the Scotch&Soda Barfly Unisex scent...the best.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great selections and its great there is so much diversity. I am all about the citrus/feminine scents
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Lush's Gorilla The Bug sounds a bit strange to me but maybe it smells better than it sounds.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I wish that I lived in the city so that I could test some of the Lush scents. One day I might take a chance and order some online.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Definitely would like to try some of these, i'm not a great fan of smelling like a bouquet of flowers (usually because it makes me sneeze!)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Aramis is a very old, rugged scent but I actually enjoy it because I grew up smelling it as my dad always used to wear it
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0