This month we’re spotlighting two very different olfactory personalities, yet equally sexy colognes: a moody men’s aquatic fragrance from Michael Malul London, and a four-part leather cologne collection from Tru Western that runs from bright to dark and smoky. Whether you gravitate toward the sea or the saddle, there’s definitely something here worth adding to your Scentbird queue.
MICHAEL MALUL Ocean Noir: a deep aquatic fragrance
Both aquatic and woody, Ocean Noir smells like taking a fearless dive into the ocean. It opens bright, with sea notes, tengelo, and coconut that are reminiscent of a sea breeze, before settling into a heart that is composed of notes like seaweed and geranium. Finally, it settles into musky dry down, bringing visuals of the sea under the moonlight rather than a beach on a sunny afternoon. If you’re a fan of aquatic fragrances, this cologne is for you.
Top: Sea notes, tangelo, coconut
Middle: Seaweed, geranium, yarrow
Base: Musk, tonka bean, amberwood
TRU WESTERN: The leather colognes you didn’t know you needed
As my colleague beautifully put it in an article featuring True Western, “the four-part leather range is a journey through leather itself.” The brand has built its name on leather, and this collection shows us the many faces that note can take–from clean and citrusy to smoky.
Taken together, the collection covers a lot of ground: there’s a version here whether you want something office-appropriate or something with more grit and character. It fits anyone drawn to the rugged, Western aesthetic, but also just works as a well-built leather line, attracting those who are simply fans of the note.
No. 1 – Private Reserve
Inspired by the lifestyle of a cowboy, this classic pairs Virginian cedarwood with aged leather. It is timeless, woody, and the most straightforward leather cologne of the four.
No. 2 – Small Batch
A warmer, more contemporary take that’s inspired by bourbon, this fragrance blends grey suede, shaved white woods, and sage. It’s a good pick for anyone who wants leather with a bit more spice and modernity.
No. 3 – Indigo BlendÂ
Indigo Blend, on the other hand, is bold and clean, the freshest of the collection. This cologne features citrus, blue vetiver, suede, and sandalwood, a sophisticated blend that suits someone who wants leather with a bit more modernity. It’s also for someone who isn’t ready for something too heavy.
No. 4 – Deep LeatherÂ
The richest and darkest of the four–think smoky leather, salt, and black amber. Inspired by western landscapes and campfire gatherings, this is one for cooler weather and evenings when you want something with real weight.
All four–No. 1 Private Reserve, No. 2 Small Batch, No. 3 Indigo Blend, and No. 4 Deep Leather–are available on Scentbird.
Ready to try these scents?
Try Ocean Noir and the entire Tru Western Vintage Label Collection for yourself. Find them on Scentbird and get them delivered to your door in a travel-friendly size, so you can find your perfect match before committing to a full bottle.
To better undergrad what cologne profiles are right for you (plus what makes them attractive), read our recent piece, What Makes a Cologne Sexy? The Facts, Plus 5 Scents That Get It Right.
